travel with backpack only

Authored by Andrew McGuire

Traveling with one backpack is a skill to be learned and perfected. Even the most seasoned travelers fight the urge to over pack, and most will probably admit to throwing extra items into their bag at the last minute.

Though practice makes perfect, and over time I’ve managed to hone my packing skills to the point where everything fits into one travel backpack , whether it be for 2 months or 2 days.

There is something liberating and exciting about being able to live out of just one piece of luggage. When you’re hauling heavy bags it’s awkward on public transport, inconvenient to drag across town, and airlines will hit you with extra fees.

You’re less likely to travel off the beaten path with all that weight, and it’s difficult to find your things when and as you need.

So if your resolution for the new year is to travel lighter and pack less, consider the following rules.

10 Tips For Traveling With One Backpack

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Practice makes perfect, and over time I’ve managed to hone my packing skills to the point where everything fits into one backpack whether it be for 2 days or 2 months.

7 Days – That’s the Rule!

Do you really need 10 shirts? Probably not. If you can’t wear it more than once or if it can’t easily dry overnight, don’t pack it.

Of course if you’re going on a hiking trip and will be sweating all day, it’s probably not feasible to wear your shirt twice (but throw some powder detergent in a ziplock bag just in case!).

However, if you’re just planning on sightseeing, chances are there should be no problem wearing at least some of your clothes twice.

Go for tried and tested favorites (no one in Australia will ever know that you’re an outfit repeater), and don’t pack more clothes than you need. A very wise traveler once said “You can change your outfit every day, or just change your city!”

Lightweight Clothing

Think about the fabric of your clothing! Only pack lightweight clothing that can be easily rolled up in your backpack.

This kind of clothing is easy to carry, saves space, and will also dry much easier should you need to do some laundry during your trip .

Don’t Forget Dark Colored Clothing

Not only should you think about the fabric of your clothing, but you should also consider its color and functionality.

Darker clothing is less likely to show stains and is easier to pair with any pair of shoes or pants that you bring along. Dark t-shirts can be both dressed up for a nice dinner or dressed down for an athletic activity.

Wear Your Jeans & Jacket For More Space

Wear your heaviest and bulkiest clothing while traveling! I usually wear a pair of jeans and a jacket onto the plane. These two items alone will take up a majority of your pack space (you can also apply this rule if traveling with heavy hiking shoes).

If it’s too hot for a jacket, tie it around your waist or around the straps of your pack.

Never More Than Two Pairs of Shoes

NEVER bring more than 2 pairs of shoes. One pair of shoes should be a sneaker that can double for athletic activities and also going out for a casual meal.

If you must bring a second pair of shoes make it a pair of shoes for more formal occasions or nicer meals. The only time I break this rule is if I slip a pair of lightweight flip-flops into the side of my pack.

Read: How to Pick the Best Travel Shoes

Toiletries: Pack Only the Essentials

Only pack toiletries that you can’t buy at your travel destination. Unless you’re traveling to an isolated or ultra rural location, you can save a lot of space in by buying toiletries upon arrival.

If you’re staying in hotels, the majority of the time they provide the essential toiletries for you. Shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, soap. Most will have toothbrushes, razors, and toothpaste available for you too. You’ll find that picking up toiletries on the road is super easy, and often cheaper than if you were to buy them at home.

Bring Your Travel Books

Reading is one of the best ways to pass the time during long hours in transit. But books are heavy. Period. And they take up a LOT of unnecessary space in your bag.

While I am a huge fan of guides like Lonely Planet, and being able to read a novel while waiting for my flight, these are easy enough to carry on a Kindle or e-reader. And a great way to save space is to print out city guides instead of carrying around a bulky book.

If you do travel with a book, only take the one. When you’re done reading, you can swap with other travelers who are always willing to trade. Or hit up the hotel/hostel library where guests can exchange books.

Roll Your Clothes – Don’t Fold

Instead of folding or balling up your clothes into your pack, roll them up. You’ll be surprised at how much space this can save.

This also makes it easier for you to more efficiently dig through your backpack’s contents without dumping everything out.

Invest In A Quick Dry Towel!

I first bought one of these wonderful towels as an impulse buy at my local sports shop. However, it has quickly become one of the first things I pack.

If you’re staying in a hotel there may be no need for this item. However, if you’re like me and stay at hostels then this may be a lifesaver. It even doubles as a beach towel if you’re going to a more tropical destination.

Pack Necessities First

Finally, always pack your necessities first. Underwear, t-shirts, socks, and the items that you will definitely have to use. This way if you run out of room while packing you can leave out those less important items, and you won’t have to dig through your bag to pull them out.

When you’re looking for your next travel companion, make sure to check out the best travel backpack reviews with the Backpack Boss.

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If You Liked This Post You May Also Like:

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What NOT to Pack – Items You’ll NEVER Need Overseas

Andrew has been traveling since birth, and now has a family that loves to travel with him too. By his own admission, his obsession with backpacks might be a bit much, but they are at the center of how we get around as travelers after-all!

He’s been to 35+ states and 21 countries. His favorite countries are Italy, Switzerland, Netherlands and Thailand. You can find him blogging about adventures with backpacks at Backpack Boss .

43 Comments

Good article. My last 2 trips across the USA have been wih just a backpack and it was great! I also rolled the underwear for the number of days I would be traveling. Didn’t have to worry about lost luggage or wait to claim my bags.

Glad you enjoyed it Mona! Congrats on traveling across the US with just your one bag – agreed – it’s so much more convenient and hassle free especially when navigating airports and skipping the baggage carousel!

Happy travels :)

In my country (India) we are used to a “What if” packing style. We want to travel light, however we always fear – what if we need xyz duirng the travel. We end up over packing only because of this. Your post is extremely useful. I will remember this when I pack the next time.

Looking forward to reading more posts from you as part of UBC.

Do take a look at my latest post for UBC: https://diaryofaninsanewriter.wordpress.com/2017/01/01/my-husband-i-are-incompatible-is-my-marriage-successful/

Glad we could set you up with some ideas for traveling lighter in 2017 then Mayura :) Haha I’ve adapted the rule that if I throw something in on the basis of “just in case”, I have to leave it behind :D … works really well actually!

Oh, it is definitely a skill you have to learn. I travel with two packs. I tried to decrease it to just one, but it wasn’t working for me. But I will try again – eventually :-D

Practice makes perfect though; A skill to be perfected slowly over time for sure! Happy travels Zascha :)

Zascha – I have been traveling with two bags for years but used these tips to get down to one bag but then had a kido which then ballooned into more than two bags! It’s always a challenge but let me know if you have any other questions.

Happy New Year Meg! Superb write up. 2 questions. What is one backpack, carry-on or check-in bag? What is backpack size in liters? Please let me know. Thank you and may goodness return to you and your family :)

Hey Josephine,

Thanks so much for the questions. The purpose of this post is to help you with whatever backpack you already have. These tips will help you save on space with the travel backpack you already own. If you’re looking for the best travel backpack you can check out the review I put together on the website link here: http://www.backpackboss.com/the-best-travel-backpack-a-magnificiant-buyers-guide/

Each of the backpacks have a different Liter size and it’s broken down on the post I put together. The carry-on and check-in bags are going to be much smaller and if you’re looking for a few to check out, it might be worthwhile to take a look here: http://www.backpackboss.com/the-top-5-carry-on-backpacks-a-buyers-guide/

These range from 40-45L so you can use all these tips to get as much as you can into them. Let me know if you have any other questions! Thanks Josephine.

Great advice! I pack a traditional carry-on rolling back usually and a day pack with my electronics and camera. But I think I do pretty well considering I am usually left wondering what more I can bring because I still have space left…no matter how long my trip is!

Glad you enjoyed the post Jessica! If you still have space left, I’m impressed! I need to master your packing skills lol … extra space is never a bad thing, means you can hit the shops while you’re away and not have to mail it home :D!

Thanks for sharing. of these are helpful for a trip.

Glad you found the post helpful :) Happy travels!

Great tips! I like to layer my clothes especially when I plan to bring a bulky jacket.

Thanks Amy :) Layering clothes is definitely the way to go!

Great tips Meg. We would love to carry just a carry – on size bag. Would be so nice. We have a lot of camping gear and a leatherman so we need a bag to go under the plane. For short trips and non camping trips we will definitely take on your tips for a smaller bag. You are so right about darker clothes. As soon as we take something light coloured, stain instantly. For us light colour clothing is a no go.

Glad you enjoyed the post Lesh :) Yep, With big equipment like camping gear it’s never really feasible to travel with carry on only … but we can dream right!

I’ve stained so many white shirts that it’s not funny … always black now :D!

Happy travels!

I don’t think I would ever go back to traveling with more then one back pack again. Life is so much easier!

It’s very much like that!!! Happy travels :)

First time here and found this very useful.

We’re avid travelers but I’m still perfecting the art of packing. The thought of one backpack is wonderful and scary at the same time!

Our next trip is to Namibia where there’s nothing and no one for days and days. We’ll be 4 people travelling by 4×4 but considering all the supplies like water, gas, food, tents, sleeping bags emergency vehicle supplies and a whole bunch of essentials so we don’t die in the desert, means very little space for personal ‘essentials’ and clothes.

One idea I had was to make most of my day clothes quick dry sports wear and of course warm gear for the clod desert nights.

I’m definitely going to follow your guide! Maybe, just maybe I’ll surprise my hubby when I throw my one backpack into the back of our 4×4! LOL

Hi Astrid, so glad you found the post helpful, thanks for stopping by our blog! Don’t worry you’re not alone – I think I’ll still be perfecting my packing skills until my last travel days!!

Namibia is one country I’m dying to get to – have heard so many amazing things, I’m sure you’ll have a fabulous time!

Quick dry sports wear is a great idea for this kind of trip. You could also look into a product called the Scrubba Washbag if you’re on the road for long periods of time – essentially a portable washing machine! Great little compact bag with nobules inside that act like a flexible washboard. Easy way to wash your clothes in minutes and you can easily slip it into your backpack. And if you’ve got quick dry sports wear it shouldn’t take too long to dry :)

Have a fantastic trip! Let me know if you get it all into the one pack! Happy & safe travels X

Hubby’s been to Namibia a couple of times. And he’s told me awesome things about it. I’m super excited!

I told him I’m packing only 1 backpack and he laughed at me! But I’ll surprise him yet!!

Thanks for the tip on that Scrubba Washbag!

Haha I find being laughed at or told I won’t be able to achieve something makes me even more determined to do so :D Good luck!

Hi Meg, Astrid – if you are interested, we’ve created a discount code for MM and her readers to get 15% off at Scrubba – MAPPINGM15

Happy Trails!

David @ Scrubba

Thanks David, appreciate it!

Nice article. I was one of those who packed too much when traveling. I then purchase a 48L carry on backpack and I will not go back to luggage. Using packing cubes and rolling my clothes really saves me a lot of space. I also weight until I reach my destination before I purchase a lot of my toiletry items.

That’s fantastic news. I’m glad to hear that the tips worked out for you. It’s tough to go back once you’ve made it to a 48L carry on backpack. Have fun out there!

Make sure you wash all non-natural clothing e.g. acrylic (eg fleece), polyester & cotton/polyester mixes plus lycra in a Guppy Bag (from Patagonia.co.uk) so that non-biodegradable microfibres don’t enter the waste water and the ocean

Great tip / reminder – thank Carol!

Nice article!I like to travel but i need 2 or more backpack because i have more clothes.Thank for sharing a great article.I will follow your step.

Maybe you could look at getting a large / deeper backpack with more carrying capacity – 80 L packs are pretty large and usually cater to everything you need :)

I totally agree, though with a year of traveling we brought more like 10 days of clothes for each of us (as some won’t be seasonally appropriate at all times).

Nice work – 10 days of clothing for a years worth of travel is excellent packing skills! Hats off to you :)

It was nice to see such a realistic approach. ? Just a question, and I hope I’m not getting too personal/creepy, what about feminine products/hygine? Has it been more of a challenge while on the road? I would love for Danielle to do a video about what it’s like to be a girl and living the van life. ? Thanks! I love your content!

Glad you enjoyed the post Laur :) This post was written by Andrew, which is why there’s not any input on female hygiene in that sense, but I don’t personally find it a challenge, I’m on the pill which regulates my monthly and allows me to know exactly when I need to access hygiene products. I’ll always have a small amount of backup with me in my travel first aid kit anyway, but I’ve not found it an issue finding sanitary items in shops overseas :)

Hope that helps! So glad you enjoyed the post :)

Nice… Well every traveler has something favorite Luggage that he or she don’t want to loos at any coast for traveling. I also like traveling & some important Luggage in my bag for traveling.

Glad you enjoyed the post Pat :) Yes, I agree, when you find a favorite bag it definitely makes packing easier!

You really did a great job. I was making some mistakes while backpacking the backpacks. I found your article on the web, and It has given me some interesting tips. Thanks for sharing this great post. Have a good day.

Thanks Suhana, I’m glad that the post was helpful for you. Happy travels!

Megan, I am so wanting to pack up and sell my trailer, make my leap.

Take the money and run!

I would like to cross from BC to NF, then start in England.

It’s not bravery unless your scared…

To say I’m scared,,

How do you leave behind a life that is drowning you and full of downers and jump for it?

I’m 47, 2 grown sons, I’m strong and don’t mess with me, but!

Hi Marie, thanks for reaching out – sounds like you’re thinking about quite an epic adventure!

Definitely finding the courage to get started and take the leap can be the biggest obstacle to overcome. Typically I tell people that they have to make a commitment to themselves that they’re doing it – ie tell yourself it’s happening, convince yourself it’s happening, and move forward with the planning. Hopefully, as you start putting real plans in place, excitement will take over fear and replace any scared emotions with positive energy that will keep pushing you forward towards taking the trip :)

I’ve found the mental hurdles are often the toughest!

I hope you do manage to fulfill your dreams and take the leap!

Thanks for reading :)

Great job. This is so helpful for me by giving such important tips

So glad to hear Boda! Thanks for reading :)

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Discover the World; Discover Yourself. Mapping personal evolution through adventure travel. We are Megan and Mike and have been traveling & blogging since 2007 inspiring travel and change!

I am Megan Jerrard, professional travel blogger/journalist with a focus on adventure, discovery, immersion and inspiring you to explore!

How to Travel Carry On Only: A Beginner’s Guide to Minimalist Packing

Girl with backpack in Ait Ben Haddou, Morocco

Traveling carry-on only sounds like something for shoestring backpackers, but regardless of your travel style, it’s actually a very useful skill to be able to have. Few things are more freeing than traveling light. It makes everything easier, from flying to packing. But somehow it sounds so hard! So I’ve collected my 5 top tips on how to travel carry-on only. Test them out before your next trip, and drop me a comment to let me know what you think!

1. USE A LIGHTWEIGHT BAG

This is something people often skip, but you definitely do not want your bag using up too much of your oh-so-precious weight limit. If you are buying a new bag, make sure it is lightweight first. Unlike with check-in luggages that are tossed around, there is no reason to waste weight on a heavy exterior. If you have multiple bag options at home, weigh your luggages with nothing in them to see which is lightest.

2. YOU NEED LESS THAN YOU THINK

Cut what you want to take in half.

Yes. In half. The first time I heard this tip, I thought it was genius, and I’ve been doing that ever since. It’s hard to generalize on how many outfits every person should take. If you are traveling entirely in warm weather, maybe you can pack two weeks worth, as your clothing items are naturally thinner and lighter. If you are traveling in winter, boots and sweaters and coats will eat up weight and room fast. That’s why I think the best rule of thumb is; list out everything you think you need, and then force yourself to cut it in half.

Focus on Multi-Use Items

A large shawl can be a scarf, a blanket, a head wrap, or a sarong. Leggings can be used to work out, to sleep, or to wear under a long shirt, dress, or coat as faux pants. Don’t bring that cute pair of shoes to only wear once or twice. Try to limit yourself to two solid pairs of shoes to wear out and one pair of slippers for showering. Lately, I’ve been bringing a pair of black athletic sneakers (my favorite Nike Free Runs) on every trip. They look fine with leggings, shorts, and even casual dresses, but they are also functional for long walking days and even hikes.

Ditch the Liquids

Instead of buying expensive (and environmentally unfriendly!) travel sized toiletries, just ditch liquids all together. Or as much as you can, anyways. Try a shampoo bar and bar soap, which will also ensure no spillage in your luggage. You can also always buy liquids once landing if you are traveling longer term.

Recommended reading: A 5-Step Guide to Traveling Cheaper

Do Laundry on the Road

Traveling light does not mean you get to smell. Buy some detergent when you land, and wash clothes every week or two at your hostel, AirBnb, or even hotel. This also means you need to pack items that aren’t high maintenance to wash!

3. PUT HEAVIEST ITEMS IN YOUR PERSONAL BAG

I traveled for 3.5 weeks in Europe during spring with just carry-on. I started in Germany and Austria, where it snowed a bit, and ended in sunny Spain and Portugal, where I enjoyed two beach days. How did I pack for two opposite climates with just carry on? I put all my heaviest items in my personal bag (that extra bag you put under your seat on the flight). All my denim items, my thick-soled sneakers, and my camera weighed the same as my actual carry-on bag. But it didn’t matter, because my personal bag was never weighed. Many airlines don’t even have a weight limit for this bag, but definitely check before your flight.

4. PACK CLOTHES THE RIGHT WAY

Everyone swears by the roll method, which I’ve actually never used. But I think the important thing here is to pack tight and neat . My mother is the world’s neatest packer, and I got a little bit of her gene with that. I always fold my clothes very neatly and press them down on each other very tightly. Regardless of if you roll or fold, the key is keeping it neat and tight.

I’ve recently learned about packing cubes , and these are a great edition to the travel packing scene. They make it so easy to take apart your entire luggage without messing up everything on top. They also help compress your items . Consider investing in a set if you travel even somewhat regularly.

5. WEAR YOUR HEAVIEST CLOTHES ON THE FLIGHT

Layer up as much as you semi-comfortably can before the flight, and then start stripping remove a layer or two once on the plane. Wear two coats, put on two scarves, wear leggings under a pair of shorts, strap on your heaviest shoes, and top it all off with a hat if you’re bringing one. This saved me while back packing around Europe between two different climates.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Have you tried any of my 5 tips to travel carry-on only? What tips do you have? I would love to be better at packing light!

Save This Post for Later on Pinterest.

Planning a trip or planning a vacation? Consider packing light to save stress with this travel guide on how to travel carry on only.

One Day Itinerary for Essaouira, Morocco

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Carry-on only air travel - the pros and cons of.....

[…] Greater Mobility – Without a large suitcase to lug around, you’ll enjoy greater mobility during your travels. This can make it easier to navigate crowded airports, public transportation, and city streets. […]

Keep to black and white or navy and cream basics for easy coordination plus for a woman a few colourful,scarves and maybe a colourful evening top that goes with the black or navy I did 7 weeks in Spain England and Chicago with a carryon. Brilliant on trains in Spain.

That Travelista

Thanks for sharing, Sue! I totally agree on both points. I also try to keep to a bunch of darks and a bunch of lights when I travel for long periods of time – to make laundry easier lol! And Spain definitely has a great train network. 🙂

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First timer’s guide to traveling carry-on only.

With prices for baggage becoming more and more expensive and airlines limiting your carry on size even further, now is as important a time as ever to start traveling carry-on only .

I’ve flown carry-on only for a number of trips, including to Hawaii , Puerto Rico and even for a week in London . I highly recommend it on trips where you’ll be taking small, regional flights within your destination or even for much longer trips.

It’s totally possible if you can eliminate the excess!

Here’s what to expect, and how to do it, when you’re a first-timer going carry-on only.

What to Expect When Traveling With Only a Carry On

Expect a more stringent toiletry packing experience. You’ll need to be more cautious of the liquids that are going into your kit since they have to fall into the 3-1-1 rule. Pare down, repackage, and go for multipurpose items when possible.
Expect potentially longer security checks. By going carry on only, you’ll have more stuff with you since you’re not checking things in another piece of luggage. Keep your belongings organized so there isn’t so much drama at security.
Expect to need more overhead luggage space. Instead of a smaller carry on bag that can go under your seat, you may need to get on the plane sooner so that precious overhead space is available.
Expect to wait less . You’ll wait less in lines that are mainly for checking your luggage, and you’ll wait less at the baggage carousel after a long flight.
Expect to worry less . Worry less about whether or not your luggage will actually be with you at your destination!
Expect to stress less. The physical stress of excess baggage is one thing, but the mental stress is real as well. With less stuff to manage, you have more mental bandwidth.
Expect to pay less money for luggage. Check fewer bags, pay less cash.

How to Go Carry On Only for the First Time

Choose the best carry on travel bag.

Decide what bag you’re going to bring. You might already have one at home that you’ve used for shorter trips or you may need to buy a new one. We’ve covered all ranges of carry on bags on the site, including backpacks , suitcases and duffel bags , so do your research.

A 40 liter backpack is completely doable , and it is our max size recommendation for just about any trip.

The most important part of this whole process is to check the size and weight requirements of the airline you’ll be flying. Does your chosen bag fit into it or will you need to go smaller?

I always check my bag’s dimensions against budget carriers like Ryanair before purchasing, as I know they have the strictest luggage allowances. Consider future trips before you purchase a bag that will only work as carry on for domestic flights.

Also ensure that it will be comfortable to carry through the airport when full of your stuff:

Will the duffel bag strap start to wear on your shoulder?
Does having a bag on each shoulder affect your balance?
Are the straps or wheels sturdy enough to last for long distances?
And don’t forget about the handles you’ll need when it comes time to place it in the overhead bin.

Create Your Carry-On Packing List

Crafting your packing list for carry-on-only travel is important, as you’ll want to make sure you pack just what you need and nothing more . Optimizing your travel wardrobe, minimizing your toiletries, and cutting back on extras are key.

Don’t worry – it’s easy if you spend a bit of time planning!

You may want to have a look at these carry-on packing lists: RTW trip and Morocco . This post on Carry On Only for a Year of Travel is also helpful.

Specifically for your travel wardrobe , choose solid color clothing that can go with multiple travel outfits and dress up with accessories. Pick your number of tops and bottoms and work out how many outfits they can create to ensure you don’t put down more items than you need on your carry-on packing list.

You’ll want to re-wear pieces of clothing or mix and match. Multi-use items come in handy in these situations. Consider pieces like the Chrysalis Cardi that can be worn as a top and as a dress.

For toiletries and beauty items , pare down to essentials in reasonable quantities and look into multipurpose beauty items . Also, consider the 3 1 1 rule for liquids , which is explained in more detail in the section below.

For everything on your list , be sure you’re not adding things:

just in case
that are duplicates
that you don’t love or use in your daily life
that you most likely will not put to use (ie. workout gear or work supplies)

Here are 3 resources that can help with this step of the process:

HPL's Editable Packing Checklist Template

3 Steps to Packing Everything You Need and Nothing More

Carry-On-Only Crash Course

❌ what is not allowed in a carry-on bag.

There are a number of prohibited items for carry-on bags including firearms, knives and razor blades, flammables, explosives, and toxic materials. If it’s sharp and/or can be used as a weapon (like a baseball bat, for example), keep that item at home!

Pack Your Carry-On Luggage in the Best Way Possible

Organize your belongings.

We recommend using pouches and packing cubes to create an organized system inside your luggage. This will help you find what you need faster, repack faster, and get through airport security faster.

Our best tip for this section is to consider the items you might need quick access to when in transit. Put those in an easy-to-reach section of your bag. See this article on how to pack a suitcase for ideas .

Remember the 3 1 1 Rule for Liquids

Traveling with only a carry-on also affects the amounts of liquids, gels, creams, and aerosols you can bring thanks to TSA requirements. That means you will need to be extra focused on packing items like toothpaste, mascara, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, mouthwash, sunscreen, hair gel, and other necessary liquids.

Why is it called the 3-1-1 rule?

All “liquids” items need to be in containers less than 3.4 ounces (or 100 milliliters) each and fit into 1 quart-sized bag. Each passenger is allowed 1 quart-size bag of liquids in their carry-on . That is why it’s called the 3-1-1 rule.

This includes makeup and food items like peanut butter, but does not include medications with the original label, baby formula or duty free items purchased at the airport.

If you’re worried about bringing everything you need while still going carry on:

opt for solid versions of items like shampoo, soap, deodorant, and perfume
invest in good travel-sized toiletry containers
learn the best ways to pack your liquid toiletries

Do you still have to put liquids in plastic bags in 2023?

You may have heard that some airports are no longer requiring you to pull out your bags of liquids while going through airport security – and this is now true for some European locations with new scanners. Some airports in other parts of the world, like in the US and Australia for example, may not ask you to take any liquids out of your carry-on baggage while others will.

However, the 3-1-1 liquids rule is still in effect by the transportation security administration, so you will want to abide by these rules while packing so that you aren’t caught off-guard while moving through a security checkpoint.

Don’t Forget the Personal Item!

While it may be overwhelming to pack carry-on-only in one bag, don’t forget that you may also have a personal item. It’s easy to go overboard, but definitely make sure it’s smaller than your carry-on and can fit comfortably under your seat while still giving you foot room.

Many airlines limit the size of your personal item, and some carriers don’t even allow you one. Do your research.

As of 2023, on many airlines traveling with just a personal item is the only way to travel without needing to pay extra for luggage! Learn how to make ultralight packing a reality inside HPL Packing Method .

The best bags to use as personal items are large purses, totes, briefcases, daypacks, or other soft bags that can be placed at your feet and under the seat in front of you. The bigger they are, the more likely the airlines are to make you check at least one of your bags.

packing a carry-on - using a weekender bag

Use this bag for your most important and most needed items. Your personal item is where you should store your passport, documents and items to keep you entertained. I typically use either my PacSafe Slingsafe (now discontinued), my Manhattan Portage messenger bag or my Simic briefcase as my personal item with my purse stored inside for easy access.

Weigh It Up

Before leaving for the airport, give your bag one last check of the dimensions and weight. It can be different when full and you don’t want to fork over unnecessary fees for a few inches (or few pounds)! Investing in a luggage scale can be useful for this step of the process.

When you get to the airport, check the dimensions in the baggage checking station to make sure it fits easily and move items around as necessary before you get to the gate. I’ve had to wear a number of items from my carry on to avoid paying 50 euro on a Ryanair flight before!

This is where a little extra work on packing can come in handy. Check out an HPL Program to start getting the help you need.

Getting Through Security

Even though you have more stuff to take through security than when you check your luggage, the experience shouldn’t be too difficult if you have your belongings well-packed and organized.

Think ahead to what things will need to be removed from your bag before running through the x-ray machine, such as toiletries and laptops, and have those in an easily accessible location.

Consider the clothing you’ll be wearing as well. You may need to remove hats, jackets, belts, and even shoes for this process.

traveling with only a carry on checklist

More Motivation to Help You Travel Carry-On-Only When You Haven’t Done It Before

If you’ve never done carry-on-only packing before, you may feel like you don’t have enough stuff. You might feel uncomfortable. That is totally normal!
If you go on a trip and you feel like you did everything wrong, that is totally okay! Each trip is a learning experience. You use the information that you gained and make changes and improvements as needed. Don’t give up.
If you feel like you need a bit more guidance and support, to help with the confidence to go carry-on-only, Her Packing List is here to help. Check out packing programs and products today!

Written by Caroline

Caroline Eubanks is a native of Atlanta, Georgia, but has also called Charleston, South Carolina and Sydney, Australia home. After college graduation and a series of useless part-time jobs, she went to Australia for a working holiday. In that time, she worked as a bartender, bungee jumped, scuba dived, pet kangaroos, held koalas and drank hundreds of cups of tea. You can find Caroline at Caroline in the City .

Ultralight Packing List: I Traveled for 3 Weeks with a 12L Handbag

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Gear we use.

Speakeasy Hidden Pocket Scarves

Splice Reversible Jaisalmer Tunic

Eagle Creek Compression Packing Cubes

Tom Bihn 3D Organizer Cube

Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Daypack

Turkish Travel Towels

Travel resources, hpl learnables.

H PL Packing Method – Learn to pack your lightest bag ever in this revolutionary packing course by HPL founder, Brooke.

Book Your Trip

Viator – Enhance your trip experience by booking from thousands of tours across the globe.

Booking.com – Search for hotels, hostels, and apartments using this one resource. Use it for flights, car rentals, and airport taxis as well.

Trusted Housesitters – Save money on travel accommodation by becoming a housesitter. Housesitters often have extra duties, like caring for pets and gardens.

Reader Interactions

September 29, 2015 at 9:57 am

Two days ago I returned home from my first carry on trip. I referenced many articles from this site to make it happen and really liked the experience overall. The other gals I was traveling with were very impressed that I was able to travel carry on for an entire week! The one issue I need to perfect for next time is weight. My duffel backpack was HEAVY and I was more than a little sweaty by the time I reached my destination. Not ideal when I want to reuse the clothes I’m wearing on the flight! I need to keep working on that minimalism.

September 30, 2015 at 7:35 pm

You’ll get there Jennifer! Now that you’ve done it once, you can really jump in and understand where you can change things. Did you brings things you didn’t wear? Could you have brought fewer toiletry items, or exchanged certain things for lighter weight models? So many possibilities, and I’d be happy to help you out. Feel free to drop me an email if you ever want to work on reducing the weight of your carry-on. I think it would make a good post to do a before and after!

September 30, 2015 at 9:46 pm

Thank you! It was quite a good learning experience. I did pretty good with the clothes (the fact that it was a warm location helped) but could probably cut back on a couple things. Definitely brought one more pair of shoes than necessary. My extra weight definitely came from gear and toiletries. I’m a photographer so I lug my SLR with me and I had my laptop. I’m going to try switching to an iPad next time, which will be a challenge for editing but that will get rid of 6 or so pounds right there. I am eager to get back on the road so I can try this again! 🙂

February 19, 2016 at 6:16 pm

Jen- how did you pack your SLR? We’re planning on traveling soon and I can’t imagine not taking it, but I’m struggling with how to pack it properly?

September 29, 2015 at 12:34 pm

My mother and I took our first international trip this July to Paris and Italy. It was for 17 days and we managed to only take one 19″ roller bag and one tote bag each. It was hard work to get her on board, but I had done a lot of research, on this site and others, about carry on only packing and its benefits. We did end up checking our suitcases on the return flight due to all the souvenirs we bought (like artwork!) but it was not that difficult to manage the trains, busses, and airplanes we took during those 17 days with our small bags. Part of our trip was with a tour group, and we had the smallest and least amount of luggage out of 40 people!

September 30, 2015 at 7:26 pm

Woohoo! Way to go Bunny- that’s awesome 🙂 Glad to hear it all worked out and your trip was that much easier because of it!

September 30, 2015 at 4:41 pm

I just got back from my second carry-on only travel adventure. I cannot begin to explain how freeing it is. You never wonder if your bag is lost, you don’t look out the plane window and wonder “is that my bag that fell off the buggy and got trampled by a baggage handler?!”. Plus you get to skip lines! When re-entering Canada we zoomed to the front of the customs line while everyone else had to wait for their luggage. It’s nice to be independent (I never need help carrying a suitcase the size of Australia up the 3 flights of hostel stairs). I will never go back to checking a bag!

September 30, 2015 at 7:24 pm

That’s awesome, Amelia! YES, I know those thoughts! Especially while looking out the window at the baggage handlers- oh dear. It’s an awesome feeling to be in control and to not have to worry 🙂

February 9, 2016 at 12:43 am

Very good tips. I am glad you mentioned checking weight limits. I stay under 7 kg (15.4 lbs) for all my travel as I then comply with just about every carrier worldwide. My wheeled bag (from IT) weighs only 3.5 lbs. My previous bag weighed in at almost 7 lbs and I could never make it under the weight limit. (FWIW I have no affiliation with IT)

May 23, 2016 at 5:11 pm

I have been traveling with only a spinner luggage carry on and a tote since the airlines started charging baggage fees. I also carry a luggage scale to weigh my luggage as well keep in my tote The best Money I have ever spent.. I have often been asked at security if I had any other luggage and I smile and say this is all I have. Very freeing to be the first out of the airport coming and going. I have downsized my makeup as well only take mascara, tinted moisturizer and lipstick. I take a solid deodorant, solid perfume. and tooth paste 100ml. I use the the 5-4-3-2-1 method for packing. 5 Tops 4 bottoms 3 dresses, 2 shoes 1 bathing suit. and under garments. I roll everything I wear my heaviest clothing and shoes on the plane. Always wear a hat and take a pashmina on the plane with me. In my tote I have a digital camera, Ipod and a ereader, an empty water bottle that I fill up after I get through security. I also take snacks such as a bag of mixed nuts,raisins,dried cranberries and sunflower seeds.I carry green tea bags as well. I have a RDIF holder for my credit cards, passport and money in my Tote. I never take a cell phone or a computer. Never discard my boarding passes until I get home and than shred them as the the barcode has way too much personal info on it.

May 23, 2016 at 6:47 pm

You sound super prepared! Thank you for sharing your packing routine. I LOVE that “freeing” feeling of zipping in and out of the airport without checking or picking up bags!

June 17, 2016 at 7:19 pm

This is a great guide- definitely hit all the important factors. I’ve been flying on JetBlue a lot, so I’ve been doing carry-on only a bunch recently. I’ve found that a shape-shifting bag is hugely helpful (duffel, backpack). I also shove a smaller bag into the top of the larger bag to pull out with my “airplane items” so I can stow the big bag, but not bother other travelers if I need to grab a snack or want to stow my book.

