How to Efficiently Pack Clothes into a Backpack

Try the army roll method for packing shirts. Lay your shirt flat on a surface and fold the bottom 6 inches (15 cm) inside out. Ensure the folded section is smooth and even. Next, fold one side of the shirt towards the middle, then fold the sleeve back over the folded portion. Repeat the process on the other side so the shirt becomes no more than 6 inches (15 cm) wide.

• Now, grab the collar and roll the shirt as tightly as possible until it's fully rolled up. Once done, use the inverted bottom portion to secure the rolled shirt.
• While rolling your clothes keeps them compact, it might cause a few more wrinkles compared to traditional folding.

Roll socks into compact bundles. Place two socks flat on a surface. Fold the top of each sock inward by about 2 inches (5.1 cm). Then, starting from the toes, tightly roll the socks together until they form a small bundle.

• Next, use the top part of the lower sock in the bundle to wrap around the rolled socks, creating a neat package.

Roll underwear neatly for easy storage. Lay the underwear flat on a table. Flip the waistband over by approximately 3 inches (7.6 cm). Then, fold both edges toward the center so they are parallel to one another.

• Roll the bottom of the underwear up towards the waistband, and then use the folded section to wrap it into a tight, compact bundle.

Combine a shirt, underwear, and socks into a single compact bundle. Place the shirt flat on a surface. Then, add the folded underwear and two stacked socks to the center of the shirt. Fold the shirt’s bottom edge upwards by around 4 inches (10 cm).

• Fold both sides of the shirt inward to cover the underwear and socks.
• Roll the shirt up from the collar down as tightly as possible, using the inside-out section to secure everything into a neat bundle.

Fold a skirt carefully to prevent wrinkles. Unlike shirts or socks, a skirt doesn’t roll easily. However, folding it will help minimize wrinkles. Lay the skirt flat, fold it lengthwise, then in half. Place it in your bag’s side compartment where it will stay secure.

• If wrinkles do appear, a wrinkle spray can be used later for touch-ups.

Fold pants and shorts to keep them wrinkle-free. Since pants and shorts don’t roll well, it’s best to fold them traditionally. Hold the waistband, then fold the pants in half, aligning the back pockets. Lay them flat, fold the crotch area toward the center of the leg, and then fold the pants in half or thirds depending on the space available in your bag.

Use a clothing folder for neat and flat packing. A clothing folder is a mesh tool designed to help organize your clothes in a way that minimizes wrinkles. The folder typically comes with a folding board to assist in folding your clothing, making them compact and wrinkle-free.

• For example, lay a shirt face down on a flat surface, place the folding board over the shirt so it covers the collar. Then, fold the sleeves and sides over the board, and finally, fold the bottom of the shirt back onto the board. Once done, place the folded shirt into the clothing folder.

Arrange your items by weight. Spread all the items you plan to pack across a flat surface. Then, organize them from left to right, beginning with the lightest item and progressing to the heaviest.

• Take this opportunity to double-check that you’ve included everything, as forgetting an item could require you to unpack everything again.

Maximize space by utilizing the soles of shoes. Shoes are perfect for storing smaller items like socks, underwear, or even rolled-up shirts, keeping them safe and saving space in your bag for other things.

Place all lightweight items at the bottom of your bag. Store items like extra shoes, sleeping bags, and accessories you won't need often at the bottom of your bag.

• By putting light items at the bottom, they’ll compress when you place heavier items on top, maximizing space.

Store all heavy items like camping gear in the center of your bag. When packing for a camping trip, place essential supplies such as pots, pans, stoves, camping gear, and any electronics you can’t do without in the center of your bag. You’ll be accessing this section daily.

• By positioning these items in the middle, you ensure they are well-cushioned by the clothing at both the top and bottom of the bag.

Put medium-weight items at the top of the bag. The top of the bag is an area you’ll frequently access, so store items you need on a daily basis, such as hats, jackets, umbrellas, or extra layers depending on the weather.

• By placing these items at the top, you’ll be able to quickly grab what you need to protect yourself from the elements.

Consider a compression dry bag for your camping clothes. A compression dry bag is designed for camping and clothes storage, removing air from the bag when closed, maximizing available space.

• This bag also keeps your clothes dry, making it ideal for outdoor adventures like camping.

Use packing cubes for efficient clothing storage. Packing cubes are small zippered containers that help organize your clothes efficiently. Use the folding and rolling techniques discussed earlier to compress your clothing as much as possible before placing them inside the cubes.

• Think of packing your bag like a game of Tetris—there are many ways to arrange the cubes, but they’ll always keep your clothes protected.
• Packing cubes are fantastic for quick packing and unpacking, making them perfect for long-term travel.

Expert Response

PROFESSIONAL ADVICE

To keep your necklaces and other small jewelry safe while traveling, place each piece in individual plastic bags. This will help avoid tangling and keep them organized.

Choose the right backpack for your type of trip. One of the most crucial decisions is selecting the right backpack. The type of backpack you pick will depend on the nature of your travels.

• If you’re going on a hiking adventure, choose a waterproof backpack to protect your clothes from the elements.
• If you're traveling for an extended period, opt for a backpack with multiple compartments to help organize your clothing efficiently. Travel backpacks often come with padding for extra protection.
• If you're staying briefly at a friend's house and only need a change of clothes, a regular backpack with the packing tips mentioned earlier will work perfectly.

Keep toiletries and liquids in separate compartments. Many backpacks come with exterior pockets and zippers, perfect for storing smaller items. Whenever possible, store your toiletries and liquids in these separate sections to prevent accidental spills from damaging your clothing.