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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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

• 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.

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Home » Gear » one bag travel

One Bag Travel: How to Become the ULTIMATE Minimalist (2024)

In an attempt to be  prepared for anything , overpacking is the most common mistake travellers make. After years of travelling, I’ve realised that One Bag Travel  is the best way to travel light.

In this guide, I’ll go over the best one bag travel backpacks, how to pack like a minimalist, and what I pack on my backpacking trips. I mean, essentially it’s about taking less stuff whilst making sure you’ve got all the gear you actually need!

My goal is to help you forego the pain, back sweat, and baggage check-in fees that come with packing too much. Travel is about freedom, discovery, and experiences, and it’s hard to be free when you’re weighed down by heavy bags and possessions you won’t use.

Forget checked luggage, pack lighter and embrace the freedom that comes with carry on travel!

Frankly, one bag travel is an art. It’s about curating, refining, and minimising your set-up. Onebagging is more than a way to pack and travel, it’s a community and lifestyle devoted to the idea of packing fewer, higher-quality items to make life simpler… as well as avoiding checked luggage fees!

My ability to “one bag travel” has become a part of my day-to-day life. I now make a point to invest in better quality items than a bunch of crap that ends up in a landfill. Here I’ll not only include the best bags, but also my packing lists too.

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Quick Answers: Best Bags for One Bag Travel

Top things to look for in one bag travel backpacks, the best one bag travel backpacks, how to pack for one bag travel, my one bag travel packing list, faq about the best one bag travel.

• Nomatic 40L Travel Bag – Best Backpack for One Bag Travel
• Tortuga Travel Pack – Best Urban Travel Bag
• Harber London Weekend Bag – Best Duffel For One Bag Travel
• AER Travel Pack 3 – Best One Bag Travel Runner-up
• REI Ruck Sack 40 – Best Hiking Backpack for One Bag Travel
• Boundary Supply Prima System – Best Photography Backpack for One Bag Travel
• Tropicfeel Shell – Best Hanging Wardrobe Backpack

Nomatic Travel Bag 40L

• Price > $289.99
• > Carry On Compliant
• > Endless features

Tortuga Travel Pack

• Price > $350
• > lockable YKK zippers
• > weather-resistant finish

AER Travel Pack 3

• Price > $249
• > Shoe pocket
• > Many different storage areas

Harber London Weekender

• Price > $1301
• > Perfect for one bag travel
• > Stylish and hard wearing

REI Ruck Sack 40

• Price > $169
• > Affordable
• > Classic rucksack look

Boundary Supply Prima System

• Price > $319
• > Multiple Uses
• > Modular System

Tropicfeel Shell

• > Completely waterproof
• > Great internal packing cube system

Ready to learn more about the beauty of one bag travel? Great! But first, let’s cover the most important item in this art form, the bag itself. Get ready to discover unfettered freedom with the ultimate one bag travel backpack.

Start with the Right Sized Bag

People tend to fill the space they have when it comes to packing. If you give yourself less, space, you’ll be forced to pack less stuff! Choose a carry on sized bag and you’ll end up travelling lighter while simultaneously avoiding baggage claims and checked baggage fees.

40-liters is the sweet spot for carry-on travel backpacks . All of the backpacks I’ve reviewed below are the carry-on size and abide by TSA guidelines, so you can zip through the airport with ease and avoid the pain and cost of checked luggage and the queues at baggage claim.

In order to pack lighter and take advantage of the convenience of carry on travel, you should have a look at some packing lists to get an idea of what more seasoned travellers take so you can avoid carrying unnecessary items. Also, pick up some good packing cubes to organise everything properly.

Look for Multi-Functionality

If this is the only bag you are travelling with, you want it to work in multiple situations – urban travel, day hikes, as a laptop bag, etc. On that note, no backpack can do it all the best. You won’t find an incredible hiking backpack that doubles as a commuter, and that’s okay.

Just assess how you travel and go from there and pick the best one bag travel backpack that suits your needs. From rolling luggage to front-loading packs and those with a dedicated laptop compartment, as long as you pack lighter then you’re on to a winner!

Comfort Matters Most

It doesn’t matter how cool or stylish your bag is. If it isn’t comfortable, you won’t want to use it. Below are some things you should consider:

Torso Size and Length –  Travel Backpacks have a torso measurement to help you find one that will have the most comfortable fit. Men’s and women’s packs are different. Generally, women have a shorter torso than men, so women’s travel backpacks have less distance between the shoulder straps and hip belt.

Shoulder Straps and Hip Belt Comfort – You’ll want to look for padded and comfortable shoulder and hip straps that can be further customised to your shape and size. Women-specific travel backpacks have curved shoulder straps and a sternum strap designed to better fit female chests. The shoulder straps are often set a little closer together since women tend to have narrow shoulders and neck.

Don’t underestimate the importance of a comfortable hip belt. This is what helps take weight off of your shoulder so you can walk, hike, and climb comfortably, even with 35+ pounds, not that you’ll be carrying that much like a minimalist traveller 😉

The hip belt helps keep the pack closer to your centre of gravity so the load is better balanced against your back. Women’s hip belts often have extra padding and a slightly narrower hip belt to help the weight distribute evenly across your hips.

Finally, if you are investing in an urban travel bag, test out how the straps stow-away, as pictured below. Personally, I would avoid rolling luggage unless you really do struggle with carrying your pack as it just adds extra weight.

Materials and Durability

Aside from the perfect fit, durability is the next most important thing to look for in the best travel backpacks for women . You are investing in this backpack, and you want to make sure it’s going to last!

Your travel bag will be exposed to rain, puddles or leaks, so make sure your travel bag is strong, durable, and made from waterproof material.

Buying a backpack is an investment, and spending a little extra money for rip-proof and waterproof materials, and hardy zippers are important. Bonus points if the backpack comes with a lifetime warranty.

Note: Generally, the more durable the material the heavier it is too. Weight and durability are a trade-off, so figure out what matters most to you.

Opening Style

How your travel backpack opens will determine the convenience, accessibility, and practicality of a pack.

I’m personally not a fan of top-loading backpacks only, even for hiking backpacks, which should at least have front or side access too. It’s nice to have a travel backpack that zips open like a suitcase to pack and unpack your things. Multiple access points will help you stay organised too.

Personally, I would go for a front-loading pack whether I’m backpacking for months on end or just going on a trip for two weeks as it makes everything so much easier.

Organisation

The best travel bags have a well-thought-out design, so you don’t have to think twice about where to find your things. You can also keep your bag organized with packing cubes and a toiletry bag.

Security and Protection

If you’re only travelling with one bag, then all of your prized possessions are going to be in one place. Make sure your passport, computer, and tech are well protected! Have a look for a dedicated laptop compartment and locking zips which are particularly important for carry on travel.

Below, I individually review the best travel backpacks for one bag travel. These bags are multi-functional and carry on travel compliant (i.e. 45 litres and under). They also protect your gear and check off the most important boxes: comfort, durability, and function all whilst making it easier to pack lighter.

Next, I’ll give you my BEST tips for packing light without sacrificing style and comfort. Then, I’ll finish this guide with my packing list, including things I’ve dropped from my packing list to become more minimal, making one bag and carry on travel so much easier.

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Best Backpack for One Bag Travel

This bag was made for people who live out of one bag.

Nomatic bags  are designed to be modern, sleek, and efficient. This is accomplished by an extremely thoughtful design and tons of organizational and accessibility points, hidden pockets, high-quality tarpaulin and ballistic weave materials, and so much more.

Some of my favourite features include the separate shoe compartment (because who likes to store their dirty shoes next to their personals), book pocket, and dedicated laptop compartment and tablet section. I also like that this backpack easily transforms into a duffel bag.

It is exactly 40 litres, making it carry-on compliant just about anywhere.

Whether you are travelling for a business trip or you are a Digital Nomad travelling the world, this will keep your laptop and valuables secured all while looking stylish. Plus, you’ll have more pockets and sleeves than you know what to do with.

For more details and information on all of the pack’s features, read our full review of the  Nomatic Travel Bag !

UPDATE for 2021:  Nomatic no longer sells or does business in the European Union, which is an unfortunate development. Those living in the EU should consider the next bag instead…

• Carry On Compliant
• Endless features
• Organization Galore
• Urban environments only

Is the Nomatic Bag 40 Litres for you?

If you are a modern traveler who spends a lot of time on the road, the Nomatic Travel Bag is going to be one of the best one bag travel pieces you own. It was designed specifically for people who live on the road. Few bags are more functional than this one.

The Tortuga Travel Pack is easily one of the best carry-on travel backpacks on the market. The materials on this bag include SHELL200D Recycled Polyester with a weather-resistant finish and lockable YKK zippers.

Awesome features include front-loading and the main compartment that opens like a suitcase, a padded and removable hip belt, padded and hideaway shoulder straps with moulded foam, and weather-resistant material.

