Job Discussion Forums

Oreen Scott · Joined: 11 Jan 2008 Posts: 179 Location: Oaxaca, Mexico

Have any of you actually lived for several months out of one suitcase?

I'm leaving August 1 and travelling until who knows when and ending up who knows where.

My latest challenge is trying to figure out how to live out of a suitcase.

Seems so far a 29" duffle is my best bet. If you asked me exactly what a 29" duffle was I'm not so sure I'd know right now, just began researching.

Anyway the duffle and my univerity bag which will carry a new lighter, thinner laptop and a book or two is all I'm hoping to take.

Last Sunday I had a book party and gave away most of my books. The exeption was all my TESL books. I'm thinking my TESL books will be useful, but I'm wondering how on earth I'll lug them around?

Should I have them sent to me when I settle?

Seems to me books would cost a fortune to ship.

If I didn't bring my books I think I might have a chance making do with just one large duffle thing. . .but with the books. . .I just don't think I could do it.

But, the books are important to me?????

Anyone care to share their experiences.

lozwich · Joined: 25 May 2003 Posts: 1536

I'm a bit of a veteran of upping and going..

Firstly, I'd suggest a backpack of similar size over a duffle. The single strap on a duffle bag makes it a great big pain to carry around. You don't need to bother getting a fancy schmancy one, just get something you can wear on your back and your spine and your legs will thank you.

As for the books, ship them. Yes, it will cost money, but where are you going? You could get a friend to send them the slowest, cheapest delivery possible once you get where you're going.

Also, really really really think about whether you'll need them. I've been carting around a very heavy grammar book for 5 years now, and everywhere I've worked they've had the exact same book. Unless they're really rare books, or you think you'll be going somewhere very light on resources, you might find you don't need them at all. You definitely don't need the hassle of carrying them around for an indefinite time.

Good luck,
Lozwich.

hlamb · Joined: 09 Dec 2003 Posts: 431 Location: Canada

Definitely get a backpack. much more comfortable to lug around. And, it can fit a lot of stuff. I lived out of a backpack for four months in Europe, though I wouldn't have wanted to start working that way, since I didn't have many clothes in there. But keep it light. You will be glad later. I rarely regret things I didn't bring, but often wonder why I bothered to carry around something I rarely use.

Oreen Scott · Joined: 11 Jan 2008 Posts: 179 Location: Oaxaca, Mexico

Thanks for your input. Much appreciated.

I'm hoping for something with wheels. Do any backpacks have wheels?

I did some scouting around the Moutain Coop Equipment web site, plan to pay them a visit sometime soon.

They have an expedition backpack that allows 70 pounds, for a person bigger than me, to carry. I think the one designed for a smaller woman allows for 65 pounds.

I'm not backpacking into the wilderness. And I'm not so sure I want to lug weight around on my back. I think I'd rather pull it around, when possible.

lozwich · Joined: 25 May 2003 Posts: 1536

A properly fitted backpack doesn't feel that heavy once its on. I'd suggest against getting one with wheels, the ones I've seen aren't proper backpacks and aren't proper wheely suitcases either, so they don't do either job properly.

I'm guessing the numbers you're saying are in litres, not in pounds. The average woman's size backpack is 65 litres. I'm 5'2 and carry a full 70 litre quite easily, even after 2 knee surgeries. If you are relying on wheels then every time you have to go up a step/stairs you have to carry it. I've found it easier just to be done with it and put the dang thing on my back. Its great for your posture, and if you're not hiking with it, you won't be walking so far that it becomes a burden.

Honestly, if you're going to be living out of your luggage for an extended time, you want it to be as trouble free as possible. I backpacked out of a 90 litre back in the early 90s for 6 months (before email! Shocked

) and no matter how convenient and well organised I was, there were some days when I just hated that thing, even though it was my only home. However, after about a week of travelling I had the lift, swing around, arms through motion down pat, and 16 years later its still the easiest way I've found to travel. I do own a wheely suitcase, but only very very rarely use it, preferring one of my two travelling (not mountaineering) backpacks instead.

jillford64 · Joined: 15 Feb 2006 Posts: 397 Location: Sin City

I've also lived out of a backpack for several months at a time, but I could never get away from having the backpack and then also wanting some sort of easily accessible day bag too, which was awkward. The last few years I've switched to a small wheeled suitcase and day pack for my computer, camera, contact stuff, etc.

lozwich · Joined: 25 May 2003 Posts: 1536

Oh yes, you have to have a day pack too..

