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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.

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

• > Carry On Compliant
• > Endless features

Tortuga Travel Pack

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

AER Travel Pack 3

• > Shoe pocket
• > Many different storage areas

Harber London Weekender

• > Perfect for one bag travel
• > Stylish and hard wearing

REI Ruck Sack 40

• > Affordable
• > Classic rucksack look

Boundary Supply Prima System

• > 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!

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

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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.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Ana Pereira

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How to Travel With Just One Bag, According to Reddit

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

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

Photo by Pixel-Shot/Shutterstock

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

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

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

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

Photo by qoppi/Shutterstock

What is one-bag travel?

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

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

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

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

Photo by Svitlana Hulko/Shutterstock

How do you even travel with only one bag?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo by DimaBerlin/Shutterstock

The best luggage to buy to one-bag travel

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

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

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

Here are some bag options frequently recommended by Redditors:

Duffel bags

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

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

A hybrid backpack/suitcase

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

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

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

Photo by everst/Shutterstock

One-bagging travel hacks

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

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

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!

Table of Contents

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.

Features to Look For in a Travel Backpack

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.

How to Pack Your Clothes

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 .

Electronics and Gadgets

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.

How to Layer Your Items

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 .

4. What are the key principles behind the one bag travel packing philosophy?

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 Lighthouses on the East Coast for an Epic Road Trip
• Yanitza Ninett https://nextstopadventures.com/writer/nextstop Boneyard Beach in Jacksonville: a Treasure Inside Big Talbot Island
• Yanitza Ninett https://nextstopadventures.com/writer/nextstop Southern Charm: Our Engagement Photos in Savannah
• Yanitza Ninett https://nextstopadventures.com/writer/nextstop 8 Beautiful Florida Springs for Scuba Diving Adventures

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Welcome to One Bag Travel

This website exists to inspire people to pack lighter and travel with only what they can fit into a single carry-on travel backpacks.

Please enjoy our database of carry-only travel backpacks and our collection of packing lists to over a dozen countries.

📜 Packing Lists

Browse our minimalist packing lists by the following categories:

❄️ Coldest , 🔥 Hottest , 🤹‍ Most Items ♀️ Female

🎒 Carry-Ons Travel Backpacks

Check out our database of carry-on travel b ackpacks . Avoid airline baggage fees by choosing a carry-on that is compatible with the airlines you fly on with the most.

✈️ Airline Carry-On Rules

Research your favorite airlines restrictions before flying to your destination . Save on unexpected baggage overage fees before you fly.

Recently Updated Travel Backpacks:

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Fjallraven Vardag Totepack by: Fjallraven

✈️ 83% - 17x13x8in

Thule Crossover 32L by: Thule

✈️ 88% - 18.5x12.4x12.2in

Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 55L by: Patagonia

✈️ 18% - 27x13x8in

Osprey Ozone Duplex 65L by: Osprey

✈️ 64% - 22x14x10in

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Totepack No. 2 by: Fjallraven

✈️ 83% - 17x13x5in

GORUCK GR3 by: GORUCK

45L 5.15lbs

✈️ 97% - 22x14x9in

GORUCK GR2 40 by: GORUCK

40L 4.75lbs

✈️ 97% - 22x12.5x9in

GORUCK GR2 34 by: GORUCK

✈️ 97% - 20.5x12.5x9in

GORUCK GR2 26 by: GORUCK

✈️ 99% - 18x12.5x7.25in

Tom Bihn Synik 30 by: Tom Bihn

✈️ 89% - 20x13.4x11in

Latest Packing Lists:

Short Cruise

A Month in Thailand

3 Week European Experiment with 1.5 Bags

1 Week in Nepal

Europe with some cycling

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One Bag Travel: The Complete Guide (Packing List Included)

One bag travel is a style of travel that involves carrying a single carry-on size bag. Nothing less. Nothing more.

In this post, you'll discover some of the One Bag best practices and hacks.

You'll read reviews of the best travel bags available today and learn how to pack efficiently. You'll also be able to download a sample one bag packing list, customize it, and use it on your next getaway.

Let's jump right in and look at the benefits of one bag travel.

Want to Breeze Through This Post?