June 22, 2016 at 9:13 am

SO much better to use a roller bag and a tote. I have no lost luggage, no baggage fees and no line to wait for my bag after landing. PACKING CUBES are genius. You can get a ton of clothing in these wonderful helpers. I use 3 cubes–one for pants and larger items like a sweater, one for tops and one for underwear and socks. I went to the Container Store and got leakproof 1 oz. Nalgene containers for liquids. They’re cheap. I can get about 25 items in my 3-1-1 bag–toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, moisturizer, concealer, foundation, toner, hand sanitizer, body oil, hand cream, Neosporin, contact solution, eye drops, mouthwash. It you buy a 3-1-1 bag with a flat bottom, you can get more inside rather than a Ziplock which I used to use. I leave the 1 oz. containers filled and in the bag and they’re always ready and filled for the next trip. Another tip is to make a list of what goes in the bag and keep it in the bag. I use a tote for my under the seat bag with really important stuff. Always take some snacks along because planes get delayed and flights can be long depending on where you’re going. Airport food is expensive.

October 26, 2016 at 7:02 am

So happy I found this Site! .I am turning 50 in 2 months and really just started my travelling adventures . Last year I invested in a really cute, 3 piece hot pink luggage set with wheels. I just thought it was the bees knees . Ha ha .I have travelled to the uk twice since then , dragging a suitcase up many many stairs in train stations and hotels with no lift . Not to mention the constant fear of snapping a wheel on those cobblestone streets ! My Christmas gift to myself will definitely be a backpack !! And probably cutting my packing list down to a quarter of what I’ve been taking ! Yikes !

January 13, 2017 at 5:58 pm

Hi I’m traveling for 30 days through Europe soon. Is a carrtypn still adequate!

January 30, 2017 at 1:19 am

Hi Monique! Absolutely! Carry-on works for any trip length. You will need to check with any airlines you plan to fly as to their restrictions. Also plan to wash clothes more often so you can pack less.

May 29, 2017 at 9:02 am

I hope you don’t mind me asking what do you mean by (potentially longer security checks). Does it mean it raises a bar when you travel with a carry-on? I have a middle-eastern name and that’s enough hassle for me but I wonder if I travel with only a carry-on, shall I worry about extra issues?

May 30, 2017 at 7:50 pm

What we mean is when you have more stuff, there’s probably more you have to get out and put in the bins at security. Not only that, but it may take longer to repack after going through security. Also, if security spots something at the bottom of your carry-on bag that they want to investigate, there is more stuff to sort through to get to it. I cannot comment on whether or not this is something to worry about. If you pack simply and smart, there shouldn’t be a problem.

July 15, 2017 at 9:36 pm

This is a great article! Very informative and I enjoyed reading the comments also.

Question: i will be traveling from Atlanta-Paris-Vienna-Atlanta in September and I will be gone for a week. I am a self-confessed overpacker so I am challenging myself to do all carry on for this trip, especially since I’ll jave a packed itinerary.

Do you think a wheeled carry on + a personal bag be okay? I’m worried because of the Paris-Vienna leg with a local airline and I’m not familiar with their rules on carry on yet.

July 17, 2017 at 8:45 am

Hi Jhae – You will need to check with that specific airline. Call or check their restrictions online.

The Complete Guide To Skiplagged Backpack Only Flights

Traveling light with only a backpack allows flexibility and ease at airports that wheeled luggage does not. Skiplagged can help you find great flight deals, even if you’re only carrying on a bag.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Skiplagged specializes in finding hidden city ticketing flight deals that allow travelers to book tickets with a layover at their actual destination . This allows backpack only travelers to avoid paying extra fees and navigate airports hassle-free.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to leverage Skiplagged and backpack around the world. You’ll learn Skiplagged’s flight deal fundamentals, how to filter for ideal backpack friendly flights, tips for getting airline tickets even cheaper, and advice for smoothly traveling through airports.

How Skiplagged Finds Amazing Flight Deals

When it comes to finding amazing flight deals, Skiplagged is the go-to platform for savvy travelers. Skiplagged utilizes various strategies to uncover hidden gems that can save you big bucks on your airfare. Here are some of the ways Skiplagged finds these incredible flight deals:

Leveraging Hidden City Ticketing

Skiplagged takes advantage of a practice known as hidden city ticketing. This method involves booking a flight with a layover at your desired destination, but instead of continuing to the final destination, you simply disembark at the layover city.

This can often result in significant cost savings, as flights with layovers are sometimes cheaper than direct flights to the layover city alone.

By using Skiplagged, you can easily search for flights that incorporate hidden city ticketing. The platform will show you all available flights, including those with layovers that may offer better deals.

It’s important to note that hidden city ticketing is not supported by all airlines and can come with certain risks, so it’s essential to do your research and understand the terms and conditions before booking.

Catching Airline Mistakes

Another way Skiplagged finds amazing flight deals is by capitalizing on airline mistakes. Occasionally, airlines make errors when pricing flights, resulting in significantly lower fares. Skiplagged constantly monitors these pricing errors and alerts users when such deals become available.

These mistakes can be due to a variety of factors, such as technical glitches or human errors. Regardless of the cause, when Skiplagged detects a mistake fare, they quickly notify their users, giving them the opportunity to snag these incredible deals before they are corrected.

Finding the Best Value Routes

Skiplagged’s advanced algorithms analyze vast amounts of flight data to identify the best value routes for travelers. The platform takes into account various factors, such as flight duration, layover times, and ticket prices, to determine which routes offer the most value for the money.

By analyzing this data, Skiplagged can help you find routes that may not be immediately apparent but offer significant savings. These routes may involve slightly longer layovers or less popular airlines, but the savings can be well worth it.

Skiplagged provides users with a comprehensive list of options, allowing them to choose the route that best suits their needs and budget.

Choosing Flights When You’re Backpack Only

When you’re planning a backpack-only trip, selecting the right flights can make a big difference in your overall travel experience. Here are some important factors to consider when choosing flights for your backpacking adventure:

Consider Total Trip Length

One of the first things to consider when choosing flights for your backpack-only trip is the total trip length. If you have a limited time frame, it’s important to choose flights that minimize travel time and maximize your time at your destination.

Look for direct flights or flights with shorter layovers to reduce the overall travel time. This will allow you to spend more time exploring and less time waiting at airports.

Evaluate Number of Layovers

The number of layovers can also impact your backpack-only trip. While layovers can sometimes be a great opportunity to explore a new city, they can also be tiring and time-consuming. Consider the length of each layover and how it fits into your overall itinerary.

If you have a short layover, make sure you have enough time to make your connection without feeling rushed. On the other hand, if you have a long layover, take advantage of the opportunity to explore the layover city and make the most of your travel experience.

Assess Airport Size

The size of the airports you’ll be flying in and out of can also impact your backpack-only trip. Larger airports tend to have more flight options and amenities, but they can also be crowded and overwhelming.

Smaller airports, on the other hand, may have fewer flight options but can offer a more relaxed and hassle-free travel experience. Consider your preferences and priorities when it comes to airport size and choose flights that align with your travel style.

Remember, when choosing flights for your backpack-only trip, it’s important to prioritize your travel goals and preferences. Consider the total trip length, the number of layovers, and the airport size to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience. Happy backpacking!

Hacks to Save Even More Money

When it comes to skiplagged backpack only flights, finding ways to save money is always a top priority. Here are some hacks that can help you maximize your savings even further:

Be Flexible on Departure Airport

One of the best ways to save money when booking skiplagged backpack only flights is to be flexible with your departure airport. Instead of limiting yourself to the nearest airport, consider checking flights from nearby airports as well.

Sometimes, flying from a different airport can result in significant savings. Don’t forget to consider the cost of transportation to the departure airport when making this decision.

For example, if you live in New York City, you can compare flights from JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark airports. You might find that a flight from Newark is significantly cheaper than the others, making it worth the extra travel time.

Travel During Off-Peak Times

Another way to save money on skiplagged backpack only flights is to travel during off-peak times. Airlines often offer lower fares during weekdays, early mornings, or late evenings when there is less demand for flights.

By being flexible with your travel dates and times, you can take advantage of these lower fares and save some extra cash.

Additionally, traveling during off-peak times means fewer crowds and shorter lines at the airport. This can make your travel experience more enjoyable and less stressful.

Sign Up for Fare Drop Alerts

Signing up for fare drop alerts is a great way to stay updated on the latest deals and discounts for skiplagged backpack only flights. Many travel websites and airlines offer this service, allowing you to receive notifications when prices drop for specific destinations.

By taking advantage of these alerts, you can snag the best deals and save even more money on your skiplagged backpack only flights. Make sure to check your emails regularly and act quickly when you receive a fare drop alert, as these deals can disappear fast.

Navigating Airports Smoothly with Just a Backpack

Traveling with just a backpack can be a liberating experience, allowing you to move swiftly through airports without the hassle of checking in luggage. To make your journey even smoother, here are some tips to help you navigate airports with ease.

Research Airport Layout Beforehand

Before you embark on your trip, take some time to familiarize yourself with the layout of the airports you will be passing through. Many airports have maps available on their websites, which can give you a clear idea of where the various terminals, gates, and amenities are located.

By knowing the layout in advance, you can plan your route and avoid any unnecessary detours or confusion.

Pro tip: Some airports even offer interactive maps or mobile apps that can guide you through the airport, making your journey even more seamless.

Pack Smartly to Avoid Fees

When traveling with just a backpack, it’s important to pack strategically to avoid any unexpected fees or delays. Most airlines have strict size and weight restrictions for carry-on luggage, so make sure your backpack meets their requirements.

Additionally, be mindful of any prohibited items that may be restricted from the aircraft.

Pro tip: Roll your clothes instead of folding them to save space in your backpack. Also, consider investing in lightweight and compact travel essentials, such as microfiber towels and collapsible water bottles, to maximize the space in your backpack.

Consider Global Entry/TSA PreCheck

To breeze through airport security, consider enrolling in programs like Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. These programs allow you to enjoy expedited screening, which means shorter lines and less time spent waiting at security checkpoints.

Global Entry even provides the added benefit of expedited customs clearance when returning to the United States from international travel.

Pro tip: If you frequently travel internationally, Global Entry can be a worthwhile investment, as it includes TSA PreCheck benefits as well.

By following these tips, you can navigate airports smoothly with just a backpack, making your travel experience more enjoyable and stress-free. Remember to always check the requirements and regulations of the specific airports and airlines you will be traveling with, as they may have their own unique policies.

By leveraging Skiplagged’s expertise at finding flight deals along with some smart travel hacking, you can enjoy affordable backpacker adventures across the globe. Focus on choosing convenient routes, flexible booking options, and preparing properly for airport security.

Travel light to truly experience the freedom that comes with carrying your home on your back.

Jennifer Morris is an avid solo travel adventurer who founded Solo Traveller after many years of journeying on her own around the world. She has backpacked through over 50 countries across 6 continents over the past decade, striking up conversations with locals along railway platforms, learning to cook regional dishes in home kitchens, and absorbing a global perspective while volunteering with various community initiatives.

With a Masters in Tourism and Hospitality, Jennifer is passionate about responsible and meaningful travel that fosters cultural exchange. Whether trekking through the Atlas Mountains, sailing to Komodo National Park, or taking an overnight train across Eastern Europe - she is always seeking her next epic destination.

When not globetrotting, Jennifer calls Vancouver, Canada home. There she enjoys kayaking local waters, curling up with books on faraway places, and gearing up for her next solo backpacking trip. As the founder of SoloTraveller, she hopes to motivate and inform fellow solo explorers from all walks of life to take the leap into their own adventures.

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9 essential packing tips for traveling carry-on only

by Jeremy Scott Foster | Mar 27, 2019 | 142 comments

Note: All travel is subject to frequently changing governmental restrictions—please check federal, state and local advisories before scheduling trips. This article was updated October 2020.

Packing for carry-on travel isn’t a science, it’s an art. We’ve partnered with adventure travel expert, and minimalist traveler, Jeremy Scott Foster from TravelFreak, as he talks about some of his best packing tips for traveling carry-on only .

RELATED : How to plan a trip right now

Is less really more?

When it comes to packing for a trip or vacation, you bet it is. Experienced travelers will tell you that the number one mistake most rookies make is overpacking their bag. Sure, we want to make sure we’re prepared for any weather or situation, but that doesn’t mean packing our entire life into a suitcase.

In order to make your your journey less stressful, I’ve curated a list of the top packing tips for traveling carry-on only.

1. Pick the right carry-on bag

Not all carry-on luggage is made equal. Many travelers overlook the practicality of their bag and just purchase any ole’ carry-on that manages to fit in the overhead bin. However, it’s important to take several factors into consideration when choosing the best type of luggage for carry-on travel.

First, you’ll need to decide on the size of your bag. Size limitations vary from carrier to carrier, so you should always double check with your specific airline to confirm your carry-on fits the bill. It’s not uncommon for domestic airlines and international airlines to have different size restrictions. Fortunately, Travelocity lets you see luggage limits, as well as size and weight restrictions, while you’re choosing your flight.

Second, you’ll want to choose the right type of bag for your journey. Backpacks are easier to carry if you’re on the go, like island hopping through Thailand or riding trains through Norway. You won’t have to worry about hauling a heavy suitcase up several flights of stairs or through cobblestone alleys.

If you’re traveling carry-on only, make sure your luggage is light!

Backpacks are also soft-sided which means you can squish and squeeze your things into every nook and cranny—especially in the overhead bins. That said, you should try not pack more than what your back can carry, and be sure to not to overstuff it for fear of breaking the zipper.

On the other hand, rolling suitcases are more durable and cause less strain on your body. Although hard suitcases keep your items tidy and organized, they’re often heavier than soft backpacks. If you choose the wrong suitcase, a significant chunk of your luggage weight limit might be taken up by the bag itself.

2. Take advantage of the airline’s personal item allowance

Most airlines allow you to take a smaller, personal item onboard along with your overhead carry-on bag. This item should fit nicely under the seat in front of you and be spacious enough to hold your valuables, electronics and passport.

It’s best to choose a personal item that can be used as a daypack during your trip. Small backpacks, messenger bags or laptop bags are ideal. Remember that this isn’t an excuse to pack a second heavy carry-on since you’ll be lugging it around with you wherever you go.

Ladies, don’t waste your personal item on a small purse that only holds a few things. Instead, think about bringing a small backpack or large tote since you can always tuck your purse inside.

3. Pack clothes for a week

If you’re traveling for just a few days, you probably won’t run into issues fitting your clothes into a carry-on. However, packing the right items for a trip longer than a week might be more difficult.

A good rule of thumb is to pack just one week’s worth of clothing. Maximum.

If you’re traveling for an extended period of time, simply plan on doing laundry during your trip. Unless you’re blessed with access to a washer or dryer, you might end up washing dirty clothes in the sink. For this reason, clothes that can be washed and easily air-dried (i.e. quick-dry underwear) should have first priority on your packing list.

4. Bring clothes that can be layered

Layer your clothing for carry-on travel!

Wearing at least five layers on this brisk morning in Death Valley National Park.

Since you’re traveling with just a carry-on, you’ll need to be selective about what type of clothes to bring. The secret to packing light is to bring clothes that can be layered. Not only will multiple layers take up less space in your bag than one giant coat, for example, they will also keep you warm in a variety of situations and give you more outfit options to work with.

This is especially true if you’re traveling to different climates. You can wear your lighter layers like tank tops or T-shirts when it’s warm, and layer up with sweaters and mid-layers when it’s cold.

Leave those chunky knit sweaters and heavy coats at home. That’s where they’re most useful.

5. Choose the right toiletries

Many travelers know that bringing a full-size shampoo or a large bottle of lotion in a carry-on bag is forbidden, and now you have even more reason to make sure the contents of your bag are all above board: With the advent of COVID-19, travelers now may be directed outside of the checkpoint area to remove prohibited items or repack. That aside, there are several other tips of which even the most experienced travelers will want to take advantage.

If you’re staying in a hotel, then using the provided shampoo, conditioner, and lotion is a no-brainer. Most hotels also have toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors and shaving cream for free if you ask at the front desk.

Another option is to bring solid toiletries like solid soap, sunblock, and laundry detergent. They are usually compact in size and don’t fall into the TSA liquid category. Fellas, you can even get solid cologne bars so you don’t have to carry heavy glass bottles with you when you travel.

And if you’re really tight on space, just leave the toiletries behind. As long as you have your necessary medication, contacts, glasses, etc., you can purchase any other basic items when you arrive, at least in most destinations.

6. Be selective about footwear

Wearing versatile shoes is a must!

Let’s face it—packing the right pair of shoes isn’t easy. Not only are the majority of shoes bulky, but they also take up large amounts of space in your carry-on.

The key is to bring shoes that are versatile and comfortable. I know, it’s easier said than done. But trust me, nothing is worse than getting blisters on your first day and not wearing that specific shoe for the rest of the trip.

Two pairs should do the trick. One comfortable pair for walking or hiking, and another pair that can be dressed up or down. If you’re jet setting somewhere tropical or warm, swap the second pair for flip-flops or sandals.

As a side note, you should always wear the bulkier of the two pairs on the plane in order to free up extra space in your bag. We’ll get to more of that in a little bit.

7. Use compression bags or packing cubes

Even if you’re diligent about packing only the bare necessities, you still might find that space is a little tight in your carry-on. Don’t fret, because compression bags and packing cubes are here to save the day!

Compression bags allow you to squeeze more into every inch of usable space. You place your clothes inside the plastic compression bag and deflate all the air out until the bag is flat and compacted. This saves a ton of space (upwards of 80%!) and allows you to fit more into your carry-on.

Packing cubes work a little differently. Unlike compression bags, packing cubes are durable, fabric containers that stack neatly in your suitcase or backpack. When you arrive in your hotel or hostel, you’ll have all your shirts, pants, socks and underwear separated into individual cubes. While they can save a little space, their main function is to keep your bag organized and your clothes wrinkle-free.

8. Roll instead of fold

When you roll your clothes, you can fit a lot more into a smaller space!

It’s the great packing debate—should you roll or fold your clothes?

If you’re traveling carry-on and want to fit more items into your bag, then rolling is definitely the way to go. Expert travelers like myself swear by the rolling method for packing more items into tight spaces. Clothes that are rolled are more compact and space-saving than clothes packed in the traditional folded way.

It’s worth the extra time and effort to fit everything neatly into your carry-on. The rolling method also avoids those pesky creases that you get from folding. Rolling leaves you (and your clothes) happy and wrinkle-free. Yay!

9. Wear what you can during check-In

One of the biggest space-saving carry-on tips is to wear as much as you can while in transit. Whatever is on your body doesn’t count towards the airline weight limit! By wearing your heaviest jacket, bulkiest shoes, and thickest sweaters, you can free up tons of space in your luggage.

You can always peel it all off once onboard, though don’t forget: Airplanes are famously cold, so this trick does double duty.

This tactic is especially handy when you’re traveling to a colder climate and want to bring a large parka or coat. Save yourself the struggle of jamming a puffy jacket in your suitcase and wear it on the plane instead.

In a pinch, you can also free up space from your smaller, personal item. Stuff small valuables like sunglasses, books and phone chargers into your coat pockets.

By now, you should be a packing pro ready to take on the world of lightweight, carry-on only travel! By following these space-saving tips and rules, I know you’ll have no problem traveling with just a carry-on. Not only will you be free from the burden of a heavy bag, but you’ll be free to roam the world wherever your journey decides to take you.

Remember, you’re not packing less, you’re packing more efficiently.

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Jeremy Scott Foster

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142 Comments

45 years of travel (73 countries and counting) and I’ve learned each of these tips. I would add when I really need more space I wear my multi-pocketed travel vest under the coat that has pockets. It’s like another “personal item” that is free….

I was a frequent traveller. At one time on a business trip to NY, I wore my thick winter coat with many pockets. In it I had my underwear, socks, toiletries. No toothpaste or creams. I had a spare shorts and t shirt as well. No hassle. Went through check ins. Only a 2 day stay. Ha ha

I always wear a vest with several pockets. Keeps passport, ID money etc within easy reach.

Mine has zip-off sleeves, so it is also a jacket. Of course the sleeves fit in the pockets!

What brand is that jacket???

Where did you get your travel vest???

Scottevest love my coat and vest.

Sherry, the multi pocketed vest is a great travel item. Flying you can keep your documents on your person. You css, if careful put in a lot of the stuff that takes space. Your meds, electronics, a change of undergarments and socks in a ziplock bag, sunglasses, notebook, and in the right vest, your Kindle. In the security line simply shed and put in the bin to go thru. It’s also another layer of warmth in plane and under coat as needed I drive around the US a lot. And wear vest always. This can get out of car and not forget any necessary item and walk hands free anywhere.

Where do you find these vests with all the pockets?

Scott eVest, Columbia and Ex-Officious are all popular brands for travel clothing and have travel vests that work very well.

Love my Scott vest!

I have a light scottevest with zip off sleeves. I often travel with that as my coat.

My husband bought a nice, high end fishing vest. Lots of pockets. Less than $50, a good value since he only uses it a few times a year.

Travel sites like Magellan or sporting goods stores with tackle and hunting vests.

Scottevest 14 pockets

I got mine from travelsmith. It’s very lightweight.

LL BEAN has nice vest

Duluth Trading has some great vests too.

Amazon has a nice semection inexpensive picket vests that are light weight and not that attractive but great for the plane.

Any photographers vest (available at camera shops) has tons of pockets of different sizes and often with zippers. Some are waterproof. They work great as travel vest.

I also wear a shawl over everything. It serves as a blanket or pillow on the plane. It can be put on over any outfit to snazzy it up. The shawl also makes a great bathrobe and has been used as a towel in emergency situations. If not worn on the plane it folds up to almost nothing.

Ditto for me!

good idea about a vest

Overall, I agree except packing cubes, vacuum bags, and rolling. I travel A LOT for both business and pleasure. I’ve traveled in carryon only for more than thirty years and have tried all of these things. But, using packing cubes and vacuum bags merely add MORE items to you bag—more layers and more weight. So, I came up with my own method many years and countries ago that keeps clothes from wrinkling and fits more into a bag than rolling possibly can. (Rolling creates cylindrical pieces that waste valuable space and is not good for items like dress shirts and suit coats that tend to wrinkle.) For thirty years, I’ve used the method and can easily pack for a month in a carryon (longer if I do laundry). In recent years, I’ve seen something similar called “bundling.”

First of all, as mentioned in the article, you need the right bag. The right bag is a lightweight, simply shaped, most square carry-on that you can find (because this gives you the most packing space within airline requirements). This means don’t waste weight or space with bulky pockets pockets. The straps inside the bag need to be web straps coming from the bottom of the bag and not those useless elastic ones at the top. The purpose of the straps are to compress the contents and keep things from shifting because shifting causes wrinkling. Fill every nook and cranny.

How to pack the bag? Starting at the bottom of the bag, fill the spaces between the rails with small items like undergarments. Yes, you can roll these. Don’t waste any space—the goal is to make a flat starting point for the rest of your clothes. Next, take your longest items such as dresses or slacks and lay them lengthwise across the bottom of the bag. With slacks, place the waistband against one and smooth then across the bottom of the bag, leaving the legs hanging over the other side. Alternate which end you place the waistband. For something longer such as a formal dress, leave both ends hanging out. Smooth each item across the bottom of the bag, not wasting any space. Shirts can go crosswise in the same fashion. For jackets, neatly fold in the arms. Once you have all of these items in the bag, add things that don’t wrinkle like workout clothes, swimwear, and pajamas. Fold them neatly in sizes to maximize the space and place on top. Begin tightly wrapping the hanging ends of the clothes one item at a time over these. If a longer item are too long, just wrap them around the edges, keeping everything smooth and as tight as possible. Then, secure very tightly with the straps, compressing as much as possible. This leaves you spaces around the edges to wrap belts, place shoes (stuffed with socks to maximize space and prevent damage), curling iron or straightener, brush, flip flops or slides etc. I even place my snorkel in this space and sometimes shoes. I place my toiletries and other shoes on top, then close the bag.

Be sure to leave things that you may need to get to quickly in your personal item for under the seat—computer or iPad, backup battery (or buy a bag like AWAY with a built-in removable backup battery), chargers, medicines, liquid bag (so that you can access it at the security checkpoint without opening your suitcase), neck pillow (I use inflatable with plush cover), footrest (to avoid cutting off circulation on long flights), purse, earplugs, snacks, water bottle (collapsible if you have no space), etc.

Make sure to weigh your bag if you’re traveling internationally. Some airlines will weigh your carryon and make you check it if it’s too heavy. (I’ve found that, if I’m not careful, my carryon could end up weighing 40 pounds, and my carryon is not large!) Dress in layers, as the author suggests, and wear your bulkiest shoes and clothes.

I do exactly like Jennifer T… I packed for a 11 day cruise ( used no laundry) a week in the Caribbean. And a week in cold weather!. I had 18 tops, 6 cutoffs, 4 slacks 4 pairs of shoes, bathing suits, Bought a nice coat at GoodWill for $8.00 and left it for the maid when I left. I’ve known people that only pack necessity’s and buy all their clothes at GoodWill for less that $20. ( price of a nice shirt) and leave it for somebody.

I pack for a month in Europe (fall or spring, never summer) in a 19 in. hard sided, but light bag. My tote has my small purse and one change of clothing, a sweater and a nylon raincoat.My second pair of shoes are sandals that look dressed up with a skirt.

I had to shop the Goodwill and Walmart when my suitcase was forgotten at the rental car lot! That’s okay. When road traveling, I pack my sorriest clothing and stuff I hate. Never did get my carryon bag back..the main inconvenience was doing laundry instead of tossing my worn clothing

What a great idea to buy a piece of clothing at any used store and then leave it for the hotel maid.

What is the carry on bag that you are using? Specifically, so I can go buy it. And what are the dimensions? I need this bag.

The best bag ever is the 21” rolling duffle by Eddie Bauer. I pack for 8 day ski trips, helmet, gear, ski clothes and other clothing all in the bag. Toiletries in backpack. Very affordable with a lifetime warranty. Slides right in (wheels first) in the overhead. Wheels down the isle of the plane. Doesn’t get any better than that!

Too large for Air France and other European airlines. Also carryons can only weigh 22 pounds on some European airlines. Size and weight important.

Totally agree! I have the 21” and the medium bags. They’ve been with me on trips to Morocco, Scotland, Jordan, Italy, France, Canada, & Hawaii. It’s amazing how much they hold. They are also easy to maneuver and attractive.

I use the Away carry-on with the outside pocket and removable charger. I travel a lot and it’s the best suitcase I’ve ever owned. It’s a little pricey but worth every penny. I also use their personal item bag. It’s roomy, things don’t get lost in it and it slips ofervthevAway luggage handle. I might add that the seat company shipped fast and has excellent customer service. I can’t say enough about them and no I’m not a paid spokesperson!

I agree…love my Away carryon with pocket. Worth every penny.

You’re exactly right about all of this. But I usually use the roll method for the flight over so my bag is more organized. I use your method on the flight back so I can create more space for the odds and ends I buy.

Love this! Thanks for sharing.

Jennifer, this is all most helpful. I’ve never heard about packing a foot rest, though, and having short legs causes a great deal of discomfort on long flights. Can you recommend the foot rest that you use?

Also short, I always take a soft sided personal item tote which can be pushed under the seat in front of me. Don’t overstuff it, and you can use it as a footrest. My slip on shoes tuck under the bottom edge, and my feet nestle on top of the tote. After numerous trips across the ocean, I’ve found that to work well.

Short too! I put a plastic trash bag in my personal tote and use it to keep my tote from getting dirty when I use it for a foot ready. Then, I roll up a clothing item, that I’d pack anyway, to put behind my back for lumbar support.

I take a cardboard box for a foot rest. I pack it flat when carrying it on to the plane. Then i fill it with either some packing cubes of clothes or my personal-item carry-on (less the things I want easy access to on the plane).

At trhe end of the flight, I either leave it on the plane or take it off and toss in recycling at the airport.

For my return trip, I find another box. At the hotel, on the street. It’s not hard for me to find something that works.

One thing that works well as a foot rest is an inflatable beach ball. Just blow it up half way or so…what ever is comfortable for you. Not the most discreet, but practical!

I pack a medium to small sized beach ball (dollar store) that I under inflate for my footrest. It also works for lumbar support of needed. When packed away, it takes up very little space and weighs nothing..

I use this one and love it! Foot Rest, Portable Travel Footrest Flight Carry-On Foot Rest Adjustable Height Foot Rest Travel Accessories Footrests Hammock, Black. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072VJ9BKX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_.kO0Cb66AMTR5

I bought two of these, one for the hubby and one for me for our trip to Greece, Croatia and Amsterdam and loved it!

I got 2 of these from Healthy Back. Folding footrest 29.99. I even use in the car in long trips!

Being short, many meeting room chairs are too high as well as airline seats. A friend suggested a folding footstool advertised in the “fliers” magazine. It folds flat and fits in many pockets or purses. It cost less than $30 and has lasted a long time. It is sturdy and light weight. Check on-line or in the airline magazines. Also, one of my carry-on bags is leather and flexible that makes a good foot rest with short legs stretched out.

Being tall, with my legs cramped on every flight, it never occurred to me that some ppl have the opposite problem! 🙂

I elevate my feet on my underseat bag

I have bought and used cheap beach balls (dollar store) as a footrest on flights for years. You can also use them for more lumbar support or a pillow on the tray…

I use my pack under the seat in front as a foot rest. Works fine

Thank you Jennifer. Some great tips I will try on my next adventure!

I do exactly this except I do it in a large packing Cube so that I can easily pack two of them in the suitcase. I organize each packing Cube by theme such as everyday and nice or work and other or warm and cold depending on where I am going. I find it’s easier to pack and repack if I am on the move. Of course in one place all this packing matters a lot less. You normally have the opportunity for washing. Most of my toe has been months and it has worked just fine too organized within packing cubes but use the layering method you suggest. I even use a piece of cardboard a size of the packing Cube to help fit everything in nicely. It cuts down on wrinkles and I just find that when I am trying to get something from my suitcase I don’t have to repack everything.

Yes. I like the bundling method too

I saw this same way of packing for a trip, on Oprah….used it when my husband was on a business trip to Atlanta…..he called and told me, none of his clothes were wrinkled at all…..have done it ever since!! Small carryon, works well!!

Seeing a video of this method would be very helpful. If possible when packing next time could you record your method? Would be so helpful and maybe eliminate husband stresses b/c so bad at this. Thank you

You can find it on YouTube.

Lots of videos on You Tube

Thanks ! I thought I was the only one that found this way of packing much better then rolling and compression bags. I’ve been packing this way for years now. A small carry on is all I take and can fit 2 weeks worth of clothes in it.

You should do a video.

Excellent! I have been bundling for years! I always pack extra because i can! I never wear everything I end up packing. My husband prefers using the compression bags. This method seems to work for him, but some of his clothes require ironing. I learned to travel with carry on sized luggage after my first trip to Europe in 1973. Hauling that heavy, blue samsonite suitcase and train case through Victoria station did it. Thanks for taking time to post this. Forever a bundler,

You should YouTube this! ?

Absolutely agree. I’ve packed that way for years. A side note is to hang the clothes you’re wearing up when you get to your room. That lets them air out and prevents musty odors. Especially for socks and underwear.

Once you open the vacuum bags you can’t seal them again to come home. (Unless your staying at someone’s house where you can use their vacuum)

I have a medium bag you don’t need a vacuum for. Just roll it to decompress

You also tend to pack more in the extra room which increases the weight dramatically.

I have used this method and found it works well if you are going to unpack everything when you reach your destination such a# a cruise. However, if you aren’t unpacking, it messes all the clothes up when you try to pull out one or two items.

I used to use this method, but when you want one thing towards the bottom you need to take the whole thing apart. I now use the Marie Kondo method https://www.google.com/search?q=kondo+folding&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari of folding each item into a small packet. You then place them each on their side like an envelope so you can easily see what you have in there and access it without disturbing anything else. I can get more in my suitcase with this method than any other I have tried, including rolling and bundling.

Great suggestions! Where did you get a footrest from?

Yes! I use this method to pack all my off-season clothes in one suitcase. If I need the suitcase for travel, the ‘bundle’ easily lifts out and stay intact until I return!

You certainly have experience! Thank you for sharing

I do the same thing, except one I have my bundle I Take the whole bundle out of the bag and slide it into a compression bag. The compression bag protects my clothes and allows me more space on top to include the items I need, such as shoes, toiletries, etc. Also like to pack my bras, panties, socks in zip lock bags. I psh the air out of these, like mini space bags & those can go on top of my bag or onto the pockets & makes them easy to unpack.

Great idea!

I’ve used this method…amazing how much I can get in a carry on. I also use one of the many fabric drawstring bags we get at conferences for use when I get to my destination to stay organized when unpacking. Great stuff!

I like to carry “disposable” clothes found at various thrift stores. Usually take 3 short sleeve tops, 3 mid arm tops, 3 capris, one long black pant, and wear jeans on plane. Roll together older underwear in bra. Wear jacket and sweater on plane, layered with short or mid arm top and heaviest shoes. Take a second pair of light weight shoes in bag. Always take sample size hair care, travel toothbrush and toothpaste and deodorant. When ready to leave put all used clothing on the bed in boutique fashion for housekeepers. That way I have plenty of room for souvenirs and of course a new pair of shoes! Most of the time my bag is lighter on the way back home than when I went!

More than fifty years of international travel, I learned early, blend in. Never look like an outsider. I pack my carry on with extra socks to change into as soon as I arrive at destination, a fresh T-shirt and not much more. First stop is local market to purchase inexpensive clothing worn by locals. Blend in. At end of travel, leave behind new purchases…

Agree. I think a good rule of thumb is to keep your carry-on at 20-23 pounds. By using weight as a the primary guideline, I can pack with a focus on lightweight washable clothes that can be layered. I use ziplock bags (one quart, and one gallon size) for toiletries.. 91 countries so far…Agree…I pack the same for three months as I would for a week. I do Add extras for cold weather…Enjoy the journey.

