15 Best Backpacker Tips For Saving Space When Traveling

Traveling with just a backpack can be difficult, especially if you’re planning a long trip or don’t know how to make the best use of space. So here are my 15 tips from years of backpacking around the world!

Save it for later!

1. Use compression packing cubes

These cubes are simply the best if you’re looking to save as much space as possible while packing all your essentials.

You can compartmentalize your clothes, pack a lot more than you thought, and it’s not very expensive. Plus, using the vacuum cleaner to compress everything has been replaced by zippers that work perfectly. So if you want to stay organized while traveling in a compact way: this is the solution!

Durable, sturdy and lightweight, here’s my top choice!

2. Choose the right backpack for your trip

To optimize space and avoid ending up with a heavy, bulky backpack you’ll soon regret packing, you first need to think about what you really need.

Ask yourself these simple questions: how long is my vacation, how much can I really afford to spend on luggage, and how much can I carry?
These simple questions will make your decision much easier, believe me!

Remember, you don’t need a 40-liter backpack for a one- or two-week trip. A 25 or 35-liter backpack should suffice. What’s more, the smaller your luggage, the less you’ll carry. You can also opt for an expandable bag if you’re worried about buying lots of souvenirs!

3. Prioritize buying a backpack with exterior pockets

We all like to have plenty of storage space, so it’s no different when choosing a bag for your future travels. Exterior pockets make it easier to get organized, pack a few extra things or simply stash those smelly socks away from your main clothes and keep the inside of your luggage from becoming a filthy place.

And while I’m on the subject of pockets, the ideal is to buy a bag whose front part opens like a suitcase. This simplifies everything, from stowing your belongings to searching for your toiletries.

I know that for my part, I can’t even imagine switching from this type of model to one that opens from the top and where you have to put your whole arm inside to find what you want. In any case, it’s not practical for me and my small size, as I’m pretty sure I’d have to put half my body inside to look for what I need.

4. Roll your clothes

Trust me when I say that while this may not sound like one of those hacks that works, I can assure you otherwise. Whether you’re traveling with a suitcase or a backpack, there’s nothing like rolling your clothes to gain that much-needed extra space.

You can even roll several tops together if they’re made of a thin material.

A word of advice though: try not to take clothes that crease easily, as you won’t always have an iron at your disposal!

5. Make a packing list

Even if you’re a seasoned traveler, I think it’s very important to make a packing list, as it will help you not forget the smallest detail that might seem insignificant, like your adapter or charger, for example.

So, if you want to be ready for your next adventure and embark on a carefree journey, do yourself a favor and create your travel checklist.

If you need help, here’s my travel checklist for South Korea!

6. Distribute space wisely

This is SO important, even more so if you’re planning to take fragile or differently sized items with you, because you wouldn’t want to come back with a bent or injured back, would you?

Here are a few simple rules I’ve learned after a lot of trial and error myself: place the heaviest objects close to your back, at the middle. Leave medium-weight items at the bottom and place what you’ll need or anything delicate at the top. Finally, place your clothes or anything lighter in the middle, in front of the heavy items.

Most importantly, for me, the lighter the better. Believe me, even if you think 10 kilos isn’t much, you’ll wish you’d packed only 7 kilos, because in the end, you’ll be the one carrying your burden on your travels.

By following these steps, you’ll balance the load and, ultimately, avoid injury.

7. Pack everything fragile

It goes without saying but traveling with fragile objects can be very worrying, I’m thinking especially of all electronic devices like the laptop… so of course the best thing is to always take a laptop suitcase with you even if it takes up a bit of space, and pack anything fragile in clothes or your towel.

My best advice is to refrain from taking anything precious and leave your laptop at home, especially if you’re only traveling for a week or two. I guarantee you can do without it as you’ll be far too busy exploring the city you’re in and experiencing new activities.

8. Take only the bare essentials

“Less is more!” Remember the packing list? Well, read it and forget those 3 extra tops you were planning to put in your backpack, believe me, it’s for your own good!

