Clothes/Shoes

[Anonymous]

A great article.
My students tell me to offer less then 1/2 of what the sellers are asking, or I will get ripped. Kind of like Mexico. They said not to get upset when they start screaming at me.

[Anonymous]

I actually did my research for suitcases.

My Atlantic--name of suitcase weighs 20 lbs.

I purchased a Delsey Helium Light that is 25" suiter.
There is another Delsey that is lighter, but the zippers
and wheels are different. This one weighs 12 and a half
pounds.

Every company now makes a lighter weight suitcase to carry
around. The problem is that you can get a 25" suiter that
weighs around 6 pounds, but it's not as well made. If the
wheels and/or zipper goes on a suitcase it's a nightmare.

This suitcase is pretty well made. I'm primarily a discount
shopper, so I picked up my suitcase at TJ Maxx and then went
down to Macy's to see what they sell.
But, I've been looking for at my local TJ Maxx for a few months,
before I found one.
My Atlantic is a traveler's delight of a bag, but it's huge with four
wheels and all these great features. The bottom line is that fully
loaded, I can't lift it.

I'm happy with the Delsey and I'm going to get a smaller Delsey
as a carry-on bag. I think with those two bags it will be eqaul to
my Atlantic as far as storage.

[Anonymous]

Shoes, my big quest.

I found a pair of shoes called GEOX--they're Italian,
that are going to be a very durable, lightweight, and breathable
sandal.

I've been seraching for a while and I found these at a
Shoe Pavillion for around 40.00. You might want to search
GEOX on the internet just to read up about the shoes.

I'm on a search for a really girlie pair of tennis shoes, that
I can wear with skirts also.

So, in case you see a reasonable pair please post.

[Anonymous]

Skirts and clothes.

I'm paying for laundry at the hotel.
Even if it is just a few items every few days.
I would rather carry less and pay money to have my
laundry done. then have to worry about stuffing my bag.

[Anonymous]

I am bringing 3 guaze outfits, top and skirit. Will travel in pants with a jacket on the plane, and the pants have zip off legs for hot weater (LL Bean). I have worn the pants for several years, and they are great. I am bring 4 sets of underwear and socks, 1 pair on tennies, for the plane and 1 pair of sandles (Teva). Thats about it.
I have such great luggage, but all of it is too heavy for the trip. I found a "set" in Oaji, very light, but not the greatest construction. My husband has determined that if it only gets me through this trip he will be happy. I am done looking for luggage. I will not bring the carry on that comes with it, because its more of a comestic case type, and I don't carry that much. It came with a 24' and a 20" and they strap together---2 wheels, not the 4 I wanted, but I think it will work. The set cost $95. and is guaranteed for 5 years. While we fly around China I will just check the one, and bring the 20inch one on the plane and put it in the overhead. This is permissable, isn't it? I thought that is what I heard Clayton say.

[Anonymous]

I so went shopping and purchased my entire wardrobe/luggage package! I picked up two pairs of pants/shorts - the zip off kind that are made for travel and have the ammenities of UV protection, Buzz Off (bug repellant fabric), air wick quick dry, and super ventilation. I picked up one synthetic (air wick, quick dry) t-shirt, one collar shirt of the same, and two (dressy) long sleeve (short sleeve button option), button up, collared shirts that also have the UV and Buzz Off protection. Along with two pair quick dry (anti-stink) boxers and two pair quick dry, super cooshy Smart Wool socks I am set! I'm probably taking shoes and sandals that I already own, but I may change my mind acc. to my budget.

My best buy, however, was my luggage. It's a standard wheel/handle bag that has backpack straps and a day pack attached to the front that can be zipped off and used seperately. I was so stoked when I found it! And the piece weighs 8lbs! Yippee! For those moments when wheeling it will be impossible, for I know we will have them, I have a convenient backpacker's type pack, and for the days when I'll want a smaller pack to take on excursions, I'll have a daypack without having to pack a second bag. And after doing my prelim packing, I have tons of extra room to bring back souvioneers/curriculum materials, etc. !!!!!

Wow! I just might be a one bag, (not insanely heavy) carry-on-only guy (for the first time in my life)! Imagine that!

[Anonymous]

Where did you get the luggage and how much? What size is it?

[Anonymous]

Kyle,
Did you get the luggage/clothes at REI?

[Anonymous]

Yes, I did get my stuff at REI. It was expensive and I have since found a mail order company that has similar products much cheaper (Trading Post I think). The bag is 26" tall. The rest of the measurements I do not know off hand. I liked the versitility which is why I spent the $300 on it. Plus, it will last me forever and I can even get rid of some of my old, cheap luggage that doesn't really suit any of my needs. I think it might even pass as a carry-on. If not, they do have the next smaller size that will.

[Anonymous]

FYI

Next time you go to REI ask when they are having their
B-93 sale. About once every three months they used to
sell any item that has been returned for any reason.

It's a great time to pick up expensive items very reasonable.
The reason it's called B-93 is because the sales ticket always end
in .93. Just something to check out in case they have one in
the next three weeks or so.

I think we'll be traveling quite a bit by a tour bus of somesort
in China.

[Anonymous]

I ended up getting the B-2 and a spray called Repel, at REI. I want to stay away from Deet if possible. Repel is made from lemon and eucalyptus. The salesman says it doesn't smell that great, but it works. I also got 6 pairs of socks that REI guarantees to dry overnight. If you buy 3 at a time there is a 10% discount.

[Anonymous]

China, Japan, here we come....

I have been to REI and feel ready for the journey. I went ahead and bought an eagle creek suitcase that rolls and also has backpack straps. It was expensive, but I hope worth the investment. Now, fitting everything into my little bag may be difficult, but I am pretty much packed and I have some room left.

For shoes I bought some mary jane model shoes by a brand called earth. They have this special reverse heal action, which will hopefully keep my feet comfy and blister free. I have worn them quite a bit so hopefully they are worn in and ready to go.

For clothes, I have two sun dresses and tons of tank tops. I am also bringing a couple pairs of shorts. I also went ahead and bought some odor-free undies and a white tank that dry in an hour after being washed.

I think I am ready! Thank you for all of your comments, it really helped me when I finally started shopping for my gear. See you all in China-Dana

[Author]

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