Last Updated on October 12, 2024 by Greg Head
Packing Light – We’re of the mindset that there’s only one way to pack, and that’s to pack light.
Packing light saves time, money, and stress on bodies and on our planet.
Think about the time spent waiting for baggage at the airport.
Think about the money spent on having to pay for checked luggage.
Then there’s the stress of worrying about lost or stolen luggage.
Easy Tips for Packing Light
Remember too, the stress on our bodies as we lift, lower, carry and cart around heavy suitcases.
And there is the impact on the environment; less luggage means less fuel used to transport it.
In our quest to bring you the best and highest quality information on packing light, we’ve compiled our Ultimate Guide to Packing Light.
Essential Backpacking Tips and items to pack
Make a Packing List
Make one master list.
When you think of something you really need to bring, write it on this one list.
Check Your Packing Twice
Edit Your List.
Edit it down.
Way down.
Cross off everything you don’t absolutely need the first three days.
Remember, you can buy just about everything abroad if you end up needing it.
Choose the Right Bag
You know how work expands to fill the time?
The same is true for bags.
If you bring too big of a bag, you will fill the space.
It’s just human nature.
We done lots of reviews for the best backpack and our favorite lightest luggage.
Though from pictures and reviews I’m partial to: [easyazon_link identifier=”B00B60J6EO” locale=”US” tag=”gogreentravel-20″]Mother Lode Mini Duffel[/easyazon_link] for business, the [easyazon_link identifier=”B003GC11UC” locale=”US” tag=”gogreentravel-20″]Osprey Farpoint 70 travel backpack[/easyazon_link]nfor backpacking, and the Osprey Farpoint 40 for something a bit smaller.
We love this small backpack from [easyazon_link identifier=”B014RDITLM” locale=”US” tag=”gogreentravel-20″]Sporting-USA[/easyazon_link].
It’s not one you would pack exclusively for a trip, but it folds up nicely and at just 8 ounces, can be tucked into your luggage or travel backpack and used when needed for hikes, sightseeing, and around town.
It’s waterproof, made of lightweight nylon and while it has separate sections, it has light straps and compartments.
We have two of these backpacks, and they have become a family favorite.
How to choose a bag to pack light
The most important things to consider are:
- Quality — Luggage needs to be durable.
- Transportability — You will carry your luggage more than the carriers will.
- Airline carry-on limits — In the real world, there are two kinds of luggage: carry-on and lost.
Fold Your Clothes
Fold your clothes in an efficient, wrinkle free manner.
Use a special [easyazon_link identifier=”B00N84VKT0″ locale=”US” tag=”gogreentravel-20″]compression bag[/easyazon_link] to roll and remove the air.
Roll your clothes to save space.
How to Fold Button Up Shirts for Travel
Best tips for packing light
Following are the best tips for packing light and what to pack from a variety of great sources:
4-Hour Workweek: How to Travel the World in 10 pounds or Less Tim Ferriss’ blog post on “how to travel with 10 pounds or less” is a good post to see just how extremely light you can pack; however, his theory of “buy it there” isn’t always the best for the environment.
How to Pack the Perfect Suitcase
Items we like
Large, [easyazon_link keywords=”quick-dry microfiber towel” locale=”US” tag=”gogreentravel-20″]quick-dry microfiber towel[/easyazon_link] – these can double as a blanket when needed.
“Also, never buy if you can borrow.”
Carrying off the art of one carry-on reminds us of the hassles of traveling in a post-9/11 world – “Swiss Army knives are a real bugaboo.”
Pack good socks.
Come As You Are: Wear your power suit on the plane and take it off once you get to the hotel.
Group “Hot” Items: If you know that your money clip, tweezers, watch, or necklace is going to set off that metal detector, group those items into one carry-on that you can send through the x-ray machine.
Leave the guidebook, novel and iPod at home.
Every seven pieces packed should yield at least 14 ensembles.
Each piece of clothing that goes into your luggage should be interchangeable with at least one other piece you intend to pack.
Every shirt should match at least two pairs of pants, every blazer should work with at least two different shirts or sweaters, and so on.
More packing tips
Other considerations are to include two off-the-beaten-path travel items:
Small maglite torch / flashlight
Bottle opener keyring – handy for opening bottles
Wear your heavy clothes and travel shoes on the plane.
