Packing Smart

acking for a trip doesn't have to be a hassle, as long as you pack light and remember all the essentials. If you're really packing light by fitting everything in a carry-on bag (about 9 x 14 x 22 inches), then what you pack and how you pack becomes much more important.


	Make two copies of your important documents. Keep one in your luggage and one at home in case your credit card, passport or other documents are lost or stolen. Use ditty bags and pouches to sort and organize gear. For airline travel, pack valuables or important items (such as camera equipment and prescription medication) in your carry-on bag.

What to Pack

Documents—Bring a couple of extra passport photos for any ID cards, passes or visas you'll purchase on your trip. Make two copies of your passport, travel insurance, tickets, prescriptions, ID cards and credit cards. Keep one copy in your luggage and one at home with a trusted friend who can fax the information to you if it's lost or stolen on your trip. Having a copy of this information will make replacing it much easier.
Clothing—Bring fewer pieces of clothing and plan on doing some washing by hand. For active trips, avoid packing cotton. Once cotton becomes wet, it drains your body heat. Bring wool or synthetics such as Capilene®, MTS® and Thermax.
Personal-Care Items—Leave the big bottles at home. Pack travel-sized personal items.
Glasses/Contacts—If you wear prescription glasses, use a retainer strap and bring an extra pair. Contact lens users should also bring an extra set, or bring glasses for a backup.

How to Pack

Pack a few days before your trip so you'll have time to make sure you have everything you need.

General Tips

Make it a Habit—Put things in the same place every time. This way you'll be able to easily find what you're looking for, and you'll notice if you've forgotten to pack something.
Organize Your Gear—Stuff sacks, pouches and ditty bags are great for sorting gear. Use different sizes and/or colors to differentiate contents.
Pack Heavy Items First—Heavy items go in the bottom of your luggage or duffel. For backpacks, heavy items should be placed close to your back, centered between your shoulder blades.

Clothing Tips

Fold—Clothes that wrinkle, such as shirts and pants, should be folded and placed in the middle of your bag.
Roll—Clothes that don't wrinkle, such as synthetic T-shirts or long underwear, should be rolled and packed tightly around the edges of your bag.
Stuff—Small items, including socks and underwear, should be stuffed in the remaining spaces. Don't forget to use spaces such as the inside of your shoes.

Tip—Plastic bags are the key to keeping clothing and gear dry on active trips. Line the inside of your sleeping bag stuff sack with a large plastic bag. Use sealable plastic bags to keep wet clothes separate from dry clothes.

Airline Travel

Prevent a Mess—Place plastic bottles of items such as soap and shampoo in sealable baggies to prevent accidental spills caused by air pressure changes.
Keep Valuables Close—While flying, hand-carry your camera, important documents, medications and other items that are difficult to replace.
Hand-Carry Film—Pack your film in your carry-on. The walk-though X-ray machines are typically safer for film than the more powerful X-rays that are used on checked luggage, especially on international flights. If you do check your film, place it in a lead pouch.