It is 40-litres, giving you extra space if you need it, but be careful when packing this bag full if you want to stay carry on compliant.

The Tortuga Setout features a TSA-friendly laptop sleeve that allows you to leave the device in your backpack while going through security.

This is an amazing backpack built for efficient, on-the-go travellers.

• Perfect for one bag travel
• The main compartment has plenty of space
• Organisation Galore
• Urban environments
• Not as feature-rich as others

Is the Tortuga Bag for you?

This bag is perfect for one bag travel. It’s carry on compliant, protects your gear, and can double as a day to day city bag.

Aer Travel Pack 3

The Aer Travel Pack 3 is what digital nomad one bag dreams are made of. It has a laptop sleeve, side handle, and opens wide for easy access.

There’s no need to make the difficult decision about which single pair of shoes to bring, because the Aer Travel Pack 3 has a dedicated shoe area. Bring your climbing shoes along without storing them next to your clean clothes.

As long as you don’t throw the Travel Pack 3 into a meat grinder or off of a thousand-foot cliff, it should last for 10-15 years at least. The 1680D Cordura ballistic nylon exterior (not waterproof) feels like it can take a beating without showing any signs of wear.

The zippers on all of the 3 main compartments can be locked for additional security. This is great for coffee shops, airports, trains, and even sitting on crowded buses. There’s no need to tempt pickpockets.

You can read the Aer Travel Pack review here .

Even though we recommend the AER to European travellers, Americans can also get it; the backpack is available worldwide! It’s just a great overall backpack and is great for those who miss out on the Nomatic.

• Shoe pocket
• Many different storage areas
• Side handles
• Carry on approved
• Small water bottle area
• Not waterproof
• No raincover

Is the Aer Travel Pack 3 for me?

The Aer Travel Pack 3 is for travellers who value one-bag travel with a well thought out bag design.

The Shell by Tropicfeel is a relatively new find to us at the Broke Backpacker but may just have changed the very fact of one bag travel. Firstly, the Tropicfeel Shell has an adjustable capacity extending from a 22L day pack to a full 40L carry-on, overnight, weekend sized pack. This saves you from having to bring a second pack to use for day trips and visits to the beach. Result.

The next awesome feature is that it literally comes with a built-in hanging wardrobe! You pack your clothes neatly into the mesh wardrobe, pop it inside the Shell and then unpack it and hang it up once you arrive at your destination! It’s easy to organise all the items from your packing list with this feature.

It’s a great bag for those who like to travel neat and also for business people who kind of need to stay presentable and organised. It’s made from fully sustainable materials making the Shell an all-round hit with us at The Broke Backpacker.

• Ideal for one bag travel
• Comes with a hanging wardrobe!
• Adjustable size
• Not ideal for hiking
• Not the most versatile

Is The Tropicfeel Shell For You?

If you are after an adjustable bag with a hanging wardrobe inside, then this is really the one and only bag for you! If neither of those features appeals to you, then there are more suitable packs! on this list. Simple

There’s no such thing as a great weekend without some high-quality leather right? (or is that just me…). This do-it-all leather weekend bag from Harber London delivers all your one bag travel needs no matter the itinerary with unmatched handmade details. Every inch of this bag was thoroughly inspected and tested to deliver years of epic trip taking. 

A water bottle holder is one of seven outer pockets. Then take advantage of the front zippered pockets or wide side openings to keep the main compartment zipped for the little things.

Once it’s time to go inside the main compartment, microsuede cushioning protect your valuables and finish off this quality bag. This bag is stylish, functional, hardwearing and made for the road. But alas, it does not come cheap…

• Stylish and hard wearing
• Simple to pack
• May fit in overhead compartments

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This bag has plenty of organizational compartments and thought out innovation as well as a supportive back panel, ventilated mesh padding, and a sternum strap. REI’s rugged rucksack is both a travel bag and a hiking bag, making it excellent for one bag travel!

They have a men’s and women’s version, so that the harness straps, hip belt, back support, and torso length can fit properly depending on one’s body type.

The hip belt is padded and wide enough to off real support, and the easy-to-remove top lid works great as a day pack or smaller bag to keep valuables when you’re on a plane, bus, or even in a tent!

The compartments are easy to reach due to full-zip designs and multiple access points. The sleeve along the back panel is designed to hold a hydration sleeve or laptop.

Perhaps the best feature is its build, which allows you to fill this bag with a ton of things, seemingly much more than 40 litres worth. When packed full, it is still well-balanced and sits comfortably on the hips.

I love this backpack and think it’s one of the best travel backpacks if you plan on doing some serious hiking on your travels. Talk about one bag travel! This bag works in all environments. My boyfriend uses this men’s version pack for all of our 5-day hiking trips as well as international travel.

• Classic rucksack look
• Good pocket organisation
• Great ventilation/back support
• No laptop compartment
• Preferable for hikers/campers

Is the REI Co-Op Rucksack the best bag for you?

Looking for a 40-litre travel bag that you can hike with. (Others claim they’re designed for travel, but the shape and fit say otherwise…) The REI  Rucksack is well-designed, comfortable, and durable. It will do everything you need it to for your travels or camping.

Wait… a camera bag that is a functional travel backpack? Yup. The Boundary Supply Prima-System backpack uses unique modules for organizing all of your items. It’s much lighter than most photography backpacks but still keeps your gear secure.

Moreover, you don’t  have to use this bag for photography, it’s just versatile enough to do so.

This is a great backpack set apart by its modular design. When you buy this backpack, you are also investing their included modules, the Verge and Fieldspace , for ultimate organization and storage.

While the  Verge is primarily used to protect camera gear in the main compartment, it can easily be used for other items or removed entirely.

This bag has side access to the main module/compartment as well as top access, a small front pocket and hidden pocket for valuables, a comfortable strap system, and a separate laptop compartment that is easy to access even when the bag is full.

Moreover, its unique design and magnetic straps make it perfect for commuting and travelling securely on the day-to-day. I’ve used this bag for a day out at the coffee shop, and week-long international trips.

The main drawback is that it only has one water bottle pocket that doubles as a tripod holder. This is fine if you are just using this bag to carry a water bottle, but a bummer if you are trying to carry both…

At 35L it’s also not quite big enough for a full photographer set-up AND full travel packing list, but if you’re going light and one bagging it, well, it’s perfect. If you’re just away for a short trip, the Boundary Supply Errant Bag might be better fitted.

• Multiple Uses
• Modular System
• 35L might be too small for some
• Only one side pocket for water bottle/tripod

Is the Boundary the best bag for you?

The bag’s low profile and minimalism make it great for commuting and riding public transportation, biking, travelling, and more.

If you are looking for a camera backpack for everyday use and travel, this bag is perfect! Check out our full review of the prima system  to learn more about this awesome backpack.

Nomatic Travel Pack – For the Ultra Minimalist

The slightly smaller Nomatic Travel Pack is another great offering from Nomatic and it’s perfect if you truly want to embrace the minimalist style!

This 20-litre daypack can be expanded to 30 litres, making it extremely adaptable for travel… if you travel light. An internal zip-shut mesh divider means you can keep clean and dirty clothing separate, and there are a compression packing cube and separate shoe compartment incorporated.

If that wasn’t enough, the bag also contains a separate area for a tablet and laptop of up to 15” which is TSA approved as it lays flat. It comes with plenty of pockets like a business bag, including a pocket with RFID-blocking technology to protect your electronic data!

My only qualm is that this backpack does not fit under aeroplane seats or in the overhead bins of smaller budget airplanes when it is packed to the brim (30-liters!). If you think you’re going to use this bag at its 30-litre capacity more than as a daypack, then I suggest buying the Nomatic 40-litre travel bag.

UPDATE for 2021 : Nomatic is not available for purchase for those living in the EU.

• Internal divider
• RFID-blocking pocket
• Only for the minimalist traveller
• Weight of 1.9 kg

Is the Nomatic Travel Pack for me?

The 20+10 litre Nomatic Travel Pack is a great alternative to the 40-litre Nomatic travel bag I’ve reviewed. This pack has a wealth of features for such a small space. If you don’t need a pack quite as big as the Nomatic travel bag, then this is an excellent choice.

WANDRD Packable Backpack – Bring this Bag Too!

This foldable backpack only weighs 10oz, so you won’t even notice it’s there. Because it is a foldable backpack, it will fit into any bag you travel with, so you can remain true to the one bag travel movement while having a smaller bag for day-to-day excursions, grocery trips, and more!

I even like to bring this daypack on multi-day treks, so I can leave my base camp and still pack the essentials. With a 34 litre capacity, you have PLENTY of space to bring extra water, food, and layers.

I love that it offers 7 easy-access pockets and pouches to organize your belongings. Honestly, I haven’t seen a foldable backpack with so many features.

