Tristar and one bag travel:

[ykang2375]

Hi TB Tristar owners,

I have a question for all the Tristar owners on the board. I own a grey 1050 Dyneema Tristar which I've taken on 2 trips to Thailand, they really performed well and I'm extremely happy with them. My only issue has been the weight of my fully packed bag, roughly 14.9 pounds. I pack pretty lightly since Thailand is so hot. 15 pounds isn't too bad however after a 20+ hour flight and a lot of terminal walking it gets pretty uncomfortable. Just curious, I've seen alot of Tristar owners with a Co-pilot as well. Would I be better off with a separate Co-pilot or pack a little less and maybe carry a TB shop bag and keep my 3D clear Organizer cube, glasses and what ever else I need during the flight under the seat in front of me?

My only concern about carry around the Co-pilot with the Tristar is keeping track of it. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Happy 4th!!

[Badger]

I think 15 lbs in a TS is pretty good, actually, since I can get mine way over 40 if I'm in a fighting mood. I can totally understand wanting to distribute the load, though, so my tentative answer would be to go for the CP. There are a few benefits to this:

1. You can keep your in-flight necessities close at hand, just as you say.
2. The CP zips up, whereas the Shop Bag does not. In the event your bag tips over, you don't have to worry about stuff spilling out.
3. If you pack dense items into the CP, your TS will feel lighter. For instance, if you can move your tablet, 311 bag, water bottle, and snacks to the CP, you can easily carry that amount of weight by hand, but it will likely make a significant difference in terms of the load you are carrying on your back.
4. The CP stashes easily in any of the TS's compartments whether there are things in it or not. The SB stows well empty, but less so if it's got stuff in it.

However, if you carry only a very few items during your flight, maybe an even lighter solution, like a packing cube shoulder bag, would be a better choice, since ultimately it further reduces the total amount of weight you are carrying. If you can explain your packing list in more detail, these considerations may change, but I hope this is a good starting point.

My final piece of advice is that if you are wearing and packing casual clothes, think of your TS as a backpack and pack the heavier items so they're at the bottom when it's in backpack mode. Then ditch the absolute strap and carry the TS as a pack. 15 lbs spread over both shoulders feels a lot lighter than 15 lbs on one shoulder.

Hope this helps!


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[Moose]

Hi ykang2375,

I usually have two bags. My WF or TS and, usually a MCB or S19. The larger bag usually weighs in around 10 pounds and the other at 6 to 8. While breaking your load into two bags you are still carring the same weight it always seems easier for me in two bags. One of them being used as a purse carries a lot if not all my in flight necessities. My second bag is usually a cross body bag so I don't worry so much about keeping track of it. You would be able to carry a CP cross body too. If you don't have an Absolute Strap, I strongly suggest you get one. It will make a huge difference in how heavy the bag feels.
Moose

[ykang2375]

Hey Badger,

Thanks for the quick response, I appreciate it. I definitely agree about your points about the Co-pilot, especially #3, it really hit the nail on the head for me. I'm also thinking about the 311 bag, with the Co-pilot I could leave the Tri-star zipped up and just open up with Co-pilot. This is still a work in progress. Ideally, I would really like to do one bag and have it be 11 pounds, I'm just not sure how to shed 4 pounds. I still have several months to try to get to that ideal weight. Thanks for the advice!!

[ykang2375]

Hey Moose,

Thank you for your post as well. In hindsight I might have even been able to do a S25 and a Pilot or Co-pilot, weight is a big concern for me. Like I said I'm in good shape but 15 pounds after a 20+ hour flight feels like a 100 pounds, especially with those huge international terminals. For once I would like to carry a 10 or 11 pound bag so I don't need one of those airport carts. I definitely have the Absolute Strap, it's really well made and super comfortable. I was already spending a good amount of money, not getting the Absolute Strap wouldn't have made any sense. Thanks for the advice!!

[AVService]

I often travel with my TriStar and Synapse 19 together and this have proven to be a great combo for me.

