Add Multipurpose, Stuffable and Foldable Items – Day 12 of 30 Days to Packing a Better Bag

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Welcome to Day 12 of 30 Days to Packing a Better Bag.

Saving space is the name of the game this month. 

Look for items that have multiple purposes that allow you to leave other items behind. Also look for things that fold flat or get stuffed into small spaces, as this saves space and can save you time and money. 

We’ve covered some of our favorite products in our One Little Thing series, but we wanted to highlight the best multipurpose, stuffable, and foldable items here.

The Benefits of Multi and Dual-Purpose Items

If you’re looking for a reason to swop out your single-use items for multi or even dual-purpose alternatives, look no further:

• Pack Lighter: This ones the obvious one and the main reason we prefer multipurpose products. Multipurpose items mean you can pack less, save room for souvenirs, or even downsize your bag.
• Reduce Bulk: Say, for example, you’re switching out multiple bulky toiletry items for one product, this is going to reduce a lot of bulk in your bag, help you streamline your packing, and make managing your belongings easier.
• Cost-Effective: While multi and dual-purpose items may come with a higher price tag initially, in the long run, you’re purchasing less and saving money. 
• Convenience: It’s so much easier remembering to pack one multipurpose item than it is remembering to pack ten other items. Plus, there’s less to keep track of while traveling.
• Organization: The less you pack, the easier it is to find what you’re looking for during your trip, without having to tip out your entire bag. Check out Day 11: Why You Should Compartmentalize for more organization tips.
• Adaptability: If you have items that fulfill multiple purposes, you’re more able to adapt to changing circumstances and unexpected situations on your travels.

Multipurpose Items

Dr. Bronner’s Soap and Wilderness Wash – If you’ve packed shampoo, conditioner, detergent, soap, and body wash, leave them all behind in favor of these products.

We know many HPL readers use and love Dr. Bronner’s Soap. Tag us on Instagram with your Dr. Bronner’s and let us know why you love it!

Vaseline – If you’re looking for another all-in-one product, Vaseline is ideal. I’ve used it as lip balm, antiseptic ointment, and cuticle cream. Also, slip some into a squeaky wheel on your suitcase. Another popular option is Paw Paw Cream.

BB Cream – Since BB Cream is by nature multiple products built into one, you can leave your foundation, facial sunscreen, and tinted lotion at home.

Infinity Dress – One item that can be worn as a dress, skirt, or top in what feels like a hundred different ways. This is a must for any tropical destination. Take a look at our Top Travel Dresses for some more recommendations.

Convertible Travel Clothing – This clothing can be worn in multiple different ways from a dress to a cardigan for example (usually with the help of some strategically placed snaps). This means you can pack one piece instead of two or three (or more!).

Versatile Scarf – Pack a scarf to use as a sarong over your swimsuit, to keep your neck warm in colder climates, or to cover your head in religious buildings. These are just the first three uses we could think of, there are plenty more!

Water Bottles – I’ve used my water bottle as a flask, a hot water bottle, to protect my toothbrush from dirt and all sorts of other uses, including actually drinking water out of it! Plus, it keeps you from constantly purchasing bottled water. 

Brown pencil – An HPL reader told us all the uses for her little brown pencil; eyeliner, eyebrow pencil, lipstick, and rouge. Plus, it’s small enough that you will hardly know it’s in your bag! The perfect addition to a low-key beauty kit.

Bandana or Buff – While the main use is keeping your hair out of your face, you can also use it to protect your head or neck from the sun, plug your sink, wash your face, or tie items together.

Kindle – If you are an avid book reader, you know how heavy your bag can get with all your books. When traveling, there is a lot of time to read; on layovers, on long bus rides, or just spending an evening in your room. By swopping out your many books for a Kindle, you’re not only making your bag MUCH lighter, but you also have a choice of reading whatever book you’re in the mood for.