Best one bag travel backpacks, backpack considerations, sample one bag packing list, packing tips, why one bag travel.

If you're serious about one bagging, you'll want to invest in a great travel backpack that is lightweight, carry-on friendly, and packs effectively. Here are four popular options to consider:

Heimplanet Transit Line : Sleek, comfortable, and durable travel backpack made by German company Heimplanet. Best for Europeans looking to avoid hefty import fees and costly shipping. I've owned this backpack for 2+ years and rely on it for all my international travels. I love how spacious and practical it is.

[Use code whatifididnt15 at checkout to get 15% off the Transit Line 34L.]

Tortuga Setout Divide 26L : One of the most popular backpacks for one bag travel. Sleek and well-built, but slightly heavier than the competition. It can expand to 34L.

Aer Travel Pack 2 : Incredible design, quality, and comfort. Lots of well-thought-out pockets and compartments.

Osprey Farpoint 40 : Best if you don't travel with a laptop. The pack has a laptop sleeve, but it's at the front of the pack.

Although messenger bags, briefcases, and wheeled luggage qualify as "one bags", the One Bagger's luggage of choice is a backpack.

Here are a few things to consider when shopping for a great travel bag:

Size: 30L to 40L as a Starting Range

Travel backpacks can range anywhere from 8L (Aer Slim Pack) to 40L (Osprey Farpoint 40). Anything above that and you risk exceeding the allowed carry-on size for most airlines.

The size you choose will depend on how light you want to pack and what airline you're flying with. (Restrictions in Europe are slightly different than in America, for instance.)

If you're new to one bag travel, start with a pack in the 30L to 40L range. Then work your way down as you optimize your gear and learn to pack more efficiently.

* : Larger cabin bags (22 x 18 x 10 in) are allowed for an additional fee

Opening: Front-Loader vs Top-Loader

Top-loaders are packed from the bottom up. This means you'll have to take everything out of the bag to take out the jacket you stuffed at the bottom of your pack. Top-loaders tend to be lighter than front-loaders.

Front-loaders, also known as clamshell backpack s or panel loader s, let you unzip and open the entire front panel of the pack. Like a suitcase. This type of backpack is more popular for travel because you can easily access any part of the bag without having to take anything out.

Tech Compartment: What to Look For

If you plan on traveling with a laptop, make sure to look for a bag with a laptop sleeve.

The laptop sleeve should be slightly padded, elevated a few inches from the bottom of the pack, and located closest to your back. This will ensure your computer is protected when you accidentally bump it into something or drop it on the ground.

The following packing list gives you an idea of what will fit inside a 30L travel backpack. Download it and customize it as you please (File -> Make a Copy to edit).

• 4 t-shirts (plain shirts in neutral colors like white, black, navy, brown, or khaki go with everything)
• Hoodie (your go-to lounge and travel wear)
• Sweater (for more dressy occasions like a night out or a date)
• Pair of shorts (skip if you're going somewhere cold)
• Pair of pants (jeans or chinos in neutral colors are the most versatile options)
• Bathing suit (for men, a pair of board shorts can double as workout shorts)
• Long-sleeve base layer (to sleep in or to layer in cooler climates)
• Pair of long underwear or tights (to sleep in or to layer in cooler climates)
• 4 boxer briefs (invest in moisture-wicking, breathable underwear)
• 4 pairs of socks
• Rain jacket or poncho (to protect against rain but also wind)
• Down puffy (down feathers are lightweight and incredibly warm compared with synthetic fill)
• Pair of Sneakers(all-purpose shoes, including working out)
• Pair of Sandals (minimalist sandals pack small and weigh close to nothing)
• Buff (can be used as a neck gaiter, beanie, sleep mask, travel pillow, and much more)

Most places you'll visit will have shower gel, cotton swabs, and sunscreen readily available. Purchase those upon arrival. Your toiletry kit doesn't have to be much more sophisticated than this:

• Towel (use it at the beach or between washes if your Airbnb or hostel doesn't provide extras)
• Deodorant (solid deodorant can stay in your bag during airport screenings)
• Floss (can be used in a pinch for stitching ripped clothes or as a travel clothesline)

Store everything inside a ziplock bag or a lightweight pencil case.

