1. In general fast drying & breathable apparel is better then waterproof apparel. 2. Dress in layers mountaineering style to minimize items needed. Baselayer T and windproof/water-resistant shell in particular are good for all seasons. Longsleeve baselayer T or half-zip can pull multiple duty as extra insulation, sun pro, or backup baselayer. Then an optional compressible hoodie midlayer and you’re covered for most weathers. 3. Buffs are great and I take 1. But I also love shemaghs and carry 2 despite the preciousness of pack real estate. I use them as scarf, hoodie, face cover, towel, wash cloth, blanket, shawl, makeshift bag, picnic blanket, seat cover, and many other uses. People who worry about tactical vibes can op for mono-colored ones, though I’ve never had an issue traveling mostly in Asia.
@Luc B. - very cool, good tip Luc! We just acquired the Bronners in bar form as well. Going to be doing some testing in the next couple of months! - Tom
This channel has totally revolutionized how I travel. I took my first urban backpack trip this year and realized that I could do even more to minimize my load. The time, money and energy I saved by going minimal was awesome! I love this channel!
This could be your best video to date. My advice? A very simple one: invest in GOOD shoes. It could make the difference between a dream travel and a nightmare
I'm a big advocate of rubber soled Chelsea boots. Laceless so they're easy to take on and off for security or in fight, and they can be dressed up or down very easily for formal (even black tie) occasions or casual use.
Thanks Rafael - glad you're digging the video and solid advice! To add to your tip, TESTING shoes before a big trip & breaking them in is a good idea. Nothing like getting to a destination with a fancy new pair of kicks but super blistered feet 🔥 - Tom
My best tip (from experience, for trips under a couple of weeks) if you don't want to do the whole month thing, do at least this. *Pack your bag 3 days in advance* ... why, because how often do you get to your destination and think 'crap i should have' ... so i noticed that the first time i pack i pack what i know i need, once all of that is out of my head (basically) apparently the brain starts to make room for a lot of other considerations. Packing 3 days before hand gives you some time to give your subconscious brain some time to go through less then straight forward situations, it knows you got the essentials and you could thus leave in ease, 'but', well now you have time to add 'that thing'. And normally these are just a few things, like for example that extra foldup bag, that will make your trip a much better experience, mainly because you won't be frustrated you forgot, but happy you gave yourself some time to think of it ;)
@@PackHacker You don't need to buy them either. I take all of mine from packages I get and I use them with everything. They are very good with electronics.
My tip: track how long your consumables last on every trip, so you know how much you'll need next time. For example I know that one of those tiny 0.85 oz tubes of toothpaste lasts me at least a week with twice daily brushing, a full bar of soap lasts for about 50 showers, 3 oz of conditioner is more than enough for me for three weeks, etc. The more data you collect, the less likely you are to over-pack and carry around extra stuff (or underpack and have to buy cheap replacements along the way).
I like to bring some safety/emergency items like: small first aid kit (bandaids, alcohol wipes, gauze), small repair kit (zip ties, duct tape, straps or line), and a headlamp. If you're in cities, you can buy this as-needed, but I tend to like small towns and remote locations.
We hear you, dannyboytravels. When traveling to more remote areas it can be super handy to have a stock of safety and emergency items so that you can be prepared for whatever comes your way. Thanks for sharing your setup here! Do you have a DIY first aid kit, or did you pick up a full set for your travels? - Rebecca
When I travel with battery operated items like headlamps I take one battery out and put it in backwards to prevent it from accidentally turning on. I used to carry all batteries separately but this makes for fewer items to keep track of
May I add a decent pair of surgical scissors & forceps to that list for trimming medical supplies to fit and conducting sensible auto-surgery like toenail trimming, blister management, thorn removal. If you are of an age, a decent magnifying glass is very handy especially for thorn removal.
And I do agree. My personal "pro-tip" is that if you have spare money try out stuff. But really try it out; as has been emphasized in the video "your needs will be yours, and yours only" so the guides etc. are at best a good starting markers. Things that changed my travel: 1) Sacks and per-item-type packing 2) A foldable day-pack; plus sacks for organization; also all is just-but-submersible 3) A mesh sack for air travel; you can see you have all you need and nobody will claim it's a "luggage item"; add a carabiner and you can hang it on the seat upfront on any plane 4) Pack. Less. Stuff; I'm still onto that point, but I'm noting what I've hauled for more than 15k miles and never really used
Digging this Piotr. Totally agree folks need to find whats right for them. Love the tip of adding a carabiner to your in-flight item for hanging on the seat ahead of you. And - yes! Less stuff is typically better, especially if you're trekking that much 👍👍 - Tom
Tom, this is one of the best travel tip roundups I've seen. Novice and expert travelers can definitely take a page out of your book here. Here are some of my echoes: 1) Lay everything out. This is essential. I take a picture of a) clothes in cubes/bags and b) electronics and EDC. The separation helps focus my mind so I don't get overwhelmed, get lazy, and forget something. 2) Plastic bags are cheap alternatives to shoe bags. I still haven't invested in a set of shoe cubes or anything, because plastic bags work so well (1 for each shoe). Adaptive re-use! 3) Buffs ROCK. One literally saved my face from freezing during a GORUCK event. I haven't tried the skullcap or nap mode yet- I will now. 4) The Merino wool shirt I had mysteriously developed random holes. I don't know how as there are no mice or pests near me. However, the cedar tip would have helped me... I never wore it and it basically disintegrated. Instead of merino wool, I take technical fabrics (e.g. Nike dri fit). They don't resist odors as well as merino wool, but I've found them to be durable, wicking, and lightweight. Tips you didn't mention: 1) Bring some kind of duct/gorilla/1000mph tape. I have never regretted bringing tape. It's useful as a makeshift lint brush, repair (tents, bags, etc.), labeling, and much more. Instead of bringing an entire roll, take a sharpie (another good item to have) or pen and wrap the tape around the pen (make sure the pen is usable- don't tape the pen cover to the pen body). 2) Bring 2 compactor bags (heavy duty trash bags). These are likely more useful in adventure travel or where you won't readily have stores or the benefits of civilization around you. For instance, I was hiking and met a fellow hiker whose shoe were frozen solid. He was walking around in 20 degree icy weather with his bare socks. My buddy and I took one compactor bag and split it in two so we could form crude waterproof insulated moccasins for him. The other bag was used to fashion a wind and water resistant poncho for him since his core was cold. In dire circumstances, it can be filled with air and then knotted to become an expedient water flotation aid. For more mundane purposes, these bags are excellent for storing dirty or wet clothes, as their thickness prevents waterlogged clothes from soaking through (and there's no smell once sealed). One question I think is a good one to answer: "What are you working on to improve how you travel?" I'm working on reducing the weight and footprint of the footwear I bring along. I recently did a deep dive into waterproof rainjackets/hard shells to educate myself. I'm also finally going to invest in more packing cubes, as I've been using pouches until now (they kind of work).
Chris C - excellent write up here Chris! Thanks for sharing your tips as well. Love the large garbage bag / shoe story. As for improving travel - we are working on it every day! I’ve been testing the patagonia storm racer for a smaller rain shell recently. Will likely review soon. Also, I’ve been experimenting with Crystal deodorant - which works well with Merino and is a solid that lasts a very long time - good for long trips. What was your merino brand on the disintegrating shirt? That happened with my Woolly shirt but no others (Outlier and wool and prince was ok in the same environment, etc) - Tom
@@PackHacker You're welcome! I'm looking into solid travel soaps (I prefer them over body soap). Also, after a ton of research about chemistry and materials science, I settled on getting the Trew Wander jacket on sale, which works for "skinning" but also for heavy rain. I like the Dermizax system over GoreTex given my propensity for sweating. It worked well on my 4 mi ruck in light rain and drizzling. I can't wait to try it in a downpour. I think it's Smartwool.
TSA may have a word with you if you bring "duct" type tape longer than a foot or so (could be used to restrain someone , and they don't like the competition (guess how I found out) Electrical tape is ok and comes in colours (that don't attract TSA attention) and has a zillion uses. roll it onto a pen(cil) and put 2-4 colours on it.. easy to find in your bag, multiple colours and not TSA attractive and no core saves space- win/win/win
@@MoonbeameSmith You can also use an old plastic card like an old gas station reward card or any "credit card" sized plastic card to store duct tape and electrical tape. I carry one card with a little bit of both. Flat, slides into a backpack pocket easily.
