Tips for Packing Lightly on Long Trips

Packing light is truly an art form that can be really tricky to master. Whether you're heading off for a weekend city break or a month-long international getaway, the ability to pack light can save you stress, money, and those dreaded checked baggage fees. But how do you master it?

The key is having a clear strategy, starting with the right luggage, packing only what’s absolutely necessary, and fitting everything in your bag like a Tetris pro. 

Sounds hard, right? But don’t worry! We put together this guide to give you the best tips on how to pack light, from choosing the right bag to smart packing tricks and making use of travel organizers. By the end, you’ll be ready to jet off like a seasoned traveler with nothing but the basics.

Choose the Right Lightweight Luggage

Finding the right equipment is a must in mastering how to travel light. This means finding luggage that’s not only lightweight and durable but also features cleverly designed add-ons to ensure you avoid overpacking while staying organized. Thankfully, CALPAK has a range of lightweight luggage options tailored to every type of traveler.

Mini Carry-Ons

If your trip is short and sweet, mini carry-ons are your best friend. These compact bags are not only lightweight but also perfectly sized to fit under most airline seats. You’ll glide through the airport with ease and completely avoid the hassle of battling for space in the overhead bin. 

Take a look at some of CALPAK’s mini carry-on bag options:

• Hue Mini Carry-On: Sleek and stylish, this mini carry-on is perfect for packing just the essentials. The hard-shell design and TSA-approved lock keep your items safe without adding unnecessary weight.
• Ambeur Mini Carry-On: Want something that screams chic? The Ambeur Mini, with its metallic finish, adds a luxurious touch. But this bag doesn’t just look good — it’s über-functional, featuring a divider with multiple pockets and cushioned side handles for easy lifting.
• Trnk Mini Carry-On: A classic choice with vintage-inspired charm — perfect for the minimalist traveler. With its 360-degree spinner wheels, you’ll be able to weave through busy airport crowds.
• Luka Soft-Sided Mini Carry-On: Lightweight and flexible, the Luka Soft-Sided Mini has a soft-shell water-resistant exterior to cushion and protect its contents. Plus, it has lots of pockets and compartments for maximum packing potential in a small package.

Browse CALPAK’s full collection of mini carry-ons. 

Standard Carry-Ons

For slightly longer trips, a standard carry-on offers a bit more space while still keeping you light and mobile. These bags adhere to most airline size restrictions, so you can avoid wasting your savings on unexpected baggage fees. 

If you want maximum carry-on capacity with minimum fuss, CALPAK’s range of carry-on suitcases is the way to go.

• Hue Carry-On: Just like its mini counterpart, this is a near-weightless, hard-shell option with spinner wheels that make navigating busy airports a breeze. Plus, its selection of vibrant colors will have you standing out from the crowd. 
• Luka Soft-Sided Carry-On: Featuring a thoughtful design with various compartments, the Luka Soft-Sided Carry-On is great for keeping track of where all your bits and pieces are stored. It also has a padded pocket designed to hold and protect laptops.
• Evry Carry-On: For those who like a bit of flexibility, the Evry Carry-On provides a compartment that can expand up to two inches to squeeze in all the shopping and souvenirs you’ve picked up along your journey.

Travel Bags

Sometimes, a travel bag is the perfect solution for packing light. Options like duffels and lightweight travel backpacks give you hands-free flexibility and are easier to take on and off planes, trains, or buses, while tote bags allow you to have all your travel must-haves within reach.  

Footwear can often be the bulkiest necessary item on your minimal packing list, but using bags with dedicated shoe compartments can keep your belongings dirt-free and leave room for all the clothes and toiletries you want to bring.

• Luka Duffel: This versatile duffel has ample space with nine pockets and sections including a separate shoe compartment. It’s a perfect overnight bag and great for keeping your essentials safe and close when getting from A to B.
• Terra 26L Laptop Duffel Backpack: Combines a backpack's flexibility with a duffel's packing capacity, making it ideal for adventures and everyday use. It is one of the best lightweight backpacks for travel as it has a range of features that make it adaptable to any trip, whether it’s a weekend escape or outdoor adventure.
• Stevyn Duffel Bag with Shoe Compartment: Another great option for separating shoes or dirty laundry from the rest of your belongings. It even has a handy sleeve to attach to the extendable handle of your suitcase, so you only need one hand for all your baggage when on the go.