My backpack came with a zip off daypack, which clips to my front when I'm walking with both on. Then, when big backpack is in the hostel, I have the daypack to carry around my drink, warm clothes etc. Sorry, should have mentioned to go for a backpack that also comes with a daypack included.

You might not be able to get them in Canada, but I have a Black Wolf backpack/daypack combo. Do a google on them, and you'll see what I mean. I also like them because they say "professional adventure series" on the front! Laughing

Samantha · Joined: 25 Oct 2003 Posts: 2038 Location: Mexican Riviera

Speaking of travel and luggage, check out this cool (and now world famous) website out of Canada. It's loaded with tips about everything you could think of from other women travellers. I have subscribed to the newsletter since it's inception and still enjoy it.

http://www.journeywoman.com/

Backpack Packing Tips http://journeywoman.com/PackingTips/PTi_packed_my_backpack.htm

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

Someone sent me a short video on how to fold a shirt. Put it up on You Tube. Try it out...like kung-fu shirt folding.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nu546Um-1Ks

Jetgirly · Joined: 17 Jul 2004 Posts: 741

I have a big 70-litre backpack with me here that I use when I go away for more than a few days, and which I also used to carry half of my clothes from Canada to Mexico. Those seventy litres do include the detachable daypack, so it's a bit smaller when I take that part off. I almost never wear it on my back, and I almost always use the detachable shoulder strap to carry it as a duffle bag. If you don't see yourself trudging all over the place, a duffle bag could be fine. My backpack is especially for women and it is made by Asolo. Amusingly (or not), the strap that goes across your chest (in addition to the hip-level straps) comes complete with a bright red rape whistle! In addition to the detachable daypack, it has a detachable waterproof toiletries case. I highly recommend you look for a backpack with a front panel that opens all the way so you can see everything, as a top-loading backpack becomes very inconvenient when you need something small that has sunk to the bottom! The two things I don't like about my backpack are the light-blue accents, which looked dirty as **** after the bag's first flight (Victoria to Seattle!) and the fact that you can't unzip the main compartment when the daypack is attached (though some might see that as an additional security feature).

Oh, and get a cable lock! When I am waiting at a busy bus station at night I actually lock my bag TO ME. If someone tries to run off with my bag they're going to get a 130-lb surprise! If I have to leave my bag in the lobby of a hostel or hotel before/after I check out, I try to lock it to something like a chair so it's less likely to be stolen. Mine is by Pacsafe and I wish I'd gone for the longer one.

leslie · Joined: 08 Feb 2003 Posts: 235

hlamb · Joined: 09 Dec 2003 Posts: 431 Location: Canada

I used to think backpacks were horrible to carry because as a kid hiking with my parents I didn't have one that fit right. I finally got one when I went to Europe, from Mountain Equipment Co.op, that is extremely comfortable. I can carry a lot in it, though I try to keep the wieght down when travelling. I think it's 65 litres, built specifically for women. It's much better than trying to lift a suitcase up stairs, over holes in the sidewalk, etc. I wouldn't travel without it now. I also carry a day pack, but rarely have the two on at the same time.

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

hlamb · Joined: 09 Dec 2003 Posts: 431 Location: Canada

It used to be better. Now some of their lines focus on urban hip, rather than true adventure gear. However, they have spawned a number of other good backcountry stores with good quality brands.

Oreen Scott · Joined: 11 Jan 2008 Posts: 179 Location: Oaxaca, Mexico

Once again, thanks for all the advice. I'm still working on widdling down what I own and at the same time buying what I need.

We have a luggage store called UN Luggage and a Mountain Co-Op both open on Thursday evenings and both in the downtown area.

I'm going to reread and print off all the luggage information you kind folks have shared before my Thursday shopping trip.

Putting my life into one container is challenging.