How to pack light for your sketching trip overseas

Going overseas to sketch or for the urban sketchers symposium? Here's how to pack light so that you don't tire yourself.
Uniball Air
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Pelikan M200
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Portable stools compared:
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Arkademie watercolour sketchbook
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Heroclip
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Portable Painter palette
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Rosemary travel brush
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Field Easel Art bag
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[@C0raBr0wn]

After each trip, I make a list of what I brought, and what I actually used. This list helps me pack lighter next time. This tip works for clothes, too.

[@33Jenesis]

I do the same. I go back to my packing list on Word document to highlight the items I didn’t use or didn’t need in red color bold. All my lists in the past help me with future packing and what to take and what not to take for what type and duration of the trip.

[@lydiabosley9152]

Wow, good idea! I always overdo it and bring back lots of pieces I never wore!

[@bryanbeals994]

Great idea.

[@callmekite]

I can’t believe nobody is talking or asking about your square water bottle! So cool!

[@tedparker858]

I know, right. I want one...lol

[@moma-b]

I wish I could buy one.

[@nickorange4881]

Yes exactly.

[@catbraunwell6450]

Yes I was instantly thinking « I need me one of those square water bottles,

[@johannymateo3397]

I believe being a light packer can help you bring back more art supplies and shop at your destination! Especially Urban Symposium I've seen a lot of companies sponsor and have tables with their supplies.

[@jdub3853]

Okay... I've got everything packed. Now all I need is a destination and a plane ticket!! Packing light is great advice.

[@artlover1834]

Your videos are always so comprehensive and informative. I tend to over-pack, so good tips.

[@tychicusparegoria7276]

Teoh, I take more when I go in to the bathroom :D

[@cheshirecat9037]

About the waterproof hat; if your hat isn't waterproof, there is a liquid that you can order online that is used to coat shoes made out of fabric so that they don't absorb water, I think you could also use it on your hat or backpack or the frabric part of your foldable stool (or whatever you'd rather not get wet from rain while you sketch outside).

[@leahevergreenart]

so helpful. it is soooo hard to back for trips then add in packing your art supplies and Im like " nope gonna need a bigger bag haha"

[@marymah8110]

This video really relax me and give me the confort than i need. I really like the way you explain and show the products. That give me the inspiration to not give up and show me some materials that i dont even know about. Dont give up!

[@amytc7635]

Meanwhile me packing for a 2 day trip: Will 5 pairs of trousers be enough??? I really need to try and pack light for Amsterdam.

[@surveyguyor8958]

depends on how nervous you get.....

[@christinelazarides8916]

I just got those pens the uni ball air you recommended from amazon, 6 for $7.20 shipped free, fantastic deal, thanks for the tip, taking them with me on my next trip.

[@Kei-jx7hf]

I come back to this video from time to time when I want some travel supply inspiration. Still as fun to watch as it was the first time!

[@JaredCullum]

Great video. I always overpack. That stool and hook thing are really cool. I haven’t seen those before.

[@greyareaRK1]

Great tips. Thankful for the hat brand name. I have a heck of a time finding a summer hat that doesn't make me look Amish.

[@teohyc]

Outdoor Research (get the middle size) has cloth inside so it's good for cooler weather. The North Face (get large size) hat has more ventilation. Either way, get the ones made with Goretex. North Face has many non-waterproof ones. I bought mine on discount at US$35.

[@greyareaRK1]

@@teohyc Thanks again!

[@suzannesimpson1672]

I bought the 3 sizes of HeroClips. I love them. Thanks for doing the initial review of them. Works great for hanging my laptop bag at my desk.

[@AlichinaThePinkLady]

I'm definitely a heavy packer, so you're video is truly a good inspiration for me XD I was just thinking: if you bring a watercolour pad instead of a sketchbook, it would probably be wise to have something to store and protect the detached pages that you will have filled with your sketches (like a light cardboard or plastic folder).

[@Sides3Sides]

I tend to pack too heavily, which never works out well. Your video is a great help, and I think you’ve covered all I’d need. I will take your advise. Thank you.

[@debsmith7050]

I'm a backpack person too. I try to pack light but sometimes it's a challenge :) Thanks for sharing

[@higherground711]

Always interesting to have a look at your supplies. Thanks for sharing Teoh. 👍 😃

[@amyc9984]

I love your videos Teoh! They are so informative and calming to watch. Really appreciate the time you take to share your knowledge and experience. Thank you so much for all your great work! 🙏❤️

[@rockislander5857]

I have a couple of overseas trips coming up, so this video came just a the right time. Great tips. Thanks very much for putting it together!