An honorary mention goes to the Mile One Backpack , it’s a bit niche but check it out for an alternative.

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

Once you have the right bag, the next step is to pack it! I can’t even count how many trips I’ve packed for, yet I still have trouble narrowing down what to add to my packing list! It’s not easy to pack super light, especially if you want to pack for multiple activities. Going hiking? Hitting the town? How do you pack so many shoes?

Well, here on my rules for what to bring and what not to bring on your next trip. Bear in mind this was written for travellers and backpackers, not for people going on business trips or away for just one weekend! This is a packing list for longer-term travellers.

1. Pack with Purpose

Think about how you use every single item in your bag at home, and imagine how you will use it on your trip. Why are you bringing that shirt/ camera /jacket/etc.? Prioritise versatility and comfort on your packing list!

If you don’t plan to use the item in the first two days of your travels, DON’T BRING IT ! (The exception is your very minimal first-aid kit – the one thing we hope you never have to use but has a place on many different packing lists!)

One great way to do this is to pack everything you want to bring. Now, cut that pile in half. Cut it in half, AGAIN. Now, you’re getting somewhere.

2. Everything You Pack Should Have Multiple Uses

Don’t bother bringing a pair of shoes that you will ONLY wear out. Don’t bring a dress you’ll only wear once. And don’t bring running shoes if you never run. See the pattern here!

Think with versatility, and don’t expect to be prepared for every situation as you will be at home. If you want to pack light, you have to make a few sacrifices. Pack versatile, multi-functional items, like a…

Foldable Day Pack – Takes up very little space, can be used for days around a city, on a hike, or as your item in transport.

Buff  – One of my favourite things to travel with! It’s a scarf, beanie, and dust-protector all-in-one. It works for many different types of packing lists!

3. Stick to one Color Palette

Pick your favourite colour and only pack clothes that match it! This way you can maximize the number of outfits. Everything should be wearable with everything! For example, I only travel with blacks, blues, and greys. As much as I love white, I can’t be trusted around good food and stainable materials! White also doesn’t wash well on the road!

4. Pack for One Week

No matter how long you are travelling for – two weeks, one year, forever – simply adjust your packing lists for one week.

Remember, you cannot pack for every possible likelihood. If you are doing a long backpacking trip around the world or to multiple countries as many of our readers do, I controversially suggest that you leave your snow jacket at home unless you plan to use it at the very beginning of your trip (and don’t mind donating or sending home).

You can ALWAYS pick stuff up on the way, or have something very specific shipped out to you. For example, I travelled to India, Nepal, and Thailand a year back, and packing for tropical heat and mountain hiking was a nightmare, so I made a few sacrifices. I packed my hiking shoes and 2 favourite down jackets but decided I would purchase everything else in Nepal.

Here’s the deal: Mountain towns carry mountain gear. Beach towns carry beach clothes. Plus, you may meet other travellers to swap clothes and gear with (as I did for trekking in Nepal !). I’ve learned the hard way, sometimes it’s easier to purchase a couple of things in-country than lug it around.

5. Do Your Laundry

Plan to do laundry along the road! You can handwash your basics like socks and underwear. This is just another reason I recommend Dr Bronner’s bar, which can be used for body soap or laundry detergent. In many countries, you can save time and money by dropping off your dirty clothes at a cleaning service too.

6. Pack Layers

I always travel with a down jacket, one of the best layers ever! Depending on my trip I’ll have a shell for rain or snow that folds up small. There is no need to pack a bulky jacket when you can pack layers that will cover more climates.

One heavy sweater will eat up so much space in your bag that you’ll never fit everything else you need.

A merino wool base layer or thermal shirt will keep you warm and can easily be combined with other items or taken off as the weather changes.

Pack for a day with cool mornings, warm afternoons, and cold nights. Dressing in thin layers offers flexibility and keeps your pack light. When travelling in winter weather, wear your jacket at all times versus packing it.

7. Two Pairs of Shoe Limit

Shoes are the hardest part of onebagging!

I’m a big fan of Vivo Barefoot minimal shoes for travel because take up way little space and often have multiple uses. Vivo Barefoot hiking boots roll up into your suitcase too.

River sandals are also great. I have a low-profile pair of black sandals that I can hike in, wear around town, go river rafting, and even out on the town in.

Tip: You’ll want to wear your bulkier and heavier pair of shoes on the plane and pack the rest. Make sure your smaller pair of shoes are flat and light, like those sandals I just mentioned.

8. Wear the Right Fabrics

I have generally found that high-quality wool clothing is a worthy investment. Merino wool socks and shirts are expensive BUT you can wear them with anything, wash them far less often, and layer them easily.

If you invest in any wool, make it socks. I cannot go back to wearing cotton socks, which get sweaty and gross after one day of touring a city. Merino wool socks can last almost a week and still seem spanking clean.

Cotton might be cheaper, but it’s heavy, slow to dry, and doesn’t breathe well. Linen and even hemp can be breathable and light options for beach trips.

Break the cycle of cheap, disposable junk. This starts with fashion, one of the most wasteful industries on the planet! If you are backpacking the world, you want to bring clothes that can layer well (as previously mentioned) as well as clothes that are multi-functional, breathable, and cool/warm when needed.

9. Simplify Your Tech

As a digital nomad, I love that I can work from virtually anywhere with an internet connection, but that means it’s also easy to get weighed down by electronics and gear.

Keep it simple! If you do not work on the road, don’t bring your computer! Use your phone, or if you must, a tablet. If you need to store photos, just bring an external backup drive.

1. 13-inch laptop + charger

2. Phone + charger

3. Headphones

4. Mirrorless Camera with travel lens (16-70 mm), and filters. I love that I don’t need to bring multiple lenses on most of my trips. I keep it in a neoprene cover versus a large bag.

5. Travel-sized Tripod (sometimes).

6 . 2 extra prime lenses for camera + camera bag

7. GoPro, gimbal, and accessories

That’s it! I eliminated all the extra cords, chargers, and camera gear from my life. I stopped bringing my secondary camera and lenses that spent more time sitting in my bag than in use. Was it hard to do? At first, yes, but I never miss the extra stuff when I’m traveling, and spend more time enjoying the moment than trying to capture it.

9. Simplify Your Toiletry Bag

Toiletries can take up a lot of room, especially for us ladies. Forget the make-up, curling irons, and blow dryers.

They’re not worth it, hard to replace on the road, and might blow out an outlet anyway.

Stick to multi-use soap (like Dr Bronner’s), basic face wash and moisturizer (no toners, serums, and extras), minimal make-up, a bamboo toothbrush, and a couple of extra hair ties.

11. Stay Compact and Organised

Keeping your gear organised and compact will help you one bag travel. Packing Cubes weigh next to nothing and do a good job at bag organization. Use a compression dry sack to compress things down, like your hoodie, and warmer layers.

We have plenty of great resources on this site to help you find a few quality pieces to travel everywhere and anywhere. I have listed a few of the best below to help you define your one bag travel packing list .

Want to know how to pack a backpack ? Check out our dedicated post.

Best travel cameras

Best down jackets

Best Travel Pants

Best Travel Laptops

Best Travel Water Bottles

Travel Toiletries Packing List

Best Travel Jackets

Best Travel Shoes

I travel with an AER backpack for urban travel and longer trips OR my Kyte 46 or REI rucksack for my more adventurous trips. I pick ONE, hence one bag travel 🙂

3 tees  – for everyday use; one is merino wool

1 tank –  to workout in

1 nicer top –  for day and night

1 dress –  for day and night

1 short –  for everyday wear

1 running short

1 pair of pants

1 down jacket  – for cooler nights; hiking; transport, etc.

1 rain shell  –  to protect from rain

1 legging or bike shorts –  gotta do my yoga.

2-4 pairs of socks –  all merino wool

2 sports bras –  that go with all of my tops

7 underwear

1 light long sleeve sweater –  merino wool

1 linen button up –  to protect from wind and sun

1-2 Bikinis –  Dudes, look into trunks that double as everyday shorts.

Waterproof river sandals – I can trail run, river raft, hit the beach or hit the town in these. They’re the only shoes I travelled in around Bali! I just work out barefoot otherwise.

Vivo barefoot hiking shoes – They roll up and are lightweight. If I don’t plan to do any 10+ mile hiking, my river sandals work. Instead, I’ll bring closed-toed normal city shoes.

Accessories

Abaco Sunglasses

Buff   –  so many functions .

Beanie – Great for staying warm.

I stopped bringing the extra camera gear, accessories, and even a chargeable battery pack (if my phone dies, I simply enjoy the moment). Bring less tech and you’ll enjoy your trip MORE.

