The Ultimate Guide to One-Backpack Wonders: Traveling Light and Loving It

The wonderful liberty of journeying with just a single backpack to carry! It really was something that would have appeared ridiculous—how in the world could you fit everything into such a little place. There I was, a total convert to the one-backpack travel strategy, spreading the word to everyone about the virtues of light travel. You know, there’s just something extra great about slinging your stuff snugly on your back and gliding past the baggage carousel. As much as it matters to me, though, it’s not about avoiding checked-bag fees or having a fear of misplacing your belongings—rather, it’s about the incredible freedom that comes from only packing what you absolutely need.

My journey into the world of one-backpack travel was ignited by a blog post titled “How to Pack Lightly + What I Packed for 8 Days in Italy” from Abundant Life with Less. The post was so compelling that I decided to embrace this minimalist travel approach for a family trip to Folly Beach, South Carolina. Convincing the family was surprisingly easy. My husband, an already minimal packer and the designated luggage lifter, was all for it. My eight-year-old daughter had her reservations, quelled by the promise that her beloved stuffed cat could come along and that essentials could always be purchased. My five-year-old son was indifferent, bless his heart. And just like that, we were set to embark on our one-backpack adventure.

Our gear was pretty standard for the experiment. Each of us had a backpack—kids with their LL Bean, me with my Swiss Gear Laptop Backpack, and my husband with his 511 backpack. The only things bought specifically for this journey were Eagle Creek Compression packing cubes and a clear toiletry bag for my liquids. Especially the packing cubes were very helpful. They really helped in using up space to the maximum and kept everything organized.

Packing was an exercise in minimalism. I packed for a seven-day trip to South Carolina, in February no less, and in their unpredictable weather, totaling one pair of jeans, leggings, sleep shorts, some tank tops, shirts, a black cardigan, some bathing suits, a skimpy cover-up dress, a thin down jacket, underwear, socks, and sandals in my luggage. On the plane, I donned some of the bulkiest items to save on space.

The benefits of traveling with one backpack became apparent the very moment we left our house. As much as it reduced hustle significantly, moving from point A to point B without heavy luggage burden was nearly liberating. There were no hassles of luggage to check in and wait for at bus rides or airport navigation. They could get through security checks easily because their things were organized and met TSA guidelines. I couldn’t help but smile as my daughter gazed not only in admiration at the fact that we were doing it—traveling was what we were—we were doing nothing with just one rucksack each. Our hostel room was cleaned up for the duration, which attested to the fact that having little stuff around keeps places clean. It also dictated how we shopped. Because whatever we had bought was going to be stored in our backpacks, we were much more intentional with how and what we were buying. It ended up being much more meaningful in terms of souvenirs.

Probably the greatest benefit from this experiment was saving us some time. Packing and unpacking were a breeze, and the journey itself, going to and from, was smoother and faster without worrying about so many pieces of luggage. And even at home, it was astonishing how easily we could unpack and do laundry—two loads for a week’s worth of adventures.

This experience really changed not only how I and my family travel but also how we live at home. This simplicity and clarity brought about by living with less sparked the idea of reevaluating everyday needs and creating an intentional life.

The one-backpack travel experiment was a total success. It’s a philosophy that dramatically influenced our family, teaching us that it is not only possible to travel light but actually preferable. Freedom, ease, and clarity that go with carrying less have been so liberating, and we can’t wait to keep exploring the globe—one backpack at a time.

I have piqued your interest in jet-setting to the four corners of the globe with nothing but that trusty backpack slung over the shoulder, let us delve into the details of one-bag travel. First off, choosing the right bag is paramount. It’s not just about being stylish walking through the airport; it serves functionality, comfort, and importantly, is in total compliance with airline carry-on requirements. What’s in order here is freedom and ease—not some workout session, schlepping an unwieldy sack around. Look for something with multiple compartments, so that things are easy to organize; a comfortable strap system that will save your shoulders from endless treks through terminals; and a size that’s just right—not so big you’re tempted to fill it with items you don’t need, and not so small that you have to leave your essentials behind.

Off to the basics: it’s time to master the art of packing.

In this case, there will seldom be such a time when the expression ‘less is more’ could be more correct. Begin by creating a checklist of the things you can’t do without, like identification, your wallet, phone, chargers, and a change of clothes. From there, take inventory on what you’ll need for your destination and duration by carefully considering. The trick to doing this lies in versatile things that can be mixed, matched, and layered. Think in terms of a jacket light enough to serve as a raincoat, or shoes stylish enough to wear to a nice dinner but comfortable enough to spend a day wandering around in.

Embracing the concept of doing laundry on the fly.

While packing fewer items doesn’t necessarily entail that you wear the exact same outfit every day, a quick wash in any hotel sink or the local laundromat should refresh your wardrobe in no time. Lastly, do not forget packing cubes and compression bags, which really save space and keep things pretty organized.

The trickiest part could be toiletries, but a little creativity helps.

Opt for solid versions of items, like bar soap and shampoo, whenever possible, to avoid spills and TSA restrictions on liquids. Otherwise, scale your liquids down into travel-sized containers. And remember, unless you’re really going out to the boonies somewhere, most cities and towns will have stores where you can find what you need if you’re in a pinch.

Electronics are the necessary evils of life, but they can be among the most weighty, voluminous pieces in your pack. Be honest: what do you really need? Your smartphone may suffice for a camera, rendering a special one absolutely unnecessary. E-readers are a fabulous alternative to physical books. And also, remember, many places will have Wi-Fi available so you can just stream things instead of bringing a host of devices.

It’s not rocket science, but being as organized as possible in your backpack really makes a difference.
Know exactly where everything is inside your backpack, and keep important things such as your passport and money in easily accessible yet secure places. Certainly, the last thing you want is to hold up the security line because you can’t find your fellow boarder’s pass.

One-bag travel is all about being adaptable and leading a simple life. ‘What-ifs’ and ‘just-in-cases’ that leave us with a heavy, unwieldy bag full of unnecessary stuff don’t weigh it down. It invites us to set aside the excess and concentrate just on the experience. Try it out! Taking a single backpack on a trip is akin to discovering freedom and opening your eyes. What matters is what you discover along the journey, not what you bring.

Related posts:
My Family’s Experiment with One Backpack Travel
How to Travel With Just One Bag, According to Reddit
One Bag Travel? Yes it’s Possible!