[@dm-ko6988]

I bought that portable panter after seeing it in this video! Thank you, it´s very convinient!

[@aleynawastaken]

Perfect timing! I’m going to France in 2 weeks and needed this video! 👍🏻

[@cazumbandoartmaddy1728]

No, I'm not a light packer when it comes to art supplies but surprisingly I packed light for an overseas trip (pencil case with few items, water brush, A6 moleskine, cotman 12 Sketchers box and another tin for extra colors) in 2015. If I packed something nowadays I think I'd be okay with an A5 sketchbook, a pencil, a col-erase for some nice accents, a few pencils too for a pop of colour, some two fineliners (black and sepia), eraser, pocket brush, water brush, mister, an old pill container (for water) and a paper rag to clean the brushes.

[@sandfly60]

Love watching your videos! Thankyou.

[@Heliscope]

I love your videos. I watch them for two purposes. First - they are allways interesting and I enjoy learning something new, you have a very nice way to explain and show things, and I admire your art. Then I watch - or listen - them again in the evening when I am too stressed to sleep, even too sressed to try to listen sleep meditation, when everything I have to do and remember next day in my work keeps me all too alert. Something in the way you talk and explain is very soothing and relaxing. Thank you! I wish you and your family all good things and I hope you continue doing what you do so very well. Greetings from Finland!

[@teohyc]

Thanks 😁 I've others that tell me they watch/listen to sleep 😂

[@vermis8344]

A very thorough rundown, Teoh! If I could add one small thing, it's to find a mechanical pencil with a retractable lead sleeve. I like my Pentel MPs, but when I throw them in a pocket they can poke and snag. Something like a Staedtler or Derwent MP is more travel-friendly, IMO.

[@godzandheros]

This is super helpful and just what I needed to figure out what I should bring on my trip this weekend :)

[@AtomekKotalke]

Exactly next video I needed. I always take too much art supplies stuff going outside and don’t even use half of it when I want to sketch something. My best sketches were made with similar items that you presented. It proves you don’t need to take that much and just draw and paint with what you have and even better if It’s like this.

[@sheilasinghal2922]

Some great tips! I tend to overpack, but now I know what to look for. And love the square flat waterbottle. 😊

[@markdonovan1540]

A very well planned video with excellent tips and suggestions. Subscribed!

[@sonyadeantonio]

I am leaving on my trip tomorrow. Thanks so much. This helps

[@snoozleblob]

I tend to be fountain pen heavy when I bring art supplies during a trip. So i will bring 1-4 fountain pens (all with good capacity and filled to the brim to avoid air-expansion-related leaking on the plane), maybe a vial of fp ink if the trip is particularly long, a tiny mechanical pencil or coloured pencil, a hardcase to protect the pens during transit, and a notebook or two with fp friendly paper. I put the pens and inks in a ziplock bag with a paper towel during transit in case of leaks as well. Also seconding a hat and water bottle being essential! I find doing a tester page of the kit prior to the trip very relaxing.

[@michelinepartikian4227]

I love to take with me my Etchr Slate Mini Satchel you have a video of that bag, 12 watercolor pencil, 2 water brush, and my Koi 12 Watercolors travel kit and also a brush ink pen and a Rotring Art pen. Pencil, eraser, sharpener and a book that I made it myselfe. I'm ready for all occasions, urban sketching or museum :-)

[@arlenealennox3136]

An Opus 88 Omar fountain pen holds an amazing amount of ink and has a shut off stopper that protects from air pressure changes on the plane. I got one of those Hero clips per your recommendation and it’s great-stays attached to my purse/backpack all the time.

[@cheshirecat9037]

You pack so light for going oveses, I pack heavier for a walk in the park... I need to re-evaluate my priorities. 😅

[@arcuda2001]

Cheshire Cat lolol hysterical and so true lol

[@cazumbandoartmaddy1728]

That's me, I went to my uncle's to visit him after he got out of the hospital and I bought a heeeeavy backpack full of supplies 😂 Teoh is the ultimate minimalist

[@ANonymous-rx6lu]

I have exactly the same problem. I always end up bringing WAY too much but I find it hard to predict wardrobe needs especially when travelling.

