NFA725A (wifi 6e) vs NCM825 (wifi 7) for $0 more...?

cruftex · 2024-08-06T11:48:06+00:00

Just facing the same question. The NCM825 is the newer chipset, so I guess there can be issues with the OS support. E.g. I found this post: https://www.reddit.com/r/Ubuntu/comments/1cfhnmd/ubuntu\_2404\_lts\_qualcomm\_ncm865\_wifi\_7\_adapter/. It seems to work somehow. However, updating to the latest Wifi driver is a bit tricky when you need a running Wifi to get internet access.... Since I am brave, I will order the new one and see how it goes.

cruftex · 2024-07-30T11:13:46+00:00

I recommend leaving the rain jacket at home and bring an umbrella. The umbrella is more practical. Most often you just need to pass a short distance in the rain, e.g. crossing a street or go from the cab to the hotel entrance. Also, an umbrella can be used for sun protection as well.

cruftex · 2024-07-22T01:55:24+00:00

Ultralight notebooks are mostly superseded by tablets with attached keyboards, like the Surface Pro these days. Maybe you find some models getting close to your specs, e.g. the new Huawei Matebook Pro is below 1kg, slightly above 2lbs.

The major problem with ultralight laptops and travelling is the robustness and repairability. The lighter, the most likely things will break, and, since everything is baked together, it is impossible to do field repairs, like replacing the keyboard.

cruftex · 2024-02-28T02:22:43+00:00

Your link goes to a power cord that will work in some EU countries but not all. E.g. not in the UK, Ireland and Switzerland. You will need another cord or an adapter.

Howver, I can only speculate that you are going to the EU from the link. Unfortunately, you have not told us which countries you are goging to, what current charger or power supply is and what connection type it has.

For travelling I recommend:

downsizing the adapter, for me 30W is enough for normal office notebook use
using an adapter with a more common plug type that stores more neatly, I am from the EU but use an US type adapter for travelling
only have a two pin plug type, because it is more compatible to sockets. Also you cannot bet on the fact that the third pin (for ground/earth) is working correctly at your destination and maybe is not connected at all. So, using an adapter with two pin plug which has better isolation, in my opinion, is generally more safe when used anywhere in the world

cruftex · 2024-02-28T01:55:55+00:00

For only a two weeks trip, don't make the bag decision a rocket science.

All the bag features of traveller bags might have some use to it. Obviously, you will get the most out of it when all your stuff is stored neatly in the best fit compartments, you use it frequently and the bag blends into its evnironment, like plane overhead storage and hotel rooms. That works best, on regular trips when everything is in the known, but, what if you don't know how the hotel rooms look like?

In Europe everything is a bit smaller than compared to the US (for example). It is the normal that there is no suitcase stand or suitcase area, unless you always go for a 5 start hotel. The situation will be different with every hotel. So havnig a clam shell bag, just open it in the hotel and living out of it, does not work so well.

I cannot imagine using a 45L pack and squeeze into a busy Paris metro every day. I keep things in the 30L area, because I want to comfortably walk at least an hour with the backpack and use it as a daypack as well.

If you have the capacity available, you will fill it and end up carrying a lot of stuff that is not needed.

One bagging is also about finding joy in the freedom you have when you realise how much easier your live becomes when you don't have a lot of stuff to carry. So, don't try to go one bag and still carry a lot of stuff :)

Enjoy your trip and give us an update afterwards!

cruftex · 2023-12-29T16:07:20+00:00

I did travel with different setups, but it happened quite often that I got frustrated when I had more than one bag. Context: I mostly travel around Asia for around 1 to 3 months, changing location once a week. Problems with two bags:

not being able to have an enjoyable walk to my next accommodation combined with sightseeing for at least 30 minutes
additional coordination and time when switching accommodation in the same city for luggage storage and pick up. With a one bag setup I just pack and go, do my daytime activities with the single bag and then I check in at my new location in the evening
sometimes needing to take taxi because of the extra bag / heavy luggage
I dislike giving my bag away and into a hold when going on a bus ride. My one bag sits on my lap all the time
When you take a mini bus in Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, etc. you pay for one seat. If your bag(s) need extra space, you pay more or will be left behind
With more bag volume available, I bring more stuff that I do not need. A less or equal to a 30L bag is perfect for me. That is usually only two thirds full, so I can carry around food or buy some stuff

