Packing Tips for Traveling Light

Traveling light is an essential step towards embracing the spontaneity of travel. With a small pack, you can travel on impulse, sprinting down the platform to catch that departing train, and leaping from boat to village bus without missing a beat. From the comfort of home, it might feel like you need everything but the kitchen sink, but when it comes to packing, less is definitely more.

Understanding Available Resources

One of the first surprises for new travelers is that items from back home are easily accessible in other countries. If you can pick it up when you arrive, why haul it halfway across the world? The other big first-trip packing lesson is the value of having space in your pack; you never know when you might find a unique item that you can’t live without.

The Benefits of Single Bag Travel

If your backpack is bursting at the seams when you set off, you’ll soon find yourself wrestling with multiple bags while the light load travelers are grabbing the best seats on the bus. Travelers with a single bag experience less stress; they’re the ones you see whistling cheerfully as they walk out of the terminal building while you’re still fighting to drag your suitcases off the conveyor belt.

The First Law of Travel Physics

There’s one inalienable rule of travel physics: the contents of your bag will expand to fill the available space. If your bag is stuffed full at the departure gate, you’re already en route to needing a second bag if you spot anything you want to buy when you reach your destination.

Pack Densely

Your bag should function on a similar principle to black holes. Folded is smaller than scrunched up. Folded and rolled is smaller still. If your clothes take up more than one-third of your bag, you are probably letting sartorial decisions take precedence over practicality.

Know Your Destination

The streets may look different from your own, but shops often sell everything you’ll find back home. From toiletries to electronics, many items can be acquired as needed, so there’s no need to fill up your bag with things you can purchase on arrival.

The Rule of Three

Stick to three pairs of socks, three pairs of underwear, and three T-shirts. Wear one, wash one, dry one. For pants, two pairs should suffice, and light, flowing clothing made from breathable materials is ideal for travel.

Pack Less, Wash More

Most cultures have found efficient ways to launder clothes. Pack fewer items and wash them when necessary, ensuring your load remains manageable. Many accommodations provide basic laundry facilities.

Travel-Friendly Tech

Most modern electronics automatically adjust voltage. To avoid being weighed down by heavy chargers, opt for devices that charge via USB. A multi-port charger ensures all your devices can stay powered without extra bulk.

Only Bring What You Need

When packing, remind yourself to resist overpacking. Many items can be rented or borrowed during your travels. In most cases, it’s best to avoid what-if scenarios that lead to a heavy backpack.

Avoid Excessive Footwear

Limit yourself to two pairs of shoes: comfortable trainers for daily activities and flip-flops for casual wear. Unnecessary shoes can add significant weight to your pack.

Let Tech Be Your Friend

Your smartphone can serve multiple purposes, from capturing photos to entertaining you during downtimes. A small portable power bank can ensure your devices remain charged throughout your journey.

Be Weight Aware

Some items, such as glass and batteries, are inherently heavy. Minimize your use of these unless absolutely necessary. Invest in lightweight devices and a portable luggage scale to avoid exceeding baggage limits.

Function Over Form

Focus on utility for your packing choices. Items like a quick-drying towel or a versatile sarong can greatly enhance your travels.

• A quick-drying pack towel: Smaller and faster-drying than traditional towels.
• A sarong: Serves multiple purposes from changing room to sunshade.
• Compression straps: Helps manage your packing efficiency.
• A cotton scarf or bandanna: Functional for various cultural settings.
• A frisbee: Offers both fun and protection for fragile items.

Tips for the Airport

If you do find yourself with items that won’t fit, consider these insightful tips:

• Wearing is not carrying: Utilize your clothing to carry extra items.
• Carry on plus one personal item: Take advantage of supplemental storage options.
• Duty-free doesn’t count: Take advantage of duty-free allowances for additional items.

Savvy Packer’s Checklist

Here’s a suggested packing list for a multi-week trip:

• Backpack (40L max, 35L is even better)
• Passport and documents
• Compact umbrella
• Three shirts or T-shirts
• Two pairs of pants
• One pair of shorts or a skirt
• Three pairs of socks
• Three pairs of underwear
• Fleece jacket or long-sleeved top
• Sunhat
• Sarong
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Lightweight head torch
• Frisbee

This article was first published in October 2014.

This article was updated in September 2021.