Weight is very limiting with some carriers. Please check every leg of your trip. The carrier you booked with may have different rules than one of their partners.

I like all the suggestions but when traveling where Need to switch hotels in different cities, I chose to roll my clothes and insert into my suitcase cylinder style ((not laying sideways). This allows me to not unpack anything, but simply pull out the “cylinder” I’m going to wear because I’m not digging through layers of items looking for something I want to wear. It saves me so much time getting ready daily and when leaving, I’m not repacking. The other ways mentioned in this stream are great if you’re able to unpack and stay at the same destination for awhile to make it worth it.

Having to use a laundromat in a foreign country can provide unexpected benefits. We met a guy who took us to a great jazz club in Paris. We bypassed the long line outside and had a premium table!I Love the leave clothes behind idea!

IMG_0440.JPG

This bag is 25 years old. Land’s End. Our family had 4 of these and we travelled EVERYWHERE while our kids were growing up on three continents with just these bags that fit under the seat in front of us. Too bad you can’t get them anymore.

I can’t see the bag you’re talking about, but Rick Steves has a rectangular soft sided travel bag that converts to a backpack that is really popular.

We use the Eaglecreek Switchback bag with wheels, backpack straps and a zip-on daypack. We’ve been using the backpack carry-on bags since the 70’s when I made my own Frostline bags for travel through Africa. A few thought: -Prints don’t show dirt or stains as easily as plain. Carry a small bottle or a few packets of detergent for hand washing necessities. Cheap lightweight underwear is fast drying. -Unless you are going to round up cattle leave the jeans at home. They are hot, weigh a lot, and take forever to dry. -I never travel without my Petzl mini headlamp that swivels,. It is great for reading in bed. A small roll of nylon strapping tape rolled around a small pill bottle, superglue small tubes, screwdriver and screws for glasses, Imodium and a few cold tablets are all necessities. I also like the small battery operated candles that are 2/$1. You can stand them up and you don’t have to hold them. They are great next to the bed. Earplugs are important too. -I peel and stick the labels from pill bottles onto a small vertical snack bag for carrying meds. -Solid bar shampoo is good for travel with just a carry on. Cut it in half if it is more than you’ll need. You can get your hair very clean with baking soda (in water) for shampoo and vinegar and water 1:4 for rinse. They are cheap, easily available and non-toxic. -I don’t drink caffeine so I carry decaf black tea bags or rooibos tea tags. Decaf coffee too if I have room. – could go on and on but that’s it for now.

We’ve traveled in Europe for as long as 3-1/2 weeks with just carry-on luggage. As others have pointed out, the first priority is getting the right bag. I pack two or three pairs of black knit pants and however many tops I can fit in (depends on the season). Minimal toiletries, and four or five sets of underwear. I wear the bulkiest things on the plane, and I wear a coat with lots and lots of pockets, all stuffed with small stuff. If a laundry is conveniently available, I use it, and if not I wash things out in the sink. Shampoo works fine, so no need to bring detergent. I’ve found not having to deal with checked luggage significantly reduces the miserability index of flying.

I love to travel so i always like to get some suggestions. I save old ready to dispose pjs, socks, tshirts , etc to use when i travel internationally. I also use samples & disposable cosmetics/ toiletries. I use carry on & travel light. I wash clothes in the sink.

#7Continents #113Countries I ONLY pack #CarryOn – good comments here. I never use packing cubes or compression bags. I fold, don’t roll. Concentrate on packing light. Clean underwear is all I really care about. I pack my oldest and leave it behind after it’s been worn. I’m never concerned if I wear the same black or khaki pants 4-6 times and rotate tops.

No need to buy compression bags or cubes. Only gallon size ziplock bags. Roll your garments. Several underwear or one shirt or one sleepwear, etc will fit in each bag. Place the rolled garment(s) in the bag, then close it up except for a half-inch. Press down firmly to squeeze out all air, being ready to pinch closed that last half-inch of the ziplock. Everything stays clean, dry, organized, in tiny space. It works great, and ziplock bags weigh nothing.

I turn clothes inside out that I don’t plan to wear again on my trip. When I get home my laundry is ready for the washer.

Brooks walking shoes, for men, come in brown colours, black and white. They look formal and provide walking comfort. Excellent combinations for my travels…cheers…

1 Luggage… I try to use the lightest bag I can find with rollers (4-5lbs). Still ISO perfection on this. 2 Fold… I have long used the Marie Kondo fold (I thought I invented it), which is something between a fold and a roll… clothes are “filed” so you can see everything at once. If you want to unpack, you can easily transfer to drawers and back again. 3 Wrinkles… A travel size Downy wrinkle release plus spray, tide stick, small lint roller (plus shower steam) not only help smooth most fabrics, but can also be used to refresh clothes for an extra wear or two without washing. 4 Possibilities… Make sure your personal item can fully zip and be secured closed, just in case you want to check something extra on the way home. You can always carry a shopping bag on the plane…

The Marie Kondo fold has been a game changer for me for travel. It’s neat, takes less space and it’s awesome to easily see what I have. I used to roll, but like this much better. I use what I take better and don’t take extra.

Love the Marie Kondo fold–at home and in my carry on!

What exactly is the Marie Kondo fold/roll file system? Thanks

My situation is different because I backpack on Camino trails in Europe– so I aim for my carry- on (backpack) to be 12 lbs. Or less, plus my DLSR camera and water (filled after my flight). I use turkey baster bags for separating cold weather gear, underwear and day wear, and sandals. Toiletries and meds in ziplock bags. I can’t bring old clothes to give away because I’d have to carry too much to start. Because my clothes dry quickly, I wash things in the wash basin nightly. This is for 4-6 week trips.

You can recycle the light weight plastic bags from the cleaners. Roll or fold your clothes in the bags to prevent clothes from wrinkles. I stuff bagged underwear and socks inside my shoes. I always pack an extra pair of prescription glasses. Ginger chews or candies are a must for calming an upset stomach. Try using a small fanny pack for easy to get to items (tickets, ID, cash) they do not consider this a personal carry on item.

Instead of expensive compression bags or cubes, use jumbo ziplocks and squeeze all the air out. You can then use one for wet bathing suits or whatever. And if security insist on going through your case, these are easy to repack and, since they are transparent, they don’t have to empty them out. Use this for checked suitcase too.

We travel a lot both domestic and overseas. We almost never check luggage as it is too costly for us. So everything goes into the carryons thanks to compression bags, small toiletries, minimal clothing (easy wash, quick dry fabrics), and my personal bag holds extras along with my purse. The personal bag also has a sleeve that allows me to slide it over the carryon handle. My husband has sleep apnea so that bag does not count as a personal bag and also holds some extras. The article has some good advice and I recommend it for travelers. PS, the carryon rule is what we stick to regardless of the trip length.

I just don’t understand why people leave old clothing for hotel staff. I would feel insulted. It probably ends up in another country’s garbage anyhow.

I beg to differ. After seeing extreme poverty in India, I gave the majority of my clothing ( bought specifically for the trip at discount shops) to the underprivileged. I plan on doing same on my next trip to Africa.

We did the same in India and Africa. Poverty is so bad in those countries. They were very appreciative.

There are also places to donate just like st home. AND, you can ask the staff if it’s ok before you just leave things behind. For example in Mexico I brought my clothes to a laundry and gave the reception the ticket [since I was short on time]. I always leave behind clean clothes. Using a local service laundry also supports the locals. And, finally, in a pinch, you can always just not pick it up and the laundry can use, sell, or donate the clothes.

You are so right. It’s based on an assumption that the hotel staff want or need them. Besides, it’s rude. The staff accept the items usually to avoid offending the one giving and to keep their jobs.

I think it’s fine as long as people don’t think it makes up for not leaving a generous tip.

I agree it doesn’t make up for a tip. I leave a tip everyday because a different person could clean your room each day. I’ve never thought about leaving clothes behind because I usually bring my best and buy new for the trip.

Over 60 years of travelling, first with my parents and now with my partner and various friends – never used packing cubes or compression bags, I use large department store plastic bags, different size ziplock baggies and the roll method. All clothes in one large store bag, undies rolled inside the clothes or in a gallon ziplock. Liquid toiletries in a quart ziplock. Chargers in a quart ziplock. Toiletry kit for non liquids. I also have an iPad, sometimes a digital camera and various chargers – those go in their own backpack compartments. That may sound like a lot of stuff, but I’ve never felt the need for packing cubes as I think they just add more layers and more places where I would need to look for things. I can pack everything for a two-week trip in a carry-on compliant backpack. As for what to take, I agree with the article – layers, mix and match, items that can be worn more than once, fewer toiletries when staying in hotels, wear heavier items on the plane, etc.

My essential packing tip: check a bag. Packing cubes allow for easy access to all items at one’s destination while keeping an unpacked suitcase organized.

I usually do on the way back from a trip. But I have had my luggage lag behind enough times that I don’t always want to worry about it catching up with me.

Great advice! I use all these tips except one (rolling clothes – just don’t have the patience for that). I have traveled the last 14 years internationally for 2 to 6 weeks with only a rolling bag (eBags 21”x14”x9”) and a small backpack. If you use the layering trick and pack clothes for 7-10 days, you are ready for a trip 2 to 3 times that long. “Bundling” (per Jennifer T) works if you stay in one place, but it seems you’d have to unpack & repack everything daily if you move around frequently. Packing cubes (or zip locks or the zip bags that bed linens come in) are like having a chest of drawers in your bag. One for tops, one for bottoms, one for all my underwear, small ones for makeup / lotions / electronics / meds. Scarves, flip flops and other small items go in the spaces between the frame at the bottom/back of the rolling bag. Backpack items: phone/iPad; earbuds, chargers, plug adapter and headlamp (a trip essential) in a small zip bag; my small crossbody purse containing my passport, money and credit cards etc.; meds, snacks, reading material; small water bottle to be filled after going through security.

2 wheels vs. 4 wheeled bags: I just returned from an 2 week trip across France with a friend. She had a 4 wheel bag, mine has 2, they each had the same maximum dimensions. I easily had 10% more space in mine, since the space between the 2 wheels was available packing space. On hers, that space was air outside the bag. I used that space on the way over for gifts for friends, then on the way back for clothes & items which I bought during the trip.

I love the bundle method if I am traveling somewhere and staying put for a few days. Upon arrival I remove the bundle and hang all of the items up. When coming home, I quickly bundle with less care taken for wrinkles. One of my favorite packing websites, OneBag, holds that “pressure on a crease equals a wrinkle”. However, if I am going to be on the move, such as for a week long Ireland tour, I prefer to roll. I can leave items in my carry on intact, only removing an item or two daily. At night I remove what I’m wearing the next day, roll the dirty stuff, and only need to add rolled nightclothes and toiletries bag in the morning. It makes for much quicker packing, especially if we need to be ready early. I’ve also found that when I roll some items such as long pants or long sleeved shirts, it helps to wrap a scarf, tank, or some other small stretchy item around the larger one to keep it tight. I’ve even used wide rubber bands or hair ties to secure the rolled items, depending on what they are. A wheeled bag with zippered expansion makes sense to me, as we always accumulate a few items while traveling. In addition, packing later on a trip is just never quite as efficient as when we set forth, so a little expansion needs to be considered just for that too. If offered free of charge, we tend to check bags on the way home if we suspect the expanded version is too large.

When we travel we pack 2 empty garbage bags so when we take off our dirty clothes they get “refolded” and back into one suitcase. This way the dirty clothes do not touch the clean and can be dumped in the hamper when home. Extra ziplock bags are always hand for odds and end. Another thing we do is bring along a plastic clothesline and some clothes pins to hang and dry our clothes in the hotel room. We also bring small travel fans too keep our rooms cool at night.

Rolling works for me because the dense packing allows more to fit in the suitcase. But what about on the way home when I’m carrying dirty laundry? The clothes now take up more space because they’re not as densely packed as they were when they were rolled. I learned this the hard way on a trip hope from London a few years ago. The only thing that saved me was that I had the amenity kit bag that I got on the plane on the way over. It was perfect for the overflow of dirty clothes.

Some good tips in the article and even better ones in the comments.

One thing to watch out for: United airlines has started offering fares that DON’T ALLOW a carry on. It’s called ‘Economy Basic’ and you have to read the restrictions. It is only supposed to allow for a personal item. But when we went to check in, my husband was able to take his sizeable backpack, but I had to pay $30 to check smaller one because I also had my knitting bag. Grr.

I will be overseas for 6 weeks. Attending a wedding, traveling with family, then alone, visiting family and friends and finally in one place for a week for a mission trip. For two week trips we’ve always used carryons. 5 weeks I “need” more shoes, clothes and I’d like my cologne and hairspray. With the extreme heat I’ll do very little repeating unless I can wash and have time for clothes to dry before packing them again. My crossbody bag won’t hold paperwork needed for mission trip and I’m worried about checking in the materials I’ll need for teaching. Extra suggestions would be appreciated!

I have read all these comments and have picked up some useful tips. I travel for a month long haul to the USA but I enjoy wearing different outfits whilst on holiday and feel it’s part of going away I still pay for a hold bag, and admit to all I take too much, so next year I am going to try some of the good ideas on here, thank you all.

One tip that works beautifully for me. I label my packing cubes with permanent marker – Bottoms, Tops, Undies, Socks – since we are seldom in one place more than 3 nights. Easy to locate what I want. I roll every thing in the cubes. I cut a slit in one small packing cube and fill it with tissues from a box. I have constant allergies and hate the tissues in hotel rooms. Worth the extra space for me. Plus, it gets smaller as we go.

Love suggestions. Looking for new carryon. Am disabled so my old one to difficult..looking for spinner wheels. Soft or hard? Packing challenging. Of all these suggestions… What is recommended… Bundling? Laying flat? Rolling? Personal item thoughts? I sit in the bulk head seats so had to go above me

I use both layering and rolling method depending on the item itself. Besides a list of all things I’m bringing, I take a photo of what I’ve packed and make a diagram drawing to find what I want – socks, underwear, gloves, bathing suits, scarves since they can be scattered when just stuffing things in place in tight quarters. Haven’t lost anything because I have a record of it. Wash what I can when leaving a destination, and putting back in place to travel on or going back home.

Take a couple of pant hangers. When washed dry more quickly. Also will steam out the wrinkles without laundering.

Great travel tips! I travel internationally every summer and found one perfect shoes for any occasions when you travel, specially summer time . Crock are definitely the best, they come in so many styles( forget about bulky original ones) like flats, snickers They washable, light and most important extremely comfortable. I would bring several pairs to my trip and end up wearing crocs all the time. My friend called me crock addict)), all my family wears one. You just need to find your style!

I think I’m going to go check out the new Jumanji movie this weekend. It’s a sequal. Jack Black and Dwayne Johnson together again! I’m really looking forward to seeing the movie. Those two are the best!

Usually I do not learn article on blogs, however I wish to say that this write-up very compelled me to try and do so! Your writing taste has been surprised me. Thanks, very great article.

Lots of great ideas. I only use packing cubes when I have multiple stops for just a few nights. Then I pack by destination so I only have to pull one thing out of my bag.

I invested in a Joey Jacket…has 14 pockets…hood and sleeves zip on and off. Great investment and attractive too!

I use packing cubes, zip locks. I place small flatter items between the ribs in the carry, on lay my pants over them usually two or three pair with a pair of shoes in grocery bags at the bottom of the bag(by the wheels). A cube for tops that are for most part non wrinkling,rolled. A couple lightweight tees laid flat over rolled items zipped shut. Ez to see and get to. A cube for underwear and sleepwear. Going for three or more weeks, so I pack fels naphtha Soap sliced into smaller bars, used for sink laundry, Tossed when done, no wet soap to tote.I have clothesline that is twisted so no clothes pins and I take a couple folding hangers. I also take a few Shout stain packets, febreeze and wrinkle release spray. These are in a very small cube, 5×7 x2. Other small items, socks etc get packed in and around..I have a sweater in a zip lock and if I have a shirt or two that I think I may need they each get a zip lock. I carry a 2.5 gallon ziplock for damp or dirties. My backpack has a pair of shoes(lightweight ballerina) clean undies and top. My electronics and meds. Toiletries, whatever items for flight and those I cannot afford to lose. It can be foot rest, if you bring trash bag. Sometimes they ask to check your carry on. I wear my 15 pocket travelsmith vest, a jacket, scarf and sturdy shoes. If I am two nites in one place, the first night I do whatever laundry I can, pants can be worn for a week or more if you do not spill or fall…yes they can, you will get used to the idea.

I travel almost weekly for business and multiple times a year internationally for fun. I have not checked luggage for many years, even for a multi-week trip and often travel with a half-size roller bag or regular knapsack as my main “suitcase”, and I am a well groomed clothes horse. I wash my clothes in my hotel room with shampoo or body wash. Consider fabric weight and washability very carefully! For a trip of 7-10 days: One color theme, black or navy usually. high quality basics with some light inexpensive “disposable” accessories. 1 dressy cardigan (wear on plane). MAYBE 1 blazer If very formal meetings, must be compact. 1 coordinating dress trousers (wear on plane). MAYBE Tech fabric pants + Scotti Vest if it’s a really long trip or sightseeing/hiking. (Hot weather: swap tech pants for tech skort, but NOT both). Light silk scarves to add interest. In fall through spring, 2-3 long sleeved colored Tees (32 Degrees or similar) that dry quickly. Wear all day, then overnight as pj top. Hot weather: swap 2 for silk shirts. MAYBE a dress, very compact one. 1 black lightweight leggings as emergency backup pants, exercise pants, or pj bottom (also quick-dry 32 Degrees). 3 quick-dry sets of undies, 2 pairs of compression socks for airplane + 2 other socks preferably old ones I can leave behind. 1 dress shoes or booties. 1 casual shoes ONLY if long trip with sightseeing: consider leaving behind at end of trip. Coat: waterproof compact nylon raincoat or warm down puffer plus always gloves and hat for sun or cold. MAYBE bathing suit. All my clothes except coat and shoes MUST fit in one medium packing cube or I have too much and take less. Rarely bring light mini umbrella instead of raincoat (Not both!). In handbag: Black pashmina. Medications. Inflatable neck pillow. Eye mask. Hand sanitizers, individuals. A couple decaf tea bags. Mini size cosmetics. Ear phones. Charge cords + small battery. Liquids – Mix moisturizer + foundation and carry it in contact lens container, sunscreen in other side of lens container. Other cosmetics are powdered, not dry. Mini deodorant. Bag is either knapsack (better in snow, dirty streets, stairs, dangerous surroundings where you need free hands) or small roller. While comfy, on the streets roller bags are dragged through the muck. Second bag: always cross-body to keep hands free. Never take a laptop if you can do what you need from your tablet. Books only on my tablet, not paper.

We always bring our oldest night clothes and leave it. The same way with underwear.

The bundling method is magic, and it is very easy to have several mini bundles stacked, one for each stop for 2-4 days. PJs and jacket always easy access on top. You just take out the bundle you need at your stop and leave the others in the suitcase. Bundling dirties as you go and placing on bottom helps as well. I can fit two weeks of clothes in a carry-on IF need be. This method works so well the biggest problem is the weight. I do use the kondo method in my drawers at home, and I may try it in my suitcase on my next trip. Thanks for sharing that. Fun!

That being said, portability is important, but on vacation comfort and pleasure are key to me. I refuse to wear clothes with intended-for-the-garbage-can quality, and doing laundry is only out of dire necessity. It’s vacation. You must be in these clothes all day, so why not love what you are living in?

I pack clothes capsule wardrobe style that are durable, light, versatile, and bring me happiness like cute sundresses, comfy cardis, wraps, or kimonos. For shoes Crocs have some amazing sandals that are stylish and can be worn rain or shine. Leggings are not pants to me, but make great PJs and work out clothes if needed.

For my experiences the transport between locations is oftentimes minimal compared to my 2-4 days of stay, so as long as I am capable of carrying my luggage when needed onto boats or into trains it’s good. Rolling backpacks are perfect for this. I have a new Caribee fastrack 85L rolling backpack for my next two trips, one to Greece for two weeks, and I can’t wait to use it!

I am very happy to read this. This is the kind of manual that needs to be given and not the random misinformation that is at the other blogs.

Appreciate your sharing this best doc.

Just read your post Could you answer something for me? My fiance and I are getting married this summer. I guess the coronavirus is spreading fast though. If you were me, would you delay your wedding and see what happens?

Hi, I have a quick question if you got a second. I’m planning a hunting trip in the Olympic rainforest. Most likely it’s going to be pretty wet and we’re hiking 20 miles. Do you have a favorite boot that you would use in that situation? I appreciate the help!

Yes, I am also agree with you. If you have large amount of luggage it’s so important to do perfect packing. Your 9 essential way helps me a lot. I will always follow your 9 tips. Thanks for sharing with us.

I put a small piece of Saran Wrap on top of liquids bottles ie. Shampoo etc. Then screw the lid on top, then into a ziplock bag, to eliminate any spills. Also use the Plastic foldable hangers. Also 2 wire hangers for clothes to go into the shower (steam) to take out wrinkles. Use a old pillow case and put the dirty laundry into it and wrap it up tight, that way if you accidentally pick up any bugs they do not get in top the rest of the suitcase. Once home dump into washing machine. I once came home with a huge cockroach from one of the islands. Yikes….

My fav trick: use a carry on w a expansion zipper. At lay overs and when you get where you’re going, you have extra room for your heavier jacket, shoes and purchased toiletries.

Hey, you used to write fantastic, but the last several posts have been kinda boring¡K I miss your tremendous writings. Past several posts are just a little out of track! come on!

the many comments listed are interesting and some are helpful. i like the idea of air compression to create more space,and chosing the right bag.

Instead of compression bags or packing cubes save your money and buy extra large zip loc bags(XLG to 4XLG). I fold my clothes, lay flat sideways into bag, put bag on a hard surface (not a cushioned chair), sit on it and force out all the air, then zip it closed while you are still sitting on it. Amazing how much room is saved. Clothes do not wrinkle. And when you are returning home and you don’t have a vacuum for a compression bag you can just reuse the zip loc. Since United Airlines lost my checked bag for 5 out of my 10 day Paris vacation I never check a bag(and the 300E allowance won’t buy much in historic Paris!)

I throw out my underwear and socks as I go. Whenever I buy new ones at home I save the ones I am replacing for when I travel. The space I create allows me to: A. Not worry about having to wash them, B. Not carry as many dirty clothes the whole trip and C. Make room for the inevitable souvenirs/gifts I want to bring back. Also, I use stuff sacks (Walmart 3 for $10) and place one with my T-shirts or other soft clothing item into one of the water bottle pockets on the outside of my daypack carryon. Not bringing the water reservoir? Use the zip space for your journal, book, magazines, etc.

Prawdziwy przyjaciel wnosi więcej w nasze szczęście niż tysiąć wrogów w nasze nieszczęście. M. von Ebner-Eschenbach.

Im usually looking for excellent info on this topic. It can be difficult to locate sometimes. Thanks!. I will check back on your website from time to time to see what else you have to supply.

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How to travel with just a backpack – 2024.

Table of Contents

In this article we are going to tell you how to travel with just a backpack in 2024. This may well be the most important travel article you read so PLEASE stick with us.

With increasing airline check-in baggage costs it is becoming more important than ever to travel light. Budget airlines often have extortionate fees for check in baggage. And if your bag is a little too heavy expect sky high fees. But how on earth do you get all your stuff down to just a backpack?

As the backpacking family we are very experienced traveling with just a backpack. Before we had kids we traveled very light. We now backpack full-time as a family and to be honest we don’t travel as light as we used to. However, we still travel with only what we can carry on our backs. We just have more backpacks now – which are often stuffed with snacks and nappies!

Full time backpacking as a family has taught us what we really need. It has taught us to go light and pack really well. We are very excited to share our top tips and travel hacks with you. So if you want to travel light – make sure you follow these tips.

Don’t miss our EPIC GUIDE to the cheapest countries to travel in southeast Asia

Why travel with just a backpack?

Travel with just a backpack is very liberating. The sense of freedom and adventure of knowing you have everything you need on your back is truly exhilarating.

A massive advantage to travel with just a backpack is the freedom and mobility. You can easily hop on and off buses, trains and public transport. You can easily walk around cities to find your accommodation without needing to pay over-priced taxi fees.

If you’re able to travel with just a backpack you can avoid the very expensive additional fees for check-in baggage. Everything you need is always on you. And of course there is no risk of your bag getting lost in the check in luggage process.

How big does your backpack need to be?

The backpacking family Ubud Rice terraces

The longer you travel the more you will need – but not that much more. The amount of extra stuff you need doesn’t increase that much. Think about it. For a short trip you will need several changes of clothes, toiletries, tech, and a spare pair of shoes. Travel a little longer and you probably need to add a few more changes of clothes. If you travel long enough to need a load of laundry then you wont need any additional clothes.

The size of backpack that you require will depend on how you pack and what you wish to bring. These guidelines are rough guidelines for a solo traveler. Families are even more complicated as you may need to consider snacks, milk, games, nappies, books and other things. Also if you’re traveling to a cold climate you will need more size to store bulky warm clothes.

However if you are a solo backpacker and planning to pack light here is a guide to backpack sizes:

Top tip: Realistically you may struggle to travel for more than 1 week using just a carry on bag. BUT that doesn’t mean it’s not possible. It just depends how extreme you’re willing to go.

How are bag sizes measured?

packing tips for travel with with a baby the backpacking family

Bag capacity is measured in litres. This is a measure of the maximum volume available in a bag or backpack including all pockets and pouches. The unit litre in backpacks is the same as the unit used to measure fluids. 1 litre is 1,000 centimeters cubed.

Unfortunately, the way different backpack companies measure capacity in litres seems to vary significantly. This can make it very confusing. Two 60 litre bags from different companies may actually be

To add to the challenge – the shape of a backpack can make a big difference too. In general, tall thin backpacks are more difficult to pack and unpack compared to backpacks with a wider main compartment. The main advantage of a thin backpack is manuverability – for example, it is slightly easier to jump on crowded buses with a narrower backpack.

Looking at the capacity in litres is only a rough guide – and you also need to consider the shape and style of the backpack. If possible, we recommend looking at backpacks in store and work out which one best meets your needs.

Packing list for traveling light

Lightweight and breathable clothing: Pack compact clothes made from lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Consider packing a mix of t-shirts, tank tops, shorts, and long pants.
Small travel towel and swimming kit
Comfortable walking shoes: You’ll likely be doing a lot of walking and exploring, so pack comfortable shoes that you can wear for extended periods of time. Sandals or flip-flops are also a good option for the beach or in areas where it’s very hot.
Sun protection: Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the intense sun. A sun umbrella is also a great option if you’re sensitive to the sun or want to avoid getting too much direct exposure.
Insect repellent: Depending on the climate don’t forget insect repellant
Lightweight rain jacket: Pack a lightweight rain jacket that can be easily packed away when it’s not needed.
Travel-sized toiletries: Pack travel-sized toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, soap, and toothpaste to save space in your luggage. You can also purchase these items at local stores once you arrive.
Reusable water bottle: Staying hydrated is important, so pack a reusable water bottle that you can refill throughout the day. Consider a bottle with a filter if you’re worried about the quality of the water.
Money belt or document holder: Pack a money belt or document holder to keep your passport, cash, and other important documents safe.
Valuables: Phone, money, documents and other valuables – pack these carefully in a waterproof bag
Power adapter & chargers: Pack a power adapter that will work in the region.

1 Find a backpack that is small enough for an airline carry on

flying with a 2 year old carry on luggage overhead

If you are planning to travel with just a backpack we recommend making sure that your backpack is small enough to be an airline carry on bag. If you are not planning to fly this may not be important to you. However; if you are flying, having a single backpack that is small enough to be a carry-on can save you a lot of money. You can normally find the capacity of a backpack printed on it (either on the bag or on a label).

What are typical airline carry on bag requirements?

Most airlines let you bring a large carry-on bag (usually at least 55cm x 36cm x 20cm – even for budget airlines). Your carry on will probably need to be under 7 – 10kg depending on the airline. Some generous airlines let your bring more. Always check when you book.

To work out the dimensions of your backpack measure the longest rigid length of the backpack. The width and depth may vary depending how you pack.

Remember, you also need to make sure that your bag is under the carry-on weight requirements. Read on for more tips to make sure your bag is as small and light as possible. Another huge advantage of traveling with only a carry on is that the airline cannot lose your bag in the airport. Everything you need is with you all the time.

2 Make sure you leave a little bit of space in the top of your backpack

We recommend that you pack in such a way that you have a little bit of space leftover at the top of your backpack. Avoid packing your bags to the maximum capacity. as you travel and used stuff it will be stressful to have a very packed bag and zips can easily get strained and broken. Furthermore, if you travel with a stuffed bag can you will not have any room for buying additional things have you travel. there for, we recommend travelling with a little bit of space available at the top of your backpack.

3 Find a backpack with external pouches for water bottles

We recommend using a backpack with external pouches and external water bottle holders. these external pouches and water bottle holders are so useful. for a start you may want to use a water bottle that can be refilled as you travel. having an external pouch on your bag makes it super easy and convenient to grab your bottle and does not take up any additional space in your backpack. this is also a more environmentally friendly way to travel as it reduces plastic waste. Are they backpacking family We always use these external pouches for things like spare clothes, snacks, nappies, wet wipes and other things that you need to grab quickly with kids.

4 Have an additional fabric bag

We strongly recommend traveling with an additional fabric bag. Something small and compact. Try and find a bag that can comfortably fit over your shoulder and can also be rolled down and packed tightly into a spare pocket inside your backpack. A spare fabric bag comes in handy in so many situations. For example, when we’re going to the market it’s awesome to have a reusable bag for fruits and vegetables. We also find these fabric bags are very useful for flights. You can often put spare clothes and other bits and pieces inside the bag and airlines don’t seem to mind.

5 Use a dry sack inside your backpack

We recommend having at least one dry sack inside your backpack. Yes – we’re talking about the roll down sacks that you use for watersports. Use a dry sack to store valuable items such as money, passport and technology. Firstly, this will keep all of your valuable stuff dry if you get caught out in a heavy rainstorm. Secondly, using a dry sack provides an extra layer of protection from thieves and pickpockets. We have found this to be a very effective way to travel and pack our valuables on the road.

6 Use a document wallet or holder

We find it very useful to travel with a plastic wallet for documents, passport and other important things. This stops all of your most important documents from getting spread around your backpack and potentially going missing. A plastic zip wallet provides a dry and safe place for things like passports, certificates, boarding passes, travel insurance documents, bank cards and much more. This can potentially slide into a dry sack or down a laptop pouch at the back of your backpack. A document wallet is especially useful when you’re traveling through airports and can’t find anywhere to pop your passports and other documents.

7 Plan to do your laundry as you travel

If you are planning to travel with just a backpack we recommend planning to do some laundry on your trip. This may look different in different countries. For example, in some countries it is viable to use launderette and self service washing machines. Southeast Asia is generally great for cheap laundry on the go (except Singapore which is expensive). In other countries you may need to do laundry in a sink. If you’re doing laundry this way – do little and often. For a longer trip, we recommend having around 5 – 7 changes of clothes. Plan to do your laundry after around 5 days (and it should hopefully be ready by day 7 before you run out of clothes!). If you can make time and space to do laundry this often, you wont need to carry many clothes.

8 Minimize the number of shoes you take

One of the biggest items that people carry when they travel are spare shoes. Not only are shoes bulky they also add quite a bit of weight to your baggage. Therefore, if possible we recommend minimizing the number of shoes that you take. For traveling in a hot climate we recommend using flip-flops or sandals as your main shoe and possibly have a spare pair of trainers in case you need to trek or play sports. We don’t recommend traveling without trainers – you may be prohibited from some activities without appropriate footwear. For example, zip lines, high ropes courses and some guided treks require that you have proper shoes.

9 Two birds with one stone

A clever way to make sure that you pack as light as possible is to look for ways that your kit can double up. Here are some examples of where your kit can serve different purposes. A small blanket can be used as a travel towel, a sarong, or a beach mat. Soap can be used as shaving foam (seriously this actually works really well!) Most phones normally have an inbuilt torch. Use a rolled up hoodie as a pillow for buses, trains and planes. Use socks to store small items like cameras. Find an adaptor plug with inbuilt USB ports so you can charge everything together.

10 Take travel size bottles

If possible get hold of small travel size bottles of toiletries. This is especially important if you are planning to fly with a carry-on and no check-in luggage. Remember that most airport security checks have a fluid limit of 100ml. You can normally pick up small cheap travel size bottles from shops and convenience stores.

11 Remember that you can buy things on the road

Travel can feel a little scary. Over-preparing can lead to over-packing. If you forget something you can buy most things on the road. Actually buying locally can reduce the size and weight of your baggage for travel. Why not wait to buy some of your toiletries as you travel? Or bring less clothes and buy clothes as you travel? If you are from Europe or the USA and you’re traveling Asia, toiletries and clothes will probably be cheaper overseas. The one exception is suncream. In some countries suncream can be very expensive. Some of the best clothing and kit that we own was purchased whilst we were traveling. And remember a little bit of free space at the top of your backpack will go a long way.

