Weight-conscious packing

Over many years of travel, I’ve learned to plan carefully in terms of how much clothing I really need and what can be pared down, such as as for those low luggage-weight limits on small-plane trips between safari lodges (when, with fewer items, it becomes necessary to wash clothes every night).

I take several tops — usually two short-sleeved and two long-sleeved shirts (which I sometimes button up above elbow-length), a top that’s dressier, and one or two camisoles for wearing under those shirts, so I can leave the shirts open or even take them off.

I also pack two pairs of long pants, one polyester and one nylon. One pair is zip-off, turning them into a pair of long shorts.

Other clothing I typically pack includes pajama shorts with a black short-sleeved T-shirt for a top; two skirts (one long, black knit and the other shorter, which I wear only if it’s appropriate for the local culture); a cardigan sweater, and a LOT of colorful scarves (to replace jewelry).

I also often pack waterproof pants and jacket for places like Peru; a packable jacket with a hood (if rain is expected) from REI (www.rei.com); three pairs of shoes (hiking, walking and sandals/flats); three pairs of CoolMax socks, so I can wear one pair while the others are drying over two days; a folding cane, and a small umbrella.

I weigh each item on my kitchen food scale and note the weights on my packing list so I can easily remove a top or a pair of pants or shoes from the list, replacing them with something more lightweight, if necessary. 

By then, I already would have weighed my necessary items, like medications, toiletries, cosmetics, laundry granules (small sheets of detergent are now available), blow-up hangers, a washcloth and two microfiber towels, a flat sink stopper, a sewing kit, a LARGE first-aid kit, my passport and documents and maybe a sun hat. 

I carry cameras in my backpack, in case they’re weighed for the small planes. Clothing will be added or subtracted, as needed, in order to not go over the maximum weight allowance.

This seems like a lot of work, but once you’ve done it and know what your items weigh, it’s not so bad.

If I were traveling on a cruise ship instead of taking a land tour, I’d have more of a selection and wouldn’t need to be so detailed, but since I’m now in the habit of packing like this, it’s “my routine.”

ELIZABETH PUGH-ZALESKI, Surprise, AZ