Super Ultra-light packing advice please, ladies especially!

My elusive breaking point is 4 outfits or shirts. The reason for 4 is so I'm not doing laundry every night. I wash every two days, and I have two clean so everything can have at least one day to dry.

Thinking of packing light, I see that you've listed 3 jackets, plus thinking about a vest. Could you reduce that down to 2? And, do you need the umbrella if you're bringing a rain coat? When we were planning for Switzerland and the forecast was suddenly cold, I bought a couple of pairs of cheap grocery store tights and packed my micro-thin thermal top - both kept me warm layered with my normal clothes, and I could still pack very light for both Switzerland and down into Italy on the same trip.

Enjoy your trip - your photos will be amazing!

This recent thread might be of interest: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/packing/how-i-packed-carryon-for-3-weeks-with-temps-ranging-from-47-to-76-degrees

Have a great trip!

Jean- bringing four makes sense, though last trip I did bring four, seldom wore one of the shirts, realized I could bring less and it could be liberating. From your response, it seems like maybe you have tried bringing less and realized you were having to do more laundry than you wanted? Maybe I will bring one more short sleeved shirt...but I usually do laundry the first night we get to a hotel so things will dry. Read a very useful tip about rolling wet clothes in a towel and stepping on the towel wrapped clothes to squeeze the water out. Really speeds up the drying time! I also like the hint about washing your underwear while you shower--another Sarah Murdock tip.

BTW, the shirt jacket is really a shirt with a full zipper, can be layered. It is my only semi-dressy thing. Very useful.

The fleece jacket is my sweater, lightweight and layers well. The rain jacket is a shell only, no warmth. It will be a shell in cold weather, and/or rain gear. Irks me, but I am also leaving behind an ingenious self-stuffing Patagonia jacket I got on sale 10-15 years ago, featherweight, really just a windbreaker. Sigh....

Julie, before I posted my query, yes, I read both of the informative threads of Nancy's and Pam's, about capsule wardrobes. Again, these practical and style forward ladies--probably the majority of this forum's readers--are bringing way more than I wish to bring. Different strokes....

We will mostly be hiking and walking, comfort ahead of style will do fine...yes, I will be taking lots of pictures, it will be so incredible...I'm feeling quite blessed to be able to go on this trip!

Here is my thought...if you are going to just bring 2 tee shirts, I would not go with white. Sometimes my white tee stays clean, sometimes not! I may be more of a slob when eating than you, but I can wear my darker colors more days between washing. I have the 2 Smartwool Tees with me and the lighter one invariably gets dirty faster along with the white tee.

Have a great time! I'd love you to update after your trip. I was thinking yesterday I could probably get by with 3 tees instead of 5!!

Hi - interesting reading, both OP list and the referenced forum link. I guess I fall somewhere in between.

Packing for 2 seasons and both city and outdoor locales is a bit more challenge, which is what I"m working on.

RE comment on the packable vest: that's what I"m bringing for one of my warmth layers....and it doubles as a pillow on the plane and on the bus.

I've been packing and weighing for a couple of days now. So this post is good timing for me. I think I will take out a couple of things. I'd like to get down to 25 pounds.

Pam, I love your posts on many topics. Yes, white can be risky, stain-wise, but I have issues with heat, and wearing white seems to help me. I bought some cool (heat and moisture wicking) microfiber shirts, larger size than usual to be loose fitting. Maybe my third shirt could be cotton, though the slower drying time is a concern for sink laundry. Argument in favor of bringing three shirts instead of two: If you come back from a sticky day hike and wear a fresh shirt for evening, you might not want to spill dinner on your only clean shirt....hmmm...

This is my first overseas trip bringing a second pair of pants. I usually bring only convertible hiking pants with zip-off legs for practicality. This time, thought having my jeans would help me feel less like a tourist sometimes.

Jean, I meant to say thanks for your tip about cheap tights in case of cold temps. It reminded me to throw in my ultralight merino long underwear. They layer well under pants since I just don't like the feel of tights.

I will post after the trip to say what worked for me. Since I'm coming down to the wire, the urge to throw in things I might need is making my pack heavier...not a good plan....

