the travel hack backpack

Travel Hack Backpack Review | The Perfect Underseat Cabin Bag!

I am a huge fan of travelling with a backpack. I like that they are hands-free and perfect for exploring cities and carrying around all day. One of my favourites is the Travel Hack Backpack! It was designed by Monica from The Travel Hack , a travel blogger I have been following for years!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may make a small commission on purchases made after clicking the link. For more information visit the Privacy and Disclosure Policy.

Being a traveller herself, she designed The Travel Hack backpack to be functional and stylish for women. What’s more, is it within the dimensions of Ryanair’s underseat cabin baggage allowance, so it flies for free !

Travel Hack Backpack

🎒Dimensions: 40x25x20

⚖️Weight: 0.6kg | Capacity: 20l

💻Laptop compartment: Up to 13″

⭐️Perfect for: Day trips, mini breaks or weekend getaways, on its own. Or paired with additional luggage for longer trips.

Travel Hack Stowaway Ladies Cabin Backpack

The Travel Hack backpack is made to a very high quality. I like the way it’s black and smart looking, making it practical for a wide range of uses. It comes with a leather look luggage tag and a tassel. For my personal preferences I removed the tassel. However, I kept the tag on so it looks more luggage like, rather than just another backpack!

It also has rose gold zips as well as a small ‘The Travel Hack’ engraved rose gold metallic plate on the front. The zips on the main compartment are large enough to get a padlock through if you felt like locking the main compartment. Sometimes I will do this when walking around busy cities on my own.

On the back is a strap, so the backpack can be slid over a suitcase handle . (I’ve been extremely tempted by the matching Travel Hack Suitcase too. But I don’t tend to use suitcases very often!). The straps and back are padded, making it very comfortable to wear for long amounts of time. The bottom is reinforced a little too!

The shape of the Travel Hack backpack maximises every last centimetre of the Ryanair underseat luggage allowance. Therefore, at time of writing, it flies free ! As Ryanair is one of the stingiest airlines for cabin luggage dimensions, if it fits for them, it’s likely to fit for the majority of other airlines too.

🎬 WATCH : Travel Hack Backpack *Pack With Me* YouTube Short

External Pockets

Not including the main compartment, there are 5 external pockets . Pockets are a MUST for me when looking for a backpack. On the front is a zipped pocket , it’s quite deep but narrow. I find that when the backpack is full, it’s better to have smaller, flatter items in this pocket.

One side has, what is called, a ‘ passport pocket ‘. It’s passport sized but like to keep my important documents in zipped pockets. As someone that loves water sports or going to the beach, I tend to keep a folded plastic bag in this pocket. That way if I end up with wet clothes or towels, I have a way of separating the wet stuff from the dry things!

I love the stretchy, expandable water bottle pocket . It holds my small water bottle without it being expanded. To fit larger bottles it has a zip on one side, creating a more ‘triangular’ shaped pocket. I can often reach round and get the bottle in and out of the pocket, without needing to remove the backpack!

On the back is a laptop compartment . The zip runs from the top of the backpack to the bottom, on one side. I have the 13″ 2020 MacBook Air and it fits perfectly into the pocket. I think it would be a bit of a squeeze if I had a case on it. However, as the backpack has a boxy design, I feel that’s it’s well protected though. My iPad in its keyboard case also fits perfectly.

My favourite pocket is the floating top pocket . It’s quite spacious and this is where I tend to keep stuff that I may want to have quick access to. I find that it’s a good spot to keep my sunglasses!

Main Compartment

The main compartment fully opens, similar to a suitcase. The internal fabric is a pale pink colour. Depending on the type of trip I’m taking I will position the zips differently. If I’m using the backpack more for luggage, I keep the zips together in a corner.

However, if I’m using it for a day trip, where I’m likely to be in and out of it multiple times, I keep them together near the top. More like a typical backpack. Otherwise I’m worried smaller items may fall out as it does open from the bottom corner!

You can also buy a matching Travel Hack packing cube , designed to fit perfectly with the Stowaway backpack (see below).

I don’t tend to use packing cubes in smaller backpacks. I find I can fit more in without them. But as the Travel Hack backpack has a large rectangular internal area and opens like a suitcase, packing cubes do work well!

Internal Pockets

Inside the main compartment are 2 mesh pockets . These are located on the front panel. One at the top, one at the bottom. They are surprisingly large! I find that you need to keep in mind about over filling. Sometimes I end up filling the main area up so much that when I go to zip the front up, the 3D pockets are too full for it to be able to shut properly.

I tend to keep leads or things that I use a lot in the top pocket. When using it as a day bag, it’s helpful having that inside pocket near the top. It’s easy to access things without having to dig around to find things! I find it similar to the floating compartment but slightly more secure as it is ‘hidden’ by another zip.

Using The Travel Hack Backpack

When I fly with Ryanair the Travel Hack backpack is the first bag that I reach for as my cabin bag. It is great for a weekend city break but when I travel for a week or more with only hand luggage, I find that I need something a tiny bit bigger!

As well as international travel, The Travel Hack Backpack is great for UK weekend getaways. I’ve taken it camping, to hotels and when I went to stay with my friend for the weekend. It’s the perfect size for a couple of changes of clothes, pyjamas, camera, my Kindle, some overnight essentials and a few other bits.

Alternatively, it’s great for day trips when you may need some additional bits. Such as I went to the beach on the train I packed a towel and a blanket to sit on etc. When I went away for a week I used it in addition to another bag. The other bag had all my clothes and then I had all my other gadgets and extra bits in my Travel Hack backpack.

The Cabin Max Travel Hack Luggage Range

As well as the Travel Hack Backpack (which now comes in 4 colours: black, olive, navy and leopard), there’s also:

• a cabin suitcase
• a 30l tote bag
• the Travel Hack 30l hybrid trolley backpack
• the Travel Hack packing cube

I really like the look of the Travel Hack 30l hybrid trolley backpack . It’s looks similar to the travel hack backpack but has a capacity that’s 10l bigger and has wheels and a handle!

travel hack packing cube

The Travel Hack packing cube is designed to be paired with the 20l backpack. It comes in the same pale pink colour with rose gold zips. It says it compresses 17l of clothes down to 12l, saving 33% of space!

I used The Travel Hack Compression Packing Cube along with the Cabin Max Metz 30L for a 2 week trip to Zanzibar. You can see how I used the two items together in my Youtube video: Pack With Me | How To Pack For A 2 Week Trip With 1 Under-seat Carry-on Bag . I was able to fit ALL my clothes for a 2 week trip inside the packing cube alone!

Although they are almost the same dimensions, I do find that the packing cube is a bit too big to use with the 20l Travel Hack backpack. It fills up every last bit of space which leaves no room to fill the internal mesh pockets or the floating pockets.

The Cabin Max Travel Hack range can be found on CabinMax.com !

Looking for a larger underseat backpack? Check out: Cabin Max Metz 30 Litre Backpack Review | An Awesome Underseat Bag For A Longer Trip!

So if you are looking for the perfect underseat backpack for female travellers, the Cabin Max Travel Hack backpack should definitely be on your radar!

My travels have taken me to over 40 countries worldwide (& I lived in USA for 4yrs). I hold a BTEC National Diploma in Travel & Tourism (triple distinction) and have been writing on Between England & Everywhere since 2015.

Expert in : Adventure travel 🎢 , beach destinations 🏖️ , and packing light (mid-budget backpacker) 🎒

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Last Updated on February 11, 2024

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My Travel Hack Backpack Review – Best Backpack for Travelling Women!

Categories Packing , Reviews

If you’re looking for the best carry-on backpack for women, the best backpack for travelling women and just the overall best stylish backpack for ladies, let me introduce to you the Travel Hack Backpack!

A beautiful 20L backpack for ladies that is Black on the outside, Pink on the inside and has Rose Gold zips for the many handy pockets it has!

The Travel Hack Stowaway cabin backpack has been designed to be the perfect women’s carry-on bag thinking of everything we need in a bag to create ease whilst travelling through an airport (and beyond!), whilst also saving us money in airline baggage fees!

( Please note that this post contains affiliate links to Amazon and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases that you may via this site. )

So let’s get into more about the Track Hack Backpack , why it’s so great and why you really need to get yourself one!

Best Carry-On Backpack For Women

Travel Hack Backpack

Firstly, where did the Travel Hack Carry On Backpack come from?

Monica created this Ladies cabin backpack along with 2 other bags.

Monica is a British Travel Blogger running The Travel Hack Blog . She lives in Wales and is a Mum to 3 children. I have been following her for yearrrss so I was so excited when she released her luggage line!

She is a lover of bags and she has definitely travelled a lot so she put everything she knows into this beautiful backpack,

Which has been designed as a carry on for women to help us travel in style, take as much with us as possible, and reduce airline baggage fees which seem to get tighter and increase all the time!

These bags are only available on Amazon and they sell out quickly!

Visit Amazon here to see the Backpack!

Although this post is a Travel Hack Backpack review, let me also tell you about her other 2 Travel Hack Bags which are just as stylish and clever:

Travel Hack Pro Cabin Case

The Travel Hack Pro Cabin Case was the first piece of luggage Monica released with Cabin Max. It is a cabin case for women which has been cleverly designed to hold a lot of clothes with a 45L capacity and it has many pockets to organise and protect your items.

Monica says she has had so many compliments on this cabin case from total strangers in airports and I can see why as it’s very different and much nicer than the standard women’s cabin cases these days and is very feminine whilst also being incredibly practical.

View it on Amazon here!

Travel Hack Underseat Tote Bag

The newest addition to her range of travel bags for women is the Travel Hack Underseat Tote Bag . Some women prefer backpacks, some women love a tote bag, and some trips are better for backpacks and some for a shoulder Tote Bag.

Whats really unique about this Tote Bag is the size! It has a huge 30L capacity and many internal and external pockets for organisation and protection of items when travelling.

I do prefer to keep my carry on bag by my feet when flying and the Travel Hack Tote Bag has been designed to fit under the seat, depending on how full it is of course, if not, it will definitely go overhead just fine!

Best Backpack for Travelling Women

There are so many reasons the Travel Hack Cabin Bag is the best backpack for travelling women which is what I’m going to go into now.

1. Colour & Design for a Stylish Ladies Backpack

So many women’s travel backpacks are essentially mens’s backpacks but modified a tiny bit. They look the same as all other hiking backpacks or laptop bags, but the Travel Hack Stowaway Backpack is seriously different.

– Feminine Backpack

It has such a feminine look, however it is very much suited for a woman rather than a girl and in no way does it look too young or girly.

The outside of the bag is totally black meaning it fits all outfits and the Rose Gold zips give it a modern and stylish touch.

The inside is more girly as it’s a light pink colour but it is still very classy and I find this colour helps me find things in the bag easier than if the inside was black too.

– Front Opener

What makes a bag the best women’s travel backpack for me is that it’s a front opener! As you can see in the photos, the whole of the front of the backpack opens up making it really easy to see and access items inside.

The Travel Hack Cabin Backpack is only available on Amazon and can sell out quickly!

2. 20L Women’s Carry on Backpack

With the ever changing and tightening baggage allowances, especially with European Budget Airlines this backpack really helps you take as much as possible on the plane with you, in a backpack, and under your seat, therefore helping to avoid paying for a cabin case to go overhead or under the plane.

If you have it in you to pack light, you could use this bag only for all of your items for a weekend away. It would be a tight fit and you’d have to forfeit some stuff, but if you’re keen to save money on luggage then it’s an option!

Otherwise, it’s still a fantastic size to fit all the things you need to travel with hand luggage only, including a drink, food, books, a laptop, extra clothing and toiletries.

The size is not only perfect for the plane, but once you arrive at your destination, you have a backpack for exploring which can fit a lot in!

3. Pockets & Compartments for a Safe Women’s Travel Backpack

Us women love pockets don’t we, and pockets and compartments in a backpack help us stay organised and keep our items protected.

The Travel Hack Backpack has:

– 2 Side Pockets with 1 Extendable Pocket

A side pocket for a bottle is a must for me and this backpack has a pocket either side.

What’s really great though is that one side has an extendable pocket with a zip making it easier to put a bigger bottle in, or even a tripod! Whilst the other side can be used for a smaller bottle or for your phone when in a safe area.

View the Travel Hack Backpack on Amazon here!

– Top Pocket for Valuables

The top of the backpack features a really handy pocket. This is perfect for holding your passport, phone and purse in when at the airport, especially if you’re bag is sat on your cabin case.

It gives really easy access to valuables whilst also being fairly discreet.

– Front Pocket

As with many backpacks the Travel Hack Stowaway Backpack has a slimline front pocket perfect for keeping hold of documents, or face masks which is what I recently used it for!

– Laptop Compartment

This is a backpack with a laptop compartment and my laptop feels super safe in it’s padded back compartment.

I love having a totally separate compartment for my laptop in a backpack because it ensures it doesn’t get scratched, it’s easy to take it out without having to move everything else and although it’s not a theft proof pocket or zip, it does feel safe and fairly concealed.

I have a 13 inch MacBook Air which fits perfectly without a case or cover.

– Inside organisers

Lastly, as you open the backpack you’ll see 2 netted pockets and organisers. I have found these so handy for the little things I travel with like tissues, lip balm, plasters, hand cream, headphones etc.

And best of all, they don’t seem to effect or compromise the overall space in the other side of the bag!

5. Comfort and Ease

There are a few ways that the Travel Hack Backpack really beats other women’s fashion backpacks because although fashion travel backpacks often look nice, they aren’t always practical for long use due to their lack of comfort.

– Padded Straps

I love that the Travel Hack Backpack has padded straps and a padded back with breathable material.

So many stylish backpacks for women are created without padded straps and no breathable material at the back which means your shoulders will hurt very quickly and you can end up with a sweaty back pretty quickly too!

– Suitcase Strap

This is a total saviour and game changer, it’s such a small detail but makes a huge difference when you’re walking through an airport!

If I have a cabin suitcase and a backpack with me I always like to put my backpack on my case to save my shoulders from the weight and when the backpack doesn’t have a suitcase strap to attach itself to the suitcase handle it is always falling off!

However the Travel Hack Cabin Case perfectly sits on my suitcase and is secure.

6. Multi-Use Bag

Lastly, the reason why this is the best women’s travel backpack and the best backpack for travelling women is because it has so many uses when we’re travelling and when we’re not.

– Women’s Day Pack

It has been designed to be the perfect women’s carry on backpack but its’s also a great backpack for taking out with you once on your trip whether you’re on a beach holiday and need it for your towel and suncream or on a city break with your camera.

If I have a day out in the city at home and want to do some work on the go, I love taking this bag as the laptop slips into the laptop compartment, I can pack everything else I need for the day in the main compartment and the padded straps mean its comfy to carry around all day.

– Baby Bag

Monica has shared many photos of women using this as a baby bag as it’s perfect for organising nappies and bottles whilst also being really stylish and sitting on a pram well.

I hope you have found my Travel Hack BackPack Review helpful and realise why this really is the best backpack for travelling women, and a women’s stylish backpack even when you’re not travelling!

