A Smart Way to Beat Airline Carry-on Restrictions

from the October, 2009 issue of Undercurrent  

Instead of figuring out how you’re going to fit all your stuff into the two height- and length-appropriate carry-ons you’re allotted for a flight, I’ve got two words for you: travel vest. I was at the airport recently when I saw a man walking toward me wearing one, its multiple pockets bulging with stuff. He had used them most efficiently, storing some magazines, a book, cell phone, iPod, DVD case, camera and even some snacks. It was astonishing how much he had. The gear he was carrying on him would have filled up a carry-on attaché case but he wisely placed his more important gear in a briefcase that served as his official carry-on.

We found good travel vests for sale online at Orvis, TravelSmith and the National Geographic store Consider one for your next dive trip to get around the luggage weight and carry-on restrictions, and use your imagination about what you can put in there Do like that expert vest-wearer did, and stock it up with the in-flight essentials, leaving more space in your carry-on for the dive gear

–Ben Davison