Test packing for next week's trip

[Tradd]

As you might remember, I'm going down to Louisiana to visit a friend next week. Fly down Thursday afternoon and back late Sunday afternoon. I have an LL Bean Quickload convertible bag I love, but for a short trip like this, it's actually too big.

I pulled out my trusty LL Bean Adventure duffle bag, small size, and did a test pack. I'm amazed how much I got in it.

1 pair knit cropped pants
1 pair yoga pants (to sleep in)
1 ls t-shirt (to sleep in)
1 "t-shirt twin set" (sleeveless shell and button up top)
2 knit tops
1 bra
4 pair underwear

All of these were rolled and put into 2 x 2 gallon Ziplock bags.

1 pair athletic Mary Jane shoes

1 quart bag with minimal makeup, allergy meds/Immodium/Motrin, toothbrush, collapsible hair brush, a few bandaids and moleskin

1 quart bag with feminine hygiene items

1 quart bag (for 3-1-1 bag) with lotion and my fave hair conditioner (friend said to not bother bringing toothpaste, shampoo, etc.)

sandwich size ziplock with phone charger cable (will also fit my Kindle) and wall USB plug

I'll have a small purse with my Kindle Paperwhite and just the basics, including my smart phone

I'll wear sweater twin set, light shawl, jeans, Chaco sandals, one pair of earrings, watch

My duffle isn't full! I'm amazed how much stuff I got in it. There's still room in it to stuff my purse in it when I go through security.

New Orleans is still in the 70s, so I don't need heavy clothes. I fly down on a little jet, so I'll still be able to keep my duffle with me, putting it under the seat in front of me. I did that when I went to Cleveland for a weekend two years ago. I was one of the few people allowed to keep my bag with me, not being required to gate check it. I fly back on a 737, and the overheads on the bigger planes get filled up so quickly, so being able to put my bag under the seat is a big positive.

[lmerullo]

The hubs and I regularly travel either by plane or on motorcycle (think tiny saddlebags) with just one bag each. It is quite doable. One thing though - do you need something fancier for going out in the evenings? NOLA is such a different place at night. Maybe a sparkly wrap or cardigan to just through on.

Enjoy your trip!

[Tradd]

Nope, nothing fancy needed. The friend I'm visiting lives outside of Baton Rouge. We're going to split our time between her and her DH's place and then go down to NOLA on Saturday morning and spend the night there. We're going to a casual place on Saturday evening, La Crepe Nanou, that was recommended by someone else here.

[Gardenarian]

Sounds perfect. Ziplock bags are so handy for packing. Does that size duffel fit under the seat of the plane? I hate the scrimmage for the overhead bins.

[Tradd]

Sounds perfect. Ziplock bags are so handy for packing. Does that size duffel fit under the seat of the plane? I hate the scrimmage for the overhead bins.

Yes, it does. It fits under the seat in the dinky regional jets, which I learned on a flight a couple of years ago. So, I"ll have no issues fitting it under the seat on the way down (dinky regional jet) let alone the 737 on the flight home. :)

[maryellen]

I am impressed! and have been looking for a good carry-on bag. I don't fly much but it seems that I am always on small regional planes. I checked out the LLBean Adventure duffel bags but there are many sizes - and some have wheels. Which one do you have?

[Tradd]

I have the small size.

[simplelife4me]

http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___60795