• For more of my packing posts see:
• Backpacking Checklist To Prepare for a Gap Year or Backpacking Trip!
• Detailed Female Packing List For India! What To Pack For India!
• Female Packing List For Thailand! What To Pack For Thailand!

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But first. Why am I recommending yet another item from the Travel Hack luggage collection? Since the pandemic, travel has gotten considerably more expensive.

So when Easyjet changed their cabin luggage requirements in early 2021, I was on the hunt for an affordable backpack that would fit under the seat in front of me on aeroplanes, yet still be large enough for day trips and short city breaks.

As a long-time user of The Travel Hack’s other luggage (I love both the Travel Hack Pro Cabin Case and the Travel Hack Tote Bag ), it’s only natural that I researched the Travel Hack Backpack first. And I was instantly sold! Here’s why…

The Travel Hack Backpack: An Affordable Backpack For Quick City Breaks & Day Trips

If you’ve never heard of the Travel Hack Backpack before, then this little bag is a 20L backpack.

Cabin Max (British experts in hand luggage) and Monica from The Travel Hack (a hugely successful full-time travel blogger) teamed up to design and create a range of luggage together.

I believe the Travel Hack Backpack was the second piece of luggage in this collection with the Pro Cabin Case being the first to hit the shop floor.

Just like the rest of the collection, this backpack is designed to fit within most airlines’ cabin luggage restrictions.

This one in particular fits within both Ryanair and Easyjet’s “under the seat” requirements, so there’s no need to check your luggage or pay extra for your ticket.

I’ve recently had the pleasure of road-testing this little backpack on 3-day city breaks to Dubrovnik in Croatia and Geneva in Switzerland , as well as several trips around the UK.

So, without further adieu, read on for my full Travel Hack Backpack review and all the reasons why I love my new backpack!

Check prices of the backpack on Amazon >>

What I Love About The Travel Hack Backpack

Here are my top reasons for recommending the Travel Hack Backpack…

1. Pockets and compartments galore!

Despite its small size, this backpack features plenty of pockets and compartments.

The padded main compartment features two zipped mesh pockets, which are handy for keeping things like your socks and underwear or charging cables separate from the rest of your clothes and toiletries.

This compartment also zips all the way open, which I believe is required by TSA agents in the US.

But this feature also helps make the dreaded packing game of Tetris that much easier!

Alongside these compartments, the bag also has a zipped front pocket, a padded laptop compartment (more on this later), a water bottle holder and an additional expandable side pocket for another water bottle or an umbrella.

There’s even a zipped pocket at the top of the bag, which is deeper than it looks thanks to its integration with the main backpack compartment.

I use this pocket for various small items like my sunglasses, keys, tissues, hand sanitiser, a reusable foldaway carrier bag and more.

2. Its small size still packs a punch

All of these different compartments mean you can fit quite a lot inside this backpack despite its small size. It’s a 20L backpack measuring 40x20x25cm.

As I mentioned earlier, this backpack has come with me on city breaks to Dubrovnik and Geneva . And yes, I had toiletries and makeup with me.

Because of its small size, this bag also doubles up as a fantastic backpack for sightseeing and day trips, so I didn’t feel the need to take an extra bag with me on either trip.

I wouldn’t have been allowed to take an extra bag on the Easyjet flights anyway, so it’s a good thing I managed to fit everything I needed within this small backpack.

3. Padded laptop compartment

As a full-time travel blogger, bags with padded laptop compartments are essential – especially if I’m going away for a few days at a time.

The laptop compartment sits against your back, which I also think helps make it harder for pickpockets to steal from you (at least somewhat).

Sadly, my laptop is too big to fit within this particular compartment. It fits a 13-inch laptop so Macbook users rejoice!

My Samsung Galaxy tablet and mini keyboard fit just fine inside it, so I use those for writing about my travels when I’m on the road instead.

4. Beautiful and stylish design

I’ve always been attracted to the sleek black design, rose gold zippers and pretty pink lining that are a staple of the entire Travel Hack luggage collection.

This attractive design also means I have no qualms about using this backpack for day trips, so I’ve quickly found myself using this bag practically every day since buying it!

5. It’s affordable!

And finally, you might think all of this stylish practicality comes with a hefty price tag.

But it doesn’t.

In fact, I’d argue the entire Travel Hack luggage collection is very affordable.

At under £40, I think the Travel Hack Backpack is well worth considering if you’re on the hunt for a new cabin-friendly backpack.

Buy The Travel Hack Backpack on Amazon >>

What Could Be Improved

If I had to nitpick – and I’m going to for the sake of this review – here are a couple of things that I wish were different about the Travel Hack Backpack.

• The zippers on the main compartment aren’t officially lockable. Seeing as I use this backpack for both day trips and international travel, I wish the zippers on the main compartment were lockable for extra security. As a workaround, I’ll probably start threading a padlock through the loops at the end of the zip pulls (especially when I’m travelling without my husband).
• The laptop compartment is too small for me. As I mentioned, I can only fit my Samsung Galaxy tablet and mini keyboard inside the laptop compartment rather than my main laptop, which is a shame. But to be honest, I don’t think Cabin Max or Monica from The Travel Hack are able to change this as the laptop compartment is limited by the size of the backpack itself.

That said, given this bag’s many other fantastic qualities, I’m more than happy to work around these limitations.

Is The Travel Hack Backpack Worth It?

In a word: Yes. Why else would I write an entire blog post about it? *wink*

I honestly love this backpack and I’m so glad I bought it for day trips and short city breaks.

As someone who’s on a mid-range budget, I’m always finding ways to save a few quid.

So when Easyjet changed their cabin luggage restrictions, there was no way I was going to spend extra for my future flights (unless I was going away somewhere for a week or more).

For the sake of quick city breaks within Europe, I’m very glad to have this beautiful little backpack as my travelling companion. In addition to my husband, of course.

While I’m here, you might also be interested in reading about the rest of the Travel Hack luggage collection. You’ll find links to my other reviews below:

• Travel Hack Pro Cabin Case Review
• Travel Hack Tote Review

Alternatively, I’ve also written about other fashionable travel backpacks in this roundup blog.

Did you enjoy reading this Travel Hack Backpack review? Why not pin or bookmark it now, so you can read it again later?

Justine Jenkins

Justine is one half of the married couple behind the Wanderers of the World travel blog. She lives in Bristol, UK and has travelled extensively within Europe and beyond since 2013. After her trips, she shares detailed travel itineraries, helpful travel guides and inspiring blog posts about the places she's been to. When she's not travelling overseas, you'll find her joining her husband, Scott on various day trips, weekend getaways and walks within the UK, which she also writes about on Wanderers of the World. Aside from travelling and writing, she also loves reading, crafting and learning about nature.

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Microadventures in Bristol and beyond

Best carry-on backpack for women – The Travel Hack Stowaway Cabin rucksack review

My husband Doug had been begging me to get a new rucksack for aaaages. My very average Superdry backpack had been through the mill after being used for various beach holidays, cycle commutes in all weathers and days out with kids, and was now grey, stained, crumb-filled and smelly. I was in agreement, but was holding out for The Travel Hack backpack – I’d heard rave reviews about the larger suitcase version , and this pint-sized carry-on adaptation looked just as stylish and functional. As well as being the best carry-on backpack for women that I’ve ever laid my hands on, it’s also a brilliant day-to-day bag too. Read on for my review of The Travel Hack Stowaway Cabin backpack (which will be back in stock in May!)

*Disclaimer: This article contains some affiliate links, any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you to help me keep this blog running – thanks.

The Travel Hack stowaway cabin rucksack: best carry-on backpack for women

I’m definitely a rucksack girl, always have been – even before I had two kids to chase around after. I own one gorgeous black Lulu Guinness handbag and a neon palm tree clutch (both thanks to friends who work in the fashion world) and that’s about the extent of my posh lady bags. I only ever use them on special occasions though! Backpacks are far more practical for my lifestyle and I like having two hands free in case I end up having to hoik various children’s paraphernalia around. So I was extremely excited to get my hands on a classy looking ladies’ rucksack that also ticked the practical box.

The Travel Hack Backpack was designed by travel blogger Monica Stott (founder of The Travel Hack blog ) , whose experience adventuring around the world translates into brilliant travel bag design. She’s included all the functionality you subconsciously wanted (but hadn’t yet found!) from a rucksack to make transporting your stuff around so much smoother. Think easily-accessible pockets for phones and passports, a cushioned slot for a laptop, tons of interior pockets and a suitcase-style front opening. 

Watch my review of The Travel Hack Backpack here:

A stylish ladies’ backpack that’s affordable and spacious

As far as rucksacks go, The Travel Hack Stowaway Cabin Backpack is my most stylish and ladylike-looking bag to date and when brandishing it alongside my Travel Hack Pro Cabin Case , I feel like a real-life grown-up! There’s even a strap on the back for you to attach both together if you own the set. Coordinating luggage is not something I’d ever thought I’d be seen sporting, but both The Travel Hack bags are really affordable and not only do they look great together, they are both darn spacious.

A backpack for women that’s perfect for travel

The dimensions of The Travel Hack Backpack mean it’s ideal as carry-on luggage for flights, especially on budget airlines. It was sized to comply with the Ryanair 40x20x25cm free underseat hand-luggage rules, which we tried and tested on our recent trip to Spain .

As well as saving us money on the flight (we only took carry-on bags), knowing that the bag was approved for Ryanair’s strict regulations saved us a lot of time worrying about whether we’d be stung for oversize baggage. Being able to stow it away underneath the seat meant I was able to reach the contents of my carry-on backpack really easily without having to faff about with the overhead locker throughout the journey. This was ideal as it was full of kid (and adult)-friendly in-flight entertainment

For the ultimate in packing as much stuff into this compact bag as possible, there are also light pink The Travel Hack packing cubes available to purchase.

Inside The Travel Hack backpack

The backpack is just as stylish on the inside as it is on the outside. The light pink interior has two 3D packing pockets with rose gold zips and 20 litre capacity. It feels really roomy and fits loads inside.

The Travel Hack backpack exterior

The chic external shell is showerproof to protect your valuables. The shoulder straps are cushioned and the back compartment is quilted making it really comfy to wear. One of my favourite bits about the bag is the rose gold detailing (goes with my jewellery!) An eco-leather ID holder is attached to the bag (although I have removed this as I didn’t feel it necessary for every day usage).

There are also two spacious side pockets, one is zippable and made from a neo-premey kind of material which is a great fit for a water bottle (I have a reusable Chilly’s one and it slots in perfectly). 

The Travel Hack backpack front zip pocket

The Travel Hack Backpack for women has a black quilted front pocket with tassel zip – which looks funky and is an excellent place to store documents like passports, tickets and travel info. Anything you need to access easily and quickly, yet still keep secure. 

Carry-on backpack top zip pocket

The top zip pocket on this carry-on backpack for women is an ingenious place for storing items that normally get lost in the contents of a jam-packed bag. It’s an ideal place to keep your phone, headphones or passport, especially if you normally end up with the remnants of kids’ snacks that make their way into your phone’s charge point in your main bag! This is really handy when you’re travelling but also when you’re just out and about with the kids and want to grab your phone out quickly to snap a quick action pic of them.

Back pocket on The Travel Hack backpack

There is a sleek back pocket which is laptop compatible for devices up to 13″. However I did try with my 13″ inch Macbook Air and I couldn’t quite squeeze it in, it did fit in the main compartment perfectly though. If your laptop is larger or you’re not travelling with it in this slim back pocket, it’s a handy place to store things that you’d like to keep flat and secure, such as important travel documents.

A carry-on backpack for women that’s not just for travel

Although The Travel Hack backpack has been designed with trips and travel in mind, it also works brilliantly as a ‘mummy’ day bag and I’m sure this is where Monica’s experience as a mama herself shines through. It’s lightweight, and comfy to wear which is just what you need if you’re also having to lug a small child/scooter/shopping bag or kid’s bikes around!

The 3D packing pockets are perfect for storing snacks, cuddly toys, wipes, nappies and everything else little ones might need in addition to your stuff. Despite its compact size, the bag is deceptively roomy and seems to be able to fit SO much inside. And because it opens like a suitcase, it’s really easy to retrieve items demanded at a moment’s notice!

An affordable, trendy, carry-on backpack

For such a handy, useful and trendy backpack, you’d think the price would be at the higher end of the scale, but it’s actually really modest. Retailing at £30, if you search around, you can often pick it up on offer (Cabin Max – the company The Travel Hack collaborated with – were selling it for £22.50 last time I checked) and it will soon be back in stock on Amazon in May.

Where I’ve been with The Travel Hack Backpack for women

So far, The Travel Hack Backpack has come with me on our recent trip to Spain , on a kid-free night away at Carbis Bay Hotel and Spa in Cornwall, and on numerous family days out. Each time, I’ve relished stuffing it full with everything I need, and it is currently in pristine condition!

Final thoughts on The Travel Hack Backpack

The Travel Hack Backpack has been perfectly designed to comply with all major (and budget) airline’s hand luggage restrictions, meaning you can now fly with this one bag, safe in the knowledge that you’ll not be stung with any extra luggage charges! It feels like a stylish accessory whether you’re travelling or heading out on a day out with the kids. It’s fantastic value for money, comfy to wear and adorned with handy pockets which make reaching individual items super easy. Definitely one of the best carry-on backpacks for women around in my opinion.

Any downsides to The Travel Hack Backpack? 

As it’s primarily a lady’s bag, my husband Doug is not that keen on wearing it and thereby sharing the load, but as it’s so light and compact it’s really easy to wear anyway. And as I’m often taking the kids out by myself or sporting my share of the hand luggage, it’s not really a problem!

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Angharad Paull

Posts by Angharad Paull

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Cabin Max Travel Hack 30L Hybrid Trolley 45cm Backpack

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Feedback for Cabin Max Travel Hack 30L Hybrid Trolley 45cm Backpack

Fantastic bag and exactly what I was looking for. Plenty of space for everything and being able to use it as a pull along or backpack is great.

From Coventry

Bought this trolley backpack to replace existing trolley travel bag Cabin Max is better as it opens fully and can be carried as a bag backpack or pull along on wheels . Look forward to using it

From Scotland

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Jetsetting Fools

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37 Packing Hacks: The Best Travel Hacks For Packing

Welcome to JetSetting Fools, here you will find our best travel tips for destinations worldwide. Some of the links on this site are Affiliate Links and if you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy .

Packing hacks are the best way to take your travel game to the next level. We have rounded up the top travel packing hacks designed to save you space, time and money – so you can focus your energy on enjoying your trip. Clever and inventive, packing hacks for traveling will enhance your packing skills and overall travel savviness.

37 Best Travel Packing Hacks

I used to be terrible at packing for trips; first I was an over-packer, then an under-packer. Now, as a full-time world traveler, I rely on packing hacks for travel to keep me organized and efficient on travel days. Some hacks for packing have become so ingrained in our travel routine that packing without them is unimaginable.

Our Travel Hacks For Packing

Our list of packing hacks ranges from absolute game changers to creative tricks. Some are tried-and-true traveling hacks for packing, while others are insider tips we gleaned from expert travelers. These packing hacks will work for all travelers – so whether you are seeking backpack hacks or cruise packing hacks, you will surely find a few gems on our list.

