fashion,  spring,  travel

How to pack for a 3 day trip in a backpack

March 27, 2024 /

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

    March 27, 2024 at 6:20 am

    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. 🙂

  • Penny

    March 27, 2024 at 6:45 am

    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

      March 27, 2024 at 8:29 am

      I typically pack a little more than I am going to wear but this time I need space to bring things back.

    • mimifce

      March 27, 2024 at 8:28 am

      That little bag was such an unexpected find at Cracker Barrel years ago. Fun for spring and summer!

  • Rosemary Davis

    March 27, 2024 at 11:48 am

    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

      March 27, 2024 at 8:07 pm

      The purple suitcase will be much easier! Because I do not I will come back with more than I went.

  • jodie filogomo

    March 27, 2024 at 4:25 pm

    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

      March 27, 2024 at 8:07 pm

      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

    March 27, 2024 at 9:23 pm

    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!

  • Gail

    March 29, 2024 at 10:30 am

    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.

  • Grace

    April 3, 2024 at 12:45 pm

    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

      April 8, 2024 at 1:21 pm

      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.