Traveling with a backpack in many ways allows you freedoms you will not find if you are burdened with conventional luggage. Backpacking affords you the ability to travel swiftly and lightly especially with bus and train travel. Here are some useful backpacking tips to help you go to light travel without compromising your needs.

Write it down. Make detailed lists of everything you plan to bring. That way you can easily see if you’ve allotted 3 pairs of pants for a 2-day trip. Note everything including socks and underwear and then stick to your list when packing.

The backpack. When you are packing things into a backpack, place the lighter items at the bottom and the heavier ones on top. Your bag will feel lighter this way as the pack rests on your lower back. It is also smart to place the things you use the most on top. Dirty clothes are perfect to pack at the bottom of a backpack. Rolling your clothing can help minimise creases and help you pack everything to maximize limited space.

Pack outside your bag. Before you actually pack your things, pile everything you plan to bring on your bed or dresser. This is your opportunity to eye your clothes and cull a few more items.

Bring plastic bags. It is always handy to have a few plastic bags around certain items, especially toiletries. Not only does it counter any leaking, the bags can also come in useful to keep dirty clothes in, as garbage bags.