Byline: Mae Cornes
Modern air travel increasingly penalizes excess baggage, making packing light not just a preference but an economic necessity. The average checked bag fee on U.S. airlines reached $35 per bag in 2024, and overhead bin space has become a source of friction between travelers. For those planning long journeys, learning to pack efficiently is no longer optional. Brands like Duravo, whose lightweight luggage has gained attention for materials adapted from military applications, are designed for travelers thinking carefully about space and weight. But technology alone is not enough. Smarter packing habits can ease stress, reduce costs, and keep travelers mobile.
Here are ten practical, research-backed tips to help travelers pack light and effectively for extended trips.
1. Choose the Right Bag
The suitcase itself plays a key role in packing light. A carry-on that weighs less can leave more room for your belongings before hitting airline limits. Materials matter: recent advances such as self-reinforced thermoplastics are replacing heavier polymers and metals traditionally used in luggage.
Dan Cooper, co-founder of Duravo, notes that travelers often overestimate their packing needs because of the bag itself. “If a suitcase feels heavy before it’s even packed, people compensate by filling it completely,” Cooper says. Lightweight, durable luggage can encourage packing discipline from the start.
2. Pack Versatile Clothing
Travel experts recommend packing a small set of neutral-colored clothing that can mix and match easily, creating multiple outfits from just a few garments. Wrinkle-resistant fabrics that can be worn in layers will reduce the total number of items needed.
Research by global luggage companies shows that travelers typically wear only 60 percent of what they pack on long trips, leaving nearly half of their packed items unused.
3. Limit Shoes
Shoes add bulk and weight to any bag. A minimalist rule is to pack no more than two pairs: one casual or walking pair and one for a formal or specific activity. Wear the heaviest pair while traveling to free up space in your luggage.
Industry data suggests shoes can account for up to 30 percent of a packed suitcase’s weight, making this a critical area for trimming down.
4. Roll, Don’t Fold
Rolling clothes instead of folding can compress garments, minimize wrinkles, and create more usable space. Rolling also allows travelers to see all items at a glance rather than digging through layers.
Matt Muhr, Duravo co-founder, adds that efficient packing goes beyond materials. “Space optimization is about packing habits, not just the design of the bag,” he says. Rolling is an easy habit that can save both time and space.
5. Use Packing Cubes
Packing cubes help organize clothing while compressing it, creating more uniform shapes that can maximize suitcase volume. They are particularly useful on longer trips where organization matters even more.
A recent consumer survey found that travelers who used packing cubes reported being able to pack approximately 20 percent more into the same carry-on compared to those who did not.
6. Minimize Toiletries
Many travelers bring full-size toiletry bottles that add unnecessary bulk. Instead, decant liquids into travel-sized containers or plan to purchase toiletries at your destination. Most hotels and many short-term rentals provide basics like shampoo and soap.
Moreover, security restrictions in many countries limit the amount of liquid that can be carried onboard, making it practical to reduce toiletries before packing.
7. Plan to Do Laundry
For trips longer than a week, packing light is easier if travelers plan to do laundry along the way. Many destinations offer laundromats or in-hotel laundry services, and packing detergent sheets or a small container of detergent can simplify washing on the go.
Travel analysts point out that the most successful light packers think about their itinerary rather than packing for every possible scenario. This allows travelers to reduce clothing volume while staying clean.
8. Wear Layers on Travel Days
Wearing layers during transit saves space in the bag while allowing travelers to adjust for changing temperatures in airports and airplanes. Bulky sweaters and jackets take up significant space if packed but can double as blankets or pillows while in transit.
This strategy not only frees up suitcase room but can also make for a more comfortable journey.
9. Reduce Electronics and Accessories
Travelers increasingly pack multiple devices and accessories. Slimming this down to essentials, for example, bringing one universal charging cable and a compact power bank, can save both space and weight.
Many travelers also forget that hotels and airports often provide USB ports, reducing the need to carry extra charging gear.
10. Edit Before Departure
Finally, one of the most effective strategies is to lay out everything intended for the trip, then remove at least 20 percent before packing. Psychologists have observed that travelers tend to pack aspirationally, including outfits or gear they imagine they might need rather than what they realistically will use.
Duravo’s Cooper says this practice reflects experience. “Frequent travelers tend to pack lighter over time because they learn how little they actually need,” he notes.
A Critical Rethinking of Travel Habits
Packing light is ultimately about reconsidering how we travel. With airlines redefining what qualifies as a carry-on or personal item and travelers contending with rising fees and limited cabin space, habits that reduce weight and volume have become crucial.
For travelers planning longer journeys, these tips offer practical ways to stay nimble and comfortable without sacrificing necessities. As Muhr puts it, “The lighter your luggage, the lighter your journey feels.”
