How to pack a backpack for the plane? 6 tricks worth knowing

Reading time 🕗 7 minutes | January 19, 2024 | Author Karolina Lesicka | Editor: Klara Krysiak

Whether you're going on a city break, a longer mountain trek, or a business trip, packing a backpack for the plane requires a good plan. In this guide, we'll advise you on how to pack your backpack, the order in which to pack your items, and how to cleverly stash them so that the most essential things are always at hand.

Is a backpack as carry-on luggage for the plane a good idea?

Do you enjoy traveling light and avoiding extra time spent on baggage claim at airports? Or perhaps a backpack provides you with greater freedom of movement? If your trip is only for a few days, packing in a backpack can be a great solution.

The carry-on luggage you can take with you on board the plane should have dimensions of 55 × 40 × 23 cm and weigh between 8 and 12 kg, depending on the class of travel.

Before your departure, be sure to check what you can bring on board the plane in addition to the mentioned backpack.

For your comfort, test your backpack before your trip. Check if it has comfortable straps, compartments, and side pockets that will make it easier for you to organize your favorite items.

How to pack a backpack for the plane?

Wondering how to pack a backpack for the plane? Here's a cheat sheet to help you efficiently pack all the necessary items for your trip:

  • Bottom of the backpack: It's worth putting an extra pair of shoes at the bottom of the backpack.
  • Middle of the backpack: This is a great place to pack clothes for each day of the trip.
  • Top of the backpack: The top space is the most important because you'll be reaching for it most often — at the beginning and during the journey. Remember that during mandatory security checks (if you're traveling by plane), you'll need to show not only a valid ticket and ID but also take out all electronics and cosmetics from your backpack.

Where to start packing your backpack?

You already know how to pack in a backpack, but you're unsure where to start? Begin packing by:

  • Gathering essential items and belongings you need to take with you on the trip.
  • Divide the backpack into three sections.
  • Start packing the backpack by placing at the bottom the items you won't need during the flight and will only use infrequently or in emergencies during the trip.
  • Then, working your way up, put in those items you plan to access often and very often.
A group of people with backpacks are resting on a wall in the city center

What should be found in the top part of the backpack?

When it comes to packing the top part of the backpack, it should be reserved for items that you will frequently take out. By placing documents, outerwear, a first aid kit, or cosmetics there, you can be sure that you'll access them quickly and easily, without the need to unpack the entire backpack.

Cosmetics

When packing cosmetics, maintain minimalism and only bring those that you can't do without while traveling.

Choose cosmetics in sizes permitted in carry-on luggage (up to 100 ml) or transfer them to smaller plastic containers. If you don't have miniature containers at home, you can buy them at larger drugstores or order them online.

First Aid Kit

If you need to bring medication you take, be sure to keep them in its original packaging.

Pack the medication along with cosmetics or in a separate ziplock bag. It's important to keep them in one place and easy to present when asked.

Electronics
 
Place your laptop or tablet in a special compartment to avoid unnecessary damage and, at the same time, quickly and efficiently remove it from the backpack during security checks.
 
All other electronic devices (chargers, power banks, digital cameras, headphones, e-book readers) should be placed in one location, preferably in a separate pocket of the backpack or case. You will also need to take them out and show them during security screening before entering the departure gate area.
View including: for a backpack, map, jacket and shoes
 

Documents

  • Personal documents: please note your ID card and passport. Before departure, carefully check the visa requirements for the country you are traveling to.
  • Airline ticket/boarding pass: before heading to the departure hall, you will be asked to present them, so remember which pocket of your backpack you placed them in. Moreover, check what the check-in process looks like for our flights.
  • Wallet: bring cash and payment cards necessary for daily expenses. Choose the payment method that is most popular in the country you are traveling to. When carrying a large amount of cash on a plane, check the applicable limits.

Outerwear

In the case of heavily air-conditioned planes, add a lightweight jacket or sweater to the top of your backpack.

Tourists with backpacks visiting the Netherlands

Tricks for organized space

How to pack a backpack for the plane to fit all the necessary items? We have a few useful tricks!

  • Roll your clothes. It's a great way to fit more things in your backpack and also to prevent them from getting wrinkled when taken out. Arrange clothes tightly to hold each other in place and prevent them from unfolding. You can roll outfits separately for each day so that in the morning, you only need to take out the appropriate roll. This will help you check before departure if you have a complete outfit for each day.

  • Replace your fanny pack with a cosmetics bag. Your favorite fanny pack can serve as a cosmetics bag for carry-on luggage. Upon arrival, it can serve as a handy pouch for documents or your phone to keep them close by.

  • Organize the space in your backpack using drawstring or cloth bags. This way, you'll quickly find what you need and put it back in place even faster.

  • Don't bury your phone deep in your backpack; always keep it handy. While at the airport, you'll likely need to check not only the time but also detailed departure information on your e-ticket.