12 Minimize the number of thick warm layers that you bring

If you are traveling to a warm climate keep thick warm layers to a minimum. We tend to travel southeast asia with one thicker top or hoodie. It does come in useful occasionally – e.g. for a cold A.C. bus, in a shopping mall or an airport. But try to stick to one warm layer. If you bring some trousers go for a thin and lightweight material so they can roll down to be very small. We don’t recommend jeans (unless they are small shorts) as this material is bulk and relatively heavy. Keep all your clothes as small and

13 Use stuff sacks

We recommend using stuff sacks inside your backpack. You may see articles advising packing cubes. Packing cubes are great for suitcases that are cube shaped. But packing cubes aren’t designed for backpacks. So grab some thin stuff sacks for clothes. This is a great way to organize your backpack and compress clothes down. Stuff sacks are particularly useful if you’re sharing backpack space with another traveler (e.g. a partner or family). This allows you to pack and grab clothes easily. We also recommend having small bags for things like charger and adaptor plugs. The more organized your backpack, the safer your kit and the smoother your travel.

14 find a backpack with external straps

External straps? This isn’t a feature that people pay much attention to. But external straps on a backpack are very useful. Firstly if you have packed light you can use external straps to tighten up your backpack and make it more compact. In some situations you can use external straps to add extra things to the backpack. For example we have traveled for over a year with a small skateboard strapped to the back of one of our backpacks. Or what happens if your hand washed t-shirt hasn’t quite dried before you need to check out of your hostel? Just strap it to the outside of your backpack to finish drying. External straps are super handy.

15 Make the most of every bit of space in your backpack

Baby travel checklist packing the backpacking family

This may sound obvious. But it’s worth a moment to think about. Watch out for gaps in your backpack – little bits of space that can be filled. For example, if you have some trainers in your backpack, stuff some clothes inside the trainers. Small kids shoes can actually fit inside papa shoes. Watch out for cases with small gaps. It could be a camera case or a drone case. Stick your SD cards or headphones into small gaps inside cases.

Life loving, adventure chasing, Mum of 3 who loves travel. Over 10 years of travel writing experience. Emma now loves to give the best tips to help other travel loving parents plan adventures with their kids. Whether you need to find the best accommodation or just need to know how to pack your bag Emma is that travelling mum who love to help you.

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How to Travel with a Backpack (and Still Have Everything You Need)

When I first started traveling many years ago, I would pack a large suitcase on all my trips. No matter how long I was going to be gone, I didn’t have a packing plan and put in anything I thought I would need.

I created an outfit for every day and also included 3-4 pairs of shoes for all my outfits. I also packed towels, way too many toiletries, and extras of everything, just in case.

After becoming an avid traveler (19 countries and 25 US states, and counting!), I’ve developed a planning approach that has helped me minimize my packing list, but I can still have everything I need for my entire trip no matter how long I travel.

I’ve even gotten rid of my “just in case” mentality – this is how you can too!

If you are one to pack your whole closet with you when you travel like I was, read more to see how you can travel with a backpack and still have everything you need.

Before we jump into what to pack, here’s the order of packing your backpack from bottom to top :

technology (usually in the pocket running up the back)
bottoms/dresses
important documents

How to Travel with a Backpack

Let’s start off with the backpack.

To fit everything into a carry-on-sized backpack, you’ll need the right one to do the job. Carry-on sizes are 22″ long, 14″ wide, and 9″ deep for most airlines.

Pro-tip: If you are able to travel with a backpack that will fit underneath the seat in front of you, you’ll actually save yourself some stress of finding a space above and concerns about your stuff being messed with.

When searching for a backpack to buy, they will usually be advertised in their liter sizes. A 45L backpack will usually do the trick. If it is bigger than that, you’ll need to double-check the dimensions to make sure it falls within the carry-on size.

I have a 45L backpack that has traveled with me to 15ish countries (remember, I used to travel with a suitcase) and it has worked for me every single time.

Here are a couple of backpacks similar to the one I use.

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Let’s jump into what to pack!

How to Travel with a Backpack: Packing Your Clothes

Let’s tackle the biggest category first: clothes. Clothes usually take up about 80-90% of packing space.

Not gonna lie, I’m always excited to go out and buy new clothes for an upcoming trip because I want to look cute in my pictures. On top of that, I also want to pack all my current clothes that I know make me look great in photos.

Depending on the weather, you’ll also want to consider the appropriate pieces of clothing for your trip. Then when you add shoes to your luggage it seems like there is no space for anything else! So how does everything fit in a backpack?

Here’s my secret: Mini capsule wardrobe.

What is a capsule wardrobe you may ask?

The basic idea is to have 25-50 pieces of swappable clothing to choose from, usually of neutral colors, classic styles that you can wear for a season, or two. If you’re curious about the idea and want to learn more, this post gives a great summary.

Now I’m not saying you need to completely re-do your closet (you can save that for another day), but you can use this idea to guide you when packing for a trip. Here’s how.

Choose 4-5 tops and 2-3 bottoms that would match in style in color. They don’t need to be classics or neutral colors; just pick clothes that you like and look cute.

You can even add a dress if you’d like.

Pro tip: When picking a dress, make sure that it also matches at least one of the tops to create a new outfit.

At the end of it all, it would make about 16-20 outfits —way more than enough for a week’s worth of travel.

Yes, you’ll be wearing your clothes more than once, but the idea is to mix and match your tops and bottoms to create new outfits every day.

Check out my mini capsule wardrobe idea page or click the infographic above.

One common concern may be keeping clothes fresh while on the road.

You can add a fabric softener sheet to your luggage, add essential oils to a small piece of cloth (or sock) to keep it smelling fresh, or give your luggage a spray of deodorant or body spray before packing.

After wearing your clothes, make sure to hang them up or let them out to dry so that it continues to stay fresh. Also, pack a separate bag for laundry—I usually use a plastic grocery bag.

If you are traveling for more than a week, try to find accommodation that includes laundry services, possibly sometime in the middle of your trip rather than the beginning. You can wash your dirty underwear and other clothes that could use a nice rinse.

How to Travel with a Backpack: Picking Your Airport Outfit

Your airport outfit deserves its own paragraph. After you have settled on your capsule wardrobe, pick out one outfit for the airplane ride.

Here are some considerations:

make it comfortable –you will be on a long haul flight, and you want something that you can sit in for 5+ hours (depending on where you go)
make it easy to get through airport security –slip on and off shoes, easily removable layers
make it warm- -bring a light jacket or cardigan and a pair of fuzzy socks as the cabin is always freezing!

Your airport outfit should also fit inside your backpack if you’re not wearing it during a travel day (i.e. transit from France to Italy).

Here’s my airport outfit:

Shameless plug – I love Bella+Canvas tees as they’re so soft and comfortable, and they make me look great! ( Pst, check out my Etsy shop! )

Sunzel leggings with pockets are perfect for your airport outfit and it travels well in a backpack too.

I have discovered Sunzel leggings , a beautiful Lululemon dupe; so soft and buttery with a nice pocket too!

Bob's shoes are comfortable and neutral slip on and slip off shoes for airport security. They also fit well in the side pockets of backpacks for easy travel.

I always wear Bob’s shoes . They are easy slip-on and off shoes for airport security, nice for walking long distances, and I’ve even hiked in them as well (those last-minute plans).

A long overtop is cute and will keep you warm on the plane.

And finally, I love myself a long jacket or cardigan–I can just snuggle right in.

How to Travel with a Backpack: Packing Makeup and Toiletries

I always find it hard to pare down my makeup and toiletries, but after having traveled so many times I have found that I would always come back to the same few items even if I packed my whole bathroom cabinet.

So first tip, consider your quart-sized liquids zip lock as you go through airport security: check the size of the bottle (3.4 oz. or less), make sure you can close the zip lock bag once everything is in, and if you have to throw it out at the airport for any reason, will you be okay with it?

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In terms of toiletries, I always bring shampoo, body wash, toothpaste, a toothbrush, and contact solution (only for those who need it of course). If conditioner is a part of your hair care, add that in.

Tip two: always reuse your bottles. You can buy a cute matching set or just buy the product itself and refill it before every trip.

Tip three: know your skin, know your routine, and make a decision on what you would like to take with you.

For makeup, I personally know my skin well enough to know that if I skip certain products, my skin will still be okay.

My recommendation for a bare minimum makeup list? Sunscreen, foundation , eyebrow liner , mascara, colored lip gloss , or Chapstick. For cleansers, I always bring makeup wipes as they don’t take up space in my liquids zip lock bag.

Supergoop tinted facial sunscreen. This is the perfect size for a quart-sized ziplock in your travel backpack.

Since TikTok has become a huge platform, there have been several viral tricks using lipstick as eyeshadow or blush. This article is a great read if that’s something that you’d like to try out before traveling to minimize your makeup pieces.

The final list of quart-sized zip lock bagged items: shampoo, body wash, toothpaste, contact solution, sunscreen, and foundation (if it’s liquid). Some places (like London) consider mascara a liquid so this can be a potential “throw something out” time.

How to Travel with a Backpack: Packing Technology

I am very minimal when it comes to technology. Although I was the designated photographer of my group, I only carried my iPhone with me and that was sufficient to take beautiful pictures for memories.

The other piece of technology I bring is my 11-inch MacBook Air. It is slim and tiny, and it fits perfectly in the pocket running up the back of the backpack. Another option for this is an iPad (can you tell I’m an Apple user?).

I generally like to bring something bigger to continue researching while in-country. I’ve traveled before while enrolled in university courses as well so this helps me to stay on top of my homework while still enjoying a new city.

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The cords for everything can become tangled. To minimize this problem, put all your cords together in a small bag so they stay together neatly throughout your travel.

I use these zipper mesh bags to store all my cords, extra currency, and important documents. I love these because they’re clear so I can easily pick up the bag I need!

How to Travel with a Backpack: Packing Important Documents

Documents are probably the most important item on your packing list. Everything mentioned before is replaceable, some easier to replace than others (I know, I’ve lost an iPhone while traveling before).

The most important document for travel is your Passport (or ID).

You’ll need a passport to travel internationally; airport security will screen you before you can even go through to the terminals.

In most countries, you will need to show your passport to be able to stay in the accommodations.

If you get stopped on the street (which is a rare occasion), you will need to show your passport. It is not as easily replaceable.

The second most important document is your visa.

Depending on where you go, you will need to send your passport to an embassy before heading out, or you will receive a document to get your visa once you arrive in-country.

If this is a requirement for the country you are visiting, you will need your visa on hand.

Make photocopies of your documents and keep them in separate areas.

I’ll usually put a copy in my wallet so I have it available even if I’ve left my passport in a safe.

Finally, make sure you have some money on you; this can be a credit card (which I recommend), a debit card, or cash which I would recommend getting at an ATM once you arrive.

All of these will usually go in a small pocket in your backpack that is easily within reach to make your travel as smooth as possible. You can also put it all in a zipper mesh bag to keep all your documents together as well.

Final Thoughts on How to Travel with a Backpack and Still Have Everything You Need

And that’s everything you need to pack in your backpack and still have everything you need, even for long-haul flights.

One final thought here is the “just in case” mentality.

I struggled with this mentality for a few trips as I was afraid I would lose something or not have it when I need it. My mindset shifted when I really did need something and didn’t have it–all I needed to do was buy it while traveling (it was a swimsuit).

It’s not the most ideal as you may have several swimsuits at home, to begin with, but this mindset shift released me from packing everything just in case I might need it.

Remember to enjoy your travels and make memories while at it. Sometimes you might find that you don’t use everything you packed. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you need to pack everything you might use on your trip.

Which tip was an AHA moment to you? Anything you’d add to this list? Comment below.

Other travel tips you might find helpful or inspirational:

What to Pack When Moving to China – The Ultimate Checklist
25 Useful Airport Tips for Stress-Free Travel
10 Reasons to Hop on a Plane Today
The Best Travel Credit Card
40 Essential Travel Safety Tips

Or maybe you’d like some ideas for gifts to get your travel buddy (or yourself)…

65+ Best Travel Gifts for Her
37 Amazing Travel Gift Ideas for Him
37 Useful Road Trip Gift Ideas Travelers will Love
35 Awesome Travel Gift Ideas for Couples

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My favorite travel tips + resources.

Here is a quick glance at all my go-to travel tips and resources that I use to plan every trip! For more information, check out my travel resources page .

Booking flights: I use Google Flights to check all routes and find the best flights. Then I compare Skyscanner (for the lowest prices) before I book.
For hotels, I go through Booking.com or book directly with Marriott (for points + rewards).
When I travel internationally, I’ll book through Hostelworld for very budget-friendly stays.
For vacation rentals, use Vrbo or Marriott Homes & Villas .
Expedia also has some great bundles for hotels, flights, and car rentals altogether.
Car Rentals: I love renting cars through Discover Cars . They have been consistent and provide the best customer service.
Trains in Asia: Trip.com has the best options!
Trains in Europe: Trainline or Omio .
Visa Application: For a hassle-free process, apply for your visa from iVisa .
Travel Credit Card: I book all my travel (flights, hotels, car rentals) through Chase Sapphire .
Vaccines and Medications: Check the CDC website for updates on necessary vaccines to enter a country, including updates on Covid-19 and recommended places to visit. I recommend getting all the vaccines you need before you go!
Tours + Experiences: I absolutely love my tours! Everything from eerie walking ghost tours to food tours, I’ll usually book something every trip either through Viator or GetYourGuide .
Entertainment: Looking for entertainment like sporting events, theater shows, or concerts? Book with Ticket Squeeze !
Tech : Keep your internet browsing safe, secure, and fast with ExpressVPN
Language Learning: The best place to learn a new language is through Babbel as you travel to countries you don’t know the language.
What to Pack: I almost always travel by backpack . For products I like, check out my packing guide page for all the things I take with me on different trips.

Pafoua is the author and creator of Her Wanderful World. Pafoua writes from her numerous excursions about all things travel, from fun itineraries to creating memorable experiences on the road. When she’s not traveling, Pafoua loves a fun board game night with her friends or is snuggled up reading a good book. You can find her on Instagram @herwanderfulworld.

I traveled through Europe with just a backpack for 5 weeks. Here are my 7 best packing tips.

Like each member of my five-person family , I bring just one backpack on our week-long trips.
We research the destination's weather and choose versatile clothes before putting our bags together.
Packing cubes have also transformed the way I prepare for trips.

Research your destination before you start making a packing list.

Before I even think about the outfits I want to pack for a vacation, I do preliminary destination research on my computer.

The first thing I check is the weather. I browse the average temperature, along with the season's highs and lows, to make sure I bring suitable clothes for every potential situation.

I also consider the activities on my itinerary before I lay out any clothes.

For example, I'd bring swimsuits and coverups to a laid-back beach town and I'd reach for my cocktail dresses and heels if I was heading to a cosmopolitan city.

Choose clothing items that can be worn in a variety of ways.

As soon as I have a grasp on which items and outfits I need for my trip, I pick out my clothes.

One of my favorite ways to pack is to put together a mini capsule wardrobe , choosing garments that can be worn in several different ways. I usually seek out neutral pieces since they're easy to mix and match.

This method has worked well for me. Because I was intentional about each piece I brought on my five-week Europe trip, there were enough clothes in my backpack to create 27 different outfits .

Try your outfits on before you commit to bringing them on the trip.

Not only do I pack my own items in one backpack, but also I do the same for each of my three kids . One of the best ways I figure out what is and isn't worth bringing in our backpacks is a pre-departure fashion show.

Having my daughters try on the clothes I plan on packing beforehand is a good way to make sure that the outfits are comfortable and kid-approved.

The last thing I want is to arrive at the destination and realize that my kids refuse to wear the clothes in their bags.

Roll your garments to save space and avoid wrinkles.

After some trial and error, I found that rolling my clothes as tightly as I can is the best way to save space in my backpack.

Plus, it seems to produce fewer wrinkles in my clothes compared to other techniques I've tried.

Packing cubes free up invaluable space in your bag.

I have no idea how I traveled before I started using packing cubes. They create so much extra room in my backpack that I feel like I can bring twice as many clothes as I used to.

First, I roll each garment and zip the packing cube halfway. Then, I start pushing more rolled-up items into the backpack. You'll be amazed how much you can fit inside.

Don't let hypothetical scenarios scare you into overpacking.

When I tell people that I travel with just a backpack, many ask if I worry about leaving behind a specific item that I might need.

If there's only a tiny chance that I'll need something, I don't bring it with me. If necessary, I can buy it on the go, which is better than carrying it around and never using it.

Throughout my family's travels, which have included a five-week European backpacking trip , we've always been able to find a last-minute item in our destination, regardless of our location.

Stock up on cosmetic samples and hold onto the containers.

I save a lot of space in my toiletries bag by using the cosmetic samples that I collect in stores.

I keep the small containers of shampoo, conditioner, and body lotion since they come in handy when I pack.

And if I have a product in a regular-sized bottle, I transfer it to a smaller container before putting it in my bag.

Wear your bulkiest clothing items on the days you travel.

You'd be hard-pressed to find me at the airport in anything besides a hoodie, sweater, or jacket. My travel outfit usually also includes a pair of jeans and sneakers.

Not only are these clothing items comfortable, but they take up the most space in my bag.

Wearing them on the plane means that I can bring them with me on the trip without sacrificing significant room in my backpack.

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Packing light with minimalist travel | How to travel carry-on only

The art of minimalist travel and minimalist packing gives you so much freedom / Minimalistisch reisen bringt so viel Freiheit

He who would travel happily must travel light .

Less weight on your shoulders through minimalist travel

Minimalist travel – what does it mean?

Embrace the freedom of minimalist travel

Why pack light?

Sustainable benefits of minimalist travel, less stress through minimalist packing, save money by minimalist traveling.

Save money when traveling carry-on only

Tips for minimalist travel & packing

Use the right bag.

On the road with my duffel bag

Make sure the bag fits these criteria:

Backpack or duffel bag with max. 40 liters – usually these can be easily stored on buses and they’re allowed as carry-on bags (but if you fly you should always check the airline’s requirements)
A light bag – if your heavy suitcase already takes up several kilos, you’ll suffer a lot on our trip
It can be opened completely with a U-shaped zip – so you can easily reach anything inside (stay away from backpacks that only open from the top – this makes it very hard to reach stuff that you packed into the bottom)
The bag needs a few inside pockets – to organize your things

Here are the duffel bags that I recommend:

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel (40l) – Die perfekte Duffel von einer meiner Lieblingsmarken mit komplett nachhaltigem Fokus. Lässt sich komplett öffnen, ist robust und wasserabweisend und ist super angenehm, auf dem Rücken zu tragen.
Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler (40l) – My duffel with which I’ve traveled through Morocco, Portugal, Greece and many other countries. For me it has the perfect size to travel carry-on only. The side pockets and the subdivision by a net inside are also great. Besides, also sustainably produced.
The North Face Duffel XS (40l) – A dream for all who want to travel minimalist. Totally robust and with practical large mesh as a pocket on the inside of the “cover”.
North Face Duffel S (50l) – You got a lot of space in here! But this also means that if you want to travel carry-on only with this duffel, you shouldn’t fill it up completely. This way you can squeeze it a little smaller so that it fits into the hand luggage dimensions of most airlines. But we’ve never had any problems with it – even to travel carry-on only.

Packing light for traveling carry-on only / Minimalistich packen mit Duffel Bag

Packing light with my duffel bag

Know the basics – what’s allowed in your hand luggage

Liquids in bottles of 100ml max (such as shampoo, make-up, deodorant, hairspray etc) packed in a transparent bag of 1 liter
Sharp objects with a blade of 6 cm max (such as razors, nail files & scissors)
Medicine, contact lens solution, hand sanitizer, and baby food (if traveling with a baby) are allowed
Any liquids with more than 100ml (except meds, contact lens solution, or baby food)
Any liquids that aren’t packed in a transparent 1-liter bag
Sharp objects with a blade longer than 6 cm (such as pocket knives or knitting needles) and loose razor blades that aren’t framed in plastic
Anything that could also be used as a weapon, such as hiking poles or ice skates
I think I don’t have to go deeper and tell you that weapons, explosive substances, etc. aren’t allowed either, nope not even pepper spray
Pack everything in a zip bag made of silicone instead of the ones made of plastic – they last much longer and are more environmental-friendly
Bring a nail clipper instead of scissors
Solid products (such as shampoo bars, soap, conditioner bars, solid deodorant, body butter bars etc) don’t have to be in your zip bag and are much more environmental-friendly

A shampoo bar is perfect when traveling carry-on only / Mit festem Shampoo spart man Platz wenn man nur mit Handgepäck reisen will

Solid products like shampoo bars & deodorant sticks don’t need to go into your liquids bag

Only pack for one week

Make a checklist, choose your clothes wisely.

your favorites
easy to combine like a “capsule wardrobe” (in terms of colors, shape, and can be worn like an onion on top of each other)
neutral colors
crease-resistant
can be washed together

Neutral colors are easy to combine

Reduce cosmetics

Instead of different face creams for morning and night just bring one.
Reduce your make-up, or why not leave it at home completely? (In countries with high humidity it’s better to go without any makeup anyway.)
Stick to solid products – they’re not just easier to get through security control if you travel carry-on only, more eco-friendly, take up less space and last much longer (I like to bring e.g. a shampoo bar in a small sack or one that already has a string, so it’s easy to hang it and let it dry)
In case you want to use liquids, fill them into reusable travel-size bottles instead of buying travel-sized samples.
If you travel with someone else, share the essentials such as shower gel or toothpaste.

A shampoo bar can help you to save lots of space and weight

Pack things that you can use universally

A tote bag that can help you on many occasions (for grocery shopping, as a beach bag, to pack your dirty clothes, or to keep your socks or underwear separately).
Coconut oil , apricot seed oil, or another oil that you can use multifunctional (as body lotion with a light natural SPF, as lip balm, to remove make-up, and even to help you with light cuts or injuries due to their anti-inflammatory effect).
Basic cotton shirts that can be used for sleeping, during the day, or for activities
A silicon zip bag for your liquids on the flights if you travel carry-on only, but also for takeaway food
A thin shawl or scarf that you can wear around your neck when it’s cold on the bus, to cover your shoulders or knees when visiting a temple, and even to lay on the beach

A ziplock bag is a multi-purpose helper when traveling carry-on only / Helfer beim minimalistisch packen

A silicon ziplock bag can be a multi-purpose helper

Bring a reusable water bottle or even a water purifier

Filling up a filter bottle in Guatemala / Wasserfilter beim Reisen auffüllen

A water purifier bottle can be a lifesaver for minimalist travelers

Lifesavers for minimalist travelers

Avoid paper

Leave everything that you “might need” at home.

Wear the thickest clothes on your flight

Never without warm clothes on a flight

The right way of packing your bag light

Here are a few tips that i find very useful:.

Use tote bags or packing cubes to have your stuff organized
Pack heavier things (electronics, cosmetics, books) into the middle – that’s better for your back
Use a smell-proof laundry bag – You can cram all your dirty clothes in here and the rest of your bag stays fresh
Pack your liquids, water bottle and laptop where you can easily take them out at the security control
Also: Bring a second small bag (like a day pack and/or hip bag ) where you can store your documents and most valuable things (like electronics) on your body

Nie ohne meine Bauchtasche minimalistisch reisen

Never without my hip bag

How to pack light for two weeks or a normal holiday?

Get a 40-liter backpack or duffel bag
Check with the airline to know exactly how much weight and which size is allowed when you travel carry-on only
You can wash your laundry everywhere, so there’s no need to pack more than for one week
Choose your clothes so you can easily combine them
Reduce your cosmetics to the basics and prefer solid items to liquids
Be creative and pack things that you can use universally
Bring a water purifier
Don’t print unnecessarily, but upload your copies into a cloud
Leave everything that you “might need” at home and sort it out in the end
Keep in mind the right way and helpful items to pack your back

How to pack light for a month or long-term travel?

With my old Nikon in Asia

Carry-on only packing list

Duffel bag or 40l backpack
Raincover for your backpack
Smell-proof laundry bag – for your dirty clothes
Hip bag – for your valuables & documents
Daypack or wetpack (ideally one you can make really small & squeeze in)
Silicone zip lock bag
Small travel wallet (with only your credit card(s), health insurance card, ID or passport & some cash)
Optional: packing cubes
Optional: padlock (if you’re planning to stay in hostels)
2-3 t-shirts
2-3 pairs of shorts
2 pairs of light, long pants
Thin rain jacket
Sports clothes: 1 pair of leggings & 1 sport top
7 pairs of underpants (& 2 bras + 1 sports bra for us girls)
7 pairs of socks
2 Bikinis, swimsuits, or swimming trunks
A thin shawl or scarf (to wear around your neck, to cover your shoulders or knees in a temple, or to lay on the beach)
Optional: 1 beach dress or jumpsuit
Optional (depending on how sunny your destination is): Cap
Quick-drying travel towel
Sneakers – a comfy pair in which you can also hike
A pair of jeans or thicker pants
Optional: Thin jacket
Bamboo toothbrush (in a case) & toothpaste
2in1 Shampoo & shower bar (in a sisal bag – one that you can also use as soap)
Conditioner bar (in a sisal bag / or liquid, refilled in a reusable silicone bottle)
Solid deodorant
Scrunchies & bobby pins
Nail clip or nail file
For the girls: Tampons, menstrual cup, or menstrual panties
Hand sanitizer
Optional: Tweezers
Optional: A bit of make-up
Travel tablets (especially if you’re seasick)
Optional: Mosquito spray (depending on your destination)
Personal meds
Smartphone + charger
Camera + charger
Headphones (+ charger)
E-book reader (instead of several books)
Mosquito bite relief
Reusable water bottle or water purifier bottle
Bamboo travel cutlery or mini pocket knife (not possible in hand luggage though)
Inflatable travel pillow
Optional (depending on destination): travel adapter
Boots (wear them on your flight)
2 more sweaters
Thick jacket (wear it on your flight)
Thermal underwear
3 pairs of thick warm socks
Beanie, scarf, gloves

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What’s unnecessary in my opinion

Tablet – I learned on my many trips that I can find entertainment in ebooks or on my phone, but mostly I’m exhausted in the evenings and I’d rather process all the new impressions instead of watching anything at night
Hair dryer – not needed in warm countries; if you can’t go without, look for accommodation with a hairdryer
Make-up – enjoy being yourself when traveling
Large shampoo bottles – bars last so much longer
Lots of medicine – you can find pharmacies all over the world in case you might need something
Guide books – there’s so much more info in blogs

An ebook reader is perfect for minimalist travel / E-Books sparen Platz beim minimalistisch Packen

E-books are the perfect entertainment for minimalist packers

Do you have questions concerning minimalist packing or traveling carry-on only?

More on traveling sustainably during your trip, get a free packing list to travel lighter.

Subscribe to get your free packing list for traveling light or carry-on only!

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Singapore | Highlights & hidden gems in the world’s greenest city

Thailand | Island hopping, food paradise & lots of smiles

Why Eco-Friendly Travel Is Essential in Protecting Our Ecosystems

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[…] done something right! As a cool addition to our Thailand packing list, check out this fantastic minimalist packing list, perfect especially if you want to travel with hand luggage […]

Traveling With Only a Backpack: The Ultimate Minimalist Mode

by The Nimble Voyager · Published July 20, 2018 · Updated August 6, 2019

Disclosure: We may earn a small commission from some of the products mentioned in this post. If you click a link and make a purchase - at no additional cost to you - you help us keep this site online. Thank you for your support!

Let’s face it, unless you’re a dedicated minimalist, you over-pack. Realistically, most of us only need a fraction of the stuff we typically take on a trip. If you’re traveling with only a backpack, it’s especially critical to be mindful of the weight and mass of what you pack, so you can focus on the journey instead of the baggage. But how do you go about it?

For many, the term “backpacker” evokes images of hairy, un-bathed young folks wearing the same underwear for three weeks, eating bugs and carrying all of their belongings in a massive backpack. I’m here to tell you, it’s not that bad! In fact, it’s more about compromise than loss. You can travel in style AND be clean without dragging tons of luggage with you. Let me share some essential backpacking tips to help you prepare.

The Right Backpack - Traveling With Only a Backpack

In the world of backpacking, your pack is essentially your home. Stuffing everything you need for a trip into a single, relatively small bag sounds scary, but it’s possible and even liberating. Think of it, you only have what you really need. Instead of stumbling into a new foreign town late in the afternoon, rolling a train of luggage toward your hotel before you can relax and enjoy your destination, you can stroll the streets, enjoy the sights, sounds, smells and casually make your way, carrying only a backpack.

Now, you have many options in backpacks and what you ultimately decide has to make sense for your needs, budget, and travel style. But rather than give you an exhaustive list of designs, sizes, uses, and price points (I’ll save that for a later post), I will offer some general advice and a few suggestions for my favorite options.

Size Matters

One of the first items to consider is size. Backpack volume, or the available area inside the pack, is generally specified in liters. They come in just about any size you want from a few liters up to more than 100. Each size has a different purpose, but there is a sweet spot for minimalist backpacking. I like to stay in the 30-45 liter range. It affords an adequate amount of space and a smaller bag forces you to pack less. Plus, most options in this range still fit within the acceptable carry-on size, yet afford lots of room for your stuff; especially since you’re traveling with only a backpack.

My general go-to pack for travel and hiking is the Osprey Kestrel 38 . I’ve taken this thing everywhere. It’s seen 16 countries, all four hemispheres, three continents, and the peaks of several mountains. It just continues to perform. This is the pack that helped me make the switch to minimalist travel. The Osprey Kyte 36 is the women-specific version and it’s just as capable. Best of all, Osprey packs have an unconditional lifetime warranty.

Access - How Do You Get Into it?

Access is the next thing to consider. Many packs are what are called top loaders , meaning you load and unload everything from the top lid of the bag. If you carefully consider and pack, leaving often-needed items toward the top, this style likely will work fine for you. Otherwise, you will need to empty everything out of the pack to find what you need. I find I often prefer a top loader, especially if it has some external pockets. However, outer pockets can pose a security concern when in crowded places, so don’t carry anything of value in them. You could run the risk of your load being lightened without you knowing. Top loading packs also tend to be slimmer and more comfortable, designed for long distance hiking. They work equally as well in crowded streets and transit stations. Both Osprey packs fit in this category.

The other style is a front loading pack . These function more like conventional luggage where you unzip a large flap on the front of the pack, giving you full access to the interior. They tend to be a bit wider and have a more rectangular shape. However, they may not include some of the comfort features of the other style. They also tend to be a bit heavier. But, if you’re not planning to carry it for hours on end and you want a more luggage-like experience, this type of pack may be the better choice for you. If it is, check out the Timbuk2 Wander Pack . It has a ton of comfort and convenience features typically not found on these types of bags. It’s like having a backpack, carry-on and a laptop bag all rolled into one.

Watch Your Weight

Weight is another concern when traveling with only a backpack; which is actually twofold. First, the pack has to support the amount of weight you plan to carry. I typically aim for under 25 lbs when I travel (unless I’m also carrying camping gear), which might be at the high end for some. If you can whittle your kit down to 15-20 lbs, even better. The best approach is to gather all the effects you plan to pack and weigh them. This will give you a good idea of how much weight your pack must support. Next, you need to consider the weight of the pack itself. This can range widely from under two to over six pounds. That might not sound like a lot, but an extra four pounds feels a lot heavier the longer you carry it.

Durability = Built to Last

Finally, you must consider durability. This pack has to survive the normal rigors of travel (scuffs, scrapes, snags, mishandling, etc.) while keeping your belongings secure and organized. The best options use high-quality materials and craftsmanship. Look for durable nylon fabrics, beefy zippers, heavy-duty stitching, and reinforced corners. Most reputable backpack manufacturers back their product with a reasonable guarantee and some (as seen in the above suggestions) even offer a lifetime warranty.

Traveling with only a Backpack: Absolute Essentials

While I’m a big believer in “when in doubt, leave it out,” there are certain things you should never forgo. These are absolute necessities; most may be common sense, but I’ll include them for thoroughness.

Travel Documents and ID - Don't Leave Home Without Them

For starters, never forget your travel documents and identification . You already know you should have your passport/photo ID with you. You may also know to keep copies of your ID in various secure locations, including with your companions, in case the originals are ever lost. However, many folks forget to make copies of their travel itineraries, transportation tickets, and/or hotel reservations. We’ve come to rely on our wireless devices to manage our documentation, but you never know if you’ll have data service. And somehow, that mysterious battery drain happens at the most inopportune times, so it’s a good idea to have a paper copy just in case.

Medications - Because Everybody's Got Some

The next important items are your prescription medications . In many cases, you can find general pain relievers and such at your destination, but filling prescriptions may prove difficult away from home. Always stash medications in a safe and secure place in your pack. If you leave your bag for any reason, it’s a good idea to have an extra container to keep a few days’ supply with you at all times, in case you are delayed getting back to your pack for any reason. If you’re traveling abroad, carry your medications in the original containers with your name on them, and your original prescription whenever possible. That reduces suspicion of drug trafficking. As always, check on the local regulations in advance and be prepared. You can find more information about transporting medications in this article .

Money and Credit Cards - Gotta Have 'em

Finally, you should always have currency and a credit card or two. Money can get you out of most binds when traveling. Credit cards are great, because most give you a better exchange rate than currency exchanges; but there is no substitute for local cash. You know everyone will accept it and it may help you negotiate a better price.

Clothing is one of the easiest things to over-pack. And when traveling with only a backpack, you have to be careful. All the “what-ifs” creep in as you toss wardrobe into your bag. But don’t fall into that trap! Bring versatile choices, expect to wash on the go, plan to layer and give some consideration to the materials.

Wash on the Go

Plan to wash frequently instead of carrying multiples of every clothing item. As a general rule, have one set of clothes on your body, and one more set in reserve. Wear one set until it’s dirty, then sink-wash it while you wear the other fresh set. Dr. Bronner’s multipurpose soap is great for washing clothes or anything else (more on this in the Toiletries section); and with a universal sink stopper and elastic clothesline, you can easily and quickly do laundry on the go.

