The Case for Packing Light
Overpacking is one of travel's most common mistakes — and one of the most correctable. A heavy bag doesn't just strain your back; it slows you down, costs money in airline fees, limits your mobility, and forces decisions at every turn (Can I walk to that neighbourhood? Will this fit on the overhead rack?). Travelling light is, above all, a form of freedom.
This guide is built around a simple principle: everything in your bag should earn its place. Not "this might be useful" — actually useful, actually used, actually worth carrying.
The Carry-On Rule
Unless you're moving cities every day for a month or travelling in extreme climates, almost any trip of up to two weeks can be done with a single carry-on bag. Yes, including trips where you'll need to dress for dinners or hike during the day. The key is the system, not the specific items.
The carry-on rule also forces useful constraints: you can't pack "just in case" items when space is genuinely limited.
Clothing: The Capsule Approach
Choose a neutral colour palette — navy, grey, white, black, khaki — so that every item can be worn with every other item. This dramatically multiplies the number of functional outfits from a small number of pieces.
| Item | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| T-shirts / tops | 3 | Merino wool dries fast and resists odour |
| Trousers / pants | 2 | One casual, one smart-casual |
| Underwear | 4–5 | Quick-dry synthetic or merino |
| Socks | 3–4 pairs | Merino wool for versatility |
| Mid-layer / light jacket | 1 | Packable down or fleece |
| Shoes | 2 pairs | Walking shoe that doubles as smart; sandals or second pair |
Toiletries: The Ruthless Edit
- Decant everything into small containers — you rarely need full-sized products for a trip under two weeks.
- Solid toiletries (shampoo bars, solid conditioner, solid sunscreen) save liquid allowance and are easier to pack.
- Accept that most destinations have pharmacies and supermarkets. You don't need to pack for every contingency.
- A basic first aid kit: plasters, pain relief, any prescription medication, and maybe rehydration salts. Everything else can be sourced locally.
Tech and Documents
- Use a universal travel adapter with multiple USB ports — one adapter for everything.
- Take photos of all important documents and store them in cloud storage accessible offline.
- A lightweight portable battery is worth carrying; other electronics should be assessed honestly (do you really use a tablet when your phone is there?).
- Cables: one per device, no duplicates.
The Pre-Trip Audit
Pack everything you intend to bring, then do this: look at your bag and remove one item. Then another. Ask of each item: "If I didn't bring this and needed it, how big a problem would that actually be?" You'll often find the answer is "I'd buy a cheap one locally" or "I'd just manage without it."
The items that survive this audit are the ones that actually deserve a spot in your bag.
After the Trip: The Learning Loop
When you return, make a quick note of anything you packed but never used. On your next trip, those items don't make the cut. After two or three trips, your packing list will be genuinely minimal — and every item in your bag will be something you're glad you brought.