As long as I can force myself to limit the 19 being crammed with more than I really need it is the ideal 2nd bag for me.It will carry way more than I want easily but that has also come in handy a lot too.

When I get the TriStar too heavy and carry it as a backpack I can still throw the 19 over a shoulder and this pair is a lot easier to carry for me than if both only had shoulder straps.

I have been tempted to get a Co-Pilot or Pilot for the same use but the Synapse just seems so much more versatile that I have stuck with it.

I could imagine that a packing cube backpack might be the ultimate solution for you though as then you really could have it both ways in a sense.
It can ride in the TriStar when not needed as another bag and as a pack when called for.

[al85]

I recently got a CP so I could offload some of the smaller items from my TS/A45. I have a tendency to overpack -- I'm still learning to pack only what I need -- because I don't get to travel as much as I'd like. I'm a sucker for organization, so both bags really allow for that. I really like that I can now focus my TS/A45 on being "luggage" and using the CP as a larger "purse/personal carry-on" instead of trying to fit everything that doesn't fit into my purse inside my TS/A45.

[ykang2375]

Hey AvService,

I appreciate the advice, not a bad combo. I'll have to think about either the Synapse or CP. I have the packing cube too but I use it in the TS, maybe I'll use it for over-flow.

I often travel with my TriStar and Synapse 19 together and this have proven to be a great combo for me.

As long as I can force myself to limit the 19 being crammed with more than I really need it is the ideal 2nd bag for me.It will carry way more than I want easily but that has also come in handy a lot too.

When I get the TriStar too heavy and carry it as a backpack I can still throw the 19 over a shoulder and this pair is a lot easier to carry for me than if both only had shoulder straps.

I have been tempted to get a Co-Pilot or Pilot for the same use but the Synapse just seems so much more versatile that I have stuck with it.

I could imagine that a packing cube backpack might be the ultimate solution for you though as then you really could have it both ways in a sense.
It can ride in the TriStar when not needed as another bag and as a pack when called for.

[ykang2375]

Hi al85,

I have the same issue, I don't travel as much as I would like to either, I'm still learning how to only pack what I need. I think I really need to get aggressive in terms of what I leave behind. I'm shooting for 11 pounds or less, where I don't need the airport cart.

I recently got a CP so I could offload some of the smaller items from my TS/A45. I have a tendency to overpack -- I'm still learning to pack only what I need -- because I don't get to travel as much as I'd like. I'm a sucker for organization, so both bags really allow for that. I really like that I can now focus my TS/A45 on being "luggage" and using the CP as a larger "purse/personal carry-on" instead of trying to fit everything that doesn't fit into my purse inside my TS/A45.

[Badger]

Maybe post your packing list? The Dyneema TS is 2 and 3/4 lbs empty; the absolute strap is 8 oz. To keep within your weight parameters you really only have a generous 7 lbs to work with. Obviously your list might change a bit depending on the specific trip, but people here are pretty good at suggesting ways to cut weight, and could be very useful in terms of helping you identify a core group of items you can depend on.


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[ykang2375]

Hey Badger,

I think you're right about that, the Dyneema TS is very durable but hefty plus I have the small, medium, large packing cube, the packing cube back pack. medium stuff sack, travel tray and 3d Clear organizer cube, I believe all together it's well over 3 pounds. I know it sounds crazy but I really do want to have the total load be 11 pounds or less. I'm not a big guy, I'm 5' 6" and 140 pounds, after a 20+ hour international flight I can barely see straight which I why I want to carry one bag and have it be 10 to 11 pounds maximum. Here's my packing list:

Clothing:

-Hat, sandals, 2 ex-officio t-shirt, 1 pair mesh short, 2 pair North Face light weight cargo shorts, 2 pair ankle socks, 3 pair ex-officio boxer briefs

Documents:

-Cash, Passport, E-ticket, travel insurance papers

Electronics:

-Canon P&S camera, charger, iPhone and charger, ear buds

Toiletries:

-First aid kit (small) floss, eyedrops, saline nasal spray, toothbrush, purell, contact solution, glasses and case

Misc:

-Extra box of contacts, contact case, money belt, inflatable neck pillow, pens, sunglasses and case

Maybe post your packing list? The Dyneema TS is 2 and 3/4 lbs empty; the absolute strap is 8 oz. To keep within your weight parameters you really only have a generous 7 lbs to work with. Obviously your list might change a bit depending on the specific trip, but people here are pretty good at suggesting ways to cut weight, and could be very useful in terms of helping you identify a core group of items you can depend on.


