Packing Clothes for Overlanding

[dziner]

This may sound stupid, but how do you pack clothes for a 2-week overland trip? Do you simply stuff clothes into a duffel bag? Currently I have a suitcase that I've used for traveling by plane, but I'm not sure how well that would work for overlanding because of its form factor. Looking for any advice and suggestions.

 

[Joey83]

I'll be following this as I'm going on a 2 week roadtrip in afew months.

 

[ASNOBODY]

I like to pack light when traveling no matter what. For car travel or overland specifically, this means getting as much as I can into the smallest space possible usually, and most importantly trying to plan and anticipate what will or may be worn at any given stage of travel. My preferred method is rolling each piece of clothing and stacking like sausages in large zip lock bags then compressing as much air out as possible. All this gets inserted into some dry bags (I have several of THIS brand in different sizes from 5L to 55L) that I can either keep on board or put in one of my roof cases out of the way. I like to put one whole outfit in a bag if I can, shirt, pants, underwear, socks and a sweatshirt or button up shirt. It's also nice to be able to trade the clean for the dirty in the bag you just used and keep the scent fresh in the truck :). Just what I like to do, by no means an advanced or scientific method haha.

 

[stoney126]

Will follow as well. My packing usually is a pair of shorts and pants and socks and underwear for the alloted days. Usually thrown in a back as we were supposed to be on the road 45 minutes ago

 

[dziner]

I like to pack light when traveling no matter what. For car travel or overland specifically, this means getting as much as I can into the smallest space possible usually, and most importantly trying to plan and anticipate what will or may be worn at any given stage of travel. My preferred method is rolling each piece of clothing and stacking like sausages in large zip lock bags then compressing as much air out as possible. All this gets inserted into some dry bags (I have several of THIS brand in different sizes from 5L to 55L) that I can either keep on board or put in one of my roof cases out of the way. I like to put one whole outfit in a bag if I can, shirt, pants, underwear, socks and a sweatshirt or button up shirt. It's also nice to be able to trade the clean for the dirty in the bag you just used and keep the scent fresh in the truck :). Just what I like to do, by no means an advanced or scientific method haha.

Thanks for some info and a link to those dry bags. They seem very affordable. I like the idea of planning each days clothing choice and packing them individually. I may take a mesh laundry bag with me and make a laundromat run along the way or once I get to my destination. Usually May means warm weather. But I heard Overland Expo West had a snow storm 2 years ago. I'll plan for layers and keep an eye on the forecast when it's getting closer to the departure date.

 

[vegasjeepguy]

After using backpacks for years I decided to pick up a "tactical" duffel bag. The yup zipper makes access and organization so much easier than a pack.

 

[The other Sean]

I like to pack light when traveling no matter what. For car travel or overland specifically, this means getting as much as I can into the smallest space possible usually, and most importantly trying to plan and anticipate what will or may be worn at any given stage of travel. My preferred method is rolling each piece of clothing and stacking like sausages in large zip lock bags then compressing as much air out as possible. All this gets inserted into some dry bags (I have several of THIS brand in different sizes from 5L to 55L) that I can either keep on board or put in one of my roof cases out of the way. I like to put one whole outfit in a bag if I can, shirt, pants, underwear, socks and a sweatshirt or button up shirt. It's also nice to be able to trade the clean for the dirty in the bag you just used and keep the scent fresh in the truck :). Just what I like to do, by no means an advanced or scientific method haha.

I've been thinking about this topic too. I normally pack it all in a duffel, but that turns in to a blender. I was thinking of picking up some of these http://shop.eaglecreek.com/packing-cubes/l/212 but I really like your zip lock bag idea. Cheaper and then you have more plastic bags if a need comes up.

Thanks for the tip!

 

[gotricesmurf]

I like to pack light when traveling no matter what. For car travel or overland specifically, this means getting as much as I can into the smallest space possible usually, and most importantly trying to plan and anticipate what will or may be worn at any given stage of travel. My preferred method is rolling each piece of clothing and stacking like sausages in large zip lock bags then compressing as much air out as possible. All this gets inserted into some dry bags (I have several of THIS brand in different sizes from 5L to 55L) that I can either keep on board or put in one of my roof cases out of the way. I like to put one whole outfit in a bag if I can, shirt, pants, underwear, socks and a sweatshirt or button up shirt. It's also nice to be able to trade the clean for the dirty in the bag you just used and keep the scent fresh in the truck :). Just what I like to do, by no means an advanced or scientific method haha.

I tend to pack the same way, just a habit from military experience, packing sets of clothing and compressing them in zip lock bags then organizing them into a wet weather bag while having 1-2 sets readily available in side pouches of he main bag (i.e. Ruck sack), I put my wet weather gear in one sustainment pouch, a long with my poncho. And the other pouch has 1-2 sets of clothing and other essential items.
Now that I have more storage pouches in the jeep I organize my gear and essential items accordingly to what I need to grab while inside or when I'm parked and can get into the rear cargo area.

 

[ASNOBODY]

That same generic dry bag company (Leader Accessories) makes a pretty well made and cheap waterproof backpack as well. I use this when exploring in my rig in case I need to do any walking anywhere with dirty stuff or parts or things of that nature.

This is my favorite travelling combo though when going abroad… Pacsafe Z28 & The North Face Base Camp Duffel (medium), depending on how much I'm taking.

Packing cubes are useful too if you use a suitcase or just want to stuff things in the truck. I have 4 of these from Burton and they work great. There are definitely cheaper (and better) options though.

 

[somerset-andy]

Do you take fresh clothes for everyday? We tend to take 5 days worth and find a campsite with clothes washing facilities every few days and have a lazy day in camp. I do intend making an overlanders washing machine. Wash as you drive.

 

[Wolfy]

I have a few packing cubes from Eagle Creek that I use for longer trips. Separate out socks and undies.

Also have a Lowe Alpine pack/duffle that has inner zip compartments to separate things even more. It has a separate sleeve for dirty things too and compression straps to keep it small.

-M

 

[ASNOBODY]

Do you take fresh clothes for everyday? We tend to take 5 days worth and find a campsite with clothes washing facilities every few days and have a lazy day in camp. I do intend making an overlanders washing machine. Wash as you drive.

View attachment 20537

Haha fantastic idea :P

Personally, I only take what I know I'll need or wear. I bring a few of everything and maybe two pairs of trousers max. I tend to wear jeans for several days straight unless I get soaked or muddy. I'm perfectly comfortable washing and drying on the road…that's what antenna and roof racks are for right?! haha.

 

[Wolfy]

We also use the mountainsmith cubes for packing the kids and some odds and ends like towels and the pillows.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/mountainsmith-modular-hauler-4~p~73728/?filterString=mountainsmith~b~13540/

They are nice though we don't usually use the big tote for them. I use that to tote chairs and tables.

=M

 

[4xFar Adventures]

I pack socks and underwear for each day. Shirts will go 4-5 days usually if they don't get too bad. Pants up to a week. Whatever I plan to wear, I'll pack at least an extra day's worth of clean socks and underwear. I usually don't need them, but a few times it's come in handy. I try to let the sweaty stuff air out overnight and pack it into a different bag. Other times it goes into a different pocket in the same bag, and the clothes are turned inside out to indicate "used".

Everyone thinks I'm crazy when they hear this, but trust me, it's great. If you want a 5-10 minute treat in the middle of a desert summer day, put your undies in a ziplock bag and toss them in the cooler in the morning. Then put them on in the middle of the afternoon. I've done this more when base camped than driving all day.

 

[TnK1]

I've always just done a backpack with everything rolled sometimes used wide rubber bands , k.i.s.s. method


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