packing a travel backpack

How to Pack a Backpack for Air Travel: 12 Must-Know Tricks

Hey there! Ever wonder how some folks just nail the travel game by sticking to a backpack? Let’s paint you a picture: You’re hustlin’ at the airport, bobbing and weaving through this massive crowd when bam – you spot someone smooth-sailing with just their carry-on. Shocking stuff, right?

Turns out, stuffing all your essentials in one bag isn’t an art – it shifts things up big time. Nowadays everyone seems to have cottoned on how handy backpacks are for zipping around airports. Think about flying past security checks like they’re no biggie or saying bye-bye to those pesky luggage fees while keeping all your loot within arm’s reach; Now that’s more than being good packers – it’s downright dominion over those pesky carry-on rules.

In our down-to-earth guide ‘ How to Pack a Backpack for Air Travel’, we’ve got something for everyone – whether you’re pinching pennies and want to dodge check-in costs, strive for that minimalist life, or tend to wander around with home on your back as a digital nomad.

So saddle up! We’re unlocking every trick in the book so packing doesn’t feel like rocket science anymore. Your journey should be as dope as where you end up going after all! It’s high time we learn how to zip it light, make peace with sparing ourselves from overweight charges, and live the dream of gliding along freely thanks to that trusty backpack.

Table of Contents

Choosing the Ideal Backpack for Air Travel

Getting ready to take a thrilling flight? One of the big choices you’ll be making is what backpack to bring along. Picking the right backpack can make your whole trip go smoothly, and help make sure you’ve got everything you need while soaring through the skies.

In this bit, we’re gonna guide you through all the important stuff to think about in the realm of air travel backpack packing, explore all kinds of different backpack styles, slip in a few insider secrets, and even chat about some sustainable options for those eco-smart flyers out there.

Key Features to Consider

Size Matters: When it’s time to jet off, you’ll want a backpack that fits the bill. Remember, size is everything when flying, so pick a carry-on bag that won’t give you attitude at the boarding gate. Smaller-scale means less stress and quicker check-ins – no more wrestling with those bulky suitcases.

Weight Considerations: Airlines are fussy about how heavy your bags can be–so keep things light! Choose a bag tough enough for travel but one that’s not going to weigh you down before you even take off.

Compartments Galore: No one likes playing treasure hunts while rummaging through their bag. An organized pack makes life easier – find pockets-a-plenty to put all your bits and bobs in order which would save your precious vacation time from turning into hide-and-seek episodes.

Comfort is Key: Your backpack will practically be glued to you during trips – make sure it’s comfortable! Hands-down winners have padded straps and supportive backs. Bonus if they’re adjustable too; nobody wants backache while sightseeing or trekking up airplane aisles.

Carry-On Restrictions: Different airlines = different rules on carry-on sizes (unfortunately!). To skip unwanted surprises at security checks, know what the bar is set at – choose a backpack compliant with these limits & breeze through border control!

Different Backpack Types

Travel-Specific Backpacks: If you’re always on the go, these backpacks have got your back! They’ve got cool compartments galore, are small enough to squeeze into overhead lockers, and above all – they’re comfy for those long-haul flights.

Hiking Backpacks: So maybe they’re not made especially for flying, but hiking backpacks tick a lot of boxes. They’re tough dudes that’ll last ages, with tons of space for your stuff plus they feel good even after you’ve had them on all day! Just make sure it’s cabin-friendly if this is your bag choice.

Convertible Backpacks: These bad boys can change from backpack to duffel bag or even shoulder bags in no time! This nifty trick has saved us more time than modern GPS when traveling around.

Pro Tips: Lesser-Known Features to Look For

Hidden Compartments: Some bags come with hush-hush pockets or hidden stashes – so clever right? It’s a sneaky way to hide away important things and outsmart any curious eyes.

Water Bottle Pockets: Don’t forget to drink water folks! Bags with outer water bottle holders let you grab a drink without much fuss. Keep sipping!

Lockable Zippers: Lockable zippers add that extra layer of “stay safe” particularly in packed places where sneaky hands might be about.

Sustainable Backpack Options

If being green is big for you (and hey why wouldn’t it be?), hunt down bags made from recycled bits’n’bobs or crafted by brands who care as much about our planet as we do. More and more guys are making awesome sustainable options; going eco doesn’t mean ditching style or quality anymore. Do something great for Mother Earth while exploring her beauty!

Mastering Packing Essentials for Air Travel

Planning for air travel isn’t just about picking out the top-notch backpack; it’s all about nailing down the hack of packing a backpack for airplane travel in a smart way. In this chunk, you’ll get to discover cool ways of packing that help you squeeze more into your bag’s tiny quarters. Say hello to “Roll, Don’t Fold,” make friends with handy-dandy packing cubes, and conquer a bunch of other space-saving secrets! Welcome aboard onto smooth-sailing travels.

The “Roll, Don’t Fold” Method

This ain’t no new kid on the block! “Roll, Don’t Fold” has been an ace up many expert travelers’ sleeves since forever. It’s not only at war with wasted space but also fights away pesky clothes creases! Just start with biggies like jeans and jackets – fold ‘em lengthwise and then roll them tight from bottom to top. You’ll be left not just saving space but also being able to fish out exactly what you need without making a mess inside your backpack.

Packing Cubes: Organizational Wizards

Think packing cubes are mere dividers? Oh boy—you’d be wrong there! These zippered saviors come in different shapes and sizes and can bring order to the otherwise chaotic world of your backpack. Got tops? There’s one cube. Bottoms next, into another cube they go – even undies or accessories have their cozy corner sorted within smaller canvas condos! Trust us guys – invest in these babies; they won’t just keep your stuff trim and taut but will also speed up unpacking when you hit destination-awesome!

Compression Techniques: Maximizing Every Inch

Bet you didn’t know there’s an art to packing for a flight, and it’s all about getting crafty with squeezing stuff in. A cool trick? Use your clothes to jam-pack every inch of your backpack. Think about lobbing socks inside your shoes or coiling up belts and accessories into those sneaky empty spots. This isn’t just smart packing – it helps keep your backpack from looking like a hot mess too.

Unexpected Space Savers: Utilizing Every Pocket

Don’t kid yourself – You’ve ignored some potential payload places in that pack of yours; mesh pockets, hip compartments…heck even that awkward spot behind the zipper! They come in super handy when dealing with bits and bobs. Yeah, we’re talking accessories, toiletries or even chucking in a skinny scarf if it fits! It doesn’t only help stuff more things but also stops you from digging through everything when you need something real quick.