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[Badger]

Tristar and one bag travel:

Hmm. You're already packing a very light load, but here are some suggestions; I don't know if they are useful or possible:

1. Given your packing list, I think you could get all your clothes into the PCBP. You could leave the med and large cubes at home. This is assuming you use the PCBP as a backpack in Thailand. If you don't, use the large cube instead because it's lighter.

2. Your toiletries likely go in the 3D OC. Can't see a way around that unless you go back to using a ziplock bag. However, are there any toiletries you could get there? You're not taking much but if there's anything that can be gotten once you arrive and that you don't need for your flight, maybe you could strike those items.

3. Could all of your in-flight necessities fit in the small cube OR stuff sack? That way you can put everything you need in one place and stow the TS itself in the overhead bin. I think the cube might be preferable because its shape conforms to the TS.

4. Clothes: I'm not sure if you can do laundry, but could you bring just one pair of NF shorts? That's the only thing I could think to cut. I suppose you could just bring one T-shirt and one pair of socks and boxers, but that doesn't sound like any fun.

5. It sounds like you're using the stuff sack and travel tray for organization, but don't forget that the TS has lots of organization built in. I'm assuming you keep your documents, money, and passport on you, and the other little things can go in the TS pockets and in the zip pocket of the PCBP. Once you're at your destination you can move all the little things to the small packing cube.

6. Just bring one pen.

7. Try the PPU Clip for charging your camera battery. It's way smaller than a traditional camera charger and it can be plugged into your iPhone charger and then into the wall. It weighs a couple of ounces and isn't expensive. That will save you the charger and cord weight.

I guess what I'm advocating is weighing the convenience of having all your stuff contained in cubes, etc., against your desire to save weight. If you could shave a tiny bit off the packing list and then try to leave a few of the accessories at home, your bag may then be light enough that you could just use the backpack straps and then leave the absolute strap, thus saving another 1/2 lb.

Hope this helps!

ETA: by the way, given your packing list I don't think you require a co-pilot. Just my 2¢.




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[ykang2375]

Hey Badger,

Thanks for the quick reply!!

1. That's not a bad idea, save some weight w/o the other packing cube. I could probably fit all of my clothing into one PCBP but I would be concerned about Tristar bulge, I want all of my stuff evenly distributed in my bag. I will give my TS a test pack with your suggestion.

2 and 3. I was thinking about using the PCSB with the 3D cube inside for cabin use.

4. I usually wash all of my clothes in a sink or use laundry service, all of my travel clothing is synthetic and drys very quickly.

5. Yes, I definitely keep all of documents and cash on me at all time, can't be too careful.

6. I like to keep multiple pens on my, though you're right I could probably get away with one. I'm OCD and like to have multiples, just in case.

7. My camera charger is very small and plugs directly into the wall without a wire and my iphone charger is pretty compact as well. I will look into the PPU clip though

-I like to keep my Absolute Strap with my, I usually zip up the backpack straps on my TS during the X-ray scan so they don't get caught in the rollers and the strap come in handy for getting off the place. Though you're right I would save a good amount of weight without it.

I appreciate all the advice and I'll do a test pack to see what works for me. I agree I probably don't need the CP, just need to pack less.

Thanks again!!

Hmm. You're already packing a very light load, but here are some suggestions; I don't know if they are useful or possible:

1. Given your packing list, I think you could get all your clothes into the PCBP. You could leave the med and large cubes at home. This is assuming you use the PCBP as a backpack in Thailand. If you don't, use the large cube instead because it's lighter.