I typically travel for 2 weeks and can't imagine doing it with just 1 pair of jeans, I bring a spare and usually wash every 4 days. I was just in Amsterdam and it was so cold I wore 2 layers under my jacket, could have worn the same shirt every day as I never broke a sweat and no one even saw them, but I end up with a mix of 5-6 tops, at least 1 short sleeve just in case if weather is unpredictable. I brought 4 pairs of socks but could have done with just my 2 Wrightsocks, they dry easily overnight.

Pastel, I was about to recommend silk long undies, then I saw you have some merino longies. Land's End has some great silk long longies (or long silkies, as I call them.) I find the turtlenecks especially useful. They layer beautifully under anything, including short-sleeved Ts. And they're pretty enough to wear on their own. And they dry overnight, no problem.

I would take one more pair of pants, and probably one more top. I carry an Appenzell, the same size as your bag, and have no trouble packing 2 pairs of pants, 4 tops, and an extra pair of shoes - this is in addition to what I am wearing. The bag usually weighs somewhere around 13 pounds.

I have traveled for three weeks with just 4 changes of clothes. I did get a little tired of the same old clothes by the end of the trip. I washed in the hotel sink and by the end of the trip I also wondered how clean they actually were! Overall, it works well for me.

At this point, I pack so light that there is always something I wish I had, like my electric toothbrush.

Argument in favor of bringing three shirts instead of two: If you come back from a sticky day hike and wear a fresh shirt for evening, you might not want to spill dinner on your only clean shirt....hmmm...

Thanks for the kind words and judging from this statement you must have traveled with me!! I would probably not go for long-drying for Switzerland as some places may be cool and humid BUT the hotels may also have the towel heaters turned on which really speeds drying. I think my Ex Offocio undies dried during the time I went to dinner!

I made the humid statement based on living in the Mountain West-probably didnot feel humid to normal people, hahaha!!

Looks like a great list to me. Do you need the full zip rain pants? If you're taking long underwear/tights instead you could probably get away with leaving behind the rain pants. Definitely choose the waterproof shoes if you're going to need the rain jacket/pants/umbrella. If you pack the vest, I'd leave out one of the other jackets.

I packed 4 socks / 4 shirts / 3 sweaters / rain jacket for our trip in December and it was a good amount. I could have left out a pair of socks, but on the coldest days I wore all my layers!

Pastelholic,

I've thought only briefly of reducing the weight of my bag from wheelie to backpack when reading some of these packing posts here over the past few years. I don't because 1. To schlep a bag all the time would really be annoying. That being said, some people love to carry all their bags, and that is fine. I tend to feel sorry for them on those long walks with their backpacks or while standing in line. My goal is a packed 20 lb wheelie (I presently use Rick Steves), but I'm usually between 21 and 23 lbs. What I chose to do this year was increase my strength vs reduce the weight of the bag, because 20 odd pounds is not a lot of weight. Also, lifting has a lot to do with body mechanics, and I pay more attention to that. Consequently, I don't find the lifting to be a problem. 2. I don't know about your bag, but as my trip goes on, even though I keep reorganizing, the suitcase is rarely as neat as when I leave for the airport. Plus, the items I am wearing, often must be put into my suitcase as it is too hot or whatever to wear them when changing locations, which increases my original 'perfect' weight. Snacks, water, etc. add even more. Weight just gets added through the course of my trip, and I'm not a shopper, so the constant carrying of the backpack becomes worse. 3. I feel rather grungy when I did carry my bag on my back (once or twice in my 20's), but that's just me at 63 versus being in college. Just throwing out my reasoning, not offending any carriers, I hope.

It strikes me that you do have 4 shirts on your list, some of which can layer, but correct me if I am wrong because I don't necessary know the brand/style (the first 4 items?). In other words, it looks to me that you can adapt your tops to your desire to not do laundry any one night? Nonetheless, I would add one more tee shirt. I have worn just 3 LS tee shirts for an entire trip in the past and been perfectly happy. I do quick laundry every 2-3 nights.

