How to Pack Light with Packable Clothing

This week my friend Rajean from Because I Said So asked me to suggest great ideas for packable clothing. I can’t help but feel a little jealous even writing this post… I wish I had a need for packable clothing right about now. But enough about me…

Easy Packing Lists

So, one of the keys to packing for a trip (any kind of trip) is to coordinate your wardrobe so that you can mix and match to keep your packing a bit lighter. There are so many great examples of light-packing wardrobes on Pinterest, like this one from Pinterest. (This shows how great it is to pack neutrals because they’re so easy to mix and match, but I’d throw in some colors that follow the flow of your look.)

Packable Clothing

I love Athleta (who doesn’t?!), and one thing that first got me hooked was their Pack Everywhere line of dresses. These dresses, which are perfect for summer travel, roll up super small to fit into your carry-on. Once you get to your destination, just hang it on a hanger, and it should be ready to wear.

For cooler weather, The North Face has a line of packable clothing, including the Blaze Vests and Jackets that pack down small, often into little bags, and, when opened and expanded, keep you warm and wind-protected.

I found one of my favorite dresses, the Patagonia Morning Glory, at a surf shop in the Outer Banks, NC, a few years ago. It feels like a swimsuit, so very flexible and wrinkle-free. It also rolls up really small for easy travel. (I found priced as high as $69, but at the link to 6pm, above, it’s only $34.99–great deal!)

Packing shoes

With the increased prices of flying with suitcases, we all know the way you pack is important. I recommend traveling with your biggest, bulkiest, heaviest shoes on (usually your boots) and storing a pair of flip-flops in your bag to change into if you’re going somewhere warm. Likely you’ll need to pack one pair of sneakers, and I love my running shoes from New Balance. Not only do they look cute, but they’re thin and lightweight, taking up less space. In winter, try to bring just one pair of neutral heels or nicer shoes or, in summer, just one pair of sandals, again, neutral. Or, if you’re following light-packing rules, keep it within your colors–a shoe color that will match all of your outfits. The past few springs and summers, I’ve relied on just my green wedges, and a pair of flip-flops to get me through several trips because I kept the colors of my clothing coordinated.

Light packing list

• Packing light allows for more freedom when traveling, as you can easily maneuver through crowded areas and make last-minute plans without worrying about your luggage.
• To pack light for adventure travel, follow the general guideline of bringing one hat, two pairs of shoes, three bottoms, four tops, five pairs of socks, and six pairs of underwear. This should be enough for a two-week trip.
• Make a packing list and cut it in half to only bring items you absolutely need. Consider each item carefully before packing it.
• Choose clothing that serves multiple purposes and weighs less or takes up less space. Examples include ponchos, sarongs, convertible pants, roll-up sleeves, and bandanas.
• Layer your clothes to have more outfit options without adding too much weight or volume. Choose lightweight, quick-drying fabrics such as merino wool or synthetics.
• Choose light, quick-drying fabrics, and stick to a simple color palette to easily mix and match outfits.
• Pack neutral colors to easily mix and match outfits.
• Consider purchasing packing cubes or compression bags to organize and compress your clothing, and don’t forget to bring essential travel documents and a small first-aid kit.
• Don’t forget to bring essential travel documents and copies, a small first-aid kit, and a universal adapter.
• Customize your packing list to include specific items related to your trip, and aim to limit yourself to no more than seven days’ worth of clothing.
• Make a packing list and cut it in half, choosing clothing that serves multiple purposes and weighs less or takes up less space.

Packing Light Benefits for Travelers

There are several benefits to packing light when traveling:

1. Convenience: With less luggage, you can easily maneuver through crowded areas and make last-minute plans without worrying about your stuff.
2. Time savings: Packing light can save you time at baggage claim, as you won’t have to wait for your luggage to come off the conveyor belt.
3. Cost savings: Many airlines charge fees for bags or luggage that exceeds a certain size or weight restrictions. Packing light can help you avoid these fees.
4. Greater flexibility: With less luggage, you have more freedom to change your plans or travel to different destinations.
5. Ease of transport: Packing light makes it easier to carry your luggage around, whether you’re taking public transportation or walking to your hotel.
6. Stress reduction: Packing light can help reduce the stress and anxiety of traveling, as you won’t have to worry about misplacing or losing any of your belongings.

In conclusion, packing light can provide a number of benefits, including the ability to maneuver through crowded areas, speed through baggage claim easily, and make last-minute plans without worrying about luggage. 

Share your packing tips in the comments and link up for Fashion Friday!