Of course, you will need a few additional clothing items. Bring a warm outer layer and a thin rain shell that can go over the top. Most likely, your primary shoes will be hiking boots, but be sure to pack lightweight camp or casual shoes as well that you can wear at the end of the day to give your feet a break. A hat is also a great way to keep your head cool and the sun off your face. A snapback hat is super convenient because you can easily attach it to the outside of your pack when you’re not wearing it. If the location warrants, a swimsuit might also be necessary. Store it in a Ziploc bag in case you have to pack it up while it’s still wet; you don’t want to soak all of your other gear.

I'm a Materials Girl (or Guy)

Also consider the materials of the clothing you’re packing. Cotton is a backpacker’s enemy! It holds moisture and is a breeding ground for bacteria and odors. Instead, choose wool or synthetic options. You’ll want wicking, fast-dry base layers, and wool or synthetic fleece outer layers. Wool socks keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters; and when they get wet, they’ll retain heat. Loose-fitting lightweight synthetic pants or shorts allow for airflow and keep you comfortable even when you’re walking long distances.

Travel-sized Toiletries

This is an obvious one, but it does merit some discussion. Visit any drug store or supermarket these days and you’ll see a growing number of options for travel toiletries. However, your toiletry kit can take up a lot of precious space in your backpack if you pack a separate bottle for every conceivable soap. Instead, consider a highly concentrated multipurpose soap like Dr. Bronner’s , which can be used to wash your hands, face, body, hair, clothes, and dishes! It’s organic and biodegradable, so it’s good for you and the earth.

Don’t forget other personal care items such as glasses or contacts, sunscreen, lip balm, a travel-sized comb or brush, a small stick of deodorant, a collapsible travel toothbrush and small tube of toothpaste, a small quick-drying camp towel, a small travel pack of toilet paper, and some wet wipes.

Think less is more . You won’t be entering any beauty pageants while backpacking, you just need to be clean enough to stay healthy and comfortable. If you don’t have a water source, wet wipe “baths” are surprisingly refreshing and can keep you smelling relatively fresh.

Water, Water Everywhere...

A water bottle with a filter keeps you hydrated and gives you peace of mind about the purity of the water you’re drinking. I bring my LifeStraw Go two-stage filter water bottle with me everywhere, and it has been a major lifesaver in places where the water quality is questionable. The two-stage filter removes over 99.9% of waterborne bacteria, protozoan parasites, and microplastics.

Camping Gear

Depending on your itinerary and where you plan to sleep, you might need additional equipment like camping gear. Finding a balance between comfort, price, and weight is critical here – there’s usually an inverse correlation between weight and price for specialized backpacking camping items. See our article Build a High Quality Adventure Gear List for more on this.

Food and Cooking - Ya Gotta Eat

If you don’t plan to eat at restaurants for every meal, you’ll also need to carry food and a cooking system. Dried fruit and nuts are great energy-filled snacks that are also lightweight and easily packable. You can also buy or make your own dehydrated meals that can be reconstituted into delicious hot food on the go, with just water and a Jetboil stove system. We really like the Flash camp stove system right now. A final, and often overlooked option, is military MREs. They’re relatively inexpensive and they come in a wide variety of options. I’ve found a few I really like and you can even field strip them to reduce the weight considerably.

While this isn’t an exhaustive list of everything you’ll need for a successful backpacking trip, I hope to give you an idea of where to start and some things to think about as you consider this minimalist way to travel. Happy trails!

Tags: Lightweight Travel Minimalist Travel One Bag Travel

The Nimble Voyager

Staff writers at Nimble Voyager have years of experience traveling the world simply and ethically. We strive to share that experience through informative articles to help others get as much out of the journey as the destination.

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Anyone who has managed to travel with just their backpack will happily tell you that doing so brings a feeling of extreme liberation. But, like everything, there’s an art to one-bag travel and it’s something that even the most seasoned travelers spend time perfecting. Whether you are planning a two-day, two-week, or two-month trip, here are five tips that should help you on your way to achieving what for some often seems impossible.

Choose the Right Backpack

The journey to successful one-bag traveling begins with your choice of backpack. One of the most important factors when selecting a bag is size and capacity. For a weekend break you’ll probably want a 30-liter bag while for week-long trips a capacity of 35 liters should be sufficient. With 45 liters you’ll have enough space for two weeks of travel, or more. Check the measurements of each bag to make sure that they comply with airline carry-on dimensions. The standard airline restriction usually allows for a 55-liter backpack.

Comfort is equally as important, which is why it’s best to physically try on different bags rather than order one online. Go for one that has padded shoulder straps, which will sit nicely on your shoulders. There’s also a choice to be made between the traditional backpack shape and duffel bags with straps.

Be Selective in Your Clothing

If you are serious about traveling with only a backpack then it’s fundamental to be strict when packing. Try the rule of three , which limits you to three of every item that you want to being, i.e. three t-shirts, three shorts, three jeans/bottoms. This means that you’ll have one to wear, one spare and one being washed. Similarly, try to limit yourself to two pairs of footwear so you have one to wear and only one to carry.

Lightweight clothing is a must, as it will take up less space and dry quicker when laundry day arrives. Also decide if an item is versatile and can be worn for varying occasions. For example, are your swim swim shorts or sundress suitable for both the beach and a restaurant? Dark-colored items are good, too, as minor stains are less visible.

Get Organized

Now you’ve got your backpack and have separated your clothes, it’s time to organize them in a way that grants easy access to them. You might have already chosen a bag because of its compartments, which let you store clothes, toiletries, electronics and documents in individual places. If this isn’t an option then you might want to purchase a set of packing cubes . They come in different sizes, thus make things easily identifiable when you need to get your hands on them.

An alternative to packing cubes is to roll your clothes according to their types. Laying clothing flat isn’t always an option with a backpack and it’s surprising how much space rolling can save. Take it up a level by compressing clothes in zip-lock bags. These bags will come in handy for storing dirty laundry, as well. Whatever way you prefer, always pack essential things first. By doing so you won’t have to fish non-essentials from the bottom of your bag if you run out of space.

Only Pack Minimal Toiletries

Toiletries are available throughout the world, so think hard about what you really need. Even the lightest of travelers usually pack a deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste. But, if you are staying at a hotel then chances are that your room will come supplied with these in addition to shampoo and soap. Don’t fret if something is missing because there’s sure to be a store or pharmacy nearby. And not only will you save on space by not bringing it, you might also find that things are cheaper to buy than at home.

Bring the Smallest Accessories Possible

If you can access the internet and your favorite social media apps via your smartphone then you probably don’t need the added luxury of a tablet or laptop. Similarly, unless you are really serious about your photography, your phone’s camera will be enough to capture good-quality photos. This philosophy applies to clothing and accessories, too. Purchase a quick dry towel rather than bringing your favorite fluffy Egyptian cotton beach towel. A packable down jacket is an excellent alternative to a standard jacket as it is lightweight and can be tied to your backpack in its own bag when it is too hot to wear it.

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How to Travel With Just One Bag, According to Reddit

Worried about checked bag fees consider honing the art of minimalist packing with tips gleaned from reddit..

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Two hands placing a folded yellow shirt in an open carry-on suitcase filled with a hat, a bag, other apparel

Forget about packing check-in luggage—focus on traveling with just one bag.

Photo by Pixel-Shot/Shutterstock

Attention all chronic overpackers: We hear you and see you, but there’s really no need to pack 20 pairs of underwear for a four-day trip. Let’s face it—some of us have travel anxiety, and we take it out on our poor suitcases, stretching those zippers to their limits. But with ever-increasing fees and weight limits , maintaining an overpacker’s lifestyle (which requires at least a checked bag) is dubious at best. The solution? Forcing yourself to travel with just one bag, with advice courtesy of r/OneBag .

When we’re faced with a problem nowadays, most turn to the internet for an answer. And there’s no better way to crowdsource a solution than via the communities of Reddit. Here, visitors can find dozens of subreddits devoted to travel, like r/DigitalNomad , r/TravelHacks , r/SoloTravel , r/Shoestring and, of course, r/OneBag, which describes itself as “a minimalist urban travel community devoted to the idea of lugging around less crap.” Getting input and reading about the experiences of seasoned travelers is critical. But learning how to get the most out of those experiences while not drowning in excess toiletries and clothing? One might call that advice invaluable.

So, get out there with the freedom to travel unburdened, and remember, don’t pack your fears !

A person looking at a paper map sits on a bench in what seems to be a train station, their backpack on the ground next to them

Traveling with one bag may seem like an impossibility. But with a little savvy planning, anything can happen.

Photo by qoppi/Shutterstock

What is one-bag travel?

One-bag travel is self-explanatory: It’s traveling with one bag. No check-in suitcase—just the one piece of luggage that you carry on to the plane. What’s the point? There are several benefits to one-bag travel:

Freedom: Traveling with one bag physically frees you up and allows you to more easily navigate your new, exciting destination.
Peace of mind: There’s less of a chance that your luggage will be lost by the airline (or that you may simply lose track of a suitcase) if you stow it in an overhead compartment.
Budget-friendly: Forget about checked bag fees.
Save time: No need to mope and sigh around the baggage carousel anymore. Simply disembark, bypass the baggage carousel, and go straight to your hotel with all of your stuff. Plus, since you’ll be traveling lighter, it will take less time to pack and unpack.
Safety: For those who like to travel solo, packing your things in one bag is a great way to keep you and your personal belongings as safe as possible. With everything all in one place, it will be easier to keep track of your things.

Of course, there is a small con when it comes to one-bag travel: Since you’ll be traveling with carry-on baggage only, you’ll have to abide by TSA regulations when it comes to liquids. So, don’t plan on bringing back a souvenir bottle of wine or liquor when one-bagging.

A person in a blue suit carrying a leather weekender walks on a tarmac toward a plan.

Focus on packing a little less than you need and washing—and buying—any additional items you need at your destination.

Photo by Svitlana Hulko/Shutterstock

How do you even travel with only one bag?

Chronic overpackers might find the idea of using just one bag while traveling absolutely preposterous. But all it takes is some savvy planning .

Of course, not everyone will be able to comfortably take a monthlong European vacation with one Fjällräven Kȧnken backpack. But for those who master the art of traveling as free as can be, the pros outweigh the cons.

The bulkiest thing in everyone’s luggage is clothing. And though it’s not advisable to bring just one outfit for a trip, there are ways to bring less. Consider packing fewer pairs of underwear than you need and washing dirtied unmentionables in the hotel bathtub or in a wash bag . These biodegradable, pocket-sized detergent sheets make the chore easier. Investing in a few pairs of merino wool socks or other clothing items is also a great idea; thanks to wool fiber’s hydrophobic properties , B.O. particles have a hard time absorbing into wool clothing, so you can wash them less often.

It’s a good idea to wear your biggest and bulkiest items, such as jackets or boots, on the plane—they’ll keep you warm in that chilly cabin air. To save room inside your bag, invest in a few synthetic-fabric pieces , which are easier to roll or fold compactly (rolling is believed to save even more space than folding, but to each their own) than traditional fabrics, have greater moisture-wicking properties, and tend to dry more quickly. For environmentally friendly alternatives (polyester, acrylic, and nylon fabrics are some of the biggest contributors to microplastic pollution ), you might purchase plant-based linen, Lyocell, rayon, bamboo, or viscose clothing, which behave a lot like their synthetic cousins.

Since shoes cannot be folded, we suggest you make do with the pair you’ll wear on the plane. Pack a compact pair of slippers or sandals if you’ll need them.

As for toiletries , solid shampoo, lotion, conditioner, and bar soap are your friend. Lush has a wealth of bar-based beauty products, but brands like New Zealand–based Ethique (which also happens to be 100 percent plastic-free) and vegan-friendly Obia are great options. Not only do solid bars pack neatly, but also you won’t have to worry about them exploding in your bag. Plus, rather than bring all the toiletries you need with you, pack the essentials and buy anything else you might need at a local pharmacy at your destination. Who knows, you might find yourself a fan of a new Italian toothpaste .

Electronics also pose a packing problem—it might be worth it to invest in low-weight laptops and tablets if you know you’ll be on the move a lot. A multiport adapter is allows you to bring a single charger for all of your tech. As you’re packing, ask yourself: Do I really need this piece of electronic equipment? Do I need to bring my handheld gaming system? Or should I focus on connecting with the culture around me?

A person in a long brown coat wearing a mask and holding a yellow rolling carry-on suitcase looks at the departures screen at an airport

One of a traveler’s most important decisions: Which bag should you bring?

Photo by DimaBerlin/Shutterstock

The best luggage to buy to one-bag travel

While the internet can give you all the tips in the world, what luggage to buy for one-bag travel is a decision that only you can make.

One way to make it easier, per r/OneBag , is deciding which camp you fall into: Would you rather “buy a bag and tailor your packing list to fit into it, or box up your finalized packing list and measure L x W x H of it all and look for a bag with similar dimensions?”

Either way, there are a couple of things to consider when choosing a single bag. Do you have a format preference: a backpack, a duffle bag, or a suitcase? If it’s the latter, is it important to you to have four wheels over two? Would you prefer a soft or hard shell? Regardless of what kind of bag you choose, consider which airlines you commonly fly. Do they have stringent baggage policies, or are they more generous with baggage weight?

Here are some bag options frequently recommended by Redditors:

Duffel bags

Cotopaxi’s Allpa 70L Duffel Bag and Patagonia’s Black Hole Duffel Bag (which comes in 40L, 55L, 70L, and 100L) are perennial faves on the message board. The rugged bags are made of weather-resistant, recycled materials and can either be hand-carried or worn like a backpack (the straps for either option are stowable and removable).

Scrolling through the subreddit, you’ll notice that backpacks are the preferred system for one-baggers. And there are so many choices. One that pops up frequently is the Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus because it meets carry-on restrictions, has a removable sternum strap and hideaway waist belt to take the strain off your shoulders, and boasts internal compression straps to reduce bulk. Other much-loved options include the Osprey Farpoint and Fairview family of travel packs and the 40L Tortuga Backpack. For those looking for a hybrid roller/backpack, the wheeled versions of these bags also have good reviews . For something smaller, Redditors suggest Cotopaxi’s Allpa 35L Travel Pack because it’s lightweight and features a full-wrap zipper like a suitcase or the 30L version of Tortuga’s bag.

A hybrid backpack/suitcase

Baboon to the Moon ‘s collection of Go-Bags comes in a wide array of seasonal colors and sizes. Both the Small and Mini comply with TSA’s carry-on requirements while the Big would best be sfuited for local trips that don’t require a flight. The Go-Bag can be either worn as a backpack or carried like a duffel bag.

r/OneBag enthusiasts aren’t super keen on suitcases—the wheels make the bag heavier, and they’re not as easy to move through crowded streets or over cobblestones. But, if they were to pick one, it would be the Briggs & Riley Compact Carry-On Spinner or Away’s The Carry-On . Both have sizes that meet the carry-on limits of most airlines and lifetime limited warranties.

The back of a person wearing a backpack as they hike through a mountainous valley

Keep these tips and tricks in mind while planning your one bag excursion.

Photo by everst/Shutterstock

One-bagging travel hacks

Use packing and compression cubes : Easily keep your clothes separate from your power cords (or, more important, your dirty from your clean underwear) with these organizational bags. They’re particularly handy because they make it easier to pull out exactly what you need (as opposed to emptying your bag in search of your tweezers). The compression bags also help squish items into more manageable packages—it won’t save you any weight, but it’ll give you more space.
Choose a rectangular-shaped bag : Because compression cubes are usually rectangular, it’s better to use a similarly shaped bag to maximize packing efficiency.
Bring a carabiner : A carabiner clipped to the outside of your bag can be useful; it can hold an extra pair of shoes, a water bottle, a hat, or a jacket—though that might be cheating a bit...

Above all, remember that you don’t need to pack for every eventuality. Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean you’re going to be a radically different person than at home, so pack what you’ll use—and nothing more.

10 Reasons You Should Travel with Only a Backpack

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We’re avid believers on packing backpacks only wherever you travel. We will hands down, without a doubt, always recommend people to pack a carry on size backpack only. Whether traveling for a weekend away or a six-month trip – traveling with just a backpack is a must, and here are 10 reasons why!

Peak Design Everyday Backpack, canva, arboursabroad, travel advice

1. Save Money On Baggage Fees

This one’s a given. When booking flights there’s typically a fee up to 50 USD for checking in luggage. But did you know, even if it’s included in long-haul flights, budget airlines, bus companies, and even trains will sometimes charge you extra for the larger luggage?!

And look at it this way, how many local pastries or drinks could you buy with that extra money?

2. Less Of A Target For Tourist Scams

Think about it… When someone’s walking down the road with a big ol’ suitcase or bag they can barely carry, you notice them, right? Now, what about the people walking around with just a backpack, you don’t even turn your head! With just a small bag, nobody will know you’ve just stepped foot in a new country and have no idea where you’re going 😉

3. Fits In Lockers In Dorms And Luggage Storage

Another money saver tip, but also stress reliever as well. Not only will it fit easier into places where you can stash your pack at restaurants or at the airport, but in accommodation too. Lots of shared accommodation provide lockers for your valuable items. It’s much nicer to just throw your entire backpack in the locker, than taking out everything “valuable” – when you’re packing light, the whole lot of it is valuable anyways!!

4. No “Extra Help” Needed

There won’t be a taxi driver looking to place your bag in the trunk, a shuttle bus operator looking to set it under the bus with everyone’s stuff, or some stranger walking up to you on the side of the road offering to take off the load… all for a tip of course. No extra help needed when you’ve just got a pack on your back!

5. Feels More Secure

When everything you travel with is on your back, you never have to worry about misplacing your luggage, or someone running by and grabbing your bag! AND, when you are taking public transportation, your “luggage” doesn’t have to go under the bus or on the luggage rack on a train. A backpack can fit in the seat with you, meaning you don’t have to worry about someone stealing it!

6. Easier To Use Public Bathrooms

Public bathrooms are nasty things – like real gross. Don’t worry about putting your bag on the ground, or leaving it outside the stall because it won’t fit. You can simply hang it on the door while you take care of business, keeping your backpack clean and in sight!

7. Gives You Confidence In Yourself

The confidence you’ll gain when carrying all you have on your back is something that can only truly be appreciated once you just do it! It’s something about realizing you don’t have to be all the things society tells you to be.. You don’t need this and that… You can survive simply off what you can carry in your backpack!

8. You Can Enjoy More Moments

When traveling, every moment matters. There’s a new wave of excitement when you step foot in a new place. If all you’ve got is a backpack, there’s no need to go drop your luggage off at your accommodation – you can go explore the second you arrive! Less time and money wasted getting to and from your accommodation! Holla!!

9. Gives You More Freedom

Bring a backpack only means you can’t pack as much stuff, and there’s something so freeing about not really worrying about what you’re going to wear, and not having to pack/repack every location you travel to! Like for real, you’ve got to try it!

10. Stairs And Cobble Stones Ain’t No Thing

You know when you cringe when you watch something, but yet can’t seem to look away?! That’s us when we see people dragging bags on cobblestone streets, or up flights of stairs. It’s painfully funny to watch.

We haven’t experienced it (because we always travel with just our backpacks), but having seen it more times than not, just watching others go through it – we can gather there’s nothing more embarrassing than dragging your luggage with way too much stuff in it up flights of stairs or across bumpy, uneven streets!

The Carry Backpacks We Recommend

Peak Design Everyday Backpack | Current prices here

Okay, this backpack is our all-time favorite backpack. We’ve traveled with these as our only backpacks all across Europe, down to Morocco, and even on a trip back to the United States.

It’s waterproof, has a computer sleeve, has shelving to organize your belongings, and has three ways to get into the bag all huge pluses when trying to stay organized!!

And… while we were in Morocco, we found out the safety mechanism on all the zippers making it harder for someone to open! It also helps that it has a lifetime warranty, something we look for in all our travel gear!

Fjallraven Kanken Classic Backpack | Grab one here

Jay bought this one for me (Heather) a few years back and I love it! When we went to Poland for the weekend – in the winter – I only packed this guy. It’s perfect with the sleeve for your computer in the back, and the small simplicity of it is just great. It’s not waterproof and doesn’t provide any padded protection, so definitely not a pack to carry around for long trips, but great for a weekend getaway!

Osprey Backpacking Bags | Grab it here

If you’re backpacking long term with a tent and camping gear, we recommend Osprey Backpacks. They have a waterproof shell and a lifetime warranty – Jay even had small damage from a flight years ago, and they repaired his bag at no charge! They definitely aren’t your small discreet backpacks, but if you’re camping, you’re going to need something bigger than the two backpacks above to carry all your gear!

Since ours are so old, we couldn’t find the actual links to our packs, but here’s something similar. We recommend being fitted for a pack at your local outdoors shop!

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READ MORE | Finding Cheap Flights for Your Next Vacation

In this post, we share our secrets to finding the cheapest flights, provide links to the websites we use, and give you our tips on the best practices for purchasing your flights.

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backpack only travel, carry-on only, no luggage, budget travel, arboursabroad, peak design

Heather is the co-founder of Arbours Abroad, and a full time travel writer with over ten years of travel experience across 39 countries. She’s lived in five different countries, and traveled by van in the United Kingdom and Europe for two and a half years.

Heather and her husband currently live in a van with their cat, Georgie, traveling and finding nature escapes all over the western United States while sneaking in trips abroad when they can.

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Young man smiling at camera with backpack on in the red rock desert.

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How to Travel with Only a Personal Item Backpack

Hate paying for checked luggage? Me too. Hate lugging your huge suitcase around? Absolutely! Many airlines these days charge an extra luggage fee whether you carry-on a bag for the overhead bin or check a whole suitcase. The only thing that’s always free is a small “personal item” bag that fits under the seat in front of you. But how can you pack everything you’ll need for a week vacation in just the free personal item sized baggage?

I’ve made countless trips all over the country with only a backpack along. If a shameless over-packer like me can do it then anyone can ditch their suitcase. It simply takes a little planning and the right equipment to set you up for success. Here’s everything you need to make personal-item-only packing a breeze.

* This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you.

You can have everything you need for travel with only a personal item. Traveling with a mountain of luggage like this makes for a miserable adventure.

Last year, my husband and I were in Europe stopping in France, Switzerland, and Germany over one week. With the varying temperatures and occasions, I decided to pack a suitcase. Never have I regretted a decision more.

I dragged that stupid suitcase up cobblestone roads and through crowded train cars, threw it into Ubers and climbed over it in tiny Parisian elevators, carried it up and down the same freaking hill 4 times when we got lost in Munich, and then up and down 3 flights of stairs at our Airbnb. In the end, I wore a third of the clothes I’d packed, two pairs of shoes, and swore I’d never pack a suitcase for a trip like that again.

Whether you’re here hoping to avoid the same situation or just looking to save a buck on baggage fees, I’ve gathered all the tried and true tips for packing with only a free personal item sized backpack.

Check this out next: How to Travel on a Budget

Choose a Backpack that Fits Airline Personal Item Regulations

First things first, you’ll need the right bag to make personal-item-only travel possible. Most people are surprised by how large of a bag will fit airline personal item regulations.

The backpack I travel with most often is the Eagle Creek Global Companion . I’ve found that I can easily pack for a week or more with this bag. As long as it’s packed appropriately, you can fit it under the seat in front of you, counting as the free allotted personal item. If I’m really stuffing this backpack to the seams it’s still a great carry-on for the overhead bin.

Eagle Creek Global Companion backpack is the perfect personal item or carry-on to help you maximize space

The Global Companion has a cushioned laptop sleeve, and even unzips flat so you can pack both sides like a suitcase. This is great both for packing and for finding your clothes while you’re out and about.

Eagle Creek Global Companion Unzipped - great for carry-on or personal item

It’s built for comfort and quality, but my absolute favorite thing about this bag is the pockets! I can tuck things like cell phone, tablet, credit cards, or passport within reach and even find a home for small items like lotion, contacts, or earrings.

The Eagle Creek Global Companion backpack is loaded with pockets to store all your travel essentials - a must for personal item only travel

It also comes with a built-in rain bag, so you can wrap the entire pack and keep your stuff dry if you get caught in a storm on the way from the airport. I’ve found this rain bag wrap to double as a pickpocket deterrent as well, because it makes it incredibly difficult for anyone to access zippers or pockets without being noticed. Great for traveling in areas where pick-pocketing is a concern – like subways or tourist sites.

What’s in your carry on? Check this out: The Ultimate Carry On Packing List

Compression Packing Cubes Will Change Your Life

I always saw packing cubes as a TV ad gimmick that didn’t really work. On the advice of a good friend and frequent backpack-only traveler I finally picked up a set of Gonex Compression Packing Cubes from Amazon. The difference they make not only in bag space but also keeping organized while traveling has been incredible.

With packing cubes you simply stuff all your clothes in, zip shut, then zip the compression section around the outside to shrink everything way down. Easy to use and creates lots of extra space in your bag. I really like these over vacuum storage bags because they don’t require a vacuum or pump, and wouldn’t wear out or become compromised by a small hole.

Besides the space savings, I love how these cubes make it easy to stay organized while traveling. A great deterrent to the suitcase explosion, you can just unzip the bags and leave your stuff inside to find clothes easily throughout the trip.

Dealing with Liquids in Personal Item Carry-Ons

Since you’ll be bringing everything on the plane with you, you’ll need to think about airline regulations for liquids. TSA allows liquids and gels in only a maximum of 3.4 oz containers. They need to be packed together into only one quart-sized sandwich bag. For some, this isn’t a big deal as they can just use hotel soap and shampoo.

I hate to be the diva, but my hair just doesn’t put up with hotel shampoo. I have to bring my own shampoo, conditioner, and product plus any other liquids/gels like toothpaste, lotion, etc. If you’re like me, this might be the deal breaker on carry-on only luggage. However there are lots of tricks you can use to make it work within the regulations.

It’s relatively easy to pick up travel-sized products in most grocery or drug stores in the US. However, in my experience it’s a pretty big ripoff and leads to a lot of waste. Ever see those clear, refillable travel-size bottles in the travel section of the drug store? Those will be your best friend. You can fill and refill as needed between trips from your large product bottles at home. I recommend ones with different colors so you can tell what’s what. I like these travel bottles from Amazon because they’re a great price, the material allows you to squeeze out every last bit of conditioner, and they have built-in ID labels. Fill in your shampoo, conditioner and body wash and you’re ready to go.

There are some gels or liquids that we only need a few drops of each day. Face lotion, liquid foundation, or primer are a few examples that come to mind. These products typically come in bottles that are already within the 3.4 limit, which is great. However, when it comes time to try and fit all your liquid bottles into your one allotted quart-size bag, it can be a problem. For those items you’ll only need a little of, I suggest adding a few drops to a smaller container or jar so it won’t take up a lot of space.

Protip: I’ve found that contact lens cases do the job perfectly, as they allow two different products and are a great space saver.

Travel hack - try using a spare contact lens case to pack face lotion so you can save space in your bag

If you don’t have any small containers like this lying around, you can pick up these nice travel jars on Amazon for pretty cheap .

A note on packing your liquids

While security processes will vary, you may be required to take your bag of liquids out of the backpack when you go through security. Because of this, best practice is to avoid burying your liquids at the bottom of your bag. I usually tuck my liquids bag in the front strap of my Eagle Creek backpack. This way, I’m not scrambling through my belongings in the middle of the security line.

Plan Your Outfits

I know, I hate planning outfits ahead of time too. However, it’s the best strategy for ensuring only the essentials make it into the personal item backpack. Take some time to think about what you’ll be doing and check the weather forecast. Plan outfits for each day accordingly. Make decisions about what you can wear more than once (like jeans with different tops). Try to select outfits that can be mixed and matched. Choose 1-2 pairs of shoes that will go with everything.

Jackets, sweatshirts, and coats are huge space hogs so try to pick only one or two that pair well with all your outfits. Plan to wear your jacket and one of the selected pairs of shoes to the airport.

Be Strategic About Shoes

Shoes tend to be the biggest space hog when you’re trying to pack everything as a personal item. This calls for some strategy when picking out your clothes. For ladies, ballet flats, and slim sandals will save you. Gentlemen, choose comfortable shoes that work for both casual and nicer outfits. Choose 1-2 pairs of shoes that will go with anything. Wear the bulkiest pair of shoes on the airplane. Ideally, you’ll also want these to be something you can easily slip off and on when you go through security (if you don’t have TSA precheck).

Leave Small Items Loose in your Personal Item Backpack

When you’re packing for personal item only travel, real estate in that bag is at a premium. You’d be surprised how much space you kill by putting all the smaller items together in a larger bag. It creates a lot of dead space in your backpack. For this reason, it helps to leave small odds and ends out and tuck them around your larger items, like packing cubes.

For example, items like charging chords, pill bottles, socks, and curling irons can all be tucked into the dead space created around other items in your bag. One of my favorite tricks is to stuff all my socks inside shoes.

Travel hack - stuff all your socks inside shoes to save room in your travel bag

Opt for a Clutch Instead of a Purse

Pick one small clutch, wristlet, or crossbody to bring for the trip. Ideally, it’ll be something that can fit your essential cards, a little cash, and passport (if applicable). If you choose a neutrally colored one, it’ll go with everything.

While I love my Kate Spade and Michael Kors as much as the next girl, I often travel with this cheap $20 clutch I purchased from Amazon . It fits my phone, passport, cards, and cash, and has a wrist-strap to keep it hands-free. It’s simple, functional, goes with everything, and I don’t have to worry about it getting scratched or dirty.

This inexpensive travel clutch is just the right size to carry phone, passport, and important cards on the go.

Think Outside the Box (or Backpack)

Not everything has to go in the backpack. Chances are, you’ll have a several items that don’t need to go in the bag at all. Jackets, neck pillows, a clutch or small wallet purse, and hats can stay out of the bag altogether. You can strap the neck pillow to the outside of your bag. The jacket and hat can be worn or strapped to your bag while going through security. I’ve never once had an issue boarding a plan carrying multiple small items like this, even when my ticket indicates personal-item-only.

Even if you don’t need a jacket temperature-wise, always keep it out of your bag. Why? The most obvious answer is that it saves space in the bag. Less obvious, is that the jacket pockets present additional real estate. If your personal item sized backpack is bursting at the seams, you can put some items in your jacket pockets. I’ve gone so far as to roll up a shirt and put it in the inside pocket a of jacket. Bonus space! It’s scrappy and may get a little bulky, but it does the job.

Check this out next: New Orleans on a Budget

Team Work Makes the Personal-Item-Only Dream Work

When traveling with friends or loved ones, use a team approach to packing! If you’re comfortable sharing, communicate about who can bring what. For example, one person brings a straightener, another brings the hairdryer, someone else brings contact solution, and so on.

If you can share and use the team approach when packing, you’ll be able to maximize the available space in your personal item backpack.

How to pack for a vacation with only a free airline personal item.

What are your pro-tips for getting all your essentials into the free personal item bag? I’d love to hear your strategies in the comments below!

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How We Travel With Only a Backpack

Are you considering traveling with only a backpack? We do it all the time and love it. This post outlines how we make minimalist travel work. Check it out to understand the benefits of traveling with only a backpack. #minimalisttravel #backpack #travel

Yes, it’s true, Marty and I only travel with hand luggage, and more specifically, only with our backpacks. I know some of the ladies out there are gasping right now, but it’s true! We’ve even spent as long as a month in Europe and only taken our backpacks.

With our packing tips and an open mind, you too can travel with only a backpack !

This is part 2 of our minimalist travel series. If you haven’t yet read the first post in this series, The Best Travel Backpack for Europe…and Beyond , please start there as having a good bag is step number one in this process.

Then after finishing this post, be sure and get our Ultimate Carry On Only Packing List .

*This post contains affiliate links. By purchasing through these links, we get a small commission at no additional cost to you. That Texas Couple is also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Travel With Only a Backpack: Our First Experience

Golden Gate Bridge-travel with only a backpack

I remember the first time that Marty suggested that I travel with only a backpack .

We were headed to San Francisco for a 5-day trip and he wanted me to pack with just one bag, well actually just one backpack?? Was he crazy?

Did he not know who he married at all? I was not having this. I needed my shoes and my makeup!

You see, we had a trip to Europe scheduled to take place about 3 months after our San Francisco trip and Marty did not want us lugging around bags as we transferred between Rome , Capri , and Paris , just to name a few towns.

Showing me our Europe itinerary convinced me to give this backpacking thing a try. I mean, I didn’t want to be the one slowing us down with luggage. LOL!

Not being fully convinced, I bought a cheap backpack from the local department store and began packing it up for San Francisco. I packed up my bag shoving it full of as many clothes, shoes, makeup, and hair accessories as I could.

In my mind I pretended that I was packing for a last minute weekend getaway .

Funny thing though, I wound up not using about 1/2 of these items and the cheap backpack that I bought was really uncomfortable.

This really put this minimalist travel into perspective for me. I decided that I could travel with only a backpack if I had the right tools and did the appropriate planning for our trip.

One of the tools to consider, especially when flying overseas, is to consider your long-haul flight essentials .

At this point in our travels, Marty and I have taken 50 or more trips traveling only with our backpacks, so I consider us pros. That’s where the rest of this post comes in.

Let us teach you how to embrace traveling with only a backpack so you can experience this great freedom and save some money!

Read Next: The Ultimate List of Friends Traveling Quotes

Find the Best Travel Backpack

One of the most critical parts of traveling with only a backpack is to find a great bag!

Marty and I both tried numerous backpacks and learned the hard way that spending a little extra money goes a long way. In our post, The Best Travel Backpacks for Europe…and Beyond , we tell you all about our favorite bags.

