Packing tips? Let's have 'em!

You might consider getting some of the bags that can squash down your clothes (they have them at target in the luggage aisle). Basically a fancy, big ziplock bag to squash the air out.
 
See, I'm so different. I pack a LOT. I pack a different shirt for each day, socks, I don't wear draws [did you catch that, Doug?], coat, PS3, Gun Oil (not for firearms . . . hehehe), "accessories", external speakers, Emergency rations (tuna, salmon, microwavable rice, etc), cables for EVERYTHING, laptop, external hard drive, overnight outfit (usually a pair of pants, and two shirts), pajamas, PT gear, toiletries, and some other things that shouldn't go on the Innernets.

I REFUSE to do without when I'm on the road!

Oooo - but some manuals are about to start getting left behind. We've been approved to use a personal Kindle in lieu of the GOM and POH! :):)

dayuum dude, don't your boys need a house? :rotfl:
 
I've always wondered why some passengers bring two extra large suitcases that are only checkable when they're going away to see their mother in Madison, Wisconsin in the summer for 3 nights. Just bring a backpack people! Anyway...

First and foremost, learn to wear some items more than once (like t-shirts that you wear for only 4 hours one day and another 4 hours the next day). Underwear and undershirts though should only be worn ONCE! Fold everything as symmetrically and neatly as possible.

Here's what I do for a 4-day trip for a 22" rollaboard:

-Pack ONE pair of neatly folded jeans in the bottom of your suitcase. If in the summer choose between jeans or shorts, or both.
-Extra pilot shirt (I use ONE shirt for 2 days, if you don't sweat profusely you're okay to do this).
-Place 2 sets of neatly folded shirts, one collared shirt for going out (or for non-revving out of uniform so you can have a relaxing adult beverage), and one t-shirt for random shenanigans with your captain or favorite flight attendant.
-Four undershirts on top of the regular shirts
-4 or 5 pairs of underwear ROLLED tightly and placed into a 8"x2"x5" rectangular zipper bag, placed next to shirts
-Four pairs of black socks on top of the casual shoes listed below
-One pair of short white socks for running on the hotel treadmill, placed inside your running shoes (screw the white socks for going out, wear the black ones with your jeans. No one sees your socks.)
-One pair of running shoes or casual shoes placed in the middle of the suitcase. Choose one or the other. You shouldn't carry any more than one pair of shoes in your luggage.
-Swimsuit placed on top of shoes (doubles as workout shorts)
-At the top of the suitcase place your toiletry kit with only the needed accessories. So... toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss (yes, you do need to floss regularly!), deodorant, mouthwash in a small container, bar soap/body wash, your favorite shampoo and conditioner (I avoid the nasty hotel products), nail clippers, tweezers, razors, shaving cream, etc
-Small travel umbrella placed vertically on the side
-Laptop charger
-Phone charger
-Travel sized highly concentrated laundry detergent
-One dryer sheet (can be reused many times)
-Wine corker
-In outer compartments place flip-flops and any other flat accessories like magazines and newspapers.
-I use a 10.1" netbook for basic internet functions (which it barely can do too) and I leave the larger laptop at home.
-A good bottle of wine to share with the crew
 
What is standard protocol for international travel?

You have a pair of polished black shoes. Most metropolitan areas overseas that I go to, people tend to dress more formally than we do in North America, so I pack pants and a shirt that would be appropriate in the city and match my black shoes. Trying to blend in a bit does several things; tends to take the "loud American" stereotype down a notch - which tends to get you less noticed by people that dis-like Americans (close your eyes and imagine, they do exist), that tends to improve your personal security a bit, and shows that you are a "guest" in their country.

to the OP: the weight of your bag is inversely proportional to your longevity.
 
Good thread. I would give input, but I only do two day trips, so my rollerbag is pretty much for carrying toiletries and a change of underwear.

Jace do you really bring a bottle of wine with you every trip? You really have things dialed in. You should post what you pack for food for a trip. Im guessing budget road warrior gourmet, I would sure like to know whats in your lunch box.
 
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