Nomad Mandy Morrissey is better at traveling light than anyone we’ve ever seen. Here are her tips for smart packing: how to decide what to pack (and what not to pack), and how to maximize space in your bag.
Photo © Mandy Morrissey
Packing is my superpower. I have traveled for a year with just a backpack and have done a week-long trip with a bag that fits under my airplane seat, more times than I can count. Lugging heavy, overpacked suitcases is no way to enjoy a trip.
Whenever possible, I carry-on. Carrying-on means less likelihood of a lost bag and travel insurance claim. And traveling light just makes it easier to get around.
Here are my top packing tips for traveling light.
- Limit what you take
- Use packing cubes
- Minimize empty spaces
- Pack merino clothing
- Plan your outfits: mix and match, and layer
- Essentials packing list
Limit what you take
The first time I went to Europe, I read “lay out everything you plan to take, then put away half.” Maybe that’s extreme, but the sentiment stuck. When traveling, we really don’t need as much as we think we do. And worst-case scenario, you can do laundry or buy what you forgot to pack.
But if you want to be practical and travel light, you have to make some tough decisions.
Shoes? At most you need:
- a pair of sneakers or hiking shoes
- a pair of flip flops or sandals
- something that can be dressed up or down as needed, whether sneakers, heels, or something in between
No more than that.
Likewise with toiletries. Liquids are heavy, so be a toiletries minimalist. Bring only what you need, in travel-sized bottles. Unless you’re camping or staying in super cheap hostels, your accommodation will have soap, shampoo, conditioner, and a hair dryer. You’ll survive a few weeks without all the lotions and potions you’re used to at home. Just bring the basics.
Pack like you’re carrying on, even if you plan to check. Keep all your liquids under 100ml/3.4 oz in a quart-sized bag, and double-bag it in case something spills.
Use packing cubes
Packing cubes are a game changer. They help you organize your stuff into compartments, which makes things easier to find and makes re-packing much easier. Cubes come in multiple sizes. I use a standard rectangular one for most of my clothes and put bras and underwear in a longer, skinner cube.
Minimize empty spaces
Empty space is wasted space. To make the most of the space in your bag, you shouldn’t have a lot of empty space. Roll up socks and put them in your spare pair of shoes, which go in their own packing cube or pouch. If your suitcase has rails for the retractable handle, line either side with sleepwear or gym clothes (things you don’t mind being squished on the bottom).
Use your packing cubes to create a puzzle that all fits together. Try different combinations to find what fits best.
Pack merino clothing
Merino is magic. Made from the wool of sheep that graze in high country, merino wool is super fine, breathable, moisture-wicking, odor-resistant and not itchy. It’s not cheap but investing in a few pieces is worth it. Because of its odor resistance, you can wear a merino garment several times before it needs to be washed. That means you can pack a lot less. l pack a few merino T-shirts and long sleeves, and layer them as needed.
100% merino products are more expensive than blends, but the higher the merino content the better the garment. Brands like Icebreaker, Smartwool, Kathmandu, and Macpac are reliable. Be careful with online marketplaces advertising pure merino for $20 – that’s too good to be true.
Planning an epic adventure? Find out how travel insurance can cover lost or stolen baggage, medical emergencies, or other mishaps.
Plan your outfits: mix and match, and layer
Lay out all your clothes before you put them in your bag. Consider neutral colors and patterns to maximize match potential. Can you wear multiple tops with multiple bottoms? Do your choices make sense layered on top of one another? If not, switch the unmatchable things out for things that do match.
Essentials packing list
Do not leave home without:
- Researching the destination. Are you traveling during wet season and need rain gear? Will you need a headscarf for mosques, temples, or churches?
- A wrist or crossbody/neck strap for your phone
- A scarf or neck gaiter to keep you warm on the plane and protect your neck from sun and wind
- Flip flops or sandals in case of a gross shower or hotel room carpet
- A lightweight windbreaker-like layer that can be rolled up and stuffed in the bottom of your bag
- A headlamp, even if you’re not camping. They’re great to help you find something in the bottom of your bag or under your airplane seat, and if necessary, will be great to help you find your way in the dark while keeping your hands free (and saving your phone battery)
- A roll-up reusable nylon grocery bag that can be used for groceries, dirty laundry, a wet bathing suit, etc.
- A hat – something to protect yourself from the sun, or to keep your head warm in cold climates (and to rescue you in case of a bad hair day!)
- A printed copy of your passport and/or driver’s license, and a bit of cash kept separate from your wallet or day bag, just in case
- Tracking tiles for your main bag and your personal item/purse/backpack
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