It’s extremely important that you find a bag that suits your traveling needs. We prefer a front open bag with plenty of pockets to help organize our stuff.

I mean, you don’t want to have to empty your bag to find a phone charger while waiting at the airport.

Pack Light and Pack Right

Choose your outfits wisely.

Like I said before, I usually wind up taking twice the amount of clothing that I truly need with me on vacation. Carefully choosing my outfits has helped me tremendously to pack lighter.

I tend to go with a color palette and continue that throughout my clothing decisions. I have found that dark-colored bottoms do well as they are easy to mix and match with several tops and they show dirt less. Bonus!

I also try to choose items that I can wear multiple ways. For example, I can take a scarf to dress up my outfit for dinner but to also use as a cover if we are visiting churches that require a more modest dress.

A cute cotton dress can be dressed up to wear to dinner, but can also easily serve as a cover-up for my swimsuit. Get creative to see how versatile you can make your pieces.

5-7 days seems to be the key for us. We tend to pack 5-7 days worth of clothes, and no more.

At that point, we are either staying in an accommodation with a washer and dryer, or we are doing laundry ourselves.

Know Which Items You Need More Of

Obviously, there are certain items, like socks and underwear, that need to be washed more often than other items, like jackets and pants.

Because of this, you need to pack more socks and underwear than you do jackets and pants, which is a good thing as the pants take up more room. LOL!

Granted, you will be doing laundry along the way, but having extra socks and underwear will help to stretch out the laundry needs.

Wear Your Bulky Items

Now, you don’t want to look like Joey in the Friends episode where he comes out wearing all of Chandler’s clothes, but it definitely pays off to wear your bulky items onto the plane. This will free up so much space in your backpack!

Choose the Right Clothes to Bring

We go for easy, wash and wear clothes while traveling with only a backpack. Being able to quickly wash items along the way is so helpful. So pack items that dry quickly and don’t require a bunch of care.

Choose the Right Toiletries

When it comes to toiletries, you have to pack travel-size items, or better yet, consider buying items when you arrive. I always bring my favorite hair gel in travel-size containers as it is often hard to find.

To make up for this, I tend to buy shampoo, conditioner, and lotion once we arrive at our travel destination, or better yet use the free stuff provided by the hotel.

Roll Your Clothes

Rolling your clothes is essential for minimalist travel. Folding or balling up your clothes actually makes them take up more room in your bag. The process of rolling your clothes also allows you to easily dig through your backpack as needed.

To take your organization even further, invest in a good set of packing cubes . Packing cubes are truly lifesavers regardless of if you are traveling with only a backpack or a suitcase. Packing cubes make organizing easy!!

Read Next: 100+ Life Journey Quotes to Inspire Wanderlust

Plan Your Accommodations Carefully

When traveling with only a backpack for an extended trip like our trip to Italy , Germany , and London , we carefully plan our accommodations to ensure that we have access to wash our clothes.

Now granted, you can visit a laundromat if absolutely necessary, but I don’t like to spend precious vacation hours sitting waiting for my clothes to wash and dry.

For this reason, Marty and I try to strategically book an Airbnb with a washer and dryer about a week into the trip. This allows us to do laundry overnight or in the evening when we are unwinding from the day.

Could You Travel With Only a Backpack?

So what do you think, could you travel with only a backpack? I have to be honest, I didn’t think that I could do it at first, but now that I have experienced minimalist travel, I am addicted.

I love the freedom that I have found traveling with only a backpack. Give it a try on a short trip and see what you think.

Don’t forget to read the next post in this series, the Ultimate Carry On Only Packing List .

We would love to hear from you. Comment below and let us know you’re thoughts on our series and about your minimalist travels.

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Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight:

We love using CheapOAir, Kayak, and Kiwi to search for the best flight prices. We love using these search engines because they search the web for airlines worldwide to ensure you get the best deal! In addition to flights, you can also find great hotel prices on Kayak and Kiwi.

Book Your Vacation Package:

If you want to book an entire vacation package, we suggest using Expedia. We love how easy Expedia is to use, and we always find good deals on entire vacation packages on their site.

Another great site for vacation packages is BookVIP . BookVIP offers super cheap vacation packages to incredible destinations. You are sure to save money using their site!

For full guided vacations, including hotels, some meals, transportation, and guides, then we book with Trafalgar. Trafalgar is a trusted tour company that will meet all your needs while ensuring a great experience.

Trip.com allows you to book flights, hotels, train tickets, rental cars, airport transfers, tours, and more all on one site. Owned by the parent company that also owns Skyscanner, this is a trusted resource for travel booking and a great “one-stop shop.”

Book Your Accommodations:

We always begin our search by checking out honest reviews on TripAdvisor hotels. This allows us to narrow our search for specific properties once we are ready to book. Of course, you can also book directly on the TripAdvisor site!

There are several accommodation sites that we like to use. One of our favorites is Booking.com because it offers a wide variety of hotels and guesthouses at a good price.

Another “go-to” hotel booking site for us is Hotels.com . We love their loyalty program that allows you to earn free nights, and their “secret prices” for members are fabulous deals!

HotelsCombined is another cool site. They allow you to compare all the top travel sites with one search to ensure you find the best deal out there. Kayak works in this way as well.

If you want a luxurious all-inclusive vacation, consider checking out the Sandals/Beaches properties. Sandals properties are for couples only and Beaches are for families. We have visited Sandals in the past and absolutely love the attention to detail and the service they provide.

Tour Companies We Trust:

We love taking guided tours when visiting new places. Our go-to tour companies are Viator.com and Get Your Guide . Both of these companies have been in business for years and provide excellent customer service. You can trust booking tours from their sites for sure!

For a guided city tour, check out City Sightseeing and BigBus Tours . These bus tours are so much fun and easy to hop on and hop off at top attractions in cities around the world.

CityPass is a great way to save money when visiting large cities. CityPass allows you to get free admission to major attractions once you buy their pass. The savings add up quickly with this pass, often saving 50% with combined admissions.

Another great pass to save money in larger cities is the Sightseeing Pass . This pass allows you to save valuable time and money by combining admissions to major attractions. They also have a handy app that keeps everything you need at your fingertips.

Looking to Save Time and Money?

Check out our resource page for all of our favorite vendors. These companies help us to save time and money on our travels!

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About the Author

Michelle Snell is a travel writer, history buff, wine lover, and enthusiast of different cultures. Michelle enjoys bringing places to life through creative content creation and her informative writing style on her blogs, That Texas Couple and Totally Texas Travel and accompanying social media accounts. She is happiest sipping wine in Italy or chilling on a beach with her husband, Marty.

Backpack Joe

Saturday 18th of July 2020

It's so important to learn how we travel with only a backpack. Before reading this article, I always think I will take two or three backpacks when I was travel somewhere. But now I guess I can always go with one backpack. Thanks for your great tips.

thattexascouple

Sunday 19th of July 2020

Thank you so much!! We love simplifying our packing and therefor our travels.

Sarah Higgins

Friday 10th of April 2020

Wow, it's an interesting bog. I also want to know how we travel with only a backpack. I am a professional traveler so I think it's helping me a lot. Many many thanks for sharing with us the informative article.

Thank you for reading, Sarah!

Thursday 20th of February 2020

I only travel with a backpack now. I was convinced of this after catching ferries in Greece and watching people stumble around with their luggage and I had a backpack and free hands. Never going back to a suitcase. It’s also way less stress having fewer clothes to chose from while travelling.

Your story sounds similar to ours. My friends think I am crazy. I just keep telling them how freeing it is :)

Saturday 6th of October 2018

I have read and reread this post with too much hope but the number of times I tried to have only one hand luggage it wasva major struggle, I had left almost everything and was barely surviving ?. Will keep trying though.

Thursday 11th of October 2018

Oh no, Bonita. I hate to hear this. Traveling this light isn't for everyone, and I think that's ok. :)

Thursday 4th of October 2018

Wow i never imagined packing in only one backpack. Thanks for sharing great tips..very useful tips will follow them

It's really freeing, Madhu. Give it a try on a short trip and see what you think :)

The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks

By Kit Dillon

Kit Dillon is a writer focused on bags and travel gear. He has worked for Wirecutter for a decade and lost count of the number of bags he has tested.

When you open up your favorite carry-on travel backpack, it should feel like you’re opening the door to a well-organized closet or sitting down at a clean desk, with everything in the right place and easy to reach.

This is your moment to center yourself, no matter how chaotic the journey.

What we considered

A 45-liter bag maximizes overhead space but can get heavy when fully packed; 35-liter bags tend to be more manageable.

A bag with a clamshell design opens like a book and is the easiest to pack, but a bag that opens traditionally tends to have more structure.

Ideally, a travel backpack has handles on all sides—especially the bottom—so you can pull it out of overhead bins or from under seats.

Some internal pockets are useful, but major organizing is better managed with packing cubes.

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack and the larger Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L offer the best combination of features, quality, and durability. Both bags are exemplary carry-on travel backpacks that are designed for comfort, durability, and organization. Though these backpacks are great as companion bags for any trip, they’re designed to ultimately replace all of your other luggage and become your exclusive bag as you travel.

This style of packing is not for everyone, but once some people try it, they’re forever hooked. Finding the right bag is a personal choice, though, and no single bag will appeal to everyone. That’s why we also have picks that are great for people who travel for work , others that are designed to be carried over long distances , and a bag that’s basically luggage on your back .

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, best small carry-on bag for most situations: cotopaxi allpa 35l travel pack, best large bag for most situations: peak design travel backpack 45l, best mobile office: patagonia black hole mlc 45l, best bag for long journeys on foot: osprey farpoint 40 and fairview 40, best bag if you need a large suitcase on your back: tortuga travel backpack pro 40l, other good carry-on travel backpacks, how we picked and tested, the competition.

I’ve been covering aspects of luggage and travel bag design for Wirecutter for nearly a decade, and I have personally researched, tested, and compared hundreds of bags in that time. I personally try to do most of my travel with a single backpack, whenever possible. I spent nine months roaming around Hawaii with not much more than that, and I spent another six months nomadically couch-surfing in New York City.

I reached out to writers who specialize in traveling the world carrying everything they need in a single bag: Eytan Levy, the owner and operator of the Snarky Nomad travel website; James Feess, founder of The Savvy Backpacker ; and Sharon Gourlay, of the Where’s Sharon? travel website. I also spoke with moderators of Reddit’s r/onebag and r/heronebag forums, as well as with Chase Reeves, bag fanatic, reviewer, and owner of Matterful .

We researched and tested bags designed for those who want to travel light and stay flexible while flying, without the burden of checking luggage. For some people, the challenge of cutting down a packing list is intimidating. But if you can get past that initial hurdle, traveling with a single bag is a revelation. With fewer items, you have more time to concentrate on and appreciate the journey.

When you’re not loaded down by heavy luggage, it’s easy to remain more mobile. And it’s easier to adjust your plans mid-trip. If you’re willing to do laundry on the road, then one bag is all you need to travel indefinitely. At its heart, one-bag travel allows you to discover more—not just about the places you’re going but also about yourself and what you really need day to day.
Size and weight still matter. If you desire more creature comforts or more gear, or if you plan to be away for a long time across multiple climates, you’ll want a bigger travel backpack . These larger bags tend not to be carry-on-friendly, however, especially in Europe, so be prepared to check them.
No single backpack is perfect for everyone. Before you make any purchase, consider some basic points. How much can you carry? And where do you usually visit: the city or outback? Travel gear should feel like a welcome companion—there to support you when you need it but unobtrusive when you don’t.

45-liter bag vs. 35-liter bag

A graphic comparing the difference in capacity between a 45-liter and a 35-liter backpack.

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

A versatile small pack for a week or a weekend.

This durable bag’s clamshell design makes it easy to organize your stuff. And due to its strap design, this bag can be worn on your back or carried in your hand while you’re on the move.

Buying Options

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack is an easy-to-organize, comfortable-to-carry bag for getaways lasting just a few days or a whole week.

It’s one bag that can do it all. This is a great all-around bag for any traveler who’s dedicated to packing light, or for a smaller person who wants less to carry. There are handles on all four sides of this bag, so it’s easy to grab no matter where you’ve stowed it. It’s also protected by a full lifetime warranty, and it has the build quality to back that up. After more than four years of testing, this single backpack (plus a personal item ) has replaced nearly every travel bag or piece of luggage I use.

It comes in various sizes, but we think the middle-of-the-road version is the best. Cotopaxi also makes the Allpa in 28-liter and 42-liter sizes. But for us, the 35-liter bag is the best option. At 42 liters, this bag becomes heavy for most people to carry when it is fully packed, and we’d prefer that it had a more-robust hip belt. At 28 liters, the bag becomes a touch small for most people, and its internal organization feels fussy for shorter trips, such as an overnight. Cotopaxi also makes a hip pack , which is designed to fit snugly into the Allpa bag’s front top compartment. It’s a neat little addition to the bag, and it is worth getting if you like wearing fanny packs while you travel.

It’s organized, easy to pack, and easy to carry. The Allpa bag has a clamshell design, so it opens like a hard-sided suitcase—a large YKK zipper runs around three sides of the bag, allowing it to fall open into two halves when unzipped. On the right side is a deep compartment, spacious enough for two large packing cubes or half a suitcase’s worth of clothing (which you access through a mesh zippered flap). On the left, there’s space for one more medium-size packing cube behind a zippered flap. Above that there are two smaller pockets with high-visibility backing—useful when you’re looking for hard-to-differentiate personal items.

The packed Cotopaxi Allpa Travel Pack, shown fully open so that the contents are accessible.

It’s secure but still accessible. The Allpa pack has two side-access zippers—great for on-the-go access, especially when the bag is hanging from your shoulder. One of these reveals a flat computer pocket with a padded false bottom; so if you drop the bag, it won’t land on the corner of your computer. The other reveals a “secret” pocket with a hidden zipper and access to the main compartment. All of the main compartment zippers are protected by security loops, which you thread the zipper through at the end of its run. This prevents anyone from subtly or quickly grabbing a zipper and opening your bag when you aren’t paying attention.

It’s comfortable to carry. The Allpa bag’s hip belt—which can be removed while the bag is on your back—is substantial enough that it’s comfortable to wear when you need it. With or without the hip belt, the Allpa bag is comfortable to carry over long distances. However, folks who have longer torsos (over 19 inches) may find that the waist belt sits a little high off the hips, unless you fully extend the shoulder straps. Speaking of shoulder straps, unlike the ones on our other picks, the Allpa bag’s straps are contoured to fit people who have large or small chests. It’s not a specifically gendered design, but our female tester noticed the improvement right away.

The Allpa pack is made with 1680-denier ballistic nylon, similar to the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 . (Denier is a measure of a fabric’s fiber thickness.) It feels similar to a strong canvas, but it has a more prominent weave. This is the type of bag that’s as easy to toss into an overhead compartment as it is into the back of a rusty pickup truck. And it also includes a rainfly, which is unique in this category.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Though this pack is well organized for packing, it’s less ideal as a mobile office. The Allpa pack has a minimal amount of administrative organization—places to keep pens and papers, spaces to hold tickets, and so forth. This is where a good personal item comes in handy. However, if you want to travel with just this one bag, there are a few nooks you can hide things in. The front organizer is deep enough that you can also fit several small organizing pouches, if you want, or the aforementioned fanny pack.
We prefer the model without the TPU front. Cotopaxi does enjoy playing around with fabrics and colors. Sometimes the company has released the Allpa pack without the TPU-lined front panel. The TPU panel improves water resistance, but after many years of traveling with our bag, we’ve found that the TPU layering can begin to flake in spots.

Capacity: 35 liters Weight: 3 pounds 5 ounces Main compartment access: clamshell opening Style: adventurous Colors: assorted

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

An easily customizable large bag for long trips and expensive gear.

This bag was built with photographers in mind. Yet most travelers will appreciate its easy accessibility, clever tuck-away straps, and the elegant way the bag expands and contracts. The accessory cubes cost extra, though.

The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is a good choice for those carrying more expensive gear—especially camera gear. It’s also great for those who prefer a large, backpack-based packing system.

One bag provides many configurations. Some bags in this category are built to do one thing extremely well—be carried on your back. But the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is built to adapt. It’s the Swiss Army knife of backpacks: adjustable, customizable, and (if you spring for the extra cubes and organizers) an almost perfect system for a photographer or gearhead on the move. Most bags’ expanding mechanisms aren’t worth the extra zipper they’re built on, and they look about as attractive as a boiled ham splitting out of its plastic packaging. That’s not the case with the Peak Design: This bag looks just as good fully packed at 45 liters as it does compressed to a 30-liter daypack.

It’s expandable, with clever folds and zippers. You can access the bag through a back panel (which doubles as a computer and tablet pouch) as well as a front one (if you unzip the pass-through divider). You can also get into the main compartment via two wing-like trapezoidal flaps, which run along each side of the pack. In its natural shape, the Travel Backpack holds 35 liters, but an expansion zipper lets the bag swell to 45 liters. If you want to use the bag as a daypack, you fold in the top corners and snap them down, reducing the bag’s volume to a slim 30 liters. In this configuration, it will still feel larger than a normal daypack, but we think that’s a small compromise for being able to use one backpack as both your travel bag and your daily explorer. The bag itself consists of 400-denier nylon and polyester fabrics. It feels tough but not as tough as some other bags we’ve tested, such as the Cotopaxi Allpa.

It has fold-away straps, for easier storage. The Peak Design lets you tuck its shoulder and hip straps away when you’re not using them. But unlike any other bag we’ve ever tested, this pack has magnetic flaps on the back panel that open and close with an almost magical snap. Once you’ve played with them, you’ll wonder why every backpack doesn’t have something similar. A small, childish part of me still gets excited about tucking away the straps when I put the Peak Design into an overhead bin. Although the straps are thin, they’re still comfortable. The hip belt isn’t quite as plush as the one on the Tortuga pack; still, even when the Peak Design is fully loaded, the belt doesn’t pinch or dig into the body.

It’s great for carrying expensive gear. If you travel with a camera, you don’t have to use Peak Design’s camera cubes , but they do make carrying that gear a whole lot easier. The cubes come in five sizes. And if they’re situated properly in the bag with the provided clips, they line up with the Travel Backpack’s side-access flaps for quick access. Caleigh Waldman (a photographer for this piece and, full disclosure, my spouse) took this bag across the country for a wedding shoot. “I want this backpack,” she said after three weeks of travel. “I want to travel with it everywhere. With my cameras. Without my cameras. It doesn’t matter. I want to travel with it.”

It’s expensive—especially if you commit to the entire system of packing and camera cubes.
More complexity means more things that can break. The adjustable design and multiple zippers do add complexity, and complexity adds potential weaknesses. Peak Design covers all of its bags with a lifetime warranty , which should alleviate most people’s concerns. But if you’re particularly hard on your gear and still need to carry as much as possible, you might consider the Tortuga bag instead.

Capacity: 45 liters Weight: 4½ pounds Main compartment access: back-panel loader Style: minimalist and unobtrusive Color: black, sage

Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L

Combines more organization with a simple interior.

This bag’s split interior makes organizing easy. Those who travel for work will appreciate this bag’s dedicated panels for organizing tech, books, papers, and assorted miscellaneous items.

If you travel often for business and prefer a bag that’s much easier to work out of than most of our other picks, you may like the Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L . This bag has a front panel and assorted pockets that make it feel like a small traveling office.

It’s built like luggage but organized like your office. Of all the bags we recommend, the MLC (short for Maximum Legal Carry) comes closest to being a suitcase on your back, due to its large size, simple interior, and minimal external features. The MLC is also one of the simplest bags we tested, divided into two leaves (imagine a book with only one page), with a main compartment for packing and a second compartment for document organization and tech storage. The MLC has a built-in laptop compartment that fits 17-inch laptops and is situated close to your back; this protects the computer and keeps its weight closer to your body.

Despite its size, it’s comfortable enough to carry. Most carry-on backpacks of this size, without frames, become somewhat unwieldy when fully packed. Thankfully, the Black Hole MLC bag, like the Cotopaxi Allpa, is a welcome exception to this rule. The MLC has two shoulder straps, a hip belt, and an optional shoulder strap, for easy carrying. When they're not in use, or when you’re checking your bag, all of the straps can be stowed away easily. When fully loaded, the bag was pleasant to carry—not as comfortable as the Peak Design or the Osprey, but decent enough. I wouldn’t want to carry it all day across a city, but I wouldn’t mind carrying it through an airport to a car and to a hotel.

It’s built from high-quality materials, with durability in mind. This pack is made from recycled polyester, and the fabric is woven in a cross-weave that’s very similar to what Patagonia uses in its long-lasting Black Hole series of duffle bags . This is a material I’ve come across a bunch with Patagonia gear, and I’ve tested it thoroughly; it’s very tough. The front of the bag is coated in a weather-resistant TPU, for extra protection from the elements. The bag has large YKK zippers (the industry leader) and smaller YKK zippers throughout. Unlike the Cotopaxi Allpa pack, the Black Hole MLC bag has no security loops.

It comes with one of the best repair programs and a lifetime warranty. Similar to our other picks, the MLC is backed by an excellent lifetime warranty , and we’ve always found that Patagonia’s repair program goes above and beyond other comparable companies.

We wish the Maximum Legal Carry (despite the name) came in a few more sizes. The 45-liter capacity may be intimidating for some people, and there is no alternative.

Capacity: 45 liters Weight: 3 pounds 10 ounces Main compartment access: clamshell Style: retro Colors: tan, black, olive, green

The Osprey Farpoint/ Fairview 40 Travel Pack, one of our also-great picks for the best carry-on travel backpack, shown in black.

Osprey Farpoint 40

For long distances on foot.

A great starter option for one-bag travel, this bag is easy to pack, adaptable to most situations, and sturdy enough to take with you as you travel the world.

Osprey Fairview 40

For long distances and smaller torsos.

A scaled-down version of the Farpoint, this bag has shoulder straps that are slightly lower, to keep the bag’s bulk more aligned with smaller torsos.

Updated in 2023, the Osprey Farpoint 40 and Fairview 40 packs are both built around a hiking backpack frame that’s easy to carry over long distances.

It’s built for travel but designed for hiking. The Farpoint 40 bag is well made, easy to pack, and comfortable to carry over most mid-length distances—such as walking across a city for an afternoon. (For simplicity’s sake, everything we say here about the Farpoint bag also applies to the Fairview bag.) Osprey makes excellent backpacks for hauling around, and its lifetime warranty is renowned within the industry . The Farpoint pack also has an optional messenger bag–style strap, which offers some flexibility when you’re maneuvering tight spaces like subways or crowded city centers.

View of the straps on the reverse of the Osprey travel backpack.

It’s simple to pack, but not as spacious as it seems. Opening the bag reveals a clamshell design; it’s deep enough to accommodate most large items, yet you won’t have to fumble awkwardly with zippers once it’s time to close up the bag. The feeling you get is not unlike when you’re packing a bit of sturdy luggage, and that’s something we love about bags like this one—especially when you use packing cubes . Osprey says this bag, when fully packed, can carry 40 liters. But after using the Farpoint bag for a few years, we’ve decided that its rounded shape seems to cut into that theoretical packable space more than other bags do. In practice, the Farpoint pack’s available space is closer to—but still less than—that of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L .

It’s the easiest bag to carry among our picks. Like all Osprey bags, the Farpoint 40 has very comfortable shoulder straps. The years of design and consideration Osprey has put into its hiking backpacks are quite evident in the Farpoint 40. After more than seven years of long-term testing this bag, we’re still surprised by how great it feels to wear when fully packed. Crucially, the straps of the Farpoint 40 stow away neatly behind a zippered panel. However, when you’re using the shoulder straps, the design forces you to also use the hip straps. Though this isn’t a huge issue, if you prefer a sleeker look or would rather have the option of using shoulder straps without hip straps, the Cotopaxi Allpa pack is more flexible, and it lets you hide the waist straps while the bag is on your back.

The Fairview 40 has the same features, in a scaled-down size. The Farpoint 40 and the Fairview 40 packs basically have the same design, but the Fairview pack is made for someone with a more-diminutive torso. It’s also slightly lighter. However, it has the features and durability of the Farpoint bag. It also has the same hip belt and adjustability. On both, the chest-strap clip is also equipped with a small security whistle that’s surprisingly loud. It’s a handy feature for anyone traveling in unfamiliar environments.

For a smaller carry-on travel backpack, this one has little to not like. However, we do wish Osprey would trade some of the sleeker contours for a little more interior space.

Capacity: 35 liters Weight (Farpoint): 3 pounds 3 ounces Weight (Fairview): 3 pounds 2 ounces Main compartment access: front-panel loader Style: active Colors (Farpoint): green (Gopher), gray (Tunnel Vision), blue (Muted Space), black Colors (Fairview): blue (Winter Night), red (Zircon), blue (Night Jungle), black

The Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L, our also-great pick for the best carry-on travel backpack.

Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L

A suitcase to carry on your back.

For dedicated single-bag travelers, this water-resistant, durable bag is easy to pack and to travel with. And it’s comfortable to wear over endless miles—as long as you don’t mind the heavier weight.

The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L maximizes packing space in a bag that’s durable, water-resistant, and customizable to fit most torso lengths (there’s also a 30L version ), with plenty of organizational features to suit any digital nomad.

It’s like a suitcase, with backpack straps. The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L is built to occupy the maximum carry-on space available. It’s a nearly perfect blend of backpack and luggage. On the outside, its tear-resistant sailcloth and sealed zippers provide ample protection from sharp objects and the elements. Opening the main clamshell zipper reveals a cavernous interior and a few organizational features that make the bag a cinch to pack. The front panel is a particular standout, great for keeping track of electronics and chargers. Of all the bags we tested, the Tortuga strikes the closest balance between the carrying comfort of a hiking backpack and the space and organization of a piece of luggage.

The Tortuga Backpack Pro shown with the front clamshell lid in the open position.

It’s as easy to pack as luggage. When it comes to packing, the Tortuga pack has a soothingly minimal interior, as any good suitcase should. In addition to the bag’s cavernous main pocket, its interior lid has a large vented panel. The panel is too narrow to hold additional packing cubes, but it’s great for holding light jackets or doubling as a dirty-laundry bag (if you’re really committed to one-bag travel). The Tortuga is available as a 40-liter pack (the maximum space for a carry-on bag), which we tested; there is also a 30-liter version, which is compliant with some intra-European flights. The more-diminutive version is a decent choice for weekend travel or for minimalist travelers—but for those uses, we prefer the space-saving profile and extra internal organization of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L bag.

It’s very customizable. The Tortuga pack is the most adjustable model we tested, thanks to its adjustable torso length, shoulder straps, and waist-belt system. The adjustable strap system lets you manipulate the location of the shoulder straps (video) to fit a wider variety of body sizes, in both the 30- and 40-liter versions. Of the packs we’ve tested, this one (with its included load-adjuster straps at the top, to prevent the bag’s weight from sagging toward your lumbar region) is the best at distributing its weight (4½ pounds when empty—roughly 1½ pounds more than most of our other picks, except the Peak Design ). The hip straps are removable if you need, but the shoulder straps are not stowable.

Its straps don’t stow away. Some people, especially those who are hard on their gear, may consider not being able to remove or stow the shoulder straps (as they can with our other picks, like the Cotopaxi Allpa ) a disqualifying factor. But after years of testing, traveling with, and occasionally checking our bag, we haven’t had an issue. However, if these mysteries beneath the airport also make you nervous, you might prefer our picks with easy-to-stow straps, such as the Peak Design.
It's heavy. We’ve fielded complaints from some testers who said that older models of this bag were too heavy for them to carry, even with the padded hip belt and adjustable straps. The additional padding does add weight. At 4½ pounds, this latest Tortuga bag is more than half a pound lighter than it used to be (the difference is noticeable), and it weighs the same as the equally large Peak Design pack. We are currently testing a new, lighter, and less-expensive version of this pack—aptly named the Travel Backpack Lite 40L —and will report back soon. In the meantime, if you think you would struggle carrying the Tortuga, we strenuously encourage you to consider one of our more-manageable picks, like the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L.

Capacity: 40 liters Weight: 4½ pounds Main compartment access: clamshell opening Style: minimal, with a rigid construction Color: black

If you want to travel like a backpacker but also fit in at a board meeting (and you have the budget for it): Consider the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 . This bag’s reputation for durability, adaptability, and a low-key aesthetic make it a favorite among many dedicated one-bag travelers. And after testing it, we think it’s a great bag too. That said, for the bag to really stand out against other backpacks—and to take full advantage of its carrying adaptability—you need to buy the internal frame , the hip belt , and (if you’re traveling with a suit or jacket) the shoulder strap . On a bag that already costs $330, all of this adds up. Everything about the Tom Bihn bag (the fabric, the zippers, the quality of construction) feels like an upgrade from other bags, but it’s simply too pricey, and its design is too rarified and specific for most people. The biggest flaw, from our perspective—apart from the price—is that the Tom Bihn bag lacks a dedicated laptop pocket. In its place, the company sells laptop sleeves (a fine version if you don’t have one) that clip into the bag’s central compartment. Not everyone needs a dedicated laptop pocket, but we prefer the more secure feeling of bags that do.

If you want a budget pick (but only when it’s on sale): The eBags Mother Lode Travel Backpack (our former budget pick) is still your best budget option, if you can catch it on sale for at least half off the list price. It’s not comfortable enough for trekking long distances on foot, but there are plenty of external pockets for organization, a laptop sleeve (which holds the weight of your computer high up on your shoulders), and an easy-to-access main compartment. This pack also has the largest capacity of any bags we tested, expanding to 65 liters—well beyond any airline’s regulated 45-liter limit. However, the bag’s casual-to-basic looks might not be to everyone’s taste. In 2024, eBags raised the price of the Mother Lode to $200. We have seen it on sale for $100, and in our opinion it’s worth getting only at the sale price.

We’ve narrowed our specifications for a great bag to the following list of features, ordered from most relevant to least:

Front- or back-panel loader or clamshell opening, for the main compartment: As with any good piece of luggage, with this type of bag, you should be able to open it and see everything you’ve packed. When you have a bag with a panel-loading or clamshell design—rather than a traditional, top-opening design—you can pack and unpack it just as you would a suitcase.

A graphic illustrating a clamshell bag opening

Backpack strap comfort and design: You never know when you’ll be walking farther with your bag than you’d intended. The more comfortable and well designed the straps are, the easier traveling will be. “Ideally, you want a bag’s shoulder straps to adjust to the angle of your shoulders,” said Eytan Levy of Snarky Nomad. “Good shoulder straps are the difference between an easy trip and a hard trip.”
Hip-belt comfort and design: A hip belt transfers heavy loads from your back and shoulders onto your hips, letting your legs—not your back—bear the brunt of the weight. Just having a waist belt is a plus, but having a padded and sculpted one—especially on bags with over 40 liters of volume—makes a world of difference.
Material quality: Durability is critical for any type of luggage, but especially for a backpack that will be your only bag. Most bags worth considering are made of nylon, which resists abrasion more than polyester fabrics of similar density. Spending more, however, can get you exotic, light, and strong materials, such as Dyneema or sailcloth.
Weight: Once the bags arrived, we weighed each one ourselves. Most of the bags weighed within a few pounds of one another. But unless you’re very strict with yourself, by the time you’re packed for a two-week journey, all bags are going to feel equally massive, even if one is just 2 pounds heavier than another when empty.
Stowable straps: These are nice to have, but they aren’t absolutely necessary. “The more often you need to check a bag, the more often you need to hide away the straps,” Levy said. “But if the straps are tough enough, it doesn’t matter.”
Accessory pocket layout and design: Some people will love an accessory pocket that has a specific space for everything; others may find that feature constricting and unadaptable. We prioritized bags with simple designs that guided our packing without constraining us.
Style: This is purely subjective. We preferred bags that had a minimalist exterior style, but not all of our picks will please everyone. Most of the people we spoke with, however, preferred not to stick out like a tourist wearing a large, colorful backpack, if they could avoid it.

During testing, we flew across the country with these bags, took weekend trips to nearby cities, lived out of them on extended trips, and tried them locally in our daily routines. We also packed and unpacked each bag, using a standardized set of weeklong travel necessities and accessories, to see how well the internal organizational features (or lack thereof) aided or got in the way of efficient packing.

This is not a comprehensive list of all of the carry-on travel backpacks we have tested. We have removed any models that have been discontinued or that no longer meet our criteria.

The Away Outdoor Convertible Backpack 45L is a rare miss from the Away team. This bag is resoundingly average for the price. Although it’s made from excellent materials, the bag is let down by its overall design, which lacks any kind of structure or attention to comfort. There are better options.

The cheap, no-frills Cabin Max Metz bag is intriguing for the price. Any bag at this price should almost be considered disposable. That said, if you need a simple bag that costs less than a seat upgrade, this might be the way to go—unless you can pick up the eBags Motherlode bag for under $100, which we think is a better deal at that price.

The GeniusPack Travel Backpack is the only model we came across that tried to fit a suit into a travel backpack. Though some people might need that, we think those who have to travel with a suit (or clothes that require pressing) would be better off with a piece of carry-on luggage . GeniusPack now offers a second version of this bag, but our conclusion hasn’t changed.

For certain people, the GoRuck GR3 is almost worth the cost. It’s strong and simple and covered by an iron-clad repair guarantee. The removable hip belt is comfortable to wear, and it’s good at displacing the weight of a 45-liter backpack. This is a decent bag. After testing it, however, we weren’t thrilled with the internal Velcro lining for compatible Velcro packing cubes. Velcro isn’t great: It wears out, it’s difficult to keep clean, and it clings to dirt. That might seem like a small thing, but for the price, this bag should feel perfect.

