blackcat256

We just returned from BdC and each took a bag weighing 22 pounds each, plus a small personal bag. In addition to clothes/shoes/toiletries we were carrying several cameras, a netbook, tripod and binoculars. We had plenty to wear after washing about halfway through our stay ($10).

However, even traveling light and paying 'regular' fare, Nature Air bumped our luggage to the next flight. The reason was the plane was full and there was luggage from a previous flight. I guess it can get backed up if people take a lot of extra luggage and those that travel light can suffer. Of course I wouldn't really call it suffering because our luggage was delivered to our door less than 24 hours later. Also they gave us a heads up before they checked our luggage so we could remove a change of clothes and essentials. No biggie.

rnman

I seem to wear clothes made by Exofficio when in CR. Love the Capris and the spf shirts. They even make shirts that keep bugs away.

mlgb

You can find quick-dry synthetic clothing at REI or in the athletic gear and golf section of places like Ross, Marshalls, etc..look for things made of mostly polyester with a name like Climacool, Coolmax, etc. A nice feature is that they weigh much less than similar items of 100% cotton (especially if you avoid metal buttons on the pants). You can find "everyday" styling, especially in golf clothing. But I find the pants with lots of pockets especially zip pockets handy. If you already have lightweight linen that's nearly as good.

Typically I'll bring 2 pair of long and 2 pair of short pants, and similarly 2 pair each long and short-sleeved shirts. For swimwear I use a "rashguard" top, board shorts and a padded black athletic-style bra, more flexible than a bathing suit. However for CR I also brought an old suit that I tossed after the hot springs. I do bring lots of socks and undies since they don't weigh much (maybe 5 or 6). Always two hats since I usually lose one.

hopefulist

I'm a big fan and a firm believer in light weight, wicking, mircrofiber travel clothes. If you're in a hot climate they're more comfortable, but more importantly for me they're very lightweight, rarely wrinkle, wash easily in the sink if need be, and dry in a flash. They're not all created equal and lots of clothes say the right things on the label but just don't work. In general, I like and trust all the brands REI sells including Ex Officio and REI brand among others, though I don't always buy them there. They can be spendy but REI has great sales. Check out the following online sources, my favorites (the 2nd 2 sell a range of quality, not just top notch like REI):
www.rei-outlet.com
www.campmor.com
www.sieratradingpost.com

Happy shopping!

volcanogirl

hopeful, you're right about the straps. I've only used them really to get from the hotel to the car, etc. It's a lot more comfortable to me to carry it by hand.

tully

I would just pack as light as you can between your bag and your 10 lb carry-on and then just let the cards fall as they will. You don't need to go shopping, just pick thin, light weight clothes you have already. There were a lot of people joking there that hopefully none of noticed they were wearing at dinner the same thing as the night before. A lot of people, including myself, would take a shower after a day of hiking and change into clean clothes, wear those to dinner and then wear the same thing the next day for hiking. Laundry is also cheap. My bags were 22 lbs and 8 lbs and NA didn't bat an eye. Even if you're over the loco still saves you money, I think the overage charge was something like $20.

Melissa5

blackcat256: Your experience is helpful. Since your <b>luggage</b> got bumped even with paying the regular fare...I may as well keep our loco fares...even with the 15-lb. luggage restriction. (We can pay to carry more luggage if we need to.)
I was just wondering if we'd have less chance of getting our luggage bumped by upgrading to paying regular fare, but it sounds like there just isn't any guarantee. I'll pack my <b>carry-on</b> for Nature Air flight assuming my luggage will be bumped. I just bought some very light-weight check-on luggage on Rick Steves web-site...it weighs 3 lbs., doesn't have wheels, and can be carried with shoulder strap or used as backpack. It can be checked on or used as carry-on. We will check those on Nature Air. Now I just need a carry-on that weighs less than 0 lbs!

Thanks everybody for the info on light-weight clothes and packing light!

I LOVE going shopping on-line before a trip. I buy travel clothes which pack light and which I can also use at home. I like to spend a little more to get light-weight clothes which last and last...I'm still wearing the light-weight pair of quick-drying capris I bought for Italy 2004 trip! But the waist-band is wearing out so I do need to replenish my supply. But Tilly Endurables only sells these pants in the spring.