Adventures in packing :: How to pack a backpack + small carry on.

After planning out what I was going to wear for our hiking/exploring trip to Europe, D and I made the decision to take our backpacks (which we took on our first trip to Europe) as opposed to our rolling carry-on suitcases.  While I'm usually one to save money instead of checking bags, we made this decision for a couple reasons.  First, we're flying Delta and get free checked bags on those long-leg flights.  Second, we're going to be doing a ton of travel via train after our hike is over.  In my opinion, this is a really important aspect when attempting to decide what luggage to take.  Lugging a rolling suitcase (of any size) up tons of stairs or through narrow train (or plane) isles can be a pain.  Even though a big backpack can seem cumbersome, it's a lot easier to get around.

[Kelty RedCloud 5000 ST]

My Kelty has served me well.  It has a ton of pockets, and the top portion can be disconnected to serve as a fanny pack if that's your thing.  There's so much going on though, it's hard to know where to start when packing this huge thing.  

START WITH SHOES.

If your backpack has a bottom zippered pocket, reserve that for your shoes.  If you're not using a backpack, try to pack your shoes first.  It'll help your suitcase to not be top heavy and fall over all the time.  

Quick tip: Stuff your socks inside your shoes before packing them.  I'll mostly be wearing sandals or my Chucks and won't need many socks.  I am taking two pair of sweat wicking socks for the hike, so I stuffed those inside my boots.

PACK THICKEST/BIGGEST ITEMS ON THE BOTTOM.

As long as you won't be using these items first (for instance I won't be using my dresses or jeans on our hike which is the first part of our trip).  After we finish our hike, I'll move those pieces to the bottom.

Next load up the items you'll need first.  I topped off the jeans and dressed with my hiking and yoga pants.

USE PACKING BAGS.

I would strongly suggest using packing bags.  I find it helpful to have my clothes sorted, so I'm not constantly digging through my bag trying to find a specific shirt.  This would also cause me more stress because I would be constantly folding & re-folding clothes within my backpack.  I used Eagle Creek Pack-It Compression Cubes, and they work wonders!  They have a lifetime guarantee and honestly hold much more than you think they would.  Plastic ziplock bags, old Toms shoes bags, or these adorable bags Anna used to pack for a west coast trip would work too.  Anything to separate and easily navigate within your bag will do!

In the smaller of my compression cubes, I packed six tanks (I ended up moving the camisole to the bigger cube).

In my larger cube, I packed four shirts and two pair of shorts.  In both cubes I found it easier to keep the shirts folded instead of rolled.  It really depends on what works for you.

I'm not 100% sure if wrinkles will be a problem, but I'm planning to have access to a hair dryer most of the trip.  If you won't have a dryer, pick up something like this from Downy.  Target almost always has travel sizes of that or a similar product.

I threw the cubes on top of my pants in the backpack.  Following that I layered a button-down shirt.  Wrinkles are a concern with the chambray, so I put that on top with very little on top of it.

LIGHTEST ITEMS GO LAST.

I have that handy "fanny pack" on the top of my bag, so I threw in lighter pieces including a sweatshirt, packable rain jacket (necessity for a hiking trip), and my hats.  It's possible I'll switch around the toiletry bag.  The issue I have with the toiletries being on top is that they could get banged around in the checked-bag process.  I don't want anything to bust or get broken, so that's a detail to bear in mind when packing a bag that isn't hard on the outside.

Finally the front zippered pocket is reserved for the lightest items (which will also protect toiletries or items on the inside) such as underwear, scarves, bras, and swimsuits.

The last and final element of packing was including my small daypack with a hydration bladder which I'll use for the hike.  If you're into it, you can just use your daypack as your carry-on.  For me, I didn't want to carry something on my back around Spanish cities since I feel like it's an invitation for pickpockets.  I also like a bag I can easily reach into when I need something.  My daypack is smaller than my purse, so I chose to pack it.

While it may not look like it, the day pack slipped in easily on top with all the straps tucked in underneath.  

Backpack complete.

THE PURSE CARRY-ON.

Last, but not least, is the carry-on.  Finding the perfect purse was important and difficult.  I often use my Kate Spade Minka, but it's orange and just wasn't going to work for the summer months.  I also needed something that zipped across the top (no pickpocketing!) and fit my DSLR.  

I'm still debating two options for my carry on.  The above includes my ONA camera organizer.  It's important for me because it keeps my camera from getting scratched up or lost in the mix in the satchel. It is a tad bit big for the satchel especially when I include a few other larger items like my wallet & kindle.

Nonetheless, there are some important necessities you want to have in your carry-on.

• Travel wallet (which holds my passport inside)
• Kindle/tablet/iPad
• Headphones
• Earplugs
• Kleenex
• Sleep mask
• Travel journal
• Sleep aid (so I can sleep on the overnight flight)
• Playing cards
• Umbrella
• Sunglasses
• Camera

Am I leaving anything out?  Including my camera, the satchel is heavy.  I wouldn't want much more aside from maybe my glasses and a few toiletries (to brush teeth and on the chance that my checked bag gets lost).