Until you travel with a small bag or suitcase, you don't realize what a headache bulky luggage can be. Ultralight packing can make your trips and travel easier. But it’s something you have to get good at with time, mostly by learning from your mistakes and experiences. It is surprisingly difficult to pack the absolute minimum when traveling, especially if you are used to overpacking. 

If you want to try minimalist packing, our tips below will help. They cover the dos and don'ts of ultralight packing. 

What Is Ultralight Packing? 

Ultralight packing, also called minimalist packing, is something you’ll often hear within the backpacking community. Because packing light is the rule, and not an option, when you are backpacking, backpackers are the ultimate pros when it comes to minimalist packing.

But packing light is also helpful for regular travel. Heavy luggage not only slows you down when traveling, it’s tiresome to carry around and can cost you more when flying or taking different kinds of transport.   

You don't have to go to the extremes of minimalist packing. There are people who enjoy making a fun challenge out of cutting down their luggage. You just need to pack light enough to make travel easy. 

Depending on where you are going and for how long, this can range from traveling with just one backpack to packing a single carry-on. If you have to check your luggage, that’s straying a bit too far from the principles of ultralight packing. Our goal is to avoid any unnecessary charges and have compact luggage you can easily carry around with you. 

The 4 Dos of Ultralight Packing 

1. Get Smaller Luggage 

The mistake many people make that leads to overpacking is starting with a long list of everything they want to pack then getting a suitcase that will fit all that stuff. Of course you are going to find things to fill a large suitcase.  

The first step to ultralight packing is restricting your luggage size. Either get a backpack (if you often take short 1-2 day trips) or a carry-on (for longer trips). You can also combine a backpack and a carry-on. As long as the backpack is not too big, it will count as a personal item and not a carry-on.

Once you know you have limited packing space, your mindset will shift and it will be easier to pack light.  

2. Learn Efficiency  

Ultralight packing is all about efficiency. Experienced backpackers know this better than anyone. They pack multi-purpose items, nothing unnecessary goes into the bag and they are ruthless when it comes to reducing weight. 

Efficiency is especially important when it comes to clothes, which take up most space. Pack only what you need, include multi-purpose clothes, think of doing laundry and consider buying some of Hercleon’s self-cleaning clothes that you can wear over and over.

3. Learn Good Organization 

After efficiency, organization is the next most important thing when it comes to ultralight packing. It allows you to fit everything you need in small luggage and makes it easy to find what you need at any time during your trip.

Packing organizers like cubes, packing bags and even good old ziplocks can help you organize your suitcase better. The most important things to remember are: 

• Figure out what you need quick access to (travel documents, sunscreen, charger etc.) and keep it where it’s easy to reach. 
• Separate different items. E.g. keep your clothes separate from toiletries. This not only makes it easiest to find items, it also prevents spills that ruin your clothes. 
• Leave some space for any items you may add on your trip like gifts and souvenirs. Don't forget to pack an extra bag for dirty laundry. 

4. Cut Down Your Packing List

Once you have written your packing checklist, go through it 2-3 times and see what you can remove. Remove as many items as you can without inconveniencing yourself in any major way. 

Over time, as you take more trips, you’ll learn the items you don't really need to pack and you’ll get better at ultralight packing.

5 Don’ts of Ultralight Packing

• Don’t pack for ‘what ifs?’ This often leads to overpacking. Unless it’s things like medication, you’ll sort out any emergency on your trip with whatever resources you’ll have. 
• Don’t inconvenience yourself too much. Avoid getting too obsessed with ultralight packing that your trips turn into a pain. 
• Don’t pack any bulky clothing items like a jacket or boots; wear them instead. 
• Don't sacrifice your comfort. Everyone has their must-pack essentials they cannot leave behind no matter what. Mine is a travel pillow. 
• Don’t replicate your home environment. Ultralight packing is about making the right compromises. For example, your skincare kit might have a dozen items, but you’ll have to pick a couple essential ones to pack for the trip.

Don’t worry if you don't get it right the first time. The best way to become an ultralight packer is through experience.