Tech (Optional)

This section only applies if you plan to work while abroad. This is going to be the heaviest gear in your bag, so leave it at home unless you truly need it.

• Tech bag (keeps all the cables neatly organized)
• Extras: mouse, keyboard, laptop stand, power bank, tablet, etc.

First Aid Kit

A lightweight first aid kit is essential for travel peace of mind. Here's are some basics:

• Bandaids (for cuts and scrapes)
• Butterfly bandages (for bigger wounds)
• Antiseptic solution
• Anti-inflammatory (ie Ibuprofen)
• Tweezers (for splinters, broken glass, etc.)
• Nail clippers
• Lip balm or vaseline (apply to hotspots to reduce friction and prevent blisters)

Download This Packing List (PDF)

Still thinking: "No way I can travel with only one bag"? This section is for you. These 9 tips will help reduce your load and pack everything in one bag.

1. Use packing cubes: Packing cubes (stuff sacks work too) compress your pack's content but also make your pack incredibly tidy. You won't need more than 3 cubes: a medium-sized cube for your clothes, a small-sized cube for your underwear and socks, and another small cube for anything that remains like your jacket, towel, or neck warmer.

2. Roll, don't fold: Rolling clothes saves space. It'll also prevent your clothes from getting wrinkled. Shirts, pants, underwear... roll it all!

3. Buy it there: Unless you're traveling to a remote destination, there is no need to take your umbrella, deck of cards, sunscreen, headlamp, and cough syrup. In the off-chance you do end up needing them, you can purchase them on site. You can also rent pricier items like surfboards, guitars, and climbing shoes for cheap.

4. Choose fabrics wisely: Because you'll be traveling with fewer clothes, choose items that give you the most bang for your buck. For example, polyester and merino wool breath better and dry faster than cotton. And down is incredibly warm yet lightweight compared to synthetic insulation.

5. Use cases: Choose versatile items when possible. A Buff can serve as a beanie, eye mask, neck gaiter, or pillowcase. Your swim trunks can be used as workout shorts. A trash bag can serve both as a dirty laundry bag and as a pack liner to protect your pack's content from the rain.

6. Wear the heavy and bulky: Wear your bulk and heavy items when traveling. That includes shoes, belts, hats, jackets, etc. That way, you take some of the load off of your back and create additional space in your pack. Naturally, don't overdo it. If you're wearing a sweater in 100-degree weather, you're doing it wrong.

7. Stuff hollow items: If you carry an extra pair of sneakers in your pack, stuff them with clothes to utilize every inch of space and get rid of the extra space. The same goes for hats.

8. Get a day bag (maybe): If you're going on a day trip, you may not want to carry around that bulky 30L bag around. Instead, invest in a foldable and lightweight day bag that you can roll up and stuff at the bottom of your primary pack. 10L should be plenty to fit a rain jacket, water bottle, and a few snacks.

9. Optimize further: Lay out all of your clothes and gear onto the floor prior to putting it inside your bag and look for further optimization. Any duplicate items? Unnecessary pouches and covers? Maybe your headphones can be replaced by a pair of earbuds, your electric shaver by a disposable razor, and your 2m USB-c cable by the 1m version.

The benefits of one bag travel far outweigh the inconvenience of leaving a DSLR camera at home or not being able to fit 2 kg of duty-free goodies inside your pack. Here are the top 6 reasons the One Bag lifestyle is so appealing:

Travel Light : No lifting, pulling, and tossing luggage around. One bag travel keeps your hands free, your load light, and your feet at ease.

Never Lose Your Bags : No checked bag means no chances of getting your belongings misplaced, stolen, or damaged.

Avoid Pickpockets : Nothing screams "tourist" more than your shiny Samsonite suitcase. And guess who loves tourists: pickpockets and con artists.

Save on Luggage Fees : When did checked bags get so expensive? On short-haul flights, the cost of a checked bag is often greater than the plane ticket itself.

Breeze Through Airports : Skip the check-in line and shrug your shoulders at the baggage carousel. Last in, first out.

Live More Intentionally : There is something weirdly satisfying about a neatly-organized bag where each item has had to fight for its place on the trip.

