LUGGAGE

LUGGAGE. Sitting in the Nairobi Airport makes me wonder, what’s your style? Are you the modern and minimalist roller? Are you the crunchy and adventurous backpacker? Are you the super posh Louis Vuitton? Or are you the totally mishmash of whatever bag or box you have on hand that your stuff actually fits in?

I’ve never been a roller. I watch them float along the airport corridors, while I lug and chug along and yet I won’t convert; it’s just not me.  I’ve evolved past my backpacker stage, mostly because I was so annoyed by having to unpack everything to be able to get to one thing; and I actually like my clothes to be somewhat wrinkle free. I fear I will never be in the company of Mr. Louis Vuitton; the thought of losing an extremely expensive suitcase with everything in it makes me nervous. And I can’t just haphazardly pick luggage, as I’m too obsessive compulsive for that type of thing.

On a long trip, I carry a safari bag, my dad’s military duffle and my leather satchel. The safari bag houses most of my belongings. The duffle is a new addition and is more for easy access and overflow on long trips. And my satchel has all of my most precious belongings such as my Macbook and sunglasses.

Whatever your style, if it works, it works- even for Africa. There is one caveat. Soft bags are recommended for Africa and required for some small aircraft. So I guess if you’re the old school American Tourister type, you’re shit out of luck.

-Jen Johnson

Comments

[African Holidays]

what matters is carrying a sturdy bag for the dusty country safari

[Juliet Agg-Manning]

Good place for luggage spotting Jen! My luggage survived a run over this weekend, and was then squished into the back of a small C180 - so squishy is essential for adventurous African trips in small planes! Hope you had a good safari - Juliet