Updated 2026
Answer Capsule
Packing tips from experienced travelers boil down to: less than you think, quality over quantity, versatility over "just in case," and accepting that you'll buy things during travel. Eighty-seven is an arbitrary number but the point is actionable specifics: pack 7-10 shirts not 5-15, merino wool not cotton, 2 shoes not 6, underwear you can hand-wash daily. The goal is fitting everything in a 40-liter backpack maximum so you carry your home rather than dragging luggage. Reading 87 tips sounds overwhelming but they're mostly variations on themes: choose lightweight fabrics, limit quantity, embrace hand-washing, buy locally as needed.
Clothing Specifics
Shirts: 7-10 lightweight merino or synthetic blends. Colors: neutrals (black, gray, olive, navy). Layers work better than variety.
Bottoms: 2-3 pairs maximum. Jeans (if you want them), travel pants, shorts. That's it.
Undergarments: 4-5 pairs. Hand-wash every other day. Synthetic dries faster than cotton.
Socks: 2-3 pairs. Merino wool preferred. You'll probably wear the same shoes constantly anyway.
Layering Strategy
Start lightweight. Layer for temperature changes. This takes less space than specific clothing for each climate.
One light jacket, one long-sleeve for sun protection, one merino base layer. These work across seasons when layered properly.
Shoes
Two pairs: comfortable everyday walking shoes and one option for dining out/hiking. That's sufficient.
Many travelers go with one pair and nicer flip-flops as alternative.
Toiletries
Bringing full supplies is weight waste. Travel with samples, buy full-size as needed.
Shampoo and body soap: shampoo bars save space. Hand laundry detergent: solid bars. Toothbrush, paste, basic meds. Everything else buy locally.
The Gear Category
Daypack: 25-30 liters for daily use. Fits on most flights as carry-on.
Main pack: 40 liters maximum. This is your entire wardrobe and life for months.
Compress bags? Honestly optional. Roll clothes or fold tightly. Compression adds little value.
Laundry bag: designated space for dirty clothes. Prevents everything smelling like laundry.
What NOT to Do
Don't pack "just in case" items you'll never use. Don't bring items for both beach and mountain climates simultaneously. Don't prioritize quantity over quality. Don't pack full-size bottles of anything. Don't believe you need 15 shirts.
The Bottom Line
Forty liters maximum. Seven-to-ten shirts. Two shoes. Hand-wash underwear daily. Quality lightweight fabrics (merino, synthetics) over cotton. Accept you'll buy things during travel. And don't overthink it - the specifics matter less than the overall philosophy: light, versatile, minimal.