I worked with a capsule-wardrobe stylist to pack sustainably with just a backpack for a 5-day trip to the Great Smoky Mountains. Here's what I brought.

Joey HaddenMay 18, 2023, 03:29 IST

Sustainability experts told me that traveling lighter is a good way to help the environment.
So I tried a capsule wardrobe, and asked the Aday stylist Millie Bentley to help me pack for a trip.
Bentley recommended neutral, quick-drying clothes that can be layered in different ways.

When I planned a 5-day trip to the Great Smoky Mountains, I knew I wanted to pack my backpack as lightly as possible.

The author visits the Great Smoky Mountains in April 2023.Joey Hadden/Insider

Packing light makes getting around easier, but it's also more sustainable for the environment, according to eco-tourism experts.

The author packs for her trip, and slips her backpack under the seat for her flight to Tennessee.Joey Hadden/Insider

Since I wanted to pack light without becoming bored with my outfits, I looked into capsule wardrobes.

An example of a capsule wardrobe.Olesia Kononenko/Getty Images

I spoke to Millie Bentley, a capsule-wardrobe stylist, who helped me pack for my trip.

The clothes the author packed for her five-day trip.Joey Hadden/Insider

Bentley and I started packing by looking at my work gear since these items were non-negotiable.

The author's work gear for her trip to Tennessee.Joey Hadden/Insider

Next, we talked about toiletries to ensure I had enough room for everything I needed while traveling.

The author's toiletries for her 5-day trip.Joey Hadden/Insider

After I packed my toiletries and work gear, Bentley and I talked about clothes. She recommended quick-dry items that could be layered.

The room in the author's backpack for clothing and toiletries after packing her work gear.Joey Hadden/Insider

Bentley said I should bring two T-shirts that I could wear separately or layer on top of each other on colder days.

The author's quick-dry shirtsJoey Hadden/Insider

She also recommended that I bring a cardigan and another long-sleeve layer.

The author packed a zip-up hoodie and a cardigan.Joey Hadden/Insider

Then Bentley said I should bring one pair of pants for going out during the day, and another to change into at night.

Pants the author packed.Joey Hadden/Insider

She recommended pajamas that could also be worn during the day.

The author's multipurpose pajamas.Joey Hadden/Insider

Then we talked about undergarments. Unlike my other clothing items, Bentley said I should bring one pair of socks and underwear for each day.

The author's undergarments for her trip.Joey Hadden/Insider

For jackets, Bentley also suggested layers. I brought my thinnest puffer and a rain jacket.

The author brought two jackets.Joey Hadden/Insider

Bentley thought I only needed one pair of shoes for this trip, and I agreed.

The author brought neutral water-resistant trainersJoey Hadden/Insider

Lastly, I popped a water bottle and an umbrella into the pockets of my backpack. And I still had extra space.

The author all packed up.Joey Hadden/Insider

When I left for my trip, I thought my new capsule wardrobe served me well. I now plan to use Bentley's tips for every trip so I can be a more sustainable traveler.

The author layers her clothing in different ways.Joey Hadden/Insider

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