I recently returned from Greece in March/April. I packed more shirts than I usually do because I was on an RS tour vs traveling by myself, and the weather was erratic... and I don't like hot.

Packed:
An extra pair of shoes...which I never do bring and won't pack again
2 long sleeve modal tee shirts.
1 blouse worn in conjunction with 1 tank top, but each could stand alone
2 short sleeve tops....ordinarily I prefer weather in which I don't have to wear ss shirts (I love cold weather) and these would not have been in my bag.
1 pair of pants: I pulled my second pair of backup pants out of my suitcase last minute when I added the SS tee shirts and was sorry on day 2 when I rip/wore out my jeans on Mars Hill...on my butt, because I'm not yet a grown-up. Had also removed my sewing kit last minute. * never again will I go with only 1 back up pair of pants and no sewing kit unless I'm only in cities traveling independently. I was lucky I found a shop where I could quickly replace the pants with something.

6 pairs of new socks (love new after long day)
4 undies, 2 bras
I wore a tee shirt, vest, light jacket and jeans, etc. Once at the airport my jacket went into suitcase for most of the trip. I wore everything, but ordinarily would not have had the two short sleeve shirts. I find what adds the weight is all the little convenience items, cords, clothes line, paper. I do a lot online, but I prefer paper tour books. I'm sure that is what put me over the 20lbs. While I don't like carrying the bag up stairs, it is perfectly manageable, versus all.the.time. So I urge you to really think about this switch to a backpack vs some basic strength training. The bag will become heavier over time, psychologically at least. And even without shopping...and if you add water or a snack, etc. it becomes even heavier.

I do think you can pack too light. I can anyway. And even light gets heavy on your back...

Wow, great responses, thanks! On my trips, I bring my favorite clothes. They are practical outdoorsy garments.. Apologies to Sarah Murdoch for misspelling her name. Her blog about ultralight packing is an inspiration. Earlier this year, she went on a trip bringing only 9 pounds for 11 days. http://adventureswithsarah.net/ultralight-packing/

Pam-bleach was invented for people like us...I bet they have it in Europe. I could always go to laundromat sometime, if sink laundry won't do the trick. Hey, a spill here and there will just be part of the fun. Humidity-I will leave behind the cotton. We live in VT, usually it is not too humid except in July and August. I would like to know more about your Switzerland trip sometime, perhaps another thread.

Shawn-Wow, 25 pounds! Yikes! Don't your shoulders and neck get tired? BTW, we went to Italy in 2015 and definitely were glad to have our down or fleece vests. For this trip, since it will be May and June, I think leaving it behind is fine. Delta provides pillow and blanket, so won't miss using vest as pillow. Could leave the rain pants behind, but as we will be doing a lot of hiking, we could be on a long walk when rain starts. In those situations, it is nice to know my Marmot rain pants would keep me drier. They breathe well. Once this happened while on tour, I was so glad I had my poncho and umbrella. They help if you stop to consult a map or guidebook.

Jane-silkies, great idea, always useful and they pack small. My techwick zip turtlenecks are quite silky and pack well, a bit more durable than the typical silky underwear. Plus, I can always zip up or down depending if I am hot or cold.

Rita- I like your packing style! How much does your bag weigh, and what type of bag do you take? Yes, sink laundry is not like home. I could always use hotel laundry service here and there, we will have a few days in between tours for such things, in addition to spending extra time in beautiful places.

Christa, I love weather like what you had for your trip! Never breaking a sweat because of hot weather would be fine with me.

Sarah, Good thoughts. I usually bring a huge poncho that covers me and my backpack. But it actually weighs more than my new Marmot jacket and pants. The jacket is quite short. If only drizzling, nylon pants would work. But for downpours, I will have the rain pants.

Every piece I am bringing has been obsessed over....and kept in the carry-on.. Experiencing the trip will educate me about whether those choices were right. Your input is helping me evaluate those choice. Having planned for temps from 30-70+ degrees will cover me. I never bring extra shoes or dresses, just prefer to bring less. I have variety at home, but overseas, having more stuff just confuses me. "Less is more" is my mantra.