Because let’s face it- The whole aim here is not trying to cram as much garbage as possible (let’s leave that for Tetris), but being clever about what goes where. Think rolling instead of folding clothes, waving ‘hi’ at packing cubes (invest!), mastering compression hacks, and giving forgotten spaces some love is what makes this trip less stressful than last year’s Thanksgiving dinner!

By sticking these tips into practice next time around, trust us honey bun – Not only will an Airline-friendly backpack organization be on our side, but we’re bound to turn this travel shindig into an organized rather fun event!

Unlocking Advanced Air Travel Hacks & Hidden Gems

Traveling by plane can be pretty neat. But packing? Well, that’s a whole different story. We’ve got some secret tips and tricks up our sleeves to make your [flight-friendly backpack preparation] even smoother. Let’s decode the mysteries of flying together, from neatly packing all those gadgets we’re glued to nowadays, to mastering TSA’s tricky toiletry rules along with some hints on what you’d never think to squeeze in your carry-on for comfort during your sky-high journey.

Tech Essentials: Stay Organized on the Go

We live in a techie world where traveling without our devices is unthinkable. So how do you avoid a spaghetti-wire nightmare? Snap-up cable organizers – these babies will help you find just the right charger when you need it without having to dive into wire mayhem. Plus, stashing a portable phone charger will save your day especially if flight delays pop up – after all; nobody wants their lifeline conking out mid-adventure!

Toiletries & Liquids: Navigating TSA Regulations

TSA checkpoints might seem like they need a decoder ring but chill – knowing the inside scoop makes it smooth sailing. Start by swapping out bulky bottles for travel-sized ones for those must-have products–- fits snugly in compliance with TSA regulations AND gives extra room for goodies in your bag! Even slickers are solid toiletries like shampoo bars or toothpaste tabs that cut down liquids (no spillage horrors!) and leave less footprint on Mother Earth while still keeping you fresh as daisies onboard.

Unexpected Carry-On Items: Beyond the Ordinary

Did you know that packing a few out-of-the-box items in your carry-on is cool? If you’re high on sports energy, stick in your super deflated soccer ball or even that snug little yoga mat. Also, how about taking along a musical buddy like the ukulele or maybe the harmonica – they’re welcome too! But hey, do give a peek at what your airline has to say about these. Trust us, adding such funky stuff would surely jazz up your voyage.

Comfort & Wellbeing: Prepare for the Unexpected

Air travel can be crazy – lasting hours and jumping time zones. So why not pack smart for some comfort and health care? Maybe invest in this comfy neck pillow for napping tight; an eye mask to shut off those annoying cabin lights; also earplugs work wonders against noise pollution. These tiny things can bring loads of difference making sure you are all refreshed and ready for an adventurous experience.

While gearing up for a fun air journey, don’t forget the magic in small details – they matter big-time! Explore these essential air travel packing hacks for backpacks to elevate your travel game. Get systematic with all tech-necessary items; crack TSA rules by kitting out with sleek toiletries; lighten up by carrying along some quirky unexpected stuff; but most importantly safeguard your comfort level and take good care of yourself so hopping off that plane becomes more fun than ever!

Explore Bonus: Innovative Packing Strategies for Air Travel

Hey, if you’re gearing up to jet off somewhere nice, you know smart packing for air travel with a backpack isn’t just stuff in a bag – it’s an art! And getting good at it can make your trips way better.

Right here we’re going to spill the beans on some extra nifty packing hacks that go further than plain ol’ basic, making sure you’re ready no matter what comes your way and promises a smoother ride. From climate-switching smarts to wearable Swiss army knives and having a few surprises up your sleeve (or pant leg), let’s dive into super cool ways of jamming stuff into luggage.

Packing for Different Climates: Smart Adaptations

Whether you’re beach-bound or mountain-bound, knowing how to pack right based on where you’re headed is crucial for effectively organizing a backpack for airplane journeys…Cold resort? Hot retreat? Either way–you got this!

For those sunny getaways, light and breathable clothes are boss. We’re talking breezy cotton or linens – oh, and don’t forget the sunhat-plus-sunscreen package deal. Going someplace cold? Layers are gonna be your best buds. Choose pieces that can double-duty through temperature switches nicely without hogging all the space in your bag—an insulated jacket without bulk beats the chill any day!

Multipurpose Clothing: The Traveler’s Wardrobe MVPs

Yeah, so let’s talk about packing smart for your airplane trips. This is where multipurpose clothes come in real handy! Imagine wearing stuff that ticks more than one box – you’ll save precious cargo space and shed a few grams too!

How about taking along a scarf that doesn’t just look fab but can keep you cozy on ice-cold flights? Or those change-up pants that miraculously morph into shorts? Perfect when the weather flips its script! Top it off with shoes as chillaxed as your beachside stroll but hold their own at fancy places too. By stashing gear best suited for any kinda scene, you get to pack light without skimping on style.

Also Read: How to Pack Clothes in a Backpack

“Just in Case” Essentials: Ready for Anything

Let’s be honest here – travel surprises can pop up anywhere, anytime! That’s why having a stash of “just in case” essentials is diamonds (A heads up; we ain’t talking wonders like magic carpets!). Like this nifty rain poncho that packs away almost invisibly until—BAM—an out-of-nowhere deluge ambushes ya.

You’ll stay dry sans adding extra fluff to your luggage. Now here’s another goodie—a mini sewing kit—it may sound downright old school… until threadbare kicks in… trust me – better safe than sorry! Look ahead, foresee scenarios; rather have what ya don’t need than need what ya don’t have– I’m saying… play it safe, buddy!

Sustainable Packing: Minimize Waste, Maximize Impact

Hey Earth lovers, you know packing for a trip in an eco-friendly manner is not just rad but also feels darn great. So how about ditching those one-time-use plastics and swapping them out for stuff that can be reused ?

Like snapping up the coolest refillable water bottle that’ll keep you hydrated wherever your feet roam. And guess what’s next? It’s time to switch to planet-friendly tidbits like shampoo bars and toothpaste tabs – bye-bye pesky plastic tubes! As for clothes? Go for clever pieces that can survive many washes and wears. With these easy tweaks, we’re all geared to limit our carbon footprint while turning travel green.

Packing smart ain’t just about prepping well; it’s carving out greener journeys. So here’s wishing you happy (and safe) wanderings!

