When it comes to a trip of any degree, it’s safe to say that almost everyone overpacks. It always seems simple, but you have to pack for every possible scenario! Even if you get better at limiting items, a camping trip can make things even more complicated.
On the other side of the coin, you don’t want to be underprepared for your camping trip. What if there are no showers and you get sweaty on the hike? What if it rains and you need dry clothes? What if you get sprayed by a skunk?!
These are all scenarios that have ran through my mind and caused me to overpack.
But here’s the thing about overpacking: it gets old immediately.
How frustrating is it when you get home from a trip, unpack, and realize you have a pile of items and clothes you didn’t use?
It seems that no matter how much we travel, we have a tendency to overpack. Sometimes it works out, but remember it’s also acceptable to re-wear certain items in order to be strategic with packing. Here are some simple tips I’ve learned in my camping career on how to pack efficiently:
- Think Ahead
During the week leading up to your trip, pay attention to what items you use and wear every day. Be conscientious of the minor things that are second nature to us, but may be easily overlooked when packing.
In addition, check the weather forecast for your location and try to dress similar to the climate through the week (if possible). Of course, if you live in South Florida and are traveling to Alaska, this would not be feasible. But this is something you can even do inside your home. It sounds silly, but it helps when deciding on clothes or outfits.
Also try packing throughout the week. I like to leave my gear out and gradually add to my backpack or suitcase as I think of items. I’m a visual person, so maybe making a list will work better for you.
Finally, try to categorize and focus on key items. In general, we should always have certain emergency tools no matter what.
Check out this article from REI about what to pack.
- Wear Your Favorite Outfit Twice
We all have a favorite outfit. One in particular came to your mind as soon as you read that, admit it. I usually have 3 favorite outfits at any given time. I like how I look in them and they’re versatile. I now have an excuse to wear them twice, so I’m going to take it.
This doesn’t have to be an entire outfit. You can plan to pack only 2 pairs of pants on your trip and alternate them. I personally packed 3 pairs of pants on my first trip out west and only wore 2 of them.
After every trip I take a picture of items used vs items not used. That way I can easily pack more efficiently.
If you plan on buying new clothes, think of items that are versatile. My wife and I both wear Patagonia Baggies quite a bit when we travel:
https://www.patagonia.com/product/mens-baggies-shorts-5-inch/57021.html
- Smarter Not Harder
A saying as old as time. I wonder if that means something…
Help yourself out. Camping isn’t easy. We all know our clothes will get cluttered, we know that our suitcase zipper will jam into a poorly folded shirt.
My wife recently purchased items for us that have been a game changer. I was hesitant at first, but ever since we started using packing cubes, packing has become SO much easier. We love being efficient!
https://www.rei.com/product/130065/rei-co-op-expandable-packing-cube-set-smallmediumlarge
It’s always important to avoid combining dirty clothes and clean clothes. The problem is, they often get tangled together and while we know that we’re camping and know it’s not the end of the world…we would prefer them to stay separate.
Simply use a trash bag to store your dirty clothes in. Nobody is going to see your suitcase. Nobody is going to judge you. It takes no weight and almost no space to pack.
Gradually put dirty clothes into the bag, spin the bag around to close it and voila! It doesn’t have to be fancy.
No smell, no dirty/clean confusion, and you’re being efficient.
We of course encourage that if you do use a trash bag, bring an extra and pick up any additional trash you may see while camping. We are always amazed at the amounts of trash our poor campgrounds and hiking trails accumulate.
Please don’t litter and always be efficient! Happy Camping!
Restless Soles 