BTW, Dr. Broners comes in a bar, soap. I use both my lush shampoo and solid soap, when they become slim, I dry them, break into small pieces and use them on short trips, carry in a small medicine bottle
Excellent tips. Having packed cabin luggage only for the last 4 overseas holidays your ideas are spot on. Mix and match clothing, layering, lightweight rain jacket with hood, underwear and socks in 3s, 2 pairs shoes - runners and for good - one on plane, other in bag. 2 scarves to switch out outfits. Wash clothes at laundromat and meet the locals. Small tech bag. Small makeup bag. Digital documents/tickets on mobile phone - Apple wallet. Post home gifts. To name a few. Now I have itchy feet. Argh! 😄
All solid advice here Anne and I'm glad it's working out for you! The laundromat is a perfect place to burn an hour or two meeting the local folks 🙂 - Tom
This is by far the best travel tip video I have watched on TH-cam. You know what you're talking about, unlike many people trying to pass off their videos as packing light videos. One guy was packing a big electric toothbrush and full size electric hair clippers (trimmers) as his razor....OMG! Merino wool is the way to go and traveling isn't about being a fashion show....just as you say. 2 years with a 40 liter backpack gets my respect. Good job!
Recap: 1. Lay everything out (get an overview) Sort by: - Frequency of use - Item type - Outfit packaging /activities type 2. Compartmentalise (packing bags/cubes) 3. Multifunctional items (pick up a buff) 4. Merino wool (natures magic fabric) 5. Keep everything fresh (cedarwood) 6. Get some solid soap (multifunctional) 7. Bring a compact bag 8. Plan your flight (bring a sling) 9. Strategize to save money (bring nuts) 10. Practice your trip (try to live from your back when home)
Merino wool tops great, if going somewhere tropical uniqlo airism t shirts v light. Those silky thin shirts good as v breezy and take up no room. Forget jeans if going somewhere tropical. Phone with big screen saves taking a laptop. Keep sunglasses in a sock rather than hard case. Bring your own water bottle. Zip lock bags for toiletries and tech cables. Bring ear plugs and eye mask always!
Thanks. These tips are great. I keep learning how to travel better. Let me share something I've learned from 70+ years of visiting. You don't have to look like a tourist and you can travel even lighter-possibly cheaper, as well. Once you have a major itinerary and know the places you'll spend the most time-especially the longest stops, consider checking in advance for clothing resale or thrift shops; then walk in looking like you just came off of the plane or train after a US travel fashion shoot or like you've trekked two mountain ranges without laundering-and walk out looking like you've lived in this other place for a while. You can probably a shop appropriate for both budget and taste, or even for something special you didn't know you'd want to do. When you're ready to move on, think about donating those items to some worthy cause.
Some great travel tips! Just a comment on Zips. When a zip fails that is usually game over - coats, jackets, bags, pouches - buying cheap is definetlty a false economy, buying light means more fragile, so a good shout to think about zip usage - once a day usage packing cube - light and / or lower cost, frequent daily use - go with high quality gear. I have a Lowe Alpine day pack - used daily for some ten years - the fabric is now wearing at rub points - but the Zips still work great! Happy travels...
That's awesome to hear, Steve! We're so glad that the Lowe Alpine is still holding up for you after ten years. Thanks for sharing your experience with us! 😊🙌 - Rebecca
- weigh items and pack the lightest (3 silk shirts vs. one cotton, summer weight jeans vs. heavy denim) - reversible skirts/trousers (can commission an Etsy artist or sew your own if needed) - for style-conscious minimalism, mix & matchability, & also varied necklines, dark/light, color, pattern, texture, etc. - colorful or patterned ties or ultra-light scarves vs. extra garments (my lightest scarf weighs 0.3 ounces)
Bringing a single zoom lens instead of multiple fixed focal length lenses seems like a good recommendation, but there's some things you are giving up in return, such as speed (maximum aperture) and overall image quality. A single fixed focal lens will be even lighter than a zoom lens, so here's my suggestion: bring just a single fixed focal length lens that your are comfortable with and work with what you've got. I strongly believe that a 35mm lens (full frame equivalent) such as the Fujifilm X100 is the perfect travel lens for 95% of the people out there.
Hey Yuri - great info here! We really like the versatility of a zoom lens while traveling, but you bring up a good alternative too. We can see the benefit of the single fixed focal length lens as well. Thanks for sharing! 😊👍 - Rebecca
Never heard that tip before, practice your trip. Seems simple but kind of blew my mind lol. I'm very nervous about traveling, but will definitely try this. Thank you so much!
You got it, Maddie! We're so glad you found the video helpful. Traveling can always be nervewracking because of the unexpected, so we've found that being organized and prepared is always helpful (even if it's just for peace of mind). Let us know if you have any more questions! Happy travels! - Rebecca
That's probably true but does tend to depend on which countries you're flying in from (on returning from Egypt we were made to clean our SHOES before getting thru customs but on return from Canada they were not really interested in ANYTHING I brought back). But I agree it's so important to do your homework b4 traveling to another country especially re their laws and regs
Day to Night Dress-up Kit for Ladies (or Glam Men ; - ) Can be thrown in day pack to transition from day to dinner/play/concert without going back to lodgings. Mine currently weighs less than 3 ounces with the following: - small coin purse (0.6 ounces) - ultra-light scarf (0.3 ounces) - long earrings, pendant necklace - lip liner (less weight than lipstick), lip balm, eyeliner, pencil sharpener - 5 bobby pins, 2 hair elastics, 1 decorative silver barrette Highly recommend travel guide Sarah Murdoch's videos on stylish ultra-light packing.
Love the advice at the very end. We're prepping for a 1 year trip where we will be living out of our packs. We are currently "practicing" our trip and just using the gear we would have on our trip (for the most part). Great advice.
That's awesome We Be Trippin Europe - glad you're finding it helpful. It's a great way to work out what you do and do not need for sure. Let us know how you get on and enjoy your trip! Happy travels! 🙌👍😊 - Rebecca
Good idea I'm preparing for several months on the Philippines. I have one month until departure. I'll see how long I can live out of my pack in that time. I'm hoping to be able to put in a pack that I can wear like a backpack and use it as a carry on!
Merino wool is the best advice :) Merino wool can easily be worn 3 times and still will not smell bad at all. I think I will get a few more merino clothes to prepare for my vacation. Thank you :)
You got it, Patricia! We're big fans of Merino wool here too, there are so many benefits that make it great for when you're on the road. Enjoy your trip & happy travels! 😊 - Rebecca
I recommend taking disposable clothing. Things you can leave behind as you travel so when you are ready to come home and you have souvenirs, they fit. Good will is great for this!
Wow! So many great tips! I really liked the "Practice your trip" one, drilling and rehearsing a situation to see what you'll need most and what you need least is a golden tip! Thank you so much for this wonderful video!
I agree with you with merino wool, soft/light or also heavy duty (you know 450 merino, )it is nice to wear and also warm and soft material. I love it and i wear it every day.
I was going to say that you may not be able to take the cedar wood block or the loose trail mix because of import rules. I know that a few countries have tough agricultural rules so you should check before traveling.
Pack Hacker I know that the USA has rules on food that could possibly harbour pests that would impact the agricultural industry. Though if you eat them before arrival it becomes irrelevant.
I usually bring reusables with me like a waterbottle, my own utensils, hankerchief and an extra bag. They not only help me save money but also save the planet. Also a tube scarf is pretty versatile. I use mine as a eye mask, face mask, headband. Baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and a little bit of lemon juice can be substituted for a lot of toiletries such as dry shampoo, tooth paste, deodorant and mouthwash.
Hey Night Owl, it sounds like you've got a great collection going on here! We dig traveling with reusable items too, it's a great way to be more sustainable when you're on the road. We recommend checking out our Earth-Friendly Packing List which is full of ethical, sustainable, and zero-waste products. Earth-Friendly Packing List: packhacker.com/packing-list/earth-friendly-sustainable-packing-list/ - Rebecca
This really helps me. I always overpack or severely under pack. I never have the right amount. I’m going away on a vacation for over a week. Souvenirs always fill up the car, so my mom said I’m on packing lockdown. The car needs extra room for when we buy treats in the week. I needed this video.
Awesome video. Lots of great tips. Just wanted to add: Use ranger rolling for t shirts. It might be more work in advance, but I found that "just" rolling shirts can get messy because they might unroll themselves when you take them out or accidentaly drop the packing cube. Furthermore, ranger rolling allows for an even more compact footprint.
Agree with the accidental unfolding problem, but unfortunately the ranger roll stretch too much the fabric and loosen the fabric of my t-shirt. Any advice on that?
Hey @@edoardotorrenti1145 - Bo may be able to help you it with that - we typically go for a casual roll in a cube and don't do the military roll too often to save time. Let us know if you find anything out and we will let you know too! - Tom
I also want to mention that you can dilute Dr Bronner's liquid soap as you go. It's pretty high concentrate to begin with, so just add a bit 'o water every now and then and it goes a lot further. Thanks for the tip on how to make the skull cap and eye mask with the Buff. I'm going to try that on my next trip.
My best packing tip is definitely that if you're not sure you need it, leave it. Aka if you're in doubt, take it out! Not saying not to be prepared, but no need to over-prepare (which is my unfortunate tendency).
