OP - Thanks for dealing with my curiosity (?nosiness?). I am one of the few here it seems who do not care what you bring on vacation - bring the kitchen sink for all I care - just don't ask me to help you put it in the overhead bin.

You will love Yellowstone - and the bison, moose, deer, elk et al will be appreciative that you thought enough of them to bring lotions, potions and nice looking clothes.

Also, some nifty looking luggage can be found by Joy Mangano--see http://sale.hsn.com/joy-mangano-clot...6&ocm=sekw Great looking organizing pieces, usually when she is on the prices are amazing and they look like an organizer's dream with compartments you can take right out and hang up, not to mention drawers right in the luggage.
Really, you can't criticize others' priorities--this is a subjective matter and what's a matter of importance to some and not to others can be totally at opposite ends.

Why not simply get a luggage scale from AAA? It's like a fish scale where you simply lift the filled suitcase and the weight is registered. You can then take out, shift, rearrange, etc. Sometimes my smaller bag ends up weighing more than my bigger! On my last trip, I took my scale with me for the trip home - one bag was over, one was under - an easy fix!

I know it's awkward, but maybe you can try weighing your stuff that you'll put inside the suitcase? I've noticed that luggage descriptions often include the item's weight, so you could add the two together to get an idea before placing the order. (For example, a little digging on the page for my Samsonite suitcase shows that it weighs 12lbs.)

Between the luggage straps built into my suitcase, the pockets, and Eagle Creek packing cubes and sleeves - no wrinkles! on my last transcontinental flight. ...If you haven't tried them, those cubes and sleeves are great! :D

How about sending part of your luggage to your destination. That way, you don't have to worry about buying new luggage and/or paying overweight fee.

Or you can just buy your toiletries when you get to Yellowstone and toss them at the end of your trip.

Wow, I am overwhelmed by the response. Thanks.

hugglynn -
Thanks for the kind words. I think we are related. Hotels do have nice toiletries. However, the ones that don't give me a migraine type headache (many scented things do - I avoid even walking near the front door of the Body Shop type stores and hold my breath going by the cologne part of department stores- it's a real hazard for me) or a nasty rash are few and far between.

I don't even try to win the smallest bags or least things taken on a trip award. I don't have anypossibility of even an honerable mention for my best efforts. I like to have clean clothes for every day. I want to have everything I need or might reasonably need with me so I am able to do what I came to do. I get plenty of boring necessity shopping at home. By the way, I am tall (need long length slacks and sleeves). They take more room than avg size clothes. The shop for clothes when I get there is never a good bet. Also, from sheer vanity, I once went on a trip with someone had one distinctive sweater. When we got home her photos looked like she had worn the exact same thing all day every day. It didn't bother her. I don't like to look like I never changed clothes. The photos are for me - it's definately not to impress the relatives when I get home. I get sick of looking at the same clothes in every photo. And, no most of the photos are not of me - very few. SO is territorial when it comes to bags - however, very, very good at lifting mine when they are heavy (only a few minor gripes - so still an excellent travel companion). I have lists, plan for few extras and still don't ever get near some peoples idea of necessities only. Is one pair slippers, one pair tennis/walking shoes, one pair swim shoes(for beach destinations only), one pair comfy slip on walking shoes (I wear them on the plane) a lot of shoes? Oh, for this trip hiking boots, too. Maybe it is.

Dayle,
I am going in the early fall. I am planning to hike, take a float trip, horseback ride, do a lot of walking and be dragged from my warm cozy bed at/before dawn by morning person SO (I'm a night owl) to "get an early start" to try to see wildlife.

I plan to take knit long sleeve tops, thin layering sweaters, knit slacks, light jacket (think rain), heavier jacket, hat, gloves, hiking boots (and those special socks all the websites say are essential), tennis shoes and something decent to wear to dinner once or twice (along with the typical smalls, sleep clothes, standard socks), probably a zip sweatshirt or two. Anything I'm missing?

On Yellowstone (GTNP & Glacier), is the food in the park as bad as some reviews say? I like pizza, plain ordinary things like baked potatoes, grilled chicken (sandwich or on a plate), spaghetti, fried boneless fish fillet, ordinary salad, etc. I don't need or like extravagant things like fois gras. I have a res to have dinner at the Old Faithful formal dining room (for convenience and since reviews say eating in the park in the evening is limited & I'm staying at the Snow lodge) is it worth it? Have you tried it?

For GTNP, I have a res in Jackson. Is it nice to have some good shopping choices for reasonably priced drinks and snacks + wider variety and lots of places to go eat? Or is the drive into GTNP a deal breaker?

Any best picks for float trip providers (I know there at least three allowed to do trips in GTNP itself)?

