How to Pack for an Active Vacation Without Checking a Bag

Some people love packing. They create lists, pack days—sometimes weeks—in advance, and always seem to have the perfect outfit for every occasion, without overpacking. Disclaimer: I'm not one of those people. But when I agreed to run 56 miles in the Serengeti followed by an island getaway with a college BFF, I knew I had to be. I'm proud to say I pulled it off—I fit everything I needed for my 12-day trip into a backpack and a medium duffle, with plenty of room left over for souvenirs.

While you may not be running through the Serengeti, there are certainly some staples every active person should have on their packing list. High on my list were comfortable clothes made of sweat-wicking and durable material that I could wash in the shower and hang dry, as well as multi-use items (who says a bathing suit cover-up can't be worn as a dress?). And of course, since I was going to be doing a ton of running, some real estate naturally went to recovery products like hydration packets and clever muscle-massaging tools.

While this isn't *everything* I packed (first-aid items and a ton of SPF all naturally came along with me, too), here are some of the most useful clothing, toiletry, and recovery items I brought along that helped me get the most out of my multifaceted trip—without paying a single checked bag fee.