My tip: mail things to yourself instead of carrying them. You can mail things to yourself at a family members home if you’re going there, or to a hotel if you’ve made reservations ahead of time. If you don’t have a reservation, look into the post office and see if you can mail something to yourself c/o general delivery. Many post offices will hold items for you for a short period of time. This way you can have your full bottle of shampoo, your favorite pocket knife, or whatever you feel you need that either the airlines wont allow, or is just too much weight or takes too much space in your bag. In fact, you can often travel with just a small hand bag or fanny pack, carrying your ticket, I.D., a comb and lip balm, just a few basics, and just mail all your clothes and toiletries ahead. This works for the return trip as well!
Thanks for sharing your travel tips with the community, At Creed! It's great to hear that this hack is working well for you and your travel style. 😊👍 - Rebecca
Instead of a water bottle I take a stainless steel flask with me on each trip. This is clean and empty; when I reach security I take the top off and leave it open in the bin so that security can check it. Once I’m through security I get it filled with coffee at Starbucks or wherever - and this will then last me for a short haul flight ... it’s easy to just keep sipping through the flight, and you get a discount from the coffee shop for using your own cup.
Thanks for sharing your go-to with us, albedo0point39! It sounds like you have a solid system going on here. The coffee discount is a great bonus too. 😊🙌 - Rebecca
Undies are so light, I should have taken more. Safety pins - I always have a few hung on my beltloop. Ziplock baggies for leftovers and weird souvenirs (leaves, seeds, wild pomegranates).
But don't try to bring those "weird souvenirs (leaves, seeds, wild pomegranates)" into Australia... You'll find there's problems with the border security mob!
For shoes, read up on zero drop shoes and their benefits, I found Lems (Primal 2) fit the bill as close to the perfect travel shoe. My Lems pack small, super comfortable and multipurpose. Another tip, always get your shoes in black, which goes with everything. In addition to my Lems ,I always pack a pair of sandals (xero Z-trail) which packs small and light also good for shower shoes as well.
We hear you, Robert! Black shoes go with almost everything and they pick up less dirt and marks when you're on the go. These are solid tips, thanks for sharing. 😊👍 - Rebecca
Zero drop shoes are a whole other subject. :) I absolutely swear by them and refuse to wear anything else now, but by themselves, they’re not necessarily a packing benefit. I’m amazed by how lightweight and packable my Xeros are (not to mention their comfort), but half the time, I’m wearing Altra Lone Peaks, which are about as heavy and chunky as mainstream hiking shoes.
Hey Tom - I'm just heading off on a 5/6 day trip from home. 3 days away via plane, then back for 3 days away back in the UK. I was trying to figure out how to pack and keep it minimal. Just this morning I came up with an idea to pack two sets 1 for the away trip and 1 for the second back in the UK. And decided to leave the UK stuff in my car at the airport in packing cubes - As if by magic I am now packing even lighter! And swap used and unnecessary clothes when I return to the UK.
One perk with Nr8. - putting your pocket dump into a sling is that you don't forget about your edc-blade ... heard airport security doesn't like them....
packing cube 'inception'. I use compression cubes starting with the bulkiest clothing items in the smallest cube. Then pack that cube into a larger compression cube. It's amazing how many clothes can be packed with the 'cube in cube' strategy. note: your bag DOES get heavy....
Baby wipes and at least 2 bandanas. Mandatory. On the top of my list👍 Regular or disinfectant wipes to wipe down airplane seating areas before and after eating and for anything else. Bandanas to use for everything under sun. They have hundreds of uses in an emergency. Always an extra one for backup.
Great tips dude! I agree with taking a Buff with you, especially that Merino wool. A wonder cloth combined with the magically Buff. The cedar is excellent to keep things fresh and a natural bug repellent. U have listed a lot of golden nuggets in your tips 💎 Thanks for sharing..happy travels to ya!🏅⭐️
Some good tips. I recommend that you look at what you're doing, and why you're going. Those things that you are required to have are "Mission Critical" and take priority over anything else. If you're going to be somewhere for a few days you can buy soap when you get there. Put any mission critical items in ziploc bags. This protects those items from liquids not just from inside your bag but also from liquids that can get into your bag. The tip about field testing your items is absolutely right on and I couldn't stress that enough. Good luck out there and keep your head on a swivel.
Fantastic video! My best tip was going to be adding a dryer sheet to your bag, but I'll have to try the cedar out, that's a more pleasant scent I think.
Go to your local lumber guy and ask for "aromatic cedar" chips or a sample "to test" then whittle it into your luggage (not all cedar is aromatic and That's the one that repels critters (the stuff they make Cedar Chests out of) Dollar store chips are just random wood w/scent = nope
I decided to spray everything with my perfume, as I would rather all my clothes smell like that than dryer sheets, and as much as I like the smell of cedar, I don't want to smell like it.
10 solid pieces of advice! I pretty much travel exactly this way - after years/miles of learning what works. One small/light addition that has come to the rescue now and then - a few feet of duct tape (don't need a whole heavy roll.)
Great video! Thanks for the tips! I also love bamboo clothes for hot weather. They are awesome! And havaianas! You only need shoes for hiking in addition to those. 😊
Love your travel shoe philosophy! I have literally worn my black Reef brand Ginger flip flops (my preferred kind for the arch support) with a nice skirt, top, and earrings into nice restaurants in cities without anyone blinking an eye. : - )
That's awesome, Jim. Having that framework really comes in handy and it's great that you're able to adapt it to where ever you're off to. Thanks for sharing! 😊 - Rebecca
Shock horror - soap can be used to clean hair, body, clothes, anything. Just don't leave it behind. Don't expect to take everything you use on a regular basis around the planet with you.
Recently I realize that I can use Kanken backpack as the clothing organizer in the suitcase. Kanken Classic version is actually very light weight. Because usually I use Kanken Mini as personal bag. Having a standard-sized backpack in the suitcase in case I need to carry more stuff on the go, like if I need to carry towels when I go to beach.
here's what i do: 1. i use the original compression packing cubes from eaglecreek. and i don't roll, i fold. but i do a combo of folding the item in the smallest fold possible. i will never go back to normal packing cubes as i feel for me personally all they do is hold things separately (good but not good enough). 2. i pack super tightly. this again is my style. and i know it leaves almost no room for error but the smaller my pack the better. i don't carry any tech on me except my phone and maybe a kindle for reading. so that helps too. 3. as a woman, i have to carry a purse along with my carry on pack (haven't figured out a way around this yet) but that's where i keep my water bottle, scarf, headphones, extra thin tote bag just in case. 4. 550 cord. (not a lot just a bit rolled up) can be used for anything, tho i mainly find that i use it to hang up clothes to dry after i wash them. 4. lastly, i carry an extra large and medium pack-it specter tech sacs from eagle creek. they are so thin and can be used for anything. at the end of my trip or between moves, i put my extra pair of shoes in the large one, usually low top converse, and the medium one is just good for anything, usually dirty laundry for in between washes. this is something i've been working on over the last 3 years, after my first backpacking trip to Europe where i took---wait for it--- the Osprey Viva 50 for women. ugh i cringe at the thought now! but then a year later i studied in london for a semester and took only a carry on suitcase, and now have graduated to a backpack! **cue angels singing!**
Thanks for dropping your tips here Rocio! 1. Any examples on how you fold different clothing items in different ways? Is a t-shirt different than shorts? Curious if there's a specific technique you use. 3. I'll see if the women on our team have anything to add to this after we come back from our break on the 2nd! 4.1 - Paracord is so handy with a little creative thinking. And hah - lad you found some harmony with your move to a backpack! - Tom
Hi Rocio! I used to carry a purse with me when traveling too, however, I've reduced this down to a small wristlet clutch that can fit my essentials. I then use a water bottle that can be attached to the outside of my pack or to the wristlet when needed. Maybe this could be something to try out on your next adventure! -Hannah
Instead of a sling pack/fanny pack I have chosen a chet rig[helikon tek numbat] and a haversac, of course it looks like we do a bit different style of traveling
Excellent information! In line with practice your trip, any packing cubes or other bags I buy get used daily to be sure they are of good quality while they’re still returnable. I’ll fill them, over stuff them with the clothes I know I’ll wear in coming days so I’ll have to open and close the zippers multiple times, and generally handle them. A week or two before a trip I put away all electronics accessories except the ones I intend to travel with, best way to discover if you left something important out, or included things you won’t need.
My wife has to travel to Europe and the Middle East, its amazing how she has culled down from a carryon and a checked bag to just a carryon over the years, two weeks of mix and match clothing into an REI roller case, her pro-tip, don't pack anything you can pick up in the hotel room or the duty free after you land, oh and no heels unless its a must.
A good, ORGANIZED wallet!! I live in Sweden - my daily carry is my bus pass, debit card, and ID. I genuinely can't remember the last time I carried cash, and you're more likely to find card only places than cash only here. It got damn confusing for me when I landed in Germany and a lot of places were cash (or German card) only. The euro has EIGHT different coins, compared to the Swedish krona's three, so a small wallet or coin purse with more compartments to sort the coins in made life much easier when paying for stuff. I ended up finding a quite small leather thing with one zipper, but divided in three larger and two smaller compartments + two keyrings (one of which I clipped to a loop in my crossbody day pack so I wouldn't accidentally leave it somewhere). The two smaller compartments weren't very useful tbh, but just splitting the coins in three categories helped me a lot. Now if I could just find something more or less identical but with a space for bills and maybe an exterior pocket for metro passes, I'd be happy!