The Minaal Carry-On 2.0 was designed to be a backpack for business people. But if you’re carrying it for business, you’re probably wearing at least a blazer, so you wouldn’t use a backpack in any case. If you’re a business traveler who falls more on the casual end of the business-casual spectrum, and you’re not on a budget, this is a well-thought-out pack. But we think our picks are more versatile for world travel, and they come at a better price. Minaal has since introduced a 3.0 version of this bag ; our thoughts about it remain the same.

The Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L is a slightly larger sibling of the Farpoint pack. The Sojourn Porter bag is about 2 inches longer, and it pushes right up to most airline limits. If you don’t mind possibly having to check your bag at the last minute, this would be an excellent alternative to the Farpoint pack.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Chase Reeves, Matterful.co , phone interview , October 10, 2018

Addison Ryan, moderator, r/onebag , email interview , September 8, 2018

Lindsay Lorraine Calderón, moderator, r/heronebag , phone interview , September 28, 2018

Meet your guide

Kit Dillon is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. He was previously an app developer, oil derrick inspector, public-radio archivist, and sandwich shop owner. He has written for Popular Science, The Awl, and the New York Observer, among others. When called on, he can still make a mean sandwich.

The Best Travel Backpack

by Geoffrey Morrison

For trips ranging from a week to multiple months, the Osprey Farpoint 55 and Fairview 55 carried everything we needed comfortably.

A person in an outdoor environment wearing one of our picks for best buy it for life backpack with a minimalist look, the GoRuck GR1.

The Best Buy It for Life Backpack (Please Don’t Call It Tactical)

by Kit Dillon

A buy-it-for-a-lifetime backpack should last you for years of heavy use. But as with all investments, you need to decide if it makes sense for you.

Three of our favorite backpacks, totes and duffle bags on display

Wirecutter’s Favorite Bags, Totes, Backpacks and Carryalls

by Truth Headlam

Whether you’re going to school, work, the gym, the store, or on vacay, you need a bag. Here’s the Wirecutter-recommended carrying gear we love most.

A person wearing the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L travel backpack.

I Took 5 Trips in 6 Months. My Go-To Weekender Bag Was This Surprisingly Spacious Backpack.

by Elissa Sanci

Struggling to pack for your weekend away? The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L fits so much more than you’d expect.

Matador Original Series

How to Travel Anywhere in the World With a Small Backpack

I f you’ve ever lugged heavy rollaway suitcases down a cobbled European street, or desperately tried to find a single Cliff Bar in the abyss of your massive backpack, you know that when it comes to packing for a vacation, most of us overdo it. Whether it’s infrequent travelers who check three bags for a two-night stay, or veteran backpackers who travel with massive hiking packs that take 30 minutes just to untie, we just pack too much — half of what we’re bringing on vacation could probably be left at home. But with a little bit of discipline and creativity, you can travel pretty much anywhere in the world with a small backpack — the same backpack you’d use to carry your books to class. Here’s how to do it.

Kill your darlings

There’s a popular piece of advice designed to help writers avoid wordiness and cumbersome language: “Kill your darlings.” It applies to packing, too. We tend to bring along things from our wardrobe that we like — not necessarily what we need. If you’re going away for three nights, you don’t need five dress shirts, four pairs of pants, and three pairs of shoes. If the thought, “Well, just in case…” creeps into your mind while looking at a piece of clothing, you probably don’t need it. Consider each day of your trip, what you’ll be doing, and what clothes you actually need to be comfortable. Take this approach, and your backpack will become half as heavy.

And this doesn’t just apply to warm-weather destinations with relatively light packing demands. One of my most ambitious packing accomplishments was preparing for a trip to Greenland. Given the trip’s fast pace and multitude of outdoor excursions, lugging a suitcase into glacier tents, onto ferries, and over dirt roads was unthinkable. Determined to bring only my backpack, containing nothing but the bare essentials, I drew confused glances from airport baggage workers, tour operators, and pretty much everyone else. “That’s all you’re bringing?” said the woman at the Air Greenland check-in counter. “You know you’re going to Greenland, right?” Sure, I may have worn the same thermal shirt and pants four times that week, but it was Greenland — not the Met Gala.

The Smart Squish

The most important packing technique is something I call the “Smart Squish.” Don’t be afraid to cram your clothes and other necessities anywhere you can find free space — but do it smart. You don’t need a separate, zippable compartment for your socks or toiletries. Start with the big stuff, then squish the small stuff anywhere it fits. I always start by putting shoes at the bottom of the biggest compartment — arranged side by side like a tetris piece — followed by pants, thermal shirts, and T-shirts. Underwear and socks can usually fit in the margins. If you have nicer shirts you don’t want to get wrinkled, use the laptop compartment. That’s right, it’s not just for your MacBook, folks. Fold up your flannels or button-downs and you can actually slide one or two into this handy little slot — and there should still be room for your laptop.

Think outside the backpack

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How To Travel With A Backpack On An Airplane. Ultimate Guide To Packing Your Backpack For Air Travel

Sharing is caring!

Traveling with a backpack on an airplane can be a liberating experience. As someone who loves to explore new places, I have found that traveling light and hands-free allows me to truly immerse myself in the culture and surroundings of my destination. However, packing your backpack for air travel can be a daunting task. With airline regulations constantly changing and limited space in the overhead compartments, it is important to pack strategically and efficiently.

In this ultimate guide to packing your backpack for air travel, I will share my tips and tricks for:

Choosing the right backpack
Creating a packing list
Organizing your items
Following airline regulations
Wearing your bulkiest items on the plane
Being prepared for security checks
Ultimately enjoying your flight

Whether you are a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first adventure with just a backpack in tow, this guide will help you make the most out of your journey while maintaining freedom of movement. So let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Choose the Right Backpack

You want to make sure that you’ve got the perfect backpack for this adventure. When choosing a backpack for air travel, there are a few key things to keep in mind.

First, consider the size and weight restrictions of your airline – you don’t want to end up with an oversized or overweight bag that will cost you extra fees or cause headaches at check-in. Look for a backpack that is within the allowed dimensions and weight limit.

Next, think about how much storage space you’ll need. Will you be traveling light with just a few essentials, or do you need room for extra clothing, gear, and souvenirs? Consider the length of your trip and what activities you’ll be doing – if it’s a short vacation with mostly city sightseeing, a smaller backpack may suffice. However, if you plan on camping or hiking in nature, opt for a larger pack with compartments and straps to carry your gear comfortably.

Lastly, pay attention to the features of the backpack itself. Look for padded shoulder straps and back support to avoid discomfort during long journeys. Compartments and pockets can help keep your belongings organized and easy to access when needed. And don’t forget about durability – choose a high-quality backpack that can withstand wear and tear both on the plane and during your travels.

Now that you’ve chosen the perfect backpack for air travel, it’s time to start making a packing list!

Make a Packing List

Creating a checklist of necessary items is essential for ensuring a stress-free journey. Before packing your backpack, make sure to create a list of all the things you need to bring with you on your trip. This will help you avoid forgetting important items and ensure that you have everything you need when you arrive at your destination.

To make your packing list more organized, consider breaking it down into three sub-lists: clothing, toiletries, and electronics. Under each category, list the specific items that you need to bring with you. For example, under clothing, include the number of shirts, pants, socks, and underwear that you’ll need for the duration of your trip.

Under toiletries, include toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner bottles or bars (if using), soap or body wash (if not using bar soap), deodorant sticks or sprays (if desired), razors (if needed), feminine hygiene products (if applicable), etc.

Finally, under electronics include chargers for phones/tablets/laptops/cameras/etc., headphones/earbuds if desired for listening to music or watching movies during flights/trains/buses/etc., power banks if needed in case outlets are not available where staying overnight.

Once your packing list is complete and organized by category/sub-lists as mentioned above, it’s time to start packing! But before doing so, be sure to read on about how to best organize these items within your backpack in order to maximize space while keeping everything easily accessible throughout the journey ahead.

Organize Your Items

When it comes to organizing my backpack while traveling, I always rely on packing cubes or compression bags. These handy tools allow me to separate my belongings into designated compartments, so I can easily find what I need without having to rummage through everything in my bag.

Additionally, I make sure to keep my valuables and important documents safe by storing them in a secure location within my pack.

Use Packing Cubes or Compression Bags

Utilizing packing cubes or compression bags can be a practical solution for organizing your luggage when preparing for air transit. These nifty tools come in different sizes to fit various items such as clothes, shoes, and electronics. Here are some benefits of using them:

Saves space: Packing cubes or compression bags allow you to fit more items into your backpack by compressing them into smaller packages.

Easy to pack and unpack: With everything organized into separate cubes or bags, it’s easy to find what you need without having to dig through layers of clothing.

Keeps items clean and dry: If you’re traveling during rainy season or visiting a beach destination, these tools can keep your belongings clean and dry.

Prevents wrinkles: Packing cubes can help prevent clothes from getting wrinkled during transit by keeping them neatly folded in one place.

By using packing cubes or compression bags, you’ll not only stay organized but also have more room for souvenirs on the way back home!

Speaking of organization, another important step is to separate your belongings according to their use before packing them up for the flight.

Separate Your Belongings

You’ll love how organized your luggage will be when you separate your belongings according to their use before packing them up. This technique not only helps you find what you need quickly, but it also saves space and prevents damage to fragile items.

For instance, place all your clothes in one cube or compression bag and label it as ‘clothing.’ Then, put all your electronics in another cube or bag labeled as ‘electronics.’ You can do the same for toiletries, shoes, and other essential items.

Additionally, consider separating your belongings based on how often you need them during the flight. For example, put all your travel documents and valuables like passports, wallets, and phones in a small bag that you can easily access during security checks or at the gate.

By doing this early on in the process of packing for air travel with a backpack, you’ll have an easier time traveling through airports while keeping everything safe.

With that being said, keeping valuables and documents safe is crucial when traveling by plane. Here are some tips on how to make sure they stay secure throughout your journey.

Keep Valuables and Documents Safe

Now that we’ve talked about separating your belongings, let’s talk about keeping your valuables and important documents safe. This is especially crucial when traveling by airplane as you never know what could happen during the flight or at the airport.

One of the best ways to keep your valuables safe is to keep them on you at all times. This means packing them in a small bag or pouch that you can easily carry with you throughout the trip, whether it’s in your backpack or on your person. Items such as passports, credit cards, cash, and electronics should always be kept within reach and not left unattended in luggage that may get lost or stolen.

Additionally, consider investing in a lock for your backpack zippers to deter any potential thieves from trying to open it without permission.

When it comes to important documents like travel insurance, boarding passes, and hotel reservations, make sure to have both physical copies and digital copies saved on a secure device. It’s also a good idea to email these documents to yourself so they can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection if needed.

With our valuables safely secured on us or in our carry-on bags, it’s time to move onto the next step of packing strategically for air travel…

Pack Strategically

The key to smart packing is to arrange your gear in a way that maximizes space and minimizes clutter, so you can easily navigate security checkpoints and maneuver through the airport. Here are some tips on how to pack strategically for air travel with a backpack:

Use packing cubes or compression bags to organize your clothing. This not only saves space but also makes it easier to find what you need without having to dig through everything.

Pack heavier items closer to your back and lighter items towards the front of the backpack. This helps distribute weight evenly and prevents strain on your back.

Keep frequently used items like passports, boarding passes, and snacks easily accessible in the top compartment or pockets of your backpack. This saves time during security checks and while on the plane.

Leave some extra space in your backpack for any souvenirs or purchases made during your trip. To avoid overpacking, ask yourself if you really need each item before adding it to the backpack.

Packing strategically ensures that you have everything you need without feeling weighed down by an overloaded backpack. Remember to pack light but efficiently so that you can move around with ease while exploring new destinations.

As you prepare for air travel with a backpack, it’s important to follow airline regulations regarding luggage size and weight limits. By doing so, you won’t have any surprises at check-in or risk being charged extra fees. Read up on the airline’s policies before packing so that you can plan accordingly and enjoy stress-free travel.

Follow Airline Regulations

Make sure to adhere to the airline’s rules and regulations for luggage size and weight limits, as this will prevent any unexpected fees or issues during your journey. Each airline has its own policies regarding baggage, so it’s important to check these ahead of time.

Most airlines allow a carry-on bag and a personal item, such as a backpack or purse. Make sure your backpack meets the size and weight requirements for both.

In addition to size and weight restrictions, there may also be guidelines on what items can be packed in your backpack. For example, certain liquids may need to be in containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and placed in a clear plastic bag. Some items may not be allowed at all, such as firearms or explosives. It’s always best to double-check with the airline before you pack.

By following the airline’s regulations for luggage, you’ll ensure that your journey is smooth sailing from start to finish. Plus, you won’t have any unexpected fees tacked onto your ticket price when you arrive at the airport!

Now that you know how much space you have available in your backpack, it’s time to start packing strategically. One way to do this is by wearing your bulkiest items on the plane with you.

Wear Your Bulkiest Items

When I pack for air travel, I always make sure to wear my bulkiest items on the plane. This not only saves space in my backpack but also keeps me warm during chilly flights.

In particular, I opt for heavy clothing and shoes that would otherwise take up a lot of room in my luggage. Additionally, if I bring a jacket or coat with me, I carry it instead of packing it away to save even more space in my backpack.

Wear Heavy Clothing and Shoes on the Plane

As you board the plane, consider dressing in your heaviest clothes and shoes to save space in your backpack for souvenirs or snacks. Wearing heavy clothing and shoes on the plane not only frees up space in your luggage but also gives you a chance to stay warm during the flight.

You can layer up with a thick sweater, jacket, or coat along with thick socks and sturdy boots. Plus, wearing bulky items will keep them from getting wrinkled in your bag.

Another advantage of wearing heavy clothing is that it helps you meet airline weight restrictions for checked baggage. Airlines have strict rules on how much luggage you can bring onboard without paying extra fees. By wearing some of your heavier items, you can avoid exceeding these limits and save money on additional charges.

So pack light and wear heavy – it’s a smart travel hack that every backpacker should know! Speaking of jackets or coats, let me tell you about another packing tip that can help make air travel easier: carry them instead of packing them away!

Carry Your Jacket or Coat

Carrying your jacket or coat instead of packing it away is a savvy way to streamline your airport experience and ensure you have easy access to an extra layer when needed. Here are four reasons why:

Saves space in your backpack: Jackets and coats take up quite a bit of space in a backpack, especially if they’re bulky or heavy. Carrying it on your arm or draping it over your shoulder takes up zero space in your carry-on bag.

Easy access during the flight: If you get cold during the flight, having your jacket within arm’s reach means you can quickly grab it without having to open and dig through your backpack.

Avoids wrinkles: By carrying your jacket instead of stuffing it into a packed bag, you avoid any potential wrinkling that might occur from being squished among other items.

Faster security checks: When going through security, taking off and putting back on a bulky jacket can be time-consuming. By carrying it separately, you can simply remove it and place it on the conveyor belt with ease.

Now that we know how carrying our jackets can make air travel easier, let’s talk about another way to prepare for security checks without causing unnecessary hassle or delays.

Be Prepared for Security Checks

Don’t get caught off guard: make sure you’re ready for security checks and breeze through the line with ease.

Pack your liquids in a clear, plastic, quart-sized bag and place it in an accessible spot in your backpack. Make sure each item inside the bag is no more than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters to comply with TSA regulations.

Wear shoes that are easy to remove and put back on, as they must go through the X-ray machine separately.

It’s important to also be prepared for additional screening measures, such as a pat-down or swab of your belongings for explosive residue. Be cooperative and respectful towards TSA agents who are just doing their job to ensure everyone’s safety.

If you have any medical devices or other items that may require special attention, inform the agent before going through security.

Once you’ve successfully passed through security, take a deep breath and relax – now it’s time to enjoy your flight!

Stretch your legs during layovers by walking around the terminal or doing some light exercises at your gate.

Stay hydrated by bringing an empty water bottle to fill up after passing through security or purchasing water once on board.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be well-prepared for both the pre-flight process and in-flight comfort.

Enjoy Your Flight

When it comes to air travel, I always make sure to prioritize my comfort. This means wearing clothing that won’t constrict me and bringing along items like a neck pillow or blanket if necessary.

Additionally, I prepare for any in-flight needs by packing snacks, water, and entertainment options like books or movies on my device.

Ultimately, I try to relax and enjoy the journey rather than stressing about every little detail. So, enjoy your flight!

Be Comfortable

To fully enjoy your flight, make sure you’re cozy and content with what you’re wearing. This means choosing comfortable clothes that allow for movement and breathability. Avoid tight-fitting clothing or fabrics that may be itchy or irritating on a long flight. I like to wear loose pants or leggings and a soft, breathable shirt.

In addition to clothing, consider bringing along some items to enhance your comfort during the flight. A travel pillow can help support your neck and prevent stiffness, while a lightweight blanket can keep you warm in chilly airplane cabins. Don’t forget to pack some socks as well – they’ll keep your feet warm and cozy during the flight.

With these simple steps, you can ensure a comfortable journey from takeoff to landing. As you settle in for your flight, remember that being prepared for in-flight needs is just as important as being comfortable. Whether it’s snacks, entertainment or toiletries, having everything you need within reach will make the experience much more enjoyable.

So let’s dive into the next section about how to prepare for those needs!

Be Prepared for In-Flight Needs

You should have your in-flight essentials within reach to make your journey comfortable and enjoyable. These items can include a travel pillow, earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones, an eye mask, and a good book or tablet loaded with entertainment options.

Additionally, it’s important to pack any necessary medications in a small pouch or pocket for easy access during the flight. It’s also wise to bring snacks and water on board as airline food can be expensive and not always appetizing. A reusable water bottle is practical as it can be refilled once you’ve passed through security.

Lastly, don’t forget to pack a sweater or light jacket as airplanes can get chilly at high altitudes. By having these items easily accessible during the flight, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the journey without worrying about discomfort or hunger pangs.

Relax and Enjoy the Journey

Now that you have everything you need for your in-flight comforts, it’s time to sit back and relax. One of the beauties of traveling with a backpack is the freedom it gives you to move around easily. You don’t have to worry about dragging a heavy suitcase or trying to maneuver through crowded spaces with bulky luggage.

With your backpack securely strapped on, you can navigate through airports, train stations, and city streets with ease. As you settle into your seat on the plane, take a deep breath and let yourself unwind. Enjoy the views from the window or watch an inflight movie.

Take advantage of any amenities offered onboard such as snacks or drinks. Use this time to rest and recharge before embarking on your next adventure. Remember, traveling isn’t just about reaching the destination but enjoying every step of the journey along the way!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i bring my backpack as a carry-on or do i need to check it in.

When it comes to traveling with a backpack on an airplane, the question of whether you can bring it as a carry-on or need to check it in is a common one.

As someone who enjoys the freedom and ease of traveling with just a backpack, I always aim to bring mine as a carry-on if possible. However, it’s important to note that each airline has its own specific rules and regulations regarding carry-on size and weight limits.

It’s always best to check with your airline beforehand to ensure that your backpack meets their requirements and avoid any potential surprises or fees at the airport.

Are there any prohibited items that I should not pack in my backpack?

Packing your backpack for air travel can be daunting, especially when it comes to prohibited items. It’s important to remember that certain items are strictly forbidden on airplanes and in airports.

These include things like weapons, explosives, flammable liquids and gels, and even some common household items like aerosol cans. To avoid any issues at security checkpoints or delays during your travels, make sure you research what you can and cannot bring with you on the plane beforehand.

Always err on the side of caution and leave questionable items at home or in checked baggage. By adhering to these guidelines, you’ll ensure a smooth and stress-free journey with your trusty backpack by your side.

How do I ensure that my backpack is not overweight for the airline’s baggage allowance?

To make sure my backpack isn’t overweight for the airline’s baggage allowance, I always start by knowing the weight limit of my airline. Then, I check it against my backpack’s weight before heading to the airport.

I also pack light and only carry essentials. To save space, I roll my clothes instead of folding them and use packing cubes to keep everything organized in my bag. Additionally, I wear my heaviest items like jackets or boots on the plane to avoid exceeding the weight limit.

By following these simple steps, I ensure that I can travel with ease and without worrying about extra fees or restrictions on my backpack.

What should I do if my backpack is too big to fit in the overhead compartment?

One time, I had a backpack that was way too big to fit in the overhead compartment of my flight. It was a nightmare trying to figure out what to do with it.

If you find yourself in this situation, don’t panic. First, ask the flight attendants if they have any storage space available on the plane (sometimes there are closets or extra compartments). If that doesn’t work, they might be able to gate-check your backpack for you, which means you’ll pick it up at baggage claim when you arrive at your destination. Just make sure you remove any valuables or important items beforehand.

Whatever happens, don’t let an oversized backpack ruin your travel plans – there’s always a solution!

Is it safe to keep valuable items in my backpack while traveling on an airplane?

When it comes to traveling with valuable items in your backpack on an airplane, it’s important to take certain precautions.

I always make sure to keep my most valuable items, such as my passport and wallet, in a small pouch that can easily fit in the front pocket of my backpack.

Additionally, I never leave my backpack unattended or out of sight while going through security or boarding the plane.

It’s also a good idea to have travel insurance for added peace of mind.

While there’s always some level of risk involved when bringing valuables on a trip, being mindful and taking these steps can help minimize that risk and ensure a safe journey.

In conclusion, traveling with a backpack on an airplane can be an efficient and stress-free experience if you follow the right steps. By choosing the right backpack, making a packing list, organizing your items, and packing strategically, you can ensure that your flight is comfortable and hassle-free. It’s important to also follow airline regulations and wear your bulkiest items to save space in your backpack.

Did you know that according to a recent survey, 65% of travelers prefer using a backpack as their carry-on luggage? This statistic shows just how popular backpacks have become for air travel. With the right planning and preparation, traveling with a backpack can not only make your trip easier but also more enjoyable.

By being prepared for security checks and following these tips, you’ll be able to sit back and relax during your flight knowing that everything is organized and secure in your trusty backpack.

Audrey-Carl-Thompson-The-Dynamic-Duo-of-Seek-Traveler

Meet Audrey and Carl Thompson. This dynamic married couple not only shares a passion for each other but also a deep love for exploring the world. Through their captivating writing, Audrey and Carl offer a unique perspective on traveling as a couple. They delve into their personal experiences, shedding light on the challenges and joys of navigating the globe hand in hand. Their insightful articles address the questions and concerns many travelers face, helping you forge a stronger bond with your partner on your own incredible adventures.

How to travel with a pug on a plane, how to travel with cheese on airplane.

Packing Tips

How to Pack a Backpack for Travel

Published May 12, 2023

Written by:

Laura Lopuch

Laura’s first trip was when she was 3 months old, instilling an insatiable wanderlust. She hasn’t stopped traveling, or writing...

Fred Perrotta

Co-founder, tortuga.

Fred Perrotta is the co-founder and CEO of Tortuga. His first backpacking trip to Europe inspired him to start the...

The Tortuga Promise

At Tortuga, our mission is to make travel easier. Our advice and recommendations are based on years of travel experience. We only recommend products that we use on our own travels.

Table of Contents

How you pack can be as important as what you pack.

If you’re traveling carry-on-only with just a backpack (as we recommend), you’ll want to pack so that you’re making the best use of your limited space, keeping everything organized, and making your bag comfortable to carry. You can do all three with just a bit of planning.

Whether you’ve just ditched your suitcase or are a seasoned backpacker, this article will help you understand what to pack where to make the best use of your travel backpack .

Choose the Right Travel Backpack

Before we discuss how to pack it, you’ll need to have the right kind of backpack. Not a hiking backpack as you see most travelers carrying but a travel backpack .

What’s the difference?

A travel backpack is carry-on-sized and opens from the front, like a suitcase for easier organization. For international trips, you’ll want a true travel backpack . Carrying a hiking bag is using the wrong tool for the job. They’re too big to carry onto a plane and top-loading, which makes them a disorganized mess.

A travel backpack is designed to be used as luggage and carried comfortably around the world.

In addition to being carry-on-sized, you’ll want a bag that’s built for organization. Your backpack should open from the front , for easy access to all of your stuff at once. This is where a hiking bag falls short.

You’ll also want separate compartments and pockets for organization. We’ll cover what to pack in each compartment and pocket later in this article. For now, just make sure you have one or two main compartments for your clothes, a separate laptop compartment, and additional pockets for quick access.

Pack for trips of one week or more without checking a bag.

Thick comfortable straps
Easy to organize
Durable, waterproof fabric
Backed by our Worldwide Warranty

The Travel Backpack has all of the above. It’s carry-on-sized, opens from the front, and contains enough compartments and pockets to maximize your organization. Plus, the front pockets give you extra space for all the little stuff that you want within reach as you travel.

Next, let’s move on to what to pack everything in your travel backpack .

How to Pack a Backpack for Air Travel

What goes where.

Now that you have the right bag, we can cover what to pack where. We’ll cover the basics here then move on to the specifics.

If you aren’t sure what to pack, start with the basic Carry on Packing List then check the specific packing list for your destination .

Clothes: Your clothes will go in the main compartment of your bag. If you’re carrying a separate personal item , you can stash an extra layer in there for the flight.
Toiletries: Your one quart toiletry bag can go either in the main compartment or in the front pocket of your bag. The latter is better for taking it out at airport security. If you have TSA PreCheck, you can leave your toiletries packed in the main compartment.
Computer: Your laptop (and tablet if you’re carrying one) go in the laptop compartment which should be next to your back.
Water Bottle: Your water bottle goes in one of the stretchy side, water bottle pockets of your backpack.
Everything Else: Everything else you need in-flight, like a Kindle or snacks , should go in the front pocket of your bag or in your personal item. Small items like tickets or paperwork can go in the hip belt pockets of your bag so that they’re always handy as you move through the airport.

Weight Distribution

Managing the weight of your backpack is the most commonly overlooked part of packing. Where you pack specific items matters for distributing the weight of your pack well and making it comfortable to carry.

Which makes more sense: packing your computer next to your body or as far away as possible? Next to your body, of course. The same principle applies to the rest of your stuff.

Put as much of your bag’s weight as close to your body as possible. This keeps the center of gravity next to your body, not 9″ away from you. Packing this way serves two purposes. First, your load is easier to manage since it’s closer to your body. You’ll be more aware of your bag’s size and weight and will bump into fewer people and things. Second, your bag will be more comfortable to carry. If the weight was farther from your body, your backpack would feel heavier and pull more on your shoulders.

Heaviest Stuff: Put your heaviest stuff as close to your body as possible and in the vertical middle of your pack. Heavy things should not be at the top or bottom when you’re wearing your backpack. Your heaviest stuff might be a pair of shoes or your laptop. The latter should have a dedicated compartment or sleeve next to your body.
Medium-Weight Stuff: Medium-weight items go at the vertical top of your pack.
Lightest Stuff: Lightweight stuff, usually clothes, go at the vertical bottom of your backpack.

How to Pack Clothes

With the guidance from the last section in mind, let’s focus on packing clothes.

You should wear your bulkiest shoes and clothes on the plane. If, after that, you’re still packing something heavy, like thick jeans or a second pair of shoes, place those in the vertical middle of your bag as close to your body as possible.

Mid-weight clothes can go above (vertically) the heavy stuff. Lightweight clothes, like t-shirts or underwear, can go at the bottom of your backpack. Just make sure to pack them tightly so that they don’t collapse under the heavier stuff above them.

Your toiletry bag should be packed for easy access at airport security , even if it means a sub-optimal place in your bag for weight distribution.

Rolling vs. Folding

We’ve covered where to pack but what about how to pack?

Rolling clothes is better than folding because it allows for more efficient packing and fewer wrinkles. But we actually recommend a hybrid rolling plus folding approach to packing .

If you want to level up your organization with more modular packing, consider adding a set of packing cubes.

Packing Cubes

The Packing Cubes are a set of three (one large and two small) cubes that fit perfectly in the Travel Backpack .

If you’re traveling for longer than two weeks and traveling across multiple climates , use packing cubes to split up your wardrobe based on weather.

One packing cube holds your summer clothes (swimsuit, tank tops, breezy tops, shorts). The second packing cube holds your winter clothes (sweater, long sleeve shirts).

Designate a third packing cube as an “Essentials Packing Cube” for your underwear and socks.

How to Pack for International Travel

Choose a real travel backpack to make your packing as easy as possible. The best bags are made so that you pack well by default. Pack your computer and anything else heavy as close to your body as possible. Roll most of your clothes and use a set of packing cubes to keep everything organized and easy to reach.

Step Down to Carry On Part 1: Max Packer to Moderate Checker

How to Travel with Just a Personal Item

Tortuga travel backpack pro $350.

Max Carry On Size

Laura’s first trip was when she was 3 months old, instilling an insatiable wanderlust. She hasn’t stopped traveling, or writing about it. As an expert in carry on travel, she’s flown on over 100 flights with only a carry on bag. Even on trips with her husband and kids.

She believes travel is the great educator — and vital to our humanity.

Top Travel Backpacks to Explore the World With Ease: Carry-On, Laptop, Business, and Beyond

Posted: April 12, 2024 | Last updated: April 12, 2024

Best overall travel backpack

Caraa studio bag.

Caraa is loved for its chic convertible bags, and its Studio design will be a new favorite travel companion. It earns our best travel backpack spot for its superior versatility, fashionable and luxurious finishes and functional design details. Luxury water-resistant nylon and Italian leather accents are made to last, and a secure turn-lock main compartment, padded zippered back pocket and external easy-to-grab side pocket make packing a piece of cake. Thoughtful details—like breathing vents in the main compartment, a waterproof and antimicrobial lining and a moisture-wicking mesh back—make this bag worth the splurge. It also comes with a waterproof wet clothes bag and a waterproof shoe pouch.

"I LOVE LOVE LOVE this bag. And it never ceases to amaze me. I've had mine for a year and it still looks brand new—despite being used every day," writes Tatiana, a verified reviewer.

Three carrying modes
Moisture-wicking backpack straps
Anti-slip rubberized crossbody strap
Dedicated 13-inch laptop pocket
Available in two sizes and multiple colors

Best value travel backpack

Matein travel backpack.

This wildly popular travel backpack has more than 2,100 five-star ratings on Amazon. Here's why: The storage is exceptional. The two front organizer sections have spots for stashing keys, a wallet and a phone. The main compartment is roomy and ideal for daily essentials, and there's a separate padded space for laptops and other small tech devices. It's one of the best wallet-friendly Amazon carry-on luggage pieces.

" I travel 48 out of 52 weeks of the year and was looking for an inexpensive backpack that would be up for my travel challenges! Here it is! It’s perfect for my everyday tosses and bumps and being shoved into overhead bins on a plane. Fits nicely under the seat in front of me as long as I don’t pack it too full," shares five-star reviewer, Emily C .

Budget-friendly
Durable water-resistant and anti-scratch fabric
Hidden anti-theft back zippered pocket
Multi-panel ventilated padded back provides support
Separate padded laptop compartment
Includes a charging port, but not a portable charger

Best lightweight travel backpack

Jansport superbreak one backpack.

Since 1967, JanSport has continued to churn out some of the best backpacks for a reason: The durable construction is meant to last, and the affordable price point can't be beat. This lightweight best travel backpack only weighs 10.6 ounces and is simple, yet sturdy. The classic design of this JanSport backpack boasts spacious storage in the main compartment, a front utility pocket with a built-in organizer, a coated interior, a web haul handle and padded shoulder straps.

"...[I] have taken it hiking, camping, traveled to multiple countries with it, subjected it many times to being stuffed to bursting and weighed down probably to 20+ pounds, and four years later, the only sign of significant wear that it shows is one tiny hole along one of the seams on the back," writes verified purchaser, Katharine Hogan . For another great pick, check out the fold-up Paravel Backpack .

Only weighs 10.6 ounces
Water-repellent and abrasion-resistant fabric
Available in 20 colors and prints
Padded back panel and shoulder straps
Main compartment doesn't have much organization

Best large travel backpack

Victorinox vx sport evo two-in-one backpack/duffel.

From the brand that created the original Swiss Army Knife, Victorinox brings the same ingenuity and clever functionality to its range of travel gear. A trusty duffle bag gets an upgrade with this convertible carryall that we're calling the best large backpack for travel. With a focus on practicality, durability and comfort, this two-in-one backpack/duffel is an indispensable companion for navigating any journey, near or far.

Hidden straps convert the duffle into a backpack and allow for hands-free cruising, whether you're racing for a flight or meandering on an outdoor expedition. Crafted from extra-tough polyester, it holds up on outdoor adventures. Plus, handy multipurpose pockets offer versatile storage solutions to avoid packing mistakes , including a separate space for shoes and compartments for electronics. It's a smart bag to have in your collection.

57-liter capacity
Convertible multipurpose bag
Adjustable padded backpack straps stow away when not in use
Made of water-repellent fabric
Has airflow channels in the padded back panels
Only two colors available

Best travel backpack for organization

Béis the hanging backpack.

Actress Shay Mitchell's brand Béis (pronounced "base") churns out fashionable and functional bags for stylish jet-setters with wanderlust. The Hanging Backpack looks like an ordinary carryall, but features an innovative interior to keep all your gear contained. With a sleek shape, water-repellent exterior and built-in organizational system, it's the best travel backpack for weekend getaways or weeklong excursions. Pop open the snaps to reveal a removable shelving system. The accordion design allows for easy access and perfectly displays your belongings. It's the best solution for anyone who hates unpacking, and a smart alternative to packing cubes , too.

"When I travel, I am all about being completely organized, and this bag from Béis is my go-to as my personal item," says our shopping editor, Stephanie Hope . "I love that it slides easily over my carry-on luggage and can hold a few days' worth of clothing and essentials."

