Packing Light Part 1 – Clothing

This blog post is the first of three posts to get you started on packing light.
When designing my packing light system, I started thinking about clothing from two perspectives 1) what’s the lightest, most compact version that will work and 2) could I put together a clothing system that provided me with what I needed and no more?

I realized that I had some great clothing alternatives already in my wardrobe – fitness and hiking clothes, lightweight long underwear, lightweight jacket and rainwear. After reading a few blogs (there is a lot of good information out there), I developed my own list. Fair warning – if you are a fashionista, this blog isn’t for you. I want comfortable, serviceable clothes and am less concerned about being fashionable or looking my best. I am trying to see the world, not be seen by the world.

Underwear – I invested in 3 pair of Ex-Officio underwear and one Ex-Officio camisole. Although pricy, the Ex-Officio products wash out easily in the sink or shower and are dry by the next morning. I have another lightweight modal Jockey camisole that dries almost as quickly. For bras, I already had two lightweight, dry-wicking, unstructured bras that would work most of the time. Again, these garments dry overnight. This sure beats the dozen pairs I used to bring when traveling.

Sleepwear – I have a set of Lands’ End lightweight long underwear that doubles as sleepwear in cooler temperatures and a super lightweight pair of shorts and sleeveless top for summer. No need to have specific sleepwear. The lightweight long underwear can go under pants or tops as needed to provide an additional layer.

Layers, Layers, Layers – Speaking of layers, they are the key to any travel clothing system. Rather than packing a bulky, heavy sweater, instead wear your long underwear top or merino wool base layer, followed by a long sleeve top, and then heavier shirt or fleece. If it gets warmer, you can just peel off the layers.

Tops – I use dry-wicking, quick drying fitness/hiking shirts. The temperature at your destination will dictate whether you focus on long sleeve or short sleeve. Even if it is warm, one long sleeve is nice. Ex-Officio and other brands have long sleeve, button-down, lightweight hiking shirts. These can be paired with a short sleeve shirt to provide a little warmth or protection from sun or insects. In cooler weather, the same button-down shirt over a lighter long sleeve shirt and topped by a fleece can provide lightweight warmth. Merino wool tee shirts (long or short sleeve) are another great alternative. Merino wool is itch free, breathable, and comfortable year-round. It also doesn’t pick up odors as easily as synthetics. The beauty of using lightweight clothes is that they can be washed out in the sink mid trip without too much effort. Because of this, you only need a maximum of 4 – 5 tops in some combination of long-sleeve and short sleeve.

Bottoms – Again, fitness clothing is the key. Lightweight hiking pants and capris, yoga pants, and opaque leggings all work well. I have one pair of EMS Isabella pants in black that are a little dressier looking and when coupled with a tee shirt and my button-down shirt, make a reasonably presentable outfit when needed. I won’t win any fashion awards, but my clothes are clean and comfortable. I often wear a pair of lightweight skinny jeans on the plane/train. That way I have my beloved jeans without sacrificing packing space.

Jackets – This is an area that is very temperature specific. Over the years, I invested in the following pieces: 1) a lightweight down jacket with a hood that compresses to a small pouch, 2) a lightweight goretex rain coat that compresses to a small pouch, 3) a lightweight thermal vest (not down, so it can get wet) that compresses to a small pouch (do you see a pattern here?), 4) a lightweight hoody, 5) a rain resistant ‘soft shell’ windbreaker, and 6) a very light rain shirt that packs down to nothing. Depending upon the weather, I take a combination of these. The rain coat or the softshell jacket, over the vest, over the hoody, over my other layers, can salvage a cold rainy day. In a very warm area, the light rain shirt will keep me somewhat dry in a moderate rain and keep the chill off at night. Don’t forget to add a lightweight hat and gloves if the weather might be chilly.

Shoes – I primarily travel with two pairs of shoes. The first is a pair of sturdy walking shoes (mine are Dansko) that give me the comfort of sneakers without looking like sneakers. These shoes are sturdy enough for a day of walking or a light hike and look fine with pants. I also add a pair of TEVA sandals, which are comfortable to walk in and work fine with pants, shorts, and a dress if I need one. I sometimes add (or substitute) a pair of flip flops, especially if I am going anywhere where I will be using a communal shower. If you really need a pair of dress up shoes, avoid heels and consider a pair of fold up ballerina style shoes. Just don’t walk very far in them. Occasionally, I will want my hiking boots, so I substitute them for the shoes. Although they are overkill for most sightseeing, my feet appreciate them on the trail if my travels include a lot of hiking. Wear your heaviest shoes on the plane.  

Socks – Don’t skimp on socks! Find dry-wicking or wool socks (even in summer) at a weight that works well with your shoes. Don’t use cotton. At least one pair should be ankle length for cold or rainy days. Three pairs should do. The dry-wicking socks will dry out faster than the wool.

 Other clothing – I often pack one very lightweight travel dress and either a lightweight sweater or pashmina. Occasionally the hiking clothes don’t cut it and this type of dress, even with the TEVA sandals can work. The pashmina or sweater can of course do double duty. Unless I absolutely know that I won’t need a bathing suit, I pack one. My recommendation is a good fitting two-piece suit that can double as a bra and underwear in a pinch, coupled with a long-sleeve sun/rash shirt. The shirt of course can be used as a layer if needed. If I know that I only will be using the hotel hot tub, I have an unstructured tank suit that covers all the essential parts.

When setting up your clothing list, remember that the quantity includes what you are wearing. Travel in your long pants, long sleeve shirt, shoes, and jacket to save space and weight. In other words, if you can’t lift it, wear it. You’ll avoid overweight bags this way as well.

See Packing Lights Parts 2 and 3 for information about Bags, Cubes, Toiletries and Other Stuff.