The life of a traveller is a never-ending learning process and full of unexpected journeys. Ever thought about how it feels to just wake up on a pleasant spring day with the thought of just moving out of your house for some random exploration? Venturing into unknown territories with just a bag stuffed with a few clothes is an experience in itself.

My trip to southern Europe last spring was fun-filled. What made it even more fun was my light backpack. It was a splendid experience to roam around the streets of Italy and the flea markets of Spain with no heavy luggage struggle.  It was literally like packing two weeks of my life into a small REI Flash Pack and I am looking forward to more random and unplanned trips now. Yes, my efforts paid off and the credit for this goes to my friend George who is a hiking expert. It was entirely his guidance that helped me pack my bag because I had no prior hiking or trekking experience. I realised professional trekkers and hikers know their stuff – they carry essential items with them for their trails, yet keeping it light. I learned how and in what way light packing can take the stress miles away from you. Let me share a few things I learned from this trip:

The Game of Mix and Match

Why stuff your bag with extra clothing? Why, I ask you? Blacks, greys, and whites are the safest option. You can choose blinding neon colours, too. Using a pair of shirts and shorts for the entire hiking or trekking experience can be an ideal thing to do.

Wear the Weight

This trick can save you from lugging extra kilos. Keep it as simple as possible. Wear the heavy items you think can be used during the trip. Be it boots, coats or woollen scarves, wear them all. This way, you won’t have to carry all the heavy stuff in your bag. This sounds ideal if you are travelling during winter. However, make sure when you thru-hike, you do the exact opposite. Carrying such heavy items can hamper your flexibility, agility, and swiftness, leaving you breathless.

Keep Rolling, Rolling, Rolling, Rolling

The best way to keep your clothes organized is to straight-up roll them. The legendary packing cubes are another option to simplify packing. Avoid folding as it can lead to cluttered packing and you may have a hard time getting to the clothes at the bottom.

Keep It Minimal

Why carry extra when you can do with just a few? Packing tonnes of socks and innerwear, etc., will do everything but making your travel convenient. Instead pack a few and try to utilise the most out of the limited stuff you’re carrying. A paracord and soap will help you.

Toiletries

Carrying toiletries (sunscreen, toothbrush, toothpaste, body wash, wipes, etc.) is necessary while traveling. However, be smart while toting all of this. Travel size containers are the best options for such trips.

Extras

Few things you cannot do without, even while you are traveling are plastic bags, USB charger, pair of flip flops, headphones, ear plugs, adapters, toothbrush, external battery, and your wallet with some cash (I prefer cards).

Go on a Shopping Spree

Travelling brings with it the fun of shopping for new clothes and souvenirs. Also, wherever you go, there will be no dearth of clothes and other essentials. It is said that going light is better than over-stuffing your bag. Also, you can always buy that extra shirt or those cargos in the new city and place. Just remember to carry your passport, phone, and wallet and you are ready to go.

Walk Light

Flip flops are a great choice when it comes to beaches. However, you can carry boots if you are on a trekking and hiking expedition. Runners and lightweight sneakers too are a good alternative.

Get going with your next trip plan, keeping in mind the above tips for an out-of-this-world experience. Stay carefree and make the most of your travel experience this season!