How to Pack With Purpose: Travel Light, Move Fast
Packing doesn’t have to be a chore—it’s a skill. I actually enjoy it. Playing Tetris with gear, figuring out what I need, what I want, and what can stay behind, is part of the adventure. The truth is, we rarely use half the stuff we bring—but a well-packed bag makes every trip smoother, faster, and less stressful.
Whether I’m loading up the RV for a weekend getaway, heading to a trailhead, or traveling between destinations, my goal is simple: use every piece of gear I pack—and never touch the items meant only for emergencies.
Here are my top tips for packing with purpose, inspired by professional travelers and outdoor adventurers:
1. Find a Staging Zone
Before packing, set up a clear space: bed, living room floor, or kitchen table. Lay everything out. This helps you think through what you actually need and lets you pack in the order you’ll use items. Practice makes perfect: pack, unpack, and repack until it clicks.
2. Pack in Reverse Order
Think about use, not category. The first items in should be the last ones out. Extra clothes go in first. Essentials like first aid, hygiene items, or snacks stay near the top for easy access.
3. Be Strategic About Weight
For backpacks: keep heavy items centered, high, and close to your spine to balance the load.
For suitcases:
Bottom third: medium-weight items
Middle third: heavier items
Top third: lighter items
Balanced weight keeps travel comfortable and efficient.
4. Fold, Roll, and Tie
Roll clothes into uniform shapes—it makes stacking easier and keeps things tidy. Roll underwear, socks, and shirts. Bulky items like jackets or sleeping bags should be rolled tightly and tied to compress them.
5. Bags Inside Your Bag
Organize smaller items in their own bags: electronics, hygiene, or clothing layers. Gallon-size Ziplocs are perfect—they’re waterproof, clear, and lightweight. Wet weather? No problem—everything stays dry.
6. Consider a “Last-Ditch” Bag
Keep a small top-of-pack bag or shoulder bag for quick access:
Documents and paperwork
Phone charger
Snacks
Basic toiletries
Lightweight jacket
This is your emergency-access kit for when speed matters.
7. Bring Only What You Need
Lay out everything you might bring. Pack essentials first. Add “may-need” items only if space allows. Less is more. A light, intentional bag lets you move fast without fatigue.
8. Get the Right Bag
I’ve tested dozens of packs over the years. For RV trips, hikes, and short-term travel, I rely on the Eberlestock Bandit—light, durable, and versatile. Extra gear? I have a secondary Marine Corps-style pack—but I’m always experimenting to find the perfect balance of weight, durability, and accessibility.
Packing well is about efficiency, readiness, and enjoying the journey. With practice and a purposeful approach, you can travel light, move fast, and make every trip feel effortless.