Also: one of the best investments of my life is a phone with seriously good battery life. It sounds unnecessary since you can just carry a battery pack, but it's been such a relief for me not to need one. My Xiaomi Mi Max 3 isn't the very best phone out there, but it does everything I need and I will easily get a full day of use taking photos and navigating a new city with Maps etc. If I really stretch & keep the display brightness low it I can get up to 18 hours of screen on time. It's definitely on the largest end for a phone (my first tablet was a 7" Nexus, now my phone's a 6.9" display) but the battery really lasts & charges up quickly, and the phone is cheap enough that it wouldn't be a disaster if something happened to it.
Ear plugs are an absolute must for me. I've been using Happy Ears for years now, they're washable silicone ones that come with a little case that work really, really well for me. A spare set of wired in-ear headphones. Wired bc keeping the Bluetooth turned off will help save battery life, and bc they won't need to be charged themselves. My large on-ear wireless headphones came with a cable so they can be used wired if they run out of battery - that's a must for wireless headphones for me. But honestly next time I'll probably just bring small wired earbuds, the big headphones were just way too bulky.
Hey FaerieDust - thanks for sharing your travel tips with the community! A phone with a good battery life really is a game-changer especially on those long flights and overnight bus rides! If you're looking for a minimal wallet that has a bit more organization and space for coins, we recommend checking out the Bellroy Card Pocket packhacker.com/travel-gear/bellroy/card-pocket/ 😊👍 - Rebecca
@@PackHacker Ah, no, I need the OPPOSITE of that - I need something with at least three sections in the coin purse + a space with maybe two sections for bills + one or two card slots. I don't carry that many cards when I'm traveling. Debit, metro, EU health insurance & National ID cards if I'm in Europe, hotel key, that all fits in my phone case, if I use it. It's the whole cash thing that trips me up - we really don't use cash much at all in Sweden so I'm REALLY not used to trying to sort through a whole bunch of unfamiliar coins. I find cash in general kind of unnerving 😅
Only problem with Merino is cost and Moths love eating holes in it (Uk) store in sealed plastic box. Cycle World gas given the run and hike community arm and leg warmer tubes which are very light / compact and make shorts and T-shirts more versatile and tubes can be rolled down or removed when warmer.
Great tips. Love the practice before you travel. Been traveling for nine years in our RV. Great tips are always appreciated. I use solar and rechargeable batteries that are solar charged. I have usb chargeable flashlight on my key chain, love it and use it all the time. I’ll have to do a review on it, it’s too cool.
That's awesome RVing Live The Dream - is the flashlight your favorite travel product? Sounds like you have a great set up here, thanks for sharing! Traveling in an RV sounds like an amazing adventure - happy travels! 🙌👍😊 - Rebecca
This is quite refreshing in my opinion. usuaIIy when l type 'what to pack for a vacation' I always get women with WAY too bright bedrooms talking like 'Hey guys! welcome back to my channel, OMG!!1!' I mean, like what you want, but I prefer these type of videos. Thank you!
@@PackHacker My pleasure, Eric. Btw what affordable backpack you can suggest? It should be good for laptop. Mainly I want to carry one backpack and travel. Ps. As of now, I am not traveling anywhere.
Yes. I went through the MSP airport. I’m on meds that give me pretty extreme dry mouth. Had to bring a regular bottle to drink on the walk from parking to TSA, and chuck the remainder. It got through, but I ended up needing to buy more water because the ice hadn’t melted enough for as soon as I needed it. Iced water is a great treat whenever it thaws! Also, it is on the TSA.gov website 😃
![BOWKYLION - วิงวอน (ex-change) [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/cLdnZWDaO-w/mqdefault.jpg)
What are your best packing tips?
My best packing tip is to bring along as many gallon and sandwich size food storage bags you can. You will have a need for them. I promise😁
@@GlobalAdventurer - solid advice! Can never have too much of these and the space they take up is pretty minimal.
- Tom
1. In general fast drying & breathable apparel is better then waterproof apparel.
2. Dress in layers mountaineering style to minimize items needed. Baselayer T and windproof/water-resistant shell in particular are good for all seasons. Longsleeve baselayer T or half-zip can pull multiple duty as extra insulation, sun pro, or backup baselayer. Then an optional compressible hoodie midlayer and you’re covered for most weathers.
3. Buffs are great and I take 1. But I also love shemaghs and carry 2 despite the preciousness of pack real estate. I use them as scarf, hoodie, face cover, towel, wash cloth, blanket, shawl, makeshift bag, picnic blanket, seat cover, and many other uses. People who worry about tactical vibes can op for mono-colored ones, though I’ve never had an issue traveling mostly in Asia.
@@M0ebius Great tips. Dressing in layers is always a good way to go! 👍
-Hannah
@Luc B. - very cool, good tip Luc! We just acquired the Bronners in bar form as well. Going to be doing some testing in the next couple of months!
- Tom
1. every ounce counts. 2. Pack less, remove more. 3. When in doubt, take it out. Great video tips - thanks!
Thanks nuvoclassic!
- Nathan
Getting a smaller bag forces you to pack less, so do that.
this dude created a youtube channel just on packing tips. I mean, Im not complaining..
It’s because I can’t sing as well as you bud ✨😌✨
- Tom
Pack Hacker ayy you checked, dope🙏🙏🙏
Marie kondo set up a netflix series on how to organize and decluture.. we live in amazing times.
You mean packing as in 🍆 right?
@@wayyxabi LOL!!!
This channel has totally revolutionized how I travel. I took my first urban backpack trip this year and realized that I could do even more to minimize my load. The time, money and energy I saved by going minimal was awesome! I love this channel!
This could be your best video to date. My advice? A very simple one: invest in GOOD shoes. It could make the difference between a dream travel and a nightmare
Agree 100%!
Good travel shoes are hard to find!
@@magicentral Once you find which brand works for you, stick with them. Your feet, back and knees will thank you.
I'm a big advocate of rubber soled Chelsea boots. Laceless so they're easy to take on and off for security or in fight, and they can be dressed up or down very easily for formal (even black tie) occasions or casual use.
Thanks Rafael - glad you're digging the video and solid advice! To add to your tip, TESTING shoes before a big trip & breaking them in is a good idea. Nothing like getting to a destination with a fancy new pair of kicks but super blistered feet 🔥
- Tom
Bring half the stuff and twice the cash! Don't worry, they have shampoo in Thailand.
Great tip Nick, thanks for sharing! Is this how you prefer to travel? 😊
- Rebecca
My best tip (from experience, for trips under a couple of weeks) if you don't want to do the whole month thing, do at least this. *Pack your bag 3 days in advance* ... why, because how often do you get to your destination and think 'crap i should have' ... so i noticed that the first time i pack i pack what i know i need, once all of that is out of my head (basically) apparently the brain starts to make room for a lot of other considerations. Packing 3 days before hand gives you some time to give your subconscious brain some time to go through less then straight forward situations, it knows you got the essentials and you could thus leave in ease, 'but', well now you have time to add 'that thing'. And normally these are just a few things, like for example that extra foldup bag, that will make your trip a much better experience, mainly because you won't be frustrated you forgot, but happy you gave yourself some time to think of it ;)
Hey Dutch Courage - thanks for sharing your travel tips with the community! It sounds like you have a great system going on here. 😊👍
- Rebecca
Silica packs work great to "keep things fresh" by removing any moisture without adding any scents!
Interesting tip, Justin! We'll have to give this one a try.
-Hannah
@@PackHacker You don't need to buy them either. I take all of mine from packages I get and I use them with everything. They are very good with electronics.
@@pariahphoenix Great idea!
@@PackHacker
My tip: track how long your consumables last on every trip, so you know how much you'll need next time. For example I know that one of those tiny 0.85 oz tubes of toothpaste lasts me at least a week with twice daily brushing, a full bar of soap lasts for about 50 showers, 3 oz of conditioner is more than enough for me for three weeks, etc. The more data you collect, the less likely you are to over-pack and carry around extra stuff (or underpack and have to buy cheap replacements along the way).
Awesome tips Katrina - research really is important. Thanks for sharing! 👍👍
- Rebecca
I ditched the toothpaste and went to tooth powder. It not only gets through security as a non-liquid but also is good for washing out my water bottle
I like to bring some safety/emergency items like: small first aid kit (bandaids, alcohol wipes, gauze), small repair kit (zip ties, duct tape, straps or line), and a headlamp. If you're in cities, you can buy this as-needed, but I tend to like small towns and remote locations.
