With our trip to Orlando in just under six-weeks the subject of packing in firmly in my mind. I know right, it's well too early for that business but everyone starts to consider what they might take, a while before they go. Guys, guys...? Last week I worked on a travel piece for Reiss' blog , a "What's In My Weekend Bag" post if you will.
As I've been traveling with work a lot this year I've started to nail down some proper packing steez, becoming a increasingly light packer. I chatted to the guys from Reiss about my packing tips, warm weather outfits and where I'd love to visit next:
Where in the world is your dream destination?
I’m very keen to continue my exploration of America, as I’ve only
just started to scratch the surface. Last year I visited Savannah, GA,
which was one of the most fascinating places I’ve ever been to. I’d love
to visit Japan, to experience a totally different culture to what I
have been used to. Their enthusiasm for life, attitude towards
innovations, street culture and traditions are something that really
interests me very much. I would also love to visit Iceland, Belgium,
China and Russia.
How do you go about packing your bag?
My first rule is only take what you need. I start with deciding what items of clothing to take, making sure each item works with the others, so there’s no wasted space. I pack shoes first, placing socks and underwear neatly inside them, next packing electrical and other bits around them. All my clothing is neatly folded (the roll technique doesn’t work for me), and siting on top of them is books and magazines, which keeps things secure.
I make sure my washbag is in a separate compartment, to avoid any leaking issues. I never pack without “portable snacks” too, and I’m perpetually hungry. Nuts and dried fruit are always in there, as well as my gym kit, just in case.
My first rule is only take what you need. I start with deciding what items of clothing to take, making sure each item works with the others, so there’s no wasted space. I pack shoes first, placing socks and underwear neatly inside them, next packing electrical and other bits around them. All my clothing is neatly folded (the roll technique doesn’t work for me), and siting on top of them is books and magazines, which keeps things secure.
I make sure my washbag is in a separate compartment, to avoid any leaking issues. I never pack without “portable snacks” too, and I’m perpetually hungry. Nuts and dried fruit are always in there, as well as my gym kit, just in case.
On my next holiday I’ll be wearing…
Short sleeve pastel colour shirts, stripe t-shirts, soft cotton chino shorts, Ray-Ban Wayfarers and Nike or Jack Purcell trainers. Classic cargo shorts are something I’ve gotten into recently too, they’re practical with all their pockets but can work well with a plain t-shirt or short sleeve shirt. They were my go-to shorts last year, and they’re great for storing a digital camera in!
I’ve got a shaved head so hats are important too, this year my choice of hat will be either a bucket hat or a soft cotton baseball cap.
Short sleeve pastel colour shirts, stripe t-shirts, soft cotton chino shorts, Ray-Ban Wayfarers and Nike or Jack Purcell trainers. Classic cargo shorts are something I’ve gotten into recently too, they’re practical with all their pockets but can work well with a plain t-shirt or short sleeve shirt. They were my go-to shorts last year, and they’re great for storing a digital camera in!
I’ve got a shaved head so hats are important too, this year my choice of hat will be either a bucket hat or a soft cotton baseball cap.
I’d describe my holiday style as…
A mixture of simple street and sportswear I think would describe it
quite well. It’s always hard to define these things, but when I’m on
holiday I tend to dress for comfort without shying away from colour. Not
necessarily bright colours, but rather mixing patterns and textures
with classic tailored pieces; for example I’d pair a short sleeved
Oxford shirt with camouflage shorts.
I try to wear outfits that I can wear all day, without having to smarten up at night time. A button-down shirt, shorts and trainers is my ideal ensemble. The shorts need to have room for my camera, as I’m never without one
I try to wear outfits that I can wear all day, without having to smarten up at night time. A button-down shirt, shorts and trainers is my ideal ensemble. The shorts need to have room for my camera, as I’m never without one
I never really understood the whole 'rolling your clothes to make them fit' thing, In my opinion folding works much better!
ReplyDeleteYou sound super organised! I am definitely a pack the night before and realise you have forgotten halfthe things you need sort of a person - the number of times I have had to buy a toothbrush at the airport is getting silly!
ReplyDeleteLove the way you pack and your holiday style. Very very nice :)
ReplyDeleteI'm an over packer, and that was even before the kids. I hate the thought of forgetting anything or being unprepared. It's awful and I'm starting to learn to just take what I need and wing it now, as my kids stuff now takes up most of the room. Love your packing so neat, but than it's that golden rule of only taking what you need :)
ReplyDeleteI'm an organised overpacker! I tend to be quite methodical in my packing, but I always tend to pack the odd few bits in extra just in case!
ReplyDeleteSaskia / girlinbrogues.com
Since I'm currently traveling for months on end now, packing light is so so important. Especially when you have to carry all that weight around with you!
ReplyDelete{Teffy's Perks} X
this is really interesting! i'm very interested in the concept of packing light//minimalism and am always curious to see how others interpret it (although that should be a boston red sox hat, not an atlanta braves!)
ReplyDeleteLittle Blue Backpack
I love that bag!
ReplyDeletewww.agoprime.it
Great post! I am so bad when it comes to packing, i always end up taking too much. Definitely have the Kevin Mcallister-like fear towards packing. Great post!
ReplyDeleteMy packing rule is to halve the clothes and double the money! I pretty much wear the same outfit everyday when I travel, I like to pack light as possible.
ReplyDeleteThese photos are fantastic, and found this so interesting! Always like hearing tips and ideas for traveling light. That bag looks like something Gabe would like:)
ReplyDeleteI love curated packing images.
ReplyDeleteI want to go to Japan too. I think it would be neat because it's so different from what we know. But in true rebel form, North Korea and Cuba are at the top of my list.
I'm excited for your Florida trip! I know you guys love it there. :)
I'm leaving for vacay in 2 weeks, and in attempt to hone in on minimalism, I've resolved to only take a carry on. Please pray. haha
i used to overpack like crazy but i've learned to be a light packer. it wasn't easy though! i felt like i needed everything! and i'm with you on wanting to visit japan, iceland and russia! (i used to be a huge braves fan in the early nineties btw - hehe)
ReplyDeleteGreat post! It was interesting to hear how you pack, you seem very organised. I agree with you on the Iceland front, it's definitely on the top of my list, as is Finland, Sweden and Denmark.
ReplyDeleteI used to be a serious over-packer! Before me and my boyfriend lived together and I used to stop at his for one night I used to take three holdalls full of stuff just in case! Not sure what catastrophe I was preparing for! Having friends that live scattered about has meant more travelling though so gradually I've got better as I have to carry a bag for long periods so don't want it to be too heavy. I still find I take more than I need though, for some reason I always take double the amount of pants that I need, 5 types of moisturisers and 3 types of lip balm, I'm a major worrier by nature and these are the things I'd hate to be without!
(P.S. I love that Reiss bag, and hope you got to keep it! :) )
hey mike hope u r doing fine! :) well imma backpacker traveler?? i hate roller luggage so much so so much hahaha n plus i just have so much things to carry on hand so feel like carrying the bag is not a good option for me. to answer ur Q i guess i always n need to be n overpacker yet organised as a hijab girl like me just couldnt simply bring short n singlet hahaha everything needs to be layered n covered hahaha well somehow u just need to play the mix n match very well lorh..just sharing :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post Matt! Lovely shots :)
ReplyDeletePackaging in the right way is art! I'm a mess, I always take many things "just in case"... Your bag is really nice!
ReplyDelete