Packing for trips is a complex practice that takes time to learn how to balance it out. One must deal with the impossible triangle of how much do I need to bring vs, what do I want to bring vs, how much can I actually carry. Other questions exist within this dynamic such as what kind of weather am I packing for and how much room should be allocated to souvenirs or even, how do I get a suit to where I’m going?
Hiking Bags Are Your Friends
These are some of the most versatile pieces of luggage out there because they are good for trips into the bush and for trips abroad. While hiking bags may seem small,
their size is actually one of their best features. They are small enough that most airlines will consider them as carry-on yet, they are large enough to fit a good selection of items. You can store snacks, a deck of cards, and more on the outer pockets while the main portion can fit a couple weeks worths of clothing inside. This brings me to the second point.
Roll, Roll, Roll Your Clothes
Rolling your clothing when packing takes up much less space than packing things in a traditionally folded manner. Rolling means you can pack more and even save some
space for fun things like those souvenirs you will undoubtedly pick up along
the way.
Personal Bag=Backpack
Most airlines and other modes of transportation allow you a single personal item
whether it be a smaller bag, purse, or duffel. I have found that the best
personal
item to bring along is the backpack because, once again, of
versatility. The backpack is great for holding electronics, snacks,
books and some other accessories and things most important to you during
your journey.
In essence, this backpack becomes your nerve center for your journey as it should never travel out of your sight. A second positive factor is that because you are wearing a bag on your back already, this personal bag will act as a nice counterweight for which your back will be a little bit happier for, and you can see any potential pickpockets coming.
Other Packing Tips
-wear your biggest clothing when doing the travelling to and from your destination to save room in your luggage ex) largest pair of shoes, raincoat, sweater, etc.
-pack your dress clothes with care to avoid a long ironing session at your destination (even if it means taking up more space)
-if your thinking of buying clothing along the way, pack less of the item you’re going to buy
Bonus: Duffel Bags Are Great Extra Bags
Duffel bags are the jack-of-all-trades when it comes to baggage. Duffel bags can carry extra clothing, a few things of what you want to bring, and can be made to fit or hang off a hiking bag or other piece of luggage quite easily.