Travel Light: The Art Of Packing Minimalist

Travelling light is a skill that can be learned and perfected over time. It makes for a more enjoyable trip, with less to lug around, more freedom to move, and less time spent tracking gear. It also saves money, as many airlines now charge fees for bags or luggage that exceeds certain size or weight restrictions.

- Plan your packing: Make a list of what you need and cut it in half. If you're unsure whether you'll need something, you probably don't.

- Choose versatile items: Pick clothes that can be used for multiple purposes and in different weather conditions. For example, a poncho can replace a rain jacket, umbrella, or backpack rain cover.

- Limit clothing: Try to stick to one week's worth of clothing. You can always do laundry on the road.

- Go lightweight: Choose light, quick-drying fabrics like merino wool, which doesn't retain odours and breathes well.

- Minimise toiletries: Only bring sample-sized products and consider alternatives to liquids. You can usually buy most things at your destination.

- Choose the right luggage: Opt for a small, lightweight bag. This will force you to pack lighter and make it easier to move around.

- Use packing organisers: Roll your clothes and use packing cubes or compression bags to maximise space and keep things organised.

Choose the right luggage

Choosing the right luggage is key to travelling light. Here are some tips to help you select the best luggage for your trip:

• Pick a lightweight bag: The weight of your luggage can make a big difference. A good target weight for a carry-on roller suitcase is under 10 pounds, with "ultralight" suitcases weighing around seven pounds. If you're looking for a backpack, the Osprey Farpoint 40 weighs about 3.5 pounds, while the Cabin Zero Classic backpack weighs just 1.7 pounds.
• Choose the right size: Opt for a smaller bag to avoid overpacking. A good guideline is to select a bag with a maximum capacity of 35 to 40 litres, which is typically the volume of a carry-on compliant bag.
• Consider the type of trip: The right luggage depends on your travel style and activities. If you're exploring multiple destinations or using public transportation, a travel backpack with shoulder straps is ideal for mobility. For a safari or bike tour, a durable and affordable duffel bag might be a better choice. Families or travellers who won't be moving around a lot may prefer wheeled backpacks for convenience.
• Weigh your luggage: Invest in a digital scale to weigh your luggage before you leave home. This will help you stay within weight limits and avoid surprise fees at the airport.
• Consider compression bags: If you're travelling to multiple climates or need to pack bulky items, consider using compression bags to save space. These bags remove excess air, allowing you to store items in a compact, flat shape.

Use packing cubes

Packing cubes are a great way to save space and keep your luggage organised. They are zippered fabric containers, usually rectangular in shape, that help you organise your items and make them easily accessible in your luggage. They come in a range of sizes and colours and are often sold as sets.

• Rolling your clothes is a great way to maximise space and make it easier to access each item. For bulkier items like jeans, fold them and place them at the bottom of the cube.
• Organise your cubes based on the type of clothing or activity. For example, you could have one large cube for your clothes, a small cube for underwear, and another for electronic accessories.
• Use different coloured cubes to easily identify what's inside. This is especially useful for families sharing a suitcase.
• Compression packing cubes have an additional zipper that allows you to squeeze the cube down even further. Start by packing the cube as you normally would, and then zip up the side compression zipper to make it more compact.
• When choosing packing cubes, durability is key. Look for strong materials and quality zips so that you can fit as much as possible without them breaking.
• Some packing cubes have mesh tops for breathability and visibility, but this is not necessary if you already know what's inside your cubes.
• Packing cubes are easy to use and can make packing and finding items much easier. They are a great way to save space and keep your luggage organised.

Pack versatile clothes

Packing versatile clothes is a great way to travel lighter. Here are some tips to help you pack versatile clothes:

• Pick clothes with multiple uses: Choose items that can be worn in different ways or for different purposes. For example, a sarong can be used as a towel, picnic blanket, or skirt. Convertible pants can be worn as full-length pants or converted into shorts for a hot hike. Instead of packing both a long- and short-sleeve shirt, consider a shirt with roll-up sleeves.
• Pack layers: Instead of packing a bulky sweater, layer a short-sleeve shirt with a long-sleeve top. In colder climates, add a lightweight, packable jacket. This gives you more outfit options without adding too much weight or volume.
• Choose lightweight, quick-drying fabrics: Opt for performance fabrics that breathe well, keep moisture away from your body, wrinkle less, and dry faster. Merino wool is a great choice as it doesn't retain odours, breathes well, and is lightweight. Synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester are also good options as they pack well and dry quickly.
• Stick to a simple colour palette: Choose a basic colour palette for your clothes, such as black, white, blue, dark brown, or khaki. These colours are easy to mix and match, creating multiple outfit combinations. You can always add a splash of colour with accessories like a scarf or bandana.
• Plan to do laundry: Unless you have access to hotel laundry services, plan to do laundry during your trip. This will reduce the number of clothes you need to pack. Pack a small bar of biodegradable soap, which can also be used for hair, body, and dishes. Wash clothes in the sink or shower, and lay them flat on a towel to dry.
• Wear your bulkiest items: If you're travelling to a cold climate, consider wearing your bulkiest items, like a coat or jacket, during travel days. This saves space in your luggage and keeps you warm on the plane.

