Although packing for travel can seem daunting, it doesn’t have to be. Rolling out your suitcase and looking at the empty space can often seem like a challenging puzzle. You're wondering how to fit everything you need for your trip while considering weight restrictions, bag sizes, and the unpredictability of travel. Welcome to the art of packing, a skill that, once mastered, can turn any voyage into a breeze.
How To Pack Your Bag For Travel & Vacation
Uncover expert tips for packing bags with our comprehensive guide. Learn to optimize space, balance essentials, and prepare for diverse climates.
1. Embrace a Packing List
It seems daunting, but it’s more helpful than any other tip on this list.
Consider the specifics of your journey: your destination's unique demands, the duration of your stay, anticipated weather conditions, and the array of activities you plan on partaking in. A meticulously curated list ensures you don’t overlook any vital items and helps prevent the all-too-common pitfall of overpacking. It's a good strategy to categorize your list into 'must-haves' and 'nice-to-haves'. The latter category is reserved for those extras you'd love to bring along if there's still room left in your bag after packing the essentials.
Also, take a moment to envision your destination. Are you visiting a place famed for its unique crafts or a region renowned for its delectable gourmet goodies? If so, allocate some extra space for those treasured souvenirs you'll inevitably want to bring home.
Accessory Pouch
Shimoda
Shimoda wanted a simple pouch solution to work with their backpack belt system, but they also wanted to be able to carry it while not wearing the pack, and quickly store when not needed. Our answer is...
Add for $22.952. Match The Bag To Your Trip
Selecting the right bag can be as important as choosing a comfortable pair of shoes. The size and materials matter greatly — will you choose a sling, tote, backpack, or luggage?
If your escape from daily life spans just a few days, a backpack might be the perfect travel companion, accommodating everything you need without weighing you down. However, a larger suitcase might be for more extended vacations or if your trip involves a wardrobe for varying climates and occasions.
The key is to match your luggage to your trip — because every good journey begins with a well-chosen suitcase.
Everything Travel Pack - 28L
Moment
The 28L Everything Backpack is your new go-to daily backpack and weekend traveler. Born from the desire for a bag that does it all, the Everything Backpack is the versatile companion that carries ever...
Add for $1693. Start with Essentials
As you embark on your packing journey, start with the non-negotiable essentials. As mentioned before, you have to prioritize the essential items you can’t leave without: travel documents (don't forget your passport or ID!), necessary medication, chargers for your electronics, a basic toiletry kit, and any other items that are integral to your daily routine and well-being. From there, you can add clothing, entertainment items, and those 'nice-to-haves' we mentioned earlier, all with the assurance that your essentials are securely packed.
Pro Tip: Scan your passport, ID, and itinerary, then email them to yourself. This provides a digital backup in case of loss or theft.
Panel Wrap Organizer - 4 Panel
Shimoda
The 4 Panel Wrap is accessed via a folded-open design, which protects clear, zipper sealed pockets. Each pocket allows organization and separation for items with specific needs and use. They can be pl...
Add for $34.954. Pack Clothes Smartly
Transforming your suitcase from a chaotic jumble into a neat ensemble starts with packing your clothes smartly. Here's a secret: rolling your clothes instead of folding them can conserve space and minimize wrinkles. It's packing and ironing in one! Choose versatile clothing that mix and matches, serving you well for various occasions. That pair of comfy pants are perfect for both exploring and casual dinners. An excellent choice.
Lastly, don't forget to consult the weather forecast for your destination before you begin. It's a quick step to save you from weather-related surprises and ensure you pack just the right clothing for your trip. Efficiency meets elegance.
Pro Tips:
- Use Dryer Sheets: Place a dryer sheet in your suitcase to keep your clothes smelling fresh.
- Shower Cap for Shoes: Cover the soles of your shoes with a shower cap before packing them. This prevents the dirt from getting on your clothes.
- Roll Belts Inside Shirts: You can roll belts and put them inside the collar of a shirt to help the shirt maintain its shape.
- Cotton Pads/Balls in Cosmetics: Place a cotton ball or pad in your powdered makeup to prevent it from breaking.
- Separate Dirty Clothes: Bring a laundry bag or plastic bag to separate dirty clothes from clean ones.
Everything Backpack - 17L & 21L - Black / 21L
Moment
The 17 and 21L Everything Backpack is your new go-to daily backpack. Born from the desire for a bag that does it all, the Everything Backpack is the versatile companion that carries everything, goes a...
Add for $1285. Pack Toiletries
When it comes to toiletries, keeping them organized in a separate bag is smart. If you're jet-setting, remember that air travel has specific rules for liquids and gels. Ensure they're 100ml or less and packed in a clear, resealable 1-quart bag to breeze through TSA checks. It’s an easy step that saves you time at security and prevents unwanted surprises.
Reusable Travel Film Pouch - 1L (~15 rolls)
Moment
Protect your film with our travel-friendly, reusable storage pouch. Its super durable construction keeps your rolls protected from fridge to bag, with transparent TPU sides that make it quick for airp...
Add for $136. Pack Shoes and Heavy Items at the Bottom
Packing isn't just about what you bring and where you put it. Heavy items like shoes and toiletry bags should ideally be at your suitcase’s bottom. When your suitcase stands upright, this clever placement ensures these bulky items don't squish or wrinkle your carefully packed clothes. It's all about balance, making your suitcase easier to navigate and your travel experience smoother.
830 Wheeled Hardshell Waterproof Case - 27L - Black / Black
Evergreen
This hard case is ATA compliant, perfect for protecting your cameras, compact drones, recording equipment, radios, action cameras, compact projectors, audio equipment
Add for $1997. Use Packing Organizers
Packing organizers are the unsung heroes of any well-packed suitcase. They work like magic, keeping your items sorted, easily locate, and remarkably tidy. Not only do they bring a sense of order to your luggage, but they also compress your clothes to save valuable space. Think of them as your personal travel concierge, maintaining the harmony inside your suitcase and making your travel journey a delight.
Pro Tips:
- Pack Inside Out: If you have clothes prone to wrinkling, consider turning them inside out before rolling or folding. This can help reduce wrinkles and protect any designs or embellishments on the clothes.
- Nest Smaller Items: Save space by placing smaller items inside larger ones. If camping, this could mean putting socks inside your shoes or filling a pot with spices or other kitchen supplies.
Everything Mini Tech Organizer - Black
Moment
The micro tech pouch for those who like to pack light. We’ve used our fair share of tech organizers and realized bigger isn’t always better. Not only does this one take up less space in your bag, it h...
Add for $308. Remember Electronic Devices and Chargers
As you pack your devices, always remember to pack their corresponding chargers. And for those tech-savvy travelers with multiple devices, consider bringing a compact power strip. This savvy addition can be a game-changer in hotels with limited outlets, ensuring you'll never have to choose between charging your phone, tablet, or laptop.
BJ-11 Battery Charger
Ricoh
This battery charger is designed to charge the DB-110 rechargeable battery via a USB cable. An empty battery can be fully charged in approximately 2.5 hours.
Add for $49.569. Bring Snacks and Entertainment
Long flights or train rides can be daunting, but downtime with the right snacks and entertainment can be enjoyable. Don't forget to pack some of your favorite snacks, especially those that are easy to carry and won't spoil. Consider packing books, music, or pre-downloaded movies on your device for entertainment. Even that trusty Kindle!
Film Stuff Sack - Black
Moment
The simple bag you never knew you needed inside your backpack. Organize your film rolls, bits, pieces, snacks, lunch, clothes… the options are endless. The main pouch is large enough for lots of film ...
Add for $10