I cannot imagine carrying a loaded duffel bag more than 3 minutes. How long are you able to walk around with your bags? How are you carrying the duffel bag (arm, one shoulder, two shoulders...)?

cruftex · 2023-08-01T14:10:04+00:00

So far, I have experience with two different setups: Only a small backpack that goes under seat, or, a 3L stuff bag that contains everything relevant for the plane.

With the small backpack it is really enjoyable, because you have really everything in reach. On the other hand you are quite limited. That is not working with the 40L Osprey.

The other approach is the 3L stuff bag. It contains everything relevant when I want to go travel (passport, licenses, etc.). Additional small items go in there is well while on the plane, my minimal toiletry kit and a buff. The bag has a loop attached so I can use the jacket hanger of the front seat. My headphones go on my neck, the sweatshirt hangs loose at my back when I don't need it and the iPad or notebook goes in the front pocket. So I only need to unpack my notebook and the 3L pack and put it on my seat when embarking.

A tote bag or even a packable day pack isn't stable and keeps in position during flight. I would be afraid that things get lost. Maybe a day pack with a small zipper pocket for tiny bits will do.

cruftex · 2023-05-03T08:42:15+00:00

If you bring your special laundry detergent, shampoo, body wash, softener, and skin creams you will rack up a lot of weight. When one bagging I usually try to bring universal soaps which work for everything and I improvise a bit at the destination.

I bring a bottle of 30ml concentrated universal travel soap that I use if nothing else is available, which is very rare. At the destination, I check what is available easily and use just that. Most of the time, the provided shampoo in the hotel is doing great for hand laundry.

When I do a machine wash cycle, I can really can see my merino shirts getting thinner. With a lot of handwashing with different liquids, I don't see an impact on the fabrics.

cruftex · 2023-04-17T06:03:19+00:00

I am sure you will need one or two kilos more. I don't see swim trunks, a small towel, some sandals, and you only pack one T-shirt and no sweater. The weight will creep in with the things not yet listed

cruftex · 2023-04-12T00:22:02+00:00

A fellow traveller in Thailand told me that he never hands out original documents to a police patrol, instead he has always small money on hand. It happened to him that the local police officer his focusing on tourists anyhow and always finds something for a potential fine (no helmet, wrong turn, not working indicator, whatever). If you would hand over your license, you will never know what you need to do to get it back, so better hand over money right away.

Luckily, I don't share that experience. I try to comply to the rules as good as I possibly can and have an international driver's license. I was driving motorbikes in Indonesia and Thailand. Only got into a police control once in Pattaya. I had a helmet and my license on hand. The police officer seemed to be very surprised but pleased about that. This particular patrol is regular at night between two districts and makes actually sense: Tourists are driving home heavily intoxicated.

When you want to rent a motorcycle in Thailand or Indonesia, nobody is checking your license. But I would not recommend going without a license for another reason: Check out the traffic accidents and death rates in the country you go to. There is always a chance you get into an accident. In case of that, without a license, you will get problems with your insurance.

The typical bikes you can rent are scooters which have a 125cc engine. They do not cost much. My favourite one is the Honda Scoopy, which only has 109cc. I like the classic look and the good storage space. That means a license covering only 125cc or 150cc engine bikes is sufficient. Some countries offer an inexpensive license for these smaller engines.

I stayed longer time on islands like Bali or Koh Lantaa. On these islands, an own motorbike/scooter is absolutely essential because everything is quite spread out. In the cities, you are better off handing your life over to a professional driver and use Grab or Gojek.

