how to pack a week into a backpack: a minimalist packing list.

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hey howdy hey!

i’ve traveled a good amount in my short life span, and one of the many skills i’ve acquired is fitting my whole world into a tiny space. call it minimalist, i call it efficient.

one of my main motivators for packing small is i have so much more versatility. i don’t have to be lugging roller suitcases upstairs in hostels, or having them on public transport with me.

if i’m traveling for week or less, i tend to only bring my small backpack. anymore than that, i’ll bring a small wheeled suitcase. it’s a rare time that i commit to checking a bag, and that’s only if i’m going somewhere not very vegan friendly and i want to make some of my own meals.

here’s what i packed for a week (6 nights) in orlando, florida:

two pairs of shorts
four shirts
one pair of sleep shorts
one sports bra (for sleeping)
one rain jacket
two swimsuits
various undergarments
two pairs of sandals
toiletries bag
laptop
magic band (for disney world)
mickey ears (also for disney world)
water bottle
book
phone
wallet
laptop and phone chargers

all of this was able to fit inside my 18L backpack. it’s not a huge hiking backpack, just a normal school size one.

i also had on on an outfit on the plane, obviously. i’ve recently come aross the most AMAZING dress for minimalist travel.

insert the adventure dress. it’s made for traveling, by women travelers. they thought of everything when they made this dress: it’s super comfortable, doesn’t wrinkle, it’s modest enough to go into religious places, and it’s flattering to all shapes.

it’s also made with so much love and intention. it’s crafted by women if bali who are paid a living wage for their work. the fabric is bamboo rayon, which is biodegradable. you seriously cannot go wrong with this dress. you can use my code “looseleaf soul” to get 20% your purchase at theadventuredress.com.

this may seem like a lot in that itty bitty space, but i made it work! i’ve found some really easy hacks to be able to pack so much into my backpack, which i would like to share with you now.

make your whole wardrobe match.
if you travel a lot, having a wardrobe that matches makes packing way easier. consider buying pieces that work with all your other pieces. for example, all of my clothing items are olive, maroon, black or grey. all of these colors compliment each other and pair well with jeans or a black skirt.
if getting a whole new wardrobe isn’t an option, try to only bring tops and bottoms that can be used together. if you bring three shirts and three bottoms, boom, there’s nine different outfits.
similarly, don’t bring clothes that wrinkle if you can. i think i might be cursed, but i can never seem to find an iron when i’m traveling.
consider traveling somewhere warm.
it’s a non brainer that if you travel somewhere warmer, you’re going to need less clothing bulk. if you’re going to norway in the middle of the winter, just commit to a suitcase. i won’t judge.
if you’re looking at warm vegan friendly destinations, check out my san diego and mo’orea travel guides!
consolidate your activities.
it’s easier to pack when you’re doing similar activities your whole trip. if you plan on laying on the beach a vast majority of the time, you can only pack beachwear and be great. if you want to snorkel and hike and visit temples and have a 5 course meal at a world renowned restaurant, you’re gonna need some more space.
that being said, be creative! what clothing items can have multiple uses? do you have a dress that can be used as a beach coverup and also go to a restaurant? can your workout clothes double as sleepwear?
wear your bulky items on the plane.
this is the easiest way to save space. wear your heaviest jacket, largest shoes, and longest pants on the plane. you’ll also stay super warm, since planes are often freezing imo.
if you’re looking for a bit more style, you can layer the adventure dress with a jean jacket and boots and still be cozy!
fold, don’t roll.
i used to be hardcore team roll your clothes to pack them, but i’ve been changed. unless you’re packing things that can wrinkle easily (like i recommended you don’t do) folding generally takes up less space.
this lifehacker article has a whole ass guide to how to tightly pack clothing.
get toiletries at your location.
instead of bringing all your fancy little travel bottles from target, just wait and get them there. unless you’re traveling to the remote parts of mongolia or something, shampoo and conditioner are easy to find. plus, if you’re traveling with another person or for longer than a week, you’ll probably save some money!
if you’re being eco-conscious, but some research into shampoo bars.
when in doubt, don’t take it.
if are you freaking out that you might need three phone chargers, or a mini hair dryer, or your 5 pound amethyst cluster, you probably don’t need it. all you really need to travel is an i.d. and a credit card. you won’t use your 30 bottle collection of essential oils, trust me.
consolidate your entertainment.
phones are wonderful things that save SO much space when traveling. download your books and music on to there, and you erase the need for a kindle. you can even do a limited amount of work on there, so you could possibly nix the laptop too.