Also Read: How to Pack a Suit in a Backpack

Alright, pal. Here’s the lowdown on how to pack a backpack for air travel – and do it like a pro! First up, remember that being clever with how you pack can take the hassle out of traveling. You know the score; use techniques like rolling instead of folding, using those nifty little packing cubes, and squishing everything down to make maximum use of every inch. This will not only keep all your gear in order but also speed things up at security.

The next thing is adaptability. It’s always about expecting the unexpected, whether it be changing weather or other surprises along the way. Be smart with your clothing choices––pack pieces that work double time in multiple climates and scenarios (also known as “just in case” items). Keep looking ahead so that whatever comes your way won’t catch you unprepared.

And lastly? Think multi-purpose! Look for stuff that does more than one job – from clothes to travel essentials – and each piece adds value without adding weight to your bag. A well-chosen item can do several things at once making life easier on the road. You’ll find all this advice makes traveling by air just a tad bit less stressful and quite a lot more fun!

Going green even when packing is a thing now, you know? Choosing stuff that’s good for the planet, saying no to those nasty single-use plastics and not going overboard with what we buy can help make traveling more eco-friendly. When you pack keeping Mother Earth in mind, your trips are about more than just sightseeing – they’re about being kind to our planet too.

Knowing how to pack smart isn’t just about squishing as much as possible into your bag. It’s also about choosing wisely, being flexible, and thinking ahead for packing a backpack for airplane travel. So next time you’re jetting off somewhere cool, remember this: a well-packed bag isn’t just something you lug around – it’s the key to a hassle-free epic journey! Enjoy your trip!

Also Read: How to Pack an External Frame Backpack

How to Pack a Backpack for Air Travel: FAQs

How do you pack a backpack for a flight.

To pack a backpack for a flight, start by prioritizing essentials like travel documents, medications, and electronics. Utilize the “Roll, Don’t Fold” method to save space and minimize wrinkles in clothing. Invest in packing cubes to keep items organized, and pack heavier items closer to your back for better weight distribution. Consider the climate at your destination and pack accordingly. Opt for versatile, multipurpose clothing. Don’t forget “just in case” essentials like a rain poncho or a travel sewing kit. Finally, adhere to airline carry-on restrictions and pack thoughtfully for a seamless and stress-free journey.

What is the best way to pack a travel backpack?

The best way to pack a travel backpack is to prioritize essentials, use the “Roll, Don’t Fold” technique for efficient space utilization, and invest in packing cubes for organization. Pack heavier items closer to your back for better balance and comfort. Opt for versatile clothing and consider the weather at your destination. Utilize every available pocket, including hidden compartments, and pack “just in case” essentials. Follow airline carry-on restrictions for a hassle-free journey. Prioritizing simplicity and organization ensures a well-packed and functional travel backpack.

How do you wrap a backpack for air travel?

To prepare a backpack for air travel, start by removing any loose straps. Use a travel cover or a durable plastic bag to protect it from dirt and damage. Place a luggage tag with your contact information inside the bag. Secure zippers with travel locks for added security. Avoid overpacking to comply with airline regulations. Wrapping a backpack ensures it arrives at your destination in good condition, safeguarding it from potential wear and tear during the journey.

Can I put clothes in my backpack on a plane?

Certainly! You can pack clothes in your backpack for a plane journey. It’s a common and practical practice. Use the “Roll, Don’t Fold” method to save space and reduce wrinkles. Consider the destination’s climate and pack accordingly. Ensure any liquids adhere to airline regulations and place them in a sealed bag. Remember to include essential items like travel documents and personal necessities . Airlines generally allow passengers to carry a backpack as a carry-on item, making it a convenient and accessible choice for keeping your belongings close during the flight.

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How to Pack a Backpack: 5 Essential Tips

Sarah Schlichter

Deputy Executive Editor Sarah Schlichter's idea of a perfect trip includes spotting exotic animals, hiking through pristine landscapes, exploring new neighborhoods on foot, and soaking up as much art as she can. She often attempts to recreate recipes from her international travels after she gets home (which has twice resulted in accidental kitchen fires—no humans or animals were harmed).

Sarah joined the SmarterTravel team in 2017 after more than a decade at the helm of IndependentTraveler.com. Sarah's practical travel advice has been featured in dozens of news outlets including the New York Times, the Chicago Tribune, USA Today, Budget Travel, and Peter Greenberg Worldwide Radio. Follow her on Twitter @TravelEditor .

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "A journal. Even years later, reading my notes from a trip can bring back incredibly vivid memories."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Road tripping and hiking through the rugged mountains of Patagonia."

Travel Motto: "'To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world.'—Freya Stark"

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Aisle. I get restless on long flights and like to be able to move around without disturbing anyone else."

Email Sarah at [email protected] .

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Packing a backpack is a distinctly different skill than packing a suitcase. For starters, the weight of your bag matters a lot more when you’re carrying it on your shoulders rather than dragging it along behind you. And because most backpacks have one large compartment that can only be accessed from the top, putting things in the wrong place in a backpack can lead to major inconveniences later. (Who wants to dig for their passport under a pile of dirty laundry?) That’s why it’s important to know how to pack a backpack the smart way.

Whether you’re packing for a camping trip or a month of bouncing from one European hostel to another, these tips will teach you how to pack a backpack without wasting space or risking personal injury.

Start with the Right Backpack

Some backpacks come with wheels so you don’t have to carry them on your shoulders at all times; others transition into duffel bags that make it easier to access the main compartment of the backpack, such as these hybrid duffel backpacks . Depending on your itinerary and packing style, one of these options might be more useful to you than a regular top-access backpack. If you’ll be outside for prolonged periods of time, you might want a waterproof backpack to protect your stuff.

No matter which type of pack you choose, put some weight in it when you try it on to make sure it’s comfortable on your body. Do the straps adjust enough to let you position the pack in the right place for your height and center of gravity? Are the shoulder straps well padded, and do they stay in place as you move? Is there a waist strap to help you handle heavier loads?

Never bring a brand-new backpack on a trip without road-testing it at home first.

Minimize Your Load

I once unexpectedly had to hike all the way up to one of Tuscany’s hill towns with a huge pack on my back because the local bus drivers were on strike. As I sweated my way up the hill, I regretted every single “just in case” item I’d thrown into that increasingly heavy backpack. Did I really need that spare pair of shoes?

Before you start loading up your backpack, lay out everything you want to bring and consider whether you truly need it. For example, will you have the opportunity to do laundry at any point during your trip? Doing so can help you cut down your wardrobe significantly. If you’ll be out in the wilderness, can you eliminate bulky jeans in favor of lightweight, water-resistant hiking pants ? Can you pack a compact, quick-drying towel instead of a full-size version?

