Just like good writers write for their audience, good travelers pack for a destination. In order to pack efficiently, spend time familiarizing with the geography, temperature, social customs and other basics of the planned destination. This essential information goes a long way in dictating how much gear to stuff into a backpack or suitcase.

Other factors such as the electrical current of the place and lodgings (hotel, hostel, or campground) come into play when packing.

A gas stove takes up a lot of room and weight in a backpack. There’s no need to bring it ‘just-in-case’ if camping out at the Four Seasons. Likewise that little black number won’t get much use when roaming Gros Mourne National park in Newfoundland.