Written by Krysia Hepatica
Buying and Marketing Manager
I don’t want to brag or anything, but I pride myself on being an expert in traveling light. I managed to travel to Paris for 10 days and only brought a carry-on. Getting everything I bought back home was a bit trickier, but manageable! I know, you are probably thinking, well, sure if I left half of the stuff I wanted to bring behind, I could pack light too. Not the case! I am in no way, shape, or form skimping on my essential luxuries when I am heading to the Fashion Capital of the World! Packing light is about choosing the right items to pack and being efficient.
TSA Approved
I am a self-proclaimed skin care addict. I blame my mother. She was always buying the newest skin care products from one of cosmetic counters at Hudson’s when I was growing up. I have a specific product for every use, like Kiehl’s Avocado Eye Cream for the morning, and a different product at night. Of course, traveling with large, clunky skin care products is a pain, and against the TSA regulations. But, I manage to fit everything I need into my TSA approved 3-1-1 bag because I fill several small 0.5 to 3 ounce containers with all of my favorite things.
Luggage
I have a few pieces of rolling luggage I alternate using depending on just how minimalist I can be. Most airlines require your carry-on to be 22” or less.
My current favorite is The North Face Rolling Thunder. It’s small, a mere 19”, but a work horse. The rugged exterior can handle the perils of travel and being tossed into all potential modes of transportation, planes, trains, and automobiles.The pull handle glides smoothly and is designed so smartly that when it’s full, it stays upright; it does not tip over. It also has a concealed zippered pocket on the top that I put a small umbrella in and just leave there, because getting caught in a downpour may make your trip slightly less than fantastic.
Fo my personal bag, I usually carry an urban backpack, or an oversized black tote. Both fit my flying essentials:
- Makeup bag
- Earbuds
- Eye mask for in-flight napping
- Kindle or book
- Snacks
How To Pack
I usually wear my heaviest shoes and layers on the plane so I don’t have to carry them, and let’s be honest, the plane is usually freezing cold! The bulkiest items I am not wearing on the plane get rolled as small as possible. It sounds counter-intuitive, but rolling causes less wrinkling than folding. The exception, of course, being business suits.* I then start filling them into the perimeter of the suitcase, and put shoes in the middle stacking as flat as I can. I then place everything else in any open spaces; it’s like Tetris for travel!
Accessories
I also always fit in a pack towel because if you do any wash in the hotel sink, wringing the item out in the microfiber towel will cut down significantly on drying time.
If you are going to another country, you may need to bring along adapter plugs so you can use your electronic devices. You may or may not need a converter (converts 220 to 110 volts). If you are bringing electronics like a smartphone or laptop, your charging cord probably accepts both wattage (double check!) But if you are bringing a hairdryer, or other small appliance you will need a converter.
If you are bringing bulky items that won’t be useless if wrinkled like a down jacket, compression bags are awesome.
Again, rolling your white dress shirt or suit* will wrinkle it into oblivion, so use a packing folder to keep it pressed.
Little Luxuries
If you are away from home on business, you may want to bring a few comforts. Lole makes a wonderful travel yoga mat if you can’t image skipping practice. It’s thin and lightweight and meant for use on a carpeted hotel floor.
A small scented candle can also make it homey. I love Voluspa’s Pomegranate Blood Orange for a fresh and uplifting fragrance.
Don’t forget to pack your Joshua Tree’s Shimmer Lip Balm, made with natural and organic ingredients. It has a hint of tint and shimmer while still hydrating your lips.
Bivouac specializes in travel apparel and equipment. Whether you are hiking Peru or sightseeing in Europe, you can find everything you need and expert staff to help outfit your adventure.