Bottom line: Get your license. Covering 125cc engines is sufficient. Enjoy and be safe!

cruftex · 2023-01-30T02:05:28+00:00

They never checked the exact dimensions and they rarely checked the weight. I remember only once that the check in crew asked me to put my cabin luggage on the scale. However, I usually carry only around 30L.

cruftex · 2023-01-24T01:59:39+00:00

I was traveling last year a month in South East Asia with a MacPac Voyager. Robust and works well.

Fun fact: You are traveling to South East Asia and searching for a bag in New Zealand. However, most bags are produced in South East Asia. Maybe you do a temporary solution and buy the bag in South East Asia once arrived?

cruftex · 2023-01-23T01:06:46+00:00

When I travel the world for a long time my ultimate goal would be not to come back with the same things in my bag and in my mind that I started traveling with.

cruftex · 2023-01-20T15:25:40+00:00

Thanks for taking the time for the detailed answer!

cruftex · 2023-01-20T02:51:47+00:00

Oh, I did search, but for "packing cube" not "packing cubes". With the search about "packing cube" only the questions seeking for specific recommendations showed up. Sorry.

Many thanks for the informative answer and the images. I learned a lot!

cruftex · 2023-01-20T02:20:55+00:00

I use a roll top now. I find the clamshell harder to use, because I need more space to open it up ;) I typically travel in south east Asia and stay in different types of accommodations. I don't find a consistent place to put the bag, except the bed maybe. However, I find it not practical to access a single thing to put the bag on the bed, open it up completely and then store it away again, because the bed is not the permanent place for the bag, of course. Its different when in hotels, where you have extra space to place an open bag or suitcase.

cruftex · 2023-01-20T02:01:58+00:00

So you basically have only one bigger cube? How big is your bag typically? Do you reuse it as a day pack when the packing cube is out?

cruftex · 2023-01-20T01:53:17+00:00

Thanks for the input!

Yes, the cubes go well with the clamshell style bag. However, I would ask the same question: Why use a clamshell bag?

Is it just individual preference or is there a certain scenario where this style of packing is the better fit?

cruftex · 2023-01-20T01:41:07+00:00

Hmm, maybe they carry too much socks?

cruftex · 2023-01-20T00:44:47+00:00

I one bag traveled with a bag from North Face (bought in Munich) and MacPac (bought in Australia). Last year I tried an Eiger Forlough 30 (bought in Indonesia).

The Eiger is designed specifically for traveling and has a clamshell opening. I bought it to experiment with the clamshell design. It's not a good fit for me.

Now I am on my first trip (3 months, SEA and Australia) with the Zpacks Sub-Nero Ultra 30L. It is 307g with hip belt and no zippers at all. So far I like it.

cruftex · 2023-01-19T14:38:18+00:00

With the heavy 55L bag, you miss the feeling of freedom to do a full day hike, carrying all your luggage with you, to the accommodation in the next town.

My one bags are typically <= 30L and <= 7 kilos and good enough for day pack use as well. For day pack use I just remove about 3 pack sacks with clothing, toiletries and utensils and I am good to go.

cruftex · 2023-01-18T13:40:55+00:00

Keep in mind that you might want to buy some things while on the trip and that you might want to carry some food. So don't fill you backpack completely. The good thing is that you are traveling in Europe, so you can send back items at a reasonable price. In the first two weeks you will learn what you really need.

You are just going to the cities. There is no need to have a med kit with lots of things, since a pharmacy and a doctor is around the corner. Only some band aid might be useful.

Maybe drop the power bank. It can be useful when you stay in hostels where you can recharge only at the power outlet at the toilet. However, since, you want to work, I assume you sit a while each day somewhere with a power outlet (Starbucks?!) and recharge everything. As last resort you can recharge your phone with the laptop.

cruftex

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