Macbook + charger

Phone + charger

1 Travel Lens

Mirrorless Camera

World Travel Adapter

USB card reader

Hanging Toiletry Bag

Dental Health Toiletries

Soap – Dr. Bronner’s

Shampoo/Conditioner

Facewash/Moisturizer

Menstrual Cup

Reef-Safe Sun Block

Mosquito Repellent

Microfibre Towel

Simple First Aid Kit

Miscellaneous

Passport/Wallet

Foldable Daybag

Compression Packing Cubes

Carabiners  –  Clip them to your pack.

Travel Security Belt

Tough plastic playing cards

Notepad and 2 pens

Ear Plugs/ Eye Mask

Travel Thermos/Coffee Maker

Headtorch  – useful in almost any country

Still have some questions? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

What is one bag travel?

Basically travelling as a minimalist. All of your belongings can fit in one bag.

What is the overall best one bag?

We absolutely love the Nomatic Travel Bag. It fits 40L but is still small enough to count as a carry on, is super stylish and extremely durable as well.

How big should my backpack be for one bag travel?

That really depends on how long you’re travelling for and how much you need to carry. Usually, 35-50L bags are ideal.

What matters most on a one-bag travel backpack?

Comfort goes over everything. Make sure you measure your torso and keep the specs in mind when purchasing a bag. Your back will thank you!

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Final Thoughts on One Bag Travel

One bag travel is not just a way to pack, but a movement to fewer, quality items versus carrying around a bunch of crap. By embracing one bag travel, you never have to forego the stairs or wait for a baggage claim. You never have to fear lost luggage or deal with fitting all of your crap in a train/bus/plane/taxi/tuk-tuk/back of a motorbike.

One bag travel will make your trip cheaper, lighter, and give you the ultimate freedom to go anywhere, anytime.

Ana Pereira

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Outdoor Travel & Lifestyle Blog

The Ultimate One Bag Travel Packing List for Traveling Smarter

With most airlines raising their baggage fees, one bag travel packing is gaining more popularity by the second!

But…what is one bag travel?

This minimalist approach involves taking only what you need in a single backpack, commonly used as a personal item or carry-on bag for airline travel.

Using a backpack within the airline’s dimension limits for personal-size items can help you avoid carry-on luggage fees .

Traveling with one bag reduces the weight and bulk you carry, but you’ll also be saving money by not paying hefty checked luggage fees for airline travel.

So, in shorter terms, one bag travel focuses on versatility, utility, and necessity and making sure each item serves a purpose.

And guess what? Traveling with one bag is easier than you think!

Disclaimer: Some affiliate links are placed in this content which means we receive a percentage of the revenue made from purchasing products via those links–at no extra cost to you . All of the opinions are our own. Thank you for supporting our blog!

Features to Look For in a Travel Backpack

How to pack your clothes, electronics and gadgets, how to layer your items, 4. what are the key principles behind the one bag travel packing philosophy.

It’s about creating a strategic packing list that leaves behind the ‘ just in case ‘ items that you never end up using anyway. ( Yes, you…I’m talking to you! ) In other words, quality over quantity.

And although there are various ways you could travel with one backpack, the main concept is pretty much the same—compact, efficient packing to travel lightly and with greater flexibility .

One Bag Travel Packing and My… Skills ?

I first heard of the term one bag travel back in 2019 and I can’t even remember the amount of articles I read on this, including the videos I watched (which I don’t regularly do).

In that moment, I realized that my travel packing skills were a disaster. My outfit selection was unplanned. Plus, I basically just folded my clothes and packed them where it would fit or I’d just get another suitcase or bag…and another.

Lacking a strategy for packing smarter when traveling was the main reason behind my disorganization. Not to mention, the extra amount of bags I used to carry.

This is why I invested my time in learning the tricks behind traveling with one bag and my packing skills suddenly became real .

I quickly learned how to simplify my packing and streamline my overall travel planning.

This type of traveling lifestyle kind of “forces” you to think twice about what you want to bring on your trip, which, believe it or not, is worth doing.

If you want to travel light, one bag travel packing is definitely a game-changer and by the end of this article, you’ll know exactly how to implement it on your next trip.

Choosing the Right Backpack for One Bag Travel

When choosing the right backpack for one bag travel, mainly think of size and comfort . Let’s go over some key points that can help you achieve this.

How Big Can Your Backpack Be For a Personal Item?

Choosing a personal item backpack for airline travel is a great option but sticking to backpack size is crucially important.

For a personal item, most airlines have an average dimension limit of 18 by 14 by 8 inches.

When looking for the best backpack size for traveling that fits within these dimensions, you can consider a bag that can hold anywhere between 26-30 liters .

Travel bags within this size range have enough space and are mostly compliant with airline requirements for personal items.

What Size of Backpack Can You Use as Carry-on for Airline Travel?

As for carry-on backpack options, it’s also important to find one that meets airline size restrictions. Remember, you want to avoid luggage fees at all costs!

For domestic travel, most airlines have an average dimension limit on carry-on luggage of 22 x 14 x 9 inches .

Expandable spinners and hard-sided luggage are two of the most popular choices for carry-on bags and are certainly the first options to consider.

These types of bags are easy to find in the required airline sizes and can provide versatility, organization, and comfort, making them an excellent option for one-bag travel.

I would say the first thing to look for is a travel backpack with shoe compartment and multiple organization pockets . When traveling light, you want to be able to have everything accessible and organized.

Another important thing is to prioritize durability by selecting a backpack that has sturdy materials and reinforced seams .

Ergonomic designs with padded straps or a waist belt for optimal weight distribution, are key if you want to avoid back pain and discomfort!

Versatility is also something to consider. You want to opt for a backpack that seamlessly transitions from exploring the city to your outdoor adventures.

Lastly, additional features like water resistance and built-in USB ports are always more of a personal preference, but can still be considered.

Preparing to Travel With One Bag

When getting ready to travel with one bag, your selected items must all have their purpose for making it to your travel packing list.

Remember, you’re creating a mobile wardrobe and toolkit that’s versatile enough for various scenarios but remains compact and easy to carry.

Packing cubes for backpacks or compression bags will be your BFF’s when leaning towards one bag travel packing for your next trip.

Choosing neutral-colored base layers and lightweight clothing items is best so you can easily mix and match. Quick-drying and wrinkle-resistant fabrics are also great options when packing for a week of travel, and even more.

Some of the best versatile colors to mix and match with clothing are black, gray, navy, beige or olive green. To maximize the use of your outfit selections, try to include more solid colors instead of patterns.

Also, think about multi-functional garments that can adapt to different climates and occasions, instead of having to carry one for each.

In this one bag travel packing checklist, I’m listing general essentials for a week of traveling (excluding winter season travel).

• Tops : Aim for at least 3-4 tees, shirts or blouses, with at least one dressy option. You can also pack dresses if this is more of your preference, mostly solid colors and just 1 style with patterns. Try to include light fabrics that can be easily hung out to dry after washing.
• Bottoms : Pack 3-4 pairs of shorts or a skirt, depending on the destination, and 1 pair of jeans or trousers.
• Outerwear : Include a lightweight, waterproof jacket that can compactly fold into your one bag travel backpack . These are very functional almost anywhere and don’t take up much space.
• Undergarments : I always recommend having extras but packing at least 9 undies and 3-4 bras should be sufficient for a week of travel.
• Socks : Pack at least 4 pairs of socks (ladies), men should include at least a daily pair. These will be best in lightweight and quick-drying material.
• Shoes : Oh, the dilemma! The rule of thumb is to stick to two pairs—sneakers and another pair that’s a bit more formal and both should be comfortable for walking. If you like sandals, you can sneak in a pair of these in your main bag compartment and another pair in the sneaker pocket of your bag.
• Optional accessories : one hat, one small cross-body purse, 2 pairs of earrings

What are the Essentials to Carry for One Bag Travel?

Although essential items can look different for everyone, here’s a list with pretty much the basics that you can relate to.

Limit yourself to travel-sized items only that adhere to TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule and use a small toiletry bag to organize. You can also consider multi-purpose products like exfoliating cleansers and 2-in-1 options.

• Hygiene items : Toothbrush, mini toothpaste, floss, and deodorant.
• Skincare : A small tube of sunscreen and moisturizer.
• Personal care : Travel pack of tissues, a few band-aids and laundry soap sheets .

For better packing efficiency , keep electronic devices to a minimum but make sure to have what you need to stay connected.

I know this is a hard one, even for me! I phased out my Nikon camera equipment and have only been using my Fujifilm mirrorless camera for travel, precisely to save space.

You’ll want to go for compactness and portability , like opting for mini travel adapters .

• Chargers : Primarily for your phone/communication device and a laptop and camera charger (if carrying one).
• Universal adapter : Essential for international travel; make sure it has USB ports.
• Optional : power bank or solar charger.

This one-week travel packing list is just meant to be used as a starting point, so remember to adapt it to your specific travel needs.

Just keep in mind that balancing functionality with minimalism is key to a successful one bag travel experience .