Check in advance that your passport is valid for 6 months past your return date (required in many countries)
Be sure to print out the information from your country on what to do if your passport is lost or stolen
Washington Post: Packing Light Issue — This is a series of good articles on how to pack light, including a fun “what’s wrong with this picture.”
There are many items you can find abroad that are cheaper than at home.
Do not underestimate the value and benefits of flip flops.
Sound Money Tips: Pack Efficiently says: “Find out what amenities the hotel already has, i.e., robes, hairdryers, shampoo, and don’t pack those items.”
Save makeup and skincare samples that come with cosmetic purchases.
Check online too! Brands like Neutrogena, Estee Lauder, and Nivea often offer a sample of some sort.
My Money Blog: Save Time and Money by Traveling Light suggests packing the right travel clothes, including the right travel pants, like [easyazon_link keywords=”Sahara Convertible Pants” locale=”US” tag=”gogreentravel-20″]Sahara Convertible Pants[/easyazon_link].
How to Pack Jewellery for Travel
Light packing tips
Only bring clothes from thrift store shopping.
When you wear the same clothes repeatedly and wash them each night, they get worn out faster.
So be sure to not bring your favorite clothes with you.
While we disdain plastic bags, they can shield books from the rain, carry dirty laundry, keep small items in one place, and more.
Stash a few in your luggage/backpack just in case.
You can easily volunteer to be bumped on a full flight.
You won’t need money to tip porters for helping you with your bags.
When necessary, pack long underwear so you don’t have to bring extra pants and shirts.
Transitions Abroad: Pack Light and Travel Happy
The world’s getting really small. You can buy Dial soap, Colgate toothpaste, Tampax, Nivea cream, and Bic razors in Sicily.
Tourist shops in major international hotels are a sure bet whenever you have difficulty finding personal items.
If you can’t find one of your essentials, ask yourself how 300 million Europeans can live without it.
Rick Steves: Pack Light: You’ll never meet a traveler who, after five trips, brags: Every year I pack heavier.
He also has packing lists.
Many packing light guides suggest leaving space in your pack for accumulating souvenirs. ”
Bring a bar of soap and also use it for shampoo.
Packing light for ski trips: fleece is the dominant fabric for layering.
Packing Light with Double Duty Travel Gear suggests a filter water bottle which has a built in filter.
One of the biggest things you can do to pack light is to pack clothing and gear that does double duty.
If you need help booking your flights, check out our posts on Priceline Bidding.
Packing light resources
Wiki How: How to Travel With One Bag Also suggests packing using a bundle method.
You can leave some items, like books and clothing, behind.
By giving away and donating items not necessary for traveling, you help the area you visited.
How do you pack light?
What’s your best packing light tip?
We look forward to hearing your tips!
Packing Light Hacks to Lighten Your Load
To be a green traveler, there is one true “must.”
You must pack light.
Here we have listed our top 11 tips for packing light for wherever you might be going.
Try a few of these best practices for packing and lighten your load.
Trying to pack light
Most of us start out wanting to be and striving to be light packers.
We make lists, set goals, and prepare to want and need less stuff on our travels.
But the reality is, it is really hard to do.
In the past, I know if I had extra room in my luggage, I was thrilled.
It became an opportunity to pack more stuff — after all, I had the room, so why not?
Reasons to pack light
You will endure less stress on your body the less you carry and tote around with you.
And the less baggage you have and the lighter it is, the less fuel will be needed to get it from place to place.
Also remember when you are on your journey that the more you bring with you means the more you have to manage and account for and repack and sort through.
Lighter and less is best.
Pack Early
The earlier you begin to pack, the more time you will have to take out what you don’t need.
And let’s face it – it’s too easy to over pack the first time around.
Best Bag or Luggage for You
There are a lot of great travel bags, luggage and weekender totes available.
Pick the best for your needs.
Carry only the largest size you need.
If you have one that is too big, either bring a smaller one or leave some of it empty.
Resist the urge to fill it up just because you have the space.
Bags we own.
