backpack adventures // packing light

this weekend, boyfriend and i are off to copenhagen for a few nights. it's been a while since we had an international adventure together (australia doesn't count)(and, for those of you asking, yes, there are more installments coming - i'm waiting on some pictures from a friend before i can post the next update), and we're really looking forward to it. and this time, rather than the last minute packing woes -- is it too heavy? is it too big? do we need checked luggage? how will we carry it around before we check in? we've decided that we're packing uber light; backpacks only. 

my problem is, it's going to be cold, and i will need warm, heavy gear. so, in order to stick to my promise of packing light, i have pulled out the floordrobe and weeded out a sort of 'capsule wardrobe' to get me through the undetermined weather we're about to face...

tops // i've decided on two jumpers. one to wear there and back, and one for the day in between. wearing half of the outfit options is part of my plan, that way i can take more. mu haha! as well as the thick, woolly jumpers, i've packed two long sleeve tees. these are tight and comfy, and will keep me warm - especially if teamed up and worn underneath the jumpers. we'll be outside a lot, and i would rather be too-warm that not warm enough.

bottoms // to wear underneath, i have packed one bodywarmer/bodyshaper that i wear to keep my bum warm, and two comfy skirts. i've packed one tube skirt to wear with the longer jumper and a skater skirt for the shorter one. not shown are 100d black tights, leggings and socks. a pair of socks and tights for each day, and a spare pair of socks in case they get wet, or to wear at night. also not shown: underwear. i will spare you that particular horror, but rest assured i will be taking some...

miscellany // phone charger, eu adapter, passport and toiletries -- including spare hair bobble and pins, for all those international hair dramas, and winter warmers; coat, bobble hat, scarf and gloves. standard.

toiletries // because of the tight room in the backpack for toiletries, we're taking the bare minimum. we're packing with the assumption that the hotel will provide soap, because we're not taking any. i have windled my make up down to the necessities; bb cream, lip gloss, mascara and mascara. that's it. then we've got the basic hygiene sorted; hand cream with anti bacterial, face wash, deoderant + body spray and toothpaste. oh, and dry shampoo. days spent with my barnett inside a wooly hat equals  messy, greasy hair. this is a necessity.

top tips for packing light

tip :: 1 //  rather than fold clothes, roll them up nice and tight. you'll be able to fit more things into smaller spaces when things are in their smallest shape. rolling is key. bigger, bulkier items should be worn, rather than packed, but if unavoidable, pack them last and mould them to the shape of the luggage, pushing it into all available areas.

tip :: 2 // keep toiletries handy, because you know you'll be pulling them out a lot during the jaunt through the airport. if your luggage has a front zip, pop them (and nothing else -- safety dance) in there for safe keeping and easy access.

tip :: 3 // keep passport safe. if your luggage has a secret compartment like mine, pop it (and any other travel documents -- boarding passes, etc) in there. i feel safer knowing my passport is nowhere in sight but still nearby and safe. my compartment is against my back, so for all-day comfort, i'll want to include any magazines/books in there too, to keep the bit against my back as straight as possible.

cath kidston backpack c/o seven seas worldwide

tip :: 4 // wear heavy/warmer items so save the weight of the backpack. for me this means wearing the thickest jumper, a coat, scarf and gloves and keeping my hat at hand to avoid over packing. oh, and comfy shoes of course. i'm known for my shopping too, so wearing the thicker items means leaving space in the backpack for storing all of the treasures i'll no doubt buy from the christmas markets while we're there.

tip :: 5 // if all else fails and the christmas shopping does get the better of me, seven seas worldwide have pretty reasonable excess baggage charges, so top tip number 5 is definitely 'have a back up plan'. fingers crossed it does not come to that, but you never know....

what are your tip tips for travelling light? what have i forgotten?