Because sometimes less really is more — unless you’re talking about airplane legroom.
Let’s not sugarcoat it—packing for a long-haul flight is a strange kind of existential crisis. You stand over your suitcase, sweating under the dim bedroom light, holding a fifth pair of jeans like it’s the answer to all your travel-related anxiety. Spoiler alert: it’s not. (It never is.)
I’ve overpacked for Bali (regretted it), under-packed for Iceland (deeply regretted it), and finally—finally—learned to pack just right for a 19-hour haul to Sydney, during a thunderstorm, while heartbroken. But I digress. Point is: you don’t need as much as you think, and honestly, freedom feels lighter than any Samsonite spinner ever could.
Let’s dive in.
1. The Bag Is Everything (No, Seriously)
Pick the wrong bag and it’s game over. Not metaphorically—literally. Your shoulder gives out at hour six, you scream internally, and the zipper eats your favorite hoodie like it’s hangry. The Osprey Fairview 40L though? A dream. Like Mary Poppins’ bag, but sexier and TSA-compliant.
Oh! The Matein anti-theft backpack is also solid—sleek, organized, and weirdly comforting to touch. Slightly smells like fresh polyester dreams. In a good way.
2. Packing Cubes — For When You Can’t Emotionally Organize, But Want Your Clothes To Be
Listen, packing cubes won’t solve your life. But they’ll make your bag look like you’ve got it all together (you don’t, and that’s okay). They’re like drawer dividers for your portable closet. And the dopamine rush when you unzip and see everything folded and sorted? Chef’s kiss.
You can get a 6-piece set for like, $15 on Amazon. Don’t be seduced by the $60 “luxury” ones unless they come with built-in therapy.
Note to self: compression cubes exist — but they’re like Spanx for clothes. Use responsibly.
3. The 1-2-3-4-5-6 Rule (A Formula That Actually Slaps)
Whoever invented this deserves an espresso and a standing ovation.
- 1 hat (sun or shade, your pick)
- 2 shoes (you’ll always only wear one pair, trust me)
- 3 bottoms
- 4 tops
- 5 socks
- 6 underwear (or 3, and do laundry, you savage)
I once packed eight scarves for a trip to Bangkok. Why? I don’t know. I wasn’t well. Follow this list instead.
4. Versatile Clothing: Your Closet’s Avengers
Pack things that do things. Multi-functional pieces. A dress that doubles as a beach cover-up and a dinner outfit? Gold. A jacket that becomes a pillow? Sorcery.
Layer like you’re playing fashion Jenga. Earth tones blend best, but throw in a chaotic print. It’ll feel like rebellion. And bring one “weird” thing. A fringed kimono? Maybe. A collapsible top hat? Sure. Travel needs whimsy.
5. Plan Ahead (But Don’t Spiral)
Packing last minute is like trying to do taxes in the dark during a fire drill. Possible, but at what cost?
Write a list. Check it once. Ignore half of it. Then pack only what you’d actually pull out and wear on a random Tuesday abroad.
Side tip: Lay everything out on your bed, then take out 30% of it. Yes, even the extra sweater “just in case it snows in Morocco.”
Long-Haul Flight Hacks That Won’t Betray You
- Wear the heavy stuff — boots, coat, even your third-favorite hoodie. Planes are basically flying refrigerators anyway.
- Ditch liquids — TSA doesn’t care about your shampoo brand. Go solid (shampoo bars, lotion sticks — Lush has great ones).
- Refillable water bottle — because $8 for bottled water at the airport is… criminal.
- Hydration = sanity. And sleep. You need sleep. Bring an eye mask, even if it makes you look like Batman’s introverted cousin.
Conclusion: Pack Light. Live Big.
There’s something poetic about walking through customs with just a backpack. You feel untouchable. Like Lara Croft if she swapped relic hunting for flight delays and espresso shots in Milan.
Packing light isn’t about deprivation. It’s about freedom. It’s about stepping off a 14-hour flight without looking like you survived a hostage situation, and more like someone who just knows how to move through the world.
Trust me, the extra space in your bag? That’s for memories. (And snacks. Mostly snacks.)
P.S. Let’s Talk in the Comments
Drop your weirdest packing habits. Do you bring a pillowcase filled with snacks like I do? Ever wore four layers just to avoid overweight baggage fees? I won’t judge. Promise.
