During our travels each year we often fly in small planes, which means luggage and weight restrictions. Africa, Costa Rica, Alaska…we often are working with 40lb weight limits for both camera gear and clothes. My photo gear generally comes in around 20 pounds or so, which leaves another 20 for clothes. Many people travel with small suitcases or wheeled duffels, and just the suitcase can weigh 8 pounds…now you are left with 12 pounds of clothes….better start leaving the extra socks at home!
But there is one way to save 5-7 pounds right at the start…use a lightweight duffel without wheels. Many folks don’t like the idea of carrying a duffel through the airport, but if you think about it, you probably aren’t carrying it that far to the ticket counter. And then your duffel heads to your destination…you can always get help taking it to your room.
Cree and I both use the 55 liter Patagonia Black Hole duffel. This duffel is built to last, and here is the good news…it only weighs 2.5 pounds! Inside are a few pockets for organizing your clothes. We packed 12 days of clothes for Africa in it last fall, and we are bringing these duffels with one week of clothes to Costa Rica (we do some laundry on trips). When small planes and weight are concerns for your next trip, consider one of these duffels. Cost is about $150…