How I Packed for 5 Days With Only a Backpack
It’s important to me to be able to travel lightly. Having a light-weight bag you can carry with you makes it easier to get around on public transportation and maneuver the airport chaos.
In addition to increased mobility, minimal luggage allows for ease on flights and cheaper bag fees.
Here I’ve included 5 tips, as well as my own packing list, to give you some ideas for how to pack lightly yourself
This is the bag I use: Swiss gear 1900 Scan Smart
This bag is my favorite travel companion. The plentiful amount of pockets and space makes this bag perfect for carrying different types of items. It also provides ample back support for the heftier situations.
Regular carry-on-sized bags will also work well, if you’d like something with wheels.
Tip #1: Plan your outfits out in advance
Each region is different and poses unique challenges that need to be factored in. Thus, each trip will require a tailored packing list of its own. For example, when traveling to a beach or traveling in the summer, you’ll want to wear as little clothing as possible. On the other side of the spectrum, when you go somewhere cold, you want to have layers to bundle up.
Planning your outfit includes what you will be wearing for the flight.
The ideal airport fit is your most comfortable clothes, slip on shoes, and your jacket around your waist.
Comfort during travel makes a world of difference.
Tip #2: Make sure there aren’t any spills
Nothing switches off vacation-mode faster that getting to your location and realizing your shampoo spilled all over your perfectly packed bag.
Dollar tree has small travel bottles you can get that will ensure your liquids don’t spill.
For extra security put the bottles in a plastic sandwich bags.
Tip #3: plan for the worst weather possible.
We all hope that our vacation will be exactly as we picture it in our minds. Sometimes, though, Mother Nature likes to throw in a wild card. Plan for this.
The best way to do this is to look up weather patterns in the region around the time that you will be visiting.
Rain, wind, snow, storms, heat, etc. All these environmental hurdles can be easily alleviated with proper planning.
Seriously, it can be the difference between a funny situation and miserable one.
Tip #4: avoid bringing anything unnecessary
Of course, while packing you are definitely going to get excited and want to bring all your best accessories and shoes and outfits and a pillow and coffee maker and kitchen sink. Here’s where packing usually takes a left down the slippery slope of over-packing.
Before putting anything in your bag ask yourself “Do I REALLY need this?”
If the answer is Yes, throw that bad boy in
If the answer is No, leave it out.
Just remember, everything has weight; and when referring to luggage, weight is pain.
*keep in mind, that it’s also possible to buy that product at your destination*
Tip #5: always pack extra underwear
I don’t think this one requires an explanation…
I promise, You won’t regret it.
Without further a-do here is what I was easily able to throw in my back pack.
Disclaimer: I am a 23-year-old male. My packing list may differ from yours.
However, this list will give you an idea of what a general packing list looks like. Of course, you should tailor it for yourself and your location.
My packing list:
Wear to the Airport:
- Favorite T-shirt
- jacket (around waist)
- most comfortable pants/sweatpants
- comfortable shoes
- hat
-sunglasses
- wallet (with ID, of course)
- phone
- keys
- passport
In backpack:
-5 shirts
-2 pairs pants
-1 pair of shorts
-1 dress shirt
- 1 pair of dress shoes
- 6 pairs of socks
- 6 pairs of underwear
- towel
- sunblock
- toothbrush
- toothpaste
- lotion
- face wash
- shampoo
-conditioner
- chap stick
- deodorant
Happy Travels!
