For many of us, packing can be our least favorite part of traveling. It’s something that we wait to do until the last minute and then frantically throw everything we think we will need into a duffel, leading to stressing about what we forgot until we arrive.
Some Tips and Tricks From Frequent Fliers
As you continue reading, we are going to share some tips, tricks, and pointers from pilots and frequent fliers cause who knows better than those who travel for a living, it won’t guarantee that you’ll stop packing at the last minute but it might make packing seem like less of a daunting task, or at the very least make you a little more efficient in how you pack.
First up is folding or rolling your clothes. Many folks have found that one method works better for them so if you have a preference, stick with it. If you are looking for more direction, a mix of both methods can work fairly well. Start off by folding the bigger and bulkier items and placing them on the bottom, then fill in the gaps with rolled-up smaller items. Another great way to pack more effectively is to utilize pack cubes. They are a great way to make your bag more organized as well as have a way to separate clean and dirty clothes during your travels.
Maximize the space. Take advantage of any available space by putting small items such as socks in your shoes or rolling up your belt in a pair of pants. Another tip that ties in with this idea is to wear your bulkiest clothing/shoes/etc. to the airport, that way you are giving yourself the most room for everything else that you may need.
Invest in your luggage. One of the most important parts of packing is your actual luggage itself. Having a quality piece of luggage can aid in both the ease of packing and travel itself. Having a pack that you know fits everything you need in an orderly manner but will also stand up to the rigors of travel and give you peace of mind that other luggage just can’t. The Explorer Duffel is one of those pieces, our most robust duffel, built to be able to handle whatever adventures you take it on.
Rely on multifunctional items. Depending on where you’re heading for your travels, take some time while packing to review the things you need to see what items have overlapping uses. This can allow you to shorten the list to the most important items and only pack the ones that you actually need. Take this with a grain of salt though depending on where you are headed, if it’s a trip to the beach where you are staying in a hotel you most likely don’t need to pack that first aid kit and GPS. But if you’re going out into the backcountry, you would not want to be without that first aid kit and GPS.
Research your destination. This one may seem a little obvious but it can be quite easily overlooked and yet it is one of the easiest ways to make packing just a little easier. Take some time to look at what the weather is going to be like at your destination; doing this can simplify the task of deciding on what clothing to pack by telling you if it will be hot or cold, rainy or sunny, etc. Also, research what amenities will be available where you are staying or are nearby such as if there is a washer and dryer, as this can have a significant impact on how much or what you pack.
Lastly, here is one for those who may be looking for a slightly more concrete packing tip, it is the 1,2,3,4,5,6 rule. This packing tip can be used as a basis for how much you really need to pack for a shorter trip (up to 4 or 5 days) but can also be viable for longer trips (1 week or more) as long as you have a place to do laundry. What it comes out to is 1 hat, 2 pairs of shoes, 3 pairs of pants, 4 shirts, 5 socks, and 6 pairs of underwear. Now, this is not a hard and fast rule as depending on the location and what you plan to do you may need to alter the quantities or pack additional items, such as if you are going to a cold destination, but it is a good rule of thumb to use as a starting point.
Hopefully, these tips and tricks can help make packing for travel slightly more manageable and less stressful. In need of a new piece of luggage that is built to handle whatever you throw at it and will stand out at the baggage claim? Check out our lineup of travel bags, briefs, and travel accessories that are sure to stand the test of time.
