Hi! My name is Chantel and I’m the creator behind the plus size traveller behind Voyaging Vagabond! Back in 2015, I fell in love with the freedom and lifestyle of backpacking. After a three month trip through Europe and 14 countries later, I was hooked and I haven’t stopped since.
When I first looked to help with backpacking I often found that the content available didn’t always suit me. I would laugh when I would watch packing videos where straight sized women would tell me I could pack as many bathing suits as I wanted. All while looking at my one bikini top that is already nearly bigger than my face. There were tips on how to backpack but what was missing was how to backpack as a plus size woman. Despite the lack of coverage, I wasn’t deterred, merely curious and ready to create the voice. After years of spending my life on the road with nothing more than my trusty backpack, I’ve learned these to be the most important lessons for others plus size travellers who want to backpack.
This is number one because it is the absolute most important bit of information I can offer. Finding a backpack that not only fits your body but is structured in a way that is ideal for you is KEY. Reading articles online can be daunting with how many factors there are to take into consideration.
WHICH IS WHYYY I would highly recommend looking up where your local REI is, and getting a custom backpack fitting. Before my first backpacking trip I visited my local REI so often that they practically knew me by name. But the reason for this is because the service is the best in the biz. Aside from having a thoughtful answer to each of my (many) questions, they made sure I found a backpack that was right for me. They have an ample section of backpacks that vary in size, structure, body type, purpose, color, you name it. Their knowledgeable staff is happy to work through exactly what you intend to use this pack for and let you try as many as you’d like. Their patience is a welcomed bonus as they will gladly offer insight, let you put little weights in the pack to see how it feels and help you feel confident in choosing a pack that’s right for you.
For the past 6 years I’ve been using the Kelty Redwing 50 Pack. An all around fantastic pack. The suspension features make for an ideal fit where the weight is distributed in a way that feels light where it matters. Plus the mesh back is a lifesaver on warm days and allows for ventilation. My favorite feature is the fact that there’s more pockets and little places to tuck things away than I know what to do with. If you don’t know where to start I highly recommend starting here.
Hip Belt Extenders are a Thing
Just like a seatbelt extender on a flight, a hip belt extender will offer some extra material if you want to buckle your pack at your hips and your original belt isn’t large enough. Doing this helps to continue offsetting some of the weight of your backpack and distributing it in a way that makes for a comfortable travel day. Again, you can easily ask an REI employee about a hip belt extender that will fit your pack. Otherwise, many of the popular brands for travel backpacks (Osprey, Kelty, Deuter, Gregory) are willing to get a hip belt extender your way after calling customer service. I’ve even heard that sometimes they won’t even charge you for it, all in the name of making sure your pack is made to work for you.
Wear Your Bulky Stuff on Travel Days
If you’re like me and paying baggage fee is the bane of your existence (dramatic much) then this tip is for you! Whenever I’m hopping on an international flight I look like a kid whose mother just got them ready for a snow day outside. I wear all of my bulky sweaters, along with my bulkiest shoes and whatever hat I’m bringing on the plane when checking in. This ensures hitting the weight limit for carry on baggage and avoids the hefty extra baggage charge. Then in the terminal after security, I take off some of those layers so that I’m comfortable for the plane ride.
Organization is Key
The key to successfully backpacking is to stay as organized as possible. This is perfect if you’re dealing with TSA going through your bag or you realize you need something before hopping a night bus. Knowing where all of your belongings are can relieve a ton of stress. It also helps you keep internal inventory of your things which helps to avoid losing your favorite things to the road. Which yes will happen, but I’ve found that when I’m organized and know exactly where everything goes there’s less of a chance of that happening.
