How to pack 10 extra pounds of stuff for free or the return of the duffel bag.

[ronscuba]

So I am packing for my next trip. Dive gear and photo gear is heavy stuff. No way I am going to pay Continental $200 extra for having a bag more than 50 pounds.

I decide to weigh my empty wheeled 30" suitcase. 12 pounds. I check online and the average wheeled suitcase that meets the airline max 62 linear inch size requirements weighs 12 pounds. Wheeled duffels are slightly lighter. Super light bags are 8-10 pounds and cost $300 or more.

Out of curiosity I look at non-wheeled duffels. Eagle Creek 30" duffel. $85 for this years model, $65 for last years model, weight............ 2 pounds.

Looks like I am going to use one of those $2 airport luggage carts and get a little more exercise carrying a duffel. At least I'll be able to bring 48 pounds of stuff instead of 38.

 

[CuNanoTube]

Good plan. I like it.

 

[tajkd]

I've been carrying a duffel for many years. Even better than the weight advantage is for use on live-aboards. The duffel simply collapses and can be stored anywher. Try doing that with the wheeled suitcase.

 

[scubamarketing]

I switched over to only carry-ons a couple of years back and it has been incredible. A couple of sites I'd suggest reading are:
Pack Light. Go Fast.
OBOW Blog - One-bag, carry-on, light travel tips, techniques, and gear

I've been using one of these (Amazon.com: 5.11 1 Day Rush Backpack: Sports & Outdoors) as my "computer bag" (personal item) and one of these for dive gear and whatever I can't fit in my backpack (Amazon.com: Patagonia MLC: Clothing).

I don't worry about lost baggage, I take only what I need, I don't have to wait to pick up bags when I arrive. It's definitely a change, but it's been great so far. At this point, TSA isn't weighing bags at security, so weight isn't a problem aside from what I can carry comfortably.

 

[DandyDon]

I started packing for my last trip by weighing my bags, switched to my duffels and now I need to ebay a couple of bags...!!

Don't forget to take your scales with you to weigh before returning.

 

[ronscuba]

Another nice thing is some duffels have wide handle straps. This lets you carry the duffel like a backpack if necessary, like up stairs.

I have a photographer's vest too. I wore it onto the plane packed with stuff on my Indonesia trip.

 

[Layla]

They only weigh bags not people, my rain jacket happenns to have deep inside pockets sewn into them

 

[DandyDon]

They only weigh bags not people, my rain jacket happenns to have deep inside pockets sewn into them

Yet. My roll-on is almost as heavy as my checked bags, and my laptop bag is really pushing limits.

 

[diver 85]

They only weigh bags not people, my rain jacket happenns to have deep inside pockets sewn into them

Wrong----we were on a TACA flight almost 10 years ago now & they weighed everything---bags, carryons, AND passengers....Wife & I & the other couple with us happened to be 1st in line & when they asked my wife(the very 1st person to be weighed) to step up on the scale, she said 'I beg your pardon, I don't think so'....Well, it was true & when asked why, guy in broken English stated they want to see how much fuel to add to the plane......My wife then siad 'just fill it up, none will go to waste later on today or tomorrow on other flights!!!!!!!!!'.......

 

[lionfish-eater]

Those two dollar airport luggage carts are now four dollars. Hope this doesn't eat into your beer budget too much. You can always go to the arrivals area instead of the departure area and pick up a free cart that someone left in the parking lot. Just think of what you could do with the extra money.


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