We have categorized our list into three sections: Hacks for Packing Clothes, Toiletry Hacks, Carry On Hacks and a few miscellaneous tips, too. This is a mega list of the best packing life hacks – so grab your coffee and settle in.

Get started now with your FREE Packing Checklist !

Clothing Packing Hacks

Because clothing is the main component to packing, we are kicking off our list with hacks for packing clothes.

#1 Packing Cubes Hacks

Of all luggage packing hacks, packing with Packing Cubes ranks most supreme. Providing organization and structure to your suitcase or backpack, Packing Cubes are space-saving superstars. The cubes come in a variety of sizes, styles and materials – all of which need to be considered in order to attain your ultimate packing goal.

Pro Tip : We discuss the different kinds of cubes – and the best packing cube hacks – in detail in our post: Ways Packing Cubes make Travel Easier . 

#2 Cheap Packing Travel Hacks

While Packing Cubes are – hands down – one of the best packing hacks that we use, Packing Cubes are pricey! Personally, we think they are worth every single cent. However, if you are not ready to take the plunge and buy some, rather than packing using Packing Cubes, try Ziplock Bags. This is one of the top travel organization hacks that will save space in your suitcase. 

Gallon-size bags are ideal for organization and compression; however, unlike the quality Packing Cubes we use, Ziplocks have an incredibly short lifespan.

Pro Tip : I used to pack using Ziplocks (before I learned how incredible actual Packing Cubes are!). I would pack one complete outfit in each gallon bag and label it so I could easily find the outfit I was looking for. On the way home from vacation, I used the zip-top bags for my dirty laundry, too!

#3 Clothes-Rolling, Space-Saving Packing Hacks

Rolling clothes – rather than folding them – has long been one of the best suitcase packing hacks for saving space. Travelers can either roll each item individually – or, take it up a notch, and roll an entire outfit (pants, shirt, socks and underwear) together. By rolling a complete outfit, your suitcase becomes a grab-and-go destination when getting ready for the day’s adventure.

Pro Tip : For a tighter roll that stays together, use a ‘military roll’ or hair ties to secure the rolled clothing. If you use hair ties, you will also have backups if you lose or break one on your trip. (Plain rubber bands can be used, too, if you don’t use hair elastics.)

Roll vs Fold Debate

While many travelers rave about the benefits of rolling, it is not one of the packing luggage hacks that we use for our shirts and pants. We find that rolling is time consuming – and although many travelers claim that it can save even more space to pack rolled clothes in Packing Cubes, we have not found that to be true.

That said, the one item of clothing I do roll is my bikini underwear . I start by folding the underwear into thirds – folding each side in to the width of my small Packing Cube. Then, starting at the bottom, I roll up to the waistline. This is actually one of my airport hacks, as much as it is a packing hack, because this way, if my undergarment Packing Cube gets tagged for inspection, the agent rifling through my clothes will be less likely to touch the part of the panties that goes against my skin.

Pro Tip : Another clothes packing hack for underwear is to pack quick drying underwear that will be easy to wash in the sink and dry fast – if need be. A brand that fellow travelers love is Ex-Officio , but I prefer inexpensive and functional Fruit of the Loom . We talk more about clothing materials in a minute!

#4 Folding Hacks for Packing

If you are like us and decide to fold your clothes (instead of roll), then it is key to fold all of your clothing to the exact same size. After spending 10 years working in retail, I am fairly skilled at folding random sized clothing into neat stacks. However, for travelers who find it challenging, one of the packing folding hacks is to use a Folding Board , which will ensure you get a perfect fold on every piece of clothing.

Pro Tip: One of the great business travel packing hacks is to fold your delicate work clothes in dry cleaning bags as it will help eliminate wrinkles on arrival!

#5 Packing Hacks: Travel Clothing

One of the top packing clothes hacks for traveling is to only pack clothing that travels well. There are numerous clothing lines that are designed specifically for traveling, but most travelers don’t need to get that technical – and many items you already own might fit the bill.

The features of clothing that are most important when it comes to packing are moisture-wicking, quick-drying, odor-eliminating, wrinkle-resistant and washable clothing items.

That said, if you do pack clothing that wrinkles, bring travel-size Wrinkle Release Spray  to avoid having to iron on vacation.

Pro Tip : While the right clothing material is essential for travelers, it is equally important to pack clothing that you like and are comfortable wearing…because if it is not comfortable, it will likely stay folded in your suitcase. I share more tips about my packing experience for full-time travel in My Long-Term Travel Packing List: What I Pack To Travel the World .

#6 Pack Multi-Functional Clothing

There are no better packing hacks for traveling light than packing versatile and multi-functional clothing. One of the most useful items I have in my backpack is my wrap – and it has about a million uses.

I have used it as a scarf, a beach cover up, a bath towel, a picnic blanket, a pillow cover, a bedsheet, a head cover, an ear cover, an eye cover, a curtain and a bus seat cover…just to name a few. As long as the wrap is lightweight, dark and washable, the possibilities are endless.

Convertible clothing – like this dress/skirt combo – are awesome packing hacks to save space. Other clothing that can be multi-function are yoga pants (which can double as sleepwear), leggings (which can be layered in cool weather), a casual dress (which can be a beach cover up) and bikini tops (which can be worn as a bra).

Pro Tip : A pillowcase is another good item to pack that is multi-functional. Use it to cover the pillow you sleep on in your accommodations, then fill it with dirty clothes for the trip home.

#7 Capsule Clothing Packing Travel Hacks

Packing a capsule wardrobe is one of the smart packing hacks used by travelers. 

To assemble a capsule wardrobe, first, choose a color scheme of similar shades – like black, dark blue and shades of purple – and only pack clothing that falls into the color palette. Each item – tops and bottoms – need to be able to be mixed, matched and layered with all other items. Outfits can be accessorized with colorful scarves and jewelry.

By using this trip hack, you can pack minimal pieces of clothing that can be combined to make numerous different outfits. Done right, it is one of the space saving packing hacks that allows travelers to pack carry-on luggage only. 

In addition to coordinating my entire wardrobe, one item that I always like to pack is a black skirt . It is something that is comfortable and casual for sightseeing, but can be dressed up with a nicer shirt and a scarf for going out in the evening.

Pro Tip : A life hack for packing clothes for a vacation is to use the Countdown Rule. For example, if you are taking a 5-day trip, pack 5 shirts, 4 pants (or shorts/skirts), 3 dresses, 2 pairs of shoes and 1 colorful scarf (or bold piece of jewelry). Additionally, pack one pair of underwear for every day of the trip, but only one set of pajamas.

#8 Clothes Packing Hacks for Vacation

One of the simple traveling packing hacks that is often overlooked is Destination Research. What I mean by this is that, before you start packing and choosing clothes for your trip, first check the weather forecast for your destination. Also, gain some insight to the destination’s clothing culture and have a basic understanding of what apparel is acceptable at tourist destinations, religious sites, restaurants and clubs.

Pro Tip : Use your itinerary to help decide what clothes to bring. How the Packing Hacks Travel Itinerary works is that, based on your planned activities that you select in advance of your trip, you determine which outfit to wear for each day of your trip. (To book your activities in advance, we use Viator !)

#9 Clever Packing Hacks for Clothing

One of the life hacks for packing that we have long used – and is commonly used by fellow travelers – is to pack clothing items for a trip that you no longer want to keep. After you wear them on your trip, you can donate the clothing at your destination (or, if there is really no life left in the item, just toss it!). This is an especially good tip for families traveling with growing kids.

Pro Tip : One of the truly Travel Light hacks is to reverse this idea slightly. When you leave for vacation, only pack personal items – like undergarments and toiletries. On arrival at your destination, make your first stop a thrift shop and buy new-to-me clothes for the entire trip. On the last day of the vacation, return to the thrift shop and donate all of the clothing back to the store. We have never personally used this hack – but heard about it from a fellow traveler and love the concept!

#10 Travel Hacks for Packing Shoes

To save suitcase space, on any trip, for any length of time, only ever pack three pairs of shoes – I even follow this rule as a full-time traveler! All shoes should be comfortable to wear for long days of sightseeing and, more importantly, they need to go with all the outfits that you are packing. (This idea goes back to the capsule wardrobe method!)

For more travel shoe tips, read our blog post, The Best Shoes for Traveling .

Pro Tip : A good way to keep grimy shoes from dirtying up the inside of your luggage and one of the little genius packing hacks is to fit disposable shower caps (the kind that are free at many hotels) over the sole of the shoe before you put them in your bag. The empty space inside your shoes can also be used to store items – like deodorant and shaving cream, just put it in a resealable bag first.

Resealable bags are one of our essentials for packing. They come in handy for everything from an open bag of snacks to your wet bathing suit on a travel day. Find out more tips in our blog post, Everyday Items for Traveling . 

#11 Clothing Airport Hacks

One of the ingenious suitcase packing hacks to save space is to actually wear your bulkiest items, especially on long travel days . In fact, this is one of the top Carry On Only travel hacks. Rather than using valuable luggage space to pack your coat and boots, wear them on the plane! Tie a sweatshirt around your waist or wear layers that can easily be removed once seated on the plane.

Pro Tip : Another one of the travel packing hacks that can save space inside your luggage is tying your shoes or flip flops to the outside of your carry on bag. This also applies if you carry a water bottle…simply clip it to the exterior of your bag if possible…or better yet, travel with a collapsible water bottle .

#12 Hacks for Packing a Suitcase…Without Over-Packing

Over-packing is a downfall for many travelers – it certainly was for me when I was a novice traveler. But I have learned what an absolute drag over-packing can be. It can weigh you down (literally) when lugging your suitcase through an airport, down a cobblestone street and up the stairs of a boutique hotel.

One of the best life hacks for traveling and packing – or rather not over-packing – is to simply commit to packing in a carry on size suitcase. By limiting the amount of room you have, you will be less tempted to over pack, which is much more sensible! We discuss more specific carry on packing hacks later in the post!

Pro Tip: If you are checking luggage, invest in an affordable luggage scale to ensure you don’t go over the weight limit. You don’t want to be surprised at the beginning of your trip with an extra charge!

Everything we pack for world travel fits in a Carry On size backpack! Find out what we pack: The Ultimate Packing List .

#13 Packing Suitcase Hacks

We pack in backpacks, but one of the best suitcase hacks I ever heard was to shift your perspective of your suitcase. Rather than packing stacks of clothing horizontally into the suitcase, pack vertically, from the wheels up.

Another one of the best Packing a Suitcase hacks is to take this idea one step further. Pack vertically, but pack complete outfits and stack them in the order that you plan to wear them (according to your itinerary!). This way, when you get ready each day, all you need to do is grab the outfit from the top!

Pro Tip : Don’t let any space go unused! One of the long time travel hacks packing tips is to take advantage of small crevices in your suitcase to slip in things like a comb or other small miscellaneous items.

#14 Luggage Hacks

Day packs and purses can take up a lot of room in luggage. Minimize how many items you carry by selecting one purse that will work for all occasions. It is even better if you pack a purse or bag that can double as a day pack.

One of our favorite packing for travel hacks is to pack a lightweight  foldable shopping bag , which unfolds to a bigger bag for going to the beach or shopping during your trip.

Pro Tip : Read more about day bags in our blog post, The Best Day Packs for Traveling .

#15 Packing a Suitcase: Hacks for Fresh Clothing

One way to keep your clothes smelling fresh during your trip is to layer each clothing item with a dryer sheet. This is one of the double-dip packing travel hacks because later, if you need to do laundry while on your trip, you will have dryer sheets to use!

Pro Tip : Another way to keep clothes fresh is with Fabreeze. Pack a travel-size Fabreeze with your toiletries! And, don’t worry, we are getting to our toiletry packing hacks in a minute!

#16 Holiday Packing Hacks for Souvenirs

If you anticipate collecting breakable souvenirs during your trip, a good suitcase hack is to use bubble wrap in between your clothes or outfits. Then, use the bubble wrap to protect souvenirs that you are bringing home.

Other travel hacks for packing souvenirs (and some of the creative ways to better ensure breakables make the trip home undamaged) is to pack them inside Pringles cans or even use the free hotel slippers as cushioning. On the other hand, if you are  buying wine, actual wine protectors are the best.

Pro Tip : In many cases, the best and safest way to transport fragile souvenirs is to ship them home…rather than trying to jam them into your suitcase. 

#17 Packing hacks for Traveling: Laundry

One of the best space-saving travel hacks is simply to plan on doing laundry during your trip. By planning to do laundry while you travel, you will only need to pack one week’s worth of clothing – or less! – even if you are on a 2-week – or longer! – trip.

We recommend booking accommodations with a washer and (maybe) a dryer ( Airbnb is our go-to resource for finding the best places to stay). It is a good idea to pack a few individual packages of liquid laundry detergent , just in case they do not provide any. 

Pro Tip : If your accommodation does not have a washer, there is likely a nearby laundromat – or even laundry service. Just remember to bring a packable laundry bag so that you have something to carry your dirty clothes in.

#18 Sink Laundry: Packing Tips and Hacks

Learning how to efficiently do sink laundry is one of the packing hacks for long trips, when you will inevitably need to wash at least a few undergarments. Sink laundry is as simple as it sounds: It’s when you hand wash your clothes in the sink, bathtub or shower.

The most important thing to keep in mind when washing items in the sink is allowing enough time for clothes to dry (and, again, why it is so important to pack quick-dry clothing).

Many travelers wash clothes at night, before going to bed, to ensure they will dry. We like to take advantage of the sunshine (if possible) and wash them in the morning (but never the morning of a travel day!).

Sometimes we just use a bar of soap to clean our clothes, but Sink Laundry detergent is probably better. A sink stopper will help for scrubbing and rinsing in the sink – and a travel clothesline is ideal to hang up wet clothes. That said, draping socks over a heater or in front of a fan can help speed drying times…and a hair dryer works, too.

Pro Tip : A Scrubba Wash Bag is often touted by fellow travelers as one of the top packing hacks for backpacking, but we have yet to use one personally!

Packing Hacks For Toiletries

Our list of packing toiletries hacks is full of ideas that will help you pack better for your next trip! These travel hacks for packing toiletries will hopefully help you avoid spills in your luggage…and save you some space in your bag, too.

#19 Travel Toiletry Hacks for Shampoo and Conditioner

One way to avoid any liquid shampoo and conditioner luggage incidents is to simply not pack it! Many hotels and Airbnb apartments provide shampoo and conditioner. And, if they don’t, you can always buy some at a local store when you get there.

That said, did you know that shampoo and condition come in bars just like soap? Well, you are now in on the secret! Using shampoo and conditioner bars – rather than packing bottled liquids – is an excellent travel packing hack that will ensure you don’t have spilled shampoo in your bag on arrival at your destination.

Pro Tip : Shampoo and conditioner are just one of the solid toiletries you can use on your trip. Other packings hacks for traveling without liquids are using toothpaste tabs and solid perfumes !