Wray- I love your posts, so informative and thoughtful. Funny, too! I hope you won't be offended that your story about the pants and the sewing kit made me laugh. Yes, stuff happens and now you have a great story.

Knowing one's self is so important, isn't it? For example, I am terrible with letting go of things if they are not attached to my body. I never carry a purse at home, they wind up left on the back of the restaurant chair. I wear the money belt at home too, bet not too many people do that. But it is great if you don't carry a purse. The purse I am bringing on this trip is for the plane(economy seats, no space), to put my stuff under the seat in the most compact way possible. Otherwise, it will just stay in my carry-on (it weighs only ounces and is self stuffing, maybe I am overboard on that type of gear, but it sure saves weight). https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01G1TM7WW/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Very good advice about strengthening the body. We have weight machines and I use them, perhaps not as often as I should. Also, we live in walking distance to the grocery store and it's not unusual to have to carry 20 pounds pounds, or more, back home over 1-1/2 miles. So I know what that feels like, and I don't want to be saddled with too much.

Clarifying, I am currently bringing only one extra short sleeved shirt, and wearing the other. Might pack a second short sleeved shirt. It would probably be white, since that is what I like best, stains be darned. Not a tank top person, I don't have a 20 year old's shoulders and triceps any more, I guess I need to do more workouts!

I wear a sun shirt over my short sleeved shirts whenever I walk outside, even in summer, since I have fair skin. Forgot to mention I am bringing a small sunscreen stick so I am not adding the weight of a bottle of sunscreen into my 3-1-1 bag.

Some day I will use my rolly bag for overseas trips, right now I only use it to fly domestic, maybe when I turn 60...yes, any backpack gets tiresome after a time. But I better keep my hand on my rolly bag at all times, or I could leave it behind!

I tend to feel sorry for them on those long walks with their backpacks or while standing in line.

Wray, that made me smile. If I have my backpack loaded and adjusted properly, I almost forget I have it on. My DH keeps saying "Are you really okay?" The only time I got tired wearing it, was last year when we were stuck in DFW for 4 or 5 hours waiting to see if the airline was going to get us out of there that night. After a long long frustrating day, (I think we had been at the airport at that point for about 8 hours) yes, I finally took off the pack.

@pastelholic: I'm not backpacking all my gear. I do have a carry on size rolling bag for my 25 pounds. And I"m feeling pretty good about not having to use the expandable zipper option. Ha, ha! We are going to be on the road for 6 weeks - and as noted in both city and outdoor locales and in 2 season -- so I'm justifying my load :)

Kudos to those that can go really light. To each their own!

And happy and safe travels!

I personally would bring one more light shirt and a few more undies, as I'm tired of too much sink washing. I would not bring a down vest as I think you have enough layers that can work together on the coldest days.

For my recent two-week trip, with temps ranging form 0 to 70 F, I did use Rick's Appenzell Day Pack, and never expanded it, and never did laundry. The weight of contents was 16-18 pounds at different airports. A smaller purse held phone, camera, and a few other things, but not as stuffed as it usually is (e.g., no iPad, less paperwork). Raincoat carried separately.

It was not really an uncomfortable amount of weight, but next time I'd rather have it be lighter or have a waist belt for load distribution. Also, since the straps of this bag don't hide-away for checking on airplanes, the choice to expand it, stuff it with souvenirs, and check it would have meant a risk to the straps or somehow wrapping it.

I have an Eagle Creek carryon size packpack and on my 3 week trip I think it weighed 18 pounds. I also have an REI Stratocruiser with wheels. I prefer the Eagle Creek bag because it can fit under the seat in front of me and in overhead space on smaller regional jets. It is very comfortable for moving around a lot. I use the REI Stratocruiser for less complex trips because it will convert to a backpack, but it's not comfortable for long.

So many great women with clever ideas! Thank you all.

Jane-13 pounds sounds great, it is my goal, but I must bring the iPad (digital guidebooks and internet convenience are worth the 1.725 pounds....);-)
DFW for 8 hrs...you were a trooper to keep the pack on for so long...

