Rupert Parker offers another 7 tips to packing light for smaller carry-on bags to comply with airlines’ reduced cabin bag allowances.
When I travel, I always try to get away with just hand baggage. Flying is stressful enough and if you can remove the anxiety of whether your luggage is going to arrive, that’s a serious plus. Unfortunately, airlines have been shrinking their allowances which has made me rethink some of my packing strategies. here are my 7 tips to packing light..
OSPREY ARCANE LARGE DAY BACKPACK
First, you need something to put everything in and the folks at Osprey know about backpacks. This fits EasyJet requirements although not those of Ryanair and the twenty-litre capacity means you should be able to get everything inside. Unlike Osprey’s other models the design is minimalist with only a small, zipped compartment and stretched mesh pocket on the outside.
There’s a carrying handle on the top and the pack fits snugly on your shoulders the foam ridges on the AirScape™ back panel ensuring comfort. The external zip opens to the full length of the pack allowing you easy access to your belongings. Inside there’s a padded laptop sleeve and internal organisation pockets, including a zipped scratch-free compartment for sunglasses and electronics. The material is a 100% recycled polyester blend with a water-repellent coating.
Osprey Arcane Large Day Backpack
Weight: 600g Volume: 20 l
Dimensions: 45 x 30 x 22 cm
£90
Rohan makes great gear, which is both stylish and light, easily washable, fast drying and doesn’t crease. Here’s my selection for your travel wardrobe.
JACKETS
PORTO LINEN JACKET
Rohan knows how to make stylish travel clothes and this lightweight jacket uses a mix of natural linen with synthetic fibres for easy care and high wicking. The fabric maximises comfort and breathability whilst keeping you cool and packs down small without creasing. Perfect as a smart-casual style or for a more formal setting, there are four patch pockets and two zipped security pockets to keep those essentials safe.
Weight: 465g Fabric 50% Linen 50% Polyester
£130
JOURNEY BLAZER
If you need to pack smart, then the Journey Blazer will keep you looking sharp for your next business meeting, even if you’ve just got off the plane. There are three external pockets, one on the chest and two at the waist, and two internal zipped pockets, one of which has a concealed pouch pocket for valuables. The other has amazing RFID blocking technology which keeps your personal information on passports and cards safe from hackers. There’s also a hidden internal pouch pocket and pen slot.
Weight: 740g Fabric: 100% polyester with Polygiene® odour control technology and Dynamic Moisture Control
£250
Shirts
SENTRY SHIRT
I’ve used different versions of these over the years and they never let me down. The man-made seersucker fabric is high-wicking, easily absorbing moisture and treated with Insect Shield® technology to protect against those nasty mosquitos. It also provides UPF 40+ sun protection. With button-down collars and just one chest packet, it has a relaxed cut, comfortable for long flights.
Weight: 210g Fabric: 63% polyester, 37% polyamide with Dynamic Moisture Control
£80
QUAY POLO
This long sleeve Polo is made of a combination of Polyester, Linen and Elastane which gives it stretch. They call it Performance Linen which has a loose weave to allow extra airflow yet is quick drying and crease resistant. Like the Sentry Shirt, it’s high wicking and treated with Insect Shield® technology to repel insects. It’s stylish enough to be worn for business and adventure alike.
Weight: 250g
Fabric: 83% Polyester 11% Linen 6% Elastane
£70
Trousers
Porto linen trousers
These are the matching trousers for the Porto Jacket but work well on their own. The relaxed fit keeps you cool and comfortable and they’re surprisingly lightweight. There are two deep side pockets and one concealed zipped security pocket to keep your passport, hotel key card or credit cards safe. The waist is slightly elasticated and fastens with a button at the front. After washing they’ll be dry in under three hours, completely crease-free.
Weight: 360g
Fabric: 50% Linen 50% Polyester
£80
DISTRICT CHINOS
These classic Chinos are made from a two-way stretch fabric, 100% Polyester with no Elastane and are high wicking to absorb moisture. The tailored fit makes them smart enough for any situation. There are two rear buttoned pockets, two hand pockets and one zipped security pocket to keep all your essentials safe. In addition, there’s a hidden tiny triangle ring in the left-hand pocket to attach your keys.
Weight: 490g Fabric: 100% Polyester
£90
Tell Me More About 7 Tips to Packing Light
Both Osprey and Rohan tend to discount their gear and, at the moment, some of the items are reduced by more than 50%. Get in quick while stocks last! Remember these 7 tips to packing light, they may save you money on hold charges.
