Five Days, One Backpack - My Los Angeles Packing List

They said it couldn’t be done. “You’re crazy,” they told me. And by “they,” I mean my friends and family. See, I told them I was fitting a five day trip into my backpack.

My backpack-that’s-small-enough-to-fit-under-the-seat-of-an-airplane backpack. 

I don’t like paying for bags.

I’ve had a lot of questions about how I put this whole trip together in just under a week. I booked the flight the weekend before, packed my bag the night before, and planned what I was going to do when I got there in the Uber to the airport. 

By this point, I like to think that I’ve mastered the fine art that is making a packing list. There are few things in life that bring me more joy than planning. My lists have lists. If you could see the outlines I have for this blog, your head would spin.

But I digress. 

My Los Angeles Packing List

It turns out that the only photos I have of this - frankly - incredible feat are from Instagram, so don’t mind the quality. Here’s a list of everything I brought:

 

The before photo...

• My Amazing Canon Rebel T6 with 18-35mm lens

• My Equally Awesome 50mm lens

• 2 Jumpsuits

• 1 Dress

• 1 Pair of Cargo-like Pants

• 4 Shirts - 1 Turtleneck, 1 Crop Top, 1 Tank Top, 1 T-Shirt (for sleeping)

• 1 Jean Jacket

   

  See? It could totally be done!

• 1 Pair of Oxfords

• 5 Pairs of Underwear, 4 Pairs of Socks, 2 Bras

• Makeup, Contact Solution and Case, Medication, Hairbrush

• Kindle, Headphones, Wall and Portable Chargers, Camera Charger

• Snacks - Dried Mango, Pecans, Jerky, Protein Bars

• Cross-Shoulder Purse / Wallet

• Passport

*keep in mind, I wore a jumpsuit, the jacket, the turtleneck, the shoes, and the oxfords on the plane

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My Packing Tips

Tip 1: WEAR YOUR CAMERA AROUND YOUR NECK! This tip is one I learned from my favorite Instagram travel couple. If you wear your camera around your neck, it doesn’t count as a personal item because it is literally on your person. 

You need to be careful because it’s not protected but, if you bring your whole camera bag with you, then the bag counts as your personal item while the backpack or duffel needs to be checked. 

My trick? I wrapped the 50mm lens in a shirt and put it towards the top of my bag, while always keeping a hand on the camera around my neck so it wouldn’t be swinging around and bumping into things!

Regardless of the outfit, this camera was my one constant accessory - even in the airport!

Tip 2: LEAVE THE EXTRA SHOES AT HOME! The one thing I didn’t bring with me to LA? An extra pair of shoes. I picked my tan oxfords to wear on this trip because they’re versatile and comfortable. Bringing another pair would have meant sacrificing valuable backpack space. 

If you insist on bringing another pair of kicks with you, make them flats or sandals - anything that you can easily squish into the bottom of your bag.

Did they perfectly match every outfit? No, but they were close enough!

Tip 3: SACRIFICE THE SOUVENIRS! Or sacrifice the space to start. You really have two options here. If you leave extra room in your bag before your getaway, then congrats! You have room for souvenirs to bring home. But, if you’re like me and your bag is choc-a-bloc full before you even leave your house, then you aren’t going to magically create space during your trip. 

I managed to make a little room by wearing the bulkiest clothes on the plane home, but I also had to sacrifice some snacks and work some folding dark magic in order to make everything fit. 

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So There You Have It!

That’s my LA packing list. Did it involve some sacrifices? Absolutely - I would have loved to have my high-tops and jeans with me for the trip. But sacrificing that one perfect outfit and bringing pieces that were versatile and mix-and-match-able instead saved me hundreds of dollars in extra bag fees.

 

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