One Bag Travel Packing Techniques: Packing Smarter, Not Harder

To maximize space and efficiency , you can use these simple one bag travel packing techniques that allow you to pack everything you need for your trip— minus the bulk.

After you gather all the items you plan to bring to your trip, lay them out in a strategic manner (categorize) and start packing in layers .

One of the best strategies for maximizing space in your travel bag is to use packing cubes for your clothing and essentials.

Alternatively, roll (don’t fold) your clothes tightly to save space and reduce bulk.

• Start by placing bulky items at the bottom of your packing cube like pants, jeans or jackets.
• Then, add lighter items like your shorts, shirts and dresses and lie these flat to conserve as much space as possible.
• Lastly, utilize any gaps or empty spaces within your bag to pack smaller items like socks, underwear, accessories or sandals.

🧥 Tip : Use one packing cube for bottoms and one for tops instead of shoving all your clothing items into one cube.

Rolling versus Folding

Rolling clothes, especially softer fabrics, can save space , reduce wrinkles, and make it easier to see and access items in your bag.

On the other hand, folding clothes can maintain the shape of your clothes better, which is recommended for garments like dress shirts or blazers.

In the end, the best option will be the one that works best for you and the type of travel bag you’re carrying.

Compression Bags

Although I already mentioned that this one bag packing list is not to be considered for winter travel, compression bags will be your ally in such cases.

For bulkier items like jackets or sweaters compression bags work wonders and can significantly reduce the volume of your bag, allowing you to pack more in less space.

Frequently Asked Questions

For many, this may be the first time hearing the term one bag travel . While others may be slightly familiar with the concept, it can be easy to overlook the importance of having a clear strategy for packing and organization.

To bring more light into this fascinating travel lifestyle, I’m addressing some of the most asked questions about the strategies behind traveling light and creating a minimalist travel experience .

1. How can I create an efficient one bag travel packing list?

To create an efficient packing list, prioritize versatility and layering and opt for clothing that is functional, lightweight, and can be easily mixed and matched.

A capsule wardrobe approach , choosing items with multiple purposes , can save significant space in your travel bag.

2. What are the most recommended bags for one bag travel?

The most recommended bags are those that can balance comfort, durability, and size . You’ll want to look for carry-on-sized travel backpacks with thick comfortable straps, space optimization features, and a sturdy construction that can withstand the demands of travel.

If you’re traveling with one bag as a personal item, look for compact travel backpacks with shoe compartments, plenty of pockets and ergonomic design.

3. How can a woman or man best organize their wardrobe for traveling with only one bag?

The best way to organize your items is to utilize packing cubes or compression bags to eliminate bulk , segregate items and prevent wrinkling.

Focus on packing light and quick-drying fabrics that can be worn in different combinations, and remember that layering is your friend.

Another great way for your clothing items to work well together is to have a simplified outfit color palette or color code your wardrobe .

It’s pretty simple, really. The key principles of one bag travel packing are minimalism, versatility, and organization.

Take only what is necessary , ensure each item can be used for multiple purposes, and organize your belongings to maximize space and accessibility.

Final Thoughts

If I were to minimize all of this talk about one bag travel in just a few words, I’m pretty sure it would go something like no bulky luggage, no waiting at baggage claim, and definitely no extra fees !

But truth be told, embracing one bag travel does require a bit of a mindset shift to prioritize experiences over things.

Nonetheless, choosing to travel light has one very important task: finding the perfect travel bag.

If you think about it, in minimalist travel picking the right backpack is like choosing your ideal travel buddy : it’s got to be the right fit, keep up with your pace, and hold all your stuff without bursting at the seams.

So whether you go for a personal item or a carry-on, just make sure it works for your unique needs and most importantly, that it fits within your airline bag size limits.

So, next time you’re prepping for a trip, try to give one bag travel packing a try, and you just might be amazed at how freeing it feels to travel light!

Save it for later!

About the Author

Yanitza Ninett

Yanitza is an avid adventurer with 15+ years of hiking experience and outdoor travel. As a PADI-certified scuba diver, she's also passionate about ocean conservation. When she's not exploring the great outdoors, Yanitza obsesses over The Vampire Diaries and dreams of traveling to Mallorca, Spain.

• Yanitza Ninett https://nextstopadventures.com/writer/nextstop 12 Historic Small Towns in Florida to Visit This Weekend
• Yanitza Ninett https://nextstopadventures.com/writer/nextstop 19 Free Apps for Outdoor Travel That Every Adventurer Should Have
• Yanitza Ninett https://nextstopadventures.com/writer/nextstop Hiking the Little Grand Canyon in Georgia
• Yanitza Ninett https://nextstopadventures.com/writer/nextstop 12 Lighthouses on the East Coast for an Epic Road Trip

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How To Pack A Carry-On For One Bag Travel

Step by step instructions for the best way to pack a carry-on for minimal one bag travel.

How To Pack A Carry-On: Step By Step

If you've never traveled with just a carry-on, we highly recommend it. Why? Because it’s freeing. There’s no need to wait at the airport to get your checked luggage. You can breeze through security quickly. And you have everything you need on you at all times.

In most cases, a smaller carry-on-sized bag forces you to be mindful of what you bring, which means you won’t have to haul around bulky luggage or excess gear. Even if you jam your bag full, it’s still a relatively compact package.

In this post, we're going to walk you through step-by-step instructions for the best way to pack a carry-on.

The packing techniques we’re going to cover work great for long trips, short getaways, and everything in between. Some members of our team have traveled full-time for upwards of two years, using these packing techniques.

Before we get going, we want to let you know about Pack Hacker Pro—our growing community of minimalist travelers who are all about packing smarter, traveling lighter, and getting their hands on high-quality gear that lasts. We also offer some exclusive members-only benefits. Make sure to check it out if you want to help support our independent, unbiased reviews, guides, packing lists, and more.

Let’s get packing!

Step 1: Choose Your Bag

Which bag you choose will come down to your use case, travel style, and personal preference. We typically prefer to travel with a backpack as we find it takes carry-on travel to a new level. With a backpack, your hands are free. And you can navigate just about any terrain easier—from cobblestone streets to picturesque beaches—since you don't have to deal with the limitations of roller luggage.

If you're not sure what bag to get, we've reviewed hundreds of packs —and we've written a full guide on how to choose the best travel backpack —so we've got you covered.

For the purpose of this post, we'll be packing all our gear into the GORUCK GR2 —a 40L carry-on compliant backpack that's both functional and durable. But the same concepts apply for other travel backpacks, duffle bags, and rolling luggage.

If you’ve already got your bag, that’s great!

PRO TIP: If you choose a bag with a boxy shape, it’ll be easier to maximize the space inside.

Step 2: Lay It All Out

Now that you know which bag you'll be packing, it's time to find all the items you think you're going to pack, lay them all out, and get organized.

It’s important to lay your items out in a staging area where you can see everything you want to bring. You can use your bed, the floor, a kitchen or dining room table—whatever you’ve got. Just make sure that you have only the things you want to pack in this area. Nothing else.

You may be surprised by how much it helps to see everything holistically. It’s amazing. And it gives you a much better idea of what you’re going to need on your trip. What you’re packing depends on your use case—where you’re going, for how long, your travel style, etc. We’ve created comprehensive packing lists and have even written a detailed guide on how to create the best packing list for you —so check those out if you’re not sure where to start or are looking for smaller, lighter versions of what you already have.

Once you have everything laid out, it’s time to organize it. We've found three methods of organization that work well for us. Feel free to choose one or use a combination of all three.

First, you can organize your gear by Context .

This includes packing complementary pieces that you will use together near one another. For example, you may pack a hat, buff, gloves, and a packable jacket to stay warm. So, organize those items together. Or you may bring a tablet, pen, and notebook for when you want to read, take notes, or work. You can put those items together as well. You can also organize by outfit, but keep in mind that all the clothing you bring on a trip should be easy to mix and match with most items you pack.

Second, you can organize by Type .

This method is easy—simply organize similar objects with one another. Put all your socks in one pile, all your underwear in another, your t-shirts in another, and so on. This system works well if you're packing with smaller organizer pouches or a bag that has a lot of internal organization since you're able to keep things separate. It also works well for larger, bulkier items that will stand alone in your bag.

Third, you can organize your items by Category .

This method is similar to Type but is a bit broader. For example, instead of sorting just your shirts, you'll pack all your tops together—t-shirts, button-ups, sweaters, etc. Then, put all your bottoms together—like pants, underwear, socks. This method works great for toiletries too.

We typically pack with a combination of all three methods. (Pretty crazy, we know.) Let's run through how we do it, shall we?

We'll start by organizing some clothes by Category . We like to separate our bottoms from our tops. For bottoms, we have four pairs of socks and boxers, two pairs of pants, one pair of shorts, swim trunks, and a belt. For tops, we have one button-up shirt, three t-shirts, and a long sleeve t-shirt.

