If you’d like to find ways to limit the amount of clothing you pack, have you come across the pack-by-numbers system? It’s a strategy adopted by many travellers committed to one-bag or carry-on travel.

What is the pack-by-numbers system?

The pack-by-numbers system is a simple strategy to pack fewer clothes by limiting the number of pieces in each category. Categories could include tops, bottoms, underwear, socks, and shoes.

My numbers are 2, 3, 5, 5, 3, 2. Some people use the 5-4-3-2-1 packing method. There’s also the rule of 3 packing philosophy. Or the 3:1 approach works for some people. I’ve also encountered travellers who adopt the 1-2-3-4-5-6 rule of packing or work from a Sudoku grid.

How does the pack-by-numbers system work?   

There are many variations. Travellers choose which pack-by-numbers system works for them, given their travel style and type of trip they’re undertaking.

• There’s room for flexibility to add pieces outside the chosen system. These might include a swimsuit, jacket, vest, pyjamas, and a rain jacket.
• The system works best with a capsule wardrobe of complementary colours and designs where every piece of clothing goes with every other piece. It means less clothes but more outfits with interchangeable pieces. So if the number of tops and bottoms is five and three respectively, 15 different outfits or ‘looks’ become possible.
• Unless the trip involves a special event requiring a particular outfit, there’s no room for clothing that will be worn once or orphan pieces that don’t go with anything else.
• It’s also helpful if the pack-by-numbers system includes multipurpose pieces. Examples include a pashmina that can double as a swimsuit cover-up or a two-piece swimsuit where the shorts can be worn as shorts, underwear, or loungewear. Leggings can double as an extra layer of warmth.
• It also involves a plan on when and how to do laundry. Many devotees of the system choose clothing in lightweight, quick-drying fabrics that can dry overnight.
• Merino is a popular fabric because of its moisture-wicking and odour-resistant properties. It can be washed less often and dries quickly. The same merino socks can be worn several times between washes, so I only pack two pairs.
• The challenge is to remain committed to the system. After trying on each top with each bottom and eight tops are likely candidates, they need to be reduced to five tops if that is the chosen number.

6 Examples of the pack-by-numbers system

(i) 2, 3, 5, 5, 3, 2

My numbers, stacked somewhat vertically, are 2, 3, 5, 5, 3, 2. For most trips, it means 2 pairs of socks, 3 bottoms, 5 panties, 5 tops, 3 pieces of head/neck gear, and 2 bras.

Outside my numbers are two pairs of shoes that go with every outfit. In addition, a pair of Havaianas Slim flip flops double as shower shoes, slippers, and beach wear. Depending on the season and destination, I’ll add one or two pieces of outerwear, such as a travel vest, packable puffy jacket, and packable rain jacket. For warm destinations, I might add one swimsuit and one dress. One or two long-sleeved merino mid-layers, one with a hood, will reduce the five tops to four or three.

(ii) 1-2-3-4-5-6

Packing experts are REI, a US-based Co-op, describe the 1-2-3-4-5-6 pack-by-numbers system as:

• 1 hat
• 2 pairs of shoes
• 3 bottoms
• 4 tops
• 5 pairs of socks
• 6 pairs of underwear (plus one bra for women)

Beyond that, there’s flexibility to include swimwear, rainwear, or other specific items related to a trip. These experts also suggest packing up to seven days’ worth of clothing no matter how long the trip.

(iii) 3:1 ratio

Escape, an Australian travel brand advocates packing three tops for every bottom. The rationale is that pants and skirts take up more room than shirts, and bottoms don’t need to be washed after each wear.

(iv) Rule of 3

Freelance writer Gretchelle Quiambao suggests packing three of everything: three shirts, three bottoms, three dresses, three jackets, and three pairs of shoes. The key is to ensure all pieces can be combined to make several different outfits.

(v) 5, 4, 3, 2, 1

DIY fashion blogger Geneva Vanderzeil adapted the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 system for a trip to Greece. With seven flights and three ferries within ten days, Geneva was committed to the packing-by-numbers system with carry-on luggage only:

• 5 tops
• 4 bottoms
• 3 dresses and 3 pairs of shoes
• 2 swimsuits and 2 bags
• 1 hat, 1 watch, and 1 pair of sunglasses.

(vi) Sudoku grid

Popular Sudoku grids have 3 x 3 cells or 4 x 4.

When three horizontal, three vertical, and one diagonal line is drawn through the cells, seven outfits are created. Adding the two corner combinations increases the seven outfits to nine.

A 4 x 4 grid adds shoes to the fourth cell.   

Conclusion

An appealing feature of the pack-by-numbers system is that it’s not a rigid formula or guide. Travellers have the flexibility to choose the numbers that work for them. The underlying principle is to encourage travellers interested in lightening their load to be intentional about what and how much they pack. For additional insights, see Top 20 tips on how to pack light.

If you found this post helpful, please share it by selecting one or more social media buttons. Do you use the pack-by-numbers system? If so, what is your approach? Please share your thoughts on this topic in the comments. Thank you.

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