Her Packing List has a nice article on the trade offs of ultralight luggage.
I am not affiliated with the site in any way. I simply admire ultralight travelers that know what they are talking about. There are too many websites that claim minimalism when they are packing 10 kg bags plus a personal item. HPL actually walks the talk.
Thanks, Cindy. That was interesting to read.
On the subject of luggage, what fools think it's appropriate to exclude the height of a suitcase from the product name? Why should I have to click through on Amazon or other sales websites and look around for the "product specifications" tab to find the size? I can live with just the height if space is all that critical an issue in the product name. I just don't want to look at a bunch of 20" bags or 25+" bags.
And why do I have to track back to the manufacturer's website to find out how that vertical measurement was made (including or excluding wheels and handle)? I don't like the idea of buying a suitcase online, but I'd be prepared to do it if I could get a two-wheeled bag that was light enough and approximately the right size. What I'm not willing to do is risk having to pay to send something back because it's larger than advertised.
Why does google give me 35 and 40 liter backs when I put “20 liter travel pack” in the search terms.
It sure makes it harder to find the right bag.
Acraven,
I find the better luggage brands give accurate dimensions online. These include - Rick Steves, Ebags, Eagle Creek. There may be others. So, I order from these companies as I trust their product info..
My Rick Steves rolling carry-on appears to weigh less than any of the Lojel bags the author refers to, plus it has multiple compartments for organization.
@stoutfella
The Rick Steves rolling carry on is 6.5 pounds. The Alto carry on (size small) is 4.7 pounds. So your compartments are an extra 1.8 pounds.
You need to compare the same size bags.
Cindy H.
Why does google give me 35 and 40 liter backs when I put “20 liter travel pack” in the search terms.
just a wild guess, but I would assume because the companies that pop up first on the list have paid for the priority when the words "travel pack" or anything close to that are in the search. Those days of net neutrality are gone. Its very annoying.
Thanks, Cindy. I hadn’t found that bag on Amazon. I stand corrected.
Just wanted to point out that I posted the article based on the bullet points (trade offs) discusses in the article. I wasn’t interested in her particular choice of bag.
There is a huge marketplace for 20-40 liter carryon bags. The subreddit r/onebag maintains a spreadsheet of hundreds of models (including size variations and colors) from dozens of manufacturers. This spreadsheet excludes rolling stock, though, tracking only duffles and backpack styles. It is a google docs file, whatever that means.
That's a great Google docs file, but does any one know how to export it ton one's desktop in Excel format to enable easy sorts and filtering by various criteria?
An interesting article but also obvious is one shops in person. I have a lot of options at the luggage store in my local malls. Granted, there may be a more limited brand option, but good brands are still represented and I can both test drive the feel (wheels and handle) as well as verify measurements. There is always something on sale so patience and regular return to website (or sales emails to your in box) can net the savings you may want. I have yet to find the need to pay the shipping costs required for some on the online big box options mentioned above.
I realize experience may vary.....certainly options are different between countries....but are there really no more store front luggage options left in the US to choose in person?
As to the dig for those who pack more than 15 pounds, not everyone is size 0, can wear 8 ounce shoes (orthotics, support often add weight), and some of us cannot be comfortable traveling without a substantial camera, or binoculars or specialized equipment. However, it doesn't mean we don't also pare this weight down as well.
The concept of traveling light may also mean taking the lightest option of the items you want to travel with. My goal is to replace liquids with multi use solids for carry on requirements and to reduce the weight of my must haves....ideally at a weight that doesn't stress my body. That final weight is going to vary person to person and might not be understood or endorsed by anyone else.
10 lbs or 10 kg; who's to say it isn't success....if it works for the individual?
Thanks @Maria . Travelers who enjoy photography, birding, and nature are extra challenged in packing ‘light.’ On my last adventure trip I carried 9 pounds of optics and tech. I still managed to pack carry-on. I didn’t bring extra shoes, fancy clothes, physical books, or a lot of toiletries.
On the other side, our last trip involved biking and I carried on a helmet, cycling gear, and clothes for city sightseeing and dinners out.
Sharing tips of lightweight luggage, travel-friendly clothing, etc., is a help to all of us, no matter what our travel plans include.
Maria
My dig was at websites that post articles that say “ultralight” or “minimalist” but then bring a full sized carry on PLUS a personal item.
That same website made a post on traveling under 7 kg. When you read the article you found out they travelled with a 10 kg bag. Quite a difference!
