Packing Light with a Rolling Suitcase and Hanging Wardrobe Organizer

Welcome to Adventures with Sarah! New Packing Video!
I am experimenting with packing a rolling bag rather than a backpack. On this trip, I am using the TRAVELPRO Maxlite 5, and I am packing for three weeks in Italy in the autumn. Of course, I try to pack as light as possible, but I decided to try a new packing strategy for organizing clothes.
Organizer: amzn.to/46mfGUg (this is similar but there are many options!)
Luggage: amzn.to/3PD90K8
Originally broadcast on adventureswithsarah on October 6, 2023.
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Sarah Murdoch is a tour guide, travel writer, and tour operator covering the globe, specializing in Italy. She worked for more than 20 years for Rick Steves as a tour guide and travel journalist, and co-authored the Rick Steves Sicily book. These days, Sarah is the Founder of Guide Collective (guide-collective.com), and runs Adventures with Sarah, a travel company offering tours around the world. You can find information on packing, travel tips, and how to travel with Sarah on her website, adventureswithsarah.net.
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Thanks for watching, stay curious and keep exploring.
Andiamo!
Sarah
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[@donfisher3495]

When we travel to Europe I pack my travel backpack and put it in a roller bag. This allows us to carry on going over. On the return I wear the backpack (carry on) and use the clothing as packing material around the purchased items in the roller. The roller is checked so we can bring back wine and other items that can't be brought in the cabin.

[@sandrab.5065]

The expandable wardrobe organizer is awesome! I think I will like it better than the mesh cube organizer. Thanks for sharing.

[@bellaluce7088]

Proving once again that you're the queen of smart packing! : - ) I recently had a very unpleasant travel experience lugging my usual backpack unexpectedly long distances and am having to acknowledge that physical issues may mean it's time to go roller bag. Also had a bed bug scare, so a hanging wardrobe looks extra appealing! Thank you!

[@leighalexandra7899]

I appreciate you recognizing that not everyone can carry a backpack. As a 60-plus-year-old female who stands at 5' 1", a full backpack has been impractical with my physique. I do have a backpack with a strap that slides over the handle of a small international-size carry-on. I can wheel it around most places. Thank you for the alternatives!

[@DiddlyD-xx2ih]

I appreciate this as an old woman. I have a discontinued Eagle Creek wheeled bag that weighs 3 pounds. The wheels and frame are removable and it can be just a backpack.

[@megand175]

Funny you mentioned about Covid doing the rounds again as I am watching this while convalescing in my hotel room in Istanbul having contracted it for the first time travelling round Turkey! The ‘wardrobe’ thing looks interesting but if I’m staying anywhere for more than a couple of days I like to hang things on the hangers to let the creases fall out, but it does make for quick organisation.

[@secretariatgirl4249]

Thank you so much! Also looking at fall in Italy, sea to relatives in mountains with bad feet and back surgery! Traveling at 73 a lot different than when I was 35! This seems to be the 22", too big for internationals, I think, sadly ..there is a 20" but that may be too big, too! 😮

[@ashlyeg5034]

I am SO HAPPY to see this content. I’ve been wondering about using one of these wardrobe inserts in a regular suitcase. Thank you for another awesome video!!! 🩷

[@mbrolfe7504]

Thanks Sarah! I’ve reached the point where a backpack for all my travel needs is no longer an option and split my travel wardrobe/luxury items between a roller and a smaller backpack for onboard the plane/sightseeing. I agree that the two wheeled version is lighter and easier to roll over uneven pavement plus (I feel) take more abuse. Can’t wait to see what you haul back souvenir wise.

[@kellydooling]

i have an older version of the travelpro maxlite and i love it. been packing light since 2012 after an insanely overpacked family trip helped me to see the light. 😄 i always appreciate your ideas, but would never use that heavy, bulky hanging wardrobe, as it takes up weight and space i can use for what i actually need.

[@debraschrammel5474]

Looking forward to the return home packing video, too!

[@marbenais]

I looked at those type of hanging organizers before our World Cup trip to New Zealand & Australia, as we had nine flights and changed hotels many times, but couldn't find one that would fit in the Aeronaut 45. It would've made all of the moves a lot easier, but I think it might work better in the Techonaut with the larger main compartment (if I can ever get one!).

