Our family has made short trips and long trips,
domestic trips and trips abroad,
road trips and train-hopping trips.
Regardless of the type or the length of travel,
we always travel light.
Traveling Light as a Family – It’s Possible!
has all the details and complete packing lists.
Here are links to our favorite gear from the packing lists:
Baggage * Packing Cubes & Apparel * Toiletries
Electronics * Dishes & Cooking * Camping Equipment
Purse~Tote~JIC Bag
Baggage:
Carry-on bag (mom): Rick Steves Rolling Backpack
I have a love/hate relationship with my rolling backpack. The hate part is that it is small, only 1960 cubic inches – my rucksack and kids’ backpacks are larger! It was designed this way in order to be compliant with guidelines for European airlines. Honestly, though, it has always been big enough and forces me to pack efficiently. I love it because of the squared-off shape which wastes little space, the multiple pockets, the varying colors in which it comes, the smoothness of the rollers, and the versatility of using it as a rolling suitcase or a backpack. Unfortunately, the wheels and tracks for the handles reduce the amount of usable space in the bag and add extra weight. Even though it is a little smaller, it usually fits into the more strict size requirements of some airlines. I will stick with this bag until it no longer works for me or until I find something I like better.
Just-In-Case (JIC) Bag: 21L Helena Camelbak backpack
(also used as Travel Backpack)
I’ve had this pack for years, and it has evolved to become my JIC bag. It is big enough but not too big and has several different compartments in which I can organize my JIC gear. Loops on the shoulder straps allow me to clip on many different frequently-used items — great when hiking. I have even camped with this plus tent & bedding. When I travel with it, I use the bladder pocket for keeping important paperwork. Unfortunately, the model bought years ago is no longer available, but any similar quality backpack with organization pockets will work. I’ve heard great things about Tom Bihn backpacks and can’t wait to try one.
Travel Tote (mom): Travelon Anti-Theft Tote with Stitching
Travelon bags are my favorites for travel due to their appearance, their organizational pockets, and their anti-theft features. This tote is actually big enough for a weekend getaway!
Travel Purse (mom): Travelon Anti-Theft Slim Pouch
I love Travelon brand of purses and totes for two main reasons. First, they are made for travel with locking zippers, metal mesh fortification, and slash-proof shoulder straps. Second, I think they look less like travel gear than others in their class. I feel fine using them as my everyday purse and tote as well as for travel. This purse is small (I like small things) but holds an amazing amount of stuff.
Packable backpack: Outlander Packable Lightweight Travel Hiking Daypack
Love, love these backpacks – very lightweight, many pockets, and folds compactly into its own pocket! I use them for groceries, for day trips while traveling, for the beach, for souvenirs —- so many uses!
Packable tote: ChicoBag Vita Designer Reusable Tote Bag
Folds into its own bag with built-in carabiner to clip on to my backpack! I always have one with me.
Packing Cubes & Select Apparel:
Packing Cubes: Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter compression cubes
These hold an amazing amount of clothing, and the compression zippers compact the contents so small. For me, these are essential for keeping my pack organized and for traveling light.
Walking Shoes (mom): Clarks leather slip-ons
I love being able to easily slip my shoes on and off, especially when going through security.
Sandals (mom): Teva Olowahu
I live in Teva Olowahu sandals and can walk all day in them. If I am going to wear them a lot, I will often bring 2 pairs, one to wash and one to wear. They pack flat and are not harmed by getting wet. In warm weather, this is all I bring.
Packable Insulated Jacket (mom): LLBean Primaloft Packaway Jacket
Why I like it: It’s lightweight, insulated with Primaloft insulation, wind and water resistant, and packs in its own pocket.
Fleece jackets (boys): Columbia men’s fleece jacket
Warm, classic, compressible. All my boys love them. We have navy, black, and charcoal.
Packable rain jacket (boys): Columbia Men’s Watertight II Jacket
Packs in its own pocket. I love compact, packable things!
Walking/hiking shoes (boys): Merrell Moab shoe
We get dark neutral colors like dark brown or black.
Packable canvas shoes (boys): Vans Classic Slip-Ons or Authentic Sneaker
We get dark neutral colors like all black.
Wool socks: REI or Smartwool merino wool socks
I like the wool sock liners for myself. My boys use both the lightweight and the medium-weight hiking socks.
Toiletries:
Toiletry Bag (mom): Rick Steves Traveling Toiletries Kit (alternative: eBags Pack-it-Flat Hanging Toiletry Kit)
This kit has multiple pockets, is lightweight, and of course, hangs in locations that do not have bathroom counters. I don’t just use it for toiletries but also for medical supplies, soap, and makeup.
Alternative to Toiletry Bag (mom): Eagle Creek Quarter Cubes
Before switching to the Rick Steves Toiletry bag, I used Eagle Creek quarter cubes – red for first-aid & medicines, black for electronics, blue for makeup, and purple for toiletries. They are small, have handles, and easily fit into small spaces in the suitcase. By color-coding my items, I could easily grab the bag I needed.
Travel towel: Packtowl or REI Microfiber Towel
We use and like both. They are lightweight and quick-drying. A mini-towel is attached to my JIC bag and my toiletry bag. A larger size is good for drying dishes, bodies, and clothes.
Liquid travel soap: Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap (4oz)
Dr. Bronner’s Castile soap is environment-friendly can be used for so many things. You can bathe your body, clean your hair, brush your teeth, wash your dishes, and do your laundry, just to name a few. I personally like the almond, orange, and peppermint ones.
Folding compact hairbrush: Magellan’s Pop-Up Hair Brush
Just a clean, simple, classic, well-made brush that fits easily into small places.
