Why do people act like it’s a moral failure to not pack light? AIBU to enjoy taking stuff on holiday with me?

[igotitbadforyou]

I’ve noticed this on a lot of packing/holiday threads. Lots of sneering and looking down on people for packing more than is “needed”.

Technically you could go on holiday with the clothes on your back and a spare pair of underwear and that be that, but I enjoy having options and taking some of my home comforts with me.

Why do people act like it’s wrong to do this? It doesn’t impact anyone else.

I'm going away for a three-day work thing and currently despairing at how bulky my luggage looks. I'm really interested in how light packers would deal with this.

For context, there are three days of work events, for which I need to look smart, plus a black tie dinner on one of the nights. The place I am going to is forecast for heavy rain for today (arrival) and tomorrow, and then glorious sunshine and 24 degree heat for the rest of the time. I am a sweaty perimenopausal mess at the best of times and have "difficult" hair, which will be a disaster if exposed to rain. There is a 6 minute walk between hotel and conference venue and similar between hotel and dinner venue. I also have very sensitive skin so tend to stick to brands that I know for toiletries and make-up and won't use anything supplied by the hotel in case I come out in hives.

I have:
Underwear (no spares)
Pyjamas
Smart trousers which I'll wear to travel, plus 2 x tops for two working days with slightly different look.
Different outfit (dress) for the third day
Smart sandals for the hot days (wearing boots to travel and day 1 when it is raining)
Smart dress, smart jacket, handbag and shoes for dinner
Toiletries and make-up (a bit more than everyday due to black tie dinner)
Hairdryer with diffuser (essential for looking presentable and know from experience that basic dryers won't do it)
Small pouch with essential medication.
Umbrella

The case (carry-on style) looks like it's bulging at the seams. Then I have my laptop bag (rucksack) with power cable and some work files I need to carry.

I feel like my colleagues will fall over laughing at me when I rock up at the station. Any help for discarding items/capsuling a bit better?

I wouldn't bother with make-up or hairdryer or toiletries other than a small shampoo and conditioner but then I don't think tied up hair or no make-up matters at even the most formal events.

Extra handbag for evening. Do you really need that? Surely you only need to carry phone and hotel room card so just in a pocket or a bag so small it takes up no space. Do you need the jacket too? Is the event somewhere separate to where you are staying? Room of event unlikely to be cool enough to need a jacket.

Raincoat rather than umbrella that you can wear.

But even without making those changes nothing you've listed sounds like it would take up too big a bag.

For me.
3 months around India, South East Asia, South America, Australia and NZ. 16 kg rucksack including 3 months of daily contact lenses, walking boots and physical travel guides.
2 night work trip including dinner out and board presentations. I can fit everything in my laptop bag.
7 nights in Greece 21kg.
😆

@AgentCooperdreamsofTibet

I would ditch the pajamas ( I never wear nightclothes - I either sleep either naked or in a vest and pants). I also don't think you need separate dress, shoes, bag and jacket for the dinner - unless it is a very glitzy black tie affair. I would just wear the same smart trousers you had on for the day, the smart sandals you are taking and pack a third slightly more fancy evening top.

Or ditch the third day dress and wear the trousers again with a third work top.

I also wouldn't bother taking a hair drier.

@AgentCooperdreamsofTibet how long is your hair? Can you practice twisting it up and using serum on any loose tendrils? Maybe take a fancy hair clip? There are so many good products for frizzy hair nowadays.