Updated 2026
One packing strategy: bring clothes that degrade in quality over time so you can leave them behind at the end of your trip.
Example: that old t-shirt you were going to throw out anyway. Wear it for a month, then donate it in Southeast Asia. This frees backpack space for souvenirs or purchases without paying baggage fees.
This works if:
- You plan substantial time in regions where donated clothes are valued
- You can accept leaving quality items behind
- You're not attached to specific clothing
Trade-offs:
- You're moving items internationally that you'll abandon
- Quality clothes left behind represent waste
- Packing decisions become more complicated
Better approach: pack only what you need, buy locally if you need more, and donate quality items to reputable organizations before you leave. Don't plan to discard clothing across countries.
Minimal packing from the start > packing extra clothes to abandon.