Backpacking has long been touted as the right way to travel – especially if you’re planning to travel with no plan and go with the wind. But, for my type As out there, travelling with a backpack might just work for you. While it seems like an unachievable task, we’ve got the best tips to help you travel with just a backpack.
Let’s get into it.
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What you need
Choosing the right backpack
The process, of course, all starts with the right backpack. Ideally, it should be spacious but also compact enough to meet airline carry-on requirements.
The best bags aren’t always the most aesthetic, but they’ll have everything you need, like multiple compartments, a sturdy build, and it’s comfy. And no it doesn’t have to be a hiking bag. Regardless of what kind of bag you go for, aim for a 30-40 litre bag, it’s the perfect range to balance storage space with portability.
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Packing the right clothes
Now, as an over-packer, this step is the most difficult part. However, the reality is that you don’t need to pack that many clothes, regardless of how long your trip is. A few shirts, a pair of jeans, a jersey, a pair of shorts and maybe a dress will suffice.
Reducing the amount of clothes you take along doesn’t have to be boring either. Make sure everything you pack is versatile. Opt for things that can be layered, mixed, and matched. Neutral-coloured items work the best as you can dress them up or down for any occasion.
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To make your life easier, consider lightweight, wrinkle-resistant, and quick-drying clothes – these make it simpler to pack, to clean and can help you adapt to most weather conditions. But, if you’re heading somewhere chilly, bring compact, insulating layers instead of bulky sweaters.
Now, when it comes to shoes, you need to think strategically. Stick to two pairs: one comfy pair, and another that’s best suited to your destination’s specific needs, like sandals or hiking boots. Wearing your bulkiest shoe during your transit frees up precious space in your bag. (This is a good tip for any travel, even if you’re checking in multiple bags).
Packing toiletries
The next challenge is of course toiletries. They’re surprisingly tricky to pack light and we can forget how many products we use when we’ve got an entire bathroom storing them. Your best bet is to opt for travel-size alternatives and cut your beauty routine right down.
While it might not seem glamorous, consider multi-use items, like a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner. This strategy reduces weight and saves space for other essentials, like medication and perhaps a curling wand.
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Limit electronics
Another tough one is culling your devices when packing for a trip. It’s tempting to pack your laptop, tablet, camera, reading device and every cable and charging bring that comes with it. But it all takes up space and makes for a heavy bag.
You need to think about what you’ll truly need on your trip. Your phone (and maybe a tablet) can be an all-in-one device that ticks almost all your boxes: GPS, camera, and entertainment. And yes – if you’re going on holiday, please consider leaving your laptop at home – you deserve a time out from tech anyway.
Packing your backpack
Keeping your backpack organised is the next crucial step – hence the need for multiple compartments. Separate your clothes, toiletries, and tech (which should really only be your chargers). This way, you won’t be rummaging through your bag, messing up your packing system every time you’re trying to find something.
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When it comes to packing your bag, most hacks work; like rolling your items or using packing cubes. In my experience, rolling clothes works the best; sometimes cubes can take up space, not allowing you to stuff in that extra pair of socks. It’s all about finding the right system that works for you and your travel plans.
One last tip – keep your important items, like your passport and wallet in an accessible but secure spot in your bag. Nothing’s worse than trying to rummage through your bag while you’re waiting to board a plane or pay for tolls if you’re driving.
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