How do I do laundry?

In other words: "How do you live off of 4 shirts and 4 underwear without smelling like a skunk?"

If you have a washing machine or laundromat at your destination, you'll do laundry once a week and wash your underwear by hand once between each laundry cycle.

There are several ways to hand wash:

• Shower with your clothes
• Put your clothes in a dry bag with water and a dash of laundry detergent (or shampoo). Shake it for 10 minutes. Then rinse and dry.
• Use a sink stopper to fill a sink with water. Add a bit of soap. Agitate your clothes in the water for 10 minutes. Then rinse and dry.

How to Travel with One Bag in Cold Weather?

In cold weather, you might be tempted to pack a thick winter jacket, snow pants, and heated mittens to stay warm. But don't.

Instead, think in layers. The colder it gets, the more layers you stack on top of each other.

First, you'll want a moisture-wicking base layer made of wool or polyester. Next, a mid-layer made from an insulating material like fleece or down. And last, a waterproof and windproof layer made of DWR-treated nylon or GORE-TEX.

The layering principle applies to the upper body, lower body, and extremities (ie. head, feet, hands).

Here's how you might use this:

• Upper body: Stack a long-sleeve merino wool shirt with a sweater, down jacket, and rain shell
• Lower body: Add a pair of tights underneath your chinos or jeans
• Head and neck: Wear your Buff neck warmer as a balaclava and stack a hoodie on top

One Bag Weight?

Your bag should weigh between 10 lbs and 20 lbs. Anything above 20 lbs and you start to lose some of the benefits of efficient and minimal packing. Also note that in Europe, most airlines won't allow carry-ons heavier than 10 kg (22 lbs).

A big shoutout to Reddit’s r/onebag community for all the amazing tips and resources they’ve made available!

Full disclosure: When you buy a product through our links, we may earn a small commission. This helps us keep going, and it won't cost you a penny. Thanks for backing us.

Written by Ben Pages: Ben is a marketer, tech enthusiast, and minimalist. An advocate for self growth, he is on a mission to inspire others to simplify their lives, develop personal freedom, and maximize their potential.

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I just spent a one week summer vacation luggage free –I packed all my stuff into my favorite purse! Think carryon or one bag travel is impossible for fashionistas? Well, there’s no more excuses! Check out my minimalist packing list!

One Bag Travel: Go Luggage Free

Packing light doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style! That’s what TFG is all about: we help you make smart packing choices while staying true to your personal style when creating your travel capsule wardrobe .

In one of my lightest packing feats yet, in this article  I showed you how I traveled with a small carryon for a four-week trip to Colombia and Portugal, including a two-week cruise across the Atlantic Ocean.

Inspired by my ability to downsize on that trip, I wanted to take even less on a one week vacation in July. However, little did I know that I was going to end up with my lightest packing accomplishment ever!

I packed for a one week summer vacation luggage free in my Rebecca Minkoff Backpack !

Rebecca Minkoff Julian Backpack

And the best part? On both trips I didn’t sacrifice any of my girly needs. I still brought all of my makeup, flat iron, two pairs of cute shoes, and fun feminine clothing, too!

While this may not sound very impressive since it was only a one week trip (not a four week trip  like my last one ), remember that packing for a longer trip doesn’t mean you have to pack more stuff, it just means you have to do laundry once a week as needed.

The major advantage I had with this minimalist packing list is that I was traveling in hot weather.

However, I could’ve easily packed three less items (party dress, one pair of shorts, and one top) to save even more space. I could have also sacrificed for one bag travel by leaving behind some girly luxuries like my makeup bag or flat iron.

Read the Rebecca Minkoff Julian backpack review including feedback from our readers!

But why would I want to forego my personal style when I don’t have to?

Another major plus on this trip is that I wasn’t planning to work since I was only going away for one week. As a digital nomad, normally I have to bring my arsenal of tech anywhere I go, but in this case, my iPhone was all I needed.

And as an avid scuba diver, I usually also bring my diving essentials wherever I travel but not on this trip. It was just a one week vacation with friends including a road trip!