Then they claimed travel with “no baggage”. Actually, they brought a personal item. They claimed it held under 10 liters. I looked it up - it held 13 l.
In each case there was a lot of hand waving and exaggeration.
In short, there’s a lot of false advertising out there with many claiming “minimalist”’or “ultralight” and not delivering. They’re just trying to get hits. It’s hard to get your bag down sub 25 liter and sub 7 kg. My request is don’t claim it unless you deliver. HPL actually delivers.
It’s an achievement in itself to go carry on only. But it’s not ultralight or minimalist! All I ask is honesty in advertising.
There is a huge marketplace for 20-40 liter carryon bags.
My personal experience is that there aren’t that many bags in the sub 25 liter range. They are mostly 30 liters an more.
It’s also been my experience that these bags aren’t available at luggage stores. You almost always have to get them off the internet.
Most luggage stores focus on the full sized trolley bag and the personal item that pairs with it. That’s a different animal than a single personal sized bag that is the main bag.
That's a great Google docs file, but does any one know how to export it ton one's desktop in Excel format to enable easy sorts and filtering by various criteria?
Agnes, when I opened it on my iPhone it wanted to know if I wanted to use the Sheets app. The file shows as a spreadsheet.
I am struggling to export (it appears as view only). That’s no good because I want to filter based on certain criteria.
I think the title should really be, "The trade-offs of ultralight roller bags."
Rollers are a reasonable choice but the irony is that for many people ditching the wheels makes the bag light enough so that wheels are not necessary.
Minimalism is a subjective word. It is not defined in terms of size, weight or volume. It is individual. What is minimal to one is clutter to another.
There are a lot of books out there on minimalism. None give specs. They give guidelines to allow the reader to define it for themselves.
And saying that if a person ditches the weight of wheels then they can carry a bag is really saying "I do it, why can't you.". You don't know their physical limitations, health, fitness level or even travel desires.
Personally, I travel in a way that makes me happy. If someone else doesn't like it, it's none of my business for I don't care.
And saying that if a person ditches the weight of wheels then they can carry a bag is really saying "I do it, why can't you."
NO ONE said that.
Read the post above mine.
Wheels are not necessary according to whom?
FWIW, just seeing an article in my CNN newsfeed about Australian airlines enforcing to a 7kg weight limit for carry-on, with multiple weigh-ins along the way.
Just to be clear, I don't think there's anything wrong if you want to go the ultralight, light or heavy route when it comes to packing, or if you check your baggage or use the overhead bin. We travel to the best of our needs and abilities. You do you.
Thanks for the link, Cindy. I agree with you, there is many disinformation around about packing light and ultralight just for clicks. I remember while planning my first trip to Europe a few years ago, seeing many "packing light" and "2 weeks in a carry on" posts on Pinterest for example, and then seeing the pics of everything packed and ready to go... but the bags looked like the zippers were about to burst open and these persons were bringing a big tote too. I've seen another pic of a girl taking a RTW trip with "carry on only" when in the picture she is posing with a 40 L backpack and 2 personal items.
I don't consider myself an ultralight packer, just a packing light rookie, but as I have mentioned on a recent thread, for the first time I recently traveled with a backpack only and kept in under 7 kilos. It was liberating. The trade off was that I had to rely on packing cubes because there was no structure to my backpack and brought only one pair of shoes instead of my usual 3 pairs. I have to say I missed having wheels while running to catch my flight at Heathrow, but even so, the pros outweighed the cons at least for me. One thing I learned is I can manage with less toiletries.
If someone out there is reading this and want to try the light or ultra-light route take in consideration there are many false claims out there: bags bigger than advertised (or heavier) for example. The packing section of this forum is very useful and has years of information, I know it helps me.
I do too much walking back and forth to hotels to travel without wheels, but I have absolutely no problem with a statement that wheels/handles add considerable weight, and removing them might lighten the load enough that many travelers would be able manage the resulting bag.
there are many false claims out there: bags bigger than advertised
Not a false claim at all. Recently Consumer Reports tested a large number of bags advertised as carryon and found that over half exceeded the US airline maximum limit of 22 x 14 x 9 inches. The maximum outside dimension for most US airlines, 22x14x9 inches is 2772 cu in or just over 45 liters, and that is OUTSIDE dimensions, not capacity. If the manufacturer claims the capacity is 45 liters, the bag will obviously exceed carry-on dimensions.