Making a Packing List

A packing list might feel old-school, but it’s a fabulously simple tool for staying focused. Sticking to your minimal packing list will help you avoid overstuffing your bag while ensuring you don’t forget anything crucial like your toothbrush or passport. 

Try starting the list a few days before your flight so you can add anything that springs to mind in the lead-up to your trip. A little planning goes a long way when it comes to traveling light.

Plan Ahead

Start by considering your itinerary. 

Are you heading to a warm beach destination or a cool city break? Planning your outfits in advance based on your activities will ensure you only pack what’s necessary. 

For example, if you’re hiking, you might need sturdy boots and activewear. Heading to a wedding? You can plan to reuse dressy shoes for multiple outfits.

Pro tip: Check the weather forecast and adjust your list accordingly. There’s no need to pack three sweaters if the forecast calls for sunshine.

Choose Versatile Items

The secret to mastering how to pack light lies in choosing versatile clothing pieces that work for a range of outfits, climates, and scenarios.  

Neutral colors and classic styles are your best friends here — think a pair of black trousers that can go from casual to chic or a dress that can double as a tunic over leggings.

Layering is also key. Instead of bringing a bulky coat, consider a light jacket, scarf, and sweater that you can layer for warmth.

Only Essential Toiletries

Toiletries can easily become the heaviest and bulkiest items in your bag. If you’re only taking a carry-on, you’ll want to make sure you’re meeting airport security liquid limits (generally, it’s nothing over 3.4 ounces or 100ml). 

Transfer your favorite products into travel-size containers so your holiday isn’t ruined by security throwing out your favorite perfume or moisturizer.

Stick to just the essentials in travel-sized containers — shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer/sunscreen, minimal makeup, and toothpaste should be plenty to get you by. 

Or opt for solid toiletries like shampoo and conditioner bars. These save space, reduce the risk of spills, and are often more eco-friendly.

And if you really need to save some space, you can plan to buy key toiletries like shampoo or soap at your destination.

Maximize Space with Travel Organizers

Now comes the tricky part: getting everything into your bag. Thankfully, travel organizers have got you covered. They save space, keep your items neatly sorted, and make unpacking or finding all your bits and pieces a piece of cake. 

CALPAK has a collection of organizers including packing cubes and tech accessories to keep all your gadgets out of harm’s way and ordered.

Packing Cubes

Packing cubes help you compress and separate your clothing into tidy, space-efficient bundles. They’re great for categorizing your belongings (tops in one cube, pants in another, and underwear in a third) and make it easy to locate everything you need without having to tear your whole bag apart.

Here are some of our favorite packing cubes:

• Packing Cubes Set (5 Pieces): This five-piece set is a must-have for anyone looking to stay organized and maximize space. The set comes in a variety of funky colors and patterns and includes a water-resistant pouch to contain any spills.
• Compakt Zippered Pouch Set: This set includes three pouches in small, medium, and large sizes. It’s great for keeping small items like socks, underwear, electronics, or small, loose items in check.
• Shoe Cubes: Keep shoes separate from your clothes and prevent any accidental messes. This duo is made from easy-to-clean material and are sized to hold standard men’s shoes so they can accommodate a wide variety of footwear.

Toiletry and Makeup Cases

Spills and leaks? No, thank you! Compact toiletry and makeup cases with multiple compartments will keep your essentials tidy and protected. CALPAK has a selection of cases for all your beauty needs — even bags that can hang on the bathroom door so you can easily see and access everything you’ve brought without needing to take up space on hotel bathroom counters.

Here are some great options:

• Small Clear Cosmetic Case: This handy travel companion is ideal for carry-on and those who only pack the absolute basics. It has two spacious zippered compartments and comes in an array of stylish colors.
• Medium Clear Cosmetic Case: The Small Clear Cosmetics Case’s big brother, this convenient bag is large enough to fit your skincare routine without taking over your bag. It also has two zippered compartments and a mesh pocket for extra organization.

Pack Light with CALPAK

And there you have it: everything you need to know about how to pack light. Packing light doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right strategy — and the right gear — it can even be fun! CALPAK offers everything you need to travel efficiently and stylishly, from lightweight carry-ons to organizers that make the most of every inch of space.

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to ditch your bulky checked bag and embrace the freedom of packing light. 

Find the perfect bag for packing light at CALPAK.