Barely Backpacking: How To Pack Light

Here are 6 simple tips to help you pack light for your next trip!

We all know how difficult it is trying to pack light when traveling. The fear of being unprepared for certain situations leads to over-packing, only to come to the end of your travels having not worn or used half of the things you packed!

Having to lug around large backpacks and suitcases on your trip is not only expensive, but detrimental to your posture and spine. It slows you down when catching transport such as boats, trains or taxis and gives you more responsibilities to look after, which is the last thing you want when on vacation.

Follow these tips to learn how to pack lightly.

Size Matters

Let's start with the size of your bag. Choose a bag that is able to fit in a plane's overhead compartment. This size bag may seem too small but if you follow these packing guidelines, I can assure you that this size bag is perfect, no matter how long your trip is.

By having a carry-on bag, you will save costs as well as prevent backaches or injuries to your spine from heaving around large/numerous bags. Make sure the bag is well constructed!

Be versatile

When choosing which items of clothing to pack, choose items that are versatile and can be worn in different ways and with different outfits. Pack your scarf which can act as a blanket, top and sarong, and your sweater that looks good with jeans as well as skirts. This will reduce the number of items you need to bring along.

Rolled & Folded

Try to fold and roll your clothes as small as possible. Your clothing should not take up more than one-third of your bag - remember, you still need space for other things such as shoes and toiletries!

Wash, dry, fold, repeat!

Wherever your destination is, whether it's India, Australia or Spain, you are more than likely to have access to laundry facilities. If there aren't laundry facilities on site, ask the locals and they will probably be able to direct you to a nearby location. If push comes to shove, hand-washing your clothing in the bathroom sink adds flavour to the stories you will be sharing when you arrive back home!

​Follow the​​ rule of 3: Pack 3 of each (3 pairs of shoes, 3 shirts, 3 pants etc) and wear one, wash one, dry one!

Less Is More

Are you really going to be needing your entire makeup bag, 4 different perfumes and all of your jewellery? I can tell you right now that the answer is no. You're going on vacation, not a photo shoot. The aim of your trip is to relax and have fun, not to impress strangers with your new shade of eye-shadow.

Avoid packing the "just in case" items. If you really end up needing it, you can either buy it there or borrow from a fellow traveler.

I Repeat, Size Really Does Matter!

Avoid packing full-size items. Buy small, travel-size toiletries that can fit into the nooks and crannies of your bag. Find out beforehand if the place you will be staying at has soap and shampoo and if they do, save space in your bag by not bringing your own.

If you stay at Riverlodge Backpackers you do not need to worry about wasting your luggage space on towels or blankets as both of these are provided. Same-day laundry services are also provided, so you won't need to roam the streets looking for a local laundromat! Sorry, I know you were looking forward to hand-washing your undies in a sink! 

Written by Saskia Carelse
(Pictures sourced from Google Images)

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