Tips on traveling light for vacation
Heading off on vacation is exciting. Packing for vacation—not so much. Whether you’re a last-minute packer or someone who plans it out weeks in advance, finding the right balance between being prepared and overpacking is tough.
We’ve put together a handy guide to help you keep it light and breezy.
Finding the right luggage
Headwear comes in a variety of styles depending on intended use. When it comes to outdoor activities, there are a few main categories to consider:
The key to traveling light is finding the right piece of luggage. Whether it’s a backpack, carry-on bag or duffel, it’s important to choose the gear that best suits your needs.
Different types of luggage offer different benefits. So, let’s explore these in a little more detail.
Backpacks
Backpacks come in all sorts and sizes. The type you choose will depend on the length of your trip.
If you’re hostel-hopping on an extended trip with multiple destinations, it’s worth investing in a backpacking pack. This will let you enjoy a hands-free experience while exploring new places. As a bonus, you can even use the backpack as a pillow for an airport nap.
Backpacks with external compartments, water bottle pockets and bungee cords add extra convenience, as they allow easy access to the items you need most.
For shorter trips, check out our smaller women’s backpacks and men’s backpacks. The best ultralight backpacks have multiple interior compartments that help keep your belongings organized and secure.
Carry-On Bags
When traveling by plane, carry-on bags are essential. Duffel bags, like our smaller Base Camp duffels, are an excellent way to travel light while still being able to organize and access all your clothing. Our duffels are also highly durable and water resistant, which makes them ideal for all types of weather.
When opting for a duffel, search for one with backpack straps. That way you can get the benefits of a duffel with the convenience of a backpack when needed.
Rolling luggage is a hassle-free option that lets you glide through airports and train stations. You can enjoy a comfortable traveling experience with no weight to carry.
When choosing rolling luggage, look for styles with multiple compartments and ones that can lay flat when fully unzipped. This allows for greater convenience when packing and gives you better visibility and access to your clothing.
Tips for minimalist packing.
Once you’ve found the right luggage, try these game-changing packing tips for a light and easy experience.
Lay everything out. How you pack is just as important (if not more important) as what you pack. Start by laying everything you think you’ll need out on the floor or bed. This helps you visualize everything you plan to bring. You’ll also be able to spot whether you’re guilty of overpacking.
Remove anything that isn’t 100% necessary. Take a long look at what you have laid out. Consider if certain items are necessary. If you’re going on a weekend trip to the beach, do you need fifteen different outfits?
The same goes for toiletries. Unless you’ll be remote and off grid, you’ll most likely be able to buy anything you don’t have at your destination. You don’t need those full-size bottles of sunscreen and shampoo. Instead, opt for travel sizes to save space.
Plan your outfits. Planning outfits ahead of time is a great way to eliminate any unnecessary items. Try to think economically and pack items you can wear multiple times and in various situations. Instead of that over-the-top patterned shirt, opt for a t-shirt that goes with everything. You’ll spend less time worrying about what to wear and more time having fun.
You don’t have to wear the same thing every day, but try to create a mini capsule wardrobe you can mix and match throughout the trip.
Use packing cubes.
Packing cubes can be a game changer before and during your trip. Separating all your items into compartments allows you to keep things organized and accessible.
For example, you can keep your tees in one cube, your beach clothes in the next and your evening outfits in another. That way you won't be rummaging through all your belongings, allowing you to keep your luggage neatly packed throughout your trip.
Pack your items in order.
Have you ever packed an organized bag only to mess it up when you need something from the very bottom? By packing in order of what you'll need, you can eliminate this issue.
If you arrive at your destination late at night, ensure your pajamas and toiletries are at the top of the bag. Likewise, if you're arriving earlier in the day and plan to head straight to the beach, the easiest items to reach should be your swimwear, towels, etc.
Make a list.
If you struggle with packing, make a list. Having a blueprint to reference during packing will eliminate some of the stress.
When you get home, amend your list. Add anything you noticed that you missed. It will help you to pack efficiently and effectively in the future.
Make traveling light on your next vacation easy with The North Face.
Ready for a new adventure? Now that you’re a packing expert, browse our wide range of bags & gear to find everything you need.