For the avid backpacker, travelling light is one of the most important factors to achieve to have a smooth-sailing and enjoyable trip. Not only does it mean that you don’t have to lug around heavy luggage from hostel to hostel and from country to country, but it means that you have much more chance for flexibility and spontaneity during your travels. Travelling light pays dividends especially when choosing modes of transport, cutting the check in line, saving on extra luggage fees and being able to run for those trains that you’re inevitably going to be late for. Travelling is not always synonymous with ‘backpacking, but if you are wanting to give backpacking a go, read 5 reasons why you should try backpacking.
We’ve narrowed down a list of 5 ways that you can shed a few kilograms or pounds of luggage while travelling.
Pack light clothes
This is an obvious hack but one many people get wrong. The general anxiety of not packing enough clothes for fear of weather changes might have you severely over-packing. However there are many ways to make sure you have enough clothes for all types of weather with LESS clothes overall. Being smart with the clothing choices and choosing items that have multi-functional uses is our biggest tip. For cold weather, investing in a down jacket rather than a big wooly coat will keep you warmer and lighter, using merino wool thermal layers will mean you can also ditch the big jackets and coats and stay warm with much less clothing. Trying merino socks, and gloves is also a great idea for colder climates. For warmer weather, sticking with shorts, singlets and t-shirts generally means that the clothing is lighter anyway.
Choose light suitcases or backpacks
If you’re an avid traveler, spending that little bit more for a high quality backpack usually means that you’re investing in a lightweight backpack that is still sturdy and durable. If you’re not looking to invest in a backpack, choosing luggage bags that aren’t canvas or leather is a good place to start to save a few kilos on the bag itself!
Get a microfibre towel
One of the BEST things you could pack is a microfibre towel. Not only does it save space, but it’s thinner, lighter and actually can be a much better at absorbing water than a big fluffy towel. It even dries faster so you don’t have to miss your flight waiting for your towel to dry! One of our favourites is this Microfibre Towel Xl Blue from Decathlon. Most travel, sporting or outdoor shops however, will have one that will suit.
Leave your electronics at home
With the world being such a digital space and the need to share and communicate with people on the other side of the world being important to most people, it sounds daunting to have to even consider leaving the electronics at home. Taking laptops, gaming devices and even big, bulky sound cancelling headphones won’t work to your favour if the aim is to travel light. It means more weight from the device itself and also the charging equipment that you need with it. Most hostels, hotels and accomodation will have access to computers if you do need to use one. Otherwise, travelling with simply a phone and maybe a small camera isn’t the end of the world, if anything it might make the whole escape that little bit more exciting.
Be smart with the shoes
Sticking to a pair of runners, a pair of casual shoes and a pair or showering sandals/flip-flops/thongs is probably all you need. Choosing big, heavy, bulky shoes to make a fashion statement might be great for the compliments but not really great for your back. Like choosing clothes, choosing multipurpose shoes is a smart and much more lightweight way of travelling. Instead of the Doc Martins or the big leather boots, maybe try a pair of converse shoes or comfortable sneakers instead.
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