BTW, the "ultralight" luggage promoted by this website supposedly has one concession to weight, a "TSA friendly" lock. But TSA friendly locks are only a feature if you check luggage, which not doing is one of the primary objectives of traveling light.
But TSA friendly locks are only a feature if you check luggage, which not doing is one of the primary objectives of traveling light.
I disagree. I always lock my carry on when going through security. There’s too much theft going on there and I only want the “right” people going through my bags.
Bonus - many TSA people don’t have the keys on them. So they yell out “who’s bag is this” if they want to inspect it. I then yell out “mine” and unlock it for them. This guarantees that I’m present when they are going through my luggage.
You also need to lock your carry on when sleeping. There have been several stories where people have stolen things out of the overhead while the passenger is asleep on an international flight.
I also keep my bag locked while on public transport.
I lock my bag every time I leave my hotel room.
My personal experience is that there aren’t that many bags in the sub 25 liter range. They are mostly 30 liters an more.
That's because when you start going below 30L you are entering the school day pack category. Day packs are the largest, most competitive and most varied in the 'bag/pack marketplace'. The main driver is Back-to-School which has grown to become the second largest shopping season of the year after the Q4/holiday season.
There are more sophisticated designs and brands so you don't look like a child going to school or, getting ready to go for a long-day hike: Timbuk2, eBags house brand, Tom Bihn, Thule, to name a few. Another issue is price, most consumers and store buyers will not consider a backpack that is over $100 for a 30L pack, $120 is even a stretch and they'll carry a few but, not much of a variety. Lastly, construction, most day packs are built using a robust fabric made to handle everyday abuse, while offering some level of support with its padding. Modern daypacks from many outdoor brands are using silicone nylon fabrics which are fantastically lightweight and can handle all but the most abusive activities, however, they're all going to be over $150 and just as important, the feature-set is going to be geared for the trail/slope. REI has done a pretty good job with their travel category and house-brand products, the new Spring stuff should be hitting the shelves shortly.
So strange that choices of luggage and packing styles can generate such, umm, enthusiastic discussion.
On the topic of luggage security: 1. I capture my zipper pulls using a screw-gate climbing carabiner. It’s not a lock but it takes determination and time to open. I cannot say these have done anything for me but it is a commonly known practice in the onebagging community. Screw-gate ‘biners are only available in the climbing sections of sporting goods stores, $6-14 each. And, 2. I try to place my carry-on in the overhead bin oppposite my seat, not directly overhead. That way I can see if anyone is getting into the bin and disturbing my bag.
I once had a Gypsy on the streets of Paris try to unzip my backpack while I was wearing it, so I always have something making that harder even if it is a paperclip. Most often I will check my backpack for the trip home; who cares if it shows up a day late at that point, need a lock for that too.
Weight? I pack what I need to pack for the trip I am taking. I won't go to the Opera dressed in a manner "I felt comfortable" if it detracts from the experience of the others there. I call that respecting my hosts (the country nationals). I enjoy Eastern Europe in the winter and that adds weight. Sometimes I work in a little fishing... more weight. That one really special dinner ... more weight.
If I am checking bags, they have 4 wheels, just so much easier. If I am not checking then it an old worn out RS Back Door backpack loaded to capacity usually. .... but not so much so that it doesn't fit in the overhead bin. Funny, 10Kg rides on my back as easily as 7Kg.
I'm not ever going to sacrafice experience for a few kilo; but I am aware of what I will and will not use on a trip and I do know how to get clothes washed while traveling; and I pack accordingly and as efficiently as possible. Beyond that i think the concern puts the emphasis on the wrong aspects of traveling.
Weight? I pack what I need to pack for the trip I am taking. I won't go to the Opera dressed in a manner "I felt comfortable" if it detracts from the experience of the others there.
This is yet another fallacy. You can dress nicely and still stay under 7 kg. You just bring nice clothes that are also rugged. A light knit dress weighs a few oz, as does a pair of light ballet flats. If I want to go lighter I bring a nice skirt instead of a dress. There’s beautiful travel pants that go from trail to dinner. That’s true for tops too. It’s about being very selective of the clothes that you do bring. I always bring at least one dress up clothing and one set of clothing that works for hiking (and other things).
Winter is also about the right clothing. Puff jackets, thin base layers, waterproof shoes. I have traveled in winter at 6.5 kg (and that included outdoors gear and nice clothes)
It takes a lot of preplanning but pays off on the trip itself.
On this site the Convertible Carry-On is described with dimensions 21" x 14" x 9" and a capacity of 2500 cubic inches. Multiplying those dimensions comes to 2646, so 2500 seems about right for the interior capacity.