More packing tips:

  • Sturdy or heavy-soled shoes take up a lot of space, so stuff socks and underwear inside them. And voilà—maximum space utilization achieved!
  • Want your clothes not to take up too much space? Roll and fold them. It's a great trick for wrinkle-free clothes. Additionally, when packed this way, they take up less space than those folded into squares!
  • Place cosmetics in a drawstring bag or your favorite pouch. This makes it easier to quickly retrieve them during security checks.

How to pack a backpack for the weekend?

Are you going on a short trip for a few days? If so, you're probably wondering how to pack a backpack for 2–3 days. To make it easier, we've compiled our list of must-haves below, so you'll be ready for any adventure!

A woman with a backpack taking photos of the city skyline with her phone
  • Extra T-shirt or two: if you're going for 3 days, take two T-shirts with you to wear a fresh one each day.
  • Long-sleeve shirt: takes up little space but provides an extra layer of warmth.
  • Sweatpants: comfortable and easy to pack in your backpack. Choose ones made of high-quality materials.
  • Jeans: if you plan to wear sweatpants for the plane journey, pack jeans as spare pants and vice versa.
  • Hooded rain jacket: suitable for both city and nature outings in case of sudden weather changes.
  • Alternate shoes: for example, lightweight sneakers or sandals.
  • Extra socks and underwear: pajamas are optional. You can always replace them with your favorite T-shirt and underwear. During minimalist travel, this solution may be sufficient.
  • Water bottle: take an empty bottle for the plane, and refill it as needed upon arrival.
  • Sunglasses: strong sunlight can surprise you even in the middle of winter, so remember to protect your eyes regardless of the season.
  • Hat: select one suitable for the season and expected temperatures. It's best if it takes up as little space in your backpack as possible, so avoid bulky, large hats.

How to pack a backpack for a long trip?

Preparing for a longer trip and want to bring your favorite hiking backpack? No problem. A backpack exceeding the dimensions of 55 × 40 × 23 cm will be checked into the hold and will be waiting for you at your final airport.

Luggage with large dimensions and weight should be packed slightly differently to avoid unnecessarily straining the spine.

How to pack a hiking backpack? Here, packing zones still apply, but the distribution of weight must be different. Below you will find our tips.

Young people with backpacks on a mountain trail

Zone 1: Bottom of the backpack

Place soft items at the bottom of the backpack, such as a sleeping bag, quick-dry towel, or thermal underwear. Why? The bottom of the large backpack should contain items with large volume, but not too heavy. These are items that won't be needed during the day but will secure the middle part of the equipment.

Zone 2: Middle of the backpack

In the middle of the backpack, pack the heaviest and least convenient items: camping cookware, stove, spare shoes, vacuum-packed food. Why? In this zone, we can properly secure and arrange them so they won't pinch or bother us when we wear the backpack.

Zone 3: Top of the backpack

This is the best place for items that are needed frequently but remain lightweight: first aid kit, water bottle, a warmer jacket for changing weather, light equipment. It's important to ensure that nothing heavy ends up here, which could cause imbalance during hiking.

Zone 4: Backpack sides

This is the best space for a tent or a sleeping mat. Their external placement provides easy access and allows for quick setup upon arrival at the campsite.

Zone 5: Top pocket

We recommend placing a headlamp, flashlight, multi-tool, or knife here. It's also a great place for utensils, wallet, or documents.

Remember

If you're traveling by plane, your wallet and personal documents (ID card or passport) must be in your carry-on luggage, which you take with you on board the plane.

Do not put them in the pockets of the backpack you check in! Transfer your documents to your large backpack only after arriving at your destination.

How not to pack a backpack on a plane?

We know that for adventure seekers, the best option is a sturdy backpack that provides comfort when frequently changing locations, camping in the wild, or traveling by public transport. Therefore, we have no intention of discouraging you from using this type of luggage.

Avoid these mistakes, and flying with a backpack won't be a problem at all: 

  • Improper weight distribution: several heavy items? Distribute them evenly in different parts of the backpack. Your spine will thank you.
  • Lack of item segregation: pack separately according to purpose in separate items, like colored bags. It will not only be easier to find them but also to put them back and everything will still fit.
  • Too many clothes: prepare sets for each day, plus one set for bad weather. Believe that it will be more than enough!
  • Too big backpack: the bigger the backpack, the more you will “stuff” into it and only gain additional unnecessary weight.
  • Don't add things according to the principle: it might be practical. It will never be helpful, and it will unnecessarily weigh down the backpack. Opt for minimalism!
A group of laughing friends on a mountain trail

Summary

How to pack a backpack for the plane? Just take a little time and attention to this task, and you will definitely bring everything you need on board. 

By following our 6 tricks, you can always enjoy a comfortable and organized journey without giving up your favorite backpack.

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