Removable, compressible shelving system
Lots of pockets for organization
Adjustable padded straps
Water-repellent fabric
Laptop compartment
Only one color option

Best travel backpack for business

Samsonite mobile solution convertible backpack.

A good backpack should keep up with you, notes Luo, which is why he loves convertible styles. "It's common to be on the move from morning until night," he says, "and a backpack should be able to easily adjust from the office to a workout to a dinner date." Samsonite, known for its superior luggage line, designed a convertible backpack that does just that. Using or removing the adjustable strap allows you to carry the bag in five unique ways: as a backpack, crossbody, over-the-shoulder bag, handheld bag or as an oversized clutch.

The multipurpose aspect of this quality luggage makes this one of the best business travel backpack options, allowing to seamlessly adapt the carrier for a range of occasions. Made with a sleek and sturdy nylon fabric with vinyl trim, it's both boardroom-appropriate and chic enough to sport every day. As an added benefit, there's a retractable "SmartSleeve" located in the exterior back zippered pocket, which fits over luggage handles for easy mobility when traveling.

Convertible for business and beyond
Water-resistant coating
Interior padded tech sleeve
Fits over luggage handles
Only weighs 1.3 pounds
Smaller capacity, so not suitable as the only bag for longer trips

Best travel backpack for kids

Pottery barn teen gear-up rainbow backpack.

Kids' backpacks get heavy —fast. But there's a smart solution to counter this problem. "Look for a very padded vented back, padded straps and a sternum strap for support," advises Renee Silverman, president of Irv's Luggage. This stylish number does the trick. Available in dozens of funky prints and five sizes (including a roller version), it has four roomy exterior compartments, a front zipper pocket with a cell phone holder, two D-rings in the front and back and a cinch mesh pocket on each side.

Even better? You'll feel extra good about this kids' travel backpack knowing it's eco-friendly: The rugged, water-resistant recycled polyester is made from more than 12 recycled plastic bottles. In fact, the brand has kept 66 million plastic bottles out of landfills to date, thanks to their recycled designs.

Variety of fun prints that appeal to kids
Five size options
Easy-to-clean, water-resistant material
Made of recycled material
Customization available
Personalized items not eligible for returns

What to consider when buying a travel backpack

Backpacks come in all shapes and sizes. There are duffle backpacks, rolling backpacks, mini backpacks, laptop backpacks and more. The style you should choose largely depends on the activity and the duration of the trip.

"You want something that looks fantastic in any scenario, from the airport to exploring a new city, but also has all the function to hold your stuff and keep you organized," says Adeela Hussain Johnson, president of Béis. If the backpack is essentially replacing a roller, then look for an option a bit bigger that has built-in packing functionality to fit everything you need to travel , like clothes, travel accessories , makeup and a laptop, says Johnson. But you also want a design with smart organization and dedicated compartments to make packing easier and keep small items, like jewelry and power cords, safe and secure.

If you're looking for stylish travel backpacks that work as a personal item for a flight, or need something more for everyday use, then go for a smaller versatile bag, suggests Johnson. (She loves expandable options, like this one from Béis .) "What if you decide to go shopping or go crazy in duty-free before the flight—easily expand it by unzipping it and then collapse it again when you don't need that space. It's all about options."

For Luo, he says the best travel backpack should be hyper-lightweight with a dedicated luggage sleeve to fly through the airport with ease. "Pick padded straps that support the back for days when you've packed everything but the kitchen sink," he advises.

If you plan to check your luggage , straps that tuck or hide away—so they don't get caught in conveyor belts or drag on the ground—will make the voyage run more smoothly. Lau shares another hack for flying , "I like to have a TSA-approved laptop and tablet sleeve, so I don't have to completely remove my laptop from the bag."

How we found the best travel backpacks

As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we're only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product's quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.

Is it better to travel with a backpack or suitcase?

The best travel backpack is a versatile carry-on bag that allows you to easily maneuver—hands-free—through busy airports and crowded towns. If you're backpacking or traveling by foot, portability is paramount, so backpacks are usually the best bet. But, if you're going on a longer trip and need to pack more items, a roller suitcase or hard shell luggage might be a better option.

What size travel backpack do I need?

It depends on the length of the trip. Small knapsacks may be suitable for overnight getaways while you'll want a larger, more substantial size for weekend trips. For vacations longer than a week, check out the top luggage brands and best luggage sets . And if you're on a budget, scope out the best luggage deals for major discounts.

How much can fit in a carry-on backpack?

The best carry-on backpack should be able to hold at least a couple of days' worth of clothes, accessories, shoes and toiletries . Using packing cubes and compression bags and rolling clothes help maximize space in the backpack. But the exact amount of stuff that fits will vary depending on the style and design of the bag.

Most airlines allow a carry-on with a maximum size of 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches and a weight of 22 pounds (although, many domestic airlines don't have weight restrictions). But remember, just because a backpack can carry a ton, doesn't mean it should, especially when it's a kid doing the carrying. To prevent injury and backaches , the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that a child's backpack weigh no more than 10 to 15% of their body weight.

Are all carry-on backpacks airline-approved?

Do you plan to put the carry-on backpack in the overhead bin of the plane or under the seat? Every airline has different size restrictions for each, so double-check with the carrier to avoid unwanted baggage fees.

Aaron Luo, CEO of Caraa
Kevin Lau, retail sales specialist at Rei
Renee Silverman, president of Irv's Luggage
Adeela Hussain Johnson, president of Béis

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The 7 Best Backpacking Backpacks of 2024

From weekend trips to long-distance treks, these backpacking backpacks have you covered.

I’ve been backpacking in various capacities for over a decade from off-the-grid wilderness treks to hostel hopping around Europe. Whether you’re planning to head out for a day trip , an overnight hike, or extended excursion, choosing the right backpacking backpack is essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Backpacking backpacks come in a range of designs, from ultralight models for speedy, minimalist hikers to more burly packs suited for lugging heavier loads (or even checking if you're flying).

Besides holding all your equipment, gear, and provisions, a quality pack should be comfortable to carry and fit your frame. When choosing the best backpacking pack for my trips, I consider performance, durability, value, and versatility for different durations and weather conditions. If you’re gearing up for your first backpacking trip or looking to level up with a new pack, check out my favorite options below.

Best Overall

Osprey kestrel 58 pack.

It’s a versatile, full-featured pack made with durable materials that will last for years to come.

This is quite a large and hefty pack that may be too heavy for lighter trips.

For an all-around performer that’s suitable for weekend and long-distance trips in varied climates, the Osprey Kestrel 58 is my top pick along with the women’s specific version: the Osprey Kyte 58L Pack . Osprey backpacks are well-known for their top-notch performance and lasting durability. My first Osprey Kestrel is over a decade old and accompanied me up all 12,244 feet of Indonesia's Mount Rinjani and to every corner of Cambodia during my two-year Peace Corps service. The current model incorporates a revamped back panel: the AirScape system. It offers adjustable torso lengths and breathability while delivering close contact and excellent weight distribution on the lower back.

The Kestrel’s use of 420-denier nylon in the pack body provides exceptional durability against wear and tear, even compared to other Osprey packs. I love that it’s equipped with a detachable rain cover, and how easy the cover is to pull over even fully loaded packs. There’s plenty of options for storage and organization, too. It has five external pockets, trekking pole holders, and daisy chains for adding more gear. I’m a big fan of packs with multiple access points, and the Kestrel offers easy entry from the top and front. To expand my storage options, I typically make use of the sleeping bag straps to hold dirty clothes on longer trips.

The Details: 420-denier nylon and 500-denier high-tenacity nylon | 4.7-4.9 pounds | Size S/M and L/XL | 58 liters | Waterproof

Best Lightweight

Gossamer gear mariposa 60 backpack.

Gossamer Gear

This ultralight pack offers a frame that moves with your gait and a choice of hip belt design for a tailored fit.

It’s water-resistant, not waterproof.

When every ounce counts, the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 is an excellent choice for lightening your load on the trail. With a 60-liter capacity, it delivers an impressive weight to storage ratio of roughly 0.54 ounces per liter. The main compartment is spacious, and there are seven exterior pockets for stashing water bottles and trail essentials. The pack is made with robic nylon, which helps save on weight, but doesn’t offer much for waterproofing. However, this can be resolved by adding Gossamer’s waterproof pack liner .

I love that the modular design allows the Gossamer to be configured for optimal weight and fit preferences (for example, the choice of a straight or curved hip belt). The Mariposa’s hip belt, back padding, and aluminum frame can be removed to make the pack even lighter, though this sacrifices comfort and ability to carry the pack fully loaded. There are also load lifters that work with the frame to relieve pressure on the shoulders, if desired.

The Details: Recycled nylon | 2.1 pounds | Size S-L | 60 liters

Best for Beginners

Rei co-op trailmade 60 pack.

It’s a highly adjustable pack with comfortable padding and intuitive organization that new and experienced hikers will appreciate.

The weight is middle of the road for a backpack this size.

The REI Co-op Trailmade 60 Pack is a user-friendly introduction to backpacking. Dialing in the right fit is essential when backpacking, and REI’s adjustable design makes this a seamless process. REI’s Trailmade collection is focused on more inclusive sizing options and affordability for new hikers and backpackers as well. To that end, the Trailmade 60 Pack is designed with an adjustable back length and a range of hip belt sizes. Both the men’s and women’s packs can fit waists and hips between 32 and 58 inches and the torso length is easily tweaked with a Velcro strap. I appreciate that adjustment directions (and packing tips) are printed on the underside of the top lid for even easier set up. The top-loading compartment is easy to use, and the option to configure a separate compartment for a sleeping bag (or dirty clothes) comes in handy on multi-day trips. I’m also a big fan of how accessible the water bottle holders are while wearing the pack.

The Details: Recycled nylon | 3.2-3.7 pounds | 60 liters

Best Organization

Deuter aircontact core 65+10l backpack.

Backcountry

It has multiple access points and numerous exterior and interior pockets.

It only comes in one size.

Having quick and easy access to essential gear saves time and hassle on the trail; not to mention, it makes setting up camp after an arduous day that much easier. The Deuter Aircontact Core Pack 65 + 10 gives backpackers a wealth of storage and functionality (do note that the women’s version of the Aircontact Core is designed as a 60 + 10 backpack). I love that gear can be packed and accessed from the top, front, and bottom of the bag. There’s a total of six exterior pockets, including zippered hip belt pockets, mesh side pockets, front stash pocket, and a zippered top pocket. The pack also features an interior pocket for valuables, trekking pole holders, and hydration system compatibility. While 65 liters of capacity is sufficient for many treks, I appreciate the ease of expanding the collar on the main compartment for an additional 10 liters of storage if needed. Though it only comes in one size, the VariSlide system allows for easy and exact adjustments to your back length for a secure fit. The hip belts and shoulder straps are supportive and adjustable, too, to ensure the pack stays in place

The Details: 235-denier polyamide and 500-denier textured polyamide | 4.9 pounds | One size | Up to 75 liters

Best Ventilation

Gregory katmai 55 pack.

The pack offers excellent air flow and ventilation for staying comfortable on the trail.

The sturdy frame and full set of features add some weight compared to ultralight models.

It’s easy to work up a sweat while backpacking — the Gregory Katmai 55 Pack offers top-notch breathability and ventilation when things heat up. The pack is equipped with Gregory’s FreeFloat 360 suspension system — a highly ventilated back panel that conforms to the shape of the lower back while allowing optimal air flow between you and the pack. I appreciate that the ventilated back panel is also treated with Polygiene Stays Fresh Technology to diminish odor-causing bacteria.

I also love that the pack offers inclusive sizing. The S/M fits waists/hips from 25 to 48 inches and torso lengths from 15 to 19 inches, while the M/L goes up to 53 inches for the waist/hips and 22 inches for torso length. The Katmai is a men’s specific pack, but the Gregory Kalmia 50 Pack is a similar model specifically designed for women.

The Details: 210-denier nylon and 420-denier nylon | 4.6 pounds | Size S/M and M/L | 55 liters | Water-repellent

Best for Heavier Loads

Osprey aether 55 pack.

The customizable fit and suspension system aid in hauling considerably more gear than models of comparable weight and capacity.

It’s on the heavier side if you don’t intend to make use of its hauling capabilities.

Whether planning for a longer trek or carrying gear for others, having the option to haul more can be a major plus. The Osprey Aether 55 Pack (or Osprey Ariel 55 Pack for women) boasts an impressive load range of up to 60 pounds (when fully expanded). To handle heftier loads comfortably, the pack employs a close-to-body carry design. This is accomplished with Osprey’s AirScape injection-molded back panel that fits snug to the body, plus adjustable hip belt and torso length and shoulder straps that can be fine-tuned on the trail as needed. As an avid hiker, I appreciate that much of the weight sits on the hip belt and lumbar area to avoid strain in the shoulders.

Multiple access points and numerous loops and pockets make it easy to keep things organized while piling on lots of gear and provisions as well. When fully loaded, the twin compression straps come in handy for balancing weight and keeping gear in place.

The Details: 420HD nylon pack cloth and 210-denier nylon Diamond | 5 pounds | Size S/M, L/XL | 55 liters

Most Comfortable

Rei co-op flash air 50 pack.

It’s ultra lightweight and adjustable so you can get a tailor-made fit.

The thin materials may not be as durable as other options.

For a lightweight backpack that doesn’t offload the pack weight onto your shoulders, we love the Flash Air 50 Pack for both men and women. The pack weighs less than two pounds, making this a great option for thru-hikers, weekend adventurers, and overnight travelers alike. While this pack is quite minimalistic with few pockets, it does have external pouches large enough to hold your water bottle and other essentials.

We love the light nylon fabric, but it is a bit thin and could snag if caught on branches. We also recommend investing in a raincover if you’re heading off on a longer adventure. But overall, the hip belt and ventilated back panel make this pack an overall comfortable option regardless of your hiking destination and style.

The Details: Ripstop nylon | 1.88 pounds for medium | Size S-L | 50 liters for medium

Tips for Buying a Backpacking Backpack

Be sure to find a proper fit.

Features aside, the best backpack is one that fits you well. Your torso length — a measurement that’s likely not top of mind — is a key determining factor in finding a proper fitting backpack . Thankfully, torso lengths are listed with any reputable backpacking backpack. Your torso length is the distance from where your shoulders and neck meet (the C7 vertebra to get technical) to the point of the lower back that’s aligned with your hip bones.

The fit along the hips and waist is also critical and, thankfully, easier to measure. Simply wrap a tape measure just above where you’d wear a belt to get your hip measurements. While at-home measurements can give a rough idea to narrow your search, trying on a pack is critical before embarking on a trek. Check that the hip belt sits on top of the hips, as this is where most of the pack weight should rest. Shoulder straps should be snug but only carrying a modest amount of weight. If a pack is sitting on the hips correctly and not touching the shoulders, shorten the torso length or change pack size.

Note that many packs offer some level of adjustability for torso length and hip belts. Extra features like load lifters and sternum straps can enhance the fit but be cautious about over-tightening these to avoid transferring too much weight onto the upper body.

Consider overall weight

The trip duration, weather conditions, and necessary gear will have some bearing on how much you need to pack, but a general rule of thumb is that a backpacking backpack should not exceed 20 percent of your weight when fully packed. To strategize your packing, start with the actual weight of the backpack plus truly essential equipment. Carefully planning out how much water, snacks, and food you should bring is best to avoid unnecessary weight. Typically, food amounts to 1.5-2.5 pounds per day per person, and this weight lessens as the trip goes on.

It can take some trial and error to figure out what gear and equipment is essential for your backpacking style and preferences. After each trip, consider which items you used frequently versus sparingly or not at all to fine-tune your backpacking packing list.

Think about breathability

A breathable and well-ventilated backpack is important for comfort and reducing sweat on the trail. If your backpacking trip has limited or no access to potable water (such as deserts and arid environments), cutting down on perspiration can make a big difference. Assess the ventilation in the back panel of any backpack when comparing options.

A good size for a hiking pack depends on your needs, but 10-30 liters is fairly standard for day trip packs. For a weekend backpacking trip or thru-hike, consider leveling up to 30-50 liters.

Most backpacking backpacks use an internal frame system. An external frame may come in handy if carrying larger gear that can’t fit within the backpack, while frameless models are popular with ultralight backpackers carrying only the essentials.

Pack denser and heavier items toward the bottom and middle of the backpack for optimal weight distribution with smaller and lighter items on top. Anything you’ll want quick access to on the trail can go in exterior pockets or the top of the backpack.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Kevin Brouillard specializes in outdoor gear and apparel. His work has also been published in TripSavvy, Jetsetter, and Oyster, and he served in the Peace Corps in Cambodia for two years. Kevin used his backpacking and camping experience to curate this list of the best backpacking backpacks.

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Woman tried to board flight at Memphis Airport with 56 pounds of marijuana: Reports

Before a 21-year-old Memphis woman could board an United Airlines flight, Memphis International Airport Police found 56 pounds of marijuana in her luggage, according to multiple reports.

The woman was charged with possession of a controlled substance with the intention to manufacture, deliver or sell, Shelby County jail records show. This charge is a felony offense that "carries harsh penalties," the Law Office of Bernie McEvoy , an attorney in Nashville, Tennessee, said.

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Woman allowed airport police to check her luggage, had name tag on bags, according to reports

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After j.lo seen with $500k birkin, here’s how many hermès bags she owns — and the wild total cost estimate.

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She’s investing in Birkin stocks.

Love don’t cost a thing, but Jennifer Lopez’s Birkin bag collection is worth “several million dollars,” an expert has told The Post, with the many items skyrocketing in value since she purchased them.

J.Lo hit headlines on Tuesday after she stepped out in New York City sporting her Hermès Himalayan Niloticus Birkin bag, estimated to be worth a whopping $500,000.

But that’s only one of the eye-wateringly expensive Birkins that the “Hustlers” star has in her closet, having been pictured — often in sweatpants headed to the gym — with at least 10 of the luxury items over the years.

Jennifer Lopez has a Birkin bag collection that's likely worth several million dollars.

Michael Tonello, fashion guru and author of “Bringing Home the Birkin”, said Lopez has likely splashed upwards of half a million dollars on Birkin bags, but believes they would be worth way more than that if she ever offloaded them.

“If J.Lo were to decide to sell her bags through a special auction at a major auction house I would guesstimate that you’d be looking at something in the area of several million dollars — minimum,” Tonello told The Post on Wednesday.

Jennifer Lopez hit headlines on Tuesday after she stepped out in New York City sporting her Hermès Himalayan Niloticus Birkin bag, estimated to be worth a whopping $500,000.

It’s no surprise given that Hermès’ Birkin handbags often double in value in as little as five years, and are even called a better investment than gold , according to experts.

Also, the bags are notoriously hard to buy directly from Hermès, and usually appreciate in value over time due to demand.

“Acquiring any of these bags today at an Hermès store is quite complicated,” Tonello explained. “Not one of these bags would be out on the selling floor for you to purchase. These are all ‘back room’ bags, only available at the discretion of the sales associate or store manager.”

Here, a look at some of the super rare Birkins that Lopez owns — and the insane cost of similar bags that are currently on the resale market.

Birkin 25 in Himalayan Niloticus

J.Lo was snapped on a separate outing in New York back in 2020 toting the eye-wateringly expensive accessory.

This is J.Lo’s most expensive Birkin bag because it’s one of the most rare — and therefore coveted — Hermès products on the market.

The crocodile bag features 18K white gold diamond-encrusted hardware and is currently listed on one re-sale site for half a million dollars (excluding tax) .

But Lopez is getting good use out of her pricey purchase.

Tuesday’s outing wasn’t the first time Lopez has been seen with this particular bag. She was snapped on a separate outing in New York back in 2020 toting the exorbitantly expensive accessory.

Birkin 40 in Cognac Crocodile

Good bags never go out of style.

J.Lo was first seen sporting this large brown Birkin back in 2008, and she’s continued to get significant wear out of it in the ensuing years.

In 2023, when she was pictured by paparazzi rocking the luxe item with a brown sweatsuit and a pair of Nike dunks while running errands in LA.

The Birkin is also likely to be one of the most expensive in Lopez’s collection, with Cognac Crocodile Birkins in the same 40 cm size re-selling for up to $76,000 online.

Lopez was seen with the same Cognac Crocodile Birkin while out in Los Angeles last year.

Birkin 35 in Red Crocodile

Lopez has never been afraid of a bold Birkin — something Tonello says he admires.

“She loves, and is not afraid, of color,” he told The Post. “It also seems that she actually uses the bags in her everyday life, as in they’re not just for walking the red carpet.”

Indeed, the “Love Don’t Cost A Thing” crooner was seen rocking her red Birkin during a shopping spree in London back in 2012, while hand in hand with dancer beau Caspar Smart.

When she was seen out in 2023 with the same red Birkin , Smart was long gone, proving that lovers come and go, but a Birkin is forever.

The re-sale cost of a similar red Hermès handbag : $57,000.

Birkin 25 in Vert D’Eau Matte Alligator

While the bag is small, its price tag is anything but. Sotheby's is currently selling a similar Birkin for a cool $65,000.

Lopez was seen carrying this mint green Birkin during a romantic trip to Paris with Ben Affleck in July 2022, three months after he proposed.

While it’s unclear whether Affleck gifted the bag to his Birkin-loving beauty as an engagement present, it certainly didn’t come cheap.

While the bag is small, its price tag is anything but.

Sotheby’s is currently selling a similar Birkin for a cool $65,000.

Birkin 30 in Black Crocodile

The re-sale price of a similar sized black croc Birkin comes in at a cool $89,500.

With its gold hardware, this eye-catching accessory has been a favorite of J.Lo’s for more than half a decade.

The songstress was first seen sporting it during an outing in 2019, and it’s been a trusty accessory for her ever since.

The re-sale price of a similar-sized black croc Birkin comes in at a cool $89,500.

Birkin 40 in Black Leather

Classic: Lopez lugged the bag to a taping of "Jimmy Kimmel Live" in Los Angeles in 2018, teaming it with a smart gray dress and classic black heels.

While she may relish bags in eye-catching colors, J.Lo is also partial to a plain black Birkin.

The star is frequently seen carrying around the classic handbag while doing business.

In 2018, Lopez lugged the luxe bag to a taping of “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” teaming it with a smart gray dress and classic black heels.

But a classic black Birkin doesn’t come cheap, with one currently listed on a re-sale site for $32,000.

Birkin 35 in Green Leather

No doubt Birkin lovers were green with envy when Lopez debuted this forest-colored bag back in 2020.

Sotheby’s is currently auctioning off a Birkin in the same size and shade , which is expected to fetch around $16,000.

Birkin 35 in White Leather

Lopez is seen sporting the big white Birkin at a media event back in 2012.

This classic Birkin was one of the first in Lopez’s collection, with the “Gigli” actress rocking it at a 2012 premiere in Las Vegas.

While it’s the same size as the green Birkin she owns, this white version usually sells for slightly more on the resale market, given that it’s a more classic shade.

Expect to fork out in excess of $17,000 for a similar-looking second-hand item.

Birkin 25 in Grey Leather

A gray Birkin with gold hardware will set you back at least $18,000.

In 2020, J.Lo was seen sporting this gray-colored Birkin complete with gold hardware during an appearance at Milan Fashion Week.

Replicating this look won’t come cheap, however, because a similar bag will set you back more than $18,000.

Birkin 25 in Grizzly Gold Veau Doblis Suede

This brown leather suede Birkin is one of the more unusual in Lopez's extensive collection.

This brown leather suede item is one of the more unusual in Lopez’s extensive collection.

Page Six has previously reported that the same bag regularly sells for about $42,000 on resale sites.

And while it’s unclear when she added the bag to her rotation, it’s seemingly the most recent Birkin she’s purchased.

The “Let’s Get Loud” songstress was first seen showing it last year, and has been pictured with it multiple times since.

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How to Travel for 72 Hours With Only a Backpack
Step 1: The Backpack. Vicki Denig/Travel + Leisure. For those who travel frequently, investing in a good backpack is key. Last year, I treated myself to this Tumi Voyageur black leather backpack ...
10 Tips For Traveling With One Backpack
Roll Your Clothes - Don't Fold. Instead of folding or balling up your clothes into your pack, roll them up. You'll be surprised at how much space this can save. This also makes it easier for you to more efficiently dig through your backpack's contents without dumping everything out.
How to Travel Carry On Only: A Beginner's Guide to Minimalist Packing
Do Laundry on the Road. Traveling light does not mean you get to smell. Buy some detergent when you land, and wash clothes every week or two at your hostel, AirBnb, or even hotel. This also means you need to pack items that aren't high maintenance to wash! 3. PUT HEAVIEST ITEMS IN YOUR PERSONAL BAG.
First Timer's Guide to Traveling Carry-On Only
Remember the 3 1 1 Rule for Liquids. Traveling with only a carry-on also affects the amounts of liquids, gels, creams, and aerosols you can bring thanks to TSA requirements. That means you will need to be extra focused on packing items like toothpaste, mascara, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, mouthwash, sunscreen, hair gel, and other necessary ...
The Complete Guide To Skiplagged Backpack Only Flights
Another way to save money on skiplagged backpack only flights is to travel during off-peak times. Airlines often offer lower fares during weekdays, early mornings, or late evenings when there is less demand for flights. By being flexible with your travel dates and times, you can take advantage of these lower fares and save some extra cash.
9 Essential Packing Tips for Traveling Carry-On Only
In order to make your your journey less stressful, I've curated a list of the top packing tips for traveling carry-on only. 1. Pick the right carry-on bag. Not all carry-on luggage is made equal. Many travelers overlook the practicality of their bag and just purchase any ole' carry-on that manages to fit in the overhead bin.
How to Travel With Just a Backpack
A massive advantage to travel with just a backpack is the freedom and mobility. You can easily hop on and off buses, trains and public transport. You can easily walk around cities to find your accommodation without needing to pay over-priced taxi fees.
How to Travel with a Backpack (and Still Have Everything You Need
Choose 4-5 tops and 2-3 bottoms that would match in style in color. They don't need to be classics or neutral colors; just pick clothes that you like and look cute. You can even add a dress if you'd like. Pro tip: When picking a dress, make sure that it also matches at least one of the tops to create a new outfit.
How I Bring Just a Backpack on 5-Week Long Trips: Best ...
Not only do I pack my own items in one backpack, but also I do the same for each of my three kids. One of the best ways I figure out what is and isn't worth bringing in our backpacks is a pre ...
Minimalist travel
Get a 40-liter backpack or duffel bag. Check with the airline to know exactly how much weight and which size is allowed when you travel carry-on only. You can wash your laundry everywhere, so there's no need to pack more than for one week. Choose your clothes so you can easily combine them.
Traveling With Only a Backpack: Minimalism
Watch Your Weight. Weight is another concern when traveling with only a backpack; which is actually twofold. First, the pack has to support the amount of weight you plan to carry. I typically aim for under 25 lbs when I travel (unless I'm also carrying camping gear), which might be at the high end for some.
5 Tips for Traveling With Just a Backpack
The journey to successful one-bag traveling begins with your choice of backpack. One of the most important factors when selecting a bag is size and capacity. For a weekend break you'll probably want a 30-liter bag while for week-long trips a capacity of 35 liters should be sufficient.
This Is How to Travel With Only One Bag
A hybrid backpack/suitcase. Baboon to the Moon's collection of Go-Bags comes in a wide array of seasonal colors and sizes. Both the Small and Mini comply with TSA's carry-on requirements while the Big would best be sfuited for local trips that don't require a flight. The Go-Bag can be either worn as a backpack or carried like a duffel bag.
10 Reasons To Travel With A Backpack Only!
Whether traveling for a weekend away or a six-month trip - traveling with just a backpack is a must, and here are 10 reasons why! Reason To Travel Backpack Only At A Glance. 1. Save Money On Baggage Fees. 2.
How to Travel with Only a Personal Item Backpack
Try to select outfits that can be mixed and matched. Choose 1-2 pairs of shoes that will go with everything. Jackets, sweatshirts, and coats are huge space hogs so try to pick only one or two that pair well with all your outfits. Plan to wear your jacket and one of the selected pairs of shoes to the airport.
How I travel with ONLY a backpack
MY TRAVEL ESSENTIALS: https://amzn.to/3Ee8T32TT bootleg tutorial, you know the vibes. In this video I talk about how I travel with ONLY a backpack. I'm going...
How We Travel With Only a Backpack
Find the Best Travel Backpack. One of the most critical parts of traveling with only a backpack is to find a great bag! Marty and I both tried numerous backpacks and learned the hard way that spending a little extra money goes a long way. In our post, The Best Travel Backpacks for Europe…and Beyond, we tell you all about our favorite bags.
The 6 Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks for 2024
Best small carry-on bag for most situations: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack. Best large bag for most situations: Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L. Best mobile office: Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L ...
How to Travel Only With a Small Backpack
Start with the big stuff, then squish the small stuff anywhere it fits. I always start by putting shoes at the bottom of the biggest compartment — arranged side by side like a tetris piece — followed by pants, thermal shirts, and T-shirts. Underwear and socks can usually fit in the margins. If you have nicer shirts you don't want to get ...
How To Travel With A Backpack On An Airplane. Ultimate Guide To Packing
Traveling with a backpack on an airplane can be a liberating experience. As someone who loves to explore new places, I have found that traveling light and hands-free allows me to truly immerse myself in the culture and surroundings of my destination. ... With the right planning and preparation, traveling with a backpack can not only make your ...
Skip the Suitcase and Travel with a Backpack on a Trip to Europe
How to Pack and Travel with a Backpack Only for a Trip to Europe . 1. First, buy a set of packing cubes. If you're new to packing cubes they will be a life changer! 2. Make a list of all the items you think you'll need. Make sure you include clothing, toiletries, snacks, medications or over-the-counter items you may need, a converter for ...
How to Pack a Backpack for Travel
If you have TSA PreCheck, you can leave your toiletries packed in the main compartment. Computer: Your laptop (and tablet if you're carrying one) go in the laptop compartment which should be next to your back. Water Bottle: Your water bottle goes in one of the stretchy side, water bottle pockets of your backpack.
The 14 Best Carry-on Backpacks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
The Nomatic Travel Pack is the ultimate versatile carry-on backpack thanks to its expandable zippers that add an extra 10 liters of space. Ideal for an overnight trip or a long weekend getaway ...
Top Travel Backpacks to Explore the World With Ease: Carry-On ...
The post Top Travel Backpacks to Explore the World With Ease: Carry-On, Laptop, Business, and Beyond appeared first on Reader's Digest. ... This lightweight best travel backpack only weighs 10.6 ...
The 7 Best Backpacking Backpacks of 2024
When every ounce counts, the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 is an excellent choice for lightening your load on the trail. With a 60-liter capacity, it delivers an impressive weight to storage ratio of ...
Memphis woman busted with 56 pounds of marijuana in luggage: Reports
The woman's name tag was attached to the bags, the Memphis, Tennessee-based TV station said. After locating the woman's luggage, she gave airport police permission to search her bags, WMC-TV said.
After J.Lo seen with $500K Birkin, here's how many Hermès bags she owns
Jennifer Lopez hit headlines on Tuesday after she stepped out in New York City sporting her Hermes Himalayan Niloticus Birkin bag, estimated to be worth a whopping $500,000. But that Birkin isn't ...

10 Tips For Traveling With One Backpack

7 Days – That’s the Rule!

Lightweight Clothing

Don’t Forget Dark Colored Clothing

Wear Your Jeans & Jacket For More Space

Never More Than Two Pairs of Shoes

Toiletries: Pack Only the Essentials

Bring Your Travel Books

Roll Your Clothes – Don’t Fold

Invest In A Quick Dry Towel!

Pack Necessities First

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How to Travel Carry On Only: A Beginner’s Guide to Minimalist Packing

1. USE A LIGHTWEIGHT BAG

2. YOU NEED LESS THAN YOU THINK

Focus on Multi-Use Items

Ditch the Liquids

Do Laundry on the Road

3. PUT HEAVIEST ITEMS IN YOUR PERSONAL BAG

4. PACK CLOTHES THE RIGHT WAY

5. WEAR YOUR HEAVIEST CLOTHES ON THE FLIGHT

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Further Reading...

One Day Itinerary for Essaouira, Morocco

Backpacking New Zealand on a Budget: Exactly How Much I Spent

How to Travel Cheaper: A Beginner’s Guide to Budget Travel

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How to Plan the Perfect Vacation: 10 Step Guide

Packing Tips

What to Expect When Traveling With Only a Carry On

How to Go Carry On Only for the First Time

Create Your Carry-On Packing List

Here are 3 resources that can help with this step of the process:

HPL's Editable Packing Checklist Template

3 Steps to Packing Everything You Need and Nothing More

Carry-On-Only Crash Course

Pack Your Carry-On Luggage in the Best Way Possible

Remember the 3 1 1 Rule for Liquids

Don’t Forget the Personal Item!

Weigh It Up

Getting Through Security

More Motivation to Help You Travel Carry-On-Only When You Haven’t Done It Before

Written by Caroline

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The Complete Guide To Skiplagged Backpack Only Flights

How Skiplagged Finds Amazing Flight Deals

Leveraging Hidden City Ticketing

Catching Airline Mistakes

Finding the Best Value Routes

Choosing Flights When You’re Backpack Only

Consider Total Trip Length

Evaluate Number of Layovers

Assess Airport Size

Hacks to Save Even More Money

Be Flexible on Departure Airport

Travel During Off-Peak Times

Sign Up for Fare Drop Alerts

Navigating Airports Smoothly with Just a Backpack

Research Airport Layout Beforehand

Pack Smartly to Avoid Fees