https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimal-packing-taken-to-extremes Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 04 Apr 2026 11:31:14 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimal-packing-taken-to-extremes/page/2#post-1167715 Sat, 15 Feb 2014 14:56:57 +0000 rachylou 1167715@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lol, Trix. What are you talking about, rooms with their own bathrooms? After budget travel comes student travel.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimal-packing-taken-to-extremes/page/2#post-1167659 Sat, 15 Feb 2014 13:59:26 +0000 trix 1167659@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rachylou: Ha, you just made me realize the benefits of budget travel: The bathrooms of the rooms where you're staying are so small that a laundry line probably could wrap from the shower rod to the door and back. I'm sure this just convinced you that this is how you want to travel on your next trip. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimal-packing-taken-to-extremes/page/2#post-1166863 Fri, 14 Feb 2014 17:41:44 +0000 rachylou 1166863@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Trix - No! You cannot admit that! Hehe. Just kidding. I'm amazed you found a way to rig up that laundry line. I had one. I was never in a place where there were two things close enough for me stretch it between... and hold. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimal-packing-taken-to-extremes/page/2#post-1166535 Fri, 14 Feb 2014 11:23:55 +0000 Astrid 1166535@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ornella, really? That would be great! Maybe we can do a Berlin meet up.</p> <p>Charmian, thanks for the pictures and your list! Looks like a great little capsule... You're right that I will probably wash a t-shirt and underwear at one time and not much more. We'll probably do laundry big time for the whole family too so I don't think I will need to handwash my bottoms for example. I'll ask my mum for how much days they are going to pack.</p> <p>Thanks Rachylou and Trix! I'll think about it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimal-packing-taken-to-extremes/page/2#post-1166219 Fri, 14 Feb 2014 00:54:30 +0000 trix 1166219@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Um. Can I admit that I actually did use my laundry line on a six-week Europe backpacking trip? It looked a lot like <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.amazon.com/Going-In-Style-Flexoline-Clothesline/dp/B000EN0VE8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1392339249&amp;sr=8-2&amp;keywords=travel+laundry+line">this one</a> and could be looped around a shower curtain bar and a doorknob. I used to use it for underwear, socks, and sometimes even T-shirts. (I think I was traveling with maybe three days' worth of clothing, maybe four, on that trip,&nbsp;so pretty much had to do some laundry every few nights.) It finally disintegrated from age, and I am in fact thinking about buying a replacement.&nbsp;</p> <p>(Oh, and light nylon clothes did drip dry overnight, but they certainly weren't fashionable. Now they're reserved just for cover-ups in super-humid, sun-intense climates, which is kind of the opposite of Scotland.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimal-packing-taken-to-extremes/page/2#post-1166179 Fri, 14 Feb 2014 00:01:01 +0000 rachylou 1166179@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree that the travel laundry line is totally useless. They're impossible to hang. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimal-packing-taken-to-extremes/page/2#post-1166164 Thu, 13 Feb 2014 23:31:21 +0000 Charmian 1166164@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you're looking for laundry tips, my advice is NOT to get a travel laundry line. &nbsp;They're great for some travellers, but when your wardrobe is as pared down as what you describe, the only thing you'll end up hanging is maybe one blouse and some underwear ... which you can do on a chair!</p> <p>I know you're not lacking in encouragement, but I just wanted to join the choir saying that&nbsp;you can totally do this! &nbsp;I just spent 3 weeks in Asia, with temperatures ranging from 40-70F (5C-24C), and formality level going&nbsp;from hiking to a wedding. &nbsp;And yes, it was a soft-sided carry-on.</p> <p>Here's the clothing&nbsp;I brought; sorry for the lousy picture and messy background ... I took this photo for planning purposes, never intending to post it on YLF!</p> <p>Shoes: converses (that I planned to trash while hiking), plain black flats.<br />Accessories: gray crossbody, patterned black clutch, simple silver necklace, cream/burgundy/slate-blue scarf.<br />Bottoms: black baggy/boyfriend wool trousers, slim black ponte pants (with moto-styled zippers&nbsp;that I could hide with a long top), jeans.<br />Tops: Chambray shirt, t-shirt, silk blouse, lightweight/slim burgundy sweater, heavyweight camel sweater, technical gray puffy vest.<br />Dress: slate-blue silk shift.<br />Other: two heattech tops (one that I could pass as a black turtleneck if I were careful what I layered on top).</p> <p>If I were to do it again, I would drop the silk blouse (I could tuck my silk shift into my pants and wear it as a top) and t-shirt (I run super cold, what was I thinking?!); basically, 3 bottoms, 4 tops, 1 dress. &nbsp;As you can see, having&nbsp;one color palette means you can mix and match everything.