We hear you, dannyboytravels. When traveling to more remote areas it can be super handy to have a stock of safety and emergency items so that you can be prepared for whatever comes your way. Thanks for sharing your setup here!
Do you have a DIY first aid kit, or did you pick up a full set for your travels?
- Rebecca
When I travel with battery operated items like headlamps I take one battery out and put it in backwards to prevent it from accidentally turning on. I used to carry all batteries separately but this makes for fewer items to keep track of
May I add a decent pair of surgical scissors & forceps to that list for trimming medical supplies to fit and conducting sensible auto-surgery like toenail trimming, blister management, thorn removal. If you are of an age, a decent magnifying glass is very handy especially for thorn removal.
And I do agree.
My personal "pro-tip" is that if you have spare money try out stuff. But really try it out; as has been emphasized in the video "your needs will be yours, and yours only" so the guides etc. are at best a good starting markers.
Things that changed my travel:
1) Sacks and per-item-type packing
2) A foldable day-pack; plus sacks for organization; also all is just-but-submersible
3) A mesh sack for air travel; you can see you have all you need and nobody will claim it's a "luggage item"; add a carabiner and you can hang it on the seat upfront on any plane
4) Pack. Less. Stuff; I'm still onto that point, but I'm noting what I've hauled for more than 15k miles and never really used
Digging this Piotr. Totally agree folks need to find whats right for them.
Love the tip of adding a carabiner to your in-flight item for hanging on the seat ahead of you. And - yes! Less stuff is typically better, especially if you're trekking that much 👍👍
- Tom
Tom, this is one of the best travel tip roundups I've seen. Novice and expert travelers can definitely take a page out of your book here.
Here are some of my echoes:
1) Lay everything out. This is essential. I take a picture of a) clothes in cubes/bags and b) electronics and EDC. The separation helps focus my mind so I don't get overwhelmed, get lazy, and forget something.
2) Plastic bags are cheap alternatives to shoe bags. I still haven't invested in a set of shoe cubes or anything, because plastic bags work so well (1 for each shoe). Adaptive re-use!
3) Buffs ROCK. One literally saved my face from freezing during a GORUCK event. I haven't tried the skullcap or nap mode yet- I will now.
4) The Merino wool shirt I had mysteriously developed random holes. I don't know how as there are no mice or pests near me. However, the cedar tip would have helped me... I never wore it and it basically disintegrated. Instead of merino wool, I take technical fabrics (e.g. Nike dri fit). They don't resist odors as well as merino wool, but I've found them to be durable, wicking, and lightweight.
Tips you didn't mention:
1) Bring some kind of duct/gorilla/1000mph tape. I have never regretted bringing tape. It's useful as a makeshift lint brush, repair (tents, bags, etc.), labeling, and much more. Instead of bringing an entire roll, take a sharpie (another good item to have) or pen and wrap the tape around the pen (make sure the pen is usable- don't tape the pen cover to the pen body).
2) Bring 2 compactor bags (heavy duty trash bags). These are likely more useful in adventure travel or where you won't readily have stores or the benefits of civilization around you. For instance, I was hiking and met a fellow hiker whose shoe were frozen solid. He was walking around in 20 degree icy weather with his bare socks. My buddy and I took one compactor bag and split it in two so we could form crude waterproof insulated moccasins for him. The other bag was used to fashion a wind and water resistant poncho for him since his core was cold. In dire circumstances, it can be filled with air and then knotted to become an expedient water flotation aid. For more mundane purposes, these bags are excellent for storing dirty or wet clothes, as their thickness prevents waterlogged clothes from soaking through (and there's no smell once sealed).
One question I think is a good one to answer: "What are you working on to improve how you travel?" I'm working on reducing the weight and footprint of the footwear I bring along. I recently did a deep dive into waterproof rainjackets/hard shells to educate myself. I'm also finally going to invest in more packing cubes, as I've been using pouches until now (they kind of work).
Chris C - excellent write up here Chris! Thanks for sharing your tips as well. Love the large garbage bag / shoe story.
As for improving travel - we are working on it every day! I’ve been testing the patagonia storm racer for a smaller rain shell recently. Will likely review soon. Also, I’ve been experimenting with Crystal deodorant - which works well with Merino and is a solid that lasts a very long time - good for long trips.
What was your merino brand on the disintegrating shirt? That happened with my Woolly shirt but no others (Outlier and wool and prince was ok in the same environment, etc)
- Tom
@@PackHacker You're welcome!
I'm looking into solid travel soaps (I prefer them over body soap). Also, after a ton of research about chemistry and materials science, I settled on getting the Trew Wander jacket on sale, which works for "skinning" but also for heavy rain. I like the Dermizax system over GoreTex given my propensity for sweating. It worked well on my 4 mi ruck in light rain and drizzling. I can't wait to try it in a downpour.
I think it's Smartwool.
@@thatchanguy 👍👍
- Tom
TSA may have a word with you if you bring "duct" type tape longer than a foot or so (could be used to restrain someone , and they don't like the competition (guess how I found out) Electrical tape is ok and comes in colours (that don't attract TSA attention) and has a zillion uses. roll it onto a pen(cil) and put 2-4 colours on it.. easy to find in your bag, multiple colours and not TSA attractive and no core saves space- win/win/win
@@MoonbeameSmith You can also use an old plastic card like an old gas station reward card or any "credit card" sized plastic card to store duct tape and electrical tape. I carry one card with a little bit of both. Flat, slides into a backpack pocket easily.
BTW, Dr. Broners comes in a bar, soap. I use both my lush shampoo and solid soap, when they become slim, I dry them, break into small pieces and use them on short trips, carry in a small medicine bottle
Excellent tips. Having packed cabin luggage only for the last 4 overseas holidays your ideas are spot on. Mix and match clothing, layering, lightweight rain jacket with hood, underwear and socks in 3s, 2 pairs shoes - runners and for good - one on plane, other in bag. 2 scarves to switch out outfits. Wash clothes at laundromat and meet the locals. Small tech bag. Small makeup bag. Digital documents/tickets on mobile phone - Apple wallet. Post home gifts. To name a few. Now I have itchy feet. Argh! 😄
All solid advice here Anne and I'm glad it's working out for you! The laundromat is a perfect place to burn an hour or two meeting the local folks 🙂
- Tom
This is by far the best travel tip video I have watched on TH-cam. You know what you're talking about, unlike many people trying to pass off their videos as packing light videos. One guy was packing a big electric toothbrush and full size electric hair clippers (trimmers) as his razor....OMG! Merino wool is the way to go and traveling isn't about being a fashion show....just as you say. 2 years with a 40 liter backpack gets my respect. Good job!
That's awesome to hear Molon Labe, we're glad you're digging the video. Stay tuned for more! 😊🙌
- Rebecca
I sewed a ‘U’ shaped neck pillow out of ripstop and stuffed my nano puff jacket into it. I wear it around my neck as I board the plane.
We're digging this travel hack Fargo - thanks for sharing! 👍
- Rebecca
that's so clever!!! you should sell that idea.
Tumi already has it. Search for tumi puffer jacket neck pillow.
how to get trough with weed 2k19 XD
Recap:
1. Lay everything out (get an overview)
Sort by:
- Frequency of use
- Item type
- Outfit packaging /activities type
2. Compartmentalise (packing bags/cubes)
3. Multifunctional items (pick up a buff)
4. Merino wool (natures magic fabric)
5. Keep everything fresh (cedarwood)
6. Get some solid soap (multifunctional)
7. Bring a compact bag
8. Plan your flight (bring a sling)
9. Strategize to save money (bring nuts)
10. Practice your trip (try to live from your back when home)
Do you also watch the daily show with Trevor Noah
Hint:you do
Merino wool tops great, if going somewhere tropical uniqlo airism t shirts v light. Those silky thin shirts good as v breezy and take up no room. Forget jeans if going somewhere tropical. Phone with big screen saves taking a laptop. Keep sunglasses in a sock rather than hard case. Bring your own water bottle. Zip lock bags for toiletries and tech cables. Bring ear plugs and eye mask always!
Love these tips! Everything you listed saves a ton of space when combined 🙂
- Tom
One of the best packing videos I've seen. Been on the road on and off for 15 years now.
Glad you're digging it friedricey! 👍🙌
- Rebecca
Thanks. These tips are great. I keep learning how to travel better. Let me share something I've learned from 70+ years of visiting. You don't have to look like a tourist and you can travel even lighter-possibly cheaper, as well. Once you have a major itinerary and know the places you'll spend the most time-especially the longest stops, consider checking in advance for clothing resale or thrift shops; then walk in looking like you just came off of the plane or train after a US travel fashion shoot or like you've trekked two mountain ranges without laundering-and walk out looking like you've lived in this other place for a while. You can probably a shop appropriate for both budget and taste, or even for something special you didn't know you'd want to do. When you're ready to move on, think about donating those items to some worthy cause.
