So, you’ve decided to pack a backpack. Maybe you’re gearing up for a grand adventure in the wilderness, a Euro summer, or simply heading to work with everything you need for the office. Whatever your journey, packing a backpack can be an art form. With a few clever tricks up your sleeve (and in your pack), these packing hacks will help you maximize space and your sanity wherever you are headed.
Roll with It
First things first: if you’re still folding your clothes, we need to talk. Rolling clothes not only saves space, but it also prevents wrinkles. Roll them tight and neat like you’re making tiny burritos. Plus, it’s oddly satisfying to see your clothes turn into tidy little logs.
Take a Removable Closet
A removable closet? In a backpack? Welcome to a new world of packing efficiency. The Venture backpack from Solgaard comes with our signature Flow Closet, designed to bring order to chaotic backpacks. The removable closet compartmentalizes your stuff, making it easy to locate your favorite socks without having to dump everything out. It’s like having drawers inside your backpack. You’ll wonder how you ever lived without one.
Assume you’ll need more space
We’ve all been there, you think you have the perfect amount of rolled-up clothes but then realize you forgot a jacket. Or you see the perfect vintage shirt you can’t leave without. We’re often flying home with mysteriously more stuff than we left with and this is where adaptable backpacks can save you. Both the Atlas Rolltop and the Venture have expandable features to give you more storage capacity leaving you with extra room for more important things, like snacks.
Shoe-stuffing
It’s great to travel in the only shoes you’ll need but sometimes an extra pair becomes unavoidable. And shoes can be the ultimate space hogs. With a little creativity, they can also be your secret weapon. Don’t let that empty shoe space go to waste: stuff with socks, underwear, or other small items. Not only does this maximize space, but it also helps your shoes keep their shape. It’s a win-win.
Pack Heaviest Items Closest to Your Back
Place your heaviest items, like laptops or thick books, as close to your back as possible. This improves balance and reduces strain, making your backpack feel lighter. All Solgaard backpacks keep your laptop close with cozy fleece-lined pockets.
Seal Liquids
There’s nothing worse than opening your backpack to find your shampoo has turned everything into a soapy mess. Avoid this disaster by storing all your liquids in a sealed plastic bag. Not only does this prevent leaks, but it also makes going through airport security a breeze.
Multi-purpose Friends
When space is at a premium, multipurpose items are your best friend such as a sarong that can double as a blanket, towel, or skirt. The fewer single-use items you have, the more room you’ll save for things that truly matter, like… more snacks.
Pockets, pockets, pockets
Backpacks come with pockets for a reason – use them! Stash frequently used items like your phone, keys, or snacks in the outer pockets. This way, you won’t have to perform a backpack autopsy every time you need something. All Solgaard backpacks have sneakily hidden zippered pockets in the back to keep valuables safe.
Bonus Tips
Embrace Minimalism
Remember, you don’t need to pack your entire wardrobe. Embrace minimalism. Pack versatile clothes that can mix and match. This not only saves space but also mental energy when deciding what to wear.
Use a Packing List
Create a packing list to avoid throwing in random items at the last minute. It helps to check off items as you pack them, giving you a satisfying sense of accomplishment.
Plan for Laundry
If your trip is longer than a few days, plan to do laundry. Packing a small, portable laundry kit allows you to bring fewer clothes and reuse them. It’s eco-friendly, space-saving, and your back will thank you.
Long Story Short...
These eight packing hacks should transform your backpack from a chaotic mess into a streamlined wonder. Wherever you’re going, these tips will help you pack smarter, not harder. Your future self will thank you!