Keep in mind that you might be able to shed a little weight by removing extras from the pack itself. For example, some packs have a metal frame you can remove if you feel more comfortable without it or don’t need it for a particular trip. Frames are most useful for heavier loads, as they help distribute the weight more comfortably.

Once you think you’ve got everything you need, load up your backpack and walk a few blocks with it on your back. Too heavy? Return home and cut a few more items.

Put Everything in the Right Place

To avoid injuring your back or having your load pull you off balance, put heavy items in the vertical center of your pack and as close to your back as possible. That means putting some lighter items at the bottom, such as a sleeping bag or clothing, and then using the middle of the pack for heavier things like a laptop or cookware. Wrap awkwardly shaped items with clothes so you don’t end up with anything poking painfully into your spine.

When deciding what to put where, keep in mind how soon you’ll need each item. Anything to which you want quick access—think sunscreen, a rain jacket, or snacks—should go either in the small pockets on the outside of the bag or at the very top of the main compartment.

Packing cubes can be useful in keeping your clothes organized, especially in larger backpacks where it’s easy to lose track of things. They can also add a little shape and structure to your bag. Consider grouping similar items, such as toiletries, cooking utensils, or underwear, together in either a single packing cube or plastic bag .

Compress Your Load

A well-compressed pack is easier to carry, so don’t let your stuff take up more space than it needs to. For example, you can fill shoes with socks and store food inside your cooking pot. You may also want to experiment with rolling vs. folding to determine which way lets you fit more clothing into your pack. (You might be surprised.) Once you’ve got everything in, use the backpack’s external straps to compress the bag as tightly as possible.

Items that don’t fit inside the pack can be clipped to carabiners on the outside, but try to avoid this when you can; hiking poles, reusable water bottles , or other items dangling from your pack can pull you off balance or get caught on branches along the trail. Consider hiking poles that you can collapse and store easily between uses. Again, the more compact you can make your pack, the more comfortably you can carry it.

Protect Your Pack from the Rain

Hiking in the rain is a bummer; not having any warm, dry clothes to change into after hiking in the rain is even worse. That’s why you’ll want to make sure your backpack is as waterproof as you can make it. Some backpacks come with built-in rain covers, but if yours doesn’t, you can buy a separate one .

Another option, endorsed by experienced hikers : Line your bag with a trash compactor bag .

What are your top backpack packing tips? Leave your ideas in the comments below.

More from SmarterTravel:

• 10 Best Travel Day Packs
• 8 Great Crossbody Bags for Travel
• The Ultimate Camping Packing List: 29 Essentials

Follow Sarah Schlichter on Twitter @TravelEditor for more travel tips and inspiration.

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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Home » Budget Travel » How To Pack A Backpack: Travel Hacks and Inside Tips For 2024

How To Pack A Backpack: Travel Hacks and Inside Tips For 2024

As world travellers, there are many diverse skills that we must all develop and refine in order to survive. These skills or arts even, include the art of blagging lifts across entire countries from total strangers. They include the art of driving impossible room rate bargains with unwilling guest house proprietors, and of course, the art of holding in ones poo for heroic lengths of time once the single squat toilet on the Indian train overflows.

But of all the skills a traveller must acquire, perhaps none has proven quite so elusive as the dark art of correctly packing ones backpack.

Indeed, effective packing can make or break an entire trip. It is the difference between having everything you need and not having it, between being able to find things in a hurry and not being, and between keeping packed valuables safe and valuables being at risk. Perhaps above all though, proper packing even makes the very difference between been able to carry your backpack, or not been able to carry it.

Today we are sharing the sum total of our collective experience with you our dear readers. Welcome our to epic How To Pack a Backpack For Travelling Guide!

Choose Your Stuff Carefully

How to pack a backpack with clothes, use packing cubes, get a toiletry bag, get a laundry bag, how to pack a backpack for travel, don’t over pack, top tips for packing a backpack for a trip.

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

Before we can even think about how to pack a backpack for travel, we need to carefully examine what exactly we are intending to pack into it. Whether you’re looking at doing some one bag travel or taking a few different packs, you need to think long and hard.

Now, this is an exercise which you should take your time over and do in a relaxed frame of mind. Therefore feel free to pour yourself a glass of wine, get the tunes on, and even burn some incense.

To start, find an empty room with either a decent amount of clear floor space or a double bed (ideally one with nobody trying to sleep in it) and then lay out every single item that you are even thinking about taking. This includes travel documents, clothes, shoes, toiletries, electronics, first aid kits and skipping ropes – I repeat, if you’re considering bringing it, get it out!

At this point, you should have a big, sprawling ungodly mess of worldly goods and consumer items, which will incidentally serve as a pretty concise snap-shot of who you are and what your life is about. What we now do is identify all the items which you are going to take as carry on such as passports, laptops, a book to read, dynamite, and whatever else you want to take into the airplane cabin with you. Put these items to one side.

Always Try To Pack Light

From the remaining pile, it’s time to weed out every last bit of excess. For example, 2 pairs of shoes is usually more than enough for any trip. For my upcoming 2 month Goa/Bali trip I am bringing Converse All Stars for both day to day and dressed up wear, and my running trainers for running, and trekking. As you will presumably already be wearing one pair of shoes to catch to your flight, you only need to pack 1 into your backpack.

Any “nice to have” items such as a formal shirt, high heels or the collected world of Leo Tolstoy should be purged and removed from the pile. If there is any room left at the end, we can always bring them back.

In order to help you assess how much stuff you need, check out this epic backpacking packing list. As a rule though, one weeks worth of clothes is more than enough. Do bring some nice items for “best” wear, but try to keep them as versatile as possible – for example, short sleeved, nicely made Hawaiian shirts look equally ridiculous both for cocktails and on the beach alike so they’re a win/win! Ladies, note that hippy chic and trance wear is purpose made for travellers as it’s easy to dress up and dress down so can also be worn on the beach or at the/da club.

If you already have experience of backpacking then you will probably have learned that less is more and this pile of “prospective items” will be more or less ready to go minus a final edit. For beginners and first timers though, it is quite likely that your short list is ridiculously excessive. A rule some find useful is to try and cut your pile by 50% – yep, first timers have a tendency to try and bring twice as much stuff as they actually need!

How to pack a backpack with clothes? Well we will tell you. Now that the boring prep work is out of the way, we can begin the real magic – rolling things up!