[@CaptainWumbo]

The adage is pack less clothes bring more money. If you need a shirt or pants because yours got messy, the country you are going to has clothes. You really can't go many places if you have a suitcase to lug around. It's different if you're in one city visiting family, but if you're on the train every day in a different hotel every night you don't want more than a backpack.

[@ANonymous-rx6lu]

@@CaptainWumbo Easier said than done! It's very difficult for me to find clothing anyhow, it's a lengthy endeavor I'd rather not spend my limited time doing while traveling.

[@janiceshepherd4873]

Very informative and helpful video. Thank you!

[@eddiegonzalez2214]

thanks for all the tips I like learning from you

[@Geemeel1]

SO helpful and great , I am better prepared now. ✨ Greetz from Europe

[@mightyboy527]

I only use a backpack when traveling. I also do not want to take too much art supplies because i want to buy locally. I think it is the respectable thing to do.

[@barbaraklein.plussize]

Perfect video! 👏👏👏

[@SaIrAbEe.]

Thanks for the very informative video 👍

[@CozyCreates]

I normally have a small travel art bag I bring with me everywhere. As for traveling over sea's I haven't got a chance to try it yet. I use to only use acrylics and I never felt comfortable taking them overseas. But now I tend to use for gouache and watercolor I have a plastic palette I take for a trip for the well are very large and for gouache, I'm trying traveling with white paint fresh from the tube. For far this system has worked for me. As for the water I either bring watercolors if I'm staying for more than 1 day and if not my water brushes work just fine. I've been things about design my own art kit based on the etcher one in the fact it can switch from a backpack to a messenger bag.

[@mihajlotosic]

Great video Teoh

[@namu1339]

This video is really helpful!😃Thankssss a lot!!👍👍

[@monica-NJ-123]

Thank you Teoh , I found this very helpful bc I’m traveling next month xoxo

[@eileenjohnston6835]

Yes, the square water bottle is very interesting.

[@Rhynni]

A very timely video! About to go to the US in July, and visiting a number of states while I'm there. I am an apocalyptic thinker - I overpack to cover any and every kind of emergency I can think of, so I'm never without.This time, I am trying to travel a lot lighter, so this has really set some boundaries for me! I might end up sketching back in the hotel room because I'll be spending most of my active time exploring with family - so my main item might well be my camera..

[@catbraunwell6450]

Leave a little room for some art supplies if you’re going to the states because they have tons of really amazing art stores. And prices are really reasonable.

[@TracieWho]

I am an overpacker working hard to be a minimalist packer. Lofty goals, I know, but I have really shaved tremendous amounts of bulk off my plein air set ups.

[@515aleon]

I have yet to take a sketching trip abroad but am going to next year. I will be taking a workshop in Italy. For ones in the US, lately I have started packing light recently, and like it, though you are way more minimalist than I am. I have a kit I pack in a small quart bag with portable painter (yes amazing urban sketcher watercolor set), a couple brushes, pens, and a pencil/eraser, and the binder clips). I do take a small bag with a couple watercolor pans of colors I run out of. I don't know how to get around this one unless you take a different paint box or you are near stores with watercolors. My trips are normally far away from everything.

[@Narrator1999]

Woow 😍😍❤

[@cindyhorton6980]

Very helpful! Thank u!❤

[@francistheo7123]

I am a light packer because the heavy pack will hurt my legs. Thank for sharing,

[@suzalasuzala1135]

Hope to finally meet you in Amsterdam! Make sure to bring a recent pic of Tiffany!

[@junkabella6324]

I am still in the process of fine-tuning my travel gear :)

[@markdonovan1540]

Me too, I'm on my 4th or 5th version and still find I'm carrying too much. Bit by bit I'm eliminating the various "just in case" items!

[@nattyw495]

Good video....

[@astrog8tr]

I am certainly not that light! Last trip (US), took a carryon and small backpack. Well I take a bit more for art supplies but not that much (2 brushes, 2 waterbrushes, Portable Painter, a couple of microns (I have a fountain pen and am scared to take on a plane), pencil and eraser). I do carry a backup, extra brush, pencil, and a couple pans of common colors. I have never been anywhere where I was likely to find art supplies--so I have felt I needed a backpack, or no painting. I could not have gotten my clothes in such a small backpack, but they did fit in my carryon.