#20 All-in-One Toiletry Travel and Packing Hacks

What better way to save space than to use products with multiple uses? The all-in-one Dr. Bronner’s soaps are organic and certified Fair Trade products that are designed for multiple purposes. The soap can be used on body, face, hair and teeth…and also to clean dishes, clothes, floors, windows – and even the toilet – making it one of the best travel packing hacks of all!

Pro Tip : The Castille soap collection comes in a variety of scents and is available in liquid or bars .

#21 Liquids: The Best Packing Hacks for Travel

While eliminating liquids from your luggage is one of the top packing hacks for travel, if you are bringing liquids in your bag, we have a few travel hacks and tips on how to keep liquids from spilling inside your bag.

The best travel hacks for liquids is a 3-part process that includes plastic wrap, tape and a resealable bag. First, unscrew the top off the bottle and place a piece of plastic wrap over the top, then screw the top back on (over the top of the plastic wrap). Next, take a piece of tape and tape the flip lid shut. Finally, secure the bottles in resealable bags. By using the three-step method, suitcase spillage is highly unlikely!

Pro Tip : The bottles you pack in can make all of the difference! Liquid travel containers is not where you want to skimp on quality. Therefore, one of the best travel hacks for toiletries is to use refillable GoToob bottles that are specifically engineered for travel – and promise a spill-proof journey!

#22 Save Space in your Toiletry Bag when A Little Dab Will Do

One of the phenomenal travel hacks to save space in your toiletries case is to only bring as much product as you will actually use on your trip. Rather than packing larger bottles of face creams and foundation, pour a small amount into a contact lens case. Use more than one case if you need to…but just remember to use a contact case with screw top lids.

Pro Tip : Small 10ml bottles also work great for liquids that you will only need a little dab of during your vacation. They are inexpensive and reusable, too, making them one of the best travel hacks!

#23 Travel Size Items

When it comes to transporting liquids, one of the travel packing life hacks is to use refillable travel-size bottles. In fact, we think travel-size toiletries are the way to go in general when it comes to packing and carry-on hacks.

It is amazing how many products are made in a smaller, space-saving size. Some favorites are a travel-size hairbrush , travel-size toothpaste , travel-size deodorant and travel-size shaving cream . Products we don’t use – but that other travelers do – are mini-magnifying mirrors , travel-size hair straighteners and travel towels .

Pro Tip : Want one of our top travel hacks that saves money in the long run? When your travel-size toothpaste runs out, don’t throw it away! The tube can actually be refilled from a regular-size toothpaste tube. Just securely hold the openings together and squeeze from the larger tube into the travel sized tube!

#24 Travel Tips for Shaving Cream Alternatives

Using a travel-size shaving cream is not the only way to save space in your suitcase. One of the best travel packing tips and hacks is to not bring shaving cream at all! Instead, just lather up soap or use hair conditioner in place of shaving cream.

Pro Tip : The Schick Intuition razor is another travel gem – in that the shaving cream is right on the razor!

#25 Minimal Hair Products

While we love the innovative travel-size products that are available to travelers, the fewer you bring, the lighter your luggage. It can be tempting to pack a hair dryer, curling iron and straightener, but we don’t recommend it…even if they are all travel size!

First, check to see if your accommodations provide a hair dryer. Second, choose one low-maintenance hairstyle. This way, you can limit the number of hair tools and products you bring on your trip!

Pro Tip : In the case that your accommodations don’t have a blow dryer, rather than succumbing to packing a hairdryer, one of the travel life hacks is to pack a microfiber towel that can be used to help dry your hair more quickly. 

#26 Makeup: Packing for Vacation Hacks

Many minimalist travelers recommend leaving all makeup at home when taking a trip. While I have never been a heavy makeup wearer, I still travel with makeup – but I limit it to essentials only.

I pack one powder, two small brushes, a travel eyelash curler and mascara…and that is it. At the very least, limit your makeup bag to only one eyeliner, one eyeshadow, one mascara and one lipstick (and make sure they go with your capsule wardrobe color scheme!).

Pro Tip : Using makeup samples is one of the great traveling life hacks for trips! If you have collected any sample-size makeup in the months prior to your trip, select a few to use on your vacation!

#27 The Almighty Pill Box as a First Aid Kit

While a Weekly Pill Box is excellent for its intended purpose, it is also a great space-saving travel organizer! Instead of packing bottles of Just-in-Case medications, store each of the assorted meds in a different day of the week. For example, store pain reliever in Sunday, vitamins in Monday, cold meds in Tuesday and belly meds in Wednesday. Pill boxes are also one of the fantastic travel pack hacks for storing and organizing jewelry for your trip!

Pro Tip : For something a little more flexible than a pill box, use individual travel jars  and small 2×3-inch plastic resealable baggies to pack medications…and jewelry, too! Read more about what we pack in our first aid travel kit in our post, Ways to Stay Healthy While Traveling .

#28 Toiletry Life Hacks for Packing a Suitcase

One way to make packing toiletries so much easier is to invest in a Travel Toiletry Case that stays packed all the time! With a pre-packed toiletry case, all you need to do when it comes time to pack is grab the bag and go! Just starting out with traveling? This packaged toiletry case is great for beginners!

Pro Tip : Just remember to refill any used items when you return from each trip!

Carry On Hacks

On travel days, we seldom check bags – we each have carry-on-size travel backpacks and a day pack. To stay organized and efficient in airports, carry on luggage hacks are essential!

#29 Carry On Travel Hacks: Airport Security

No one likes a traveler who holds up the line at security, but there are a few packing hacks for carry on luggage that will get you through checkpoints in a flash.

First, if you are carrying liquids onto the plane, make sure they are in 3.4-ounce bottles (100ml) or smaller…and that they all fit into one quart-size resealable plastic bag. Next – and a key to being quick at security – when you pack your bag, place the bag of liquids in an easy to reach spot.

Electronics – especially laptops, but sometimes larger cameras and phones, which sometimes have to be removed when going through security – should also be placed in an easy-to-access part of your carry on luggage.

Pro Tip : Shoes often need to be removed, which is why I like to wear Slip On shoes or flip flops on travel days. However, if you are bringing boots on your trip, you will need to decide whether it is better to wear them to save space in your suitcase or pack them for a swifter pass through security.

#30 Packing Hacks: Carry On Entertainment

The best way to pass time on an airplane is with on-board entertainment, which is why planning your entertainment in advance is one of the best packing hacks for flying. Headphones and portable chargers are a must! 

Once I get settled in my seat, the first thing I do is create a list of movies to watch in-flight. Headphones , however, are essential to enjoying the flicks…so I always bring two pairs (just in case one fails me or gets lost).

On flights where there is no seat-back entertainment, be sure to bring your own entertainment. Make sure your phone is fully charged…and make a few song playlists or download apps in advance. Bring your charging cord (most seats now have USB ports) and a Portable Charger . 

If you like to read on planes (or trains or buses) a Kindle can be a real space-saver and one of the top vacation packing hacks. However, if you are like me and prefer the feel of paper books, then pick up one or two at a used bookstore or free community library…and then pass them along when you’re finished.

Pro Tip : Find out more of the specifics of what should be in your carry on luggage and our other in-flight tips in our blog post, Long Haul Flight Essentials .

#31 Only Hand Luggage Hacks

If you are trying to squeeze all of your items for your entire trip into a carry on, then one way to make a bit more room is to wear a fanny pack onto the plane. What makes it one of the best carry on packing hacks is that your fanny pack shouldn’t count as an extra bag – plus it keeps you hands-free! Besides that, it is a great place to store valuable items (like your passport and wallet), as well as items you want easy access to during the flight (like an lip balm , sleep mask and earplugs).

Pro Tip : Using a backpack instead of a suitcase will also keep you hands-free on travel days! Read more of the pros and cons of each style of luggage in our blog post, Backpack vs Suitcase . 

#32 Organizational Hand Luggage Packing Hacks

There is nothing more frustrating than when the plane is ready for take off…and you realize that your headphones and kindle are stowed in the overhead compartment (which now cannot be accessed until the captain has turned off the seatbelt sign).

To avoid the inconvenience, prepare ahead and pack a small on-board tote that contains your flight essentials, which can fit under the seat in front of you. Items I make sure to have close at hand are sanitizer , wet wipes , water, snacks, phone, headphones, sleep mask, earplugs and compression socks .

Pro Tip : One of the top carry on luggage packing hacks to use if you are checking luggage is to travel on board with a complete change of clothes…just in case your luggage (and clothing) gets lost en route to your destination . I also like to pack a fresh pair of underwear (that I can change into in the airport bathroom to start my trip off feeling fresh!) – as well as a toothbrush and toothpaste to use to freshen up after a long flight.

Miscellaneous Packing Hacks

Our final travel packing tips and hacks are some tricks that we have picked up over the years that make packing so much easier!

#33 Electronic Device Cable Organization

One of our suitcase life hacks is keeping our cables organized. Some of the essential electronics that we travel with are a mini extension cord (because the outlets are not always in convenient places!), a multi-port adapter (because there are multiple things to be charged!) and a portable charger that we carry with us while we are out exploring.

A good way to keep all these cords and electronics organized is with a Grid It board that keeps everything in place and easy to find! 

Pro Tip : For travelers who make frequent trips, an even easier way to stay organized is to purchase duplicate chargers and cables for all of your devices. Secure them on the Grid It – and always keep them packed so they are ready to go when you are ready to go!

#34 Cooking on Vacation

One of the reasons we love staying in Airbnb apartments is that we have access to our own kitchen where we can cook simple meals. That said, not all kitchens come fully equipped. If you plan on cooking during your trip, consider investing in a collapsible colander , a flexible cutting board and an multi-functional knife (but only if you are checking luggage). 

Pro Tip : In our travels, we have found that it is best to pack the spices that we love! To easily pack our spices, we use small resealable bags (the 2×3-inch baggies are the best!) rather than carrying bottles.

#35 Packing Hacks for Traveling as a Couple or with Friends

One thing that we have learned as a traveling couple is to communicate about our packing list. All of the items that can be shared – from lotion to a travel umbrella to a portable Wifi device – are divvied up evenly between us so that we are not carrying duplicates. Whether traveling as couples, friends or families, find out what items might be unnecessary and determine who will carry what.

Pro Tip : Packing Lists are gold! Keep a list of all the items you pack for a trip. When you return, take a few minutes to jot down notes on what you used and what you didn’t and adjust accordingly to make packing easier for future trips!

#36 Packing Hacks for International Travel

As we spend most of our time overseas, we have quite a few international travel hacks for packing. These tips aren’t necessarily travel hacks for packing light, but rather what to pack to make international travel a little bit easier. 

First, make sure you pack your passport and other travel documents in a safe place. We use a Passport Organizer that fits inside a zippered pocket inside our under-the-seat carry on luggage. 

We also think it is important to invest in a Mobile WiFi Hotspot so that you will have an internet connection from the moment you land. We use the GlocalMe device – which can be fitted with a SIM card or you can purchase data online ahead of your trip (the better way to go in our opinion!). 

Next, make sure that you have the right travel apps. Google Translate, Uber (or whatever ride hailing app is popular in the country you are visiting), Booking.com and Google Maps are the basic essentials. 

Bring (and use) a credit card that does not charge international transaction fees (we prefer the Chase Sapphire credit card). 

Pro Tip: We share heaps of tips for traveling from the United States to Europe in this article, How To Plan a Trip To Europe . 

#37 Best Packing Hack for Travel – Make a List! 

We have already touched on making a list as one of the top packing hacks for travel – but it is truly one of the easiest and most often overlooked hacks for organizing your suitcase. 

Start by making a list of what to pack for your next trip. Then, after the trip, reanalyze the list, eliminating the things you didn’t use – and then make a Master Packing List. For future travels, use your Master Packing List as a base for all of your trips. 

However, as each trip is unique with different climates and activities, it is best to take your list one step further and make an Itinerary of Outfits. On this list, note what outfit (or outfits) you will wear on each day of your trip based on your outlined trip itinerary. This way, you can be certain that you only pack clothes you intend to actually wear – saving you from over packing! 

Pro Tip : Our T rip Planning Printables Kit includes itinerary templates and everything you need to organize your trip! 

More Travel Tips and Hacks

Above, we featured our top travel tips for creative and easy packing hacks – but we have so many more travel hacks to save money! 

Cheap Flights

We use a combination of tricks to find the best fares on flights – and we share them all in our article How To Find Cheap Flights .

Best Hotels

Want to find the best hotels at the best prices? Don’t we all! Get there by using our travel hacks for Booking Cheap Hotels . 

Free Packing Checklist 

With our packing hacks for travel, you will be a packing pro in no time! Get started right away with your  FREE Packing Checklist!

Start planning your next trip ! Search for the lowest airfares , the best accommodations and fun things to do …then start packing !   Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page !

We Want To Know: What are your best travel packing hacks? Give us your tips and advice in the comments below!

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Complete Guide To Backpacking Hacks | 70+ Tried & Tested Backpack Hacks & Travel Tips to try now

Like with most things in life, there’s an easy way and a hard way to do something. Packing for travel is no different. To date, I have travelled to well over 50 countries, each time picking up new backpacking hacks and travel tips that help me travel, stress-free. And today I’m sharing this with you.

Of course, you could find out the best travel hacks yourself, by learning through your own mistakes. Or you could save yourself the hassle by following a travel checklist like this.

This extensive list is filled to the brim with over 70 of the best backpacking tips that you can put into action, right now . I’ve refined the way I travel over the years, mostly based on trial and error and then learning from my mistakes. Now, you can learn to pack like a pro whether you’re going on a short city break or a full-blown round-the-world trip.

Not a backpacker? no problem. Many of these backpacker hacks will give you ideas on how to pack for many other styles of travel. I guarantee, whatever your travel style, you will discover some absolute gems in this article.

This post may contain affiliate links. To find out what this means and more information visit my disclosure page .

At A Glance – My Top 10 Travel ACCESSORIES

It’s time to delve into the best backpack hacks for travel. Because this list is so extensive, at the top you’ll find my top 10 travel hacks. The main list of backpacker hacks has been divided into categories, so you can scroll down to the relevant section

71 Awesome backpack hacks for you to try

A lot of best backpacking tips are just about being organised and planning ahead, why now download your FREE travel planner to help get organised?

TRAVEL TIPS & BACKPACKING HACKS ON GADGETS

1. Noise cancelling headphones – I’m rubbish when I don’t get enough sleep, whether it’s on a plane because of a baby screaming, or in a dorm room with what sounds like King Kong snoring the place down.

Earplugs are one option, but I don’t like the feeling of something inside my ear. So, I’ve opted for a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. Hellloooo peaceful sleep.

I can 100% vouch for these noise-cancelling headphones by Sony. I don’t travel without them! Don’t believe me? Check out the reviews here .

Check the reviews and price on these noise cancelling wireless headphones from Sony here.

2. A portable charge bank – This is invaluable as a backup plan for every gadget owner to have an emergency power source.  Not all aeroplanes or buses have charge points and sometimes at an airport, all the charge points are in use or you just don’t have time to wait for charge.

There are loads of charge banks on the market, but it’s best opt for a power bank with a high capacity and with multiple charge ports.

You might like this portable power bank from Amazon.

