Unboundly

Just found this quote by Rolf Potts, a traveler and travel author:

"My best unorthodox advice for traveling light is to not take a bag"

He even started a No Baggage Challenge and is traveling around the world with everything he needs tucked away in his pockets.

What do you think? Would you do it, even if just for one week-end?

janisj

Could certainly do it for one or two nights - though I would carry a handbag (which I don't consider 'luggage' since I always have one of one sort or another).

Probably three days would be about my limit.

NewbE

Just pockets? Maybe, if I could wear a certain jacket I own that has four pockets--would that be cheating?

If I could carry a large handbag, I could easily do a weekend.

pariswat

I did that when I was young.
4 days in the same clothes... my mother yelled at me when I was back !
None of my friends complained about the smell but the last day, we were left alone in our train compartment, whilst all others were full. Wonder why

suze

I've heard about this before. Could I? Sure. Would I? No.

NewbE

I think it would be very freeing. Imagine no possessions, and all that. I can see that pulling this off has the potential for changing your attitude to material things in general.

suze

"imagine no possessions"

Sorry not appealing. Why would I want to travel without being able to change my clothes or shoes, have a few toiletries, read a book, etc.? What about it is so admirable?

annw

I could do it with a Scottevest jacket.

thursdaysd

You have the wrong tense. The challenge was in <b>2010</b>.

thursdaysd

For something actually current see:

http://www.cntraveler.com/stories/20...NzYwMzU3MTI1S0

I can't see me wearing one, though. Maybe more of a guy thing.

annw

Saw it. Not sure of advantage over Scottevest except for neck pillow.

NewbE

It's more normal looking than a travel vest. But I wouldn't wear it. Guess I'm just too used to carrying a handbag of some sort. Maybe it IS a guy thing!

LoadsOfRoads

My charger, toothbrush and passport would easily fit in my pockets. I think I'd like to have a small bag with at least one round of clothes. Would spend too much time waiting for the laundry to dry otherwise. ^^

annw

Scottevest makes a whole line, not just vests -- for ex, I have a black trench coat that is Scottevest brand. (They did make their name on the vests I think, though.)

Unboundly

I've done it too, but only when traveling closer to home, or for shorter amounts of time.

The jacket doesn't count as cheating - I think, unless you try stuffing it full of stuff to compensate

BAUBAX's 'jacket' does look more like a hoodie targeted at men, but at the same time seems to have its perks -still waiting for the reviews to roll in.

TiggerToo

While the challenge might appeal to some, what are you supposed to do - buy essentials like toiletries as you go? Given the prices in some parts of the world that could get foolishly expensive.

I could travel with just a small carryon bag (like my trusty eBags small Weekender), but to travel with nothing to me seems a bit extreme.

NewbE

Regarding toiletries, I imagine that one way to go is to use the toiletries provided in a hotel and bring only what is strictly necessary, such as medications. I know some people who are happy to wash their hair with bar soap and do not require any toiletries at all beyond that--well, toothpaste

Again, the point is to alter one's mindset, at least for the one trip.

TiggerToo

I've altered mine from a huge checked bag to a 21" carryon for three weeks in Europe. I'm good with that. To each their own - if you can do it, more power to you.

Hobbert

Nah. I like to be comfortable when I travel and, for me, that means my iPad to read, certain toiletries, and lots of clean socks/underwear/tshirts. I could travel without luggage but I wouldn't enjoy it. I do get by with a backpack, though. I just can't stand to wear sweaty, dirty clothes for more than a day. Ick.

mlgb

I have done two weeks with only an under-seat backpack. It was liberating.

I'd want at least one change of clothing, preferably two. However there is travel clothing that dries overnight so in theory I could manage with just a pair of underwear tucked in a pocket.

All but the most basic hotels provide toiletries, even toothpaste and hairdryers. I don't have a problem spending 5 minutes out of a vacation in a drugstore, if needed. Having short hair that can air-dry helps lighten the amount of "product".

An Ipod or smartphone fits in a pocket and is a substitute for books and iPad, if you can read the small screen. A 7-inch tablet works better for me but I managed with the iPod for the 2 week trip.

So yeah, I think I could do it but I prefer the small backpack/large purse route.