[@PuppetMaster8707]

I keep a small sketchbook, ballpoint pen, and my pocket pallette and a water brush on me always

[@devdevai]

Light packer, here. For a month trip last winter, I took two sets of clothes. I did laundry everyday but I would rather do washing than haul more. I overpacked the first time I travelled and the luggage made things miserable. For my month trip, I had about the same sketching kit as you have here except I did include a brush wrap bec I wanted to take my Chinese calligraphy brushes that hold a lot of water. Anyone know if there are portable versions of the Chinese calligraphy brushes? I think they’re horse or goat hair but I’m not too sure. They weren’t expensive but they work really well for me and if I could just have one of them protected from all my other stuff I wouldn’t need the brush-wrap

[@linesbylisa3557]

Loved the video... great advice! I just went on a trip and packed to much stuff. I will pack a lot less the next time. I love your flat water bottle and field easel sketch bag. Can you please add links for those? I love all of your videos! Thanks for sharing!

[@teohyc]

That water bottle has no brand. You can just search for flat bottle on Amazon or eBay. I'm sure there are many.

[@teohyc]

Here's the review of the bag www.parkablogs.com/content/review-field-easel-art-bag-darsie-beck

[@Chill1332]

I try to be a light packer. An altoids tin of paint, a brush, pencil and pen and an eraser. I'm actually getting acustom sketchbook cover made with pockets for those things. Hopefully so I won't even need a bag. The sketchbook itself will have all I need.

[@mell8577]

How clever!

[@Chill1332]

@@mell8577 I hope it works. I'm doing an art trade with a leather worker. I design his logo he makes me a sketchbook cover. :)

[@mell8577]

@@Chill1332 sounds like a great arrangement. Hope it's a success!

[@adinaschisler3930]

I actually have been inspired by your earlier packing videos & went to Thailand for 10 days with ONE CARRY-ON! Now this was a 1st in my wretched life :D While I don't pack video gear & abstained to take my laptop (which hurt on a daily basis) I filled the space w/ extra summer dresses. What I really want to know is how do you go about washing the 3 sets of clothes you usually pack? US & EU hotel laundry services are not cheap, even in Chang Rai I paid $50 for a round of laundry at 4* hotel :D Are you going to Amsterdam in July?

[@teohyc]

My clothes are made of quick dry material so I wash them myself. If there is cheap laundry service around the hotel, I may use them. Hotel laundry is too expensive sometimes. Yes, I'll be going to Amsterdam to cover the USK symposium.

[@anitafleice5726]

What about when flying? Do you "carry on" your art bag and have you had any problems with security?

[@PlacesWeveBeen]

Great advice! I try to pack as light as possible, but my biggest issue is finding a surface for my supplies. I can hold sketchbook on my lap, but what about paints and water? If a park there are usually some picnic tables, but else where I'm out of luck and I don't like putting my supplies on the ground. Any thoughts?

[@teohyc]

There are some metal clip cups that you can clip to your sketchbook. You can consider this bag too. www.parkablogs.com/content/review-field-easel-art-bag-darsie-beck

[@darklittlepeople]

omg, that rectangular water bottle is so cool !! is it awkward to drink from though ? i mean because of the shape, not social awkwardness. i absolutely love that you travel just with a small backpack, i tend to do the same thing ! 👍

[@teohyc]

It's more awkward to drink from but not terribly awkward. As in, the water won't flow out of the mouth 😂

[@pjjk2514]

Unintentional asmr

[@JATP_]

I'm curious if you get attached as well to your palettes? like use them until it worn out hehe

[@teohyc]

I have many palettes but there are only a few that I use often. One's the Winsor Newton Deluxe sketcher box and the Portable Painter, the two palettes show in this video.

[@jasonmullins6638]

You might have answered this question already but what brand backpack is that? Thanks!

[@teohyc]

Targus

[@christinelazarides8916]

Very informative, what is name of flat water bottle, can it be bought in USA, and what size travel brush also? Thanks

[@teohyc]

There is no brand. Maybe do a search on Amazon or eBay for flat water bottles

[@zimrianispresent8123]

👌👽👌

[@cr0wsnest]

Thank you Teoh!! I have a question... do you have tips for flying with a fountain pen safely? i tried and mine exploded on my stuff...

[@teohyc]

Don't fill up the convertor completely. Leave some air gap. Always keep the fountain pen nib pointing up. I've brought fountain pen on trips and so far nothing bad happened. What do you mean by explode?

