As I write this, I'm gazing out at a charming Amsterdam street scene, my two kids napping and coloring, respectively, nearby. What's not in this picture? Mountains of luggage. For the next 2.5 months, my family of four is traversing from San Francisco across the US, then on to Iceland and various parts of Europe, with just two adult backpacks, a travel stroller, and a small backpack for my eldest. Crucially, we aren't checking a single bag for this entire trip.
For some, this might sound like a logistical nightmare. For us, it's a dream come true – a continuation of a lifestyle we've cultivated for years. Having previously lived nomadically and traveled full-time, the idea of being tethered to excess baggage felt at odds with our minimalist values and our deep-seated love for adventure. If we’re not able to be on the road full-time right now, a summer away felt like the perfect compromise; but it still required strategic packing and keen planning.
The "Why" Behind Our Light Load: Unburdening Our Adventure
At face value, light packing with kids may sound insanely difficult. But with some practice and tips, we've instead found it to be a major source of ease. First Peak’s mission is to help unburden families, so that they can explore more, with less stress. I truly believe that the narrative that family travel "isn't worth the effort" or requires you to "bring everything" holds families back and fosters unnecessary anxiety. I think it's about being equipped, rather than fully prepared, for every single hypothetical.
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Freedom and Flexibility: Fewer bags mean more agility. Navigating crowded train stations, bustling airports, or charming cobblestone streets is infinitely easier without dragging multiple suitcases. It allows for spontaneous detours and less time spent on logistics. We almost always take public transit to and from airports and remain hands-free, a true game-changer with little ones.
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Reduced Stress: The mental load of managing copious amounts of stuff is exhausting. When you know you have only what you truly need, you remove risk of potential mishaps. Lost luggage? Not an issue when it's all on your back.
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More Focus on Experiences: With less time spent packing, unpacking, and worrying about belongings, our energy is freed up to truly immerse ourselves in the destination, connect with our children, and create lasting memories.
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Financial Savings: Checked bag fees can add up fast, especially for a family. By going carry-on only, we're saving a significant chunk of our travel budget – money better spent on gelato and museum tickets!
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Environmental Impact: While a small factor in the grand scheme, consuming and carrying less aligns with a more conscious approach to travel.
Our Packing Philosophy: Less is Truly More (and Smarter)
So, how do we make it work for 2.5 months with a toddler and a preschooler across multiple climates and countries, without checking a single bag? It boils down to a few key principles, echoing the "Bring, Borrow, Buy" mantra:
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Ruthless Prioritization: The "Do We Really Need It?" Test This is the golden rule. Before anything goes into a backpack, it faces a rigorous interrogation. Can we rent it there? Can something else serve a similar purpose? We pack for the likely case, rather than the worst case. If you find yourself muttering "just in case" to an item, it's usually a sign to leave it behind. If baby typically goes through 3 diapers in a day, we pack 3 (maybe 4) diapers for the travel day, knowing we can always shop upon arrival.
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The Capsule Wardrobe Approach (for Everyone!): Neutral Staples & Layers Each person has a carefully curated selection of versatile, mix-and-match clothing. My husband and I stick to neutral staples (think 3-4 dark t-shirts, 2 pairs of shorts, 1 pair of pants). We aim to be equally lean for the kids. This is where we truly “practice what we preach” with First Peak: we lean on First Peak’s odor-resistant, quick-drying clothes for both of our kids, fully putting the promise of “more wear with fewer washes” to the test. Staple layers like the All-Season Sweatshirt are particularly clutch as we traverse diverse climates from Iceland to European summer. We skip extra shoes, bulky toiletries, and fancier attire, relying on pieces that can cover most scenarios and withstand a lot of wear.
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Embrace Borrowing or Buying Locally: Getting Creative Upon Arrival This is a cornerstone of our light packing. We actively leverage rental and second-hand purchase options to enable us to skip bulky items like travel cribs and car seats. We’ve scored great deals on Marketplace, Craigslist, and through our extended social networks. We actively filter Airbnb results to only see those with a travel crib available (or we reach out to hosts to make a special request). Even for small things, we’re willing to buy rather than pack: our day 1 itinerary often includes picking up pharmacy items like sunscreen and bug spray, eliminating the need to carry them from the start.
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The Right Gear Makes a Difference: Streamlining Your Carry Our choice of backpacks (comfortable, well-fitting, carry-on compliant) and a lightweight, compact travel stroller has been crucial. My son's small backpack isn't just for show; it holds his "treasures" and gives him a sense of ownership over his few belongings. We use packing cubes to subdivide our larger backpacks, giving each family member a dedicated space.
Unburdening Our Home Base: The Logistics Behind the Freedom
Packing light isn't just about what you bring; it's also about what you leave behind, both physically and mentally. A huge part of our ability to travel for this extended period comes from knowing our home base in San Francisco is in good hands. We coordinated meticulously before we left: friends are staying in our apartment, others are renting our car and storing our bike, and family members are checking in regularly to water our plants and keep an eye on things. We even managed to "sublet" my son's spot at his nursery school. And for First Peak, operations continue seamlessly thanks to a talented summer intern who is diligently packing and shipping orders, alongside my expert production partners who I'm in weekly text contact with. This level of planning back home means we can take the leap, trusting that home (and this business) is in good hands.
A Family Adventure, Unburdened
Two and a half months is a significant chunk of time away, especially with active little ones and multiple travel legs across continents. But by shedding the weight of excessive luggage – by truly committing to not checking any bags – we've found ourselves lighter in our spirits. This journey isn't about proving a point; it's about living our values, fostering a love for adventure in our children, and embracing the true essence of travel – exploration, connection, and the unexpected joys that come when you're truly unburdened.
What are your go-to tips for packing light with kids? Share them in the comments below!