3. Utilise an offline map app – There are loads of off-line maps out there, heck, even Google does it. My personal favourite is Maps.me for any overseas navigation. It’s free and super easy to use, just download the app on your phone in a wifi area, add the maps of the specific area you are going to, search for your destination and then drop a pin. You can even add personal notes to the pins you drop. I’ve used this app so many times when I am outside of a wifi area. Give it a go!

4. Universal power adapter with multiple sockets – Every seasoned traveller’s been there. A dorm for 8 people, but with only enough power sockets for 4! Thankfully, lots of the newer hostels are cottoning on to this and if you’re lucky you’ll get your own personal socket next to your bed. Backpacker Bingo! However, with multiple things to charge, it’s a ball ache only being able to charge one thing at a time.

Get around the problem with a worldwide power adapter with multiple USB charge points on it.

Opt for a universal power socket like this.

5. A Lightweight mini-tripod – As much as I love solo travel , it can be kinda annoying when I want to take photos of myself in locations. But if I don’t want my arm in the photo, then what? If there is someone else about to take a photo, then easy, ask them. If you’re on your own, makeshift props using a bag, a wall, rocks etc, has to make do…or not.

A great backpacking hack is to use a portable tripod with bendable legs so you can mount it on any surface.

The JOBY GorillaPod series are the best quality ones to go for. They come in a range of sizes, even mini tripods that support up to 3kg of weight!  Twin this with an app linking that links your camera to your phone, and voila, who needs a photographer?!?

You can check out the full Joby Gorillapod range here.

6. A clothes peg to stop headphone cables getting tangled – Although I love my wireless noise cancelling headphones, sometimes I still opt for my old-skool style ear bud style ones, with the cables on them. Yes, I know they aren’t super cool but, bear with me, they are perfect to take to the beach, or anywhere near the sea. I don’t mind them getting covered in sand, saltwater and suntan lotion. Plus, no one’s going to nick a pair of old skool headphones if I leave them lying about.

My biggest pet hate with them is that the cables get tangled. A super simple backpacking hack to wave goodbye to those tangled up cables is a single humble clothes peg. Clip the ear-bud section into the peg, wrap the cable around the peg, and then clip in the jack. It’s the perfect solution to keeping them tidy!

7. High Capactiy SD Cards – I love my adventure sport and soon realised that travelling with a GoPro and recording every scuba dive, white water rafting, a climbing experience that my SD cards were constantly out of space.  After two months in Costa Rica, I’d filled over three SD cards. Buying them at airports cost me a fortune!

Order them from your home country in before your trip. I use a high capacity SD card like the Class 10 SanDisk 128GB card . It comes with an adapter, so I can use the cards in any of my cameras.

You can order your high capacity SD card here

8. Make use of free wif i – If you’re reliant on wifi, then international go-to’s for decent and free wifi are Starbucks and MacDonald’s. It’s also worth checking out some of the bigger hotels, town squares, cafes, museums also allow you to connect for free.

9. Organise cables in a sunglass case – No doubt you will be taking electronic items with you which means the potential of having to carry lots of different cables. A top backpacking hack and handy way to keep these organised is by packing them into a sunglass case (either the hard case or soft zip-up pouch). You’ll always know where they are and this will stop them getting tangled up and damaged.

TRAVEL TIPS & BACKPACKING HACKS ON FOOD & DRINK

10. Take a food container and travel cutlery – There’s nothing worse than being stuck out on a day trip or on a long journey with overpriced and uninspirational food.

Pack a food container and travel cutlery. Perfect! This bento box style container is a great option and I’m actually a little bit in love with this beautiful rose gold reusable travel cutlery set .

11. Book hostels or accommodation with a kitchen – This top backpacker hack is great for anyone with dietary requirements, as well as saving you a mini fortune. Cooking your own meals takes a little bit of time for sure, but think how much money you’re literally devouring each day, everytime you eat out. For long term travel, you’ll become a whiz at knocking up quick, cheap and nutritious meals.

12. A portable coffee maker – If, like me, you’ll understand the NEED for your daily caffeine fix before you’re even capable of facing the day. If you’re lucky, your accommodation might supply you with some sachets of brown granules they call ‘coffee’. Frankly, it tastes like piss and certainly does nothing towards hitting the spot.

I’m happy to admit that I’m a bit of a coffee snob and I’m ok with that. This travel coffee press by Bodum is a must for if you want fresh coffee on the go .

If you’re a coffee snob, you’ll love this travel French press .

13. Eat the street food –  Ask the staff at your accommodation for the best non-tourist places to go for authentic food.

The main worry people have is, particulalry with street food is, ‘is the food safe?!’  On the whole, yes! A good indication is that if there are a lot of locals eating there then the food is cheap, safe and tasty.

14. Use a water bottle with an intergrated filter – The world does not need more plastic waste, however, this can be difficult in countries where you can not drink the water. To combat this invest in a water purification filter bottle .

These ingenious bottles filter out 99.9% of waterborne pathogens and allows you to drink the water from taps or freshwater sources like rivers!

You can read more on how water purification filter bottles work here.

15. Take some Herbs and Spices with you – Hostel kitchens can be basic. Sometimes all you’ll find is a few old pots n pans, a chipped plate and a bent fork. If you’re lucky you might find an old box of salt to add some seasoning. To be frank, you’re more likely to find a lump of unicorn poo in a hostel kitchen than some decent herbs and spices!

There’s only so much bland food I can tolerate on a long-term trip. A handy trick is to put some spices and dried herbs into little pots or zip bags. A bit of basil or chilli powder can turn a bland dish into something super tasty.

16. Carry a dietary information card – Whether it’s an intolerance, an allergy or a dietary requirement, it’s handy to have the phrase ‘I cannot eat……’ written in the local language. Ask the staff at your accomodation to help you if you are struggling with Google Translate.

Alternatively, pictures of items you cannot eat with a cross through (a bit like a road sign) can also be really useful if you are unsure of the language and want to avoid certain items.

17. Discount drinking   – Backpackers love to drink. However, drinking out at bars can be expensive, unless you can find a decent bar that offers a happy hour.  A great backpacking hack is to suss out the local shop and drink elsewhere, like the sunset on the beach. Just remember to check street-drinking rules for the country you are in! Don’t forget to pack a little bottle opener too!

18. Free breakfasts – Everyone likes free food right? Some hostels offer amazing breakfasts, others are minimal (white bread or toast, bland jam and watery coffee). It’s also just more convenient.

Set this as a search option when you are booking your accommodation.

TRAVEL TIPS & BACKPACKING HACKS ON GETTING ABOUT

19. Use incognito mode to get the cheapest flight deals  – Skyscanner is my go-to for cheap flights. When you’re searching make sure you do it in ‘incognito’ or secret mode. You know when you look at a flight and it’s one price, then go back later to check it and it’s going up – that’s because of the algorithm your device is sending to Skyscanner. Searching in secret mode stops this from happening. There are other easy things you should be doing to get the best deal on flights too.

20. Book your flights at the optimum time This is usually at around 6-8 weeks before departure, often on a Tuesday or Wednesday at mid-afternoon.

21. Avoid using taxis hailed down off the street – This is a sure-fire way to an expensive journey. Depending on where in the world you are, there is a multitude of ‘taxi’ apps, Grab (Asia), Bolt (Baltics) and Uber are all much cheaper than the regular cabbie.

22. Lift-share – Put a notice in reception or check-in desk or simply mention it to the staff at a hostel that you’re interested in lift sharing.

Lift sharing is also a great way to meet likeminded travellers.  Who knows, you might even stumble across some off-the-beaten-track place on your journey and with comfort in numbers, go explore someplace you’d never considered.

23. Don’t dismiss public transport – Sometimes, the quickest and cheapest way to get around is via the public trasnport system.

Depending on which country you are in public trains and buses can range from budget to full-on luxury. Unfortunately, pickpockets exist everywhere. Just be careful to keep an eye on your stuff on certain routes by using a anti-theft secure bag, like the options here

I love this cute PU Leather anti theft bag ! Find out more here

Check prices on this USB charging anti-theft backpack

TRAVEL TIPS & BACKPACKING HACKS ON MONEY

24. Notify your bank that you are travelling overseas – During my trip to Austrailia, I was locked out of my cards. It was the most frustratingly infuriating thing ever.

A big phone bill later from calling UK help-lines, I did manage to get my card unlocked but I could have saved myself the frustration if notified them I was abroad.

25. Set a budget – Depending where in the world you are travelling, this will vary big time! For example, in most of South East Asia, I can get by on about $20-30 a day  to cover my accommodation, food, travel and activites. However, switch the destination to Europe, I struggled with keeping within $50 a day limit.

It’s a sensible idea to set a daily or weekly budget before you go, and really try to stick to it. It’s great to have the credit card as back up for unexpected costs or impulsive purchases, but just be aware of the mounting cost.

The worst thing after coming back from an epic trip is checking the dwindling bank balance and a huge debt to pay off.

26. Don’t be scared to Flashpack once in a while   – For the bulk of the time, I travel on a budget – for food, accommodation, transport. If I can find a way to be thrifty, you can bet I’m doing it.

Unless you’re in the fortunate position of having some big funds behing you, most long-term travellers are on a budget. BUT it’s exhausting.

Just once in a while, you’ll feel backpacker burn out. It’s times like these when it’s ok to splash out a little bit and get a tiny bit of luxury in your life for a couple of days to recoup.

To keep in budget, offset your splurge days with a few days either side of spending next to no money at all. Chilling on the beach is a good way to achieve this.

27. Use a currency converter app – So, there are easy currencies to work with, for example, Dollar, Pound Sterling and Euro. The currency comes in fairly small denominations. 

On the other hand, Vietnam and Cambodia, just HOW many zero’s on their bills?

I found it so confusing having to count up the number of zeros on the end of a number to discover it was actually only worth a couple of pounds!

But it’s this confusion, that makes tourists a prime target for being short-changed when instead of paying the equivalent of $2 for something, you pay $20!

Use a simple currency converter app on your phone to stop this happening.

28. Stash some emergency cash  – It’s a good idea to keep a bit of emergency money with you and keep it hidden somewhere safe in case of emergencies.  You might lose a bank card, or be stuck somewhere with no ATMs.

29. Don’t be afraid to haggle –   As a tourist, regardless of how skint you think you are, you will be seen as a walking money bank. In a lot of countries, the whole concept of travel is a pipeline drea.

Because of this, you’ll learn quickly that there is what’s known as the ‘local price’ and then the ‘tourist price’.

As a rule of thumb, the first price you’re offered will be at 10x its actual value. Learn the art of haggling.

An Ethical Note on Haggling

If you are haggling for something which has been handcrafted (as in it’s not been mass-produced in a factory and has a ‘made in China’ sticker on it) do take into account how much time and effort has gone into the piece.

As a traveller, you’re already better off finacially than a lot of others in the world.

Regardless to whether it’s a rug, scarf, bag, artwork etc. That extra dollar you are trying to bargain down could mean the difference between a meal for a whole family or not.

So yes, do haggle, but just be ethical about it.

30. Use clips to separate and organise money –  If you are on a multi-destination style trip you will come across lots of different currencies. To keep them all organised, use a money clip, but paper-clips work just as well.

31. Make the most of free stuff in each location – Pretty much every city I’ve been to offer a free city walking tour. Not only a great way to meet other travellers, but also to get the lo-down on the layout of the city and some insider nuggets of information.

These tours do operate on a tip basis, so if you enjoyed it or found it of some value then don’t forget to tip the guide!

Other things to look out for are free museums, live music and public events happening.

Hostels staff or the local tourist board (either tourist information shop, or online) are usually pretty good at divulging this type of info.

TRAVEL TIPS & BACKPACKING HACKS ON CLOTHING

32. Use Packing-Cubes to keep stuff organised – Looking back, I don’t even know how I managed without the use of these amazing packing cubes . 

Not only do they add an extra layer of protection to keep your clothes clean and dry, but they are also amazing for keeping your stuff organised. They also have a handy zipper round the outisde which squishes everything down, so you can fit loads more stuff into your luggage.

If you take away just one backpacking hack, let packing cubes be it!

33. Roll your clothing – Rolling your clothes actually takes up less space than folding it, according to research it also helps to keep clothing more crease-free. A win-win situation!

34. Co-ordinate your packing – If you are limited by how many items you can pack into your rucksack, then make sure you pack items with colours or patterns that can easily be mix and matched . Likewise, try and pack multi-purpose clothing; a casual beach dress by day can be smartened up for the evening by twinning it with a pretty shoal and strappy sandals. Accessories are also a good way to add diversity to a bland outfit.

35. Invest in a large sarong …and know how to use it

• A large sarong is less bulky than a towel for trips to the beach, a sarong can be made into a quick fix sun dress to wear until you get there.
• Temples often require you to cover up your shoulders or knees, a quick fix is to tie your sarong over your shoulders, or wrap it over your shorts so it covers your knees.
• On chilly flights and long bus journeys, your sarong can be used as a lightweight blanket.
• If you are going camping, a sarong can be bundled up and used as an emergency pillow.
• You can make a privacy curtain if you are staying in a dorm room on a bottom bunk.
• A pretty sarong can be knotted, twisted and tucked in a multitude of ways to make a funky dress, top or skirt.

36. Dress for the culture – This goes for guys and girls. Do a little research on the dos and don’ts in a country. For example, my trip to Jordan. Despite it being hot, it’s not as culturally acceptable to walk about in a mid-drift top and little denim shorts.I packed clothes suitable for the middle east .

Likewise, in Thailand , you can not enter a temple unless you are appropriately dressed.

Wear what you like, yes – but just remember how you dress at home could be seen as incredibly disrespectful, or promiscuous to people in other parts of the world. 

37. Pack light –  You won’t need as many clothes as you think. Trust me.

Before you go, lay out everything you’re planning on taking on the floor. Go through everything with the aim of ditching at least 1/3 of it. If you can get rid of a 1/2 then even better!

Be strict with yourself. Having to lug a 15kg backpack around, when it’s a 30minute walk in the scorching heat isnt fun.

38. Use shower caps as shoe covers – I’m not sure who uses shower caps for their actual purpose BUT they are fabulous for putting around the bottom of a pair of dirty shoes and keeping the contents of your backpack muck free.

TRAVEL TIPS & BACKPACKING HACKS ON HEALTH & FITNESS

39. Take basic loo kit – In many countries around the world, public amenities such as toilets aren’t up to the standard we’re used to in the west; especially on long road trips in lots of Asia, Africa and South America. I highly recommended you keep a little ‘loo kit’ in your day bag – toilet paper, wet wipes and hand sanitizer – you’ll thank yourself when nature calls.

40. A washbag with a hook – Frequently, bathrooms in hostels lack hooks. You’ll be tasked with the balancing of finding somewhere dry to put your towel, clean clothes, dirty clothes and any toiletries you might be using.

Take care of one of these problems by opting for a travel toiletry organiser bag with a hook to keep everything off the floor.

Shop for a travel toiletry organiser bag with a hook here

41. Keep hairpins in an old mint container – Hairpins get everywhere. If bobby pins are part of your daily hair routine, then keep them organised in an old mint tin.