Sturdy Bags
I prefer [easyazon_link asin=”B007UNSHJ6″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”gogreentravel-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]American Tourister Luggage AT Pop 3 Piece Spinner Set, Black, 29/25/21[/easyazon_link]
Best Backpack or Weekender Bag
We love the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00OL52B4I” locale=”US” tag=”gogreentravel-20″]Under Armour Hustle II Backpack[/easyazon_link] the best.
It’s small but sturdy and even has a laundry pocket.
We love the range of colors as well.
One Take-it-With-You Bag
I carry a [easyazon_link keywords=”fold up bag” locale=”US” tag=”gogreentravel-20″]fold up bag[/easyazon_link] in my purse which works great for quick trips to the market.
It is made from an easy-to-wash and dry fabric and hardly takes any space.
It’s great for saving on using plastic bags too.
Roll Clothes and Bundle Pack
Rolling clothes and bundle wrapping them (essentially wrapping everything around a central object) makes for fewer wrinkles and takes up less space – which allows you to pack a smaller and lighter piece of luggage.
Ditch the Guidebooks
Guidebooks can be extremely heavy.
By leaving them at home your bag will not only weigh less, but you’ll be more likely to get off the beaten path.
If you insist on guidance for your journey, take a look at these 12 Paper-Free Guidebooks.
There are great travel apps too.
Going on a cruise?
There are cruise apps.
Going hiking?
There are helpful hiking apps and even apps about eco-friendly travelling.
You won’t even need to bring a big travel dictionary with these translation apps though a small one might still be practical.
Stick with One Color
Coordinating your clothes around one central color scheme means you have to pack fewer shirts, pants, and shoes.
Black or brown are smart choices.
Learn the Rule of 3’s
Bring 3 shirts.
Depending on the climate, bring 3 long and/or 3 short sleeve shirts.
Why?
When you bring 3 shirts you won’t be wearing what you wore yesterday.
Honestly, three shirts is all you need.
When I traveled around Europe for six weeks I wore the same 3 shirts, over and over and over.
Yes, I was ready to never see those shirts again!
Bring Light and Quick-Drying Underwear and Socks
I recently purchased 2 pairs of Ex-Officio Underwear.
I’m going to use only these two pairs for an entire 3-w
eek trip. Socks and underwear take up a lot of space and can weigh down your bag, so bring as few of these as possible.
Learn to Layer
Layering is the key to packing light.
Why bring a heavy coat when a fleece over a long-sleeve shirt over a t-shirt will do?
2+1 Shoes Rule
- 1 pair hiking/tennis shoes
- A pair of nice shoes (your flip flops can do in a pinch!)
- 1 pair flip-flops or sandals (they don’t really count as shoes right?)
- Bonus tip: Make sure your shoes match your color choice.
Toiletries: If you don’t already own it, buy it there
You can buy brand-name toiletries and cosmetics almost anywhere in the world.
And with stricter environmental laws in the EU your toiletries available may be more environmentally-friendly.
So if you don’t already own something, buy it when you arrive.
Wear the Same Items
The number one rule for packing light is to leave your variety-needing, self-conscious self (the one with a desire to look not only your best, but also different on a day-to-day basis) at home.
When you travel you can literally wear the same thing everyday and most people won’t bat an eye.
Easy tips for packing light
When you really think about the essential items you need, these tips for packing light will be easy to follow and to stick to when it comes time to pack.
It may take some time packing and repacking to get it down to the essentials but it is possible.
To Pack or Not To Pack: What To Bring When Traveling With Children
Packing is an art form, and the more kids you travel with, the more complicated it becomes.
If you’re like most seasoned travelers, then you probably believe in a less-is-more philosophy.
The trouble is that going anywhere with kids tends to mean packing more to keep everyone happy, or at least sane, while on the road.
Soon, you find yourself in an unending and stressful quest to keep all of your luggage together.
Does traveling with kids have to be this complicated?
What to pack or not to pack… that is a big question.
The secret is that what you don’t pack is just as important as what you do pack.
When you figure out what you can leave behind, packing what remains is easier.
You won’t have as many bags to keep track of, and chances are good that you’ll save money on extra and overweight bag fees.
Vacation Guide to Travel Size Products
Packing Limits
Don’t pack a thing until you’ve checked baggage limits and weight restrictions.
A luggage scale helps to keep you on track.
Be informed about what’s allowed as carry-on items if you’re flying.