[@cr0wsnest]

@@teohyc while traveling with my first fountain pen i opened it at my destination and ink was everywhere. It was not damaged but since i wasn't home i couldnt clean it well and then i couldnt use it. I'm not sure if having it too full caused this but next time i will try that

[@naturesketches126]

Do you have a link for the back pack? Looks very nice!

[@teohyc]

It's a Targus brand. Not sure if it's still selling.

[@naturesketches126]

@@teohyc Thank you!

[@myffanwy2]

Hi Teoh! Is the Pelikan M200 still your favourite pen? And, yes, I've never seen a water bottle like that! Where did you find that? ;)

[@teohyc]

It’s one of my favourite pens

[@susankaempfer8427]

I know this is an old video, but what is the larger of the two plastic palettes? Not the portable painter- the one with the six wells… 6:49

[@teohyc]

Winsor Newton Deluxe Sketcher Box. Get the one with 3 instead of 2 rows of paint because that will have three plastic separators to hold all the pans down.

[@susankaempfer8427]

@@teohyc thanks!

[@OneTrueWord1988]

Hi Teoh! Please provide a link for your square water bottle. Thanks!

[@teohyc]

FLAT WATER BOTTLE ebay.to/2Lt7qLH ebay.to/2NuPDpS ebay.to/304Jfao

[@OneTrueWord1988]

@@teohyc Thanks so much Teoh! Have a great day!!

[@morrisjensen3172]

0:55 - Cluts I'm mishearing. What are they?

[@OkieSketcher1949]

Normally carry a small sling bag, water brushes (5 ea with a variety of brush tips), two watercolor sketch books with NOT paper, normally 140 lb. hard cover, Cotman 12 slim pans (old palette with paint wells less than half the size of a half pan) watercolors, 4H wooden pencil with sharpener, 7mm mechanical pencil, plastic eraser, kitchen towel section, small spray bottle with water, 2 metal spring clips. Will occasionally carry a tin containing 12 watercolor pencils if using water could be a problem such as being in a vehicle for extended periods.

[@claudeyaz]

Be careful with full ink pens on airplanes. Especial ones with highly pressured ink already. Can overflow due to pressure changes

[@WildPortraitArtist]

Really interesting seeing your sketching bag contents. I almost always over-pack and regret it afterwards when my back is killing me and I haven't used half the stuff I brought! Really need to start cutting down lol. If I may ask, what brand is that flat square water container? I've been looking for a container that I can double up as a brush washing pot for a while but nothing I find is thin enough or water-tight. Edit: btw, regarding sharpeners, I found one that fits over the nib of your graphite pencil just like a lid, on Jackson's art, it's by Kum and I really really love it! You can find it here: www.jacksonsart.com/kum-tiptop-pop-d-pencil-and-sharpener-assorted-colours

[@helenoreillylong9497]

Hi Teoh...what brand is your sling bag? Great size for your art supplies.

[@Zenica204]

It's a darsie beck field easel artist's bag that folds into an easel for on the go sketching. You can buy one at www.darsiebeckartist.com/field-easel-art-bag.html

[@oobroono4407]

can you try Huawei M6 pro .really so great.we want to use it :)Speed is the fastest。

[@teohyc]

They don't seem to come with stylus so I'm probably not be reviewing them.

[@oobroono4407]

@@teohyc 10.8 inches with a pen.use "Huawei m-pen lite",so please try it?

[@sonyadeantonio]

Do those pens leak on a plane?

[@cheshirecat9037]

I read an article that says that fountain pens do that (I think that some ink pens also do that?), because of the pressure caused by the altitude change and it would be preferably to store it with the tip upwards or take a ballpoint pen instead.

[@polrusstomakriss9001]

@@cheshirecat9037 goooooooooood to know, wow you learn something new everyday, that's crazy

[@Donna_G]

Sonya, Goulet Pens has a lot of videos on mostly fountain pens; but, you can search for videos on how to travel with a pen to minimize leakage.

[@sonyadeantonio]

@@cheshirecat9037 thanks so much! I'm gonna take them out of my pack

[@charlottedewaal5204]

are you coming to Amsterdam?

[@teohyc]

Yes. I'll be there to cover the USK symposium

[@androandro7179]

Awesoooooomeeeeeee we will be waiting for the live vlogs :D

[@dbmd9915]

This is a very random upload i seen. *not bad*

[@richardmika2136]

guess thats fail pens pencils sketchbook watercolors water oh clips chair sleeping bag no room for lunch

[@davidsherrington59]

Your palette is too big! 🤣🤣