6 tricks to packing a small bag

Packing can be one of those annoying things for a trip, and making sure you pack lite but bring all the essentials can add an extra layer on the already stressful task of packing. But if you are looking for some tricks on how to bring all the essentials, plus some, and fit it all in the smallest space possible, you’ve come to the right post. Having traveled to various locations, and managed to bring a weeks’ worth of essentials into a small hiking bag, or my belongs acquired over two years into a large hikers bag, there are some small techniques you can implement to make sure everything fits.

1. Pack and repack

First thing I tend to do once I’ve created my packing list is pack my bag, or at least prep everything that I plan to take. I then proceed to pack it, review it, and repack it at least one more time. Taking out things I don’t need, adding anything I think I may need or realise I have room for, and trying to find the best way to fit everything into the space I have allocated for myself.

2. Organise by lightness/compatibility

If I am trying to bring as little as possible and fit it all into a small personal sized bag, I make sure that anything that is bulky or heavy is carried on the plane with me. This includes wearing the bulk/heavy boots, carrying on my jacket/sweater, and wearing as many layers as I can onto the plane so the bag just has all the items that can easily be folded into the smallest shape possible.

3. Use all the space and areas of the bag

If you are going on a hiking trip, or a trip where you’ll need some heavy-duty shoes, and don’t want to wear them onto the plane, or you decide to bring multiple heavy weight shoes, tie them on the outside of the bag. You can also strap your coat or jacket to the outside of the bag, or just carry in your arms.

4. Stuff the backpack

Contrary to popular belief, the definition of a personal item is pretty broad, as long as the bag/item fits under the seat, airlines (even those cheap-o RyanAir/Spirit type companies) allow for them to work as a personal. So, this mean, if you have a backpack that expands pretty big, you can use it and not have to pay for a carry-on bag. Just as long as it can fit under the seat, you are golden (and from experience, the bag can be quite big and still fit under the seat.

5. Roll technique

This trick I learned a while back when I was trying to find a great way to pack all my clothes and be able to figure out what is what. And that is the rolling technique. Check out the video below to.

For shirts start to the shirt flat on the ground. Do a 3-quarter fold. Than, instead of folding in half, start to roll it up. Roll it as tight as you can make it. If you want it to keep the roll, you can also do a small 1-inch fold at the base of the shirts (with the fold facing out), and when you get to the bottom of the roll you can tuck it into the fold.

For pants, fold them in half. Fold in the crotch area. Whatever leg is on top, cross it over about 3/4 of the way down. Then start rolling. When you get to the end, you can use the little bit of the pant that is sticking out to tuck in the pants.

6. Organise the bag

The last trick, is organizing the bag. How I like to make mine is put the clothes in the bottom part, with the longest part sticking up (that way I can see what is what). Anything, I made need to quickly access, I place on outside pockets or at the top. Things such as books, souvenirs, or my toiletries bag I place on top of the rolled closes, as it sits perfectly on top.

Hope these tips help you in getting your bag down to as small as possible, while still allowing you to carry all your essential and want to bring items. Happy packing!