Traveling Bits (1)

So, here I am, just hanging out in a hotel room with absolutely nothing to do. Instead of continuing to play a mindless game on my phone, I decided I should write about something.

(Long pause as I think.)

Got it!

I’m a traveler. A nomad. I go stir crazy when stuck in one spot too long. I’ve always been this way, and thankfully for the last 11 or so years, my jobs have kept me on the road. Last year I spent 330-340 days on the road.

This was almost exclusively hotel living. For the longest time, I drove everywhere for my work in a panel van. It was awesome. I could take what I wanted (no weight restrictions) and I got to see the country as I drove throughout the United States.

Now, I fly point to point and drive around a little in each location. I understand the need to fly. I couldn’t get to the places I need to get to in a timely manner trying to drive again. But flying also challenges you in many aspects.

Bags

What luggage/bags do you need when flying? For me, it includes a tool bag, laptop bag/backpack and a clothes bag.

Tool Bag

The tool bag was actually a no brainer. Home Depot’s Husky brand rolling tool bags are the best choice for the price when a general use tool bag is all you need. I’ve tried all three sizes they carry, and the 16-inch bag is ideal for what I do. And it’s lighter than the large bag, so more tools can be carried without topping 50lbs.

Laptop

Finding the right laptop bag took me forever. I’ve had Swiss, Eagle Crest, Ozark Mountain, iBag, and many more knock off brands trying to find the one. I know you’re anticipating the answer to the unspoken question…… yes. I have found the one.

The Fire Hose Bulldozer Backpack from Duluth Trading. I could just list the website marketing material, but in reality it’s a great bag. It free-stands and doesn’t fall over. Has large storage areas with room for a 15-inch laptop and planners and other stuff. The internal pocket is nice and the three external pockets are large enough to store everything you need. This thing resists water and soiling. I truly believe it’s a lifetime bag for me.

Clothes Bag

Clothes bags suck. It’s like the laptop bag. You need just the right one to make packing and traveling easy and functional. First problem to consider is what do you want to pack for your weekly travel. For me I pack a pair of tennis shoes, ten pair of socks and ten pair of underwear, two t-shirts, four nice work shirts, three pair pants, one pair of athletic shorts, pocket knife, a rain jacket when needed, and toiletries. I probably pack more than most people do for a 5-day customer run, but I would rather have and not need, then need and not have.

I have used regular style luggage, rolling duffles, smaller carryon type bags, etc. I have yet to find the perfect bag. At the moment I am using an unconventional bag for my clothes. I was in the Home Depot the other day and saw a wonderful canvas tool duffle bag for the low price of $25. It was the first time I’ve ever seen the bag there and my brain went straight to travel bag. My week supply fits perfectly in this bag with no room for extra stuff. The only downside is that it is not rolling, but it does have a strap for sling carry, along with handles in the ends and top of the bag. It’s super easy to carry and stands in its end as well as the bottom.

I am currently on trip two with the bag and could not be more pleased. I believe it’s durability will hold up for a lot of mishandling by baggage handlers.

Yes, I check my bag for several reasons. I

First, I’m already having to tote around my laptop bag, and I don’t feel like dragging one more bag though security.

Second, I bring a pocket knife, aerosol deodorant, wine bottle opener, and a large bottle of shampoo. These items are not welcome in the security line, so they go in the belly.

Third, it’s not that much more time consuming to wait at luggage claim to get your bag, especially if you want to bring along a little whiskey. This is also something I’ve been guilty of doing.

Well, that’s the bags. There are really expensive bags and there are cheap. The laptop bag was $169 and the tool bag $79 and the clothes bag $25. Depending on how much you travel and the beating your bag will take is a major deciding factor for what you buy. For me I want something I think will last and not completely break the bank. You can buy a lot of cheap bags instead of a $1,000 carry on that’s “guaranteed” to last 10 years.

I think I’ll stop with this thought for tonight. I might carry on later with more rambling on other travel tidbits that will be absolutely useless to you as well.

Thanks for reading.