Turkish Towel – Instead of packing a bulky towel for your travels, choose a Turkish towel. Not only is a Turkish towel much lighter and more compact, but it also has multiple uses like a scarf, a cover-up, a blanket on the plane, a privacy screen in a dorm room, and more. You can find them at The Bali Market or Knotty.

Ziploc Bags – A Ziploc bag takes up almost no space and has so many uses. Use it to store wet swimsuits or clothes that are still drying from their hand wash, prevent your toiletries from leaking, organize items in your bag, or protect important documents from getting wet. You can also bring a reusable Ziploc bag instead. 

Compact Multi-Tool – These are great for a road trip but you’re going to want to avoid packing one in your carry-on only bag. Most come with pliers, a knife, a corkscrew, a bottle opener, scissors, a screwdriver, and more meaning you can leave behind a bunch of single-use tools.

Two-fer Items

Shampoo and conditioner – Everyone loves a twofer, so if you’re not too picky about what type of shampoo and conditioner you buy, consider bringing two in one.

Convertible pants – While many people have mixed opinions about pants that zip off into shorts, there’s no denying the practicality for packing purposes.

Convertible coats – Many brands, like North Face, make coats that can zipper off into multiple layers like a base layer or fleece.

Reversible clothing – Reversible clothing means two looks in one! Simply turn the piece inside out and you have a completely new look. Aim for travel fabrics that are odor and wrinkle-resistant, that way you can wear the piece multiple times without washing. 

Baby powder – Even if you’re not traveling with a baby, baby powder is good for preventing chafing as well as for dry shampoo.

Phone Wallet Case – Turn your phone into a wallet with a special phone wallet case. That way you don’t have to carry a wallet in addition to your phone. You can also get a phone wallet case with cross-body straps that way you don’t need to carry a bag.

• Check out this post for more ways to go handbag-free: Going Handbag-Free: 14 Products to Help You Ditch the Purse

Convertible Backpack/Crossbody Bag – When choosing the perfect travel purse, opt for something that you can get the most use out of. For example, if you choose a convertible bag, you can use it as a backpack when you need to carry more things and switch it to a crossbody bag when you only need the necessities. That way you don’t need to bring an additional travel purse with you.

Portable Charger with Built-In Flashlight – This is a great choice when camping. Instead of bringing a portable charger and a flashlight (both of which are a necessity), bring this charger with a flashlight built in. 

Solar Powered Lantern with Built-In Phone Charger – Another great choice for camping. Charge this solar-powered lantern in the sun during the day, and use it to charge your phone or as a lantern at night.

Stuffable and Foldable Items

Tieks Fold-up Ballet Flats – These adorable flats not only make any outfit look better being made from quality Italian leather but they are also made for travel, folding into a tiny bag for throwing into your suitcase, purse, or daypack.

Stuffable bags – A good reusable bag like the Chico Bag, Sea to Summit daypack, or Baggu Bag is perfect for bringing on a day trip or trips to local markets and grocery stores.

Chaco Sandals – The fabric straps on these shoes, love them or hate them, fold flat, making them ideal for travel and space-saving.

Collapsible Water Bottle – We’ve already discussed all the multiple uses of a water bottle but why not pack one that collapses down and takes up hardly any room when empty?

Packable Rain Jacket – If you’re going trekking somewhere humid where it rains a lot, you’re going to want a lightweight rain jacket that packs up small. The Ultra-Sil Nano Poncho from Sea to Summit can keep you and your backpack dry while still retaining a tiny packed size. 

Inflatable Travel Pillow – For some, a travel pillow is a necessity on a long flight. By choosing an inflatable option like the Lewis N. Clark Adjustable and Inflatable Neck Pillow, you’ll be able to travel in comfort without compromising on packing light.

Do you have any other multipurpose, foldable, or stuffable items to add to the list? Let us know in the comments below.

• PREVIOUS – Day 11: Why You Should Compartmentalize into Cubes, Sacks & Bags
• NEXT – Day 13: Rolling vs. Folding: Which Saves More Space?