Packing advice--3 days--Backpack or suitcase?

[lalasmama]

I'll admit I tend to be an overpacker. 2 months ago (has it really been that long?!?) when DD and I went, we had two maximum-carry-on-sized suitcases, and two backpacks, for an 8-day trip... and everything in the suitcase was in space bags. In other words, we packed about 12 days of clothes! When all was said and done, we wore half the clothes, and we-wore our favorite things instead of wearing non-favorites....

My goal is to *not* overpack this time. It's just me. I'll be there 3 days and 2 nights. Do you think it would be possible to manage just a backpack?

Here's my packing plan at the moment:

(Arrive wearing denim capri pants and t-shirt and [un-needed] sweatshirt.)

So, for following days:
1 additional pair of capri pants.
3 additional t-shirts
Undergarments, of course, and 1 set of summer pajamas

I'm thinking if I can get that all in a space bag (shouldn't be an issue), then I can get it all in my backpack, along with my laptop and some chargers, right? Souvenirs coming back are minor--jewelry for DD, and a small baby stuffed animal. And, of course, the toiletry bag that TSA allows, which fits in the front pocket of my backpack.

Does it sound reasonable to just bring the backpack?

 

[DizMe]

I almost always bring my backpack instead of a suitcase. Now I have to say it isn't like a kid's backpack for school; it's made for travel. It's pretty small but it does hold all I need because it's like Mary Poppins' carpet bag (or Hermione's purse)--seems like you can just keep stuffing things into it. In fact, it's all I took to Hawaii for a week! Of course, going to Hawaii is not like going skiing in Colorado. When you're packing shorts, bathing suits, and all lightweight stuff, it doesn't require that much room.

But DLR is similar in that you don't have to have tons of clothing for extreme weather changes. I actually brought just a big purse once, but I don't recommend that unless it's like a big messenger bag or something.

Yes, you absolutely can go on your trip with a backpack. It's my preferred way when I fly unless I am going to need a lot of different types of clothes.

ETA: You might want to bring a pair of long pants in case it's cool at night. I'm a cold wienie and have to have my legs covered if the temps go down below 67

 

[Butterfly123]

Hermione's bag! That's what I need! Seriously, depending on the weather reports, you may want a pair of jeans in case it's cool in the evenings. I think taking just a backpack is a great idea, though, since it's harder to overpack (I tend to do this, too!)

 

[Midnightred]

I'm thinking you need one more pair of pants or capri's. I always like a cotton cardi as well to layer with.

Midnightred

 

[lalasmama]

Well, shoot. It's getting cooler and cooler temperature-wise as the trip gets closer! I'll definitely bring some jeans just in case now, and maybe 1-2 long sleeved shirts.... It started out in the mid-70s, and now, it's saying 70-71º.

 

[BretJMiller]

I would say that you could always fit everything into a carry on sized duffel bag, even if you chose to overpack!