When I start out, I always consider the weather because clothing takes up a majority of pack space. I try to bring as little as possible but also to bring things that I will use many ways or times. Thinking through what you pack is integral and can make or break a trip in so many ways. Most airlines have a 23kg (50lbs) limit to check, and some have strict carryon limits as well. I would highly recommend bringing things with a dual purpose, like a large scarf which can be used as a scarf, a shawl and if large enough like mine, a blanket. And remember, if you don’t wear it at home, you probably won’t wear it on your trip.

Once you know what to pack, your next step is how to pack it. Some people (like myself) swear by rolling clothes, others love packing cubes. Do what works best for you and your backpack, you will be the one dealing with it most often.

One thing you can do when packing things like shoes is to use them to store things, like sprays or perfumes or even socks, since the shoes can protect the sensitive items or just give some extra space.

Many people now pack as few liquids as possible, so they get bar soap, chewable tablets and even body scrubbers from shops like Lush because they’re easier to transport and better for the environment than the plastic wrapped products most places sell.

Now that you know what and how you plan to pack your gear, you need to know where it all should go. Anyone who’s carried a heavy school bag knows how much your back can hurt after a while carrying a bag around, up and down stairs, to train stations and on buses.

Here’s how you do it;

The very bottom should be light stuff you don’t access as much, above that, in the middle area (where your back goes) should be the heavy stuff, the top should be the stuff that you use all the time.

The size of your pack will greatly affect how much you can bring. I recommend being under 10kg (22lbs) that way you have room for souvenirs or other stuff you may buy like food. If you have more empty space you won’t have to worry as much about being charged fees for overweight baggage

addons (aqua packs, stuff bags, rain covers)

Depending on your pack, some things like rain covers, pack covers that cover up straps might be included or integrated into your bag, if not, I HIGHLY recommend getting a bag cover because some airlines require them (think a duffel bag looking thing you stuff you backpack in) so that straps don’t get caught in the machines. I’ve heard horror stories of broken clips and cut off straps so many times!

You can also get aqua packs for bags to stay hydrated if you’ll be out away from civilization for a long enough amount of time, or even just a day hike