How To Maximize Space For A Winter Vacation

Packing for a ski trip is sort of like trying to fold a fitted sheet. You try to fit it all together but sometimes you just end up rolling it up. Or at least I do haha. Clothes are bulky, shoes take up space and you can’t forget the scarves, gloves, and hats! I can tell you not just what to bring but how to fit it all…into a carry-on bag. Yes a carry-on bag!

The Bag

My eBags Mother Lode Weekend Convertible is my favorite!! So many pockets and ways to organize your stuff efficiently. The main pocket has enough space to fit all clothes, snow boots, another pair of shoes, scarves, gloves, snow pants, and electronics bag.

That’s just one pocket! I also have the Pack It Flat Toiletry Kit that really does zip flat. Pack as many toiletries as you want and then just side it into the bag which fits perfectly. Pack your laptop in the back compartment and chargers/other electronics in the same pocket with the toiletry kit. There are so many features and pockets I could go on but you get the idea.  Plenty of space to pack whatever you need.

Roll Your Clothes

Just like that fitted sheet, I’m a fan of rolling clothes into luggage. Don’t just roll them up but you have to roll it tight. It really is possible to Marry Poppins your bag if you roll your clothes right. If you fold them they take up more space by being a chunkier item. Oddly enough by rolling it’s easier to Tetris them into your bag and tuck clothes into smaller spaces.

Packing Cubes

I’m a new fan of packing cubes! After you roll the clothes you can fit them into different sized packing cubes. I can cram as many clothes into a cube and then the best part is they stay in place. Packing cubes make it easy to organize your luggage and if you pack by category like all sweaters in one then you don’t have to hunt for what you want. The rest of the bag stays organized.

Plus if you are in the airport stuck on a layover or something you can use packing cubes for pillows! They come in all different shapes and sizes.

Shoes

Tetris the crap out of your shoes! Line your bag or the bottom of the suitcase with your shoes. Then pack around them to save on space. I put clothes inside my snow boots to even bring more items and utilize what I was bringing already. If you have them on top they are taking up space vs going with the lining of the bag keeps the shape and availability to pack more clothes.

 

Bulky Items

Coats, snow pants, and boots. Try to just bring one winter coat. Something that has a double lining for the wind and snow. Instead of packing the winter coat in your bag wear it or carry it on the plane. You don’t need to pack it and take up space. As for snow pants and boots those are going to take up the most space.

 

Unless you want to also wear your snow boots on the plane pack them in the bottom but Tetris them into place. Since the snow pants are fluffy pack them last and on top because you can squish the bag down when it zips up. Most of that is just getting the air out to condense the material.

 

Since airlines are now  having basic fares without carry-on luggage included sometimes you have to pack the crap out of that “personal bag.” All you need is a carry on bag to take everything you actually need on a winter vacation. Think about what you realistically need and not all of the costume changes you possibly, maybe, might, sort of want to take. Pack like a minimalist and only bring what you need.

 

All that’s left is for you to go on your next trip and be able to pack light with everything you need! I hope you have fun on your winter adventure! Feel free to comment below and follow my blog via email for more travel tips, hacks and destinations. Cheers!