Best packing tips on TH-cam! Simple and straightforward just the way I like it 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Glad you're digging the video Landhaus, stay tuned for more! 😊🙌
- Rebecca
Couldn't agree more about Merino wool clothing. Wool and Prince merino wool t-shirts have been a life changer. Highly recommended!
Great to hear! We're big fans, too. 👍
-Hannah
Some great travel tips! Just a comment on Zips. When a zip fails that is usually game over - coats, jackets, bags, pouches - buying cheap is definetlty a false economy, buying light means more fragile, so a good shout to think about zip usage - once a day usage packing cube - light and / or lower cost, frequent daily use - go with high quality gear. I have a Lowe Alpine day pack - used daily for some ten years - the fabric is now wearing at rub points - but the Zips still work great! Happy travels...
That's awesome to hear, Steve! We're so glad that the Lowe Alpine is still holding up for you after ten years. Thanks for sharing your experience with us! 😊🙌
- Rebecca
- weigh items and pack the lightest (3 silk shirts vs. one cotton, summer weight jeans vs. heavy denim)
- reversible skirts/trousers (can commission an Etsy artist or sew your own if needed)
- for style-conscious minimalism, mix & matchability, & also varied necklines, dark/light, color, pattern, texture, etc.
- colorful or patterned ties or ultra-light scarves vs. extra garments (my lightest scarf weighs 0.3 ounces)
Bringing a single zoom lens instead of multiple fixed focal length lenses seems like a good recommendation, but there's some things you are giving up in return, such as speed (maximum aperture) and overall image quality. A single fixed focal lens will be even lighter than a zoom lens, so here's my suggestion: bring just a single fixed focal length lens that your are comfortable with and work with what you've got. I strongly believe that a 35mm lens (full frame equivalent) such as the Fujifilm X100 is the perfect travel lens for 95% of the people out there.
Hey Yuri - great info here! We really like the versatility of a zoom lens while traveling, but you bring up a good alternative too. We can see the benefit of the single fixed focal length lens as well. Thanks for sharing! 😊👍
- Rebecca
Never heard that tip before, practice your trip. Seems simple but kind of blew my mind lol. I'm very nervous about traveling, but will definitely try this. Thank you so much!
You got it, Maddie! We're so glad you found the video helpful. Traveling can always be nervewracking because of the unexpected, so we've found that being organized and prepared is always helpful (even if it's just for peace of mind). Let us know if you have any more questions!
Happy travels!
- Rebecca
My mum was the best packer.... one on, one off and one in the bag.Roll everything. We went all over like this😎
I love laying things out before I pack and I am so grateful for packing cubes!
great idea with the cedar wood, but just don't pack it if you are going to Australia because any wooden items, treated or otherwise are prohibited!
sapper steve - good to check with country-specific rules before heading there!
- Tom
That's probably true but does tend to depend on which countries you're flying in from (on returning from Egypt we were made to clean our SHOES before getting thru customs but on return from Canada they were not really interested in ANYTHING I brought back).
But I agree it's so important to do your homework b4 traveling to another country especially re their laws and regs
@@susie9893 We definitely agree with you, Susie!
-Hannah
just pack dryer sheets :)
@@bentimover8095 Another solid option!
-Hannah
Day to Night Dress-up Kit for Ladies (or Glam Men ; - )
Can be thrown in day pack to transition from day to dinner/play/concert without going back to lodgings.
Mine currently weighs less than 3 ounces with the following:
- small coin purse (0.6 ounces)
- ultra-light scarf (0.3 ounces)
- long earrings, pendant necklace
- lip liner (less weight than lipstick), lip balm, eyeliner, pencil sharpener
- 5 bobby pins, 2 hair elastics, 1 decorative silver barrette
Highly recommend travel guide Sarah Murdoch's videos on stylish ultra-light packing.
Thanks for the insights 😃
-Eric
This one is actually great for minimalism. Thumbs up!
Glad you're digging it Austin - thanks for watching! 👍
- Rebecca
Love the advice at the very end. We're prepping for a 1 year trip where we will be living out of our packs.
We are currently "practicing" our trip and just using the gear we would have on our trip (for the most part). Great advice.
That's awesome We Be Trippin Europe - glad you're finding it helpful. It's a great way to work out what you do and do not need for sure. Let us know how you get on and enjoy your trip! Happy travels! 🙌👍😊
- Rebecca
Good idea I'm preparing for several months on the Philippines. I have one month until departure. I'll see how long I can live out of my pack in that time. I'm hoping to be able to put in a pack that I can wear like a backpack and use it as a carry on!
Merino wool is the best advice :) Merino wool can easily be worn 3 times and still will not smell bad at all. I think I will get a few more merino clothes to prepare for my vacation. Thank you :)
You got it, Patricia! We're big fans of Merino wool here too, there are so many benefits that make it great for when you're on the road. Enjoy your trip & happy travels! 😊
- Rebecca
You nailed this one. These days, I'm not much into gear, and more into techniques. This video is perfect.
Great to hear, Miguel! 👍
-Hannah
A pen or two! I always bring them in case I need to write something. Also a scarf that can go as a blanket too. :)
Great items, and awesome versatility with the scarf/blanket combo!
- Nathan
I recommend taking disposable clothing. Things you can leave behind as you travel so when you are ready to come home and you have souvenirs, they fit. Good will is great for this!
Wow! So many great tips! I really liked the "Practice your trip" one, drilling and rehearsing a situation to see what you'll need most and what you need least is a golden tip! Thank you so much for this wonderful video!
Glad you liked it - thank you for watching and commenting!
- Nathan
Excellent video for first timers attempting to go light - thank you!
Glad you're digging it Radhika - thanks for watching! 😊👍
- Rebecca
I agree with you with merino wool, soft/light or also heavy duty (you know 450 merino, )it is nice to wear and also warm and soft material. I love it and i wear it every day.
I was going to say that you may not be able to take the cedar wood block or the loose trail mix because of import rules. I know that a few countries have tough agricultural rules so you should check before traveling.
Good point David - each country & destination has nuanced import rules - best to check to be sure before you arrive.
- Tom
Pack Hacker I know that the USA has rules on food that could possibly harbour pests that would impact the agricultural industry.
Though if you eat them before arrival it becomes irrelevant.
I usually bring reusables with me like a waterbottle, my own utensils, hankerchief and an extra bag. They not only help me save money but also save the planet. Also a tube scarf is pretty versatile. I use mine as a eye mask, face mask, headband. Baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and a little bit of lemon juice can be substituted for a lot of toiletries such as dry shampoo, tooth paste, deodorant and mouthwash.
Hey Night Owl, it sounds like you've got a great collection going on here! We dig traveling with reusable items too, it's a great way to be more sustainable when you're on the road. We recommend checking out our Earth-Friendly Packing List which is full of ethical, sustainable, and zero-waste products.
Earth-Friendly Packing List: packhacker.com/packing-list/earth-friendly-sustainable-packing-list/
- Rebecca
This really helps me. I always overpack or severely under pack. I never have the right amount. I’m going away on a vacation for over a week. Souvenirs always fill up the car, so my mom said I’m on packing lockdown. The car needs extra room for when we buy treats in the week. I needed this video.
This is awesome to hear Hannah - let us know how you get on with your packing! 😊🙌
- Rebecca
Awesome video. Lots of great tips. Just wanted to add: Use ranger rolling for t shirts. It might be more work in advance, but I found that "just" rolling shirts can get messy because they might unroll themselves when you take them out or accidentaly drop the packing cube. Furthermore, ranger rolling allows for an even more compact footprint.
Thanks Bo! Love the addition of the ranger roll tip - really keeps things compact and organized!
- Tom
Agree with the accidental unfolding problem, but unfortunately the ranger roll stretch too much the fabric and loosen the fabric of my t-shirt. Any advice on that?
Hey @@edoardotorrenti1145 - Bo may be able to help you it with that - we typically go for a casual roll in a cube and don't do the military roll too often to save time. Let us know if you find anything out and we will let you know too!
- Tom
th-cam.com/video/so93nqxZLjM/w-d-xo.html
@@edoardotorrenti1145 Rubber bands and normal rolling also an option. Ranger rolls are great if you can get away with it.
I also want to mention that you can dilute Dr Bronner's liquid soap as you go. It's pretty high concentrate to begin with, so just add a bit 'o water every now and then and it goes a lot further. Thanks for the tip on how to make the skull cap and eye mask with the Buff. I'm going to try that on my next trip.
Thanks for sharing!!
Thank you this was so helpful!
I’m going tomorrow and I’m so confused on what to take and not.
Hey StellaXoXo - we're glad you found the video helpful. Happy travels! 😊👍
- Rebecca
I like your suggestions. Merino wool is great unless you are allergic to wool no matter how soft it is.
My best packing tip is definitely that if you're not sure you need it, leave it. Aka if you're in doubt, take it out! Not saying not to be prepared, but no need to over-prepare (which is my unfortunate tendency).
Great tips here kateliness2 - thanks for sharing! 👍
- Rebecca
yeah, and when at the destination you wish you had it, in Norway for example, cuz in the store this item is probably 6 times more expensive.
