How to Pack Your Bag Properly
The delicate moment comes when you have to make a choice between what will go with you and what will be left behind. It will be neither simple nor quick. You will likely go through this several times, testing, thinking, choosing, and changing your mind...
Reflect to Gain Perspective
But before you start, here are some small questions to ponder:
It is clear that distinguishing between what is useful, essential, and accessory is personal and... cultural.
So, once again: put things into perspective!
Here are some tips to optimize your bag. I'm talking about how to think about it, not yet how to pack it (you can also check the article on how to choose your backpack).
- Is the volume of our bag and the difficulty of parting with certain items a reflection of our materialism?
- The locals we meet while traveling live well with 10 or 100 times less. Once, while we were still weighing the pros and cons of buying our hiking boots, we found ourselves face-to-face with a ten-year-old guide, wearing sandals for caving and canyon descent...
Clothing Tips
For those who prefer to avoid being totally wrinkled, consider rolling your clothes instead of folding them.
Prioritize quality over quantity: equip yourself with clothing that is durable and suitable for the climates and activities you plan to engage in during your trip (see the article dedicated to travel gear).
Space Saving Tips
There are systems that maximize your belongings for optimal space savings. You can also vacuum seal your items. Personally, I've never tried it.
Organize Your Packing
When you pack your things, avoid bulky boxes and packaging (for example, for medications, but be sure to always keep the instructions). A very handy system is to use freezer bags. This way, I categorize my medications: pain relievers, stomachaches, motion sickness, allergies... This allows for quicker access and saves you from having to empty everything to find what you need.
Now that you know how to pack your bag and which bag to choose, you still have to fill it! Here's the next article: 10 essentials to include in your bag.