How to Pack a Backpack Like a Pro

  • Stubble & Co
  • Products, Tips & Ideas, Travel

Packing a backpack might seem straightforward, but doing it like a pro can make all the difference when it comes to travel, commuting, or hitting the gym. In this guide, we’ll show you how to pack smartly for different activities. Get ready to unlock the potential of your Stubble & Co backpacks, designed to help you Do.More.

We’ll cover three key packing areas:

  • Travel
  • Everyday Use
  • Active Life

How to Pack a Backpack for Travel

Long-Haul Travel

Packing for extended trips can be tricky, especially when you're dealing with checked luggage. With the right backpack and smart packing techniques, you can keep everything organised and easily accessible during your journey.

Key tips:
  • Weight Distribution: To prevent strain, place heavier items like shoes or toiletries at the bottom of your bag, close to your back. This will help keep the bag balanced and make it easier to carry for long periods.
  • Compartmentalising Essentials: Use separate compartments or packing cubes to organise your clothes, tech gadgets, and toiletries. This way, everything has its place and stays neat.
  • Maximising Space: Roll your clothes tightly to save space and reduce wrinkles. Stubble & Co’s packing cubes will help you compress and organise your clothing, making your packing even more efficient.
  • Wear Bulky Items: Save space by wearing your bulkiest items, like jackets or trainers, instead of packing them.

Featured Backpack:

The Kit Bag 65L is ideal for long-haul travel and checked luggage. Its large internal compartment, waterproof recycled materials, and separate shoe and worn gear pocket make it perfect for carrying everything you need on an extended journey. Whether you’re off on a road trip or a long flight, the Kit Bag’s durability and functionality make it a reliable travel companion.

A man wearing an All Black Kit Bag 65L on his back

USE as a duffel, wear as a backpack

New
a studio shot of the front of an All Black Kit Bag 65L
4.9 stars from 657 reviews

The Kit Bag 65L

€210

Short Trips

For weekend getaways or quick breaks, a well-packed, compact bag will ensure you have everything you need without the bulk

Key tips:
  • Pack Light: For shorter trips, aim to pack only the essentials. Choose versatile clothing items in colours and style that can be worn in multiple settings. Try to limit yourself to one pair of shoes.
  • Stay Organised: Use packing cubes to keep items like chargers, toiletries, and underwear separate, organised and easy to find.
  • Packable Bags: Bringing along a packable bag can be a great way to expand your carrying capacity without adding bulk. Stubble & Co’s lightweight packable bag is perfect for those spontaneous shopping trips or excursions during your weekend away.
Featured Backpack:

The Weekender is your go-to for short trips. Its high-quality British Millerain Tekwax® canvas is both durable and water-resistant, while its padded 16” laptop compartment makes it versatile for work and play. With a luggage sleeve for easy travel, The Weekender is ideal for carrying just the right amount without overpacking.

Carry-on for Flights

Packing a carry-on backpack requires careful planning to ensure quick access to important items during your flight while keeping to (often strict) size restrictions.

Key tips:
  • Accessible Essentials: Store your liquids, documents, and tech devices in easily accessible pockets or in a smaller bag to streamline security checks. The Crossbody, Packable Sling or Shoulder Bag are all great options as personal items when flying, keeping your essentials close for security and easy access. Keep your liquids in a pre-packed clear plastic bag, making sure they meet the 100ml rule to avoid delays at security.
  • Smart Organisation: Use packing cubes to compartmentalise your items, making it easy to find everything you need without unpacking your whole bag at the airport. Keep your laptop in a dedicated padded sleeve for easy access.
  • Weight Limits: Before heading to the airport, weigh your carry-on to make sure it’s within your airline’s weight limit. A portable digital scale is handy for this and can save you from unexpected fees.
Featured Backpack:

The Adventure Bag is perfectly suited for carry-on use. Its waterproof materials and multiple compartments help you stay organised, while its spacious design ensures you have enough room for all your essentials, whether you're travelling for business or pleasure.

For more tips on managing airline luggage, check out our blog, Navigating Airline Luggage Policies, to help save you from unexpected surprises.

How to Pack a Backpack for Work or Commuting

Packing your work or commuting backpack efficiently ensures you stay organised throughout the day without carrying excess weight. A well-packed bag can streamline your morning routine and help you feel prepared.