With each of these neatly (or neatly-ish) grouped together in our staging area, we can continue organizing the rest of your gear.

Next up, we’re going to sort our outerwear by Context . We keep everything we need to stay warm in one place so it's packed away if we're in warmer climates. So, our next grouping consists of a hat, compressible jacket, hooded sweatshirt (Merino wool, of course), a rain jacket, BUFF, and gloves. We've found that you're probably going to want easy access to all of this stuff if you get cold, so keeping it together just makes sense.

For larger items, we tend to organize by Type . It nice to keep your shoes and sandals separate from your other gear, just in case they get funky. Plus, the ground can be pretty gross, you know? We also separate out our button-up shirt so it doesn't get wrinkled or dirty.

Now, if you're paying close attention, you'll notice that we've already sorted the button-up shirt into the tops category but are now keeping it separate. That's totally okay—this is why we have everything laid out.

PRO TIP: Travel with wrinkle-resistant clothing, like Merino wool, because it’s easy to roll and pack without worrying about creases.

Moving onto our accessories, tech, and toiletries. We group our devices—like a laptop and tablet—together since they’re a similar Type . We sort our two differently-sized travel towels this way too.

For cords, chargers, adapters, battery banks, etc. we usually organize by Context . You'll probably want access to all of this stuff when charging electronics or working on the road.

All of our toiletries will go together since they’re in the same Category .

Outside of those items, we have a few leftovers that are not organized into categories—a packable daypack, wallet, notebook, deck of cards, passport wallet, and sunglasses. We're not exactly sure how to sort these yet and that's okay. We'll figure it out when we pack the bag (that step is coming, we promise). The important part here is to get the obviously similar items together in one place and work from there to get organized in a way that makes sense to you.

PRO TIP: Consider what you can wear in transit to free up space in your bag.

One last thing to consider in this step is what you can wear while in transit, instead of packing it in your bag. For example, you can add a whole additional outfit (not accounted for in the list above) if you plan on wearing it, not packing it. Or, you can lighten your load and make extra space in your bag if you take out one of the outfits and wear it instead.

The common items most people wear in transit include a belt, a hat, bulky shoes, a jacket, or a sweatshirt. Or some combination of them all.

Now, as we said, these are the methods of organization that work best for our gear and travel styles. (And we think they'll work well for you too.) If you've found another system that works for you, great! Use it!

Step 3: Compartmentalize

Now that you have everything laid out and organized using your preferred method, it’s time to compartmentalize. Start by sizing up your groupings and deciding the best way to compartmentalize the items. Basically, figure out how you want to keep these groups separate in your pack.

You can pack all your stuff directly inside your bag—making use of any built-in organization if that's your style. Or you can divide your gear into packing cubes and other organizer pouches. You can even use trusty old Ziploc bags and rubber bands to hold stuff together (they're handy to have on the road, plus you might have some already lying around).

We’ve found packing cubes, pouches, and Dopp kits to be invaluable companions while we’re on the road—so that’s how we like to pack our gear. Let’s start with clothing.

PRO TIP: Pick up packing cubes in different colors to further organize your gear.

The first thing to do is to fold your clothes. Now, there are a bunch of fancy folding methods out there—which we might cover at a later date—but we tend to keep it simple. And by simple, we mean we roll them. We've found that rolling your clothes makes them more packable and helps combat wrinkles a bit.

So, let's take all those bottoms we sorted earlier, roll them up, and place them in a larger packing cube. Large packing cubes are great to keep around for your bulky clothing items. If you're new to the world of packing cubes or are looking to up your game, check out our Ultimate Packing Cubes Guide —it has everything you need to know about these helpful organizers.

Next, we'll roll up all our tops and put them in a medium to small-sized packing cube. We'll also pack that button-up shirt we separated into its very own packing cube to give it a little extra space and avoid wrinkles even more.

All of our cold-weather gear (sorted by Category ) will be stuffed into a packing cube together. It's a good idea to leave your rain jacket out (loose inside your bag) so you have quicker access in case you get caught in a sudden storm.

Wrapping up the clothes, we usually keep our sandals in a separate shoe pouch. That way, if they get dirty, sandy, or otherwise gross, we can keep them out of contact with the rest of our gear. For bulkier shoes—as in, not sandals—we'll wear those in transit. No need to pack them. We also like to travel with a baseball hat, which you can wear, toss at the top of your pack, or attach it to the outside with a carabiner.

PRO TIP: Bring a carabiner to hang wet stuff, shoes, a hat, whatever else, on the outside of your bag.

Okay, moving on to toiletries and tech. Compartmentalizing toiletries is easy—simply put them in a dedicated toiletry case or Dopp kit (whatever you want to call it).

For example, on the grooming side of things, we'll bring nail clippers, a comb, trimmer, razor, and a toothbrush. As far as consumables are concerned, we'll bring hair pomade, lotion, toothpaste, and deodorant. And everything fits neatly inside a Dopp kit. Of course, your mileage may vary based on the toiletries you bring.

Two things to keep in mind when figuring out your toiletries.

1) Try to find the smallest versions of everything you can. Full-sized toiletries and grooming tools can get bulky, so if you can shrink down your razor, toothbrush, even nail clippers, it'll make packing much easier. You can also use small containers—like the humangear GoToob+—to shink your liquids and leave those big containers at home. This is especially important for carry-on travel as all your liquids must be TSA-compliant.

2) A Dopp kit with a clear window is great for packing your TSA-compliant liquids. And it's even better if your toiletry bag is weather-resistant or waterproof so if any liquids leak, they won't spill all over your bag. (No one likes to open their bag to find out a shampoo wrestling match happened somewhere over the Atlantic.)

PRO TIP: If your toiletry case isn’t clear or windowed, bring a separate quart-sized Ziploc bag to house your liquids—under 100ml or 3.4oz, of course!

Finally, if you're traveling with tech (which we usually are), you're going to want a way to keep all those cords and such organized. We usually recommend tech pouches. The size of the tech pouch, and how many you carry, will depend on your kit.

We're going to pack the items we laid out and organized in Step 2, into two separate pouches. One pouch will hold the smaller cords, cables, chargers, and a battery bank. The other will be for larger items like that unwieldy laptop charger.

We also prefer to travel with any laptops and tablets inside protective cases. Laptops are expensive after all—and can be vital for you to make a living, depending on what you do for work. So having a case gives you a little extra peace-of-mind that your computer will be safe while hopping from plane to train to coffee shop.

At this point, you should have all your gear organized and compartmentalized into neat little groupings or packages. Be honest—it's super satisfying to look at, isn't it?

Step 4: Pack It Up

Whew. Take a deep breath—you’re almost there. It’s time to pack the bag up, strategically.

Since clothing is the largest item, we like to start there. Like we mentioned oh-so-long ago near the beginning of this post, we're going to be packing all the gear we've compartmentalized into the GORUCK GR2.

Now, if you're traveling with a backpack, it's typically better to have your heavier items as close to your back as possible. And try to keep them in the top third of your bag. This will help distribute the weight and make more comfortable to carry on those long travel days. If you're packing up a duffle bag or rolling luggage, this is less important.

First, we'll place our sandals at the bottom of the bag, followed by the four packing cubes full of clothes.

PRO TIP: Pack in flat layers like you’re laying bricks or a foundation on a house.

Packing your clothing flat will make it easier to maximize the space in your bag without any unexpected bulges that make it hard to zip closed. (Just because you've seen people sitting on their bags in movies, struggling to get them shut, does not mean you should make a habit of it.)

If you're a Tetris wizard, you'll probably love this step. There's something so satisfying about fitting everything in its place just right. Plus, most packing cubes are designed to fit inside bags, which makes this packing process even better.

Next, we're going to use the mesh pockets on the GR2 to pack some of our free-floating items. The two microfiber towels and packable daypack we're packing can go here because they pack pretty flat and we don't need quick access to them. The mesh pocket above that is a good place to store toiletries—it'll be easy to unzip the bag and get them out for airport security.

Note that although your bag of choice will have different organization (unless you've picked the GR2), the idea is to use the internal pockets to pack the gear you don't have compartmentalized into other pouches.

Now that our main compartment is full, we're going to move to the secondary compartment on the front of the bag where there's plenty of room to store our tech pouches, tablet, and other loose items.

PRO TIP: Leave a quick-access or exterior pocket empty so you can quickly dump items from your pockets into your bag as you’re going through airport security.

The GORUCK GR2 has a zippered pocket that's ideal for smaller items that you want easy access to. Things like your passport wallet, regular wallet, sunglasses, headphones, a notebook and pen, a deck of cards, etc. Again, while it's handy to have this type of compartment, another organizer pouch or Ziploc bag can do the trick too.

