How To Pack For 2 Weeks of Travel In 1 Carry-On Backpack
Traveling light is something you hear about all the time. Until you try it, it’s hard to understand the feeling of freedom it brings. With everything you need in one backpack, you can avoid the hassle of check-ins at airports and waiting around at baggage claim. The biggest challenge is packing light for trips that last longer than a few days. This is a handy step-by-step guide on how to pack for 2 weeks of travel in 1 carry-on backpack.
Step 1 – Make a list (and cut it twice)
The best way to remember everything you need without taking too much is to write down what you’re taking. That way, you can cull back and consider items that have various functions. When you get home from your trip, check off the list for things you’ll bring or leave next time.
Here’s a list of what you can take for two weeks on the road. It’s more about being targeted and packing smart, rather than packing ‘light’.
Work stuff
Laptop plus chargers (key if you’re working while traveling)
Set of noise-canceling earphones
Phone and charger
Clothes
7 x t-shirts
10 x underwear (always good to have a few spares)
10 x socks
2 x dress shirts for meetings/going out
2 x pairs of jeans (one black, one blue)
1 x pair of dress pants
1 x pair of extra shoes/sport shoes
2 x jumpers
1 x jacket
Extras
Toiletries
Reusable water bottle (ditch the plastic)
A cap (often worn while traveling)
Sunglasses
Reading glasses
Kindle
Step 2 – Pick the right bag
Depending on the time of year, you might need a smaller or larger backpack. Extra functionality like compression straps, water bottle pockets and more are really helpful too. The Venturesafe EXP45 is fantastic for 2 weeks worth of clothing and essentials. Plenty of space. Epic features. Anti-theft security built in.
Step 3 – Pack the right way
You can roll your clothing or pack them in packing cubes. Whichever way you choose to organize your gear, it’s helpful to group things together by accessibility and also weight. Heavy things like toiletries go at the bottom to make things easier to carry (the weight sits on your hips instead of pulling your shoulders back). Things that you’ll need on the plane can be packed last so that you can access them easily.
Once it’s all nice and snug, it gets zipped up and is ready to go. Remember to do a weight check to make sure you haven’t gone overboard. If things are a little heavy, cut something out or choose to wear heavier things (jeans, jackets, boots etc). If you’re feeling too warm, just take a layer off once you’re on the plane.
So, wherever you’re headed, it’s easy as 1,2,3 to pack everything in a carry-on. Make a list. Choose the right bag. Pack the right way.
Happy traveling!
This article is adapted from Pacsafe’s travel blog.