I try to never check bags when flying internationally. It adds time to flight transfers, particularly where the already multi-hour customs process gets involved. Plus there's always that chance of lost luggage (and I've had my fair share of lost bags).
My trip to Namibia created a special challenge when I realized, upon completion of packing, that I forgot to include a sleeping bag (great sadness). This was already an equipment heavy packing job that included normal clothing and gear *plus* a syringe kit, full first aid kit, mosquito net, camera gear, computer, rain jacket, and pillow (yes, never leave home without one when long flights are ahead). My work-of-art carry-on had not a cubic centimeter left available.
Solution: I had to go buy a slighter large backpack for my second bag and a compression sack for the sleeping bag. It's tight but beats checking luggage!
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