Finally, we'll pack the laptop in the dedicated laptop compartment and the rain jacket in an exterior pocket so it's ready to go.

Step 5: Practice Your Trip

You've made it to the fifth and final step, which is perhaps the most important—and the most overlooked.

Now that you have all your gear packed up exactly how you'll be traveling with it, try living out of your bag/suitcase for a couple of days (a week is even better!) at home before you leave for your trip.

Take your bag to work, go on a walk around the block with it to feel the weight, generally just live as if you were on the trip already. Try to use only the stuff you have packed. This will make you mindful of what you actually need on the trip, and what you can leave behind. Anything you don't need during the trial run, you can probably leave at home.

It can also help you remember items you would have otherwise forgotten—like those things you use all the time so they didn't make it into your initial staging area (looking at you, phone charger).

PRO TIP: After you’ve practiced your tip, unpack your bag and reassess your gear. Remove what you didn’t use and add it anything you’ve been missing.

You can use this strategy after you’ve taken multiple trips as well. Keep track of what you use frequently and what you don’t use. Each new trip, you can probably start leaving more and more behind as you get more comfortable traveling with less.

The goal is to pack as light as possible, which makes travel smoother and more seamless. You don't have to worry about lugging around a ton of heavy gear and you can usually explore more since you won't have a heavy pack weighing you down.

The more you travel, the more you’ll optimize and tweak your setup to make it the best for you. Heck, we learn something new every time we travel—even after countless flights.

Time To Hit The Road

So, there you have it—the best way to pack a carry-on for travel, step by step. We hope these instructions help you pack lighter and travel smarter.

To recap: Step 1: Choose Your Bag Step 2: Lay It All Out Step 3: Compartmentalize Step 4: Pack It Up Step 5: Practice Your Trip

Make sure to check out our guides if you’re looking for the right travel backpack , duffle bag , or daypack . And if you’re still not sure what to pack, we’ve got you covered with our comprehensive packing lists . Happy travels!

June 8, 2021

Author: Tom Wahlin

Tom has lived out of a 40L backpack for 2 years of travel, helping him learn what to pack and what to leave behind. His top achievements include designing for Apple and eating large quantities of ramen (ongoing).

Discover the freedom of one-bag travel for digital nomads

Table of Contents

Introduction.

When it comes to one bag travel, have you ever been envious of that one seasoned traveler who breezes through airports with just a single, stylish backpack, while you struggle with multiple suitcases? One bag travel is the secret to their success, and it can be yours too!

Embracing this minimalist approach not only frees you from the burden of heavy luggage but also opens up a world of adventure and spontaneity. In this ultimate guide, we’ll delve into the wonderful world of one bag travel, uncovering its countless benefits and equipping you with insider tips and tricks to help you transform into a packing pro.

So, get ready to ditch those cumbersome suitcases and embark on a lighter, more carefree travel experience!

Choosing the Right Bag for One Bag Travel

Before you embark on your minimalist travel journey, you need to find your ultimate travel companion – the perfect one bag travel backpack! Imagine it as the trusty sidekick that will carry all your essentials while ensuring you stay comfortable and stylish on your adventures. You should consider the following factors when making your decision:

• Size and capacity: Just like the Goldilocks zone, you want a backpack that’s not too big, not too small, but just right! Aim for a 30-40L backpack that caters to your needs and adheres to carry-on size requirements.
• Comfort: You’ll be spending a lot of time together, so make sure your backpack feels like a warm hug with padded shoulder straps, a hip belt, and a ventilated back panel for added comfort.
• Durability: Choose a backpack made from high-quality materials that can handle whatever life throws at it – from bustling city streets to rugged mountain trails.
• Organization: A well-designed backpack should have multiple compartments and pockets to help you keep your belongings organized and easily accessible.

By selecting the perfect backpack, you’ll have taken the first step towards mastering the art of one bag travel. Now, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of packing and maximizing that newfound space!

Packing List

Now that you’ve found your ideal backpack, it’s time to fill it with the essentials for your journey. Packing smart is key to one bag travel success, and we’re here to help you do just that. The goal is to strike a balance between having everything you need while keeping your bag light and organized. 

Here are some essential items to consider for your packing list:

• Clothing: Focus on versatile, lightweight clothing that can be layered and easily mixed and matched. Opt for quick-drying fabrics whenever possible to make laundry on the road a breeze.
• Toiletries: Stick to travel-sized toiletries or consider using solid alternatives to save space and avoid potential leaks.
• Electronics: Bring only essential gadgets and chargers, and try to consolidate devices where possible (e.g., using your smartphone as a camera).
• Documents: Keep important documents like your passport, travel itinerary, and insurance information secure and easily accessible.

When packing for different climates and activities, think about the following:

• Cold weather: Pack lightweight, warm layers like merino wool, down jackets, and thermal leggings to stay cozy without adding bulk.
• Warm weather: Choose breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics to stay cool, and don’t forget sun protection and a lightweight hat.
• Active pursuits: Include athletic wear, a small microfiber towel, and comfortable, supportive shoes that can handle various activities.

To make the most of the space in your bag, try rolling your clothes instead of folding them, and use packing cubes or compression bags to keep everything organized and compact.

Tech gear and Gadgets for One Bag Travel

In today’s digital age, it’s tough to imagine traveling without our beloved gadgets and tech gear. However, for one bag travel, it’s crucial to strike a balance between staying connected and keeping your bag light and minimal. Here’s how to manage your tech gear and Gadgets efficiently:

• Limit your devices: Self-assess which devices you will genuinely need for your trip – For example, ask yourself whether to bring a tablet (iPad) or Kindle e-reader? A DSLR camera or is my smartphone enough?
• Consolidate chargers: Save space by using a multi-port USB charger or a universal travel adapter, allowing you to charge multiple devices with a single accessory. Remember, less is more.
• Organize cables and accessories: Keep cords, chargers, and other small accessories tidy and easy to find by using a dedicated tech pouch or zippered pouch.

By carefully considering and organizing your tech gear and gadgets, you can stay connected and entertained on your travels without letting these take up valuable space in your one bag travel backpack. It’s all about finding the best optimisation for minimalist travel.

Transportation and Logistics

When it comes to transportation and logistics, one bag travel can make navigating airports, trains, and buses a breeze. With just one backpack, you’ll enjoy increased mobility, reduced wait times, and a more streamlined travel experience. 

Follow these tips to make the most of your one bag travel setup:

• Know the carry-on rules: Familiarize yourself with your airline’s size and weight restrictions for carry-on luggage to ensure your backpack is compliant and avoid any unexpected fees (or even worse, being forced to check-in your backpack).
• Keep essentials handy: Designate a specific pocket or compartment for important items like your passport, boarding pass, and a pen, so they’re easy to access when needed.
• Be prepared for security: Place liquids, electronics, and metal items in an easily accessible location within your backpack to expedite the security screening process.

By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to navigate transportation hubs with ease and make the most of the convenience and flexibility offered by one bag travel.

One bag travel is more than just a minimalist packing technique; it’s a lifestyle that allows you to explore the world with ease and flexibility. By embracing the tips and tricks outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a lighter, more organized, and stress-free travel experience. So, are you ready to take the leap and join the one bag travel movement?

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How to Travel with 1 Bag: The Minimalist Packing Guide

Brady overlooking Dutch Harbor, Alaska

I want you to imagine going on a two-week vacation with only one small travel bag. Ahhh!! Do you think you can do it?

You might be thinking, "No Freaking Way."

Sure, at first glance, it does seem a bit daunting and challenging. You might not think it's worth the trouble. However, going down to one small bag or suitcase is not as hard as it sounds. Plus, packing light can save you money when you travel, and it may even be safer.

Traveling light is one of the best ways to get around airports, planes, buses, and trains when they are crowded. If you're taking a long road trip, packing light is essential for maintaining your sanity, especially if you have kids! Or like us, you have two fur babies.

So how does one do it? What do you pack? What can you leave at home? Let's take a look at the ins and outs of how to travel with 1 bag: the minimalist packing guide.

What is Minimalist Packing?

1. it's easier, 2. flexibility, 3. save money, 4. less of a target for thieves, 1. i might need that, 2. i have a huge suitcase at home, so why not fill it up, 3. packing procrastinators, 1. choose your bag, 3. accessories, packing tips, final words.

It goes by many different names, minimalist travel, ultralight travel, freestyle travel. The names are different, but the concept is the same: Traveling to a destination with only a minimal number of items. Usually this means carrying only a backpack, carry-on, or messenger bag. Minimalist travel is not difficult; it just takes a little more planning, but it's worth it.

Growing up, I was the girl that packed my entire closet for every single trip. It was a pain!! Not only did I use a fraction of what I brought but coming home I had to unpack all of it. I quickly learned to stop packing like that when airlines started charging for checked bags.