Key tips:
  • Laptop Protection: Always keep your laptop in a padded, secure compartment to protect it from bumps and damage. We have a range of laptop bags that offer a dedicated space for your laptop, ensuring it's well-protected during your commute.
  • Organise Smaller Items: Keep smaller items like pens, chargers, and AirPods in internal pockets or a dedicated tech case or pencil case to avoid clutter. This will make it easier to find what you need, when you need it.
  • Keep Essentials Handy: Use easy-access pockets for items like your phone, wallet, or transport card, so you don’t have to dig through your bag during your commute.
Featured Backpack:

The Everyday Backpack is built for work and commuting. Its weatherproof materials and thoughtful design, including a separate 16” laptop compartment and multiple internal pockets, make it ideal for keeping your work essentials safe and organised. Plus, with our tech case, you’ll have the perfect solution for storing all your gadgets and accessories.

A man wearing a concrete everyday backpack on his back as he walks down the stairs to the tube in Londond

Shop our range of work and commuting bags

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Best seller
Stubble and Co Everyday Backpack in All Black front view
4.9 stars from 1322 reviews

The Everyday Backpack

€155

Front view of Off White packable Ultra Light Tote Bag
4.8 stars from 124 reviews

The Packable Tote

€55

How to Pack for the Gym or Sports

Packing smartly for the gym or sports ensures you have all the essentials while keeping your clean and used items separate. A well-designed backpack will make your transition from work to workout seamless.

Key tips:
  • Separate Wet/Dry Items: Always keep wet or sweaty clothes in a separate compartment to avoid dampening your clean items. A dedicated pocket for shoes will also keep dirt and odours contained. Our small and medium packing cubes have TPU compartments ideal for this.  
  • Pack Efficiently: Use lightweight and quick-dry clothing to minimise bulk, and pack a reusable water bottle in an easily accessible pocket to stay hydrated.
  • Shoes: Keep your gym shoes in a separate compartment to prevent them from muddying the rest of your gear. The Kit Bag is designed with a dedicated space for footwear and worn clothes.
Featured Backpack:

The Kit Bag (available in 30L, 40L, and 65L) is perfect for gym-goers and sports enthusiasts. Its separate shoe pocket and weatherproof design make it the ideal companion for keeping your gym gear organised, dry, and fresh.

Black bags stacked on top of each other

from work to workout

available in 3 sizes
New best seller
a studio shot of the front of an All Black kit bag 30L
4.9 stars from 657 reviews

The Kit Bag 30L

€175

The Kit Bag All Black Backpack top view
4.9 stars from 657 reviews

The Kit Bag 40L

€185

How to Pack Clothes Efficiently

Packing clothes efficiently is key to maximising space and keeping your backpack organised. Using packing cubes can help compress your clothes, reduce wrinkles, and make unpacking easier.

Key tips:
  • Packing Cubes: Use packing cubes to compartmentalise your clothes by type, such as shirts, trousers, and accessories. This also makes it easier to find what you need without unpacking the entire bag.
  • Rolling Clothes: Rolling your clothes saves space and minimises wrinkles, making it easier to fit everything into your bag.
  • Layering by Weight: Pack heavier items like shoes and jackets at the bottom of the bag, and lighter items like t-shirts on top for easier access.

Best Backpack for Each Activity

Let’s break down the best backpack for each activity based on what we’ve covered:

Best Backpack for Long-Haul Travel

The Kit Bag 65L is perfect for longer journeys. Its large size and separate compartments for shoes and worn gear make it a reliable checked

Best Backpack for Short and Weekend Trips

The Weekender is your ideal companion for short breaks. Sized for airline carry-on and equipped with a 16" laptop compartment, it offers versatility for both leisure and work.

Best Backpack for Carry-on Flights

The Adventure Bag fits perfectly within carry-on size restrictions, providing enough room for travel essentials while keeping everything organised and accessible.

Best Backpack for Commuting

The Roll Top 20L is perfect for daily use, providing ample space for your work essentials and a padded laptop compartment, while maintaining a sleek, urban style. The Everyday Backpack is also a great option, designed with multiple compartments and a water-resistant exterior.

Best Backpack for Gym/Sports

The Kit Bag 30L/40L stands out for gym and sports activities. With its dedicated shoe pocket and ample room for gym gear, it’s designed to keep your clothes and shoes organised and separate from clean items.

FAQs

  • What is the best way to pack a backpack?

    Distribute weight evenly by placing heavier items at the bottom and closer to your back. Use packing cubes to keep items organised and save space.

  • Is it better to roll or fold clothes in a backpack?

    Rolling clothes is better. It saves space, reduces wrinkles, and keeps your items organised.

  • What is the best way to organise a backpack?

    Use compartments and packing cubes to separate items. Keep frequently used items, like tech and documents, in easy-access pockets.

  • What should I pack in a carry-on backpack?

    Pack essentials like travel documents, tech, snacks, and liquids in accessible pockets. Keep your laptop in a padded compartment for security checks.

  • How do I pack a backpack for the gym?

    Use separate compartments for shoes and worn gear. Keep your water bottle and clean clothes in easy-to-reach areas.