The eBags TLS Mother Lode Weekender Convertible has dimensions 22" x 14" x 9" and a capacity of 3299 cubic inches. Multiplying those dimensions comes to 2772. How do they have a capacity larger than the bag's dimensions?
Anyone familiar with the eBags product? I own the Convertible Carry-On and even with packing cubes, I find it hard to keep things organized over the course of a multi-week trip. I'm wondering if I'd be happier with the TLS bag.
A light knit dress weighs a few oz, as does a pair of light ballet
flats. If I want to go lighter I bring a nice skirt instead of a
dress.
I look funny in a skirt.
Opening Night at the Opera it's always easy to spot the locals, dark suits and evening dresses. Isnt there another thread here about how not to look like a tourist, and another about respecting your hosts?
James, I've been to the symphony and opera in several European cities, and I've seen a complete range of dress. No one seemed out of place, whether in jeans and t-shirts or more formal dress.
I'm sure opening night galas and such have a more refined dress code, but it wouldn't be my choice to attend an event that required me to pack a special outfit that I wasn't able to wear over the course of my travels.
I don't even pack a pair of shoes. I make sure to wear versatile shoes that I can wear around the city and even on rural hikes. If I'm including beach visits or more serious hikes, I might add appropriate shoes for those activities, and then I start considering a larger checked bag.
But honestly, I don't understand the nearly religious fervor some folks have when it comes to how to pack. There are advantages to packing light, but there are also trade-offs, and if someone isn't comfortable with the trade-offs, what's the problem? Everyone should do what makes them happy.
[I look funny in a skirt.]
According to the wife, I’m killer in a kilt.
[ Isnt there another thread here about how not to look like a tourist, and another about respecting your hosts?]
Over on reddit’s onebag sub there is a commonly held belief that wearing all black somehow obscures or diminishes your tourist-ness. To me, someone dressed all in black stands out like, umm, a tourist. Shoot, everyone you see in, say, Edinburgh is a tourist. How is one not going to look like a tourist?
If there is one thing I have absorbed from watching Steves on PBS for 20 years it’s that visitors should not be jerks. That includes respecting your hosts and their country but i think it goes far deeper. The art of leaving one’s presumptuous assumptions at home is quite difficult.
The eBags TLS Mother Lode Weekender Convertible has dimensions 22" x 14" x 9" and a capacity of 3299 cubic inches. Multiplying those dimensions comes to 2772. How do they have a capacity larger than the bag's dimensions?
Soft sided bags can bulge out. And, it expands.
Anyone familiar with the eBags product? I own the Convertible Carry-On and even with packing cubes, I find it hard to keep things organized over the course of a multi-week trip. I'm wondering if I'd be happier with the TLS bag.
I preferred the TLS bag. It has well thought out organization. An upper compartment and a lower compartment. If you want one big compartment you can unzip the divider. There is even a divider in the lower, larger compartment that splits it.
if someone isn't comfortable with the trade-offs, what's the problem? Everyone should do what makes them happy.
Exactly. So why do some keep spreading these statements about Light Travel:
I see these statements repeatedly on this forum and almost always as a justification for packing heavier. Look - if you want to pack heavier then fine! Go for it! But please don’t spread false statements about lighter travel.
bogiesan, the art of leaving ones own personal and cultural norms at home is also very difficult.
I'm also amazed by the tightly held concept that Europe is a place. It's not; it's a group of vastly different places, so "I once went to Europe and did this, or the other" is pretty meaningless. More important is what is normal and proper in the place and at the time you are at. I wish I could know the bottom level base line before I arrive, but that's difficult to impossible much of the time, so I play it safe ... out of respect. If someone else is more informed, g-d bless them.
Each to their own, and it's all good if it fulfills you ambitions, taste and interests, but my travel emphasis tends to be in areas not so dependent on tourism that they have changed their value systems in order to pack a venue with 75% tourists and 25% locals wishing there were still options for themselves.
I do appreciate a little grey area for subjectivity but there are limits. I've done a few head counts over the years in my favorite European opera house and still, thank goodness, 80% are dressed as me or better, while 20% are tourists and dont even recognize the fact and "feel good" about themselves. Now, if you are going to most venues in a place like many in Vienna where for every local there are 10 tourists then that's a different issue. One thing you can do is google images. Most of Europe's great venues you can find interior photos during an event. Then you can see how people are dressed and choose for yourself.
