5 Days in a Backpack
I approach packing as a personal challenge. How much can I fit in a backpack? This trip, I’m heading to Memphis, TN – 5 days, 4 nights – for the annual St. Jude Marathon. This is a work trip, but it is more casual – which definitely helped streamline my packing plan.
The Bag – Here’s the backpack I’m cramming all this in! I fell in love with this backpack on a trip to Iceland in March 2019, however I waited until we got back to the states to purchase due to an unfavorable exchange rate. Luckily we had a layover in Boston, MA near a Fjallraven store. It’s a 28L bag, which is smaller than a traditional travel backpack – but I like the size.
Clothes – Clothes tend to take up the most room in your luggage and vary based on the destination, activities, and weather, so I always start the packing process there. I make a quick list of the days I’ll be gone and the activities planned each day. For this trip, I’m leaving Wednesday and coming back Sunday and have activities ranging from working an expo booth, to social events and cheering our team in the St. Jude Marathon..
One tip to minimize your luggage is to wear your biggest items vs. packing them. I plan to wear this outfit on the drive to Memphis, TN. The jeans, shoes and coat would have taken up a lot of space in my backpack! I also picked a pair of fashion tennis shoes that are comfortable, but can be worn with a variety of outfits, since this is the only pair of shoes I’m bringing.
Larger clothes items were compressed them in a small vacuum pack bag. I absolutely love these because you can make your clothes as small as possible. I typically will carry a couple of these bags on a trip (just in cause one stops sealing). Smaller clothes items were packed (read: crammed) into a small packing cube. I included an ultralight rain coat and some cold weather gear for race day.
Toiletries – I switched from on larger dopp kit bag to a smaller version, even though it doesn’t hold all my toiletries. I’ve found that it is easier to fit several small bags around other items vs one large one. I ended up with 3 bags – makeup, toiletries, & liquids. I purchased a smaller hair straightener for this trip (essential for the bangs). I also added some Hot Hands for race day (made in Dalton y’all).
Electronics/Other – This is a work trip, so a laptop was essential. I love reading if I have downtime (or in the car), so my Kindle always comes along. Less essential was my new phone tripod + selfie stick, but I brought it along to try out. Another fun addition is my new “hip bag” (AKA fanny pack – not pictured). It’s about as stylish and functional as a fanny pack can get!
I always learn something each time I travel, so I’m sure I’ll tweak my packing plan slightly the next time I travel. For those interested, below is my packing list from this trip:
My Packing List
(5 Days, 4 Nights in Memphis, TN):
| Clothes | Toiletries | Electronics/Other |
| coat (wear) | lip balm | computer/charger |
| shoes (wear) | comb | notebook/pen |
| jeans (wear) | toothbrush | phone tripod/selfie stick |
| t-shirt (wear) | razor | kindle |
| bra/undies/socks (wear) | hair ties/pins | charging cords |
| 3 t-shirts | band-aids | headphones |
| black yoga pants | floss | work name tag |
| black cotton dress | meds | $/cards |
| thin pullover | deodorant | hip bag |
| pj shorts | detergent sheets | |
| gloves | tiny brush | |
| warm headband | q-tips | |
| swimsuit | eye mask/earplugs | |
| black leggings | makeup | |
| ultralight rain coat | hot hands | |
| socks | liquids | |
| undies | tiny hair straightener | |
| sports bra |