I spent some time in Mexico and only traveled with a small carry-on bag. I was able to zip in and out at airports. I could use more public transportation because I didn't have 4 bags with me. Want to know the best part? I didn't even miss having extra clothes, shoes and jewelry.

Let's go over the benefits and draw backs of Minimalist Travel, what to pack and extra tips.

Benefits of Minimalist Travel

The biggest benefit of minimalist travel is that it's so much easier to get to and from your destination. Now you only have one bag to carry around vs lugging around several pieces of heavy luggage. You can move with ease around airports and public transit hubs. No more headaches trying to keep track of all your bags or finding a cart to push everything in. You can put your focus on your surroundings.

Travel plans are more flexible now that you only have 1 piece of luggage. For example, when most people travel, they have to check into their hotel or hostel in order to drop their luggage off. Even if you don't get a room yet, you still physically have to go to the location to have them hold your items. But if you only have one bag, you can do some sightseeing first on your way. Maybe grab something to eat hassle free.

* Save on Baggage Fees

Airlines are charging a ridiculous amount these days for checked bags. Even if your international flight includes free checked bags, if you are flying inside that country, you still pay a fee. Now, as a minimalist traveler, your bag is small enough to carry on with you. You also avoid the stress of having to check your bag in, wait to get your bag, or having lost luggage.

* Save on Impulse Buys

Another money saving advantage is that you avoid pre-vacation purchases or during-vacation splurges. The last-minute purchases on a new outfit, new bag, or even new toiletries are fun, but that will add up quick.

And so many people go shopping on vacation. With minimalist travel, you most likely don't have as much room in your bag for extras. You'll spend less because you only buy a couple of items.

It's simple really, the less stuff you have, the less conspicuous you are. After all, you are immediately pegged as a tourist when you're walking down the street looking for a taxi or metro. You make it even more obvious when you are dragged 4 wheeled suitcases with you. However, if you are weaving in and out with a smaller bag, you're much less of a target.

Challenges You Face with Minimalist Traveling

Of course, there will be challenges. It's easy to come up with reasons as to why you need to load your suitcase.

We completely understand, it can be difficult to know what you will need. Many people are fear-based packers. Which is why, planning is so important! Plan out your days, check the weather forecast and pack accordingly.

I might need that for my workouts. How many times have you packed a weeks’ worth of workout clothes and yoga mat with full expectations of actually using it? How often do you? If you do, congrats!! We actually do workout during our travels as well, but we've packed smarter. We pack less or pack clothes that we double as walking around clothes as well.

It's important to be honest with yourself when it comes to packing. What do I actually need for the activities I will be doing?

The bigger the suitcase, the more you will add to it. You will come up with scenarios and fill up your bag with "just in case" items. After all, if you have the room, why not right?

If this is you, we are doing an intervention. Put away the large bag and invest in a smaller carry-on bag. You can even get one that doubles as a backpack. A smaller bag will naturally limit your choices. And you'll find that you will function just the same without a large bag.

Packing Procrastinators tend to pack way more than what they will need. Ultralight traveling requires thought and planning. When you don't plan, you end up packing too much or packing the wrong items. Start developing a packing plan well before your trip so you have plenty of time to adjust as needed.

Get Packing

What you choose to pack for your trip will depend on where you are going, time of year, and activities.

Bianca on a flight to the Philippines

These are some guidelines for you to follow:

We recommend a 22' carry-on bag, a backpack, or a cross-body messenger bag. Look carefully at a bag’s material and weight before choosing it for travel. A heavy canvas or leather bag might look stylish, but you’re the one who will be lugging around that extra weight. Pick out a lightweight bag.

Your bag needs to be one that is comfortable for you. Think about what is easiest for you to carry around with you. How do you want the weight distributed?

Think about your location. We base our bag choices on the locations we go to. Example: Will we be hiking? If yes, then naturally a backpack will be more fitting.

Use packing cubes to compress your items down and keep them organized.

Pro Tip: We always make a list of our must need items first and then decide what bag to bring with us.

All your clothes need to work together to create several different outfits.

Keep similar color schemes. Colors should be more on the neutral side or complimentary to each other. I don't follow this rule very much since bright colors are my favorite. However, keeping prints to a minimum or making sure that the color schemes work with all of your pieces is key. For pants, always go dark. It will help conceal any dirt or stains until you can remove them.

Focus on layers. Layers give you greater flexibility. You can quickly mix and match items to create different looks. They also save space; pack several light items vs one bulky item. I love button up long sleeve shirts for layers. In warm weather, they double as a jacket at night and for cold weather, it's an extra layer of warmth.

Plan, plan, and plan some more. We always jot down these questions and really dive into them to insure we pack properly. 1. How long are we traveling for? 2. What is the weather like? 3. What activities are we doing?

Pro Tip: Pack light t-shirts vs bulky ones. Don't pack items that easily wrinkle. Only pack one pair of Pajamas. Do not over pack shoes (2 different pairs are plenty).

• Wash your clothes. Nobody enjoys washing their clothes on vacation but it's worth doing. We never use the hotel laundry services; they charge too much. If you just need to wash your items for one more use, hand washing is your best bet. Just wash and let it dry overnight. They make some super compact travel clothesline that may be worth the weight in your bag.

Think about what you will be doing and what essential accessories you will need. Check out our full list here, but below are our top accessories we will not leave the house without.

Electronics. Our phones double as our main camera unless we need to take another one. We blog so naturally a laptop is almost always with us. Chargers, power bank, and a universal adapter are other electronics we never leave without.

Eye Mask and Travel Pillow. They are fantastic for longer flights, train rides, or buses. They will help you sleep or nap better.

Padlock. Get a TSA approved one. Make sure it's thin enough that it can fit through the zippers in your backpack. You also want it to fit through a locker in case you stay at a hostel or need to use a locker at a destination.

Water Bottle. Don't contribute to the plastic problem, save money on water, and stay hydrated. Staying hydrated will help reduce the effects of jet lag and gives you more energy. Consider a fold-able water bottle or a filtered water bottle depending on your travel location.

Bonus. Consider a universal sink plug with your travel clothes hanger if you plan on hand-washing some clothes.

Roll, Don't Fold. Rolling your clothes will free up more space in your suitcase compared to folding them if you are not using a packing cube.

Lay Out Your Clothes Before You Pack. Always lay out your clothes before you pack. It's a great way to insure you pack what you actually need. It's a wonderful visual to help you plan. Remember, don't over pack. So, it's OK to put half of what you lay out back in the closet.

Pack For The Culture You Will Be Visiting. If you are traveling abroad, make sure you research the clothing worn in that destination. Show respect for the culture you're visiting and make adjustments to fit in with their expectations. Some places will not let you in if you are not dressed accordingly.

Be Smart With Your Extra Personal Bag. Airlines typically allow one carry-on item and one-person bag. Don't waste that on a small purse or a cheap duty-free bag. Choose a tote, draw string bag, or a smaller messenger bag. It can double as a purse for the ladies, beach bag etc. It's perfect for the essentials you may need on the flight.

Pack a Few Empty Baggies. They can help organize toiletries and prevent spills. Double as a snack bag, phone bag at the beach. Extra pastries from breakfast... possibilities are endless.

Keep Your Toiletries To A Minimum. All you really need is your toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and some face wipes to freshen up. I hardly even bring makeup on our travels anymore. Usually it's a tube of mascara and concealer that I can through into my bag very easily.

All hotels will be equipped with shampoo, body wash or soap bar, and lotion. Unless we are going to a hostel that won't provide those, we don't pack any. We also ask our Airbnb hosts if those items are provided before packing them.

Minimalist packing will make your travel experience more enjoyable. How many times have we arrived at a destination with sore arms and backs? Or gotten home, and thought to ourselves "Why did I even pack this much?" We said no more to heavy suitcases and now you can too.

Do you currently pack too much when you leave home? Share your experiences and let us know if you will be trying out a minimalist packing style from now on! Already into minimalist packing? What are some of your essentials and tips?

Packing light Packing Guide Minimalism Bag Packing

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@thebeesabroad

Written by thebeesabroad

There are 4 comments.

George Apr 1, 2020 at 12:56

That's amazing. Next time I travel only with 1 luggage bag.

Bianca Dasilva Apr 2, 2020 at 04:04

Let us know how it goes!!

Nomadic_Pensioner Feb 21, 2020 at 20:40

Since we retired six years ago we have traveled almost continuously. We travel with a hand luggage suitcase each, for trips of up to 3 months at a time. We often head off not having decided when we will return to the UK. As you say, it just takes some careful planning. We usually stay in apartments, not hotels, and choose ones with a washing machine and WiFi. We use public transport all the time. It's remarkably easy!

Bianca Feb 21, 2020 at 22:07

Nomadic pensioner, that’s so awesome!! It’s so much easier to travel light and carry a lot of luggage!! We try to do the same and wash clothes as needed!!

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