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My next multi-day travel event will be to the annual SHOT Show — right around the corner (Jan. 19-22, 2016). It’s for firearms manufacturers and dealers and industry peeps only and I’m looking forward to it, to say the least. In fact, one of my goals while I’m there will be to report back to you all the good stuff I see there. So even though regular consumers can’t attend, I’m going to help you feel like you were there.

While the excitement and anticipation of the trip continues to build, I know planning is essential. And smart gear. In fact, the overriding philosophy for any trip’s logistics can be summed up like this: Travel light but have everything I need with me whenever I need it. As such, I’m employing the “one bag” philosophy: literally, one bag for everything, including clothes, laptop, whatever. But inside that one bag is another smaller bag, something I can attach to my belt (or the outside of my main bag) or just to keep other essentials organized and handy.

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First, the one bag: Eagle Creek’s Tarmac Weekend Bag ($160) offers versatile, organized packing space in a carry-on size package. Check your local airline for size and weight requirements but the 19.5” x 13.5” x 8” size should qualify. Moreover, the bag itself is light in weight (2 lb., 9 oz.) but offers 2,745 cubic inches of space. Constructed from Bi-Tech™, Bi-Tech™ Armor, 1260D Helix™ Ballistic, the bag should be more than durable for my trip. In fact, I’ve already had this Eagle Creek bag serve as my one bag for three other weekend trips. And, using Eagle Creek’s packing cubes, my clothes and other gear stayed organized. Every part of the bag is great — especially the Packit Folder Medium ($28) — but my favorite feature is the versatility offered in how I can carry it: with a typical handle, using the shoulder strap, or as a backpack.

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As for some of the other gear, thanks to the good people at 5.11, I’ve got this Ignitor Med Pouch ($37.99), a handy pouch for a basic first aid kit but also for other helpful gear at a show like SHOT or in myriad other kinds of trips. Even though I hope I never need the medical attention, I am going to add some first aid supplies to the 5.11 Double Duty tactical pen ($59.00) and Field Notes (3-pack, $9.95) and the 5.11 TPD EDC light ($19.99) you see here. You can bet I’ll be taking notes during SHOT, keeping track of all the new gear and reporting on it for you. As for the light, those are always handy.

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Where are you traveling to next? Any firearms related destinations? Got other ideas on essential travel gear? Let’s hear them in the comments below…

— Mark Kakkuri

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