Last week I was doing a bit of packing, as I was preparing to head to Greece to lead a photo trek for American Photo (www.mentorseries.com), where I am now. Yes, I know, tough life. I do a lot of travel, and am always looking for new ways to cut down on the amount of stuff I have to drag along. That's become even more important now that we take computers, hard drives and chargers with us.

This trip was more than a normal trek, however, as I'd continue on from Greece to India and then Thailand, to lead workflow training for the Associated Press. That meant more stuff to haul along. And smart packing was even more important.

Last year I started using "wraps" made by Eagle Creek to pack my clothes. They're pretty simple - fold up your shirts and pants, put them in the wrap, then fold over the four sides and secure with velcro. Simple, and keeps the clothes nicely pressed and in one bundle. For bulky stuff, I've even got what's essentially a big, heavy-duty zip-loc. Put the sweater in, flatten and roll. All the air goes out, can't come back in, and a large fleece top becomes a small sheet of plastic.

I've also got pouches (again by Eagle Creek) that hold my bathroom stuff and medicines, socks, underwear, etc. These wraps and pouches keep me from having to dig through the rolling duffle I use for clothing trying to find stuff. I'm hooked on them.

My latest innovation, however, dates back to when I was doing a lot of backpacking. When you're carrying everything on your back(a lot like being a photographer, right?), every ounce counts. As the miles wear on, you start wondering what you could do without. I've been known to cut off straps and even sawed off half the handle on my toothbrush. One day as I'm packing my chargers and cables, I thought, "Geez, I don't need six-foot power cords on everything." Next stop, workshop with wire cutters, strippers, and a few household plugs from the local hardware store.

Now none of my power cords are more than a foot long. After talking with a friend who knows electricity (thanks, Wes!) I even paired up two cords for battery chargers into one plug. And the final addition to my electrical travel kit is a universal international power strip. I read about it in PC Magazine a few months ago, and ordered one. The plug configurations on the strip will take any design of plug, it's rated for up to 250 volts (if you take a US power strip overseas you'll blow it) and the three slot unit is small enough to make it easy to pack. The company that makes it is called Wonpro (www.wonpro.us), and if you travel a lot, I suggest you check them out. All I need is one wall adapter for the country I'm traveling to and I'm good to go.

So I'm good to go on packing. Now I just need to find a portable laundry to take along!