Laura-I will bring the extra shirt, you and enough other people have convinced me it's helpful. I will consider taking more undies, too. I recall getting tired of doing laundry on the last trip, but it sure makes me feel self-sufficient. I like being in control of my belongings. Not sure how I would feel about sending out my laundry as some do.

I hear you about the Appenzell. The Tortuga hasn't got waist straps either but it sports very comfy padding on shoulder straps and back.

Rita- seems like your bags are well considered. I use a similar one to your Eagle Creek when I fly domestic. It fits under the seat if needed. Pretty sure the Tortuga would also, but that would not leave much leg room...

Looks like a great list - I'd agree with one more shirt and glad you added the long underwear.
If cold temps are a concern (i.e. not taking the down vest) maybe add a silk camisole/tank to go with your long underwear?

Pastel, Rita & Jane,

Your discussion almost has me challenging myself...I will have $100.00 to spend in the RS store for an Appenzell bag if I sign up for the Sicily tour. It's almost a challenge...but if I lie down maybe the feeling will go away. ;)

It is funny...visualizing--- sliding on my Butt down Mars Hill. I laugh at myself all day, so feel free!

Sunshirt: Good idea. As a former redhead, I more than understand this.

Wishing everyone happy packing no matter what your routine is! It's part of the fun of the trip, if you ask me. And just when I think I have it down, I don't. Wray

Wray, you do make me laugh! Oh, I re-read your packing list, we are definitely on the same page about not liking heat. White clothing and sun shirts help me. If only for peace of mind...white reflects heat, black absorbs it...

As you said, when I think I have it figured out...I re-consider...last trip it was taking someone's advice about using ziploc bags instead of packing cubes. Keeps the clothes dry, and I tuck a dryer sheet in the bag for freshness.

Last trip, I read a backpacking forum post about melting stick deodorant in a microwave and decanting it into a lip balm tube to save weight (trick us to tape the bottom until the liquid cures, so it won't seep out). As long as you mark the tube so you don't put deodorant on your lips...;-)
.

Everyone's packing lists and ideas are great, keep them coming, if you wish. I have a few more days if anybody thinks of anything else...like, do you bring sleepwear?

Nancy: the tee shirts are silky microfiber cool shirts, they layer well under the zip t-neck, which is silky microfiber. I am not bringing a camisole or tank top (bare shoulders not my thing) but I bet lots of Forum readers will like your idea.

EEK! I'm really going to need to rethink how much I'm packing. I thought I had everything figured out, knew I was a little high on the tunic/shirt count (9). But after seeing your lists, I'm packing way too much for 18 days in Aug & Sept, Venice thru Croatia, Slovenia to Vienna. I'd better do a couple test packs to see what I really need or can do without, which means try every outfit combination on, then decide. At least everything is color coordinated - black, gray and red.

My flight for my Scandinavian tour is 5 weeks and 6 days from today!! I have been packing in my head and enjoying everyone's posts and ideas. I will be 52 five days after I get back from my trip. Non athletic but can walk for hours. I did a practice run of packing light when my husband and I went to Cuba on a 7 day cruise. I have a neon green 46L Osprey Porter backpack with a waist strap. I will also take a travelon cross body purse. I love having my hands free for one because I am a bit of a clutz. On our cruise my pack was about 60% full. My husband carried a computer back pack and I managed his 20" roller bag. So I am feeling confident about my 3 week trip.

I have been packing in my head. My color scheme is neon green/navy, grey/black.
I am still debating about a second pair of shoes. My main pair of shoes will be https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018S71ODS/ Teva Delavina boots in gunsmoke. I know it is summer but I want ankle support and waterproof.
Thinking about also taking Keen Zephyr criss cross hiking shoe https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01H77R3IU/
3 pants, 5 shirts, one cardigan, one rain shell, 4 undies/socks, one lounge pants/t-shirt for jammies.
Now to start picking the items.

Enjoying my trip before, during and after.