My item of choice for one bag travel: the top right black leather backpack

I flew into Guadalajara where our road trip began with a stop in Tequila (the home of tequila), three nights in Puerto Vallarta, and then three nights in Guadalajara.

There were six adults in the SUV (three couples) and while there was plenty of space for us, there wasn’t much space for our stuff! Between purses and luggage, there were twelve bags total – boy, am I glad I decided to go luggage free!

It was fun getting a chance to take a break from all my long-term travel gear and just pack for a one week vacation.

Compass Rose Packing Cubes

This was my “non-minimalist” minimalist packing list:

My one bag travel efforts consisted of a 9-Piece Travel Essentials Packing List , two pairs of shoes, toiletries, and all my girly essentials. I needed enough to last for eight days without doing laundry (except for undies).

My activities included: two pool days in Puerto Vallarta, a day tour in Tequila, two sightseeing days in Guadalajara, three dinners at nice restaurants, and three travel days.

Watch the video to see how everything fit into my purse and when you’re done, read the rest of the post below for even more details!

Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube Channel for access to all my packing videos!

Here’s a full summary of everything I packed including what’s inside each organizer and all the clothing that I packed! 

Slim Packing Cube including:

• Coral sleeveless top
• Black sleeveless top
• Olive green shorts
• Black dressy shorts
• Blue printed summer dress
• Blue printed party dress
• 6 undies (5 thongs, 1 boyshort)
• 1 underwire bra
• 1 underwire bikini
• Fitness tee (to sleep)
• Fitness shorts (to sleep)

EZ Packing Cube (small clear organizer for toiletries) 

• Face wash, eye cream, and face moisturizer stored in small, stackable travel containers
• 2 oz shower gel
• 3 single use shampoo packets (I only wash my hair every 2-3 days)
• 1 oz conditioner
• 2 oz body moisturizer
• Small sunblock stick
• 10 ear buds
• 1 razor (I used the conditioner as shaving cream)
• Full size electric toothbrush without charger (fully charged it lasts 6-8 days)
• Travel size liquid deodorant

NOTE : in the video I say that the above organizer also has my daily essentials but it doesn’t. I got confused with a trip I took the following week!

Small pouch for daily essentials:

• Antibacterial wipes
• A few bobby pins
• 1 ribbon hair tie
• Tiny nail file
• Travel size hair brush
• Two tampons
• One panty liner
• Half strip of antihistamines
• Half strip of motion sickness pills
• Half strip of painkillers

Small pouch for makeup (also used as a clutch):

• Foundation in 10ml travel container
• Highlighter stick
• Concealer pot
• Eyebrow pencil
• Tiny eyeshadow palette
• Two double sided brushes
• Blush Brush
• Travel size mascara
• Nars multiple stick
• Stud earrings

Other items stored in backpack purse:

• Naot walking sandals
• 1” Flat iron
• Small tissue packet
• iPhone in wristlet (doubles as wallet)
• Ray-Bans in their case
• iPhone charger

Capsule Wardrobe inspired by Essentials Packing List (one party dress not shown)

NOT IN THE BACKPACK:

Usually I also pack my travel outfit in my luggage to ensure I’m never maxed out on space. However, for a one week trip I decided it would be okay not to include the clothing I wore on the plane.

This is what I wore on the flight (top left pic):

• Anatomie white travel pants
• H&M White sleeveless top
• Black zara jacket (sold out)
• Nude underwire bra
• Nude smoothing shorts
• Tan/mustard lace up sandals
• Y-chain necklace
• Pointy triangle stud earrings

I emptied my backpack upon arrival at my accommodation in order to use it each day. For evenings, I used my makeup bag as a clutch and left my phone behind.

One very important thing to note is that the Rebecca Minkoff Julian Backpack is probably about 10 liters of space, so even if you needed to bring one or two more slim packing cubes or a larger organizer in general, you can still follow this one bag travel concept and use a slightly more spacious purse.

I’d say most women’s handbags are double the size of this backpack purse!

If you need more space, you could be more strategic with the items you wear on the plane:

• You could wear your bulkiest shoes (which I didn’t).
• Wear another clothing item or two on the plane.
• Wear a smaller purse to hold a few more essentials (I just used my makeup bag as a clutch at night and my backpack during the day).
• Use a cute waist belt for your passport and other essentials so you’re as hands free as possible while traipsing around the airport and sightseeing.
• Place items in your coat pockets (my jacket didn’t have pockets).

