HOW TO TRAVEL LIKE A GYM RAT

A gym rat is an expert on gym fashion. Some are better at it than others, but gym fashion is big.

Traveling like a gym rat means combining gym fashion with daily wear.

Look around any street or mall or library and you’ll see it in action.

And no, yoga pants aren’t part of the deal. Neither are big gray sweat pants.

What is part of the deal?

Take an inventory of what makes up gym rat fashion. I wear a swimsuit that looks like shorts, a pair of compression tights under them, with a quick dry shirt on top.

What do I wear on an extended trip?

Because the plan was hotel related in France, Belgium, and England, I packed things that might wash and dry in the room without spending hours in a laundry.

The first step before departing was finding quick dry undies in Costco. Why not wear the same compression shorts? Too compressing, and the airplane seats are small enough without the extra squeeze.

Bring four pair of Costco undies, and since they come in packages of three, you’ll need to buy two.

Why only four pair? This material takes a wash in the sink at night, dries out the next day, and ready to wear the day after. So you could get away with three pair, but take an extra.

The same routine works with socks. Wear, wash, dry, and wear again in two days.

For pants I found the perfect travelers in the Columbia store. Flexible, dark, and fast drying. I saw others in pants that zip at the knee to work as pants and shorts, but I brought my swimsuit/shorts.

Three pair of quick dry pants that look like formal slacks is enough. So far you’ve barely filled a carry on suitcase.

What about shirts? Pack the gym shirts. No one knows what else you use them for, so bring about five easy wash and quick dry t-shirts.

For shoes, find a pair of good walkers because you’ll be logging miles in them.

Add the usual stuff for getting set in the morning, like a toothbrush and deodorant and you’re done.

If you’re a married man and traveling with your wife, the gym rat fashion works even better. Your bag is packed, but there’s so much more room. Do you need a smaller bag?

No, in fact you might need a bigger bag. Why? So you can pack your wife’s stuff that won’t fit in her bag. Good husbandry scores points with extra room.

Maybe you’ll buy some souvenirs? I have a new beer glass and the room to bring it home, along with all of the birthday and Christmas presents my wife collected.

Years ago I complained about buying gifts in advance. Then I noticed that her gifts were more thoughtful and sweet than gifts I gave. Apparently not everyone enjoys a hunk of wood with their name carved into it as much as me.

Now I like to see my wife do early shopping and avoid the crush.

Speaking of crush, you’ll find yourself squeezed next to strangers on the Paris Metro and the London tube. It’s a close encounter in both places if you go underground in rush hour. Why is it called rush hour? Getting into the subway car sometimes feels like a rugby scrum with everyone pushing.

Gym rat fashion comes in handy on the train. If you look like you’re going to the gym, or returning from a workout, you get a little extra room.

At least that’s my story, that and saving room to pack things I don’t use. Who’s a good boy?