Limit toiletries

Limiting the number of toiletries you bring is a great way to travel lighter. Here are some tips to help you reduce the weight and bulk of your toiletries:

Downsize Containers

One way to significantly reduce the space that your toiletries take up is to transfer them into smaller containers. You can purchase small travel-sized bottles, jars, and tubes, or reuse old ones. For example, the small containers provided by hotels are ideal for this purpose. Decanting your toiletries into smaller containers not only saves space but also ensures you only take what you need, reducing weight.

Solid Toiletries

Another way to save space is to opt for solid alternatives to liquid toiletries. Solid shampoos, conditioners, and soaps tend to weigh less than their liquid counterparts. Shampoo and conditioner bars are also convenient as they don't count towards your liquid allowance for carry-on luggage.

Multi-Purpose Products

To further reduce the number of items you need to bring, consider taking products that serve multiple purposes. For example, a tinted moisturiser with SPF combines hydration, light coverage, and sun protection in one step. You could also pack a bronzer or blush that can double as eyeshadow.

Take Only What You Need

Calculate how much of each product you are likely to use during your trip and aim to only take that amount. For example, if you are going away for four weeks and wash your hair three times a week, taking 5ml of shampoo per wash, you will need 60ml of shampoo in total. There is no need to take a full-sized 300ml bottle.

Use Hotel Amenities

If you are staying in a hotel, take advantage of the amenities provided. Shampoo, body wash, and body lotion are often supplied by hotels, so you may not need to bring these items at all.

Buy What You Need at Your Destination

Remember that full-size toiletries can always be purchased upon arrival at your destination. This can save you the hassle of packing and transporting these items, and you can simply buy what you need, when you need it.

By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the weight and bulk of your toiletries, making your travel experience lighter and more enjoyable.

Wear your bulkiest items

Wearing your bulkiest items of clothing is a clever packing strategy that can save you money and time. It's simple: instead of packing that thick coat or those heavy-duty shoes, wear them! This method ensures your favourite chunky items make the trip without a hitch and is especially useful when dealing with stringent airline baggage weight rules and size requirements.

• Practical considerations: Remember that comfort is key. While wearing your bulkiest items can free up luggage space, you don't want to be stuck wearing a heavy coat or unwieldy boots in a warm location or during a long layover. Consider the weather conditions and practicality of wearing bulkier items at your destination and any intermediate stops.
• Identify the heaviest items: Pick out the bulkiest items from your pile of things to pack. This could include winter jackets, boots, and sweaters.
• Layer your clothing: Start with a base layer, add an insulating layer, and top it off with a waterproof or windbreaker layer if needed. This works for cold weather and can also help you carry additional lighter clothing items.
• Wear your heaviest shoes: Instead of packing them, wear your hiking boots or any other heavy-duty shoes.
• Consider accessories: Items like scarves, hats, and gloves can often be worn or easily carried, saving space in your luggage.
• Outdoor adventures: If you're trekking, mountaineering, or camping, wearing your hiking boots and bulky outer layers can be advantageous, as these items contribute to your overall comfort and preparedness.
• City or urban exploration: Heavy items like jackets, boots, and belts can eat up unnecessary space in your bag, so it's best to wear them during your travels.
• Cold weather: In colder regions, wearing your thickest sweater, heavy jeans, boots, and a down jacket can help keep you warm while freeing up space in your bag.
• Hot weather: Despite the heat, some bulky items, such as a wide-brimmed hat or lightweight cotton pants, can be advisable to save space and provide relief from the sun.

Remember, when utilising this strategy, it's important to prioritise comfort and practicality. You don't want to overload yourself with too many bulky items, and always dress appropriately for the temperatures and conditions you'll encounter.

Frequently asked questions