(Back)Packing Light

 7 Tips And Packing List On What To Bring On A Short Backpacking Trip

When I went on my mini backpacking trip to Scotland I was impressed with how little I brought along. Especially when city touring I usually like to bring a different well-coordinated outfit for each day, but with staying in hostels and going from city to city I didn’t want to be lugging a suitcase with me, regardless of how small. I wanted a backpack.

So I packed just enough that I could mix and match to still create a "put-together-look". It definitely was not as glamorous as a big city but for this trip it was perfect. I also did not have a large range of weather conditions to be packing for as Scotland is pretty consistent in rain and clouds. Therefore, my aim was to pack for layering. Even though this packing list is one I specifically used for Scotland I think it is a good basis to build on for future travels, adjusting main pieces based on the weather or adding a few things depending on how long the trip will be.

Looking back, I could have lasted longer with just these few things. (They might have eventually needed a wash, but I didn’t once find myself wishing I had packed more). You never really see the same people again, so even though a few pieces can create many different outfits it also doesn’t matter if you wear the EXACT same thing multiple times. Ultimately, it is important to pack just basics that can easily be mixed and matched to create ease when travelling.

What to Pack 

 

Packing list

• Two Basic Long Sleeve Shirts
  I chose black and white - solid colors go with everything.  
•  One T-Shirt and a Pair of Leggings
  Wear leggings during the day, but they can also be used as a PJ. (Especially is the weather isn’t that nice and you're sleeping hostels, you stay warm and it can also calm your nerves about the beds and sheets). 
• Jeans and Light Pants
  In case it gets warm or to just mix it up! I packed a thin pair of linen track pants. 
• Two "Nicer" Long Sleeved Shirts
  Under both of these “nicer” long sleeves, I layered the basic long sleeves for colder days.
• One Big Warm Sweater
  You can fit lots of layers underneath to create a warm and stylish look. Add a scarf to that and you definitely look like you should be reading that captivating book at that cozy corner table in a cafe. 
• One Patterned Tanktop
  This is where I suggest you bring patterns in. The tank top can be worn underneath the basic long sleeves or nice shirts, or under multiple layers of clothes if it's cold out. It brings a nice contrast and some color into the outfit. 
• Extras
  Some other things that aren’t included in the picture…
• I would keep undergarments to a minimum. It's easy to quickly wash small things like underwear in the sink, and you definitely don’t need 3 bras for a short trip… I’d say one normal and one sports bra is enough. Again here it might be fun to bring a patterned sports bra, in case its warm out and it shows through your t-shirt.  
• Wash kit and toiletries I would also suggest keeping these to a minimum. Use lots of small (plastic) bags so that you are not struggling to fit one big wash-kit into the backpack. Instead, the smaller bags can be stuffed in all the little leftover spaces. I did bring a small wash-kit for essentials - things I needed multiple times a day.  
• On this note, purchasing a few smaller containers that you can fill with your shampoo, conditioner, creams, face soap, etc.. is also a good idea, specifically if you are bringing the small backpack as carry-on for the short trip.

Bags, Shoes, Accessories

I packed 2 pairs of shoes… running shoes for walking and flip flops if the weather is warmer, but most importantly for showering.

In the picture above lies the black backpack I took in which all my clothes fit. I have my travel wallet where I keep my passport and any other important documents such as bookings, extra money or different currency needed. You can find travel wallets like these all over that place.


A notebook to write things down in is important ... see my reasons in the previous post, “Why You Should Travel Alone” post. I also brought coloured pencils in case I decided to sketch or wanted to color code… it just makes things more fun! Just as important is a good book to read. Read Why You Should Travel Alone to see why I think an insightful book is a must.


I also brought a small purse along which I used every day while exploring. While travelling between cities, it had all my important travel documents that were easily accessible. While travelling I could store those documents safely in my bag and take this small purse sightseeing with me. It was big enough to hold maps, tour flyers, my wallet, and sunglasses. I would suggest bringing a small bag to carry around with you because you really don’t need much especially if the weather is staying somewhat consistent.

Outfit Options and Examples  

Here are five simple outfits that you can put together with the packing list above. 

Outfit 1 - “Causal Layer Day"

Knit or warm sweater

Basic Long Sleeve

Patterned Tank top (to show out the bottom)

Jeans

Running Shoes

  
Outfit 2 - "Comfy and Warm" 

 “Nicer” long sleeve
Basic Long Sleeve (to layer underneath)
Leggings
Optional: Tank-top underneath for more warmth and layering
Running Shoes

Outfit 3 - "Museum Day"

“Nice” warmer top

Patterned tank-top underneath (to show out the bottom) 

Jeans

Necklace

Running Shoes

Outfit 4 -"City Touring"

Wrap around sweater 

patterned “cute" tanktop

Jeans

Necklace

Running Shoes

Outfit 5 - Comfortable Travel  

Knit or warm sweater
Basic Long Sleeve
Patterned Tank top (to show out the bottom)
Light Pants
Running Shoes

Six Packing Tips:

1. Bring multipurpose clothes.
   
Basics and sold colors can be worn multiple times without you getting bored of them or it being noticeable.
2. Flip-flops are a MUST.
   If you are travelling on a budget and nice hotels aren’t on your “To-Do” list, flip flops for a shared bathroom are 100% a necessary. 
3. Have travel documents ready and research done. 

   It is important to know HOW to get from one place to another. Especially if you are travelling alone, know what trains to use, where the location of your hostel is or the general area you would like to go to if you’d rather spontaneously find one. It is simply a good idea to have some idea of where you are headed. 
4. You DO NOT need as much as you think.
   
Practice being minimalistic. I promise you right now, that you do not need to bring that extra sweatshirt or a “going out dress”. Regardless of whether you are travelling for a number of weeks or months, keep in mind that less is more. Bring your few favourite things and you’ll wear them all the time. 
5. You can ALWAYS dress an outfit up.

   The more simple the clothes are the more use you will get out of them and you can ALWAYS dress something “plain” up! 
6. Pack Snacks.

   Now to the important things in life: Food. Snacks are never a bad idea. They will come in handy for long trips and anytime you are not hungry enough to get a meal (or want to save money). 
7. Roll Up Clothes for Packing This will save space by rolling your clothes as small as possible. Wrap an elastic around multiple rolled up pieces of clothing to keep them rolled up. This will keep things organized as you can put like pieces together for example by tying an elastic around all long sleeves.