Wow, where can I find this vest......it is exactly what I need. I don't do glamour when travelling and at home, only occasionally.
I am mostly excited but also a bit scared at the same time. I do love my jeans but agree that it is not hugle practical due to it's weight.
Thrift store is certainly in my agenda. Can get quality stuff from thrift store sometimes. :)
I go by the 'Rule of threes'
3 tops - one short sleeved, one long sleeved, one warm long sleeved.
3 bottoms - 1 skirt, 1 cargo/walking type trousers, 1 black pants.
3 'outers' - 1 fleece, one light jacket, one sweater/cardigan/lightweight top
3 prs shoes - 1 pr walking shoes, 1 pr ballet flats type 'good shoes', 1 pr sandals (if needed)
3 sets of underwear - one to wear, one to wash and one spare.
Together with the bits and pieces like makeup, electronics etc, it usually comes in at under 8 kg.
Should I ever need to 'frock up' because I've unexpectedly been invited to the Queen's garden party, there's always the Charity Shops. Same goes for the unexpected resurgence of the ice age in July.
If you are a bloke it's even easier!
In all my years of travel, I can think of 4 souveirs, I wish I'd bought.
You see that stuff at garage sales.
I've never seen any of this stuff (that I can see from the chair I'm sitting in) at a garage sale:
Good Burmese lacquerware
Betel nut boxes, etc. from Laos, Burma, and Cambodia
Old, well-used "hill-tribe" basketry
Tara, Buddha, and other images from Nepal, Burma, etc.
Old ritual knives, bells, cymbals, and so on from Tibet and Nepal
Thangkas (one very nice one in this room)
Silk curtains/sarongs from Laos and Cambodia (hanging on carved sandlewood)
Beautiful rock from the hillside overlooking the crematory fires at a river in Nepal
(Not buying much these days, though.)
Yeah, there is some seriously good stuff in here. I'm so glad I brought it home. And I'm so glad I can have good coffee every morning, even in coffee wastelands like HK and Cambodia. And gladder still that I don't need to buy fake antibiotics, etc. if I get sick in Asia.
go_2, I wish I can sew but perhaps I can stuff the ipad under my clothing. lol
Here's an idea. Get yourself a string vest and sew up the bottom.
Fill it with your heavy stuff or whatever, then wear it round your neck under your clothes. You'll look preggers, but who cares?
Don't stay up all nightwith excitement b4 leaving home. (yeah right). All the years I've been traveling, and all the diff pcks, duffles, rolling du.., pack with wheels thatt weighed 8.5 lbs empty. heee hee
I think I have a stem down.
But I repack abbout three times the night b4 cast-off.
I'm never more alive than when agawking.
getting lost is a bonus!
My backpack is 8-9 kg/35 l., I'm male, so I carry less than average woman. It's one piece, carry on, handy on flights, busses and trains.
5 underwear, 5 pairs of socks, 2 t-shirts, 3 shortsleeved shirts, 2 longsleeved shirts, 1 long trousers, 2 pairs of shortpants, 1 pair of sandals, a book. Plus a little torch, toilettries (toothbrush, toothpaste, nail clipper, small shampoo), fleece jacket, shell jacket.
Separate waist pouch for camera, wallet and sun glasses.
That's what I usually have, no matter what country and what climate or temps (-10 C to 40 C). I've never missed anything.
I can wash t-shirts or socks in the bathroom, or at a laundry service. Things like sleeping bags and tents can be hired.
I don't carry laptop with me. There're inernet cafes everywhere.
I've never been able to get it below 15 kg. Most bags weigh at least 3.5 kg. I agree about jeans, but suggest light-weight long underwear for under the light pants for necessary warmth.
Anyone still travel with a sleep sheet - I had one made out of an Indian sari. Light weight, and gorgeous. I also must have my binoculars with me. And, if going to mozzie areas, my free-standing mosquito tent!
I see there is another person who goes by the rule of three!!! it has worked for me for years. I do put in a skirt when i go to a hot country, as it is more comfortable than long pants. Just Google 'fisherman's vest' and you will find a place either in Oz or on line. there are dozens of styles. you could probably get one at a sports shop. I once travelled with a woman who wore one, and it was brilliant, esp. for her camera gear in the pre digital camera days.