Packing Smart: Tips and Checklist

How to pack smart

Packing smart really means packing light and taking less. Below are some useful packing tips gathered from REI Adventures and other travel experts. Be sure to see the checklist that follows.
Items You Should Always Carry On

Sometimes, luggage gets delayed or even lost. So be sure to keep these essentials in your carry-on bag:

* Passport
* Money
* Eyewear
* Medications
* Change of clothing
* Hiking footwear (for adventure travel trips)

Clothing Tips

* Layering is the key to active trips. Pack only versatile layers that mix and match and provide the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection.
* Test your layers before your trip. Your outer layer should fit easily over your inner layer(s) without binding or bunching up.
* Cotton can be wonderful in warm weather; but once wet, it drains your body heat. Synthetic fabrics are recommended; they wrinkle less and dry faster than cotton.
* For 1 week or longer trips, plan on doing laundry rather than packing additional clothes.
* Stick to 1 or 2 colors that mix and match well.
* Dark colors look cleaner longer than light colors.
* Men: A polo shirt is dressier than a tee and is easily layered.

Footwear Tips

* Trail-running shoes are often your most versatile option (good for hiking, walking or running).
* Stuff items inside shoes to consolidate space.
* Pack shoes together in opposite directions and secure with rubber bands, if necessary.
* Use your socks as padding for sunglasses or electronic items.
* Put shoes in a plastic bag (or cloth shoe bag) to keep dirt off of your clothes.
* Make sure your hiking boots are broken in beforehand, particularly for adventure-travel treks, to help reduce blisters.
* Other blister strategies:
o Bring moleskin or other blister treatments.
o Wear thin liner socks under your regular hiking socks (test your sock combinations prior to your trip departure to make they're comfortable).
o Liner socks should be made of synthetic fabric to help keep feet dry.

Personal Items

* Bring both prescription and over-the-counter medications as needed. These can be hard to find and expensive when traveling internationally.
* Carry-on travelers can avoid liquids and gels by taking toothpowder not toothpaste, bar soap shampoo, antiseptic towelettes, solid deodorant and solid sunscreen.


TSA recognized lock

Though the TSA electronically screens all baggage, there are still times when they need to physically examine a piece of luggage. Your best bet to avoid having your luggage lock cut is by using only locks accepted by the TSA. These locks can be opened by security officers using universal master keys or codes without damaging the lock. Look for packaging or product descriptions that indicate the lock is "TSA recognized."
Tips on Electronics

* Before leaving home, check with your cell phone provider about coverage and charges. Consider upgrading to an international plan for your trip.
* It is important is to take the right converter and adapter. A converter changes the current. An adapter lets American plugs fit foreign outlets.
* Do not put undeveloped film in checked baggage. Ask for a hand inspection to avoid damage from screening.
* Carry-on digital cameras and image storage cards, while not harmed by x-rays, should be carried on rather than checked.
* Label your electronics (e.g., computer or camera) to avoid mix-ups or if they get lost.
* Keep a list of serial numbers with you and at home for insurance purposes in case of theft.

Special Instructions for Batteries

* Batteries are NOT allowed in your checked luggage. They are a fire hazard per the TSA.
* You are allowed to carry batteries in your carry-on because fire extinguishers are onboard.
* Keep batteries in the original packaging to prevent activation or short-circuiting, or place tape over the terminals.
* Do not let a loose battery come in contact with metal objects like coins, jewelry or keys.

Tips for Adventure Travelers

* Stuff sacks are a great way to sort your gear. Use different sizes and colors to differentiate contents.
* Weatherproof your pack by bringing a daypack rain cover or using a small, sturdy garbage bag as a pack liner.

Packing Smart Checklist

Your packing needs will vary by your trip destination, duration and personal comfort level, so vary this checklist accordingly.
Clothing/Footwear

* 2 to 5 shirts
* 1 or 2 long-sleeve shirts
* Lightweight, micro-fleece jacket
* Lightweight, water-resistant jacket with hood
* 2 pairs of lightweight, quick-drying pants
* Belt

* Swimsuit
* 3 to 5 pairs of quick-drying underwear
* 3 to 5 pairs of socks
* Shoes (see tips)
* Sandals for warm climates
* Hat (to block the sun/rain or keep you warm)

Women’s Considerations

* A long skirt (a reversible skirt adds versatility)
* Sarong or shawl (doubles as a skirt or dress)
* Black dress that can be dressed up or down
* A head covering, especially for Islamic countries

* A belt or scarf to accessorize
* Sanitary products
* Makeup



Personal Items

* Passport
* Money
* Eyewear
* Prescription and OTC medications
* Shampoo and conditioner
* Deodorant
* Toothbrush and toothpaste
* Dental floss

* Razor
* Comb or brush
* Soap
* Sunscreen
* Lip balm
* Sunglasses
* Small first-aid kit

Other Considerations

* High-viscose towel and washcloth
* Water bottle (collapsible is best; keep empty for airport security)
* Sleeping bag liner (required at most hostels)
* Insect repellent
* Alarm clock (or use your wristwatch or cell phone)
* Student ID for student discounts
* Earplugs
* Hair dryer (check with your hotel first)
* Nail clippers, file and tweezers
* Toilet paper or tissue
* Baby wipes (to freshen up)
* Hand sanitizer
* Flip-flops (for the shower or beach)

* Maps
* Reading materials (paperback is best)
* Rubber sink stopper (for doing laundry in sinks)
* Duct tape
* Address list (for sending postcards)
* Sewing kit
* Collapsible umbrella
* Small pack for short day trips
* Carabiner (to hang items from your pack)
* Plastic zip bags
* Compass

Electronics

* These are best placed in your carry-on or personal bag. Remember: The less you bring, the less you have to worry about losing or having stolen.
* Cell phone
* Cell phone charger
* Camera with media-storage device
* MP3 player
* Calculator (a feature of many cell phones)
* Lanyard (for your camera or cell phone)
* Adapter (lets American plugs fit international outlets)
* Converter (converts convert to electronic devices; for example, 110V on American devices to 220V common on European devices) - Guatemala is 110.