A Tour of My Backpack

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What's Inside. Why I Chose It. What I Use. 

People have been asking me for packing tips since I have started my travel adventures. What to pack? How much to pack? What type of bag to use? How to store it all? These are the typical questions that I get. And with my two week trip coming to a close, I figured I would give you a tour of what a typical packing list includes for me and how I pack it all.



When I was ready for a new travel backpack, I chose the Kelty Redwing 50, which has since changed its model since I bought it. It still offers the same features, but the style is just a bit different. It is less bulky looking. I absolutely love this backpack because of the fact that it almost zips completely open like a suitcase. Yes! That means instead of normal top loading backpacks where you need to take everything out to access something at the bottom, you can just unzip it and get the stuff you need. I also love that you can tighten or loosen it. When my backpack is full, I loosen it so that way it can expand, and vise versa when it doesn't have much in it. And while the backpack comes with a metal rod and plastic back to keep upright, it is removable if you are worried about weight restrictions.

The only thing that I am concerned about is that it is a bit too tall for standard carry on size. But in order to avoid checking it, I always make sure to not completely stuff my bag so that way when the measure the size I can squish it down. But even when I have completely stuffed it, no one has questioned its size since most airlines forget to check backpack sizes and focus mainly on suitcases.

Packing for Two Weeks

For my two week trip in Eastern and Central Europe, I managed to fit all of the following clothing items in my backpack and I still had plenty of room. Because it was summer, I chose light clothing items that didn't take up much space, which left a lot of free room.


Because the items were so light and it was only a two week trip, I brought enough clothes for every day. In the winter I normally don't do this because clothes are bulkier and take up more space. But in the summer, I bring as much as possible since it's hot and I get sweaty.

I then placed all of my clothing items in packing cubes. I like the ones that I bough from Ikea because they're inexpensive and they are different sizes which helps me organize. I always add a few plastic bags as I go to separate the clean and dirty clothes.


After packing my clothes, I look at what supplies I will need. Whenever I stay in a hotel, I use their soaps to save my own, and if I find any extras, I take and use those for future travel. I also have a lot of items that are dedicated for travel only, so those stay in my backpack at all times, making this process quick and easy.


When I travel I always bring the minimum. Of course I bring some basic items that I may need, such as tissues. Otherwise everything else has a purpose. I count out how many makeup remover pads I will need so that way I am not traveling with anything extra. I usually bring my iPad, but since I am currently researching my thesis, I made sure to bring books instead for those long train rides.

I love to keep my items organized in pouches as I go. So after going through all the items that I will need. I place them in pouches to make organization much easier on the road. With this system I never forget anything in hotels or hostels. I either place those items in my purse or in my backpack.


Once done, I just add my shoes last minute which I always keep in plastic bags to not dirty my backpack and keep it smelling fresh as long as possible. I will sometimes add a dryer sheet too just to keep it clean. For this trip I brought two pairs of sandals and one pair so small sneakers since I was going on a hike.

Of course this is my travel style, and I fall partially in the minimalist style since I don't bring anything unnecessary and choose just to put a light amount of makeup on. This varies between traveler and you need to find what works for you. But usually, you only need half of what you think you need. I hope this helps some of you considering the backpack over the suitcase or how to pack for two weeks.