Merino Wool Is the Secret to Creating a Minimalist Travel Capsule–Carry-On Only
We embarked on an incredible month-long journey from Tasmania to New York, Canada, Germany, Scandinavia, and Japan during winter—armed with only the smallest and lightest carry-on. This made the experience truly amazing, as we avoided the hassle of heavy suitcases and skipped the luggage carousel altogether. Travelling on trains and planes, we blended in effortlessly with the locals rather than standing out as tourists. Merino's ease of wear and care made packing between Airbnbs a breeze. Check out our tips for packing light and travelling carefree.
Creating a capsule wardrobe ensures you pack light when travelling in Australia or abroad. It's also a more sustainable way to travel, as you're less likely to purchase cheap, synthetic garments on the road due to lack of preparation. To help you stay insanely (and sustainably) comfortable in the great outdoors, we've put together some top tips on how to pack light when you travel.
7 Tips to Build Your Capsule Wardrobe and Travel Light
#1 Only Pack the Essentials
Think: Less is more! Instead of packing for every possible outcome, we recommend sticking to the essentials. Garments like a basic t-shirt to get you through each day, a warm, long-sleeved base layer and a jacket to protect from the elements are ideal for whatever the weather throws at you. And remember, if you don't naturally reach for it at home, you probably won't want to wear it while you travel.
#2 Layers, Layers, Layers
If you are visiting colder climates, choosing to layer warm garments saves you from having to pack large, bulky jumpers and jackets that take up a lot of space in your bag. Layering also helps regulate your body temperature, allowing you to remove or add layers as you go. We think layering (with merino) is the best way to make sure you only pack what you need and wear what you pack!
#3 Have Enough Clothing for One Week
A great way to think about building your capsule wardrobe when it comes to travelling and packing light is 'What would I wear over the duration of a week?' Pack no more than seven outfits and choose pieces of clothing that you can mix and match and wear multiple times.
#4 Choose the Right Fibres
Wearing clothing that is easy to care for and made from breathable, durable fibres is our most important hack when it comes to travelling light. We recommend fibres like cotton, linen and of course, our Merino wool. The best thing about Merino is that it keeps you warm in the winter and cool in the summer, it wicks away sweat and doesn't hold smell!—perfect for packing light and building your capsule wardrobe for travelling.
#5 Pack Light Shoes
Don't take your heaviest, bulkiest pair of boots when you travel. If possible, opt for two pairs of lightweight, versatile shoes and wear the bulkier pair when you travel. Breathable merino socks are a must. Not only do they eliminate odour, they also keep your feet warm and dry as you travel.
#6 Keep Colours Simple
One of the easiest ways to build a capsule wardrobe and pack light is to consider your colour palette. Consider colours that pair well together so you can create more outfit options with fewer garments. Avoid too many patterns that are difficult to wear with others, but if you do want to incorporate patterns, opt for a bright, printed scarf that is lightweight and won't take up much space in your bag.
#7 Wear Your Heaviest Items
Sometimes, depending on your destination, packing a large jacket or other bulky items is unavoidable. However, there is a way to get around it! On travel days, wear your bulkiest items to prevent packing them in your bag. This will keep your carry-on light, without skimping on the essentials.
We hope this has been helpful as you embark on your next adventure!