42. Go miniature with toiletries – Do this for any toiletry you can not get in a solid block form. Decant your liquids into miniature bottles like these cute silcone ones.

Shop for mini silcone travel bottles on Amazon

43. Use solid shampoo instead of liquids – Bottles of liquid are heavy and bulky, pluse can be prone to leakages. Solve all three of these problems and use solid blocks of shampoo and conditioner instead .

44. Take a mini first aid kit – Most towns will have a shop that ‘might’ sell some basic first aid stuff but it’s handy to carry some essentials with you.

Take a basic first aid kit and add to it antihistamines, paracetamol/ibuprofen, diarrhoea tablets and rehydration powder, bug-bite cream and travel or sea sickness tablets. This gives me a pretty comprehensive travel first aid kit which comes on all my trips.

45. A compact travel towel – If you’re staying in hostels, most likely, you’ll have to provide your own towel.

Go for a microfibre one which are light weight and quick drying. Not only that, they are super soft on your skin and take up next to no space.

They also come in a range of colourful fun prints. The perfect travel towel!

Opt for a light weight and quick drying travel towel like these

46. Use a bulldog clip over the end of your shaver – Probably the most annoying of all cuts are shaver cuts on your fingers as you are rummaging about your toiletry bag. If your shaver doens’t have a protective cover, then use a bulldog clip over the blade instead. You fingers will forgive you. 

47. Use headscarf or bandana for bad hair days – Granted, there are going to be some days when your hair looks like you’ve been dragged through a hedge backwards.  Use a multifunctional headscarf to transform your bed-head look into something more presentable.

Messy buns and a headscarf, that’s backpacker chic you know!

48. Go minimal with the make-up – Humidity, sweat and makeup never bode well. Save the hassle, bulk and weight and just take the bare minimal with you. For me, that’s a little bit of concealer, a neutral shade of eye shadow, waterproof mascara and lip balm.

TRAVEL TIPS & BACKPACKING HACKS ON SAFETY

49. Always keep your day bag in sight – Busy areas are prime territory for pick-pockets. If your back isn’t secure, then carry it on your front. Better still, use an anti theft backpack.

Also, try to get out of the habit of leaving your bag slung over the back of a chair or sat on the floor when you’re sitting at a table. These places make it easy for someone to walk past and grab it. Instead put your rucksack on the floor in between your legs, with your own leg or the chair/ table leg hooked through the strap. If it’s a smaller bag, keep it on your lap.

50. Use a decent quality lock – The majority of hostels or hotels will proveid somewhere safe to keep your things. In hostels, you ususally have to provide your own lock. Buy a decent quality padlock before you go. Hostels will often sell them, but cheap nasty things at a hugely marked up price.

51. Hide your valuables on your body – If you’re out and about in a busy area and don’t want to take a big bag with you, then to keep your valuables safe by using a money belt or a hidden zip scarf .

Shop Now: Scarf with a hidden zip pocket

52. Don’t flash expensive stuff about – I always think this is a common sense travel hack, however, I’m always amazed by how much bling some people take travelling with them. If you’re going to walk about looking like a jewellery shop or a designer clothes horse then expect to be a target to thieves. This includes if you have gone shopping and are walking about holding a carrier bag with a designer brand on it, you’re a walking beacon to would be thiefs.

The same goes for technology, be sure you know exactly where your phone and camera are. They can be easily snatched out of your hand.

TRAVEL TIPS & BACKPACKING HACKS ON PACKING & ORGANISATION

53. Use a travel organiser wallet with LOTS of compartments   – Most things, thankfully come in a digital format now. However, you will always have important documents which you’ll need to keep to hand, such as your passport.

Keep your important documents in order with a multi-compartmented travel organiser .

Stay organised with a travel document organiser like this

54. Bring a small laundry bag   – Any small and lightweight bag will do. Canvas tote bags are perfect for keeping your dirty stuff together and squishing into your backpack. When you need to do washing, just grab the whole bag and drop it to the laundry.

55. Reuse plastic bags – I’m not a fan of single-use plastics, so keep hold of any plastic bag you use, and reutilise it. For example, the ones that your blanket on the airline is wrapped in is perfect! You never know when you might have wet or muddy clothing to pack away. It gives a second use to a would-be landfill item.

56. A foldable duffle bag – Use this to overflow into, espeically if you’re planning on travelling long term. Naturally, you will a few bits along the way.

These foldable bags are so compact and lightweight, they fit easily in your regualr bag. They can also double up as a pillow to use on a long bus ride – stuff it with a jumper and voila, you have a great place to rest your head.

Check prices on foldable duffle bags here

57. Wrap tiny items in tissue paper – Stop your jewellery getting tangled and lost by wrapping them in tissue paper.

58. Pack the heaviest items first – Bigger items like shoes, can be filled with smaller stuff before being packed. Pack the big items first and then fill in any little awkward and annoying gaps with small squishable items.

59. Take a carabiner   – These super little handy clips are worth their weight in gold and have a whole host of uses. Essentally, you’ll be able to clip pretty much anything to, err…anything.

TRAVEL TIPS & BACKPACKING HACKS ON BACKPACKING ESSENTIALS TO MAKE LIFE EASIER

60. Bring a small notebook journal and pen – As much as I love my phone and laptop, sometimes it’s nice to have an electronic detox and to be able to sit and write down my thoughts and feelings on old fashioned pen and paper.

If the idea of a totally blank note book scares you then why not go for a Travel Journal with sections and prompts to help you plan and document your whole adventure.

Shop for Travel Journal by Moleskine here

61. Pack a length of cord – Super useful if you have wet stuff after getting caught in a downpour, or done some emergency washing in a sink.  Sometimes there is just no-where to hang stuff up. Tie a length of cord between the posts of your bed, between a trees, wherever, to give yourself an instant washingline.

62. Take fishing line and a basic sewing kit – If you only have to do a basic repairs on clothing, then regular cotton thread is fine. However, for anything that’s weight-bearing, like your rucksack straps, you’ll need something stronger. Fishing line is your answer.

63. A head flash light – The torch on your phone is great, but a head light is even better. I’ve used my head lamp so many times when needed to he hads free like in caves or on night hikes.

Shop for LED Headlamp Flashlight here

64. Research before you travel – Although I love the spontaneity of exploring somewhere new, it can be useful to know just a little bit about what’s in the region.

This is particularly the case if something needs to be booked in advance, or there are limited opening hours.

65. Mingle with the locals  – For a more authentic experience, be sure to hang out where the locals go. The vast majority of people you’ll meet can’t want to show off and tell you about their country.

Who knows, they may tip you off about a delicious locally known restaurant or somewhere that the tourists don’t venture too because it’s not advertised. Even just saying hello and a smile goes a long way.

66. Get a waterproof phone case – Although most phones are somewhat waterproof now, I’m still not convinced of how well they are.

Also having an additional water proof case for your phone is handy for slightly wet boat rides, days at the beach when you want to go for a swim or even taking pics while you’re snorkelling.

You might also be interested in this article on choosing the best SIM for using your phone aborad 

67. A pack of cards – As rubbish as I am at playing card games, they are a universal way of interacting with other travellers you meet.

There’s nothing quite like bringing a group of strangers; great for long journeys, drinking sessions at the hostel or staying in the middle of the jungle.

68. A sleeping bag liner – Sometimes, hostel bedding isn’t quite up to scratch and the cleanliness can be questionable. 

A sleeping bag liner will be a much needed barrier between you and those suspect looking stains on the bedding.

Check Prices at Amazon: Sleeping Bag Liner

69. Travel insurance – I know it’s an added expense, but it really is worth it. Protection against theft, cancellations and illnesses is priceless.

I never go away without having a fully comprehensive travel insurance. I reccomend True Traveller and World Nomads which both offer competative prices and great customer service.

70. A universal sink plug – I know it’s not very exciting, but a simple item like the humble universal plug for the sink can feel like a luxury commodity in some countries. Often, they are non-existent. If you plan on being on the road for a long time and need to wash clothes, you will 100% need one of these.

71. Don’t forget your sense of fun and adventure  – For many, the chance of travelling the world is a pipeline dream. If you are privileged enough to be able to travel, make the most of every opportunity. Head off the beaten track, try new stuff and open your mind to every new experience possible.

WOW! You made it to the end! That was a pretty epic list of backpacking hacks, well done for persevering. Now ypu know exactly how to pack like a pro, you’ll be totally equipped for every eventuality.

• If you’re a bit tech-savvy, then check out these awesome gadgets for travel
• Thinking of upping your photography game? You’ll love this detailed article on the 14 best cameras on the market right now.

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If you found this post useful or know someone who would, then don’t forget to like and share it.

Looking for a travel checklist or something to inspire your wonderlust ?

Are there any other awesome travel tips or backpacking hacks that should be on this list?  I’d love to know, comment in the section below.

Hey, I'm Becki......and I'm a self-confessed travel addict and experience connoisseur!

In other words, I’m a bucket-list traveller, on a mission to experience the best things our fabulous little planet has to offer with the least environmental impact.

When I'm not climbing mountains, scuba diving, spotting wildlife or exploring ruins, you'll probably find me sipping coffee, or with a glass of wine in hand planning my next adventure.

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Here’s why an OOTD color scheme is so genius.

Just as excited as you are to travel some place new, you may equally dread packing for the trip. It’s not as easy cramming every outfit you want to wear and essential toiletry you need to bring into your luggage. Since airlines are also making it almost impossible to check a bag nowadays unless you want to fork over more than $30, many people are opting for only bringing carry-on bags for their next vacay. To pack light, you need some hacks for traveling with a backpack.

The thought of only bringing a backpack on your next trip may be intimidating AF. It’s hard to imagine you can fit a weekend’s worth of clothes into one backpack, but expert travelers have found ways to make not just clothes, but also makeup, jewelry, and even an extra pair of shoes fit into their bags. In fact, traveling light has become a new fad for those with wanderlust, looking for budget-friendly ways to get to more of their dream destinations.

To get you on the traveling light train, all you need is a list of the essentials and tips on how to travel with a backpack from TikTokers sharing their best-kept packing secrets. From using backpacks the size of carry-on bags to packing cubes that compress easily, here are 15 hacks for traveling with a backpack as well as a list of products you’ll want to add to cart ASAP.

We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

Airlines make it so hard to travel with carry-ons, with a lot of them charging for anything that’s not just a personal bag. Luckily, backpacks still fall under the personal bag category, and you can find plenty of large backpacks. TikToker @kathleenjbeach suggests using a 40L backpack like this Open Story one from Target. The best part is this backpack opens up like a carry-on and even has compartments inside that will make organizing your essentials so easy. One of the 5-star reviewers from Target even mentioned this bag is comfy and won’t hurt your shoulders, despite how much you’re bringing.

For flights that only allow one free personal item, a hack for traveling light is to use a backpack that’s the same size as any standard carry-on luggage. TikToker @delrosario.adventures recommends this 40L travel backpack from Amazon that’s not only the size of a carry-on, but also comes with packing cubes to use as well. Anyone who has tried to pack light knows how essential packing cubes are, so this is like two hacks for traveling with a backpack rolled into one. Plus, one of the over 4,000 5-star reviewers on Amazon mentioned that it did fit under the seat in front of them on the plane. That’s a big win.

One way to make packing easier when you’re just using a backpack is to find one that zips open like a suitcase. This bag recommended by TikToker Megan Homme ( @meganhomme ), who is also an airline employee, not only zips open all the way but can also fit under your plane seat as well. Homme also shared everything that can fit in this versatile backpack, like three pairs of pants, bulky sweaters, a pair of shoes, a flat iron, and a bag of toiletries.

While these compression sacks are usually used by campers for their sleeping bag, TikToker @kaitlyn.dickie recommends using it for your clothes when trying to travel light with just a backpack. Of course, if you’re worried about wrinkles, this may not be the best option for you. However, if you’re bringing clothes that won’t wrinkle, stuff everything you’re planning to wear in your sack so it takes up less space in your backpack.

Homme has more traveling light tips that include investing in travel-sized versions of your fave products. However, you may not want to spend money on smaller versions just for one trip. One way to bring everything in your skincare routine is to put it all in travel bottles. This set from Amazon includes four bottles, three mini jars, and two toothbrush covers.

Both Homme and TikToker @mrsblinks suggest packing only neutrals from your wardrobe. This allows you to mix items to create multiple OOTDs from just a few essentials. Along with packing neutrals, @mrsblinks also suggests trying on all your clothes before packing to make sure they still fit and that you’ll want to wear them on your trip. Who doesn’t like a little fashion show at home, right? It’ll be like a movie montage à la Chew from Clueless.

Another good packing tip that helps create more space is to roll up your clothes and pack them in a cube that can go into your backpack. This packing cube set comes in a variety of colors. So, while your clothes may be neutral, your packing cube can be a fun pop of color.

If you’re traveling light just to avoid paying extra for checking your bag, this traveling hack from TikToker @nolimitua is so genius. Take an empty throw pillow case and stuff it with any clothes or soft items that don’t fit into your backpack. It’ll not only act as a pillow for the plane, but it’ll give you extra room in your bag for souvenirs you can bring back.

Packing anything that comes in a spray bottle like perfume or toners can be difficult when you’re only bringing carry-on bags. A tip from TikToker @thetravelmum is to get an atomizer to create a travel size version . One of the nearly 3,000 5-star reviewers on Amazon said “the filling and refilling is super easy and straight forward” with these in particular. Of course, a super thrifty hack is to see if you can snag a free perfume sample from the store so you won’t have to spend any money at all.

While packing cubes in general are amazing travel hacks, opting for compression packing cubes will give you that extra bit of space you need. TikToker @bondenavant mentions compression packing cubes as one of the ways to pack more efficiently. Another tip is to take pictures of all your outfits before packing them to make sure you really love them and will want to wear them.

Just because you’re traveling light doesn’t mean you have to skip out on your go-to skincare routine. Bring along your fave serums in these adorable travel jars . A great method to measure out how much you’ll need, according to TikToker @kaitlinsondae , is to just pump out how much product you use per day for however many days you’ll be gone. You could always add in more, because you can use the leftover product when you get home as well.

While choosing neutrals is a great way to make sure all your clothes can go together, TikToker @loveyoumariemuch also suggests going with a color scheme . This can help make your vacay OOTDs more colorful if that’s your style. Just make sure you’re also packing item by item and not by outfits, because you’ll want to bring pieces you can wear multiple days.

Choosing five colors that all go together is @loveyoumariemuch’s hack for choosing your palette, and white may be a great choice for one of your colors. A simple white button down shirt can be your go-to whether you’re at the beach, walking around the city, or getting dressed up for a night on the town.

Since everything will be packed tightly in your bag, you don’t want your shoes dirtying up your clothes. Getting some shoe bags will help prevent this, which is just one of many hacks for traveling light from TikToker @findingfiona . Some other tips include rolling your clothes and only bringing the toiletries and makeup you’ve used in the last three days. If you haven’t used any items recently, you most likely won’t use them on your trip.