</p> <p>Not shown are my swimsuit, hiking bag, 3 pairs of wool socks (&lt;3 them!), black wool coat,&nbsp;camera, and kindle.</p> <p>Warning: you might get sick of your items and not want to wear them after you return home. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimal-packing-taken-to-extremes/page/2#post-1166122 Thu, 13 Feb 2014 22:07:39 +0000 Ornella 1166122@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, I may actually be coming to Berlin sometimes in April :-D&nbsp;</p> <p>If I do, we can check the store together...</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimal-packing-taken-to-extremes/page/2#post-1165906 Thu, 13 Feb 2014 18:39:02 +0000 Astrid 1165906@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LOL, that's right, Rachylou! :D</p> <p>Ornella, they are going to open the flagship store in Berlin in April. Not sure if there will be other stores elsewhere soon! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimal-packing-taken-to-extremes/page/2#post-1165897 Thu, 13 Feb 2014 18:34:41 +0000 Ornella 1165897@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Astrid, Uniqlo comes to Germany??? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimal-packing-taken-to-extremes/page/2#post-1165875 Thu, 13 Feb 2014 18:26:13 +0000 rachylou 1165875@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ja, I'd be doing my two-pants to one-skirt thing too for Scotland. Scotland is First World!</p> <p>Third World is the reverse, because of another two words: pit toilets. I really really don't understand why Western women tend, in my experience, to want to wear pants when going Third World. Not to be too graphic, but I think up and away from the muck is the better choice...</p> <p>Jus' sayin'... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimal-packing-taken-to-extremes/page/2#post-1165789 Thu, 13 Feb 2014 16:54:47 +0000 Astrid 1165789@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the tip with the mesh bag! I wouldn't have thought of that. I do have one of those towels that packs small and dries fast, very practical. That makes sense with the skirts and "socks", although I think pants might be the better choice for this trip. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimal-packing-taken-to-extremes/page/2#post-1163960 Tue, 11 Feb 2014 20:39:19 +0000 rachylou 1163960@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's true, nothing ever drip-dries overnight. No matter what the package says. Two words: Mesh bag. Also: Highly absorbent travel towel. Really press out excess water before you hang to dry.</p> <p>The whole temp thing is why I really prefer skirts and lots of socks (I include stockings and leggings in this). If very hot, skirt and no socks. If cold, double up on the stockings - and if you're in a skirt, they're easy to get off if it warms up.</p> <p>But I rough it in skirts, have no qualms about that. I wear skirts camping too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimal-packing-taken-to-extremes/page/2#post-1163345 Tue, 11 Feb 2014 10:34:43 +0000 Astrid 1163345@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Rachylou! Yes, lugging a suitcase around isn't fun....<br /> I'm not sure whether I will take a skirt or not, I guess it depends on the jacket and shoes I take. I think pairing gear with a skirt often looks akward. I'm not sure two or three outfits are enough either -maybe when the temperatures are consistent and you do more city travel... I also wonder about washing, what when the things don't dry fast enough?<br /> I've heard a lot of praise for the Uniqlo heattech stuff, definitely going to try those when we get our first Uniqlo store here this spring. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimal-packing-taken-to-extremes/page/2#post-1162658 Mon, 10 Feb 2014 17:24:59 +0000 rachylou 1162658@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I will never, ever, ever travel with a large suitcase ever again. With the possible exception of going to a place and staying put in a single location. It is sooo aggravating lugging such an awkward thing around. In and out of cars, up and down stairs, etc. Just gets old fast.</p> <p>I've done quite a few three-week trips to China and Europe with a largish rolling backpack. If going to a third world place, I like two skirts, one pants. If first world, the reverse. Three tops. One warm sweater. A London Fog with removable liner. One walking shoes, one low-heel flats (i.e., not ballet flats). Lots of socks. Admittedly, I always go with the idea I'll buy something else neato-keen to wear. </p> <p>Oh, and these days I'd probably also add thermals. I *do* like the Uniqlo heattech stuff. I'm always cold now!</p> <p>That adds up to wearing one outfit, two outfits in the bag. Mix and match everything. I'd cut it down to just two outfits - one on, one in the bag. But I'll never be a minimalist...</p> <p>I could also see doing jersey dresses instead of skirts and tops - like the KamaliKulture ones - esp. the All In One. I've got a tree-way romper too that maybe I'd do to up the fashion fun. My basic program relies on severe preppiness to be honest. