Escape Hunter Planning Squeeze 'em In! How to Pack Less and Lighter

Squeeze 'em In! How to Pack Less and Lighter

We're never good enough when it comes to packing - especially when we're traveling far and staying for longer.
Yet, there's no real "science" behind how to pack smart, the vast majority of people still pack the wrong way.

I know... you've probably read countless "smart packing tips" articles, but I'll strive to make this one original. Packing less is a "no brainer" and you get lower weight and smaller volume - all in one.

But, let's get a bit more sophisticated! We can do so much more to minimize luggage weight and reduce its size!

#1 Start with your bag: how heavy is it?

The wheel bag I was traveling with was weighing more than 5 kg, but then I spotted a larger Samsonite weighing 4.3 kg. I bought it the next day!
Start the weight reduction by picking the lightest bag possible.

A lighter bag doesn't necessarily mean it's more "low-tech". It can have the same (or better) functionalities as the one you have been using.
It's the bag's materials that make it weigh less.

#2 Pick the lightest, smallest item of its kind

Compare items with similar functions and pack the lightest, smallest one of its kind.
I do this with everything from deodorant sprays to jackets...

#3 Some items have multiple functions

Just to name a few examples...
I can charge my smartphone through a USB cable connected to my laptop, so I don't need to put my phone charge in separately.
Another thing is to put multiple thin clothes instead of a single large and heavy thick one (3 light shirts might be as good as your thick sweater).

#4 Place some of your heavy items into your carry on bag

I said 'some', because you wouldn't want to wreck your back either, but because airlines tend not to weigh the small cabin luggage, we can actually play around with distributing the weights between the cabin bag and the check-in bag.

#5 Avoid packing items with air in them

Packaged food is among the ones with the most "unwanted air" in them.
Squeeze the air out or take them out of their original bag to shrink their volume.

#6 Fill every hole, every space from the beginning

Place items where they fit according to their shape.
Use space as well as you can and you'll be able to reduce overall volume.

#7 Don't bring large and heavy clothes, carry them!

Jackets, coats, you name them... they will consume precious space and they're damn heavy.
You will be able to take them aboard in your arms or, on yourself. Even if it's too warm outside and you'd look awkward, you can do this at the airport.

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