Travelers often stress about what to pack and worry they are not going to have everything they need. There are several benefits to packing light such as no extra bag fees like overweight baggage or checked bag fees. Packing light makes it easier to maneuver in public transportation (i.e., trains, buses, or subways) and easier to carry your bags. People with large bags or multiple bags stick out and are more likely to be targeted by thieves and scammers. You can spend less time packing and unpacking and you’ll be less likely to leave something behind. Below are my top tips on how to pack light no matter the trip.
1. Luggage
Start with lightweight luggage. Whether you use backpacks, totes, or softcover and hardcover suitcases, find gear that are sturdy but less weight to begin with. No need to add unnecessary weight that you have to lug around later.
Use a smaller bag to reduce the temptation. You will fill whatever size bag you have. Another option is to pack in a smaller bag first to plan out what you really need and then move those necessities to a bigger bag for travel. This will give you extra space for souvenirs.
2. Backpacks
Bring a backpack as a personal item instead of a purse or briefcase. Backpacks are simpler to maneuver on trains, buses, and subways, on stairs, or on dirt or cobblestone roads. You can run to catch a train or flight more easily than with a roller suitcase. They are also less complicated to secure in lockers for safekeeping.
3. Packing Lists
Packing last minute increases the odds of adding a lot of random pieces as you scramble to get everything together. Lists decrease the odds of unneeded “essentials.” Before every trip I fill out a list of what I’m going to need on the trip and other items I want to bring. Then I go through the list again and pare it down.
4. Lightweight Fabrics
Bring clothing in synthetic fabrics (e.g., nylon, rayon, polyester, and spandex) or merino wool. Synthetic fabrics are durable, quick drying, and unlikely to wrinkle. Merino wool is antibacterial, moisture wicking, and will keep you warm. Only pack items that can be easily washed and do not require special care.
5. Convertible Clothing
Consider bringing clothing items that are convertible. You will get the benefit of options without having to add more pieces. There are hiking pants that turn into shorts when you unzip them at the knee. A sarong can be a towel, blanket, or skirt. For colder or wetter climates, there are jackets with multiple layers that can be zipped together such as a fleece jacket with an outer waterproof shell.
6. Pack Layers
Warm clothing tends to be bulky and difficult to pack. If you wear layers you can still be warm without packing thick sweaters and winter coats. This gives you the opportunity to wear your top layers multiple days with different base layers. Packing clothes based on layering also makes your attire appropriate for multiple climates and destinations.
7. Mix and Match Outfits
Pick outfits that you can mix and match. Pack versatile tops in solid, neutral colors or one main color scheme for the whole trip. Jeans, black pants or leggings, and cargo pants go with most colors and patterns.
8. Jackets
Bring a lightweight jacket to wear over layers. Depending on the destination, I will wear a utility or rain jacket. If you plan to be outdoors often on your trip, I recommend having a rain jacket as a precaution for bad weather. Find a lightweight one you can roll up or flat pack. You’ll appreciate having it. If you need a thicker, heavier jacket, wear it on travel days.
9. A Week’s Worth of Clothes
Whether you are traveling for days or months, don’t pack more than a week’s worth of clothes. You can re-wear or wash shirts and pants. If need be, you can always buy something along your travels. It gives you a reason to buy that stylish local garment.
My exception to this rule is socks and underwear. They are small and do not take up a lot of room.
Some people take this to extremes and only bring items in threes – 3 socks, 3 shirts, 3 pairs of underwear. Wear one, wash one, and dry one.
10. Shoes
Limit the number of shoes you bring. I recommend you have a comfortable pair of multi-use shoes (e.g., sneakers or flats) and a pair of shoes specific to your destination or activities (e.g., hiking books, winter boots, sandals, or dress shoes). Don’t bring more than three pairs. Pack the lighter weight shoes and wear your heaviest pair on travel days.
11. Do Laundry
Because you are limiting your clothing, if you are traveling long-term, you will want to wash your clothes. This is when quick-dry fabrics become especially important. There are several options for doing your laundry while traveling:
- Laundromat
- Home-share (like Airbnb or Vrbo) with washer and dryer included
- Accommodation does laundry (included in room rate or extra fee)
- Washing clothes in sink or tub
For most destinations, doing laundry is cheaper than checking a bag to bring all those extra clothes.
Want more laundry details? Check out How to Do Laundry While Traveling.
12. Toiletries
Do not pack more than travel size toiletries. Usually, people who want to pack light, also want to travel with carry on only. Carry-on bags must follow the 3-1-1 rule when flying. Hotels will typically provide toiletries during your stay. If your accommodation does not provide toiletries, you can buy the basics at most destinations.
13. Limit “Just In Case” Items
Limit the number of items you want to bring just in case. You most likely will not need that extra pair of shoes, hairdryer, umbrella, or outfit. Really think about what you plan to do on your travels and pack for the likely situations instead of the outliers. You can probably buy or borrow if needed.
My only caveat here is for safety items like medication, first aid, or survival gear. If there is a chance you may need something like that and you likely cannot get it at your destination or in enough time, then pack it and bring it with you.
14. Packing Cubes
Packing cubes help you organize and maximize space. They can also make it easier to pack and unpack. Compression cubes can encourage you to pack more than you need. However, they can be useful to create space for souvenirs – just pack them like normal cubes for your trip, then use the compression feature on your return flight to create more space.
15. Use Your Phone
Smartphones can replace so many items in your luggage. Use your phone for a camera, flashlight, notebook, maps, news, music, games, movies, eBooks, or audiobooks.
I hope you find these helpful when packing for your next trip! If you have any other tips for packing light, share them in the comments below!
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Thank you so much for spreading the word. I appreciate all the support I can get!
I like to wash my hiking socks in the sink or tub. Hiking socks have bulk to them so I like to limit the number of pairs. After washing with a detergent in sink, I squeeze out access and then roll in towel to get out more of the water out of the socks which really helps in drying !
Great tip about the socks! Those are definitely something that need to be washed after a hard day of hiking 🙂
This is more about traveling right… We like to buy some Windex wipes for the car windows. As you go down dusty roads and miles of highway, it is nice to clean down your windows for a perfect view while on the road.
We have also caught a quick camera shot through the cleaned glass of deer, bison, elk and more
Windex wipes are so handy! Plus they don’t take up a lot of room. They can really make a difference in your experience like you mentioned 🙂