Packing light may not be for everyone and can be a very daunting prospect to many. The idea of limiting your clothes choices, not having what you need on hand can be a real stress point for some, but I am hoping to inspire and give you the confidence to give it a go
If we can do it anyone can
Now packing light for me is not about avoiding book through luggage, I am happy, especially on a long haul flight not to have my luggage to worry about while transiting. Packing light is about the on-ground experience, with that in mind, I have to say that weight is not a real concern, but packing light by principle means your overall weight should be down.
From the moment we booked our first Europe trip six years ago I had declared that we were going to pack light. Our first couple of trips were what I would describe as epic fails, to the point of buying extra luggage. As time went on, I had mostly got the principals right, but not the packing; we both had larger bags and things we did not need.
So What Changed?
Taking inspiration from a fellow travel planner, I decided our 2019 trip was the year that we were going to succeed. Phil already had a Larger international flight approved carry on, that he used for travelling to work.
All that was needed was for me to get one too, purchasing my Away larger carry on I declared we were going to do this thing. Having that little bit of extra space made all the difference, but we still had the restriction of smaller size.
The process of getting ready was fun; I tried a few different things after reading what others had used and packed strategically, colour co-ordinating my wardrobe and getting things down as much as possible. I was happy with what we had packed.
Leaving Australia, we had one large carry on away suitcase, Phil had his backpack and I had my handbag and a large tote bag. We were confident in our decision.
Phil, ready to board the train to Salzburg
The Reality of the road
On the road, we found it so easy, as I said we had been packing reasonably light for the last couple of trips, so we scheduled washing our clothes, finding laundrymats close to hotels and hand washing when in places long enough.
Transiting was so much easier, having two lighter bags instead of one bigger just made everything simpler, on trains, they easily stowed on the racks above your head. In hotels, they stow out of the way, and climbing stairs was not as problematic. The only time we really struggled was in Hallstatt, but that was because of the design of the stairs if anything we were even more grateful because we had smaller bags.
At the end of the day we only had a couple of items we did not use and coming home we had a foldable carry on allowing for extra’s, it was swapped over from my tote (this is maybe something I would do differently next time). This bag worked well for a few small souvenirs.
We also had a 23-hour layover in London, requiring extra clothes and things, it was so easy not having to collect our bags but to head straight to our hotel from the flight.
Another bonus was packing light did help me think about purchases, and many a lovely Christmas decoration got left on the shelf for the cause of packing light. One thing we did decide is we like to buy clothes while away, so next time we will pack slightly short to allow space for that.
Are we happy with our experience? Yes, and I have even started thinking about next year. Our plan is to be away for around a month over September/October, so layering will be something we will need to consider.
Packing Light Does take planning.Â
Now Like anything that you are going to be intentional about there is an element of planning, especially the first time you do something. My first port of call was to research how others do it, and I have to say there is no end of help out there.
With a little knowledge, I set out to build on our supply base and started finding products that would work for us.
Over the last couple of years, as I grew into the packing light mindset, I had gathered a few space-saving resources. Items like packing cubes, clothes and those items that are sometimes needed and packed up small (more on those later), but this was going to be the trip we put it all together.
Here is a list of things we used and what we liked or did not like so much.
*Before we start the list, I use what I can purchase close by or recommend by friends, but I am not loyal to a brand, it has been where I happened to shop.
There are other options selling similar items; I just have not used them.Â
Packing Cubes
I love packing cubes and have been a convert for a few years now, Packing cubes as they grow in popularity are growing in sizes and styles. The most basic set is usually a set of three one small, Medium and Large. These sets are great, but I have found that stores like Kathmandu have an ever-growing range of sizes and shapes, their larger is bigger than any other I have seen and works well for me.
I have found not only are they great for keeping everything neat in your bag but when you arrive at a new hotel you can take everything out for easier access and repacking takes a few minutes when you leave.
I have just discovered but have not used a packing cube that you can compress (I have some on their way).
Other Helpful tools
As I mentioned, I have a range of resources I have found that help make the process easier, many turning something bulky into a bit of a space saver.
Space Savers and Useful
Space becomes such a premium when you are packing light and I must admit Foldable is such a magic word in the world of packing light.
With the worldwide banning of plastic bags, it has become more essential than ever that you carry shopping bags, even on holidays and I have found some great foldable reusable bags, ready to use in seconds, this does end up in my handbag.
Another useful “bag” is a foldable day pack; a pack that folds into itself and reduces space taken up but allows for an extra bag if needed for a picnic or days when layering may be required.
As mentioned above, I also took a foldable carryon sized bag. No matter how careful you are, souvenirs can blow out, but it helps put boundaries on the blowout.
Another space saver is a pack-n-go puffer jacket, this warm, waterproof jacket has been on the last three trips, and even though it has only been used a couple of times, it has proven its worth. It has not been bulky or frustrating to carry; it also can be a great pillow on flights if you need it too. I also have a pack-n-go polar fleece jacket, great for layering.
I know we all have our favourite toiletries we can not do without, but these days you can buy travel-size toiletries, or the correct size (if you carry on) bottles for liquid regulations for your products. These bottles also allow you to take what you like but not have the bulk of a big bottle. This last trip I used a Lush shampoo bar and apart from a packaging issue, it was great.
A few helpful hints to get you started
When thinking about Clothes, make sure you can mix and match most if not all.
Remember the clothes you wear you need to be comfortable in and like.
Layering, especially if going in the cooler seasons is essential, the weather can change quickly and often. You can buy nice thinner items that are warm and layer easily.
Unless you are hiking some desolate trail, you are always going to be able to restock or pick up extra needed supplies.
Allow a couple of hours every few days to do some washing at a laundromat, I usually add this to my early planning, making sure we are close by one regularly. We used these was capsules this last trip and they are great, you have what you need without the bulk. We also have a nylon bag that we use for smaller articles to keep them separate until they are clean.
Sinks (or in the shower) are great to do a spot of hand washing, but we only do this if it is really hot or we have a few days to allow the clothes to dry.
What did we pack?
Kerryn
Two winter shirts
Four summer shirts,
two tank tops
One tights
Two pairs of hiking pants
One skirt
One dress
Overshirt (dressy)
1 x swimmers
jumper
Jacket
Enough underwear for a week
one dress sandals
walking shoes
walking sandals
Phil
2x Rugby winter shirts
Four summer shirts (2x button-up and 2x t-shirt),
two long sleeve shirts
Three pairs of trousers
1 x Shorts
1 x swimmers
jumper
Jacket
Enough underwear for a week
walking shoes
walking sandals
We both had a microfibre towel (for one night)
Most of these lists were packed in our suitcases, along with toiletries, charger cables, meds and a few other extra’s.
This also includes what we had on the plane.
Are we Packing Light Converts?
We both found the experience liberating, and can not wait until next year when we do it all again. I know some may say we still could be much lighter, but for us this level of packing light was great, we still had space to buy the odd tree decorations or fridge magnet and at the end of the day we could buy the kids some souvenirs.
When I think back to the trips with massive over-packed bags I feel exhausted, and Phil was doing most of the heavy lifting. I am so grateful that we finally got there and I hope you find this little post helpful.
Have you ever packed light?
How did you find the experience?
If you have never packed light what are your thoughts?
