Travel Light Overseas: Packing Smart For Adventure

Travelling light is a skill that takes practice, but it's worth the effort. Packing light means more freedom when you travel. With less to lug around, you can easily manoeuvre through crowded spots, speed through baggage claim, make last-minute plans without worrying about your luggage, and spend less time tracking your gear.

- Plan your packing: Make a checklist of the essentials, and cut your list of 'wants' in half. Lay out all your planned clothes and gear, and think carefully about each item.

- Do double duty: Pick clothes that serve more than one purpose, or have multiple uses. For example, a poncho can replace a rain jacket, umbrella or backpack rain cover.

- Limit your clothing: You can get by with just a few items of clothing. One general guideline is to pack one hat, two pairs of shoes, three bottoms, four tops, five pairs of socks, and six pairs of underwear. Plan to do laundry on the road.

- Choose the right fabrics: Pick performance fabrics that breathe well, keep moisture away from your body, wrinkle less and dry faster. Merino wool is a great option as it doesn't retain odours, breathes well, and is lightweight. Synthetic fabrics also pack well and dry quickly.

- Go carry-on: Having a carry-on bag ensures your luggage stays with you at all times and won't get lost. It also means less hassle at the airport.

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

- Wear your bulkiest items: On travel days, wear your heaviest and bulkiest items, such as hiking boots or a thick jumper.

- Ship your gear: If you're doing adventure travel, decide what gear is most important to you, and whether it's worth shipping it to your destination.

Choose the right luggage

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

• Size and weight: Opt for a smaller bag to avoid overpacking. A carry-on bag is usually sufficient for most trips and helps you save money on checked baggage fees. If you're considering a backpack, look for one with a capacity of around 35 to 40 litres. For suitcases, choose a lightweight design made of lighter materials.
• Mobility and versatility: Consider the type of travel you'll be doing. If you'll be exploring multiple destinations or using public transportation, a travel pack with shoulder straps or a backpack might be more convenient. If you're going on a safari or bike tour, a durable duffel bag could be a better option. For families or travellers who won't be moving around a lot, a wheeled backpack provides versatility and convenience.
• Features and compartments: Look for luggage with compartments and features that suit your needs. For example, if you plan to carry electronics, ensure your bag has a padded compartment for your laptop or tablet. If you want to keep your belongings organised, look for luggage with multiple pockets or consider using packing cubes.
• Practise packing: Before your trip, practise packing your bag and carrying it around to ensure it's not too heavy. For adventure travel, aim for a pack weight of about 10% of your body weight. Check airline regulations and weight restrictions to avoid surprises at the airport.
• Consider renting or shipping gear: If you need specialised gear for your trip, such as a bike or camping equipment, consider renting or shipping it to your destination instead of carrying it with you. This can save space and weight in your luggage.

Use packing cubes

Packing cubes are a great way to organise your luggage and keep your items neat and accessible. They are especially useful for those who want to fit more into a single bag.

There are several types of packing cubes available, including:

• Gear cubes — durable, water-resistant cubes ideal for storing outdoor gear and tools.
• Reveal cubes — cubes with a mesh window, allowing you to see the contents inside.
• Isolate cubes — ultra-light cubes designed to help maximise your packing space.

When choosing packing cubes, consider the following:

• Weight, size and capacity — look for cubes that are lightweight yet spacious.
• Ergonomic features — opt for cubes with smooth zippers and handles for easy carrying and hanging.
• Visibility and ventilation — consider cubes with mesh windows or panels for ventilation and easy identification of contents.
• Construction quality — choose cubes made of sturdy materials such as nylon or polyester, with reliable zippers that move smoothly.
• Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set — a simple and sturdy three-cube set made from 100% recycled fabric. The cubes have a mesh window for visibility and are guaranteed for life by Eagle Creek.
• Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Cube Set — an ultralight three-cube set made from semitranslucent, 100% recycled ripstop nylon. These cubes weigh half as much as the Reveal cubes and are also guaranteed for life.
• REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set — a set of three compression cubes that hold more than other sets in a smaller space. The cubes have two sets of zippers for expansion and are backed by REI's satisfaction guarantee.
• Cotopaxi Cubo Packing Travel Bundle Del Día — a set of three sturdy cubes made from upcycled remnant materials, featuring a mix of bright colours. The cubes have a unique motley effect and are backed by Cotopaxi's "Guaranteed for Good" warranty.