Lastly, I have res at two locations in Yellowstone or an alternative one location in West Yellowstone. I really don't enjoy loading the vehicle, changing hotels (the waste of time, the hassle of will I get the type room reserved?, will it be ready at check in time etc?). I don't really like leaving all my belongings in a parked vehicle all day every few days. My ideal trip is stay at one place and do day trips. Everything I read says to see Yellowstone, stay in the park (at more than one location)to save time and get to see/do more. Which is best? I have 5 nights in Yellowstone.

Any other tips?

ggreen -
Thanks for the bag info. I will look at them. Some of the ones I've already seen that say "light" are 9-13 lbs empty. I wonder if that is a lot lower than most std ones?

Starrsville -
Thanks for the tip. However, for me if it doesn't roll, it doesn't go. The invention of rolling bag for me was like getting my first driviers license - freedom to go where I want with no one else's assistance or permission needed (I do appreciate and take SO's help when offerred-it's a relationship perk). I love rolling bags. They sit at my feet like a perfect non-living pet and follow me wherever I lead.

As for wrinkles, I don't plan to only take the new bags to Yellowstone, GTNP & Glacier. They are intended to be the new standard for general travel, so I want to avoid wrinkles for other trips. Believe me, my clothes for this trip will not even get in the same room with an iron. I hate to iron. My SO might whine if I get a new set of bags for every trip. I already have several - problem is they are either the giant 30 IN or the 21 IN carry on type.

Janisj -
How on earth did you manage that long with that small bag? I'm not kidding. Please explain how it's done. Do you wear the same thing every other day?

Are you 5 ft tall and size "0"? Are you rich and have your valet wash and press everything each evening at the chateau? Is there photo evidence of how you looked (and testimony of how you smelled)on that trip? Okay, now I am kidding.

However, as I said, I wear clean clothes every day, I don't do wash on vacation, I'm tall and my clothes take more room. No matter how many ways there are to mix and match a few items to look different it doesn't get them clean (by my personal picky standards). I don't wear clothes over at home. I don't want to do it on vacation. No offence to anyone who does. It's easy for me to take two large 30 IN bags for a long trip (3wks, last year, cold weather, to Japan). It's going to be hard to keep it down to two 26 IN bags.

Cfntmpn,
I take my hat off to you. Having prided myself on comparison shopping for years, I do not compare to that great level of skill. $50.? That is award winning shopping.

I did once get a pair of designer jeans at an expensive store for $1. The zipper was "broken" (really, that little metal staple thing that stops the zipper at the bottom had come loose). I fixed the zipper in 5 min with a plain screwdriver (I have no sewing skill whatsoever). Still my top bargain does not beat that set of bags. BRAVO, BRAVO!! Feel free to take a bow. I might have to leave the comfort of my cozy abode and have a look at JCP.

Thanks, again for all the great replies. It's off to eat and then online shopping (and maybe JCP) for me.

Check www.llbean.com for their rolling duffles. And if you truly don't wear clothes twice, transfer the dirty clothes to the duffle and the bulky clothes to the rolling suitcase as you need them and you only have to take one suitcase in at night - a smaller one at that.

Good question - I wonder what the (average) weight of "standard" luggage is? I can tell you that 12lbs empty doesn't feel particularly light! But it is lighter than my old luggage. My BF's bag is enough lighter that I can feel the difference: maybe it's 9 or 10lbs?

Good luck browsing, shopping, and bargain hunting! (I got mine on sale at Macy's...)

:) ggreen

You can weigh your packed suitcase on the bathroom scale.

My empty 22" weighs 7.5 lbs and empty 24" weighs 9.0 lbs, both are regular shaped suitcases with wheels.

CHOCOLATE: I think you are just a high maintenance, lost cause :)

Actually I am petite - however I've taken lots of folks on trips, everyone from size 0's w/ size 4 shoes to 6'6'' guys w/ size 13 shoes to size 24 women w/ size 11 shoes, and they all manage w/ just a carry on sized bag.

I teach packing classes and give presentations at local professional clubs, libraries, etc. My basic class is 90+ mins so not really possible to teach the details/system on here. But do a search - there are lots of packing threads on here. (there is even a "remedial" class - a 3 hour doozy that is usually fully subscribed 6 months ahead)

It's obvious a LOT of people want to learn the tricks since my presentations average 100-150 people.

Just one thing to keep in mind - most airlines are getting more and more strict about baggage weight. You might want to look into luggage delivery services. Then you don't have to worry about weight. If you ever travel to Europe you'll have to do something since many European airlines have even tighter rules.

In regard to the Yellowstone questions -- can't help you with the suitcase questions, although we are going in a couple of weeks and I am dealing with the same "what to take" questions. Mainly because you pretty much have to be ready for anything, weather wise. We have gone twice before in mid-late September. One trip we were in short sleeve shirts one day and two days later the road we had been on the day before was closed because of the snow. Right now it is in the 30's during the night (and early AM) and up in the 70's in the afternoon. We were at Glacier also and the same was true there. Like they say -- layer. They recommend to pack fleece -- doesn't take up too much room and keeps you warm. Everything is very casual -- went to dinner usually right from hiking.

