Master the Art of Backpack Only Travel: 10 Genius Packing Tips for Kids!
Are you gearing up for an adventure with just one backpack to hold all your treasures? Whether you're jetting off to a new city, exploring the great outdoors, weekend at grandparents, or an overnight sporting event, mastering the art of packing light is your golden ticket to fun and freedom. Here are 10 genius tips to help our young adventurers pack smart and travel far with just one backpack!
While these may seem simple, that's the idea. Don't underestimate the stress from over packing- more on that in a minute. So much of the stress traveling with kids can happen when things don't go to plan, and worrying about multiple bags per person can make it worse.
- Choose Your Backpack Wisely: Pick a comfortable, durable backpack with multiple compartments. This will help you organize when packing and allow you to find your belongings easily without unpacking the bag as access items on the go.
- Embrace the Power of a Packing List: Write down exactly what you need (think essentials, not 'maybes'). Stick to your list to avoid overpacking. (See our packing checklist for kids)
- Roll clothes: Roll your clothes to save space and avoid wrinkles and maximize space.
- Wear Your Bulkiest Items: To save space, wear your heaviest clothes and shoes during travel. It’s a classic space-saving move!
- Limit Your Footwear: Shoes take up a lot of space. Wear one pair of versatile shoes, and if you must, pack another pair that’s lightweight and flat.
- Opt for Multifunctional Clothing: Select garments that can be mixed, matched, and layered to create different looks and adapt to changing weather.
- Miniaturize Toiletries and Essentials: Use travel-sized toiletries and pack only the amount you'll need. You can always buy full size when you arrive.
- Entertainment: Choose compact entertainment options. A small book, deck of cards, or a tablet loaded with games, books and movies can save space. Too many entertainment options can actually be counterproductive.
- Remember the Chargers: A universal charger and a small power bank will keep your devices powered up without taking up too much space.
- Leave Room for Memories: Chances are, you’ll want to bring back souvenirs or finds from your adventures. Keep a little space free, or be prepared to creatively adjust your packing for the return trip.
*Bonus tip: Kids haul their own carry on: This is where the right gear becomes invaluable. With the right travel backpack, kids can be accountable for their own luggage, freeing up mom and dad to lug any bigger items. It also helps them learn responsibility and adds a bit of confidence. It was an absolute game changer when we started having our kids be responsible for their own bag. With 1 carry-on backpack, it’s totally doable, no matter the age. Our 25L Pacca Lite is perfect for this.
Less Stress for Parents: Overpacking not only affects kids but also significantly increases stress levels for parents. Managing excess luggage, keeping track of all the packed items, and ensuring nothing is lost or left behind can be overwhelming. This is especially true during transit, when parents are navigating travel logistics, keeping everyone together, and dealing with unforeseen travel hiccups. Encouraging kids to pack light alleviates a considerable amount of stress. Lighter luggage means easier movement, quicker packing and unpacking, and less worry about overweight fees or lost belongings. Additionally, when children learn to manage their belongings and make do with what they have, parents can enjoy a more relaxed and pleasant travel experience, focusing on the adventure and quality family time rather than the burden of too much stuff. This not only makes the trip more enjoyable for everyone involved but also teaches children valuable lessons in responsibility and self-sufficiency.
It's never too early to learn to pack smart and is a skill that can be used your entire life. Reach out to us and share your packing tips and travel adventures with kids. Remember, the best part of travel isn’t how much you bring, but the experiences you gather.
Happy Travels