As a style-conscious long-term traveler, downsizing my 65 liter backpack to a 40 liter carry on was a major accomplishment in 2012. Over the years I not only worked to pack fewer items, but I’ve also made a serious effort to lighten my load by using unique travel containers , choosing the best fabrics , and opting for compact versions of larger items.

In the process, however, I have always stood by Travel Fashion Girl’s motto: Minimize Your Luggage, Maximize Your Style.

And personal style is never worth sacrificing because it IS possible to carry fewer items–not just by using “travel tech fabrics”–but by strategically choosing only items you feel good wearing!

Here are a few pics from my trip!

And for every single trick in my packing book, read my full course “ Stop Overpacking “. I created the STOP OVERPACKING program to teach you my exact packing process. Every secret, every detail, nothing is spared.

Learn more about Stop Overpacking here !

Want a winter version of this minimalist packing list? Stay tuned for my luggage free challenge when the temperature drops!

Do you have any tips for one bag travel? Share and comment below!

For more tips on how to pack light, please read the following:

• 75 Packing Tips that Will Make Your Travels So Much Easier
• How to Fit Everything in a Carryon (Video Tutorial)
• Ten Step Packing Guide for One Bag Travel
• How to Choose the Best Travel Shoes

We hope you liked this post on one bag travel and my fashionista-approved minimalist packing list. Please share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

90 comments.

This was the very first blog post of yours I ever read and also saw the video of your packing the Julian for your trip. I bought my Julian backpack purse in 2018 and I have been following you ever since! Still love that purse and use it all the time! Love that there is a whole community that share ideas and tips. Keep it going!

Hi Alex, I’ve been a fan for years! Question: Roberta Minkoff now has a jumbo size Julian backpack. Thoughts on that? I’m unsure which to purchase…the regular or jumbo? Also, do you notice if RM or Nordstrom or Amazon comes out with more color options during a particular time of year? They are fairly limited right now. (July 2022)

Hi Courtney, I am afraid that I have only tried the regular size bag so can’t really comment on the jumbo size. I have always been happy with the regular size.

You might find my review helpful to learn what I can fit in my regular purse: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/rebecca-minkoff-julian-backpack-review/

And yes they do tend to have more color options but for nordstrom, in particular, they tend to come available and sell out fairly quickly. Is there a particular style you would prefer?

Love this so much. I’m currently making a leather backpack for short business trips that will be 9L and your posts have confirmed it will be the perfect size. I can’t wait to pack it for the first time.

That is awesome to hear Samantha, so happy to have helped. Hope you have an incredible time on your travels! 💕

I’m laughing because I’ve been a fan for years and almost always travel with a carryon. Tomorrow I’m traveling up to Washington to visit my kids and other family and this is what I’ve packed in my car: 3 sewing machines, 3 boxes of sewing fabrics, pattern, scissors, etc, 3 boxes of clothes that no longer fit for my sister, 3 boxes of presents for grandchildren, a cooler with all the food from my refrigerator, some hanging clothes an 2 boxes of clothes because I’ve lost weight and none of the clothes I have up there will fit. I feel like I’m the role model for anti-carryon!

Hi Kathy, everyone is different! It’s about packing and traveling in a way that makes sense for you. Hope you have the most amazing time with your family! ❤️

We wrote a post about this to change the carryon misconception: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/traveling-carry-on-only/

Love this- and your outfits! I’m not sure how you had enough clothes without laundry for every day, including a dry swimsuit? Would love to see a breakdown of each event ( day, night etc) and what you wore. And did you use the travel shoes for your party dress? Thanks!

Hi Stephanie, thank you!!! Have a look at TFG’s signature packing lists for ideas for a capsule wardrobe and how many clothing items you could pack, I based this trip on our Minimalist Packing List: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/functional-and-fashion-packing-list/

The vacation packing list is for indefinite travel. Generally speaking, you can pack enough for one week then do laundry once a week depending on the duration of your trip.