Your makeup routine may require multiple brushes, which will only take up more space in your backpack. Luckily, there are multi-functional makeup brushes that are like Swiss Army knives, but for the beauty world. TikToker @wahmeko demonstrates how easy it is to do a full makeup lewk with just one brush. This one tool comes with an eyeshadow brush, brow brush, blush brush, and a concealer sponge all in one.

Since you’ll be packing everything tightly in your backpack, you don’t want to have to dig through it on the plane for things like your headphones, Chapstick, or charging cable. It helps to have everything you need in one place that’s easy to access. TikToker @nowboardingallgroups suggests the mini Away suitcase, which unfortunately, is not available right now. Luckily, Target has this budget-friendly dupe from Open Story that works just as well.

You may need to sacrifice wearing a super cute OOTD to the airport with this hack for traveling light. TikToker @megthetravelingteacher recommends wearing a travel vest that comes with tons of extra pockets for anything that couldn’t fit into your backpack. You may still be able to pull of a cute ‘fit with this vest from Amazon, though. It comes in a variety of colors like denim and basic black to match whatever you’re wearing, and since you will be wearing it, “it doesn’t count as another carry-on.”

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Travel Hack 20L Backpack - 40x20x25cm

Travel Hack 20L Backpack - 40x20x25cm - Black is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.

• A stylish, compact ladies travel backpack. Laptop compatible for devices up to 13". 
• Features an easy access top pocket for purses, phones and travel documents.
• Fits the Ryanair 40x20x25cm' free' underseat hand luggage rules. Flies for free on all other known airlines. Lightweight design weighs just 0.6kg.
• 20L internal capacity. Comfortable padded airmesh back panel and straps. Showerproof external shell with metallic detailing and eco-leather ID holder
• 3D packing pockets, water bottle holder and strap on the rear panel to combine effortlessly with rolling luggage.

Specification

Delivery within the United Kingdom is from just £3.50. Orders over £60 get free UK Delivery.

Protected by the Cabin Max 3 year manufacturing fault warranty.

We have a 30-day return policy, which means you have 30 days after receiving your item to request a return.

All of our fabric bags are hand wash only. We would advise dabbing smaller marks with a cloth dipped in soapy water. Air dry only.

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Pakt Travel Backpack V2 (35L) Review

The Pakt Travel Backpack V2 (35L) has a very organized layout but is not overly compartmentalized to the point of sacrificing spaciousness and ease of packing.

Our Verdict

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• Spacious and easy to pack despite relatively compartmentalized layout
• Laptop sleeve better protected between the rest of your gear
• Simple yet secure water bottle pocket
• Shoulder straps’s width makes them feel tight
• Compartmentalized layout takes some getting used to
• Twin side handles can feel off-balance if only using one

Technical Details

Carry-on compliance.

View 113/145 Airlines

Disclaimer: We take the measurements of the bag provided by the manufacturer and compare them to the allowance listed on airline websites. This should be used as a guideline rather than a rule. Bags can change size as you pack them out, and every airline's interpretation of compliance is different. Just because a bag is listed as carry-on compliant here doesn't mean that the airline will interpret it that way.

Like the Look

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Weight (lb)

4.1 lb (1.9 kg)

21.5 in x 12.5 in x 8 in (54.6 x 31.8 x 20.3 cm)

Notable Materials

Recycled Nylon, Paracord, PFC-free DWR Coating, YKK Zippers, Duraflex Hardware

Manufacturing Country

Laptop Compartment Size

Warranty Information

Pakt Policy

Full Review

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Based on our experience with many travel backpacks, subdividing the main compartment runs the risk of sacrificing spaciousness. Think about it: you can no longer pack bulky gear as you please since compartmentalization dictates what goes where. On one hand, this is a very organized way to pack that doesn’t require you to freestyle or strategize. On the other hand, this limits flexibility, not only in gear size but also in accessibility.

Pakt’s Travel Backpack V2 (35L) seems unfazed by such limitations despite its very compartmentalized layout. Both internal bucket spaces feel large enough to store packing cubes. Meanwhile, the clamshell opening is complimented by two quick-access zippered openings, helping solve any accessibility woes. So what’s the catch? The harness system, specifically its very wide shoulder straps, which really impact long-term comfort.

External Components

The colorway we’re testing is called Ocean, and it’s a fitting name. Pakt notes that the rNylon they’re using (recycled nylon) is recyclable indefinitely, which should mean less waste ending up in the oceans somewhere along the way. It’s a 500-denier fabric that feels fittingly robust for the Travel Backpack V2’s size (at least for the 35-liter version we’re sampling). The structure it provides isn’t at the same level as ballistic nylon fabrics with heavier denier counts, but it’s not flimsy either.

On that note, we are sampling a pre-production unit, so some imperfections are to be expected. Most notable of which are a few loose threads in the pockets. These should not be an issue in the retail version. However, we’d be remiss not to point them out..

The fabric and the colorway themselves really help clean up the bag’s aesthetic. Maybe it’s the calming blueness, but the visual clutter of the many zippers and straps gets muted. Of course, there’s more than one way to slice a pizza; in this case, you can opt for the Black colorway for a completely stealthy style. Alternatively, there’s also Forest, though it’s a bit too dark and gray for those itching for an olive colorway.

Topping off the rest of the Travel Backpack V2’s materials are zippers from YKK and hardware from Duraflex. Both brands are well-regarded for the reliable components they make, so we weren’t too worried about their performance. We’re not ones to take reputation at face value, so we’re happy to report that neither the zippers nor the many clips, buckles, and adjusters broke or jammed in any significant way.

No self-respecting travel backpack should be without a few grab handles, and Pakt surely doesn’t disappoint here. There’s one at the top, one at the bottom, and a pair on the right side. We like having two on one side for a more balanced carry. However, these particular ones are too low-profile and can feel a bit cumbersome to use together if you have small hands. On the bright side, all of the handles are decently padded, making them relatively comfortable to pull the bag in and out of tight spaces.

While the top handle is too centered (read: recessed), Pakt was considerate enough to put a loop between the shoulder straps so you can easily hang the bag. Yep, it’s a similar one you’d typically find on most backpacks, which usually acts as the main handle. Here, though, it’s mostly for hanging the bag behind restroom stalls. Airport restroom floors can be sketchy at times, after all.

Compression straps are another typical feature of travel backpacks, and this one has four, with two on each side. What we dig about Pakt’s implementation is how easy they are to stow away. They’re not completely removable (they’re stitched on one end), but they have clips on the other side. Simply unhook these clips, and you can stow each strap into respective slip pockets.

Why would you want to stow the compression straps? Mainly because they go over the main compartment’s opening, plus that minimizes the amount of dangling straps. In case you’re wondering, none of the compression straps have elastic keepers or any of the sort.

On the right side is a raised water bottle pocket. Pakt keeps the design simple—mostly. It’s a fabric pocket with gussets on both sides. Grip comes courtesy of built-in elastics and a small bungee loop that you can use to secure your bottle’s neck. That said, we don’t find bungee necessary since the pocket is fairly deep, and even slender bottles fit snuggly. We also tried inserting a 33-ounce bottle, and it also fits well.

The Travel Backpack V2’s harness system has all the ingredients we usually look for. The first ones to catch our attention are the load lifters. These are very easy to adjust without being so loose that they lose their adjustment while you wear them.

The shoulder straps are reassuringly thick, befitting the bag’s travel backpack designation. That said, the padding itself feels too stiff for our liking, and that has implications in terms of comfort, which we’ll go into more detail in the next section. To Pakt’s credit, the shoulder straps’ top ends connect to the bag via thin sections. These allow the straps to move more freely than if the padded section directly joined the back panel. We’ve seen this implemented on a few daypacks, but it makes a ton more sense for travel backpacks like these that usually have thick straps. However, even this neat little feature introduces a caveat, namely, it makes the straps flip around while you shove your arms through. It happened to us too often, so it merits a mention.

Along the shoulder straps are loops, one on each. You can use these to hang accessories like key organizers or cute souvenir keychains (yes, we do this too) or keep the load lifter adjustment strap in check. More important, though, is the sternum strap. It’s not the sliding type, which we find ideal due to the fine granular adjustments you can make with it. Instead, it’s the hook-on-loops kind. To be fair, it gets the job done, but those who get very particular with their fit may find this less than optimal.

Another feature the Pakt Travel Backpack V2 shares with other travel backpacks is stowable shoulder straps. The bottom ends detach via clips, so you can slip them behind the back panel as needed. This prevents them from snagging on other people’s luggage and gear when you store the bag in a shared overhead bin. Thankfully, the clips Pakt’s using here are fairly easy to work with, and we generally didn’t have trouble re-attaching them on the go.

The back panel is simply ribbed, with a fair amount of segmentation that should contour well with users’ backs. Features-wise, you get a luggage pass-through poking sideways across the back panel. One neat detail is the embedded magnets that help keep the pass-through shut when you’re not using it.

Lastly, there’s also a waist strap. It’s nothing substantial like a hip belt, so don’t expect it to offload any kind of weight from the shoulder straps. This is really more for stability as it helps keep the bag’s lower half centered and close to you. It’s also completely detachable via gatekeeper clips if you don’t need it.

For the most part, the Travel Backpack V2’s harness system does a good job in terms of comfort and the actual support of the bag. However, the shoulder straps’ width really stuck out to us. Even the large framed among the Pack Hacker crew could feel the straps dig near and around the neck and “overflow” beyond the shoulders. The pictures really don’t do it much justice since the straps look fairly normal in size, but trust us, they feel relatively huge.

As you can expect, that feeling is shared by those with smaller frames here at HQ. You may be wondering if the shoulder straps’ flexible joints help. They spread them apart easily, but not enough to completely eliminate the tight sensation. Again, the padding itself is also on the firm side, adding to the issue, so while it’s reasonably comfortable to wear for short periods, it can feel fatiguing on longer ones. Think walking to a hilltop hotel or running around trying to catch trains, that sort of thing.

If that’s the case, why say that the harness system “does a good job”? That’s because we can tell it has effective individual components. The load lifters and sternum straps, for example, shift a lot of the weight up to prevent sagging. The back panel is also cushiony enough to rest against. Even the waist strap shifts some of the weight, in addition to keeping the bag close and center. In other words, it’s just the shoulder straps’ size that bothers us, to the detriment of other parts.

Inside The Backpack

Underneath the back panel’s bottom section is a hidden compartment. Pakt calls this a TSA pocket, and the idea is to put all the items on your person in here when you go through security. It’s a more convenient alternative to putting all of it in another bin. No more of that awkward “pocket-it-like-you-stole-it” moment after your gear goes through the scanner; this is more civilized than that.

It’s a fairly clever system, too. Part of the back panel folds up to reveal the TSA pocket, itself folded away neatly. Just like the luggage pass-through, magnets hold the back panel in place to keep the TSA pocket hidden when it’s not in use. The fabric is a semi-see-through fine mesh to make life easier for the TSA officers. There’s enough space inside the pocket for most everyday carry accessories, though nothing too bulky like a high-capacity power bank.

The Travel Backpack V2 has two front pockets, and we like how Pakt splits its approaches here. The bottom pocket is just an empty dump area for any gear you can fit inside. It doesn’t look particularly impressive, but the simplest features are usually the ones we take for granted. Put another way, you can use a dump pocket like this for quickly storing most gear like a packable jacket, a high-capacity power bank, or a half-eaten sandwich from a food cart you suddenly can’t finish because it started raining; you get the idea. For a more nuanced organization, let’s defer to the pocket upstairs.

The top pocket has a much wider horseshoe-style opening and, more importantly, smaller pockets inside. On the left is a zippered mesh pocket where we keep AirPods, and on the right is a passport-sized pocket. The latter also has a hidden slot for an AirTag in case you want to use one. Behind all of that is a slip pocket wide enough for a tablet, topped by a key leash and a horizontal pen slot, which is too wide for most of the travel pens we usually travel with. Though the previous bottom pocket has a ton of space, we still use this top one to store a toiletry bag, mostly because it’s much easier to reach in most cases.

The Travel Backpack V2 has a lot of compartments, so we’ll start with the front-most one. Yes, it’s a compartment, but by default, it’s compressed by an outer zipper. What is it? It’s a compartment mainly used to store Pakt’s Everyday 15L Backpack, though you can also use it for other gear like a laptop sleeve. You might think the outer zipper is a compression system, but you can’t really close the zipper once it’s packed out. All of that said, this effectively adds around two inches of depth, affecting how the bag carries.

This leaves us with three remaining zippers, which all lead to the main compartment—technically. Pakt’s setup here is quite different from what we’re used to seeing on more typical travel backpacks. Yes, the main compartment still opens like a clamshell through that middle zipper, but they also give you two extra openings. Why? Because both halves of that clamshell are effectively sub-compartments.

A large mesh compartment covers the front half. It’s mostly flat, so you’re ideally not going to pack hastily bundled-up layers here. In our case, we use it to store smaller pieces of clothing like beanies, gloves, and underwear. Unzip the whole mesh bag, and you’ll find a huge bucket space underneath. This is the real packing space, or at least half of it. Packing cubes fit with no problem, as demonstrated by our setup, which includes a medium-sized Peak Design packing cube flanked by a smaller one and a sweater. Note that there are two vertical daisy chains here, which you can use to attach pouches. Doing so will prevent your pouch from sinking to the bottom, making it easier to access it from the front-most quick-access opening we’ve mentioned earlier.

The rear half of the main compartment is similar to the one earlier. The key distinguishing feature here is instead of a mesh bag, you get a laptop sleeve. It features relatively thick padding, which feels similar to memory foam. Additionally, the entire sleeve is centrally located, sandwiched between all of your gear, so there’s a ton of protection there. It’s also elevated over two inches off the base of the bag.

Behind the laptop sleeve is another bucket space where you can fit a similar packing cube setup to the one mentioned above. In general, both bucket spaces have so much space that our initial apprehension about trading space for compartmentalization is completely dispelled. You can have clothing in one bucket space and a jacket, shoes, and a sizable tech pouch in the other. Note that this is “only” the 35-liter version and the 45-liter version will be even more spacious if you still want more.

Usage Timeline

Condition: Excellent

• Zippered divider feels like a sleeping pad (in a good way)
• Lots of compartments for gear organization
• Material feels durable and soft
• Material still in great shape, though it picks up pet hair and lint very easily
• Shoulder straps are wide and stiff, which impacts carry comfort
• Organization is great for those who aren’t a huge fan of packing cubes/pouches

Get your questions about the Pakt Travel Backpack V2 (35L) answered from our team and the Pro Community right here on the page. Plus, join discussions with other members about gear, guides, and more.

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‘Genius’ travel whizz praised for ‘iconic’ hack that gets you extra baggage on even Ryanair flights for free

• Olivia Stringer , Fabulous Digital Writer
• Published : 12:01 ET, May 1 2024
• Published : Invalid Date,

A WOMAN has revealed her simple trick to bring extra luggage on to a Ryanair flight without paying extra, and some are hailing it as "genius".

Sam Petrarca shared her tip via video posted to her TikTok channel, which she often uses to share travel advice and inspiration.

"Beating the Ryanair personal item system", she said.