[@debrasams2362]

Thanks so much. Great tips.

[@lisawilson9612]

I love your videos! Thank you for sharing!

[@claireklein9398]

Love your packing videos! Thank you Sarah!!

[@beckyo489]

I have the spinner version and love it.

[@judyaznm820]

Question: that 22" Maxlite carry-on bag is 23 x 14.5 x 9" outer dimensions with wheels, as is the 21" spinner version. Have you had any problems with carrying it on international flights when the size maximum its 22"? I've been afraid to take mine carryon for that reason and have been using the smaller model. Would love to switch to the larger size. Have you found a difference between US and European airlines in whether they measure the bags? Thank you!

[@AndreasAntics]

I can’t believe Sarah is using the things I use 😂 although I use a “Baggage Butler” as a closet which has a dirty laundry bag that attaches to the bottom and designated pockets for undies, socks, and jewelry. When I get to a hotel my bag typically “explodes” and this stops most of the explosion.

[@ellybea68]

My bodgy back doesn’t allow me to use a backpack any more but I’m quite happy with a rolling bag. Mine is a new 22 inch Samsonite international size carryon and it’s bright yellow, so if I have to check it, it will stand out from all the black bags. I’m not so taken on your bag insert but let us know what you think of it. For now I’ll stick with packing cubes. Happy travels Sarah!

[@lesliefarrar2264]

Agreed that sometimes a backpack just isn’t right…I use an ultra light soft side suitcase from IT Luggage.

[@lynneeie5226]

Whoa - you can take a wheel of cheese thru customs?! I have given up things like that. I just mail them. And I like the hanging wardrobe thing. It would not work for us when staying with my parents as they use the guest closet for their own storage. So we live out of our packing cubes & backpacks that open like suitcases. (And I am almost down to Sarah size toiletries 🎉😂👍🏻👍🏻 Goals! I need things like my saline eye drops etc so tend to have few more comfort things but I fit it in a Sarah size bag & was pleased. 👍🏻🎉) Have a lovely trip! Lynne

[@1234mhmn]

Size of hanging organizer-large or extra large? Thank you. Great video

[@seastarbutterfly]

Wool panties? Oh my. I'm having flashbacks to itchy legs from wool trousers. I'd definitely need to try those out at home first.

[@GinaStanyerBooks]

The icebreaker garments are a beautiful fine gauge merino wool - super soft and comfy!

[@arlenes8085]

ditto that. I also have many merino teeshirts. Cuts down on how much you must pack. Don't smell, even after several wearings.

[@gabrielladan]

What would be a good current alternative to the Tom Bihn messenger you have?

[@DillyDahlia]

Where do you get your scarves? I can’t seem to find one that is large enough without breaking the bank.

[@annbergquist4253]

I have the same question that was asked earlier. The Travel Pro Maxlite 5 has outer dimensions of 23 x 14.5 x 9 which includes wheels. This would exceed the 22 x 14 x 9 airline accepted carryon dimensions. Have you had issues with this? I can’t find a carryon bag that fits the accepted 22 x 14 x 9 dimensions and would appreciate a recommendation as to what carryon would comply.

[@arlenes8085]

I fly often with KLM (I live in Europe) and KLM has smaller allowances compared to others, but not as small as Ryanair! Check with the airline you will be flying on. Bone up on centimeters as opposed to inches, and kilograms opposed to pounds. I have experienced the weight of a carry-on being checked, so I always take a mini hanging scale to check weight. (KLM weight limits of carry-on is around 12 kg) Samsonite has a european website with filters for different airline allowances. I personally use a (discontinued) soft-side two-wheeler 55x35x22 cm from Samsonite. It seems they only make a 4-wheel version now, or a 45x35x22cm "underseater". The bag was not cheap, but I have been using it for years. I dislike the hardshell (I have one) because I find it inconvenient to use at the hotel or where visiting. It opens like a clam, instead of just the flap opening of a soft-side which is easier to use on luggage racks. In general, I have difficulty understanding the popularity of hard-side luggage. It is generally heavier than soft-side, which cuts down on how much you can pack. I have never experienced breakage of items in soft-side luggage. I bought the smaller hanging wardrobe recommended by Sarah, and am looking forward to trying it on my next flight but that might be a while. (next two trips are with a car)

[@lbunnygordon1133]

No camera towel?