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimal-packing-taken-to-extremes/page/2#post-1162579 Mon, 10 Feb 2014 15:58:12 +0000 Astrid 1162579@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks E! I'm going to get it checked out, hopefully before the London trip. Last summer a lot of my holiday pictures were so-so. I'm not sure whether it's the lens or the body, but I suspect the body because my other lens isn't much better. I'd love a new everyday lens actually, but I don't have the money for it. I hope nothing's wrong with yours!</p> <p>Thanks Cheryl! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimal-packing-taken-to-extremes/page/2#post-1162562 Mon, 10 Feb 2014 15:21:11 +0000 cheryl 1162562@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You can do it Astrid! Thanks for sharing your travel pics. So beautiful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimal-packing-taken-to-extremes/page/2#post-1162472 Mon, 10 Feb 2014 13:21:59 +0000 E 1162472@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh yes, I'd never leave my camera behind on a trip! But it does make trying to cut back on the weight of luggage trickier. I hope your autofocus gets fixed; I'm afraid something's wrong with either my camera or one of my lens, as my attempts to photograph some songbirds yesterday came out very oddly. :/&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimal-packing-taken-to-extremes/page/2#post-1161843 Sun, 09 Feb 2014 19:05:19 +0000 Astrid 1161843@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>E, I'm also taking my camera, if I manage to get the autofocus fixed that is. It's quite a bit of weight but I like taking pictures so I don't think I could leave it at home on a trip like this.</p> <p>Thanks Suz! We have so many pictures from Norway it's insane, it was a holiday where you couldn't stop taking pictures.</p> <p>Thanks Trix! I'm sure I'm going to love it. We always wanted to do this and it never worked out before, I'm glad I can join the rest of the family now.</p> <p>Ooh, that's a fantastic idea, Donna! If I'm going to buy/wish for something it should definitely be a great cashmere sweater... </p> <p>Thanks Rabbit! Yes, dry clothes are important, I won't pack too light either. Agree on the jeans, I need some new suitable pants because I don't fit into my old ones anymore. I hope I'll find something that's practical and not too bad looking.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimal-packing-taken-to-extremes/page/2#post-1161840 Sun, 09 Feb 2014 19:02:36 +0000 rabbit 1161840@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It sounds like a great trip! &nbsp;Everyone's advice and your plans sound really good. &nbsp;Although you probably are planning this already&nbsp;(having lived in Glasgow for awhile, and done a lot of hiking in the highlands) I'd be sure to&nbsp;have dry shoes and clothes to change into, it wasn't uncommon for me&nbsp;to come back from a longer hike soaked through when I started out in sunshine. &nbsp; &nbsp;(Also, as you probably know,&nbsp;don't hike in jeans, cold wet jeans are no fun at all.) &nbsp;A warm wool hat is also a necessity on hikes when it unexpectedly starts sleeting.</p> <p>I'll second what others have said about socks, performance hiking socks that stay warm and wick (smartwool is great) and have extra padding underneath&nbsp;are so comfortable&nbsp;and worth the cost. I also wear the thin wicking liner socks underneath on hikes, because they move any sweat or water away from your foot - even waterproof boots can get wet down the ankle given enough time.&nbsp;</p> <p>Also yes to Skye, yes to Glencoe and Glen Afric (if you want to see the remnants of the old Caledonia forest, amazing trees). &nbsp;So jelly! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimal-packing-taken-to-extremes/page/2#post-1161833 Sun, 09 Feb 2014 18:47:14 +0000 DonnaF 1161833@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Scotland, huh?&nbsp; Maybe you can get your folks to buy you one of those famed Scottish cashmere sweaters as a combined birthday/Christmas/graduation gift?&nbsp; &lt;gr&gt;&nbsp; My understanding is that they are breathtakingly expensive, but so-o-o-o worth it value-wise. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimal-packing-taken-to-extremes/page/2#post-1161829 Sun, 09 Feb 2014 18:42:36 +0000 trix 1161829@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yay for booking the trip! I'm sure it'll be amazing.</p> <p>(And I'll add a recommendation for Skye. Actually, I'd recommend all of the places I went on my one visit -- we spent about 3 days in the Highlands plus Skye, about the same mount&nbsp;in the Borders, and a few days&nbsp;in the middle (Edinburgh/Glasgow/Stirling). We somehow got lucky and had only two days or so of rain, but it seemed like a week's worth of rain was packed into those two days. Rain or not, it was one of my favorite vacations ever. Hope you love it just as much!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimal-packing-taken-to-extremes/page/2#post-1161827 Sun, 09 Feb 2014 18:37:35 +0000 Suz 1161827@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Astrid, those are gorgeous photos! I have no additional advice beyond what you've received, but just wanted to say that it sounds like an exciting trip!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimal-packing-taken-to-extremes/page/2#post-1161763 Sun, 09 Feb 2014 16:52:27 +0000 E 1161763@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great photos Astrid! I'll have to add some of my trip to Ecuador (they're on an external hard drive so not as easily accessible right now). :)</p> <p>And you're welcome Steph!