I packed for a 7-day trip to Canada with just a backpack. Here are 6 things I'm glad I brought and 4 items I wish I had.

Joey HaddenAug 28, 2022, 16:33 IST

Insider's reporter took a week-long train trip with just a backpack for the first time, and she learned a few things about packing light.Joey Hadden/Insider

I recently traveled by train from New York to Eastern Canada for seven days with just a backpack.
I was thankful I packed light, but there were a few items I wished I had with me during the trip.

I recently spent seven nights traveling from NYC up to the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Québec by train, and I packed everything into one backpack.

The author's backpack packed and ready to go.Joey Hadden/Insider

It was my first time traveling for a week with just a backpack and while packing light made the trip easier, I did forget a few critical items.

Everything the author fit inside her backpack.Joey Hadden/Insider

One of the most important things I packed was laundry sheets so I could wash my clothes every couple of days.

The author washes clothes in a hotel sink using a laundry sheet.Joey Hadden/Insider

Laundry sheets made it so I didn't have to pack as many outfits, but I wish I brought more socks because they took longer to air dry than the rest of my clothes.

The author's socks surrounded by all the clothes she brought on her trip.Joey Hadden/Insider

My quick-dry clothing was much easier to dry in the sun, however, and I'm glad I brought them.

The author dries and wears her quick-dry clothing.Joey Hadden/Insider

I wish I packed pajamas to make the evenings more comfortable.

The author wears pajamas on a train ride from a previous trip.Joey Hadden/Insider

I'm glad I remembered to use a packing cube to keep my clothing from taking up too much room in my backpack.

A packing cube filled with the author's clothing.Joey Hadden/Insider

I'm also glad I packed a tote bag in my backpack to separate some items for easier access during my travels, like my phone, wallet, and headphones.

The author's tote placed on a train seat.Joey Hadden/Insider

But I wish I remembered to bring a portable charging battery for long days of exploring when my phone nearly died.

A portable charger would've worked wonders on this trip.F.J. Jimenez/Getty Images

For those long days exploring, I'm glad I packed Mio, a caffeinated fruity addition to water that also packs in B vitamins.

The author's Mio water enhancer.Joey Hadden/Insider

I thought it would have been nice to pack some tea bags as well, since all my hotels had hot water available.

The author's current tea selection in her home in NYC.Joey Hadden/Insider

I was glad I packed my reusable water bottle so I didn't have to purchase disposable plastic water bottles to stay hydrated throughout my trip.

The author's water bottle.Joey Hadden/Insider

Ultimately, I think I did a good job packing light for this trip, but bringing a few additional items would have made my trip more comfortable without weighing me down.

The author takes a selfie before a day of exploring.Joey Hadden/Insider

I visited a Utah town known as 'Little Switzerland,' and the quaint wonderland transported me to Europe

Cookies on the Business Insider India website