My tip: mail things to yourself instead of carrying them. You can mail things to yourself at a family members home if you’re going there, or to a hotel if you’ve made reservations ahead of time. If you don’t have a reservation, look into the post office and see if you can mail something to yourself c/o general delivery. Many post offices will hold items for you for a short period of time. This way you can have your full bottle of shampoo, your favorite pocket knife, or whatever you feel you need that either the airlines wont allow, or is just too much weight or takes too much space in your bag. In fact, you can often travel with just a small hand bag or fanny pack, carrying your ticket, I.D., a comb and lip balm, just a few basics, and just mail all your clothes and toiletries ahead. This works for the return trip as well!
Thanks for sharing your travel tips with the community, At Creed! It's great to hear that this hack is working well for you and your travel style. 😊👍
- Rebecca
Instead of a water bottle I take a stainless steel flask with me on each trip. This is clean and empty; when I reach security I take the top off and leave it open in the bin so that security can check it. Once I’m through security I get it filled with coffee at Starbucks or wherever - and this will then last me for a short haul flight ... it’s easy to just keep sipping through the flight, and you get a discount from the coffee shop for using your own cup.
Thanks for sharing your go-to with us, albedo0point39! It sounds like you have a solid system going on here. The coffee discount is a great bonus too. 😊🙌
- Rebecca
Undies are so light, I should have taken more. Safety pins - I always have a few hung on my beltloop. Ziplock baggies for leftovers and weird souvenirs (leaves, seeds, wild pomegranates).
Solid additions - thanks Ellen!
- Tom
But don't try to bring those "weird souvenirs (leaves, seeds, wild pomegranates)" into Australia... You'll find there's problems with the border security mob!
OMG, I use merino wool, solid shampoo/conditioner, cedar wood and few other things you mentioned during my trips. Great video!!
That's awesome, thanks for watching Ewa!
- Nathan
These are honestly the best travel tips! One of your best videos to date!
Appreciate it Linz! Glad you derived some use out of the tips.
- Tom
For shoes, read up on zero drop shoes and their benefits, I found Lems (Primal 2) fit the bill as close to the perfect travel shoe. My Lems pack small, super comfortable and multipurpose. Another tip, always get your shoes in black, which goes with everything. In addition to my Lems ,I always pack a pair of sandals (xero Z-trail) which packs small and light also good for shower shoes as well.
We hear you, Robert! Black shoes go with almost everything and they pick up less dirt and marks when you're on the go. These are solid tips, thanks for sharing. 😊👍
- Rebecca
Zero drop shoes are a whole other subject. :) I absolutely swear by them and refuse to wear anything else now, but by themselves, they’re not necessarily a packing benefit. I’m amazed by how lightweight and packable my Xeros are (not to mention their comfort), but half the time, I’m wearing Altra Lone Peaks, which are about as heavy and chunky as mainstream hiking shoes.
Best travel tips and gears I've ever seen in TH-cam! Keep it up!
Glad you're digging it Landhaus - thanks for watching!! 👍👍
- Rebecca
Pillows. If you use a jacket-in-pocket or other multi-purpose item for a pillow, you can also use a wool buff for a pillowcase.
Hey Tom - I'm just heading off on a 5/6 day trip from home. 3 days away via plane, then back for 3 days away back in the UK. I was trying to figure out how to pack and keep it minimal.
Just this morning I came up with an idea to pack two sets 1 for the away trip and 1 for the second back in the UK. And decided to leave the UK stuff in my car at the airport in packing cubes - As if by magic I am now packing even lighter! And swap used and unnecessary clothes when I return to the UK.
That's awesome Tim! Sounds like you're really working hard to minimise (and achieving it too) - love that. All the best!
- Nathan
One perk with Nr8. - putting your pocket dump into a sling is that you don't forget about your edc-blade ... heard airport security doesn't like them....
packing cube 'inception'. I use compression cubes starting with the bulkiest clothing items in the smallest cube. Then pack that cube into a larger compression cube. It's amazing how many clothes can be packed with the 'cube in cube' strategy. note: your bag DOES get heavy....
Loving the cube in cube idea, that's next level compression! Glad you've found what works for you,
- Nathan
Baby wipes and at least 2 bandanas. Mandatory. On the top of my list👍
Regular or disinfectant wipes to wipe down airplane seating areas before and after eating and for anything else. Bandanas to use for everything under sun. They have hundreds of uses in an emergency. Always an extra one for backup.
Always prepared Global Adventurer! 💪- solid list & tips here.
- Tom
@@PackHacker Thanks 😊
Baby wipes are a must! Great idea.
I like to use gatsby ice cool face wipes. It has an added benefit refreshing you up.
I need that marina wool ... not cuz I’m traveling... I’m trying to avoid washing my clothes... thanks man
doesn't the teflon ensure no dirt sticks to you anyway?
I love this video. I've started to think about what I pack / carry and am trying to use 1 bag for work, rest and play. Pouches are the way forward.
Awesome to hear! Let us know what you end up deciding on.
-Hannah
Finally a good packing video with NEW hacks. Thanks!
You got it Fredrik!
- Tom
Great tips dude! I agree with taking a Buff with you, especially that Merino wool. A wonder cloth combined with the magically Buff.
The cedar is excellent to keep things fresh and a natural bug repellent. U have listed a lot of golden nuggets in your tips 💎
Thanks for sharing..happy travels to ya!🏅⭐️
Absolutely! Glad you found the video useful Mrpamperedpassions.
- Tom
Some good tips. I recommend that you look at what you're doing, and why you're going. Those things that you are required to have are "Mission Critical" and take priority over anything else. If you're going to be somewhere for a few days you can buy soap when you get there.
Put any mission critical items in ziploc bags. This protects those items from liquids not just from inside your bag but also from liquids that can get into your bag. The tip about field testing your items is absolutely right on and I couldn't stress that enough.
Good luck out there and keep your head on a swivel.
Some great considerations here! Thanks for watching,
- Nathan
Fantastic video! My best tip was going to be adding a dryer sheet to your bag, but I'll have to try the cedar out, that's a more pleasant scent I think.
Still a great tip Jimmy! If you give the cedar a go, let us know what you think!
- Tom
Go to your local lumber guy and ask for "aromatic cedar" chips or a sample "to test" then whittle it into your luggage (not all cedar is aromatic and That's the one that repels critters (the stuff they make Cedar Chests out of) Dollar store chips are just random wood w/scent = nope
I decided to spray everything with my perfume, as I would rather all my clothes smell like that than dryer sheets, and as much as I like the smell of cedar, I don't want to smell like it.
10 solid pieces of advice! I pretty much travel exactly this way - after years/miles of learning what works. One small/light addition that has come to the rescue now and then - a few feet of duct tape (don't need a whole heavy roll.)
Ahh, we could see where that comes in handy!
-Hannah
I wrap a few meters of duct tape to an old membership card. Plus a few zip ties.
@@euroker05 Great idea!
-Hannah
@@PackHacker thanks! 😁
Might be travelling to America sometime soon so this video was really helpful thank you !!
You got it, Fraser!
- Rebecca
My Packs feel so HACKED right now! This is awesome :3 Love your channel!
That's awesome to hear Ajaj, glad you're digging it! 😄🙌
- Rebecca
Great video! Thanks for the tips! I also love bamboo clothes for hot weather. They are awesome! And havaianas! You only need shoes for hiking in addition to those. 😊
You got it orange sunset! Thanks for sharing your travel tips with the community. 😊🙌
- Rebecca
Love your travel shoe philosophy! I have literally worn my black Reef brand Ginger flip flops (my preferred kind for the arch support) with a nice skirt, top, and earrings into nice restaurants in cities without anyone blinking an eye. : - )
I love that you actually separated the video into sections
Now THIS is a great travel video.
Glad you're digging it Cukito4! 😊👍
- Rebecca
Great tips and funny bloopers
Glad you're digging it, Monica! 😊
- Rebecca
I map my daily outfits and plan my wash days based on the itinerary. I'm flexible with it but it provides a framework.
That's awesome, Jim. Having that framework really comes in handy and it's great that you're able to adapt it to where ever you're off to. Thanks for sharing! 😊
- Rebecca
thats actually a really good point about the shampoo bar, using it for your body also
We hope it helps, Maria! 😃
-Eric
Shock horror - soap can be used to clean hair, body, clothes, anything. Just don't leave it behind. Don't expect to take everything you use on a regular basis around the planet with you.
Recently I realize that I can use Kanken backpack as the clothing organizer in the suitcase. Kanken Classic version is actually very light weight. Because usually I use Kanken Mini as personal bag. Having a standard-sized backpack in the suitcase in case I need to carry more stuff on the go, like if I need to carry towels when I go to beach.
Nice hack!
- Austin
here's what i do:
1. i use the original compression packing cubes from eaglecreek. and i don't roll, i fold. but i do a combo of folding the item in the smallest fold possible. i will never go back to normal packing cubes as i feel for me personally all they do is hold things separately (good but not good enough).