</p> <p>As far as bags go, my backpack isn't max US size, in fact I bought it partly&nbsp;because one of the reviews mentioned she had no problems w RyanAir. It's 38L when full, but I could still cinch it down quite a bit w everything in it, and added souvenirs as I went,&nbsp;so it must not have been full. lol&nbsp;So definitely doable in a smaller than US carry on suitcase!</p> <p>If I recall, it ended up weighing in at 12-13 lbs, with my purse weighing another 4-5 (!) thnx to camera stuff (I wanted to keep my lenses with me instead of risking them smashed in overhead.)&nbsp;&amp; my smart phone, etc.. So all together I was at 16-18&nbsp;lbs, which is under 10 kg. Weight is important to me w my health issues, so I was actually disappointed I didn't get it down further. Will have to work more on that in the future! Although it's tricky when you enjoy photography. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimal-packing-taken-to-extremes/page/2#post-1161757 Sun, 09 Feb 2014 16:41:23 +0000 Astrid 1161757@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the link Mrseccentric! I'm going to have a look. And I agree, seeing real life travel lists is so helpful!</p> <p>Gaylene, we will be going by Ryanair. They've changed it so you can take one additional moderately sized bag (e.g. a handbag), but I remember the times when you were only allowed one, as you said! I've had to check my bag at the gate once because I was over the weight limit by - oh - maybe one kilo. So I'm very careful now! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimal-packing-taken-to-extremes/page/2#post-1161755 Sun, 09 Feb 2014 16:36:58 +0000 Gaylene 1161755@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, I forgot to add that my handbag for the trip was a Longchamp LePilage because it could be folded away for those cheap Ryan Air/Easy Jet flights. Don't know if those carriers are still as rigid, but they used to limit you to a SINGLE carry on which had to fit their very tight size and weight restrictions. If you carried a handbag, you were forced to check your carryon for outrageously high costs at the gate! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimal-packing-taken-to-extremes/page/2#post-1161753 Sun, 09 Feb 2014 16:34:20 +0000 mrseccentric 1161753@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi! deja pesu of unefemme.net just completed a series on carry-on travel, deja pesu has been committed to traveling with just carry on luggage for a couple of years now so she has a lot of experience with this. I've included a link to a search for 'carry-on travel' on her blog, but she has lots and lots of posts on travel wardrobes, etc. so it could be worth your time to take a look around. </p> <p>And E, thank you so much for posting your travel list! I find these types of real world examples to be so very very helpful - i really appreciate your taking the time :)&nbsp; Happy Day All!&nbsp; steph</p> <p><a href="http://unefemme.net/?s=carry-on+travel" rel="nofollow">http://unefemme.net/?s=carry-on+travel</a></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimal-packing-taken-to-extremes#post-1161751 Sun, 09 Feb 2014 16:28:28 +0000 ramya 1161751@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oooo lovely. Astrid you look sorted and you beed to comeback to Stavanger </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimal-packing-taken-to-extremes#post-1161750 Sun, 09 Feb 2014 16:26:32 +0000 Astrid 1161750@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Janet! I'm going to add it to my list. :)</p> <p>Thanks Gaylene! I hoped you'd chime in, as a queen of lightweight packing. Your travel wardrobe sounds fab! And yes, being on holiday is so much more relaxed when you stop worrying about your outfits. If I manage to still look stylish it's a bonus of course. </p> <p>ETA</p> <p>Booked the tickets, explanation at the beginning of the thread.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimal-packing-taken-to-extremes#post-1161743 Sun, 09 Feb 2014 16:12:48 +0000 Gaylene 1161743@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lots of good tips here, but I just wanted to chime to say it's completely possible to take a 3-4 week vacation using only a <i>small </i>carry on.</p> <p>I toured through England, Scandinavia, and France for four weeks in the spring with only a small backpack (the kind used for a laptop computer). My trip involved rain, sunshine, major cities (London, Paris, Copenhagen), and a considerable amount of hiking and walking. My decision to take such a small bag was based on having something comfortable to carry on subways, trams, and trains, as well as fit well within the limits of Ryan Air and EasyJet carry on restrictions. </p> <p>I wore pants, top, cashmere sweater, boots, and raincoat on the plane. In my bag was another pair of light-weight black pants (my "dressy" alternative!), four tops (one long-sleeve, two 3/4 sleeve, and one short-sleeve), a skirt, a pair of light-weight walking sandals with a slight heel, and a very light-weight nylon windbreaker. Since it was spring, I added a pair of gloves, scarf, merino cami, and umbrella to the mix, along with my nightwear and tiny personal kit. I took a change of undies and a couple of extra pairs of socks because I gave these things a quick swish out in the sink every night.</p> <p>I always felt appropriately dressed and loved the feeling of not having to worry about what to wear. </p>