Travelling the world, one adventure at a time, Travel Dave is an Adventure travel blog that features travel tips and advice, inspirational stories, travel videos and travel photography that will help you inspire and plan your next trip abroad.
He has travelled with hand luggage only since 2011 and never looked back since. Dave believes that the more systems you create and the more selective you become with your gear, the better and easier it becomes to travel with hand luggage.
In this post, Dave will give you his best packing tips!
What's usually in your carry-on?
Loads of smelly socks normally and a boatload of cables and adapters, I'm a bit of a tech nerd when it comes to it. One item I never leave behind has to be my Amazon Kindle as it has fantastic battery life and you can carry your whole bookshelf in your back pocket; it's perfect for light travellers.
Tell us about the usual type of clothes you bring when travelling? Do you pick your wardrobe meticulously, plan a day by day outfit, etc.?
Funny enough Mark Zuckerburg copied my style. I have seven of the same shirts (Grey), socks and underwear. Keep it simple, so I never have to waste time picking what to wear as its all the same. Simple but it works well.
I do invest in a good outdoor jacket to stay warm and dry. Also, a super light, warm and cosy down jacket that packs down to nothing and a good pair of outdoor waterproof shoes to stand the test of time. Apart from that its simple indeed.
What's the best packing tip anyone has given you? Who gave it?
If it's been in your bag for more than a month without any use, simply ditch it and don't think about it anymore. I read this in a book called "Before you go by, Tom Griffiths" it was the first book I read about travel back in 2006 and it's one of those little gems you stumble across. Everything in my bag has an importance, and that's what matters when it comes to packing.
What is the best thing about packing light/heavy?
I never have to worry or pay for baggage storage on my travels. My Cabin Zero is like my turtle shell, it's just an extended part of me and doesn't worry me at all.
Plus the airport experience goes much smoother. Once you have nothing to check in or claim on the other side, you can cruise through airport connections and not have to worry about paying extra for baggage.
How does your packing for a travel routine look like?
I'm able to pack in 20 minutes flat. Every item has a system and a place in my bag. This allows me to have a mental map of where everything should go. It ensures I don't leave anything behind.
I like to pack the day before if I can so I can get up and go, but sometimes it might be a quick pack on the day.
How do you deal with "excess baggage" situations? Do you pay extra? Lessen your load?
I never have excess baggage. I try and stick with photos or experiences instead of real items. I'm always ditching stuff or giving away stuff to friends or readers or even people I stumble across on the road.
Gifts are very difficult for my lifestyle, but mostly I ask for gift cards these days. On the road, food is always a good gift as I can enjoy and share with others. I am a tricky one for gifts as I don't want to come across as ungrateful, I prefer to give others gifts instead.
What's your best-kept packing secret?
Packing cubes! Make sure they're different colours and sizes and use them to split items into subgroups to keep everything in my bag a nice organised mess. Makes packing a lot easier dividing up items into different packing cubes.
Quick Q's
Favourite region? Nordics
Favourite country? Finland
Favourite city? Reykjavik
Favourite beach? Koh Phangan
Favourite food? Coconut curry
Favourite mode of transport? Train
Favourite book? The Art of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau
Window or aisle seat? Aisle
Carry-on or check-in? Carry-on
Hostel or hotel? Hostel (Luxury)
What's your favourite design from the Cabin Zero collection? Classic Cuban Brown. Love the colour!
You can follow Dave’s travel blog for more adventure travels and also join him on Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, and Instagram.
GIVEAWAY ALERT!
Dave answered all your questions about his best-kept packing tips, and now it’s your time to answer his!
Dave asks: I love travel photos! What´s your personal favourite travel photo? It would be awesome if you could say a sentence about it. :)
Click this link to answer the question and get a chance to win a 28L Cabin bag!
The winner was announced on Tuesday, 25th of April 2017 on the linked post on our Facebook Timeline.
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