You will definitely get different opinions on where to stay -- have to decide what is more important to you. Staying in Jackson is a good option for GTNP. It is right next to the Park (and the Park isn't all that large that you can't get around easily from a base in Jackson.) Some concessions close in September. There were not float trips available and the boat to cross Jenny Lake was closed for the season when we went so you might want to check that out. From what I have read, people have said that they liked the float trip company they went with, but I have not really heard any negatives about any of them.

We like to stay put as much as possible also. We are staying IN Yellowstone for the first time (at Canyon), but have stayed in West Yellowstone and did not find it a hardship at all driving into the park each day (especially at that time of year). I would definitely stay close to Glacier (we stayed in Kalispell and that was too far to drive each day, but, again, most of the in park facilities were closed by the end of September.

Since we stayed outside the parks I can't comment on the food, although we will be eating in the parks this time. We're usually so hungry after being out all day that pretty much anything tastes good.

Janis has it. And we are being trolled.

"It's going to be hard to keep it down to two 26 IN bags."

That sound you hear is the high maintenance alarm ringing loudly.....

Put all your non liquid health and beauty aid items in your carry on and don't pack your 30 inch bag full.

If I ever check luggage, I use my 30 inch and it is never over 30 pounds and always half empty.

You can also take your 26 inch and spread things out.

I don't understand why this is an issue?

The luggage handlers will really try and destroy overweight bags.

Thanks everyone for the kind and/or interesting replies. Thanks also for taking the time to reply.

MikeT,
We all have our eccentricities. My SO who is far from cheap on most things (especially things I want) HATES the new fees airlines have imposed for bags over 50# - especially since 70# was the standard for many years. Looking at the airline website the limit is still 70# for high mileage FF travellers. Add that to the fact that once when we had an overweight bag and were ready to happily pay the charge (maybe 6# over) the check in person tried to insist that we open other bags and repack them. We did not want to bother to do that. We were meeting a friend at the gate for a visit before we (not the friend) left on the flight. The agent took forever collect the charge - like ten minutes_ after he finally agreed to do the honor of taking the money.

So, my SO wants to avoid the whole overweight bag hassle and had the two smaller bags idea. I am willing to do that.

Maj -
Thanks for the park(s) advice. We agree Kalispell looks too far away for Glacier. We are staying in St Mary.

I think we will go with a Jackson (already booked)or Teton Village hotel, since the places available in the GTNP are as or more expensive and are older/have less ammenities.

I have read over the official park websites. We know some things will be closed when we are there - so, we are going to Glacier first, then Yellowstone, then GTNP to get to do the most things before they close. I hope you have a great time on your trip.

JanisJ -
I really do want to know - how many tops, bottoms, lingerie sets do you take? Do you wash them in the room or elsewhere or have them done by hotel staff or cleaners. I know it is mathmatically possible to make lots of combinations from basic pieces. Not trying to wheedle any trade secrets.

By the way, thanks for a great (I believe not intended) LOL from your comment regarding my SO.

"Don't stick it on your SO (I think he was trying to give you a hint)".

My SO does not hint. SO's has a very direct style of speech - no hinting involved.

Anyway, I am going to get two (light weight when empty) 26 IN rolling bags, weight them before and after loading them and take a smaller rolling carry on that will piggyback on one of them with little click on/off strap things.

Happy travels to everyone - the light minimalist travellers as well as the heavy baggage take everything travellers.

Just can't resist letting you know that my most recent JCP flyer shows the luggage that I purchased is now on-sale 50-60% off, PLUS an extra 10% off if you use your JCP credit card AND an add'l $10 off if your purchase is at lest $50 and $15 off if it is $75!

Cfntmpn -

Thanks, I shop online at JCP often. It is one of the few places that offer tall clothes for myself and my SO.

One of the bags I am considering is a JCP 3 piece set. I hesitated to order it online since there are no interior photos on the website (and online service has no additional info). I want that all important inside pocket.

However, I did learn the set is available in my local store. So, I will go look there.

I do not have the JCP credit card. Is it worth it for deals often? Do the special offers with the catrd apply to online orders, too? I try to keep a few cards that work everywhere.

Thanks again for the info.

I don't use my JCP card often - usually just to take advantage of sales. I guess as long as you pay it off and don't carry over any interest charges it is worth the extra $10/$20 bucks it can save you...sometimes more than that. Also - you get to take advantage of the sales 1 day prior to the public.

Good Luck!

I think if I was so particular about my toiletries, outfits, etc. I would just stay home. One of the great things about vacation is being able to RELAX. Sounds like your trip is more stressful than a day at the office. I seriously doubt that in 30 years you will look at your pictures and even care what "outfit" you are wearing...or if you had worn it more than once on your trip. You will remember the great memories...not your wardrobe. (at least I hope)

Just take a deep breath and enjoy yourself...most every place you go these days you can pick up emergency items.