In order to maximise space, roll up as many of your clothes as you can. Roll up those socks, those underpants, those trousers and those t-shirts. In case you have never rolled up a T-shirt before the process is simple;

• Fold the arms in so it takes on a rectangular shape
• Fold it in half across the middle and then fold in half again
• You will now have a long, thin rectangle
• Turn it round and roll tightly from one end to the other

Be sure to put as many rolled items inside of your shoes as you can, as this saves even more room. Shoes themselves however should not be rolled up…

Of course, most of you already know these tried and trusted techniques for packing a backpack with clothes. But… for the benefit of the 8% of you who don’t, here it is! Deepest apologies if I am teaching you how to suck eggs, but nobody gets left behind here (by the way, in case do not know how so suck eggs, then be sure to check out our epic Egg Sucking Guide!)

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And that’s all the minimising and culling we can do. Unless of course, by the time you read this, somebody has invented a shrinking machine, in which case this entire post will possibly be obsolete.

So from now on, the focus of this guide is on compartmentalisation and sub-categorisation.

And one of the smartest things you can do here, is to use packing cubes.

What Are Packing Cubes?

Packing cubes are zippered fabric containers generally made into a rectangular, “cube” shapes, purpose built to help you organise your stuff! They come in a myriad of different sizes (and sometimes shapes) and are usually sold in sets.

How To Use Packing Cubes

If you’ve never used Packing cubes before, I’m going to let you in on a little secret. They are a magnificent invention and a true game changer when it comes to how to pack a travel backpack. However, you may be wondering exactly how to pack with packing cubes.

You can use packing cubes to organise all manner of gear and they help you to sort and organise items together logically. For example, you could have a cube for socks, another for t-shirts and then one for electronics.

Packing cubes are great for many reasons. As well as making packing that little bit easier, they make unpacking a whole lot easier. For example, if you are looking for a particular t-shirt then you know it’s in the t-shirt cube ( as long as you packed it properly) .

Packing cubes can seem expensive at first flush – especially if you have just paid out $000 for a backpack and another $0000 for a one way ticket to Paradise. That said, we’ve found that good quality cubes last many years and they really are worth it to save space, and keep your luggage organised.

Choosing The Right Packing Cubes

There are a lot of different packing cubes out there. They do come in different sizes and sometimes different shapes, but the biggest difference between them is material, build and quality.

After working our way through countless different packing cubes, we strongly recommend this set of 3 compression packing cubes from Nomatic . Nomatic are fast establishing themselves as a leader in making top class travel gear and their cubes can help maximise storage space by 50%!

If you do decide to use packing cubes, put your belongings into the packing cubes and stop there for now. Don’t try to put the packing cubes into your actual backpack just yet.

Oh, and with all this cube stuff going on, do feel free to give the Tetris theme music a quick play. Your glass of wine may also be empty by this point so do feel free to replenish it.

Packing cubes are very handy and will make your life on the road so much easier. They are however, definitely not “essential”. What absolutely is essential though, is a toiletry bag so do not leave home without one!

In case you don’t know, a toiletry bag is a small(ish) bag used to house the hygiene, beauty and health products which you need when you travel. Typically, the toiletry bag will hold a toothbrush and paste, some soap or body wash, shampoo, hair styling products and maybe some feminine hygiene products. Some have extra zippered pouches on both the inside and outside which are great for storing things like paracetamol, condoms and rehydration sachets.

Ideally you should get a hanging toiletry bag one which you can hang from your bathroom mirror or hostel bed wherever you go. It is worth spending a bit of money on this as it will get twice daily use so please remember the old adage, “buy cheap, buy twice”. The last thing you want is for the zip to break or the cloth to tear because of water damage.

Note that if you are struggling to zip your toiletry bag closed, you’ve probably packed too much stuff. This means excess weight and also puts some undue strain on the toiletry bag which may result in damage. So if this is you, then go through it and have a wee purge – do you really need that coconut scented hair conditioner and bottle of Hugo Boss aftershave?

Which Is The Best Toiletry Bag?

There are loads of toiletry bags out there and choosing between them can be overwhelming. Most of them are very similar and the only meaningful differences are in the materials and build which ultimately impacts its lifespan.

Over the years, we have gone through loads of different toiletry bags and are proud to recommend the Toiletry Bag by Nomatic . It’s made from high-quality, water-resistant polyester to handle the roughest of travels. It has 4 sections to help you better organize your travel essentials.

Another great addition to your collection of bags within a bag is a laundry bag . These are great for keeping dirty items in and are easy to discreetly hand over to washer ladies. A word from the wise (or embittered) though, don’t buy a laundry bag that is too nice or you risk some unscrupulous swine swapping it for their own vastly inferior wash bag (yep, that actually happened to me).

You could simply use a packing cube for this function. However, note that it will sometimes hold very dirty clothes and you may also sometimes have to put wet clothes into it. This is why I prefer to use a purpose built washable, waterproof, fully sealable mesh laundry bag .

This is what we’ve waited for, this is it boys, this is war and it is now time to actually pack that backpack! By the end of this exercise, you’re going to be a certified expert on how to pack a rucksack for travelling and your backpack is going to be filled up with your worldly treasures, ready to rock and roll.

Let’s start…

• Pack From The Bottom

When packing, you should always start from the bottom up and from the inside out. If you are packing a sleeping bag, then put this in first. Depending on which backpack you use for travel , it may even have a dedicated sleeping bag section located at the very bottom of the back which opens independently with a cross zip and rope tie. These sleeping bag compartments are ideal for easily accessing sleeping bags – you can get it out each night and pop it back each morning without unpacking your entire bag.

If your backpack does not have one of these compartments, then it’s probably a smalish bag. Are you sure you have the right sized bag for your trip?

If you are not taking a sleeping bag, then you can use the lower compartment for other things. Maybe pop a pair of shoes in there or perhaps wedge your rain-coat or kagool in? Whatever, you’re the boss!

• Pack To The Corners

Utilise every gap you see and pack right to the corners. If there is a bit of space next to your sleeping bag or something, then get something stuffed in there; socks, t-shirts or towels are perfect for this type of task. Remember that your belongings don’t have feelings and they don’t need their personal space for the long journey (incidentally this is exactly how Ryanair view you).

By the way, my girlfriend is always getting on my case for wasting valuable corners of space in my backpack. The reason I do it is because I know that if I save space in my bag she’ll only make me carry more and more stuff for her.

