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How to Pack Like a Pro

4/18/2018

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How to Pack Like a Pro: Minimalist Packing with Style; Packing Tips; How to Pack Everything You Need in a Carry On
How to Pack Like a Pro: Minimalist Packing with Style
We recently had the pleasure of spending 10 days in China and 4 days in Seattle. We have grown to detest checking luggage and now bring only carry on luggage. This forces us to pack a minimal wardrobe, but we still enjoy dressing stylishly. Here's everything we packed for two weeks in Shanghai, Beijing, and Seattle.

Photography and Videography Must-Haves; How to Pack Like a Pro
Our Photography and Videography Must-Haves
Carolyn Wore:
​
black newsboy-style hat
solid black dress
black leggings
socks and underclothes
Cole Haan ZeroGrand waterproof lightweight hiking boots
​leather hooded coat (mine is purple, which I love, because it gives me a pop of color)
Leggings are super-versatile! Wear them under a dress to keep your legs warm or wear them as pj's! Plus they take up very little space. Pack like a pro!
Leggings are super-versatile!
Love this small, square Cole Haan toiletries bag! The perfect size for all my travel essentials! Pack Like a Pro
This toiletries bag is just the right size!
In Carolyn's Backpack:
​1 pair of black eel skin ankle boots
​1 pair of flip flops
1 shawl (great for on the plane/train/bus)

1 black dress with floral pattern
1 black lightweight blazer-style jacket
14 pairs of socks
14 pairs of underwear
​2 bras
1 bikini
1 outfit for pajamas (shirt and jeggings)
2 pairs of leggings (SO versatile; wear them under a dress to keep your legs warm or wear them as pj's)
1 pair of black shorts
1 pair of blue jeans
1 denim skirt
4 shirts that could be mixed and matched with a number of bottoms
1 Columbia rain jacket
small Cole Haan toiletries bag
mucus relief and stool softener (trust me, you'll be glad you have them)
GoPro and stabilizer stick
In Carolyn's Purse:
Passport case with passport, credit/debit cards, driver license
Makeup bag with essentials (lip balm, powder, concealer)
Fresh wipes
​Wired headphones

Medicine case
Sunglasses
Cell phone charger
Spiral-bound journal and pen
Tissues
Cough drops

Carolyn's Packing Tips:
1. Pack socks inside your extra shoes. It will save space and keep your shoes from getting smashed.
2. Pack underwear in ziplock baggies and press the air out.
3. Every single piece of clothing needs to be dual-purpose / mix-n-match appropriate. Versatility is key.
4. Plan to wear layers so that you are ready for all types of weather.
Travel Essentials; what's in my purse; sunglasses, RFID blocking passport case, charger, OTC medicines, makeup basics, fresh wipes, notebook and pen
What's in my purse? This (plus a couple other things).

Marvin Wore:
button up shirt
fitted jogging pants
​socks and underclothes
tan lace up shoes

In Marvin's Backpack:
gray lace up shoes
Croc flip flops
5 button up shirts

5 under shirts
2 t-shirts for pj's
2 pairs of blue jeans
1 pair of swim trunks
14 pairs of underwear
14 pairs of socks
Nikon camera, additional lens, 2 extra batteries, charger, and extra memory card
Coach toiletries bag
Vitamin C, Benadryl, Tums, and Ibuprofen (again, you'll be happy you have them)
1 Columbia rain jacket
1 Columbia down coat (this easily packs into a small pouch, saving valuable space)

powered laundry detergent (to do laundry at our B&B in Seattle)
In Marvin's Leather Briefcase:
Leather journal and pen
Beats by Dre Pro
Cough drops
Lotion
Tissues
Marvin's Packing Tips:
1. Roll all clothing to maximize space.
2. If you have packed your bag and run out of space for everything, unpack and repack. Chances are, you'll find a way to fit everything.
3. When packing your backpack, keep your heaviest items closest to your back. Put the lightest-weight items on top.


Please note that we each take exactly two pairs of shoes - wearing one and packing the other - plus flip flops to use as shower shoes. This has been one of the hardest things for me, as I love, love, LOVE shoes. But I wear my stylish, super-comfy waterproof hikers pretty much everywhere so that I am ready for anything. I bring one pair of dressier shoes (in this case, ankle boots) so that I can dress up when it's appropriate. For this trip Marvin brought two pairs of shoes in the same style but in different colors so that he could change up his look and still have comfortable, versatile shoes. Since then, he has found some fantastic, snazzy waterproof hikers. For our 7-week trip to Europe starting next month, he will wear the hikers on a daily basis and take something a bit dressier as his extra pair of shoes.

For longer trips, we use larger (approx. 48L) backpacks. For shorter trips, like our upcoming 4-day San Diego excursion, we'll take day packs. Our packing list for San Diego will be closer to this.

Also note that we do NOT use packing cubes. Packing everything into backpacks requires us to use every available nook and cranny, and packing cubes are just not conducive for this. Do you use packing cubes? Do you find them useful or no?


*While affiliate links are included and we will receive a small commission should you decide to purchase any of these products, these are all products we use and love. If you like our blog, please help support us by purchasing through the links we've provided. Thanks, all!

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    explorations' RV, Travel, & Lifestyle Blog

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    Carolyn 
    ​Barnes

    The daughter of an English teacher, Carolyn has been an avid reader and writer from an early age.  She decided to chronicle the exquisitEXPLORATIONS journey through a travel and RV lifestyle blog, full of RV-related tips and stories of their travel adventures. As a mom and dog mom, her focus has shifted slightly to include both pet-friendly and kid-friendly places to go and things to do.


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