2. Your toiletries likely go in the 3D OC. Can't see a way around that unless you go back to using a ziplock bag. However, are there any toiletries you could get there? You're not taking much but if there's anything that can be gotten once you arrive and that you don't need for your flight, maybe you could strike those items.

3. Could all of your in-flight necessities fit in the small cube OR stuff sack? That way you can put everything you need in one place and stow the TS itself in the overhead bin. I think the cube might be preferable because its shape conforms to the TS.

4. Clothes: I'm not sure if you can do laundry, but could you bring just one pair of NF shorts? That's the only thing I could think to cut. I suppose you could just bring one T-shirt and one pair of socks and boxers, but that doesn't sound like any fun.

5. It sounds like you're using the stuff sack and travel tray for organization, but don't forget that the TS has lots of organization built in. I'm assuming you keep your documents, money, and passport on you, and the other little things can go in the TS pockets and in the zip pocket of the PCBP. Once you're at your destination you can move all the little things to the small packing cube.

6. Just bring one pen.

7. Try the PPU Clip for charging your camera battery. It's way smaller than a traditional camera charger and it can be plugged into your iPhone charger and then into the wall. It weighs a couple of ounces and isn't expensive. That will save you the charger and cord weight.

I guess what I'm advocating is weighing the convenience of having all your stuff contained in cubes, etc., against your desire to save weight. If you could shave a tiny bit off the packing list and then try to leave a few of the accessories at home, your bag may then be light enough that you could just use the backpack straps and then leave the absolute strap, thus saving another 1/2 lb.

Hope this helps!

ETA: by the way, given your packing list I don't think you require a co-pilot. Just my 2¢.




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[Badger]

1. That's not a bad idea, save some weight w/o the other packing cube. I could probably fit all of my clothing into one PCBP but I would be concerned about Tristar bulge, I want all of my stuff evenly distributed in my bag. I will give my TS a test pack with your suggestion.

I know what you mean. The important thing is to make sure that you pack as flatly as possible, and try to fill up the entire cube. I have many of the same items (and I guarantee my shirts and stuff are bigger than yours), and I'd be happy to do a couple of test packs as well. If nothing else, it could be helpful for other people to see how similar items in different sizes look when packed in the same way into the same bag.

If it helps at all, I was able to pack 8 dress shirts, 7 t-shirts, and two pairs of pants in one PCBP (I was using my TB stuff to pack my clothes for my move). I think it was like 3 or 4" thick and there was no bulge even though it weighed like 9 lbs.

About the pen(s): I can empathize. I always try to carry multiple pens as well. However, you're going to ASIA! The pens there are the freaking bomb. If you lose yours, you can get a whole bunch more to console yourself. More seriously, I know pens don't weigh much; it's just that you're already sort of going bare bones and I was looking for anything that could be left out.

[ykang2375]

I know what you mean. The important thing is to make sure that you pack as flatly as possible, and try to fill up the entire cube. I have many of the same items (and I guarantee my shirts and stuff are bigger than yours), and I'd be happy to do a couple of test packs as well. If nothing else, it could be helpful for other people to see how similar items in different sizes look when packed in the same way into the same bag.

If it helps at all, I was able to pack 8 dress shirts, 7 t-shirts, and two pairs of pants in one PCBP (I was using my TB stuff to pack my clothes for my move). I think it was like 3 or 4" thick and there was no bulge even though it weighed like 9 lbs.

About the pen(s): I can empathize. I always try to carry multiple pens as well. However, you're going to ASIA! The pens there are the freaking bomb. If you lose yours, you can get a whole bunch more to console yourself. More seriously, I know pens don't weigh much; it's just that you're already sort of going bare bones and I was looking for anything that could be left out.

You're definitely right about packing as flat as possible, I really hate bulge, especially in a TS. I also don't think you're being silly about the pens, every ounce counts. Thanks!!