• Leave Essentials Near To The Top

If there is anything essential or anything you might hastily need to get out of your bag, then try to leave it near the top so that you can easily and readily access it. As I said earlier, anything immediately essential such as passports should be kept about your person and not packed away into your backpack. But what I mean here is things like a travel rain jacket /kagool or a sarong you may wish to whip out and use a blanket for an overnight train journey.

When I set off for India next week, I know that I will want to change from my UK winter clothes to my Goa clothes immediately as soon as I arrive (because a 5 hour bus Goan ride dressed in jeans and a jumper would probably kill me) . So, I will be sure to leave a pair of shorts and a summer shirt near the top of my bag so I can quickly change right at the airport.

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

• Pack Heavy Things Near The Middle

Now we turn to the middle and this is where the benefits of our experience truly comes into fruition. Try your best to put any heavy items in the middle area, this doesn’t need to be exact but aim for the general mid-area.

This is because this is where you will carry most of the weight. Putting the heavy items here will make your backpack feel a lot lighter and it will be easier to carry.

Heavy items include things like hiking boots, camera’s, Lonely Planet tomes, and maybe that toiletry bag your overstuffed with bryl-cream.

Ideally, you should never put your heavy stuff near the top. This will make the backpack feel heavier and it will also pull back away you from making it pretty awkward to pick up and carry.

• Pockets And Straps

You may have noticed that your backpack has a few straps and pockets.

The hip pockets are primarily intended for things you may need to access when carrying it such as a lighter, a Swiss army knife or a buff. However, you can also cram a t-shirt or a vest in there if you need to do so. I keep an inflatable pillow in mine purely because it fits so well.

The straps are great for attachming things like tents, roll mats and yoga mats. Do make sure you attach them nice and tight especially if you are going to be checking the backpack in for a flight.

So how does the backpack feel and look? Ideally you should be able to comfortably lift it and walk with it for at least short distances. Ideally, it should not be too heavy to lift and carry, and it should not look overstuffed like it is full to the point of bursting.

If it full to bursting point then you run the risk of putting strain on the backpack and it eventually, erm, bursting. If this happens out on the road it it is a total fucking disaster.

Furthermore, you should also leave some left over space because you will most probably accrue more stuff on your journey. Even if your a minimalist and a tightwad, you will still most probably want to pick up some kind of souvenir. When I look back at my time in Nepal I wish to God (and the many Hindu Gods) that I had brought back more art and handicrafts but unfortunately my backpack was full.

You may also need to leave a bit of room so you can carry home that 10kg white-powder brick that the nice men in Colombia asked you to pass to their cousin once you get to London.

As well as souvenirs, you will also probably want to buy some new clothes at some point when you realise that the person who left home is no longer the person you are now and so you don’t feel comfortable wearing their western, “straight person” clothes. I’m been serious, this does happen.

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

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• Do a Dummy Run

One big piece of advice we will offer you is to practice packing and unpacking your bag and do a dummy run at least a week before your first trip. There are a number of benefits to doing these dummy runs;

• You get adept at packing and unpacking n a hurry. Something you will need to do a lot on the road.
• You can identify anything that you forget to buy (such as that toiletry bag we mentioned!)
• If you leave it to the last minute, you risk panicking and forgetting something.

So make sure you do that dummy run!

• Bring Duct Tape

For a full packing list, check out this post . However, one thing I will recommended here is to pack some duct tape. Duct tape has many uses, it can be used to patch up rips & tears and hold bits of your backpack together in the unfortunate event it begins to come apart. Keep it in a side pocket or in the top lid so you can retrieve it quickly when it’s needed.

• Bring Padlocks

There will be times when your backpack is out of your site and vulnerable to would be thieves. You can try to countenance this by locking the zips together using a padlock or padlocks. Note that not all backpack zips will allow you to do this but it can still be worth attaching a padlock so at least it kind of looks like your bag is locked at a first, casual glance!

• Get a Bike Lock

As well as padlocks, a bike lock is great for your backpacks security. Bike locks can be used for attaching your backpack to your hostel bed or to the overhead luggage rack on busses and trains. They can also be used for securing bikes, if you have a bike.

• Get Insurance

In case your backpack or the contents get damaged or stolen, why not obtain Insurance? We’ve put together a roundup of the best travel insurance for backpackers –  check it out here , or if you’re low on time, get a quote from  World Nomads , our favorite travel insurance provider.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Final Thoughts On How To Pack a Backpack for Travel

I hope you found that very helpful. Now you are fully equipped with my tips and tricks on how to pack a rucksack for travelling, it’s over to you fellow globe trotter.

Chris Lininger

Share or save this post

I appreciate the emphasis on weight distribution and balance when packing a backpack. It’s something I often overlook, and then I end up with a sore back after a long day of hiking. The advice to place heavier items closer to the back makes a lot of sense. Can you suggest any specific exercises or stretches to help prevent back pain while carrying a loaded backpack?

Thank you for this article. This is wonderful advice for a beginner traveller like me. I was supposed to travel to Europe mid May but I had to cancel due to covid-19. I’m planning to reschedule though probably before the end of the year. I bought a new backpack that I can easily attach on my luggage. I’ll be packing light and bring a few personal hygiene essentials. The rest I can buy once I arrive at my destination.

Thanks for reaching out Drew. We hope you have an excellent trip once Europe travel is possible (and safe) again!.

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How To Pack A Backpack For Traveling: Tips & Tricks

Traveling somewhere with just a backpack for the first time and you’re not sure how to approach packing? Then you’re definitely in the right place because this guide will help you become a pro at packing inside a backpack!

Whether you’re packing a hiking backpack for a long trip, or you’re flying with Ryanair and you need to pack for a vacation inside a tiny backpack, we’ve got packing tips to help you. Keep reading to find out all the tricks to packing like a pro in a backpack!

Choose the Right Travel Backpack

It’s all about picking the right travel backpack for your trip. If you’re going on a long hiking trip, look for a good pack for backpacking, which offers plenty of support at heavier loads especially if you need to pack all the essentials for camping as well, like a sleeping bag or trekking poles. The best backpacks for long adventures will have dedicated compartments for all these items, so you can easily pack everything and stay organized.

Also, when choosing a hiking bag it’s important to look for durable and comfortable shoulder straps and a padded hip belt. Walking around while wearing a heavy bag puts a lot of strain on your back, and it’s much easier and more comfortable when the weight is transferred to your hips.

