How to Pack

H

hawaiifly9

New Member
How does everyone pack for an 8 day trip when you don't know where you are going to be every night? You could end up in STP in the freezing cold snow one night then be in the islands the next.

How do you pack in the summer vs the winter?

Do you take enough for 2 or 3 days and do laundry?

Do you pack 1 pair shorts/jeans/shirts and a few pairs of drawers/socks?

Does it fit fairly well in a small suitcase or is it a squeeze?
 
I have a 22" PNS Stealth bag, and it all fits pretty well (even upwards of 18+ day trips). I simply bring a week's worth of socks, underwear, undershirts, 2-3 button-down shirts, a pair of jeans, an extra uniform (shirt/pants), and a pair of shorts. For shoes, I bring sandals and running shoes. If I'm out on an overnight, I simply wear my uniform shoes (these look better than rocking the usual pilot overnight uniform, jeans and white sneakers :)). At the bottom of my bag, I have a little toiletries tote. I have a leather jacket for work that I can wear on overnights too; just have to pull the epaulets and name tag off.

And really, that's about it. If you're out more than 7-8 days, you'll just have to do laundry. A lot of hotels have laundry facilities. This setup works pretty well, no matter where you are.
 
As many pairs of socks (and if you wear any - underwear) as you can stuff in the bag after you pack a minimum of a week's worth of stuff and other clothes.

The rest is dependent on the flying you do. Do you fly every day, or do you have decent layovers? If you have decent layovers, learn where you can do laundry. I try to get where I can do laundry every 4-5 days, but have plenty of socks/undershorts for longer in case of a reschedule.

If you fly every day, I'd pack lots of whatever you need for work. Maybe a pair of jeans that you can expect to be standing up on their own when you get to the house. Tide sells a deal where you can wash out skivvies in the sink if need be.

Given you have decent layovers, I pack a couple tshirts and at least one collared shirt. Like "The Life" there, I pack a pair of the mandatory nerd pilot layover running shoes, but use self discipline and don't wear them with jeans and a black belt. ;) Other than that throw in a set of exercise clothes.

There is an airline law that dictates that the weight of your overnight bag is inversely proportional to your longevity on the job. There are corollaries attached, but that's for later.
 
Ive packed 9 days worth in the 22" and yeah Its usually 9 pairs of socks, underwear. 4 or 5 t shirts, 1 or 2 longsleeved shirts, jeans, shorts, athletic shorts, some undershirts, sandels (if im going to be headed south or if its warm) tennis shoes, and an extra work shirt and pants, then I either wear the jacket the day of the trip or bring a light one (rolled up its barely larger than a shirt). Dont forget the essentials, in a small tote bag as Dasleben said.

Also I always bring a laptop/book/chargers in the laptop bag.
 
Polar742 said:
There is an airline law that dictates that the weight of your overnight bag is inversely proportional to your longevity on the job. There are corollaries attached, but that's for later.
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Haha. I had my first "real" 135 trip last week, which was a 4 day. My bag weighed a solid 30 lbs. I picked up the captain's bag to throw it in the back and it was a generous 8 lbs., maybe 9.
 
Polar742 said:
As many pairs of socks (and if you wear any - underwear) as you can stuff in the bag after you pack a minimum of a week's worth of stuff and other clothes.
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I knew you were challenged...I pack the underwear and socks first, then everything else I can cram in there... :)
 
Bumblebee said:
I knew you were challenged...I pack the underwear and socks first, then everything else I can cram in there... :)
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Yeah, that was very poorly worded.

Anyway, I have one of them fancy bags with the pockets on the side. I put all the essentials in there (at least a week's worth), then put the other stuff in, and if I can throw more skivvies in there, I do that.
 
dasleben said:
I have a 22" PNS Stealth bag, and it all fits pretty well (even upwards of 18+ day trips). I simply bring a week's worth of socks, underwear, undershirts, 2-3 button-down shirts, a pair of jeans, an extra uniform (shirt/pants), and a pair of shorts. For shoes, I bring sandals and running shoes. If I'm out on an overnight, I simply wear my uniform shoes (these look better than rocking the usual pilot overnight uniform, jeans and white sneakers :)). At the bottom of my bag, I have a little toiletries tote. I have a leather jacket for work that I can wear on overnights too; just have to pull the epaulets and name tag off.

And really, that's about it. If you're out more than 7-8 days, you'll just have to do laundry. A lot of hotels have laundry facilities. This setup works pretty well, no matter where you are.
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I pretty much do exactly this for an 8 day trip. I only bring one button down shirt. Usually a short sleeve. I also bring one or two smart wool pullovers that have a zipper they look ok and do a really good job of keeping me warm. This time of year I will sometimes bring a smart wool long johns too because we often frequent the ski areas. Don't forget a wool beenie and gloves. These are key.
 
Remember underwear has two sides and boxer shorts have two sides and two directions.
 
I'm glad I found this thread. I've been trying to figure out how to pack before I leave for training. I've got a big enough bag but I'm really trying to figure out how much to take. Its tough to try to figure out what I need when I'm going to be in hotels for probably 11+ months a year.
 
