Tips for Packing a Small Gym Bag

A small gym bag is an ideal carry-on luggage choice for certain trips and travelers. There are times when such bags make the most sense as your carry-on luggage. While they aren’t hands-free like a travel backpack, they do have advantages. Unlike suitcases, a small bag doesn’t have wheels that could easily break. They also take up less space than a suitcase, both at home and in airplane luggage bins. Plus, if you already have a backpack you’re using as your item or laptop bag, it’s much easier to pair it with a duffle bag than trying to wear a second backpack on your front. If you’re bringing a duffle on your next adventure, read on to learn what to put in it and how to pack your small bag for travel. Now that you have your packing list, what’s the best way to fit it all in your bag? Use these tips to pack your bag for any trip.

Roll Clothes and Use Packing Cubes

With a small gym bag, it’s too easy to stuff everything or let it all come unfolded the minute you have to search for a new pair of socks. It’s also harder to see everything you have in your bag than in a suitcase or backpack.

To keep your clothes folded, organized, and easy to access, use packing cubes. Start by choosing a packing cube you can see into, then roll your clothes and stand them up so you can quickly see everything you have in a single cube. Use multiple cubes to further organize your travel wardrobe, either by clothing type, dirty/clean, or any other way that makes sense to you. Once you have your packing cubes packed, put these into your bag first to form a base.

Place Shoes in a Separate Compartment and Put Toiletries in Reusable Containers

To pack your shoes place them in a separate compartment from the rest of your items. Some bags designed for travel have a dedicated space for shoes. If your bag does not, you can always use a shoe bag to create a separation. Then, place your shoes on the bottom of your bag, with your clothing packing cubes next to and/or on top of them.

Whether you’re bringing it all or just a few items to supplement the free goodies at your hotel, ensure all of your liquids and gels are in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces. Please use a reusable container for these. Next, pack them all in a single toiletry bag—it must be clear and quart-sized or smaller if you’re going through airport security—and add them to the top of your bag. This way, they’ll be easy to access should you need to take it out for TSA screening or grab something mid-trip.

Next, place all of your important paperwork—passport, boarding pass, notebook, etc.—in an easy-to-access outer pocket. You’ll want them easy to get to, but also not freely floating around the main compartment of your duffle since these small items are easy to lose.

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