2. i pack super tightly. this again is my style. and i know it leaves almost no room for error but the smaller my pack the better. i don't carry any tech on me except my phone and maybe a kindle for reading. so that helps too.
3. as a woman, i have to carry a purse along with my carry on pack (haven't figured out a way around this yet) but that's where i keep my water bottle, scarf, headphones, extra thin tote bag just in case.
4. 550 cord. (not a lot just a bit rolled up) can be used for anything, tho i mainly find that i use it to hang up clothes to dry after i wash them.
4. lastly, i carry an extra large and medium pack-it specter tech sacs from eagle creek. they are so thin and can be used for anything. at the end of my trip or between moves, i put my extra pair of shoes in the large one, usually low top converse, and the medium one is just good for anything, usually dirty laundry for in between washes.
this is something i've been working on over the last 3 years, after my first backpacking trip to Europe where i took---wait for it--- the Osprey Viva 50 for women. ugh i cringe at the thought now! but then a year later i studied in london for a semester and took only a carry on suitcase, and now have graduated to a backpack! **cue angels singing!**
Thanks for dropping your tips here Rocio!
1. Any examples on how you fold different clothing items in different ways? Is a t-shirt different than shorts? Curious if there's a specific technique you use.
3. I'll see if the women on our team have anything to add to this after we come back from our break on the 2nd!
4.1 - Paracord is so handy with a little creative thinking.
And hah - lad you found some harmony with your move to a backpack!
- Tom
Hi Rocio!
I used to carry a purse with me when traveling too, however, I've reduced this down to a small wristlet clutch that can fit my essentials. I then use a water bottle that can be attached to the outside of my pack or to the wristlet when needed. Maybe this could be something to try out on your next adventure!
-Hannah
Instead of a sling pack/fanny pack I have chosen a chet rig[helikon tek numbat] and a haversac, of course it looks like we do a bit different style of traveling
Excellent information! In line with practice your trip, any packing cubes or other bags I buy get used daily to be sure they are of good quality while they’re still returnable. I’ll fill them, over stuff them with the clothes I know I’ll wear in coming days so I’ll have to open and close the zippers multiple times, and generally handle them. A week or two before a trip I put away all electronics accessories except the ones I intend to travel with, best way to discover if you left something important out, or included things you won’t need.
My wife has to travel to Europe and the Middle East, its amazing how she has culled down from a carryon and a checked bag to just a carryon over the years, two weeks of mix and match clothing into an REI roller case, her pro-tip, don't pack anything you can pick up in the hotel room or the duty free after you land, oh and no heels unless its a must.
Great tips, John! Very awesome to hear how she has downsized!
-Hannah
Nice video. Helps me organize my thoughts for packing for an overseas trip with just a carry-on.
That's awesome, Bob! We're glad you found the video helpful. Happy travels! 😊
- Rebecca
The last tip is incredibly good...so many things can be eliminated and trial and use is the best way to figure it out!
A good, ORGANIZED wallet!! I live in Sweden - my daily carry is my bus pass, debit card, and ID. I genuinely can't remember the last time I carried cash, and you're more likely to find card only places than cash only here.
It got damn confusing for me when I landed in Germany and a lot of places were cash (or German card) only. The euro has EIGHT different coins, compared to the Swedish krona's three, so a small wallet or coin purse with more compartments to sort the coins in made life much easier when paying for stuff. I ended up finding a quite small leather thing with one zipper, but divided in three larger and two smaller compartments + two keyrings (one of which I clipped to a loop in my crossbody day pack so I wouldn't accidentally leave it somewhere).
The two smaller compartments weren't very useful tbh, but just splitting the coins in three categories helped me a lot. Now if I could just find something more or less identical but with a space for bills and maybe an exterior pocket for metro passes, I'd be happy!
Also: one of the best investments of my life is a phone with seriously good battery life. It sounds unnecessary since you can just carry a battery pack, but it's been such a relief for me not to need one. My Xiaomi Mi Max 3 isn't the very best phone out there, but it does everything I need and I will easily get a full day of use taking photos and navigating a new city with Maps etc. If I really stretch & keep the display brightness low it I can get up to 18 hours of screen on time. It's definitely on the largest end for a phone (my first tablet was a 7" Nexus, now my phone's a 6.9" display) but the battery really lasts & charges up quickly, and the phone is cheap enough that it wouldn't be a disaster if something happened to it.
Ear plugs are an absolute must for me. I've been using Happy Ears for years now, they're washable silicone ones that come with a little case that work really, really well for me.
A spare set of wired in-ear headphones. Wired bc keeping the Bluetooth turned off will help save battery life, and bc they won't need to be charged themselves. My large on-ear wireless headphones came with a cable so they can be used wired if they run out of battery - that's a must for wireless headphones for me. But honestly next time I'll probably just bring small wired earbuds, the big headphones were just way too bulky.
Hey FaerieDust - thanks for sharing your travel tips with the community! A phone with a good battery life really is a game-changer especially on those long flights and overnight bus rides! If you're looking for a minimal wallet that has a bit more organization and space for coins, we recommend checking out the Bellroy Card Pocket packhacker.com/travel-gear/bellroy/card-pocket/ 😊👍
- Rebecca
@@PackHacker Ah, no, I need the OPPOSITE of that - I need something with at least three sections in the coin purse + a space with maybe two sections for bills + one or two card slots.
I don't carry that many cards when I'm traveling. Debit, metro, EU health insurance & National ID cards if I'm in Europe, hotel key, that all fits in my phone case, if I use it. It's the whole cash thing that trips me up - we really don't use cash much at all in Sweden so I'm REALLY not used to trying to sort through a whole bunch of unfamiliar coins. I find cash in general kind of unnerving 😅
We get what you're saying FaerieDust - it's so important to find a wallet that works for you and your travel style! 🙌😊
- Rebecca
Love the wool tip. Thank you!
You got it, Viviann! 😊👍
- Rebecca
Awesome guide there my friend. Love the video
Glad you're digging it, tan wen jie. Stay tuned for more!😊
- Rebecca
very good tips that took me years to develop on my own. Best packing video I've seen.
Glad you're digging it micahisaac - thanks for watching! 😊👍
- Rebecca
Only problem with Merino is cost and Moths love eating holes in it (Uk) store in sealed plastic box. Cycle World gas given the run and hike community arm and leg warmer tubes which are very light / compact and make shorts and T-shirts more versatile and tubes can be rolled down or removed when warmer.
I do notice and I DO care!
Great tips. Love the practice before you travel. Been traveling for nine years in our RV. Great tips are always appreciated.
I use solar and rechargeable batteries that are solar charged. I have usb chargeable flashlight on my key chain, love it and use it all the time. I’ll have to do a review on it, it’s too cool.
That's awesome RVing Live The Dream - is the flashlight your favorite travel product? Sounds like you have a great set up here, thanks for sharing! Traveling in an RV sounds like an amazing adventure - happy travels! 🙌👍😊
- Rebecca
My fAvorite no.4!!!😍😍😍🤗
I like it! I will be traveling with a 36 L bag this winter.
That's awesome, Wanderful Minimalist. Happy travels! 😊
- Rebecca
This channel is awesome
Another great video👏👍!Thank you for posting this👍
Great simple tips I often forget or skip. Thx! I might try outfit packages😀
Amazing video these tips actually worked😀
This is quite refreshing in my opinion. usuaIIy when l type 'what to pack for a vacation' I always get women with WAY too bright bedrooms talking like 'Hey guys! welcome back to my channel, OMG!!1!' I mean, like what you want, but I prefer these type of videos. Thank you!
They never seem to pack underwear either. Which seems odd.
This is the first video I watched here. Your backpacking tips are awesome.
Thanks for watching 😃 We’ll see you in the next one!
-Eric
@@PackHacker My pleasure, Eric.
Btw what affordable backpack you can suggest? It should be good for laptop. Mainly I want to carry one backpack and travel.
Ps. As of now, I am not traveling anywhere.
Love the tips! Video idea: how do you judge the "quality" of products?
Thanks for the video idea, Stef! You can check out how we factor quality into our rating system here: packhacker.com/about/rating-system/
- Austin
You can freeze water in your bottle and TSA will allow it to go through as ice is considered a solid 😃
Hey, I was So sure - have you ever tried this? Would love to hear if it worked for you. 👍
- Rebecca
Yes. I went through the MSP airport. I’m on meds that give me pretty extreme dry mouth. Had to bring a regular bottle to drink on the walk from parking to TSA, and chuck the remainder. It got through, but I ended up needing to buy more water because the ice hadn’t melted enough for as soon as I needed it. Iced water is a great treat whenever it thaws! Also, it is on the TSA.gov website 😃
Whats your opinion on vacuum bags? For carrying clothes and woollens for a long duration stay. Does the pressure in the baggage compartment affect it?
Awesome video thanks!