Top 15 Pack Hacks

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Love packing or loathe packing you cant go wrong with these top 10 pack hacks:

1. Keep Rollin’

Roll your clothes. Absolute rule numero uno! This ‘pack hack’ isn’t just for travel… I don’t even own an iron at home! My grandad once asked me about one tip I would have and this was it. He told me that back in his army days he did exactly this to reduce creases! It’s not a new hack, but one that will live with you forever. It is also an incredible space saver. This is top of my pack hacks for a reason.

2. Pack-Practice Makes Perfect

Love it or loathe it… perfect your pack. Personally, it takes me over a week to pack, I hate it! I would pay someone to do it for me if I could! However, this is such a great exercise.

Ever heard someone tell you to measure twice and cut once when it comes to woodwork or DIY? Well, this is exactly the same. Pack what you want the first try… now halve it! It may seem drastic but by doing so you will cut your inventory down to the absolute bare essentials. Then you can see how ridiculous you were in the first place. Now look yourself in the mirror and give yourself a good stern look!

Just because you have space left, doesn’t mean it needs to be filled. At the end of the day you have to carry it. Also, what about space for those souvenirs you will be buying?

3. Shoes…Give Them The Boot

One pair, two pairs, 3 pair 4… when packing, shoes come knocking at your door. Everyone makes this mistake. I bet you went out to buy more shoes for this next trip didn’t you? Go back to that mirror and give yourself that look again.

Seriously, day shoes, night shoes, flip flops… that’s all you need. Whether you are on a hiking trip, travelling the world or a beach holiday, this is enough. Remember this ‘pack hack’ rule… Three sets you free!

4. Ear Plugs

Wow…where do I start? I can not stress enough the importance of these tiny God sends! whether its to drown out the background noise on a plane or blocking out THAT snorer in your hostel dorm. These are worth much more than their weight in gold, trust me! I have added a link below to make it even easier for you not to forget!

5. Belt It Up

Ever picked out your best shirt while on your travels for the evening to find its flat as a pancake and out of shape? Use a belt around the collar of the shirt when packed to help keep it’s shape.

6. Travel Organiser

I always take a travel organiser. In this, I write down any booking reservations, notes, flight details just as a backup. It’s all well and good having everything backed up in email folders etc, but let’s say you are caught short and have no means of accessing your digital file cabinet. What’s more, you can organise this so everything is; in one place, easy to reach and just a nice way to get the planning done without staring at a screen.

7. Get a Travel Towel

These are a great travel tool. The micro-fibre material is extremely lightweight and can fold down to almost nothing. They also have antibacterial properties to keep them fresher and cleaner, allowing a longer life between washes. With quick-drying capabilities, it’s perfect if you’re on the go. They are available in all different sizes and are really reasonably priced.

8. Travel emergency kit

This is something to have, but shouldn’t need to use. I purchased the Bear Grylls Ultimate Survival Kit several years back. There have been times where I have had to dig it out. Whether it be for the flint to start a fire or for the multi-tool. These are packs which contain everything you may need in an emergency. These things are those which you should not need, but have, just in case.

There are a variety of content packs to choose from. The amazon link above is a mini version. My girlfriend recently purchased her own from Mountain Warehouse. Below is a picture of its contents and the container it comes in. (The Raybans to show scale…not part of the kit…but still an essential item!)

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9. First Aid…Not Last Thought

Again, this is something that should not be overlooked. While travelling around the Blue Mountains in NSW, Australia, I slipped down the side of one of the banks leading down to the bottom of a waterfall. I was lucky that I only got a few cuts and bruises. However, I was approximately 2 hours walk from here I started. I had no first aid kit. A mistake I will never make again. But first aid doesn’t just mean plasters and antiseptic. Below is a list of things I always pack… you never want to be needing anything. Be self-sufficient.

• Paracetamol and ibuprofen
• Imodium (Diarrhoea tablets)
• Sickness Tablets
• Antihistamines- An allergic reaction in a foreign land can be a scary experience.
• Sumatriptan- For migraines and cluster headaches (I suffer from migraines so never leave without them)
• Re-hydration Sachets- See why in my ‘Top 10 Tips At The Airport’ to see why.

10. Zip Lock Bags

You would be surprised at just how useful these can be. From keeping your valuables safe if your caught out in the rain or keeping the sand out if you’re at the beach. Not to mention keeping your travel liquids in to prevent a disastrous spillage.

11. Keep It Fresh

Dryer/laundry sheets are a godsend. Sometimes having a separate section to put your dirty laundry just doesn’t cut it… especially when on the road in a hot climate. Travel with scented laundry dryer sheets to help things smell fresher between washes.

12. Essentials Of A COVID Warrior

So if you are reading this, you have come out of the other side of the devastating COVID-19 pandemic. It’s more essential now than ever to carry antiseptic wipes and hand sanitiser. On a public plane, train or automobile? Wipe down your surfaces first. Seat trays on aeroplanes have always been notorious for being covered in bacteria. Keep your self safe and others too. Its always nice to feel fresh, especially after being on potentially crowded transport.

Continue being a COVID warrior and even wipe down your sitting area once you leave. We are all in this together.

Don’t forget the face mask. With places beginning to open back up, it may become a compulsory requirement on the likes of public transport to wear one.

Read my own experience of living with Covid-19

13. Pack Your Case The Same Way Each Day

This is something that actually becomes habitual. Some people like to use ‘packing cubes’ Personally I never have, so I cannot comment on this. However, I do always pack my backpack in the same way.

Heavy and bulky items at the bottom help balance the backpack when carrying. It also means the items which would be more prone to getting crushed and creased, such as t-shirts are also more accessible. Underwear is small and can fit down the side in any small nook and cranny. You should be able to put your hand in your backpack blind and find what you need without dismantling your packing every time you need something.

14. Silica Gel Sacks

You know those little packets that come in basically everything you buy that says ‘do not eat’. These are not just something to throw out with the packaging. These are to absorb excess moisture. They are small so take up no space, but it will help reduce excess moisture from items in your packing. Keep them in your zip lock bag when not needed to keep them together and dry.

I also use these in my camera bag. Taking your camera in and out of your bag in a humid climate can create condensation and moisture getting on your camera. This could be disastrous if it stops your camera working. No one wants to be travelling in that situation. Keep some in your camera bag to keep your camera safe. Remember to replace every so often as they don’t last forever once moisture gets to them.

15. Don’t Hang Boots Off Your Bag

I recently wrote a guest blog for Lifetime Traveller in which I revealed strange social norms you encounter on your travels. This is another to add to the list. In some countries especially in South East Asia, one of the rudest things you can do is touch someone with your shoes. With them flapping around behind you, you have no control and could really offend a local if you were to hit someone or something. Be courteous on your travels. Would you be ok with being hit with someone’s dirty old walking boots?

Even if it’s not culturally unacceptable, it’s not still nice. Keep them in your bag. Remember the silica gel packs? Keep some in your shoes to absorb excess moisture as well as dryer sheets to keep them smelling fresh! Just air shoes out when you get a chance… not in your dorm room either!

Which Pack Hacks Will You Be Trying? Comment Your Favourite Below

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