Oh, the heat - I wonder if you have tried those neck things that has crystals in it that when you soak it in water, it expands. I find these quite useful and would take one of those over a white shirt, myself. https://www.amazon.com/MiraCool-Cooling-Bandanas-Bandanas-Cowboy/dp/B00MBWU56O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1494375523&sr=8-1&keywords=Neck+Coolers
at this price you can just leave it behind rather than contend with 'gel' on a plane. I would take the shirt, but just a different colour.
Personally, I am getting to like taking a down jacket/vest with me these days - but that is usually because I need it for my Canadian weather coming and going, and I rarely find a pillow that doesn't give me neck pain. So as well as on the plane, my down is my pillow sometimes for 5 weeks. I'll make do with polar fleece jacket, but down is so much nicer.....sort of like Sarah' pillow from home.
Laundry....I learned in Africa where they pretty much only hand wash and have to limited water, that soaking is your friend. Will a extra large zip lock bag break the weight limit? Dry soap powder and some warm water, into the bag, add clothes and zip closed. Go for dinner and when your come back, squelch it all around for a while, dump into the sink and work it around some more, then rinse. wring out in a towel (or dance on it) hang to dry. I expect you can also rinse in the bag as well. When sink washing, I have managed a month with a Lush shampoo bar that was also my soap (hypoallergenic) and laundry soap. I found the laundry soap sheets rather useless, as I needed so many - granted, they are light. Maybe it was a cheapo brand. Also, I have never used my laundry line. Seems I can never find a second place to put it, it is always too long and with wool socks, where they are stuffed into the elastic, it takes longer to dry. I use hangers already in the room, or drape things where ever I can. Showers are going to stay damp longer than other areas of a room, so I try to hang things where there may be some heat or a breeze. Even a closet is warmer and dryer than the shower - and after wringing out, no drips.
I am plus size, a birder, need orthotics (so sturdy shoes), often travel 2 seasons and 3-5 weeks. I do carry on only, but at 60, the weight is starting to get me down. I am working on downsizing the birdwatching tools, but they can weigh 12 pounds right there. Spain will be for 3 weeks with only one non-city day, so things should be lighter even if I am carrying (mini) binoculars. I do insist on 2 pairs of shoes, however. Can't decide whether to do wheels or pack, but I think it will be wheels. Test will be to reduce to 20 pounds. (you don't want to know how much my personal item used to weigh....

So, it's down to the wire...bag will weigh 15 pounds including iPad, extra shirt, extra undies, extra socks. I could only drop serious pounds by switching to a G 4 super lightweight back pack, which Sarah Murdoch mentions in her 10 pound bag challenge. But there is something to be said for having a sturdy bag that holds its shape and is well designed, can stand up on its own. For instance, the Tortuga opens like a clamshell, half is like a large packing cube, other half is open but has compression straps which helps keep things from settling to the bottom. I love it so! Only a packing nerd would understand...

Thanks horsewoofie, vandrabrud and Canadian Maria for your input...

Maria, yes, I know about those neck cooler thingies (looked at years ago, but did not buy)...For my work for 25 years, I did outdoor art festivals. We were out in all weather. That's how I got to test out all this white colored, microfiber clothing. Sometimes on those humid 95 degree days, a good old, white cotton tee shirt soaked in the sink beats all (microfiber dried too fast)...in a pinch I would get a few ice cubes from my drink and put them on my wrists, really helps. You can also wrap ice cubes in a bandana and put it on your neck, soak your head, it all helps...I agree with your laundering tips and experience, but I feel I still need the laundry line...sometimes you can drape things on it instead of feeding them through the braided loops...I have heard the soap leaves are not so great, am trying them this time. If they suck, I will just use hotel soap or shampoo. Last time, used Rick Steves laundry soap, but ran out very fast and not better than shampoo.

We expect temps in 50s, 60s and 70s where we are going...thank goodness! But prepared for 30s-40s.

Of course, use what works for you. Some don't know options. I suspect using a piece of luggage you know and love can be useful in the long run - even if you can't be a Sarah Murdoch clone :-) if she inspires others to drop 40% the weight of their stuff, I bet she would be happy.
Have a great time.

