1. Packing for a long trip..
Packing Smarter: How I Downsized for the Long Haul
One of the best parts about starting a long trip just six months after finishing the last one is the chance to learn from your mistakes. This time, I’m making smarter decisions to keep the trip enjoyable. Here is my strategy:
The Luggage – 10kg! It sounds hard to believe, but last year I lugged around a 23kg suitcase, a backpack, plus a piano and stand I bought on the road. That was 40kg of gear! This time, a 4-wheel carry-on is the only way to go. Your back will thank you for ditching the backpack, and 4 wheels are superior to 2. Plus, you never wait at baggage claim, never pay extra fees, and you can walk to your accommodation without breaking a sweat.
Electronics essentials. I’m packing a lightweight laptop for work and quality headphones to review Tangel Trio’s mixing sessions for our upcoming album. But most importantly: a power bank. In Russian trains, AC plugs are rare, and rides can last 30 hours. You don’t want to arrive in a new city with a dead phone, no maps, and no Uber. For 20 euros, I bought a portable battery that charges my phone 2.5 times.
DIY Merchandise. Traveling with 300 CDs when you only sell a handful per concert doesn’t make sense. I opted for homemade packaging this time. This allows me to burn and build CDs on the road as needed. It keeps production costs to just pennies, allowing me to sell them at a lower price while actually increasing my profit margin. Ultimately, the goal is to get the music into people’s ears without a huge upfront investment.
Clothing. My rule: Avoid white. This way, I can wash everything in one load without turning my whites pink (unless you want a pink ‘Tangel Trio’ t-shirt, which I actually own). My packing priorities:
- Socks and Underwear
- T-shirts
- Pants
- One Jacket Everything else stays home. Well, except for the hat, shaver, comb, toothbrush, and nail clippers!