Packing Cubes Are your Best Friend
Packing cubes will quickly become your best friend when it comes to being a plus size backpacker. Especially if my last tip about organization peaked your interest! This is the way to do it! Packing cubes will help you best utilize your space and do the job of keeping your belongings organized. This is the way my packing cubes are organized:
1 Large packing cube for clothes
1 Medium packing cube for bathing suits and undergarments
1 Small packing cube for toiletries
1 Small packing cube for electronics
2 extra small packing cubes for miscellaneous things
Extra convertors
Luggage locks
Batteries
Headlamp
Travel sewing kit
Medicine
Always Pack a Scarf
This may not seem like monumental advice but trust me, having a scarf has saved me so many times. If you’re visiting a church during your walk around town. If you’re visiting a conservative country where you’re expected to cover up. If you need something to lay while sunbathing on the beach. If nighttime is a bit cooler than you anticipated or if you want to dress up your outfit. A go to scarf is heaven sent for all of these scenarios. I have one scarf that I’ve packed along with me for the past two years on every trip and it always gets used on every excursion I end up on.
Roll Your Clothes
If you want to know how to fit a decent amount of your wardrobe into your backpack then learn to roll your clothes and roll them tight. Four t shirts folded and thrown into my backpack take up a hell of a lot more room than if I was to take those same shirts and roll them into a packing cube. Crop tops, tanks, tube tops take up very little space when you roll them and same goes for undergarments. You’ll quickly learn that if there’s a way to find a bit more space in your backpack then you will do it. Rolling your clothes takes practice, but eventually your friends will be asking you to come over before their trip to help them fit all of their clothes because of how well your rolling skills are.
Practice Makes Perfect
You’re going to overpack.
You’re going to bring little gadgets you realistically don’t need.
You’re going to curse having done so when you’re walking up some hilly road on a remote Meditterranean island.
As frustrating as this added weight may be, these are the lessons that help you pack smarter and become a better backpacker. You also realize how little you need to be happy and functional in this world. You’ll take constant inventory of the things that matter most, pack them and re-pack them with each new hostel, each new city. Get to know each place that each item belongs. Every trip offers a chance to get better and it may take some experimenting but eventually you’ll find a system that works best for you.
Practical doesn’t mean sacrificing fashion
Boyyyyyy the clothes I used to bring when I first started backpacking. Trying to choose clothes that (in my mind would) work in multiple settings while still looking, let’s face it, cool. HAHA. I would show up in this chic city and instantly regret everything I brought after one walk around the neighborhood. Packing wrong for a location is kind of my thing.
BUT I’ve realized that there’s a way to show off your killer fashion sense while still being practical. Stick with basics that come on every trip. My go-tos are:
A black & white tube top
A black & white tank or cropped tee
A black pair of bike shorts
A pair of denim shorts
A pair of blue jeans
A pair of black jeans
A jean jacket
A black dress
Then you find your staples. Those key pieces that are unique to you. For me, it’s this awesome 90’s windbreaker I scored at a vintage market. A pair of denim overalls that fit just right. My Ice Cube t-shirt and my Aaliyah crop top or maybe even that matching set that I can mix and match. These pieces combine functional and fashion and can fit a multitude of settings when styled right and will make you look, yup, I’ll say it, super cool.
Accessories are a must
We’re segwaying right into this tip because it fits perfectly with combining functionality and fashion. Accessories are the perfect way to jazz up any outfit and the beautiful thing about them is you can fit quite a few without sacrificing space. We’re talking necklaces, scarfs, little hair accessories, earrings, rings or even some hats that can be tossed into your backpack.
Another way of extending the clothes that you bring is styling it with different accessories to create new outfits.
Comfort is important
As a plus size traveler, I try to find pieces of clothes that not only make me feel confident and represent my style but are also comfortable. For instance, I’m currently based out of Lisbon. Lisbon has a tendency to be super sunny but also super windy. For this reason I often steer away from super short dresses that I’ll be pulling down and trying to avoid flying up all day. I also do a ton of walking so finding shoes that are not only comfortable but offer a strong grip (Lisbon has super slippery sidewalks) are heaven sent during a long day of exploring.
