How to pack for a 3 day trip in a backpack
Since several of my blogger friends thought it would be difficult to pack for 3 days/2 night in a backpack, I decided to share what I am packing and how for today’s post. I will be traveling to Arizona next week and will visit with Jodie. We will be taking 2 sets of blog pictures as well as have dinner out and I plan to run once or twice. So needless to say, I need a variety of clothes and shoes, as well as a possible bag to bring back some things. My travel outfit on the way there is the one I shared in this recent post.
The Bags
I chose my backpack since it expands and has many pocket. With the help of two packing cubes and the bottom pocket, everything fits nicely in it with room to spare. Now between today and next Friday, I may change my mind and pack all of this in my purple suitcase…
I am bringing along this woven bag which I think will be large enough for any thrifted finds and can be considered as my personal item on the way back. I do not like to check in bags so even if I change my mind to my purple suitcase, it is a carry-on size. My purse will hold my wallet and phone as well as car keys.
The Outfits
The first cube holds my pajamas, undies and workout clothes. The Oka-b flip flops are just an extra pair of shoes: I am borrowing a pair of sandals for the outfit with the burgundy top for our photo shoot since I have the same ones at home. I am packing two linen pants because one pair needs to be hemmed and I am not sure which I will wear for the monochromatic look. The striped shirt is for the flight back home. My running shoes take a lot of space, but they are a necessity if I run. On top of them are my calf compression sleeves to prevent shin splints.
Toiletries
This is where I am lucky: I am very low maintenance. I do not use any skincare products (almost ever) so I am packing only the essentials and my makeup (which is very minimal too).
I decided to take a picture of my purple suitcase since I am most likely going to need it: Jodie keeps reminding me that I need space to take things home! The suitcase was a find at TJmaxx at least 6 years ago: it has been a great one for travels abroad.
There you have it: how to pack for a 3 day weekend and still have space to take goodies home!
A bientôt!
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24 Comments
Joanne
You did a great job! I always end up overpacking because I think oh if it rains I might need my raincoat and then I add in a sweatshirt or a cardigan in case it gets cold, etc. and just start adding in other pieces “in case” and before I know it I’ve filled my entire suitcase and my carry- on. 🙂
mimifce
I do that sometimes especially if we travel by car and do more activities that involve hiking…
Penny
Oh wow, Mireille, that’s excellent. I shall be doing an overnight in two weeks time and I’m working out how to travel light. The thing is unlike you I am very high maintenance and have lots of skin care products that I use day and night. So it’s very much a question of what do I pack and what do I leave out. I usually take too much stuff!!
You are a good role model though 🙂
mimifce
I typically pack a little more than I am going to wear but this time I need space to bring things back.
Kathrine Eldridge
I wish I had the restraint you show with packing! Lol! That mini crossbody bag is adorable!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
mimifce
That little bag was such an unexpected find at Cracker Barrel years ago. Fun for spring and summer!
Rosemary Davis
You did an excellent job of packing light!
I am working on packing fewer items, too. Coordinating my outfits helps a lot.
I think that you might find your purple bag lighter and easier to handle on the return trip.
Anyway, have a marvelous time!
Rosemary
mimifce
The purple suitcase will be much easier! Because I do not I will come back with more than I went.
jodie filogomo
Oh, Don’t you worry about bringing a toothbrush. Not that that takes up that much space but I have a ton here I’m trying to get rid of, so count that as something you don’t need to bring.
It’s too bad you can’t borrow my shoes for running but that’s something that’s so specific right?
We are so excited to see you!
Xoox
Jodie
mimifce
The running shoes do take the space but I only run in my newer ones. Having the wrong shoe definitely can hurt me. Counting down the days!
Laura Bambrick
I’m sure my hubby wishes I could pack so lightly! But I brought my running gear and I have certain hair care needs (so much curly hair product, haha!). You did such a great job!
mimifce
I know, running shoes take space.
Jennifer
I will be going to Florida in the summer and I think I might fly with just my backpack!
Jennifer
Curated by Jennifer
mimifce
It works if you don’t plan to bring back more than you packed.
Jill
I’ve gotten better, but I wish I could pack lighter. You did a great job! Enjoy your trip!
Jill – Doused in Pink
mimifce
I will! Only one week left.
Gail
What a challenge! I would struggle because I like to take skincare and hair products, albeit in travel sizes. Will be interested to read how it goes. Thanks for linking and have a fab time with Jodie.
mimifce
I am so excited for my visit! I will be share on IG and on the blog!
Marsha Banks
I almost always pack too much, but I’d rather have the items with me than not. I think you have made very wise choices in everything. I think you and Jodie will have an absolute blast!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
mimifce
I am sure we will: cannot wait!
Rosie Amber
I am very impressed by the concise packing, but it makes a ot of sense to keep things simple.
mimifce
I usually try to so that I can carry on!
Grace
I love this post, Mireille! So helpful to see how you packed. I think you can definitely make it work with the backpack instead of the purple suitcase. Hope you have so much fun on your trip!
Miles of smiles,
Grace
gracefulrags.com
mimifce
I am so glad I brought the suitcase: you will see how all I bought just fit in it for me to take it back without expanding the suitcase.