if you’re flying, you’re going to need to check a frame backpack. They’re typically too wide for the overhead storage compartments, and you usually can’t bring a backpack on a plane if it weighs more than 22 pounds (10. 0 kg). A high-quality backpack usually weighs 3–5 pounds (1. 4–2. 3 kg) to begin with. If you’re going to do any camping, get a frame bag with a platform for your sleeping bag.
Keep a few extra sets of clothes in your hiking bag if you can. If it rains or you’re moving through rough terrain, you’ll want to swap your dirty clothing out at the end of the day.
If you place your heavier items further away from your back, they’re going to weigh you down. Packing in the order of heaviest to lightest can dramatically decrease how heavy your bag actually feels.
You can always buy a first aid kit if you want to make things easy. These kits aren’t terribly expensive, and they can save you a lot of time if you’re trying to get the packing over with. If you’re allergic to anything, pack some antihistamines to minimize your symptoms while you’re outside.
Consider buying a water bottle at your destination. They aren’t that expensive, and you can always bring it back with you. The same applies to your pan or pot if you’re camping or backpacking. Get pieces with loops in the handle so you can attach them to the exterior of the bag with clip hooks.
For example, if you weigh 180 pounds (82 kg), your bag should weigh less than 36 pounds (16 kg) by the time that you’re done packing.
If you’re getting on an airplane, you can usually bring a standard backpack on the flight if it weighs less than 22 pounds (10. 0 kg). Look up the weight limitations for your airline, though. Some carriers have a slightly bigger or smaller restriction on the weight of personal items. If you’re traveling abroad and you’re worried about theft, get a bag with a zipper and sealable flap on top. These bags are much harder to steal out of. You can also opt for a bag with a lockable zipper if you really want to play it safe, although these bags are typically more expensive.
You can usually bring a backpack with wheels on to a plane, but the dimensions of some bags may exceed your airline’s limit. Look up your airline’s policy regarding the size of carry-on bags to determine whether you need to check your backpack or not.
Most standard backpacks have a dedicated compartment or pouch for your laptop. If you’re bringing a computer, put it in the designated section of your bag. These pouches and compartments typically have extra padding designed to keep the case safe.
You need to bag your liquids and toiletries if you’re flying anyway, so save yourself some time by putting them in a clear plastic bag before stashing them.
Bring a pen and small notepad. They’re extremely useful when it comes to writing down addresses, directions, or reminders.
If you do bring valuables and you’re staying a hotel, use the safe in your wardrobe or closet.
You will rarely have a problem bringing a lightweight backpack on to a plane as your personal item. If you’re traveling for business, make sure that your lightweight bag is wide enough to fit your laptop. Some lightweight bags are really thin, and laptops are typically 13–17 inches (33–43 cm) wide.
If you’re staying at a hotel or hostel with a washing machine, only bring 2-3 outfits. Every 1-2 days, do laundry when you run out of clean clothes.
A set of packing cubes will cost $10-25, but they’re a great way to minimize the amount of space your clothing takes up.
Order your belongings from toughest to most sensitive when stacking items in your backpack.
