How To: Travel Light

One of my favorite types of youtube videos to watch are packing vlogs. I love the challenge of packing for a trip in only what you can carry — I’ve probably logged about 20 hours of packing videos, not exaggerating. This all started in 2015 when I joined the NCCC volunteer program, FEMA Corps. 10 months of packing was restricted to one military “green bag” and a backpack. Since that experience I’ve continued trying to pack using limited luggage.

What to Travel With

In the last year I’ve traveled via plane a dozen different times (weddings, vacations, etc). Each time I packed all of my items in just a carry on. Mostly because I worry the airlines will lose my luggage, but also because I don’t want to carry around a giant suitcase. My carry-on bags are either a 30L backpack (fits under the seat in front of me), a typical roll carry-on (max TSA size), or if I’m taking a longer trip, I’ll pack both. Southwest and Delta allow a carry-on and “one personal item,” so a carry-on-bag and a backpack fit that criteria.

Packing Cubes & Compression Seal Bags

Seriously y’all, these are the only reason my clothes fit into my luggage. Rolling the items allows more clothes to fit into the cubes; if rolling causes wrinkles you can pack a travel sized steamer or a small can of de-wrinkle. I like to pack an empty cube to use for dirty clothes — this helps keep items organized in addition to maximizing space. The cubes pictured above I’ve had since 2015, they are incredibly durable and 100% worth the price.

Color Coordinate & Mix and Match

The biggest mistake when packing, which cannot be solved with storage bags, is bringing wayyy more clothes than you’ll really need. Choose clothing items that can be worn with multiple types of outfits, day and night, casual and dressy, etc. The easiest way to do this is by packing within a color scheme. I wear mostly black and neutral tones, so this is the least challenging for me. If you need inspiration there’s a ton of youtube videos showing how to “turn 12 pieces into 30 outfits” and a thousand other ideas on consolidating clothes.

Wear the Bulkier Items

Not a revolutionary idea here, if you can wear the jacket/coat/hoodie, or wear the wedges/boots rather than pack them it will save space and weight. If you must pack those items the vacuum seal bags work well for the coats. Only advice for bulkier shoes is to fill them with socks or other items. When I pack with the 30L backpack I’m reduced to two pairs of shoes, the ones I wear on the flight and smallest pair I can cram into the bag.

What do y’all think about these tips and tricks? Are there any packing hacks you use when traveling? Leave a comment below!

-Cait