Why I Pack in a Backpack

Choosing how to travel can be almost as hard of a decision as choosing where to travel to. Throughout my travels I have tried many different methods; from different types of suitcases to different packing techniques I have tried it all! And over the many years I have curated my “perfect pack”, but even that changes based on many outside factors. Each trip is different and every adventure requires different things. For example you wouldn’t pack hiking boots if you know you are going to be in big cities. But, beyond just the amount of clothing you pack, how you pack will depend not only on the type of trip, but also the person. If you are someone who loves color don’t pretend you will be happy wearing nothing but black and white for two months. You have to find a balance of paring down your wardrobe to make it travel friendly while still making you happy. Personally I love clothes; I love wearing skirts and dressing nicely. So I would be unhappy wearing nothing but active-wear. When I pack I pick pieces that make me feel confident and that I would wear in my normal life. I do most of my travel in Europe in the winter and even with massive temperature changes I have been able to come up with a wardrobe that fits my life and I feel good in. The key is making sure that you pick pieces that suit your life but also pack well, ie. don’t wrinkle, are machine washable, dry quickly, and all go with each other. By doing this I have been able to stylishly travel in just a 40 liter backpack. While I have used big suitcases before it has been for occasions like studying abroad or other times when I know I am going to need more than what can fit in my pack. And while I loved having more space to bring whatever I want, and pick up more souvenirs I absolutely dread the process of lugging a big suitcase around and having to deal with checking bags at the airport. The freedom of not having to wait on luggage at the airport and having everything you need with you is so liberating. But, it does come with its own challenges. As TSA increases restrictions it becomes a constant battle of figuring out what you can and can not bring but with a little bit of forethought you can find ways around all of these restrictions without compromising your personal needs. This is a process though, personally I started traveling with a big suitcase, I moved down to a smaller rolling duffel, and then to carry on only. And at first I had a 20L backpack as a personal item and a 40L as my carry-on, now I have curated my packing down to just the 40L and I couldn’t be happier! Through years of refinement I have been able to perfect my packing process in a way that allows me more freedom than traditional large suitcases, and liberates me to focus on the places I’m in and the memories I’m making; that is why I chose to travel in a backpack.