As for the concept of traveling light, it certainly is a goal, but not an obsession. I did purchase a set of lightweight fishing waders a few years ago and that cut 5 pounds. I tend to wear my Ostrich Kimmels on the plane along with a sports coat so I eliminated that weight in the bag. By wearing my good belt on the plane 2 pounds of belt buckle is also eliminated from the bag. Unfortunately most airlines want to call my Silver Beaver the one allowed personal item and since it cant be packed I have to be certain everything fits in the RS Back Door Bag or the checked luggage with the waders, fly rod and felt bottom wading boots. One year I went to the annual opera gala, and fishing on the same trip and had a bag with waders and a tux and a top coat. But otherwise I doubt the total weight was much more than 15kilo .... pretty good.
I've owned the TLS Weekender Convertible, both the standard and the Junior model. I ended up taking the Junior model for regular use. It's a bit smaller but the difference in capacity is pretty minimal to me, particularly if packing lightly. And it will pass muster on the international carriers I usually fly. Another plus is that it will "squish" under (most) seats if needed. As I'm on the shorter side at 5'8", it's more comfortable for me to carry as well.
The organization of this bag is superior to the other "convertible" packs I've seen, especially the divider in the main compartment which prevents everything from shifting to the bottom. And the outside pockets are perfect for a small laptop, tablet, 3-1-1 bag, etc.
The only negative I see with the TLS is the weight. It's comparatively heavier than similar models from other manufacturers (like most Ebags products, in my experience), so careful packing is a must for me. But it's been durable, and I'd recommend it as a versatile non-wheeled carryon.
Everything shifting to the bottom is my one gripe with RS's bag. Thanks, I'll go look at one.
I'm surprised the writer of the article didn't talk about soft bags vs the hard shell ones. I am now more sensitive to the weight of my carry on bags than ever because of a back condition I now have. I have a two-wheel ballistic nylon pullman carryon that weighs 6 lbs, 3 ozs which I take on all of my trips. I'd share a link but it's no longer made. It's from LL Bean. Here's a miniscule image from their website. Pity as the bag is awesome.
I'm surprised the writer of the article didn't talk about soft bags vs the hard shell ones.
It’s really dependent on material. A hard shell polycarbonate may be quite a bit lighter than a ballistic nylon bag.
It’s really dependent on features too. The more compartments/pockets the more material and zippers and the more weight.
I understand the advantages of not checking bags, but I am a little lost on the advantages of packing half the carry on limit?
Sure, you gotta lift it to the O.H. bin, but beyond that? Thsts 4 times over 4 weeks on average for most long haul travelers. I guess if you traveled to a new town each night and took public transport to and from the airport and to each stop on your journey a little lighter might be a bit more convenient. But most of you are using wheeled bags so 20 pounds vs 30 pounds I wouldn't think matters much.
Why am I wrong?
I understand the advantages of not checking bags, but I am a little lost on the advantages of packing half the carry on limit?
Basically, you get all the benefits maximized and then some. This is becoming more important as airlines clamp down on carry on bags. I will give you my experience and also link to a couple of articles on the same subject.
Disadvantages
Here are some ultralight experiences of other bloggers. I can’t link to my own blog because it violates forum rules.
The Myriad Benefits of Minimalist Travel
How to Pack Minimalist: My Versatile 16L Minimalist Packing List
Ultralight Packing List: I Traveled for 3 Weeks with a 12L Handbag
For me, it is about extra freedom and not having to worry about my bag. I don’t travel that way for every trip, especially if it is a technical trip involving mountaineering, caving, etc. I do travel this way for regular trips as much as possible.
Basically, you get all the benefits maximized and then some. This is becoming more important as airlines clamp down on carry on bags. I will give you my experience and also link to a couple of articles on the same subject.
I don’t have to worry about the overhead bin. There will always be
room on my flight for my under seat bag.
I'm tall and need the room under the seat for my feet. Also being tall means reaching the bin is no problem. I also help the short folks when they need it
I will never have to check it.I don’t have to worry about gate checksI
don’t have to worry about when I board - the space under my seat is
reserved for me.
If you are going to get checked at the gate, 10kilo takes no less time at the gate than 20kilo. I've never had a problem with OH bin space. But I generally book early and checkin on line early and so far haven't ended up in the last boarding group.
I don’t have to check my bag to wander around the city. That means I
can check out of my hotel, wander, and head straight to the airport.