I know, you’re probably wondering, how can I survive on just a few shirts, a pair of pants, a dressy outfit and a pair of shoes for 1-2 weeks? The answer is: YOU CAN!

Even if you’re going away for a long time, you can wash your clothes by hand, go to a laundromat or even buy new clothes if necessary! There’s always a solution to every problem, but packing for 6 months when you’re only leaving for a few weeks is a bit much, don’t you think?

That’s why it’s best to pack only the strict necessary if you want to save space in your backpack!

And if you’re planning to travel with just a carry-on, here are my essentials!

9. Wear bulky clothes on you

Of course, I’m not saying you should wear all your clothes on you to save space, but simply put on the bulkiest clothes you intend to take with you! And if you’re going somewhere warm, it’s the same thing: just wear the sweater you’re taking for cold nights, your sneakers and the pair of pants you’ve packed.

And if you’re going to a cold destination, my advice is to pack just a few thin, lightweight fleece tops. You don’t need to pack all your big wool sweaters. Technology has improved and warm thermal clothing is no longer so bulky, which is perfect for those of us who like to travel light.

10. Put your socks and underwear inside your shoes

Any space is good space when you’re trying to optimize your bag. I always wondered why these items took up the most space in my luggage (maybe because we tend to pack a bit more than we intended, just in case)… until I learned this simple trick!

By putting your socks and underwear inside your shoes, you’ll save space and be able to use the remaining space in your compression packing cubes for something else!

11. Invest in travel size toiletries

With quantity restrictions on planes (100 ml), travel toiletries are a must-have for any traveler. I know that many hotels provide soap or shampoo, but if you’re more of a hostel type, you may know that this isn’t always the case, or that you’re likely to come across empty soap dispensers, so it’s best to bring your own set.

Plus, if you have sensitive skin, you may find it more comfortable to use the products you’re used to.

Choose a waterproof toiletry bag and leak-proof travel containers to prevent your products from leaking and soiling your luggage at the same time. You can also try solid soap and shampoo if you’re not keen on taking liquid products on the plane.

> And to finish on a positive note, the end of liquid limits may soon be upon us thanks to the new 3D scanners – fingers crossed!

If you’d like to discover the ideal (TSA-approved) travel set, here’s one!

12. Bring a lightweight travel towel

Whether for showering, camping or the beach, a lightweight towel is always a good choice. Its versatility of use and material are exactly what you need when you don’t know what to pack for your next vacation.

Prefer a microfiber towel, because they’re lightweight, quick-drying, ultra-compact and highly absorbent! Once you’ve tried one, you’ll understand why it’s the only towel you need when you’re backpacking!

13. Leave your books behind

Don’t get me wrong, I’m a bookworm, but bringing books with you and carrying them around is one of the worst things you can do to save room in your backpack. Books are heavy, take up a lot of space and can easily be creased or torn.

In the digital age, you can now enjoy your best reads by simply downloading an ebook reading app or choosing to carry the famous Kindle. This way, you can continue to appreciate one of your hobbies without sacrificing space for bulky, heavy books.

14. Take a laundry bag

Remember the smelly luggage we want to avoid? If so, you should get yourself a laundry bag, especially if you’re planning to travel for more than a week, as you’ll probably need to wash your clothes at some point.

Thanks to it, your dirty clothes will be sealed and won’t stain your fresh, clean clothes. Nobody likes that, do they?

Lightweight, compact and waterproof, here’s my recommendation!

15. Leave a little room in your luggage

Packing your bag to the brim is never a good idea, because you need to leave room for the unexpected, i.e. the souvenirs you’ll want to buy! You never really know if you’re going to go on a shopping spree, what you’re going to bring back and how much space it’s going to take up in your bag. So remember to keep at least a little room so you don’t end up having to buy an extra piece of luggage.

To give you an idea, I always keep at least enough room for a 9-inch (or ~20-25cm) stuffed toy.

What about you? Do you have any space-saving tips for future travelers? If so, please leave them in the comments!

🎯 Would you like to go straight to my recommendations?

🧳Compression packing Cubes

🧴Travel Toiletry Set

🧺 Laundry Bag

🛁 Microfiber Towel

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