I use a work shirt per day of work. It might look clean but you might smell like monkey butt and not even realize it. I flew with a guy once who would brag about using one shirt for four ocean crossings and the guy smelled like death.

Most important thing: Know your layover city, especially international.

One pair of underwear, plus one, for every shower you take. Don't go cheap, you sit on your ass all day so have good quality underwear.

One pair of socks per day. Again, your feet are in shoes most of the day so get good quality socks. I think the best are SmartWool but they don't last all that long unfortunately.

Right now, I carry a sweater and two layover shirts. Zip up sweater so you can layer in the cold environs, a couple of layover shirts that are tasteful to get you into a decent restaurant if you choose and enough to help you sink into the watering hole of your choice.

One pair of jeans or pants — you're not wearing them that long during the layover.

Running shoes if you exercise.

A foldable/packable coat during the winter. If it doesn't fold and mash into that back pocket of the PNS 22' Stealth, it stays at home.

Layover shoes. Doesn't matter that much domestically, but internationally if you want to say "Hey, I don't understand the language so mug ME because I probably won't report it" go ahead and wear your tennis shoes with your hiked-up 501's, red golf shirt tucked into your unbelted jeans. Even thought I'm obviously not from the Czech Republic, I try to dress as incognito as possible when overseas. Dark coat, no red, NO running/tennis shoes because you will attract street urchins otherwise. Operational security and situational awareness starts with the little things to bolster layover safety.

I work large blocks of days on but the most I'll pack for is six days on the road and do laundry at the midpoint.

I work really hard not to resemble a pilot on a layover!
 
I'd say learn to fold things to fit right. You can fit a lot of stuff in your luggage if you put things in correctly and use the compression straps. For example, this week, I packed a little more than usual as I'm going on a trip after my work rotation. I have 9+ days worth of clothes, running shoes, sandals, my rock climbing gear (harness, belay gear, chalk bag, shoes), skiing gear (goggles and snow pants), and a couple sets of exercise clothes in my 22" bag. I didn't even have to use the expander or side pockets. That all comes in around 25 lbs. I have another bag that holds my laptop, headset, toiletries, resistance bands, and other personal stuff, probably 5 or 6 pounds.

If I think there's a chance I could be going somewhere cold, I'll wear my jacket/coat, even if it's hot where I'm departing from. You can take it off and stuff it somewhere later, but it saves you the hassle of trying to pack it.

EDIT: By the way, for underwear: http://www.rei.com/product/694431 Worth every cent.
 
While some people might smell bad after a day, alot of times in the 135/91 world the flight consists of 1 or 2 legs and then you're done before noon. Soo, changing shirts each day can get a bit tedious.

One trick is hang it in the shower with you, as itll get some of the wrinkles out and freshen it up a bit.

My general ROT is every two days on the job swap clothing. Obviously if you are flying around florida doing 12 hour days then maybe switch it out each day. But if you're like me and do a BUF run in the winter and sit there for 2 days, no reason to change out. I do switch ties though so I dont look the same each day.

For you 91/135 peeps, id bring a different tie for each day on the job.
 
Bring some duct tape and cable ties. Really. If you've ever had a zipper break on your suitcase at 0355, and you have a 0400 show time, or a handle fall off your laptop bag on day 1 of a 7 day trip, you'll understand. Best way to bring duct tape is to take a hotel key and wrap about 2 or 3 feet around it. Also, never leave home without a bottle opener. I decided to get a bottle of Guinness after a long ass day, got it to the hotel room, and realized I needed a bottle opener. I had to put my shoes and pants back on, and trek all the way down to the bar to get it open.
 
Jimmy_Norton said:
. Also, never leave home without a bottle opener. I decided to get a bottle of Guinness after a long ass day, got it to the hotel room, and realized I needed a bottle opener. I had to put my shoes and pants back on, and trek all the way down to the bar to get it open.
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Whhhhaaat? Just use a table or chair, or a spoon,fork, knife, lighter...

We have to teach you boozing survival skillz man.
 
Hell, you can use the desk to open a beer if you're good!

Doesn't work too well if you're already three sheets to the wind though! :)
 
Crockrocket94 said:
Whhhhaaat? Just use a table or chair, or a spoon,fork, knife, lighter...

We have to teach you boozing survival skillz man.
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Doug Taylor said:
Hell, you can use the desk to open a beer if you're good!

Doesn't work too well if you're already three sheets to the wind though! :)
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Well you know how Guinness bottles have those nitrogen capsules that go off when you open them? I didn't want to wack the bottle on the desk and have that thing go off half cocked.....but whatever, its a good idea to bring a bottle opener. And a plastic spoon and fork.
 
Jimmy_Norton said:
Well you know how Guinness bottles have those nitrogen capsules that go off when you open them? I didn't want to wack the bottle on the desk and have that thing go off half cocked.....but whatever, its a good idea to bring a bottle opener. And a plastic spoon and fork.
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What, did you forget your keys?
 
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