Lost’s Ultimate Packing Light Guide

Pack light.

Seriously.

Don’t break your backs, arms, or anything else dragging around things you don’t need while you’re trying to enjoy your vacation. You’re there for a good time, not a workout.

It did occur to me, though, that packing light was something I had to learn, and it is therefore a skill that can be taught. If you’re the type of person who packs for a weekend city getaway as though you’re preparing for the apocalypse, this guide is for you.

I’ve tried to make this as vague yet specific as possible, and I know that sounds ludicrous but hear me out. Instead of saying ‘pack x amount of -” I will let you judge your dressing and grooming habits for yourself, and give you some helpful tips as to how to judge yourself on that matter; just in case that’s a habit you need to learn like I did.

P.S. This list doesn’t apply to backpackers. They need to think about a lot more than hotel goers.

Let’s go!

#1. Clothes

How many times a day do you change a day? Not if you have a stain on your shirt or if something happens to spill, just a regular, normal day. Unless you live in a Downton Abbey-esque life, you probably only wear one set of clothes a day; two if you count Pjs. Pack accordingly. If you’re travelling for a week, pack seven to eight of everything except underwear. Pack three extra pairs of those. One or two sets of pjs a week will do, plus one nice outfit just in case you decide to go out somewhere fancy.

#2. Shoes

You really only need three pairs. One set for walking, one set that goes with your fancy outfit, and one seasonal set if it differs from your walking pair. Think flip flops if you’re headed to a tropical destination, wellies if you’re headed somewhere marshy.

#3. Hygiene

Floss, toothbrush and paste, deodorant, a comb or brush, a bar of soap, shampoo, and pads/tampons for those of us who need them, and you’re set. If you decide to bring the travel sized versions of these items, make sure you have enough to last the entire trip. Tiny shampoo bottles will usually give 3-5 uses, and that’s generous. Personally, I bring full sizes of all of these items because I’m either not away long enough to bother fiddling with the tiny ones, or am away too long for them to last the entire trip. That, and I put a premium on cleanliness. Think about it, would you rather be near a person who doesn’t have the nicest clothes but smells clean, or someone in a thousand dollar dress but who reeks to high heaven?

#4. Non-Hygenocentric Grooming

I have to put this in a separate category because for some reason some people got it into their heads that makeup and shaving constitutes hygiene. They do not. You can be perfectly hygienic with hair anywhere on your body, and you can be perfectly hygienic without wearing an ounce of makeup.

That said, should you wish to bring these items, there’s a simple guide for that too. Bring a disposable razor that’s a week old, that way it will still be sharp without being so sharp that you’ll cut yourself, and a travel sized version (Unless you shave every day, then maybe size or quantity accordingly) of whichever shaving cream you prefer. Enough to last the trip, no more, no less. As for makeup, take only what you need for a ‘natural’ look (that should go with most of your outfits) , or the look you intent to use for your fancy outfit.

If you are planning to go out for a fancy evening you may also wish to bring a small bottle or container of your favourite hair styling product. Make sure you know how to use it before you go! Personally I also choose to bring nail clippers. They’re handy for if you buy something and you want to cut the tag off. You may also wish to bring a bottle of your favourite pain killers. I put a premium on comfort, too.

#5. Electronics

Try not to bring your laptop unless you need it for work. Bring your cell phone, it’s charger, headphones, a mobile battery pack, and it’s charger. This applies for weekend and month long trips. It’s all the same.

#6. Books

Before you come at me, yes, books are a necessity! I told you I put a premium on both cleanliness and comfort. Books are both of those things for the mind. If you’ve an e-reader, bring that and it’s charger, and stuff it full of your favourite books, same goes for audiobooks and before you come at me again, absolutely they count! If you’ve not got that sort of tech, pick something that, for your reading level, is lengthy enough to keep you for the trip but not so complex to keep you from enjoying it. For me, that’s anything by Stephen E. Ambrose, Andrej Sapkowski, or George R. R. Martin. Choose well and you’ll only need to bring one.

There you have it! Usually for a week long trip I don’t require much more than a duffle bag with those guidelines. For weekends I can usually get away with my backpack.

Wash your hands, wear a mask, and stay safe gentle reader.