Wear versatile clothing

Wearing versatile clothing is a great way to travel light. The key is to choose items that can be worn in multiple situations and dressed up or down. Here are some tips to help you choose the right versatile clothing for your trip:

• Pick a colour scheme: Choose a few neutral colours that go well together, such as black, white, navy, charcoal, khaki, or brown. This way, you can mix and match your clothing to create multiple outfits.
• Layer up: Bring clothing that can be layered, such as a shirt that can be worn as a base layer in cold weather or a top layer in warm weather. This will allow you to adapt to different climates and situations.
• Go for comfort: Select clothing that is comfortable and breathable, especially if you plan to be active during your travels. Look for fabrics that are moisture-wicking and quick-drying.
• Be mindful of the culture: Respect the local culture and avoid wearing tight or revealing clothing that may be inappropriate in certain places. Consider packing a scarf or sarong that can be used to cover up when needed.
• Plan ahead: Assess your travel wardrobe in advance and replace any items that need updating. Create a packing list and plan your outfits to ensure you only bring what you need.
• Choose dual-purpose items: Look for items that can serve multiple purposes, such as a scarf that can be used as a blanket on the plane or a dress that can be dressed up or down.
• Pack light: Limit yourself to one week's worth of clothing and do laundry during your trip. This will save space and weight in your luggage.
• Accessories matter: Bring accessories that can elevate your outfits, such as a blazer, scarf, or jewellery. These items can help you look stylish without taking up too much space.
• Footwear: Opt for comfortable and versatile footwear. For women, three pairs of shoes are usually sufficient, including sneakers, daytime shoes, and evening shoes. For men, a pair of sneakers and loafers are typically all you need.

Pack light toiletries

Packing light means more freedom when you travel. With less to lug around, you can easily manoeuvre through crowded spots, speed through baggage claim, and make last-minute plans without worrying about your luggage.

• Choose the right bag: Opt for a lightweight, durable, and water-resistant toiletry bag with multiple compartments to keep your items organised. Make sure it's small enough to fit in your carry-on luggage.
• Follow the 3-1-1 rule: The TSA's 3-1-1 rule for carry-on liquids states that you can bring containers of 3.4 ounces or smaller, inside one clear, quart-size bag, with only one such bag per passenger.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle: Instead of buying single-use travel-size products, invest in reusable travel-size containers and fill them with your favourite products from home. This saves money and reduces waste.
• Make a packing list: Go through your daily routine and list all the toiletries you use, including dental care, skincare, and makeup. Then, cut the list down to the essentials.
• Decant your products: To save space, decant your larger toiletries into smaller, reusable containers. Make sure each container holds a maximum of 100ml if you're flying with hand luggage.
• Protect your clothes from spillages: Opt for a fully waterproof wash bag to avoid any leaks and spills. Place your wash bag at the bottom of your suitcase, surrounded by soft items, to cushion it and protect your toiletries from knocks and bashes.
• Familiarise yourself with travel regulations: Check any travel restrictions regarding the contents of your beauty bag. For air travel, invest in a reusable transparent airport liquid bag and pre-pack it before you go.
• Stick to solids: To save space and weight, opt for solid alternatives to liquid products, such as soap bars and shampoo bars. These tend to be longer-lasting and spill-proof.
• Leave most toiletries at home: Ask yourself if you really need to bring each item. Can you get it at your destination? Is it something you use every day? Could you use an alternative?
• Go minimal: When it comes to toiletries, only bring the essentials. For example, a small roller deodorant, a hair product, some razors, and a solid soap/shampoo combo.

Wear your bulkiest items

Wearing your bulkiest items of clothing is a clever packing strategy that can help you maximise luggage space and avoid extra baggage fees. This approach is particularly useful when you're dealing with stringent airline baggage weight restrictions. By wearing your heaviest items, you can free up valuable space in your suitcase for other essentials.

• Identify your bulkiest items: Pick out the largest and heaviest items from your pile of things to pack. This could include items like winter jackets, boots, and thick 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 approach 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.
• Dress aptly for the entire journey: Consider the weather conditions at your destination and any intermediate stops. Wear appropriate clothing to stay comfortable throughout your trip.
• Keep room for unexpected changes: Don't overload yourself with bulky items. Leave some room in your outfit for adjustments if the weather changes or your plans take an unexpected turn.
• Prioritize comfort during long transits: On long-duration flights or journeys, you may opt for comfort over saving space. It's important to strike a balance between practicality and the need to save space.

Frequently asked questions