How to pack light? Packing light for nomad life makes traveling easier, cheaper, and more comfortable. Deciding what to put in your carry-on bag can be a challenge when you start, but once you get the hang of packing light, you’ll wonder why you ever had more than just a few outfits.
Packing light is a life-long challenge which starts young and improves with age. It also includes washing clothes in the sink, adapting your itinerary to your clothing, and creating outfits out of the same one or two colors. Here are my four tips for packing light, starting with the actual bag.
Tip One: Which Carry-on Should You Buy to Pack Light?
First thing to get rid of is any hard, rigid, or edged bag. You may or may not want wheels, but at least make sure the bag is soft-sided and light. Packing light, by definition, means that you will use a carry-on bag that stays with you throughout your trip. I’ve tried dozen of bags, and I started with the Eagle Creek Load Warrior. With lots of pockets in all the right places, durable corners and reliable wheels, this wunderkind has taken me around the world.
I have since changed my bag. I found one I like better, although the Eagle Creek is still a good bag. I changed bags and went with the Osprey Transporter 40 Wheeled. It’s lighter, holds one liter more in cubic space, is an inch smaller, and it’s waterproof. I love my Osprey and now recommend it when asked. Get your Osprey bag here.
Tip 2: What Wardrobe Should You Pack to Pack Light?
Whether you’re going for a week or a month, the lists below do not change. If you need extra clothing due to weather or other travel conditions, just pop into the local opp shop or charity shop and get what you need. Donate it when you depart. Also, buy your clothes in the same color range s everything matches. I like blues and purples.
It’s my latest packing list for nomad life. We pack for 72 degrees around the world and do a combo of the two lists below But I broke the list out in two in case you are a 4-season traveler. You can find our complete packing list here on Amazon.
When traveling, pack for the season. If it’s summer, here is what you should pack (click on the link to see what I buy, wear, and recommend):
- three pairs of shorts
- two skirt/skorts (use my referral code) BIBCE275
- one pair of pants (no jeans)
- four shirts
- one work-out outfit (include black yoga pants)
- eight pairs of underwear
- two bras (the one you wear plus one more)
- two pairs of socks (Bombas only!)
- one bathing suit
- nice flip flops
- the perfect hat
- a rain jacket/wind breaker
- nothing else but a brush, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss.
In the winter, the list doesn’t change much. You should pack the following:
- two pairs of pants
- one skirt/skorts (use my referral code) BIBCE275
- one pair of shorts
- three shirts
- one work-out outfit (include yoga pants)
- eight pairs of underwear
- two bras (the one you wear plus one more)
- two pairs of socks (Bombas only!)
- one bathing suit (for the spa or steam room)
- nice flip flops
- one hat
- a rain jacket/wind breaker
- a puffer down jacket
- nothing else but a brush, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss.
You can find everything else in your hotel or hostel except for the extra space to pack souvenirs.
Tip three: Pack One Pair of Shoes, Wear the Other
You need two pair of shoes. One pair you’ll wear, the other you’ll pack. The pair you wear the most will be your comfortable walking shoes. My everyday shoe is the Hoka Hopara 2. I simply love this shoe. It is the best shoe for nomad life.
Regardless of where I’m going, I bring a waterproof pair of good walking shoes that can go on trail or cobblestone. The waterproof Hoka Speedgoat is my go-to for all conditions for around the world. Although it looks best with shorts or pants, I will wear it with sporty skorts.
Tip Four: Use the Bundling Method
We don’t use packing cubes; the add weight and bulk. We use our special packing technique called bundling. When we bundle, we eliminate wrinkles and everything fits perfectly into our bags. The best way to learn about bundling is to watch our video. In this video, we demonstrate our packing technique in our new Osprey bags. Once you try bundling, you’ll never do anything else!
What Else Goes in the Backpack When Packing Light?
In my personal item, which is always a backpack, I put my passport, credit cards, cash, phone, laptop, Kindle, power cords, lip balm, and earphones. Almost every item I carry is available in my Amazon store, which you can shop by clicking here.
That’s packing light. What are your tips?
~Chris
Chris Englert, the Walking Traveler, believes walking is the platform for life. Wanderlusting since the age of 5, she’s since traveled all 50 US states and 62 countries. Chris shares her love of walking while traveling via blogs, books, and presentations. A natural storyteller, she invites you along as she explores the world, one walk at a time.
Currently, Chris and her husband, Steve, travel the world, full-time as nomads, with just their two carry-ons. They’ve been traveling since May, 2021.