How I Packed for a Multi-Country Trip in Just a Backpack

Since the trip was short notice, I worked with what I had on hand—my standard commuter backpack, picked up at some store or another about ten years ago.

I was able to fit a surprising amount in a standard backpack. Here’s the breakdown:

• 3 pairs of jeans
• 1 raincoat
• 1 lightweight spring jacket
• 1 pair of boots
• 2 tank tops
• 3 t-shirts
• 2 casual button-ups
• 1 zippered hoodie
• Socks and undergarments
• HEATTECH thermal underlayers (2 long sleeve shirts and 1 pair of leggings)
• 1 black belt
• A knit hat
• A small purse
• Daily jewelry
• A- dual voltage travel hairdryer - and a- round brush
• 1 quart-sized ziplock bag of toiletries (- 3-1-1 - compliant)
• 1 zippered bag of personal products (makeup, a small comb, nail clippers, etc.)
• A- portable battery
• A phone charger
• Noise-canceling Bluetooth earbuds and charger
• Personal and OTC medications
• Passport, wallet, local currency

I conquered the limited space with a combination of the hotly contested roll and fold methods. I laid thicker items like jeans flat at the bottom while rolling lightweight items like tank tops and pajamas, placing them on top and using them to fill in empty gaps between the folded items. Compression bags that don’t require a vacuum can also save space, but be aware that some airlines impose a weight limit on personal items.

Regardless of technique, here are a few more hacks that can level-up your packing strategy.

Wear Your Luggage

If you can wear it, wear it! Most airlines do not count wearable items (hats, jackets, scarves, etc.), accessories (umbrellas, etc), or small items such as food or reading material against your personal item or carry-on allowance. I made the most of this loophole and wore:

• The bulkiest pair of pants I planned to pack
• My raincoat layered over my spring jacket and hoodie
• Black boots
• T-shirt
• Knitted hat
• A small purse that could fit into my backpack upon boarding
• All the jewelry I wanted to bring for the weekend

Since I've whittled down my travel wardrobe to a mostly cohesive capsule, the layering didn't look as outrageous as it could have. For a quick flight like mine, this outfit worked perfectly. For a long haul, you'll need to weigh the pros and cons of sacrificing inflight comfort for skating by below the bag limit.

Embrace the Sink Laundry Lifestyle

Get comfortable doing some laundry by hand. Washing a few key items in the sink was a lifesaver, especially when the unpredictably rainy weather had me going through socks at twice the rate I expected. Travel detergent can be purchased in packets small enough to pass the TSA's liquid requirements or in packages of dry, ready-to-use tabs.

Remix, Rewear, Restyle

I packed with an eye for versatility. I kept the color palate muted and similar enough to mix and match my overshirts on multiple days. My absolute favorite Merino wool t-shirts saved the day by staying wrinkle and smell-free even as I pushed their rewear potential to the max.

A controversial yet practical piece of advice—repeat your travel day outfit. I brought a pair of joggers and a hoodie dedicated to planes, trains, and automobiles. It’s not glamorous but it is functional, and my on-the-go laundry routine kept me feeling fresh and clean.

Edit Your Routine

Packing extremely light is about deciding what you value on your upcoming trip. If you can't live without your skincare routine, prioritize it on the packing list. If you can get away with only packing one cute pair of pants instead of three, make the cut. Swapping out your usual products–for example, grabbing a travel-sized toothbrush and opting for shampoo bars instead of travel bottles—is also key.

When in doubt, check out the three holy grail packing articles I keep open in my browser any time I’m preparing for a trip:

• The Essential Carry-On Bag Packing List
• The Only Travel Packing Checklist You’ll Ever Need
• Carry-On and Personal Item Size Limits for 32 Major Airlines

It’s great to pare down your normal routine, however…

Don’t Skip Must-Haves

Since my flight was under two hours, I decided to ditch my noise-canceling headphones in favor of wireless earbuds. Big mistake. While my Skullcandy earbuds are suitable for a walk or a train commute, they do very little to block out the roar of the turboprop engine. When packing light, make sure you still prioritize your comfort and bring the items you'll need to enjoy your time traveling.

When packed to the brim, backpacks ride the line between personal item and carry-on, but as long as they can still fit under the seat in front of you, you can typically get away with them. Check that your bag still fits under the personal item size requirements when filled to capacity. Some airlines, particularly budget carriers, will be strict with their measurements, especially if a carry-on is not included in the base fare.

If attempting this, do as I say and not as I do. You’ll regret shoving your weekend wardrobe into your daily commuter backpack. Invest in one of these tried-and-true travel backpacks that meet most standard airline’s personal item size requirements.

CALPAK Terra Duffel Backpack

This eco-friendly 26L backpack is made from recycled polyester and plastic bottles. Its clamshell opening makes it super easy to pack, and the luggage sleeve is a convenient bonus for when a checked bag is a necessity.

BagSmart Blast Travel Backpack

This versatile bag can be carried in three ways, easily switching between a backpack and a duffel. At 12.2 x 16.5 x. 8.1 inches, it pushes the boundaries of personal item size limits without crossing them. The laptop sleeve, shoe compartment, and extended zipper make packing and organizing this bag a breeze.

Osprey Daylite Expandable Travel Pack

This expandable option from Osprey offers two inches of extra flexible packing space, perfect for squeezing in that last souvenir. The straps and back panel are designed to provide maximum comfort for long travel days.