Backpacking Travel Hacks: How to Pack Light for Your Next Adventure

Have you ever found yourself packing for a trip and ended up having way too many belongings in your bag? No worries, we’ve all been there. When backpacking for an extended amount of time, it’s important to pack light in order to be more mobile. However, just because you are packing light does not mean you have to sacrifice your wellbeing. You can still have all the essentials and everything you need for a comfortable trip.

Prepare a List of the Must-Haves

Before preparing your bag, it generally helps to have an idea of what you will need laid out on paper (or in your cell phone) beforehand. This will aid in helping you to map out your belongings in your head before rummaging through your closet and putting unnecessary items in your bag. After you’ve created the list, review it and double check if you can remove any unnecessary items.

Be Versatile Rather Than Situational

Rather than packing specific outfits or items for one-time occasions, think how you can mix and match what you already have to suit various situations. This not only helps you to free up space within your bag, but it will also keep you utilizing more of your belongings on a regular basis. Packing minimalistically will help you feel lighter and allow you to move around easier. It will also help you fit that extra item or two you find on your trip into your bag without breaking the zipper.

Make Sure to Pack in Advance

Before running off the airport, prepare your bag at least one day in advance to ensure that you have enough space for everything on your list. In terms of packing, it generally helps to roll your clothing rather than folding it in order to retain more space. In addition, try to pack one-week to 10-days worth of clothing. This will help to minimize your belongs but still give you ample time to get your things to laundry when necessary. Nobody wants to be around a smelly traveler!

Key Items for Backpackers

When it comes to living in hostels and being on the move for weeks or months on end, there are a few items that will help to make your trip smoother. Check out the list below and be sure to add the following items to your list of what to pack for your upcoming trip:

Microfibre travel towel
One or two small locks
Headlamp (this is much easier to use than a cell phone light)
Adapter (this will vary depending on the country you visit)
Earplugs (if sleeping in shared dorm rooms)

Benefits of Carry-on Baggage

By keeping your belongings to a minimum and traveling only with carry-on baggage, you can skip that dreaded baggage line at the airport. Goodbye long lines! In addition to saving time, you will also save money on extra baggage fees that the airport charges you for. With some patience and practice, you will be an expert packer in no time.