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Lessons Learned: 21-day light packing success story

Posted by on

My family just returned from 3 weeks in Europe (England, Sweden, Germany, Austria, Luxembourg, France). With such quick trips, we wanted to pack lightly (eBags TLS Mother Lode Weekender Convertible) and did so with great success. My biggest concern going into the trip was our flight weight restrictions between Sweden and Munich on Baltic Air which allowed only a combined weight of 17.6 pounds for a carry-on bag and personal bag. We were all just under that weight. I appreciate all the help I got from this site and hope I can help others too with what I learned.

Laundry
Laundering in a sink worked just fine with bar soap or even shampoo/conditioner. I packed an 8-foot piece of paracord and some miniature clothespins. Wringing out the clothes well to where they didn't drip was all it took to dry them overnight. We only had to wash our one pair (each) of jeans once or twice during the trip and they were fine. We wore shorts most days anyhow, but it got chilly in Sweden. We normally hung the line near the open windows where we were staying.

Clothes Selection
The 4 of us had 2-3 pair of shorts, 4 or 5 shirts, 2 long pants (jeans/capris/skirts) and undergarments. We borrowed jackets from our Swedish family we were visiting when it got chilly at night. Towards the end of the trip, the kids bought another t-shirt or two.

Travel Ease
As we traveled on multiple trains and planes, I found my wife and daughter repeatedly mentioning that they were happy we packed lightly while watching others struggle with rolling suitcases down cobblestone streets and airports. Not having to check bags or collect them once was so nice too.

Security
I used the Pacsafe Pouchsafe PX15 for my day-bag. It was super light and the straps were pretty comfortable. I did get sweaty on my lower back on long walks where it contacted the body. I guess that is unavoidable. It did have one interior pouch that allowed me to feel comfortable walking around towns without worry that someone could open up my bag on a tightly-packed subway or bus. I also used a travel lock on the exterior zippers as over-kill in certain places. For the record, I never felt all that threatened on the trip, but we looked out for each other and kept our bags in front of us.

Posted by
14818 posts

I am SO glad this worked out for you all! Thanks for the details and the tips!

To me it is so much easier and yes, I feel smug when I see people struggling on/off trains with giant cases.

You did some really good research and it looks like it made for a terrific trip and doubtless wonderful memories for your family.

Posted by
8337 posts

I remember my poor father hauling my mom's big suitcase until about age 80. And I'm appalled when I see all those 50 lb.suitcases being checked into airlines.
We travel very lightly and get lighter every year.

Posted by
1321 posts

What a great post. Thanks for sharing your success with the rest of us.
I travel pretty light but I am impressed with your 17 lb. bags!
And you've made some wonderful family memories as well as taught your kids valuable travel skills.

Posted by
2252 posts

Excellent and most helpful post, james! I really appreciate the way you categorized and added a lot of detail. And good for you---WOW! 17#! I consider myself a "light packer" but am not quite at that weight---yet! I keep trying every trip :)

Posted by
64 posts

We packed a few gifts for our Swedish family. On our first flight over (on Condor Airlines), we could have checked bags; however, they allowed one cabin bag (#13) and a personal bag. We simply transferred the extra weight to our "personal bag" until we got on the plane.

We unloaded the gifts and were under 17# each for Air Baltic. At that point, my wife started buying souvenirs and such that allowed us to have more weight for the rest of the trip (and she did :-) ). We planned to check the bags on the way back from Paris to Orlando (3 flights) but they didn't even weigh our bags so we just carried them on.

Posted by
139 posts

It's a wonderful thing to teach your kids how to do this. 17# is impressive.

Posted by
4657 posts

Thanks for the report. That's a great skill to give your kids.

I keep looking at the Motherlode, but then I remember my neck and shoulder issues and I worry if it will end up being yet another piece of luggage I don't use more than once....I shop luggage like other women shop shoes.
Can I ask if the waist belt on the Motherlode really works to take the weight off your shoulders? Thanks.

Posted by
3097 posts

Wow! I'm struggling to get my carry-on down to 18#. Then my tote with purse is another 8#. Thanks for the tips.

Posted by
64 posts

I keep looking at the Motherlode, but then I remember my neck and shoulder issues and I worry if it will end up being yet another piece of luggage I don't use more than once....I shop luggage like other women shop shoes.
Can I ask if the waist belt on the Motherlode really works to take the weight off your shoulders? Thanks.

It did for me. I had to put it on rather tight before I felt the relief from the shoulders. It is rather thin and not really well padded, but it did help.

Posted by
4657 posts

Thanks for the reply James. I don't think there is ever the perfect piece of luggage for all travel, particularly with aging or physical issues. Add in uneven terrain, and the challenge increases. I did get my wheeled carry on to 20 pounds, so all this light packing has benefits. I have to work on the weight of the 'personal bag'.....electronics and a bridge camera = 5 pounds, so better not be flying Baltic Air :-)

Posted by
2 posts

Just wanted to share 2 brands of trolley with back pack that are light weight. The reviews say the handle not the strongest. However, I feel that if you are mindful as you use it, it should be fine. Cabin Max Lyon Flight Approved bag wheeled Carry on Luggage 5 Cities Cabin Approved Multi-use Carry on Flight bags/luggage Trolley Backpack. My husband & I use the Cabin Max. It works great with packing cubes. I have my packing down to 15# including luggage. We are planning on doing 21 day Best of Europe. We did well with this bag for a month trip last spring.

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