When it comes to packing for any trip or adventure, the best secret is finding the 2 in 1 items.

Whether going away for a week or traveling the world for a few years, it saves precious packing space.

The Tech 2 in 1′s

The Amazon Kindle is by far both Justin and my favorite 2 in 1 item.  The Kindle offers a traveler up to 1,500 books on one easy to use electronic device.  The only negative is that the Kindle must be charged, although it has a great battery life even on a 14 hour flight.  Oh, and in our case, the problem we experience is that their are 2 of us and we own one Kindle.

The universal adaptor is great for a backpacker planning travel to multiple countries.  Different regions of the world have different electric outlets.  Why bring more than one adaptor when you can have them all in one?  It’s really that simple.  Every country in the world is represented by the Universal Adaptor.

The Sporty 2 in 1′s

Pack an Ultimate Frisbee Disc and a dinner plate all in one.  No joke!  We love to play ultimate, and toss around the frisbee whenever we get the chance.  I had no idea we could create so many quick picnic meals through our ultimate frisbee doubling as a plate.  I love the versatility our disc gives us while traveling.

Be logical while packing.

We wanted Insect Repellent for our outdoor adventures.  We also like to have duct tape, just in case.  Instead of bringing a bulky, heavy roll of duct tape, we took about 5 feet of tape and wrapped it around the insect repellant bottle.  Only one customs officer (out of dozens of airport security) along our journeys has second guessed our insect repellant and did a sniff check.  Be creative, their are countless ways to reduce the bulk of what you pack.

The Fashion 2 in 1′s

A new travel craze is the Zip-off Pants.  Why pack both pants and shorts?  Have both at the same time!  Initially, I was against the zip-off pants because the original versions would zip-off at my knee, leaving me with long, impractical shorts.  It wasn’t until I tried on a more recent edition of the zip-off pants by The North Face that I fell in love.  My pants are durable, with great pockets, even one my passport fits securely into.  When I zip off the bottoms, I am left with cute shorts that allow refreshing sunshine kiss my legs.

Who doesn’t love the Classic Bandana?  The bandana is your friend especially when it comes to travel.  It can be anything; your hat, a first aid sling, a dish rag, a flag, the possibilities are endless.  The bandana is a ‘must-pack’ travel item.

Notice my zip-off pants and bandana on St. Patrick’s Day in Sydney.

The Bathroom 2 in 1′s

Speaking of bandana, I have actually used a bandana as a shower towel.  When I first read about doing this it sounded absurd.  I tried it out and realized it works if you are willing to wring out the bandana multiple times while drying off.  Departing from a location in the morning after showering?  Instead of a wet towel, the bandana I dried off with is still wet.  I just tie the bandana to the outside of my backpack and it dries within 15 minutes to an hour depending upon the humidity level.  Once it’s dry, I zip it in my backpack!

Did you know that shampoo makes great laundry soap?  Oh, it’s true.  When washing clothing in the sink, don’t bring extra detergent.  Shampoo is a natural, gentle way to hand wash laundry items before hanging them to dry.  My favorite was a lavender rosemary shampoo that I found in New Zealand.  My clothing had a beautiful fresh scent.

I found this rainbow of clothing hanging in Riomaggiore, Italy.

Washing laundry and hanging it to dry feels natural after a few months.  The simple ways of life on the road are refreshing.  This always surprises me.

Two in one items are a wonderful packing secret, but the best packing advice will always be, don’t bring it.  Go without it and pack less.  Be a much happier traveler with a lighter load.

Tags | budget travel, How To