Demonstrating her hack, Sam can be seen queueing up for a Ryanair flight in a busy UK airport with a travel pillow wrapped around her neck and just a small bag to take on the plane with her.

Many budget airlines such as Ryanair and Wizz Air only include one small, under the seat bag in the price of their tickets, and charge customers extra if they want more luggage.

For example, Ryanair charges customers up to £38 each way if they want to bring an extra piece of hand luggage onto their flight.

Sam then removed the pillow from around her neck, and unzipped it, revealing that she had stuffed a number of clothing items inside.

She explained that she had removed the inside lining of the pillow and instead used clothes that wouldn't fit in her small bag to pad out the pillow.

In the small space inside the pillow, Sam had managed to stuff tops, socks and even a small towel.

You can pick up a travel pillow from Amazon for around £8, far cheaper than the price of extra luggage on a plane.

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Plus, they're also super comfortable, and are great for helping you to dose off on long flights.

"When the tote bag isn't enough room, but you don't want to spend your money on carry on", she said, beaming proudly at the camera.

Sam's video, which was posted under the username @sampetrarca4 , has likely left many impressed, as it has racked up over 1.2 million views on the video sharing platform.

TikTok users raced to the video's comments section to share their thoughts, with many testifying that the trick has worked for them on flights.

One user said: "Genius".

Another said: "I do this every time and works a treat".

A third said: "I did the same thing with my whole family and nobody said anything".

Advice for flying with Ryanair

• All Ryanair passengers can bring a small personal bag on board but this must fit under the seat in front of you, but it must be no bigger than 40cm x 20cm x 25cm
• Any over-sized cabin bags will be refused at the boarding gate and put in the hold for a fee
• Ryanair also charges passengers up to £55 check-in at the airport
• Anyone who  loses their card at the airport  will have to pay a £20 reissue fee
• Book to sit in the front five rows if you want to head off the plane first
• Extra legroom seats can be found in rows 1 A, B, C or 2 D, E, F as well as row 16 and 17 near the emergency exit
• The worst seat on Ryanair's Boeing 737-800 aircraft is also 11A because of its lack of window.

A fourth said: "I once got on a flight where someone carried on the biggest pillow case I have ever seen that was clearly full of clothes.

"The staff didn’t bat an eyelid".

A fifth remarked: "Iconic".

And Sam isn't the only travel whizz who has shared a savvy baggage hack lately.

Read More on The US Sun

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Travel influencer @msgarnagain recently showed social media users how she gets extra luggage just by buying a £1.45 bottle of water.

Fabulous will pay for your exclusive stories. Just email: [email protected] and pop EXCLUSIVE in the subject line.

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‘Genius’ travel whizz praised for ‘iconic’ hack that gets you extra baggage on even Ryanair flights for free

• Olivia Stringer , Fabulous Digital Writer
• Published : 17:01, 1 May 2024
• Updated : 17:01, 1 May 2024
• Published : Invalid Date,

A WOMAN has revealed her simple trick to bring extra luggage on to a Ryanair flight without paying extra, and some are hailing it as "genius".

Sam Petrarca shared her tip via video posted to her TikTok channel, which she often uses to share travel advice and inspiration.

"Beating the Ryanair personal item system", she said.

Demonstrating her hack, Sam can be seen queueing up for a Ryanair flight in a busy UK airport with a travel pillow wrapped around her neck and just a small bag to take on the plane with her.

Many budget airlines such as Ryanair and Wizz Air only include one small, under the seat bag in the price of their tickets, and charge customers extra if they want more luggage.

For example, Ryanair charges customers up to £38 each way if they want to bring an extra piece of hand luggage onto their flight.

Read more travel stores

Run to Primark for the £12 travel bag - there's loads of hidden compartments

Traveller avoids extra luggage costs on Ryanair - with 'perfect' carry-on bag

Sam then removed the pillow from around her neck, and unzipped it, revealing that she had stuffed a number of clothing items inside.

She explained that she had removed the inside lining of the pillow and instead used clothes that wouldn't fit in her small bag to pad out the pillow.

In the small space inside the pillow, Sam had managed to stuff tops, socks and even a small towel.

You can pick up a travel pillow from Amazon for around £8, far cheaper than the price of extra luggage on a plane.

Most read in Fabulous

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Plus, they're also super comfortable, and are great for helping you to dose off on long flights.

"When the tote bag isn't enough room, but you don't want to spend your money on carry on", she said, beaming proudly at the camera.

Sam's video, which was posted under the username @sampetrarca4 , has likely left many impressed, as it has racked up over 1.2 million views on the video sharing platform.

TikTok users raced to the video's comments section to share their thoughts, with many testifying that the trick has worked for them on flights.

One user said: "Genius".

Another said: "I do this every time and works a treat".

A third said: "I did the same thing with my whole family and nobody said anything".

Advice for flying with Ryanair

• All  Ryanair  passengers can bring a small personal bag on board but this must fit under the seat in front of you, but it must be no bigger than 40cm x 20cm x 25cm
• Any over-sized cabin bags will be refused at the boarding gate and put in the hold for a fee
• Ryanair also charges passengers up to £55 check-in at the airport
• Anyone who  loses their card at the airport  will have to pay a £20 reissue fee
• Book to sit in the front five rows if you want to head off the plane first
• Extra legroom seats can be found in rows 1 A, B, C or 2 D, E, F as well as row 16 and 17 near the emergency exit
• The worst seat on Ryanair's Boeing 737-800 aircraft is also 11A because of its lack of window.

A fourth said: "I once got on a flight where someone carried on the biggest pillow case I have ever seen that was clearly full of clothes.

"The staff didn’t bat an eyelid".

A fifth remarked: "Iconic".

And Sam isn't the only travel whizz who has shared a savvy baggage hack lately.

READ MORE SUN STORIES

Double bankrupt Katie Price dishing out relationship advice for £120 per minute

I wish I never bought caravan in park owned by Alfie Best... it's full of SEWAGE

Travel influencer @msgarnagain recently showed social media users how she gets extra luggage just by buying a £1.45 bottle of water.

Fabulous will pay for your exclusive stories. Just email: [email protected] and pop EXCLUSIVE in the subject line.

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The Ultimate Guide to Magic Kingdom, According to Disney Experts

Here's everything you need to know to plan the perfect day in Magic Kingdom, including the best rides, restaurants, and more.

Jacqueline Dole is a freelance food and travel journalist based in Maine. A lifelong New Englander, her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure , Food & Wine, TimeOut, Insider, Thrillist, Eater, and more. With a background as a pastry chef, she’s always on the lookout for the next best snack. She is a theme park enthusiast and expert, and embroidered hotel robes, amazing pools, and hot dogs are some of her favorite things.

Planning Your Visit

• Getting to Magic Kingdom
• Best Rides and Attractions
• Entertainment

Best Restaurants

• Magic Kingdom Itinerary

Tips for a Magical Day at Magic Kingdom

Valerie de Leon/Travel + Leisure

When the Magic Kingdom opened its gates on Oct. 1, 1971, it became an iconic place to not only see favorite Disney characters but to experience innovative attractions and visit lands carefully crafted to transport guests to another time or place. No trip to Walt Disney World would be complete without a visit to the Magic Kingdom. The most popular park at the Florida resort is also the most-visited theme park in the entire world, with more than 17 million visitors in 2022, according to the Global Attractions Attendance Report .

With this popularity comes crowds, so knowing how to best navigate the park is vital to ensure a great experience. “Walt Disney World is complicated in a way that's different from almost any other vacation destination. There are far more people who want to ride Disney's best rides and eat at Disney's best restaurants than there is ride and restaurant capacity for them. You'll need to make reservations for the popular rides and restaurants or risk not getting to them,” says Len Testa, co-author of " The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World ."

Ready to plan your trip? Here's everything you need to know to plan a perfect day at Magic Kingdom.

Meet the Expert

Len Testa is the co-author of "The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World." 

Samantha Davis-Friedman is a theme park journalist and contributing writer of “Walt Disney World Hacks, Second Edition.”

Matt Stroshane/Walt Disney World

“The two things to consider when visiting Walt Disney World are crowds and weather,” says Testa. “Walt Disney World's crowds are typically lowest when public schools are in session. The best weather is generally between November and March, with daytime highs between 75 and 80 degrees.” 

Tickets can be purchased as either single or multi-day passes, and you can add the Park Hopper option to visit multiple parks a day. Single-day ticket prices are dynamic and vary depending on the day and park you’re looking to visit, ranging between $134 to $189 for 2024. While park hours vary throughout the year, currently Magic Kingdom is open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. 

Guests staying at Disney hotels (and select other hotels) can take advantage of Early Entry to enter the park 30 minutes before it officially opens. Guests staying at a Disney Deluxe Resort or other select hotels can enjoy Extended Evening Hours after the park closes on select nights.

Getting to Magic Kingdom 

Valerie de Leon/Travel + Leisure

Guests cannot park outside of the gates of the Magic Kingdom and must park across the Seven Seas Lagoon at The Transportation and Ticket Center, otherwise known as the TTC. From there, guests can take a ferry or monorail to arrive at the park gates. “My motto is 'take the one that’s there' – sometimes that’s the monorail and sometimes it's the ferry. Either way, it’s nice to start the day without a wait (if possible) since there will certainly be plenty of waiting to come," says Samantha Davis-Friedman, theme park journalist and contributing writer of “Walt Disney World Hacks, Second Edition” .

Only Walt Disney World Resort buses and "Minnie Vans" (Lyft’s exclusive Walt Disney World car service offering select perks), can drop visitors off directly outside of the park. Third-party shuttles typically drop riders at the TTC. 

Standard parking is $30 per day, preferred parking varies seasonally between $45 and $55 per day, and oversized vehicle parking is $35 per day. If you’re park-hopping, good news: Guests only need to pay one fee for a parking pass that is good all day at all four theme parks. 

Guests staying at select Magic Kingdom area resorts can also take the monorail or a boat from their hotel.

Best Rides and Attractions 

Younger guests shouldn’t miss out on the rides in Fantasyland, like The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and Peter Pan’s Flight. Thrill-seeking visitors should make a point to ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Space Mountain, and Tron Lightcycle Run . For fans of classic Disney, no trip is complete without a stop at The Enchanted Tiki Room, a ride on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover, and a spin through Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress, which originally debuted at the 1964 New York World's Fair. Pirates of the Caribbean and The Haunted Mansion are perennial favorites among guests of all ages. And Tiana's Bayou Adventure is bound to be an instant hit when it opens this summer.

The best way to optimize time within the parks is to utilize Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lanes , an update on the previously complimentary FastPass system. These benefits come at an additional cost, but time in the parks is valuable and sometimes, it’s best to spend extra money to avoid lost time in line. The cost varies by park and date, generally ranging between $16 to $35 per day. 

Testa recommends purchasing Individual Lightning Lanes (ILL) for sought-after attractions like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.

Related: 58 Disney World Rides and Attractions, Ranked From Worst to Best

Entertainment 

Let the Magic Begin and Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire are stage shows that run several times throughout the day and feature Mickey and his pals, Tiana and friends from "The Princess and the Frog," and more. 

The Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade is an abbreviated parade that runs through the park and features characters from "Encanto," "Coco," and more. The Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade features incredible floats, a long list of characters, and a great soundtrack. 

Happily Ever After is the park's current nighttime spectacular featuring projections, lasers, special effects, and of course, fireworks. While finding a spot in front of the castle is key if you want to catch the projections, the show is still extremely enjoyable when viewed from other, often less crowded, spots. My favorites are Tomorrowland and Fantasyland (and it's a bonus if you are onboard the PeopleMover or Seven Dwarfs Mine Train while fireworks are exploding in the sky above you).

Walt Disney World

Visitors looking to maximize their time in the parks should opt to order from quick-serve locations, preferably with mobile orders. Sleepy Hollow is a great stop for breakfast, offering an extremely popular fresh fruit waffle sandwich. Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe is a reliable stop for burgers and chicken strips. It’s also home to Sonny Eclipse, a beloved animatronic performing lounge tunes all about his home planet Zork in the dining room. Casey’s Corner offers hot dogs, corn dog nuggets, and french fries. If you’re looking for non-fried choices, Columbia Harbor House serves New England-inspired seafood dishes.

Guests who want to get up close with their favorite friends can make a reservation for a character meal at Cinderella’s Royal Table to dine with princesses or The Crystal Palace for a meal with Pooh and friends. Other standout table-service restaurants are Be Our Guest, Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen, and Tony’s Town Square Restaurant, thanks to a recent menu overhaul that makes it a fantastic place to enjoy a glass of wine on the patio, especially while a parade passes by.

Snack fiends, be prepared: there are a lot of can’t-miss Disney World foods , including pineapple upside-down cake topped with Dole Whip from Aloha Isle, cheeseburger spring rolls at The Spring Roll Cart, and the pepper jack pretzel from Cheshire Cafe.

Related: 30 Best Disney World Restaurants

Magic Kingdom Itinerary 

Be ready to book your first Genie+ selection and join the virtual queue for Tron Lightycle Run at 7 a.m. If you miss the 7 a.m. window, there is another chance to join the Tron virtual queue at 1 p.m. from inside the park. If you’re staying on property, be ready to enter the park when Early Entry begins. Otherwise, be prepared to rope drop as soon as the park opens. Head to the most popular rides first to take advantage of the shortest lines you’ll likely see all day. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Peter Pan's Flight, Jungle Cruise, and Space Mountain develop some of the highest wait times as the day goes on. From there, tackle the park by land, and don’t forget to take your time and enjoy. Continue to utilize Genie+ to book return times for attractions — or if you’ve opted to pass on the additional purchase, keep an eye on wait times in the app to head to the shortest lines. Try to spot a parade along the way, and end your day with Happily Ever After.

• “Be at the park, admission in hand, 60 minutes before the official opening. On most days, Disney will let you into the park and allow you to line up for your first ride well before the park opens. This is a tremendous advantage over those who can't get up and out the door that early. You'll be well on your way to your second (or third) ride before most people have gone through the turnstiles,” says Testa.
• Be prepared for the weather. “No matter what time of year you go to Magic Kingdom, it will likely rain — and it’s always A LOT of rain. Because I have been caught unprepared for rain at Walt Disney World (more than once), I now carry a pair of inexpensive, lightweight flip-flops in my backpack. That way, I can quickly swap out my sneakers and socks to keep them dry (this works well on water rides too!),” says Davis-Friedman.
• If you plan on spending a lot of time at Magic Kingdom, consider splurging to stay at a neighboring hotel. Guests can walk directly to the park from Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. This convenience will save you a lot of time and hassle if you plan on staying until the park closes.
• For those looking to avoid the post-fireworks crowds, consider watching them from the neighboring resorts. Diners at The California Grill located on the top floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort have access to a viewing deck that pipes in the show’s sound, as does the beach at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. 
• Some of the best parts of a day in Magic Kingdom aren’t just the moments of soaring through Big Thunder Mountain or passing by hitchhiking ghosts inside The Haunted Mansion; they’re the magical moments in between, like having a spontaneous dance party with The Country Bears or spotting the names of several key Imagineers on the windows along Main Street U.S.A.