I'm concerned about all those cotton tee shirts. Cotton is hot, I only wear it in winter. Living in Arizona and spending a lot of time outside, I got melanoma several years ago. Today's trip to the dermatologist resulted in 5 spots cut off for biopsy. I now wear icefil long sleeve sun shirts all year long. Kerrit's makes the lightest weight, best ventilated one but I also wear Rompf, Ariat and Kastile. Some brands like Tailored Sportsman and Good Rider are hotter because of the material and lack of ventilation. I buy my shirts at the saddle shop where I work part time but if you're interested look at your local English tack shop or online.

Many years ago when I was in my early twenties, I checked a small canvas suitcase into a bus station in Mexico, and when we arrived at our destination, guess what didn't come off the bus?! I traveled for the next 2 months with only the outfit I had on and the few non-clothing items I happened to have in my shoulder bag. IT WAS ABSOLUTELY FREEING! Meanwhile, my travel partner was weighed down with a bunch of stuff. I learned first hand how much "things" can weigh you down, and that includes too many clothes. Granted it was a hot, tropical environment but when I went in the shower, so did the one outfit I had on.

I realize this may not what you have in mind(!), but I vote for taking less.... weed out the extra clothes you think you can get by without...and if you get stuck, buy it over there. That would be part of the great adventure.

We are on our trip and having a grand time. It's cool enough to get maximum use from our clothes, a boon for light packers. Sink laundry is fine, but it's been damp, good thing we have two more nights.

So far: Glad I brought Icebreaker tee shirt, white long sleeved sun shirt, long underwear (pjs), extra winter weight merino socks. Glad for the laundry line, maximizes hanging space.
Could have left behind: empty water bottle, had to buy water anyway and the Swiss and Austrian water bottles have ingenious design. Soap leaves not impressive, would not buy again.
Wish I brought: more wet ones for hygiene since some public restrooms have only cold water or lack soap, so I'm going through my supply quick. Maybe I can find the Austrian version, but not worried.

Cheryl, great story! I aspire to bring less. Is that your preferred packing method these days, bringing no change of clothes? Can you post your current packing list please? Size of bag, weight, etc., if you are willing? Inquiring minds want to know.

Horsewoofie: Did not know about those brands. There is so much specialized clothing these days. Thanks!

Thinking about day bags: one couple on Eagle's Nest tour yesterday had one tiny backpack, man had only a light jacket. My daypack had: fleece jacket, rain jacket and pants, two bottles of water, snacks, sun shirt, long sleeve zip T-neck, pocket camera with extra battery and extra image card, sunglasses and earbuds to use with tour guide's whisper system. I used everything but rain pants (little voice saying, could you have gotten by without?) and it was a near thing...at drop-off, the rain picked up. But we got dinner, and afterward, rain had stopped.

Gosh.. funny this bumped to the top since I was thinking about you this morning!! I put on my sink washed white tee,lol. Almost to the end of my trip so I can stop washing shirts! So far everything has dried overnight except the waistband on my jeans. I could have worn them if I had to but another 12 hours of drying time was good.

So glad you are having fun and that your gear is mostly working for you. I'll bet you ditch the waterproof pants.

Be sure to write yourself notes when you get back on what worked and what didn't. I always think I'll remember but I don't.

Thanks, Pam! I always think I will remember also. But I forgot things from the 2015 trip, though surprised by what I did remember...maybe we can discuss it at the next "obsessed packers" meeting?

Great thing to bring different from last trip: kitchen (13 gallon) garbage bag for storing clothes kept in my day bag. The waiter yesterday, not thinking, tossed a full glass of water into the small garden next to my chair. Some water splashed on the outside of my water-resistant (not waterproof) day pack, no big deal, he was very sweet about it and brought a rag... The outside of the pack had water which I wiped off, but was so glad for the liner bag, if only for peace of mind...You just never know...

I'm envious of your Tortuga and imagine that its apparently excellent design helps immensely with your organization of your items (and thus your sanity as you're traveling, if you're anything like me). Glad everyone out there right now - Pam, Pastelholic -- is having a great time.

Wray, that's unbelievable about the hill-sliding destruction of your one pair of pants (and, taking it to another level, no sewing kit). You recovered royally though!