Electronics:
Travel Laptop (mom): Macbook Air 11” with protective case
This is the smallest, lightest full-functioning computer I could find. For short trips, I get by with my iPhone and bluetooth keyboard, but for longer trips, I like having my laptop for researching, journaling, communicating, and downloading photos. We can hook it up to a TV to stream movies as well.
Foldable Bluetooth Keyboard (for iPhone): Jellycomb Ultra Slim Folding Mini Bluetooth Keyboard
This little thing fits in my purse. The full-sized keyboard allows editing documents, typing emails or Facebook posts, or typing journal entries a breeze on just my phone. Sometimes replaces my MacAir when traveling. A keyboard with attached mousepad is also available.
Stick Charger: Anker 5000Ah Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger
A great size to slip into a purse or backpack for an emergency full-charge for your phone.
Charger bank: Tzumi PocketJuice – Mini Portable Smartphone and Tablet Battery Pack
This small powerbank is good for multiple charges will keep my phone and bluetooth keyboard going even when away from civilization for several days. However, it doesn’t charge my MacAir, so I’m currently looking for an adapter or a powerbank that will charge them all.
Dishes & Cooking:
Collapsible plate, bowl, cup: X-Plate, X-Bowl, X-Cup
These fold almost flat and nest together, fitting easily into a Ziploc bag to keep together and sanitary. We have a set for each family.
Spork: Light My Fire BPA-free Spork
Light My Fire also makes a titanium spork, though it is more costly.
Travel food containers: Rubbermaid TakeAlongs Divided Rectangle Food Storage Containers
Great for road trips, these containers are microwave safe, freezer safe, and stackable. We keep them in the car with sporks.
Camping Dish Set & Utensils: GSI Pinnacle Camper Cookset, MSR Alpine Spatula & Spoon
Handled Cooler Bag: Igloo Insulated Cooler Tote
Our insulated cooler tote is the perfect size for our picnic lunch supplies, or for our food/snacks for supper in the hotel.
Camping Equipment:
Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad: Thermarest or REI (we have both)
I have found that these self-inflating sleeping pads with a good pillow and snuggly blanket is key to me getting a good night’s sleep regardless of where I am.
Travel/Camp Pillow: Thermarest Compressible Pillow
I either travel with my down pillow which collapses down to the size of a grapefruit or this pillow – it conforms to my head when sleeping and folds into its own pocket for traveling.
Silk Sleep Sack: Sea to Summit “Traveller” Silk Liner with Pillow Insert
So useful! I sometimes take it in my rolling backpack/suitcase for general travel – it is so soft and cozy, and takes up so little space. It is essential on our travels involving camping.
Backpacking Ultralight Chair: GCI Outdoor Quik-E-Seat Chair
I like this seat because it is compact, fairly comfortable, and wearable like a backpack. I can also attach it to my JIC bag with carabiners. Options abound for ultralight backpacking chairs – Helinox & REI both have highly-rated ones that come apart and pack into a small bag if you don’t mind assembling your chair each time you want to use it.
Purse~Tote~JIC Bag:
Coin/card case (mom): Buxton Heiress Coin ID Card Case
I like small things, and this little case is perfect for my ID, credit/debit cards, and cash, and even has a ring on which to attach my keys. Perfect for me!
Mini moleskin notebook: Moleskin Classic Notebook, Extra Small
Multi-color pen: Bic 4-Color Ballpoint Pen (classic or pastel colors)
I can color-code my travel notes to make information easy to find. I can also use different colors for different kids.
Plastic velcro folder (for documents)
You can color-code your documents in different-colored folders for easy identification. For example, copies of important identifying papers in red folder, copies of reservations (e.g., plane, train, lodging, venues) in blue folder, financial information/documents in green folder — you get the idea.
Mini Trash Bags: Sassy disposable diaper sacks
These are inexpensive, small, waterproof, and smell wonderful.
Travel wipes: WetOnes (for hands & face)
Choose from citrus, fresh scent, or sensitive skin.
Travel disinfecting wipes: Chlorox To-Go
For wiping down questionable tables, booths, toilets, etc. I’m not a germaphobe, but some things just need a quick wipe to not be gross.
Multi-Tool: Leatherman Surge (21 tools)
One could definitely get by with fewer tools, but since this is my emergency backup, there is comfort in having all the tools. At one time or another, I have used them all.
Solar Lantern: Luci Light
Just put this solar lantern in the sun during the day, and you have decent light when the sun goes down. I put a carabiner on the handle to hang it on my backpack or in my tent. Stays in my JIC bag.
Insect Repellant Wipes: Insect Repellent Wipes – Off! OR Repel
These are not liquid avoid airport security issues are avoided. Also are individually packaged so can easily fit into pockets or bags. So handy.
Emergency Bivy: S.O.L. Emergency Bivy OR GoTime Gear Life Bivy
One of those emergency supplies you hope you never need to use. Thankfully, I haven’t needed it, but I wouldn’t adventure without it. Stays in my JIC bag.
Water Filter: Sawyer Water Filter with water pouch & backwash syringe
Twice in the past few months, I have been caught in remote areas without water – with this filter, I will never be without potable water again. Only 3 oz. and 6″, it fits in my JIC bag. A slightly smaller version is available, but reviews of both led me to choose this one.
Backpacking Stove: MSR Pocket Rocket
This tiny ultralight stove heats water for making my coffee, tea, or dehydrated backpacking meals. So small, it fits into a corner of my JIC bag.
Survival can opener with spoon
This is one of those survival items that is so small, it’s a no-brainer for my JIC bag. It’s a little difficult to use but has come in very handy more than once.
Compass-Thermometer-Magnifier-Signal Mirror-Emergency Whistle-Mini Flashlight: Coghlan’s 6-function whistle
Stays clipped onto my JIC bag.
If there are links to other gear
from the packing lists you would like included,
just let me know and I will add them!
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