Liquids are still restricted by the TSA.
However, baby essentials like formula and breast milk may be allowed in greater quantities.
Get familiar with these amounts before your departure day, and plan accordingly.
Few things are as disheartening as being forced to surrender a sizable portion of breast milk to the TSA.
Prepare a Day Pack
Whether you’re traveling by plane, train or automobile, it makes sense for every member of your party to have a day pack.
This is a smaller, easily portable bag that’s filled with essential items that will be used while traveling.
Most kids love this idea, and if they have a special backpack to fill, it’s even better.
If your kids are young enough, you’ll want to supervise what goes into this bag. Items that are lightweight and not bulky are ideal.
A small child’s day pack might include a favorite stuffed animal, a small picture book and a small toy.
Crayons, coloring books and card games are also winners.
A small water bottle with a tightly sealed lid and a snack like trail mix or dried fruit can provide comfort on the go.
Your own day pack will look different, though it should still be light.
Keep all essential documents like tickets and reservation confirmations in the day pack.
You can also include your wallet, cell phone with charger, prescription glasses and sunglasses and prescription medicines.
Create a First Aid Kit
Kids love to explore the world, and that’s especially true in new places.
Unfortunately, exploration sometimes comes with cuts and scrapes.
Most of these aren’t serious, and they won’t put much of a damper on the fun if you’re prepared.
Many stores sell travel first aid kits, but there’s no reason why you can’t put one together yourself.
Essential items you might include in your first aid kit are assorted Band-Aids, antiseptic wipes, a bug bite and sting treatment and antibiotic ointment.
Toss in some individual pain-reliever packets, some for children and adults, and you’ll be ready to deal with any minor emergencies.
Pack it all in a flat plastic container or even a plastic bag with a good seal.
It’s a small, light addition to your baggage that ensures your adventures go as smoothly as possible.
Make Certain You Can Find Small Items
How often have you spent frustrating moments searching for tiny baby socks or toddler underwear in a larger suitcase?
These frantic searches for necessary items have a way of sucking the fun out of a vacation.
Make it easier by using clear plastic bags or nylon mesh bags to corral small items.
You might pack all of your baby’s socks in one bag and underwear in another.
Alternatively, go with the “whole outfit” approach, packing all wearing apparel for a single day into a smaller bag.
Top, shorts, socks, underwear and anything else that’s necessary gets popped into a bag before departure.
Each day, you pull out a bag without having to search through every item in the suitcase to make an outfit.
Some Toys Are Better Left At Home
Playthings keep kids happy and occupied on the road, but not all toys are suitable for use in confined spaces like cars and airplanes, including toys that make noise.
Also, if your little ones have a tendency to turn various toys into makeshift weapons, keep those at home too.
This may make for fewer fights between siblings and having to make fewer apologies to startled adults.
Look for Ways to Burn Energy
Whether they are cooped up in a car for hours or are forced to occupy an airline seat without moving, kids end up having an excess of energy to burn when they are on the go.
The simple solution is to pack a jump rope for each child.
You can pull off the highway at parks and rest areas or find a relatively underpopulated corner of the airport to let the kids jump for awhile.
In a pinch, those jump ropes can also be used as clotheslines or fasteners.
Bulky Baby Items
Traveling with infants is tricky and almost always involves a huge number of accessories.
Instead of lugging a big stroller everywhere you go, look for the smallest, lightest umbrella stroller you can find.
These can easily be checked at the gate at the airport or folded conveniently away in the car.
If you need something bigger when you arrive at your destination, look for an opportunity to rent a more deluxe stroller.
If you’re going to be gone for several days and are packing jars of baby food, resist the impulse to pack enough food for every day.
It’s easy enough to scope out a grocery store on the road so you don’t have to pack quite so much.
The same is true for diapers.
Bring enough to get you through two or three days, and buy the rest on the road.
What Comes and What Stays When Traveling With Children
Traveling with children can be a joy when you pack carefully.
If you keep size and weight guidelines in mind, you’ll be less tempted to pack everything in sight.
Moreover, if you resolve to leave bulky, noisy or easily purchased items behind, you’ll find that traveling light remains possible.
Having young children doesn’t have to mean the end of your adventures when you follow these packing suggestions.