Simple but fashionable tops and bottoms for globetrotters
Ultra-light packing is traveling with no more than 15 lbs, including your backpack. Don’t think it’s possible? Check out this awesome example of 2 months distilled down to 13lbs of packing – and that includes camera gear and a laptop!
Want to make this happen your next trip? Here are a few things to keep in mind when traveling and packing Ultra Light.
PICK THE RIGHT BAG
The first place to start shedding weight is the backpack. Since you won’t be packing that much, you’ll want something compact, simple, light and durable. Skip the bulky travel bags with tons of compartments, you won’t need them.
Go small
Pick a small-ish bag that will serve your needs and force you to consider how much you pack. The smaller the bag, the more considerate you’ll have to be about what you bring along. Be careful though, pick something too small, and you may end up with an overstuffed bag with items that are hard to reach and unorganized. It’ll end up being a huge mess. The perfect bag will fit all of your gear, with a little extra room for something you pick up along the way and have everything neatly organized and easily assessable
Merino and me
If you’re going to go Ultra Light, you’ll have to reduce items like T-shirts, socks and underwear down to two or three. Unbound Merino’s wool is antibacterial and odor controlling and will help you reduce items while minimizing laundry days. Check out men’s and women's merino wool shirts, socks and underwear for a light, fresh alternative to the average travel clothing.
Pack like it's a two-day trip
This is me, Patti, the Diva adding my two-cents here: I pretty much follow this rule even when going on a ship because I never send my bag through when flying, especially to catch a ship. But obviously I can't pack two days worth for a two-week or longer cruise. So I actually put together enough clothes for one week. Sometimes if my garments are light enough (like merino or silks are) I can stuff a few more items in.
Always question yourself before cramming you bags with stuff. Ask yourself if you really need this and that. Chances are you don't and that you'll be carrying it back home unused.
When traveling to colder climes, layer. Pack technical fabrics that are insulators but are light weight.
Find lighter alternatives to traditionally heavy items like womens merino wool long sleeve shirt, sweatpants, womens merino leggings, and merino hoodies.
Be color creative
Women should go for easy to coordinate colors like black or grey (check out merino wool dresses), monochrome merino wool tank top and leggings. Men might want mix-and-match wardrobe from merino tees, shorts and wool button-downs.