On the other hand, if you’re flying somewhere and you want to bring a backpack instead of a suitcase, you need to pay attention to the dimensions of the bag. Make sure that it doesn’t exceed the size restrictions for carry-on bags, and try not to overpack it to stay within the weight limits.

Next, look for a bag that has multiple pockets and compartments that are suitable for the items you want to pack. If you need to bring your laptop, look for a bag with dedicated laptop compartments and pockets for the necessary accessories. The best backpacks also have easily accessible compartments that you can use to store the items you might need at the airport and even on airplanes.

Create A Packing List

I’m one of those people who need to create a detailed packing list, otherwise, I will forget to pack half the things that I need. If you also struggle to remember to pack all your necessary items, it’s best to create a detailed packing list of all the things you intend to put inside that backpack.

Start with the outfits – plan what you will be wearing during the trip, and write it down. Pants, t-shirts, shoes, even socks, and undies because it’s perfectly possible to forget those as well. At least, in my experience it is.

Then move on to the smaller items – toiletries, makeup, jewelry, chargers, USB drives, etc. If I’m flying somewhere, I like to pack my liquids a couple of days in advance to see if they will all fit in the designated bag, so I have time to adjust or look for smaller containers for my necessities.

Make sure to add your laptop to the list, as well as all the other electronics that you need for work. Write down that you need to pack your mouse, laptop charger, keyboard, adapter, and whatever else you might need because there is a chance you’ll forget the morning of your trip.

Organize the Items in Your Backpack

Keep your backpack organized and pack it in the proper order, so you can breeze through airport security and have everything you need easily accessible. Even if you’re not flying, there is a proper order to pack a backpack, which will help you keep your backpack organized throughout the duration of your trip.

Shoes should always be packed at the bottom of the main compartment because they’re the bulkiest item. You can save space in your backpack if you fill the shoes with smaller items, such as socks and underwear. Pack them in a plastic bag first, and then stuff your shoes with all your underwear and socks.

That way you’re saving space in the backpack, keeping all your underlayers in one place, and helping the shoes retain their shape. Also, it never hurts to have extra plastic bags to use for dirty clothes or in case your bag for liquids rips.

There are a few different ways you can approach packing clothes in a backpack, depending on the size of the bag and the type of your trip. If you’re packing inside a huge backpack for a backpacking trip or a long hiking adventure, it’s best to separate the clothes by outfits and pack the outfits together.

You can use packing cubes or plastic bags to do this, and whenever you need a change of clothes just pull out the bag or the packing cube. You’re keeping everything else in the backpack organized, and accessing only the items you need on a given day.

On the other hand, if you’re flying somewhere and you have the luxury of unpacking your bag when you arrive at the destination, you can take a different approach to packing. Start with the heavy stuff first and pack any sweaters or hoodies to take up as little space as possible, and then pack the rest of your clothes.

Toiletries should be packed after the clothes, especially the liquids if you’re heading to an airport. Make sure they’re easily accessible and that you don’t have to unpack half your backpack to access the items you need to take out at security.

Electronics

If your backpack allows it, it’s best to pack all your electronics in a separate compartment. That way you can just open up one compartment and take your electronics out at airport security. Also, keeping your electronics in a separate compartment helps keep them safe in case one of the liquids in your bag explodes.

Other Essentials

Any smaller items that you might need to access at the airport or while you’re hiking should be packed so that they’re easily accessible. Use all the smaller pockets on your backpack to store them.

Backpacks usually have a front compartment with an organizer that you can use for all these essentials. Use the side pockets to store a water bottle and other bulky items, put your passport and boarding pass in the most easily accessible pocket, etc.

Roll Your Clothes

Rolling your clothes is more efficient than folding because you squeeze out the extra air. So, roll all your clothes and pack them standing up, so that you have an easy overview of everything you packed as soon as you open the backpack. This lets you access only the items you need, without making a mess with all the other clothes in your backpack.

Use Packing Cubes

If you’re packing in a large backpack, it’s a good idea to use packing cubes. It helps you stay organized, plus it can protect your clothes in case one of the liquids explodes. Also, you can pack dirty clothes in the packing cubes when you’re done with them, and easily keep the clean clothes separate from the dirty ones. Look into compression packing cubes as the best space-saving option.

Use A Laundry Bag

When packing, use a laundry bag to pack some of your clothes or shoes. You can later use it to keep the dirty clothes separate from the clean ones, which will help keep your backpack organized during your trip.

Use A Toiletry Bag

Use toiletry bags to keep your toiletries organized. You will need at least two if you’re traveling by plane – one for all your dry and hard toiletries, and a 1-liter see-through bag for all the liquids. You can separate the toiletries even more if you like; put all the most important items in a small case that you can access easily everywhere, or get another bag for makeup and brushes.

Additionally, pack an extra bag or two for the liquids. It’s possible that the bag will get ripped or that something will explode, and it’s better to have a backup handy than to have to look for a new one.

Another thing to note is that you can take out some of the bulkier toiletries and use them to fill any gaps in the backpack. If there’s room inside your shoes or in between the clothes, stuff them with toiletries that are not at risk of exploding and staining everything, to really maximize the packing space.

Wear Your Bulkiest Clothes

Always wear the bulkiest clothes you intend to bring on a trip. If you’re traveling in the winter, this is going to be the heavy winter coat and the bulky boots, plus a thick sweater, pants, and anything else.

This is particularly important for air travel, especially if you’re flying with a low-budget airline and packing all your belongings in a personal item. They will let you board the airplane with whatever you’re wearing, and that should always be the bulky and heavy items that would take up too much space inside your backpack.

Additional Tips for Packing A Backpack for Travel

Pack light and make sure to leave some space inside your backpack, in case you decide you want to purchase anything on your trip. Packing light is especially important if you’re going on a hiking trip and you need to wear the bag for hours at a time.

Pick a comfortable backpack. Sure, it’s important to get a bag that offers enough space for everything you need to pack, but it’s just as important that the backpack feels comfortable on your back. Get something with a hip belt and a sternum strap, especially if you’re looking for a large-capacity bag.

Pack the heaviest items in the middle of the pack. That’s the best for even weight distribution when wearing the backpack, and it’s especially important if you’re packing a larger bag.

Do a test packing. Even if you’re someone who normally packs last minute, try to do a test packing at least a day earlier. See if everything you want to pack will fit in the bag, so you can easily adjust what you’re packing and how.

About the Author Roger Timbrook

Roger is a little obsessed with travel. He has been to over 40 countries, broken 3 suitcases and owned over 10 backpacks in 12 months. What he doesn't know about travel, ain't worth knowing!

