The Packing Book: Secrets of the Carry-On Traveler

by Judith Gilford

Do you need this book? Ask yourself the following questions: Do you take 40 pounds of luggage with you when all you really need for that beach weekend is a toothbrush, a nightgown, and a swimsuit? Do you wait until the last minute to pack, then end up tucking odds and ends into a bulging bag even as you're loading it into the taxi for the airport? Do you hate spending hours at the baggage carousel or battling for that last luggage cart? If you answered "yes" to any or all of these questions, The Packing Book is for you. In it, author Judith Gilford offers travelers a simple yet radical idea: it really is possible to pack everything you need into a single carry-on bag; all that's required is planning.

From choosing the right kind of luggage and the appropriate travel gear (money belts, ear plugs, etc.) to customizing your wardrobe according to the length and type of your intended travel, Gilford covers all the bases. She provides plenty of checklists so you won't forget the essentials, gives detailed instructions (complete with illustrations) on just how to pack items such as skirts, jackets, and slacks to minimize wrinkling and maximize space, and offers suggestions on packing for children and teens. Medical needs, entertainment needs--even security tips--are included in this invaluable guide to getting the most out of the least amount of luggage. The Packing Book takes the anxiety out of preparing for a trip, and even the most seasoned travelers may be surprised at how much they never knew about packing light.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Americana, Personal Development, Self Help

166 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Karen Guszkowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Packing light is the way to go!

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this book is quite a bit dated in spots (camera and electronics info were the obvious worst offenders but the butane curling iron was a nightmare inducting flashback too), it still holds up as a very in-depth, self explanatory resource for packing. It held your hand through everything - even the things that experienced travelers take for granted and forget to explain to newbies. “The Bundle” packing method sounded like a trip so I tried it and while it is not my favorite option it did get the job done.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Less is more. Focus on versatile pieces that can create a variety of outfits. Useful packing lists and color scheme charts.

[Tina Reynolds · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very old fashioned in places

[Alexander · Rating 2 out of 5]

Contains good advice. You just need to filter it out of all the verbosity. A ~300 page book that would have been better <100.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up at the library before a trip. It has a lot of good lists and tips - though sometimes the sheer volume of lists make you realize wow, I really don't need to pack that much stuff, that helps me pack less just looking at it.

I haven't decided if I will try her bundle method or just stick to rolling clothes. I will definitely continue to try to pack less on every trip. I will also look for more travel worthy fabrics when I can. I have packing cubes that I just got and LOVE, and the suitcase/backpack I just got has worked very well for me - finding the right combination of bags is even more important than what you pack.

There are definitely a few things where I think, wow - I will NOT do that in my traveling, but everyone travels differently. This edition also was published just as the new airline restrictions on liquids and gels was coming into effect - so personally, even though I will try to pack as lightly and close to carry on as possible, I will probably still check my bag just so I don't have to limit my toiletries, first aid and everything to only ONE quart sized baggie of 3 oz or smaller bottles.

[Peta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the first edition of this book (1994) so obviously the mention of things like film canisters etc was a bit out of date but overall I found it a good book! As someone who has done 2 week trips overseas with only a standard sized backpack, and not wished for anything more than what I packed, I still found it a good read with lots of valuable advice, it's easy enough to skip the bits that don't apply to me (men's/kids/teen pack lists) and so you won't spend too long reading it. Which is good because then you can refresh your memory before each trip. The good thing about this book is I think it would cater to a broad range of travellers from business to backpackers. I also found some lists had things on them which I don't need so I plan to make my own based on the book. I'd recommend this to most travellers especially those who have a tendency to over pack.

[Theresa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've traveled quite a bit in my life and I enjoy packing. So it's weird that I would pick this up at the library. However, I am a chronic overpacker and with my upcoming trip, I will be testing out her bundle method.

I found some good tips though I knew most of it. It has a lot of resources listed, which could be useful for new travelers who are clueless on where to start, what to look for, etc.

[Krista]

I couldn't even finish this book - it had more value as entertainment than usefulness. Really? I could take a long t-shirt to use as a swimsuit cover up, a bathrobe, to sleep in or even as a dress with a belt. Are we in the 80's? And apparently we are becoming more casual these days, and men may be able to get away without a sport coat, at least in cities? If I packed the bare minimum this book suggests I need, it would be way more than I already pack. Not useful at all.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book up out of curiosity, and didn't expect to get much out of it, but I was wrong. There are many helpful hints for preparing for a serious traveling trip and the packing technique in itself seems worthy of a try. If the technique actually works in not only conserving space, but eliminating wrinkled clothes, then this book is endlessly valuable.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this book goes into a lot of detail on selection of luggage, it also has some great packing lists, including packing for kids. I found a lot of the tips and suggestions really helpful and look forward to trying to go completely carry-on on my next adults only trip.

[Katherine · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first edition was published in 1994. Supposedly this book was updated since then but it doesn't really feel like it. Many aspects of travel have changed in the past 20 years but I feel like not many of the new security procedures or airline regulations have been addressed.

[Aglaea · Rating 2 out of 5]

So much stuff... The book is also geared towards Americans. Metric system isn't mentioned when luggage sizes are discussed and procedures throughout are with international travel from the US in mind, including "trips to Europe". I have one word: Rimowa.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some good tips on traveling light.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It had some very useful suggestions on packing lightly, which I would like to implement. I borrowed it from the library & think I need to purchase it so that I can use it while packing.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed my life!!!!

[Susie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was okay. It had some helpful lists, but it had way more than I needed, so I only read part of it. It did help me pack lightly for my upcoming trip!

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really great resource and well organized.

[Alisa Kester · Rating 5 out of 5]

There couldn't be a better book on how to choose luggage, travel clothing and accessories - and then explaining how to pack them.

[Ada Wong · Rating 2 out of 5]

A few useful tips and good checklists to serve as packing launch pad, but overall didn't revolutionize my way of packing. Also a bit outdated.

[Pablo Greene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply a priceless book for smart travelers. How to pack everything into a single carry-on. I re-consult this book over and over.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Travel must

Found this book to be full of great advice! Haven't tried the bundle packing method yet, but may try it my next trip.

[Lyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good tips even for the seasoned traveler.