Moving from check-on to carry-on: “How do you fix an over packer?”
This might seem very easy to some… “Just pack less!” But when you are in your mid 50’s and used to having everything at your disposal, it is truly difficult to pack less.
As we all add birthdays, our needs tend to go up, and mine definitely have. I have had type 1 diabetes for over 40 years and need space for pills, insulin, needles, sensors, etc. I realize I am fortunate not to need a CPAP machine for sleeping, but if I did, it would add a whole 'nother layer of bulk!
I also tend to be the “go-to person” if someone on the trip needs a band aid, clipper, hydrocortisone, eye drops, pain reliever, sleep aid, dental floss, snack, laundry soap, wipes, extra layer, lotion, etc. You get the point, if you need something on a trip, I typically have it packed.
My family has been trying to convince me that anywhere we travel, you can purchase any of my essentials. I know it is a novel concept, but it is hard for me to leave anything behind, because you never know when you will need something.
I am typically the dude with the large check-on in line and an overflowing backpack that bumps most folks in line or on the plane as I go by! I can be very verbose, but also know when the single word “sorry” is needed. (I guess I also say "sorry" funny, but that’s a whole different story!)
Recently my family bought me a different travel backpack in the hopes I can cut down the use of “sorry!” Check out my Tom Bihn post! It is a great pack with lots of storage compartments and a large “clam shell” opening to store clothes. They chose the SYNIK 30 and I love it.
Tom Bihn also carries many wonderful little storage organizers and bags to help you out! I think my mom would love all of these options at her disposal. When she travels, there is barely room for her feet because she has a plethora of bags all stuffed full with her essentials. Maybe I inherited my packing skills from her? Who knew?!?
They also told me it was time to part ways with my large Eagle Creek check-on bag. This bag and I have traveled many miles and seen some great sites together. It is a little difficult to lug into trains in Europe, but it has been an awesome travel companion. I can fit as much as I like in that bag, at least until the airline attendant at the counter says… you are too heavy.
Growing up as a “husky boy” I do take some offense at this comment. Fortunately for my hurt feelings, the suitcase accounts for about 15 of those pounds.
Based on that comment, I decided it was time to pare down and try traveling with my newly acquired backpack and find a carry-on suitcase! It also was time for a whole new level of research to find the perfect bag.
Do I want a hard-side bag or a soft-side bag? Does it need to be light enough to be able to lift in the storage compartment? Do I want clam-shell opening or just one compartment to fit everything? Do I want two wheels or four? How much can you cram into a single case? These were just a few of the questions running through my head, at least until I realized almost every article I read recommended a different suitcase.
Next up was do I really want a second mortgage to buy a carry on? I had not realized the price tag on some of these bags until I started digging deep to find that perfect bag. After much research, I decided upon the Briggs and Riley, Essential 22” Expandable Spinner! Then came another surprise… I got a hard NO, from my son on the price tag of $699. I guess we still needed money left over to purchase the plane tickets and hotel room!
My number two favorite suitcase was the Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Spinner. It seemed to be a good size and the wheels rolled like a dream. Since my wife and I each needed a new bag, the salesman sold us them for $300 each. I know, this is still spendy, but seems to be at the more reasonable end of the carry-on price spectrum!
Although my heart still wants the Briggs and Riley and loved how you could squish everything down at the end, this Travelpro is pretty dandy. I like that it has one big compartment and you can easily set it on the luggage rack of a hotel room and not worry about fitting the second half on as well. It pulls very nicely and seemed to do the trick on its maiden voyage to Hawai'i. Now we will see how it does on our next adventure, quite a few miles (and days) further.
I don’t think I am “fixed” and I still try to cram as many things as possible, but I am getting there. We try to book places with a washing machine every 5-7 days and have realized that it is possible to pack less.
My shining moment as we get ready to depart is that I just took a pair of tennis shoes, 2 pair of socks, 2 pair of underwear and 2 shirts out of my suitcase and am painfully leaving them behind.
I wish you much love and peace! Adventure awaits and I am so fortunate my family will still travel with me! ✌🏻❤️✈️