Haven't found a hotel yet that wont hold my bag after checkout, but 9 out of 10 times my flight home is at a crazy early time so it doesnt matter.
Public transportation is way easier with a smaller bag. Trust me on
this. I’ve done full carries and half carries. It’s way easier with a
smaller bag.It’s lighter and easier on my back.
Dont have to trust you on that, I have been in Europe 2 to 3 times a year for the last 15 years and a dozen times the 20 years prior to that. But I generally take a cab, or these days Uber, from the airport.
Even for winter travel I don’t exceed 7 kgNo worries about airline
weight limitsNo worries about budget airlines size limitsI can hide my
bag in the hotel dresser drawer. Out of sight, out of mind (less
worries about rifling through my bags - which I still lock)
No worries about weight limits for anyone, as long as you dont exceed them. There are a few airlines that have eliminated the weight limit and are strictly size based these days. Not worried about housekeeping breaking the lock on my bag to play with my skivvies
Disadvantages
You really need to plan your wardrobe ahead of time (but once you
figure out what works it’s easier)Souvenirs need to be small (but
still possible)Customs and Immigration are suspiciousCan’t take
specialized equipment (you’ll have to rent it)It works better if you
have technical clothing, which is not cheap
For me I would have to let my luggage dictate where and what I do. For the cost of the trip, I will deal with 5kilo more weight than give up one experience.
Again, I get the carry on only concept. 75% of the time it's what I do. But I dont get the fanaticism about 7kilo. A goal maybe, but certainly not a priority. But each to their own.
Better; get PreCheck, book and checkin early, make sure that carry on really is the right size so it fits easily in the bin, take a taxi to your hotel, spend enough time at each stop to really enjoy it (and not have to mess with luggage so often), and sure, dont pack anything you arent going to want to use once you get there.
Great discussion
I've never had a problem with OH bin space. But I generally book early and checkin on line early and so far haven't ended up in the last boarding group.
This is highly dependent on airline. Some now board you based on the cost of your ticket. So if you scored a deal you board last. This is also true for last minute flights (usually an emergency). If you don’t fly enough to have status then you’re at the back of the line.
Haven't found a hotel yet that wont hold my bag after checkout,
They do. But maybe I don’t want to spend the time going back to the hotel. Especially if the hotel is at one end of town and the airport at another.
No worries about weight limits for anyone, as long as you dont exceed them.
Many airlines have weight limits on hand baggage. That’s why the 7 kg is a magic number.
For me I would have to let my luggage dictate where and what I do. For the cost of the trip, I will deal with 5kilo more weight than give up one experience.
It depends on the trip. I was able to travel for 5-1/2 weeks with a single carry on. I trekked and camped under glaciers in the Andes, took a motorized canoe deep into the Amazon to look at macaws, went out to fine dining in Cusco and Lima, dressed up for Thanksgiving with an ex-Pat, went on a cruise in the Galápagos which included snorkeling and kayaking. I rented a sleeping bag and trekking poles for the Andes and a wetsuit and snorkel gear for the Galápagos. I don’t think I missed on any experiences.
Disclosure - I took at 40 L bag for that trip instead of my 16 L bag.
"I've never had trouble with O.H. bin space" isnt dependant on anything. Sort of a fact on the last 100 or so overseas flights. Never once had to check a bag, cause there was no room.
I bet I could travel around the world with nothing more than a tooth brush and 12 wet wipes. Not sure why I would want to do it. Listen, if you have fun doing what you do, then it's perfect for you. After all, that's what it's all about. G-d bless you and enjoy! Me, I'll keep toting the extra 5kilo so I will enjoy what I enjoy.
Cindy H.
I read the article you posted and I agree completely with the last paragraph:
Hitting the minimalist travel sweet spot
I think a good target for anyone is to hit the carry-on only limit, because it’s incredibly doable, and brings with it a number of advantages, from carrying comfort to airport nuisance reduction, while still allowing you to carry quite a wide selection of clothing and other gear. It’s certainly possible to go even lighter, but hitting the carry-on threshold is a maximum benefit/minimum effort bullseye. So give it a try, and see how far it takes you.
I've even fit a suit in my carry-on, along with enough clothes (thanks to laundry service) to be comfortable and do everything I want on a 3 week trip.
So we agree!
Here is a fairly comprehensive list of airline carry on limits. Do keep in mind that if you are code sharing you will want to meet the strictest of the airlines you will be on. For example Delta has no weight limit, but your connection in Paris might be on Air France and they do have a limit.
