Last Updated: February 28, 2023
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!
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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
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.
Clothes
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
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!
