Even though we live on a boat and see most places from the water, there are several times when we travel off the boat and have to pack our bags for adventure.
There are six of us, and when we all travel together… well, there’s a lot of luggage! So, to help ourselves out, we travel as much as possible with carry-on only. Four of us have awesome backpacks with all the things we need, and two of us have “rolly bags” that also count as carry-on.
It’s so nice not to have to worry about something being missed under the plane, and you know where your things are at all times.
So, here’s my go-to process and the best way to pack a backpack for a week of travel!
Related:
How to Pack Your Surfboards for Traveling Safely
What to Pack for a Surf Trip to Costa Rica (Complete Packing List)
Step One: The Right Bag
One of the most important things when travelling with just a backpack is having the right bag.
The key things to look for in a backpack are:
- The ability to unzip all the way to the bottom. This makes living out of it so much easier, enabling you to use it like a suitcase.
- A computer slip inside helps a lot and keeps your computer secure. Not a must, but very nice.
- A pocket on the outside for easy access to small things like lip balm and headphones.
- Comfortable straps are a huge thing — you’re going to be carrying this bag everywhere!
- Provision to strap shoes to the bottom is very helpful.
- Tidiness. You do not want things hanging off or out of your bag that can get caught or easily grabbed, so keep that in mind when looking through your options.
Buy well — your backpack can take you around the world and can be the difference between a smooth, easy trip or an annoying, inconvenient one.
Step Two: What to Take
This isn’t a packing list. If you want to know what I take, you can check out this post – LINK.
This is just a basic guide for how to pack, because you can’t just throw in everything you think of — it wouldn’t fit!
Travelling with just a backpack means you have to be a bit of a minimalist, which I actually see as a very good thing (just me?).
So only pack what you absolutely need.
That’s honestly my best advice for what to take — not much.
You’d be surprised how many different outfits you can get out of four shirts and three pairs of pants… I’ve done it and still do.
Step Three: Packing
Now, the exciting bit!
The packing process is important for a few key reasons:
- It helps maximise the space you have
- It ensures the most important things are easily accessible
- It makes your life a lot easier while travelling
So, here’s the process I follow every time I pack my backpack:
1. Lay Everything Out
Lay out everything you’re going to take and make sure you have everything (but not too much).
2. Roll Your Clothes
I’ve tried folded and rolled — rolled is totally the way to go.
The best method I’ve found is the army roll.
Here’s the short version:
- Lay the shirt face up on a flat surface
- Smooth out all wrinkles
- Fold the bottom edge inside-out about 2–3 inches (5–8 cm)
- Fold sleeves and sides inward
- Fold the shirt into thirds vertically
- Roll tightly from the collar down
- Pull the inside-out pocket over the roll to secure it
Right, it’s a lot easier once you figure it out! And oh so helpful. Here’s a full guide for you.
Once you’ve rolled everything (pants are a little trickier, but just use common sense), organise it from least used to most used.
Set aside anything you may need while in transit — hoodie for the plane, etc.
3. Pack the Bottom Layer
Pack the biggest and least-used items into the bottom of the bag.
Stack them lengthways (inline with the bag) and on top of each other.
Pack it full so you fill out the entire base of the bag.
If packing a jacket, shove it right in the back.
4. Add Tech + Books
Now pop your computer into the laptop pocket.
If you don’t have one, just lay it flat in the base of the bag.
If you’re taking books — journal or whatever — put them in the base as well.
5. Add Your Most-Used Clothes
Take your most-used clothes and make a second row of rolled clothes.
This should fill your backpack to about ¾ full.
Underwear should go in a net pocket or on top of this second row.
Shove socks into every little gap.
6. Top Layer = Easy Access
Now you should only have the things you set aside for travelling.
Put these right at the top:
- hoodie
- Kindle
- deodorant
- lip balm
- mints
- headphones
Basically, anything you want to grab at a moment’s notice.
7. Zip + Final Extras
Your bag will be looking pretty full now, so it’s time to zip it up!
It may be a wrestle, but if you can get it shut, you’re away.
Last thing is to strap shoes to the bottom and attach your drink bottle somewhere.
That way you’re carrying pretty much everything in or on your backpack and only need a small side bag for your phone and passport.
Voilà — you’re packed and ready.
And when you realise you forgot something (don’t worry, everyone forgets they still need to use their toothbrush before packing it), you know exactly where to unzip and find a spot.
Of course, this is a general guide.
The thing for you to do now is adjust it for your own packing list so everything fits.
But this is how I do it, and will continue to do it, so it works!
Step Four: Travel!
Now, it’s all good and well knowing how to pack a backpack for a week-long trip, but it’s useless if you don’t actually go.
So, if you’re reading this and haven’t been abroad yet, get excited.
This is your sign to book that flight or bus ticket, pack your backpack, and get out there!
I can’t wait to hear what you think of this packing process, and I’d love to know if you have any tips or tricks, so please share them in the comments as well as any questions you may have.
Catch you there!