Many people assume that choosing comfort means sacrificing fashion but that doesn’t have to be the case. Pack what you’re comfortable in, style it in ways that are unique to you and let your accessories glam up anything you put on!
Find Footwear that Works for You
When speaking to other plus size travelers, the question I most often hear is
“What shoes do you recommend?” As a woman with super wide, flat feet I have packed many terrible shoes on trips. After plenty of uncomfortable moments and too many blisters these are the shoes I swear by:
Adidas Superstars
These sneakers work in so many different settings. Whether that’s casual or a bit more dressy. They also fit really well considering my wide feet and will keep me comfy on walking days.
Birkenstocks Sandals
My go to sandal. I love how the sandal molds to my foot and feels comfier the more I wear them. I’ve even done some light hiking in them with no problems or styled them with a cute summer dress.
Chelsea Boots or A Cute Mule
Depending on the season, I usually have one of these in my pack too. A black Chelsea boots makes any outfit look fashionable in those colder fall/winter months. Then a cute mule is my go to for the warmer spring/summer months. Adds a pop of color to rolled up jeans, also super cute with a dress or a nice skirt.
Speaking Up For What You Need
Too often as plus size travelers we internalize moments of discomfort out of fear of being judged. I know for myself this is super true. But lately, I’ve been trying to speak up for what I need instead of just silently suffering. If I need to take a break during an uphill walk then I say that. If I need to switch my chair because the one I’m in is uncomfortable I say that. This is my life and I’m not going to reduce my life to painful moments because I’m scared of what other people will think. Screw them, do what is right for you and say what you need.
Leave Things Along the Way
Too much weight can make or break your trip. I offer this warning because it really is an important one. I’ve been on a few trips now where I had 30lbs in my backpack and even walking from the train station to the hostel can feel like a nightmare. Luckily, this problem has two solutions. The first, only bring the things you need and try to keep your pack as light as possible. The second, be willing to leave things along the way. Before I based myself out of Portugal, I used to practice this rule of thumb. Everytime I acquired something I had to leave something along the way. So if I bought a new shirt I had to leave one. Granted there are countless times where I made exceptions and I never included jewelry or accessories in that rule (even though there were plenty of times I should have.) But just keeping this mentality in the back of your mind so you’re not acquiring a ton of things during your travels will avoid you cursing your backpack next time you travel to a different city.
I also like leaving things along the way because I can donate the items I’ve decided aren’t working for me. Whether that be a local organization, a donation box, a hostel clothing swap or a traveller along the way that would appreciate this article of clothing more than I will.
Enjoy the Freedom
There’s a freedom that comes when everything you need in life is strapped to your back. It’s a beautiful feeling that I must admit I am extremely addicted to now. You truly begin to understand how little you need to survive. An opportunity to steer away from the materialistic life we’re used to and be content with the things that matter.
It’s also a really good feeling at the airport and not having to tote a piece of luggage behind me. Two hands available club for lifeeee!
There are lessons I’ve learned that I haven’t included in this list. Lessons like believing in yourself, never underestimating how strong you really are, the constant reminder of the kindness of strangers and a ton more. I’ve only been able to acquire them by throwing fear and doubt out the window and chasing after dreams that served me better once they were my realities. I chose to leave them out because those lessons are for you to learn and no amount of rambling (which I could do a lot of) will convey how wonderful those lessons are until they seep into your soul.
The world is a big place full of life, full of experiences, full of humanity that you are worthy of experiencing. All with your backpack not far behind, I believe in you now go for it.
About The Author
My name’s Chantel and I am the voyaging vagabond. I grew up in a small town, in the smallest state in the union (and yes it really does take forty five minutes to drive through Rhode Island). Now the thing with Rhode Island is that nobody ever leaves. I mean why would you want to, some of the best beaches in the state are a short drive away, Providence has all the hustle and bustle of a major city and Boston is a hop skip and a jump away.
But not me, I always knew I would make it out. That is what the voyaging vagabond is all about. It is about my journey to discover how big this world truly is and everything that comes with that.
