Most of the time, if we’re going on a trip longer than about 10 days, we’ll go ahead and check bigger bags and take more of the stuff we’ll need for the adventure. Sometimes though, for various reasons, we’ve found ourselves wanting to keep it to carry-ons, even for longer trips. This desire inherently brings with it some frustrations about how to take everything we want and need for a longer trip in that oh-so-small bag that can fit in the overhead bin. Having dealt with these frustrations on several occasions and (hopefully) learned from them, we have some hints and tips for others looking to pack light but travel long. (For our recommendations on which bags to use, check out our article: Best Bags for Travel and Adventure )
Of course it’s a lot easier to pack light if your destination is a warm one. As a female, I find that I can easily fit 3 weeks worth of clothing, etc. into a carry-on if I’m going somewhere tropical that won’t demand jackets and heavier/warmer clothing items. Girl clothing for warm weather tends to be pretty compactable. If you’re traveling somewhere cooler, however, you have to be smarter about space use and guy clothing just tends to be bulky anyway, so I feel for you, fellows!
One way I economize is by taking clothing that can double up. If I take 2 pairs of jeans/pants, I can also take 2 pairs of soft, warm leggings that can either be worn underneath the jeans for an extra layer, or worn as a standalone if the weather allows. The same can be done with shirts and tops. As far as jackets, it’s best to bring layers. I like bringing a very light, compactable down layer that can be worn under another light wind/rainproof layer. This way you get the maximum warmth for minimum space. Additionally, jackets can be worn onto the airplane, so they don’t have to take up space in your bag.
For clothing, I’m a big fan of the right roll rather than the fold. I find that things seem to fit best when I roll whatever I’m able to and stuff it tightly into my bag. I also intentionally only bring clothes that are easy to wash and care for and will not easily wrinkle.
The same goes for shoes. Even though it might be annoying to unlace/relace hiking boots when going through airport security, it’s best to wear your bulkiest footwear onto the plane and save suitcase room for an alternative, if you’re bringing one. If you’re bringing closed shoes in your bag, these are the perfect place to stuff socks, undies, etc.
Another way to save on space is to buy when you get there. Chances are, if you’re heading out on a longer trip, you’re going to need more than the allowed 3oz of different cosmetic items anyway, so it might be best to plan to buy some things you’ll need in country. I know that, for myself, 3oz of conditioner will not last me 3 weeks, so I just bring a small bottle for a couple of days and then buy another once I’ve arrived.
Since many airplanes allow a personal item with a carry-on, I take all of my most important things (laptop, electronics, meds) in this. A small backpack also allows for some wiggle room with places to stash more items if you run out in your carry-on bag. I’ve found that extra socks—always advisable when going on a long trip—fit really nicely in backpack crevices, as do gloves, hats, or other sundries you may want to bring.
One last way I tend to economize in packing light is taking items I don’t care about. If I take several clothing items that are on their last legs or things I am considering getting rid of anyway, I can always leave these in country to make room for souvenirs on the way back, or even to just clean out my suitcase since packing for the return never seems to be as tidy or methodical as when I’m first packing at home.
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The Traveling Acrobats 