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How to Pack a Backpack for Travel

Published May 12, 2023

Written by:

Laura Lopuch

Laura’s first trip was when she was 3 months old, instilling an insatiable wanderlust. She hasn’t stopped traveling, or writing...

Fred Perrotta

Co-founder, tortuga.

Fred Perrotta is the co-founder and CEO of Tortuga. His first backpacking trip to Europe inspired him to start the...

The Tortuga Promise

At Tortuga, our mission is to make travel easier. Our advice and recommendations are based on years of travel experience. We only recommend products that we use on our own travels.

Table of Contents

How you pack can be as important as what you pack.

If you’re traveling carry-on-only with just a backpack (as we recommend), you’ll want to pack so that you’re making the best use of your limited space, keeping everything organized, and making your bag comfortable to carry. You can do all three with just a bit of planning.

Whether you’ve just ditched your suitcase or are a seasoned backpacker, this article will help you understand what to pack where to make the best use of your travel backpack .

Choose the Right Travel Backpack

Before we discuss how to pack it, you’ll need to have the right kind of backpack. Not a hiking backpack as you see most travelers carrying but a travel backpack .

What’s the difference?

A travel backpack is carry-on-sized and opens from the front, like a suitcase for easier organization. For international trips, you’ll want a true travel backpack . Carrying a hiking bag is using the wrong tool for the job. They’re too big to carry onto a plane and top-loading, which makes them a disorganized mess.

A travel backpack is designed to be used as luggage and carried comfortably around the world.

In addition to being carry-on-sized, you’ll want a bag that’s built for organization. Your backpack should open from the front , for easy access to all of your stuff at once. This is where a hiking bag falls short.

You’ll also want separate compartments and pockets for organization. We’ll cover what to pack in each compartment and pocket later in this article. For now, just make sure you have one or two main compartments for your clothes, a separate laptop compartment, and additional pockets for quick access.

Bring everything you need without checking a bag.

• Carry-On-Sized
• Easy to pack
• Comfortable to carry
• Built to last

The Travel Backpack has all of the above. It’s carry-on-sized, opens from the front, and contains enough compartments and pockets to maximize your organization. Plus, the front pockets give you extra space for all the little stuff that you want within reach as you travel.

Next, let’s move on to what to pack everything in your travel backpack .

How to Pack a Backpack for Air Travel

What goes where.

Now that you have the right bag, we can cover what to pack where. We’ll cover the basics here then move on to the specifics.

If you aren’t sure what to pack, start with the basic Carry on Packing List then check the specific packing list for your destination .

• Clothes: Your clothes will go in the main compartment of your bag. If you’re carrying a separate personal item , you can stash an extra layer in there for the flight.
• Toiletries: Your one quart toiletry bag can go either in the main compartment or in the front pocket of your bag. The latter is better for taking it out at airport security. If you have TSA PreCheck, you can leave your toiletries packed in the main compartment.
• Computer: Your laptop (and tablet if you’re carrying one) go in the laptop compartment which should be next to your back.
• Water Bottle: Your water bottle goes in one of the stretchy side, water bottle pockets of your backpack.
• Everything Else: Everything else you need in-flight, like a Kindle or snacks , should go in the front pocket of your bag or in your personal item. Small items like tickets or paperwork can go in the hip belt pockets of your bag so that they’re always handy as you move through the airport.

Weight Distribution

Managing the weight of your backpack is the most commonly overlooked part of packing. Where you pack specific items matters for distributing the weight of your pack well and making it comfortable to carry.

Which makes more sense: packing your computer next to your body or as far away as possible? Next to your body, of course. The same principle applies to the rest of your stuff.

Put as much of your bag’s weight as close to your body as possible. This keeps the center of gravity next to your body, not 9″ away from you. Packing this way serves two purposes. First, your load is easier to manage since it’s closer to your body. You’ll be more aware of your bag’s size and weight and will bump into fewer people and things. Second, your bag will be more comfortable to carry. If the weight was farther from your body, your backpack would feel heavier and pull more on your shoulders.

• Heaviest Stuff: Put your heaviest stuff as close to your body as possible and in the vertical middle of your pack. Heavy things should not be at the top or bottom when you’re wearing your backpack. Your heaviest stuff might be a pair of shoes or your laptop. The latter should have a dedicated compartment or sleeve next to your body.
• Medium-Weight Stuff: Medium-weight items go at the vertical top of your pack.
• Lightest Stuff: Lightweight stuff, usually clothes, go at the vertical bottom of your backpack.

How to Pack Clothes

With the guidance from the last section in mind, let’s focus on packing clothes.

You should wear your bulkiest shoes and clothes on the plane. If, after that, you’re still packing something heavy, like thick jeans or a second pair of shoes, place those in the vertical middle of your bag as close to your body as possible.

Mid-weight clothes can go above (vertically) the heavy stuff. Lightweight clothes, like t-shirts or underwear, can go at the bottom of your backpack. Just make sure to pack them tightly so that they don’t collapse under the heavier stuff above them.

Your toiletry bag should be packed for easy access at airport security , even if it means a sub-optimal place in your bag for weight distribution.

Rolling vs. Folding

We’ve covered where to pack but what about how to pack?

Rolling clothes is better than folding because it allows for more efficient packing and fewer wrinkles. But we actually recommend a hybrid rolling plus folding approach to packing .

If you want to level up your organization with more modular packing, consider adding a set of packing cubes.

Packing Cubes

The Packing Cubes are a set of three (one large and two small) cubes that fit perfectly in the Travel Backpack .

If you’re traveling for longer than two weeks and traveling across  multiple climates , use packing cubes to split up your wardrobe based on weather.

One packing cube holds your summer clothes (swimsuit, tank tops, breezy tops, shorts). The second packing cube holds your winter clothes (sweater, long sleeve shirts).

Designate a third packing cube as an “Essentials Packing Cube” for your underwear and socks.

How to Pack for International Travel

Choose a real travel backpack to make your packing as easy as possible. The best bags are made so that you pack well by default. Pack your computer and anything else heavy as close to your body as possible. Roll most of your clothes and use a set of packing cubes to keep everything organized and easy to reach.

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Max Carry On Size

Laura’s first trip was when she was 3 months old, instilling an insatiable wanderlust. She hasn’t stopped traveling, or writing about it. As an expert in carry on travel, she’s flown on over 100 flights with only a carry on bag. Even on trips with her husband and kids.

She believes travel is the great educator — and vital to our humanity.

Read more from Laura

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