If you’re weighing your options of what to pack and take with you on your backpacking adventure, it’s essential to consider the weight of your backpack. The importance of your load is what you’ll be carrying most of the time, so it’s imperative to know how to pack light but still have the essentials. Here are a few ways to pack light when you’re backpacking.

1. Buy travel detergent

Backpackers can wash their clothes in cold water and a small amount of travel laundry detergent. Some models can also be used with salt water.

Likewise, travel detergent is typically sold in 100-ml vials, making it acceptable to carry through airport security. This is the way to go if you’re trying to cut costs because you won’t have to use the laundromat.

Two more items, a travel laundry line and a universal sink plug are optional.

2. The power of three

As luggage space is limited, only the most essential items should be brought along. Traveling light on clothing is challenging for any trendsetting individual because you naturally want to enter a new location in your finest threads.

However, clothes are likely to be your heaviest item, so you must make sacrifices there. The truth is that three of each article of clothing is all you genuinely need, regardless of how long your trip will last. You should be able to find a laundromat or at least a sink once every three days unless you’re traveling to the middle of nowhere and don’t care about your hygiene.

Most people can get by with just three of each article of clothing, whether it’s a top, a pair of underwear, a pair of shorts, etc.

3. Store your things in freezer bags

Freezer bags or zip-lock containers are perfect for packing your belongings away neatly while taking up very little room in your luggage. Have you ever forgotten something at the bottom of a bag and had to empty it to find it? Freezer bags make it simple to group like goods together, making it faster to locate a particular item.

Labeling bags by category will help you quickly locate the items you need if you are exceptionally organized.

4. Leave the laptop and paper map at home

Long-distance travelers should pack electronic devices to keep themselves occupied during trip downtime. If you intend to keep a travel blog, you’ll need a place to record your thoughts and impressions on paper.

Since wifi hotspots are gradually replacing internet cafes, it is recommended that you bring your device; yet, even small laptops can add a significant amount of bulk and weight to your backpack.

Before leaving, think about what must be done. Is a tablet of only 7 to 8 inches adequate? A standard iPad mini weighs less than 300 grams, yet it can do virtually all of the functions of a full-size laptop. Incorporate a wireless Bluetooth keyboard, and you’ll have all you need to update your blog on the fly.

You should do the same just as you use your phone instead of using cumbersome paper maps, publications, and travel guides.

Now you can download Google Maps offline, use your device’s wifi to track your location, and view your downloaded maps at your convenience. Booking.com provides offline maps, which allow you to book lodging and receive a free downloadable local guide.

Instead of bringing extra clothes, use the extra room to get a portable battery pack to power your electronics. If you ever have to go more than a few days without being able to plug into the grid, you’ll be glad you did.

5. Fold and roll your clothes

Due to the numerous air pockets found in clothing, it is possible to store a surprising amount of it. Fashion-conscious travelers should also take care to prevent their clothes from becoming wrinkled.

Clothes can be packed into a bag more efficiently if folded and rolled. This can prevent creases by squeezing out excess air from the garments.

Wrapping more oversized items with smaller ones is an even better option, as it prevents air pockets from forming and keeps your things compact.