The clothing is shown above the section that says: Capsule Wardrobe inspired by Essentials Packing List (one party dress not shown).

Hope this helps!

love this post and have re-read it several times. i am in the UK and prefer to travel carryon only where i can. i prefer wheeled mini suitcases to backpacks (easier to use) but i would like to suggest a couple of items to you Alex that i have found invaluable. all my handbags are from The Healthy Back Bag Company (they are based in London, UK) and they make a Baglett which i have 6 of in diff colours. i find that they can hold a decent sized phone (i have the Galaxy S8) and a purse plus lippie and keys.i use this as my evening bag. i also have their Large Baglett which holds my passport and phone plus hairbrush lipbalm gum tissues and mini notepad and pen – ideal for flights.

Hi Carrie, so pleased you enjoyed the post!! Thank you for sharing your recommendation for a purse with us, always love hearing about our readers favorite products! Happy travels! ?

Hi, great tips. I have the rucksack “regular” size the slightly larger one but to me seems super small. The one you are showing seems much bigger. Which size do you have?

Hi there, thank you for reaching out! So pleased you found the article helpful. The backpack is the Rebecca Minkoff Julian and I have it in the regular size (which is also known as the large), you can read my review of it here: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/rebecca-minkoff-julian-backpack-review/ Hope this helps! 🙂

I love this post. I can’t believe I found it again so easy. Always inspiring. I love that you didn’t skimp and brought your flat iron.

Hi Lisa, thank you so much for your lovely comment, so happy to hear that you enjoyed the post! ?

I just discovered this post and I’m wondering if you ever got around to the luggage free winter trip and if so how it went.

Hi Whitney, thank you for your comment! Let me look into this for you!

Just came across this bag – reminds me of the Rebecca Minkoff bag you love: https://m.shop.nordstrom.com/s/vince-camuto-small-giani-leather-backpack/4641672?origin=topnav&cm_sp=Top%20Navigation-_-Get%20Inspired-_-New%20Arrivals&page=4&top=24

Great post. I tried to find this back pack but am not sure I found the same one. I know it comes in multiple sizes, and the one I bought also has the zippered pocket on the back (the smaller one does not) but I don’t think it is as large as yours.

Where did you get it?

I’m totally inspired by you! I LOVE this idea…totally petrified of it, but love it just the same. I’m the king of over packing. I can never decide what to bring, and usually pack twice as much as I need. As a petite woman, I feel like sometimes my luggage weighs more than I do!!! Thank you for the tips and inspiration. Can you also post more on where you bought some of your clothes. They look amazing, and obviously travel well. Thank you.

I followed your advice this past spring. I went to two climates Holland and Cape Town, SA. I used a 12 piece module[ 6 winter, 6 summer items]. My bag weighed only 22 lbs. I wore all items.

Yay Awesome job 🙂 I’m glad the tips helped you travel light!

Love your sight and all your help ….just have 3 questions: 1. Any cheaper options for a stylish backpack/purse? I love yours. It cannot cover the $. 2. Brand of flat iron dual voltage for Europe? 3. Heading to Rome in mid March. Any ‘Must have’ fashion item? Thanks! Nancy

This has totally inspired me to evaluate my packing to travel with less. And to get a backpack purse. Thanks for sharing!

Thanks for sharing Muriel! Happy travels!

This is honestly extremely impressive – Sadly I do not think I will ever be able to pack this light because my camera equipment alone takes up so much space, but I definitely like the message here and have worked on downsizing considerably when I travel.

Thank you for your kind words Rae! Every little bit helps when it comes to simplifying your packing! Safe travels!

Thanks for this post! I just recently went to Europe for the first time last spring for 3+ weeks. Your website inspired me to pack a 44l backpack (and no personal item) for the trip with less than 17lbs because of a plane ride we had booked. It took strategy because we had different weather between Paris, Barcelona, a cruise, and Greece. I had everything I needed for the trip plus room for the Louis Vuitton tote that I just had to get in Paris and hauled the entire trip. (My pack included a puff jacket and raincoat, which I used.) I was glad I didn’t pack any heavier because the 17lbs felt heavy quickly. Our next trip will be to Germany and surrounding countries in fall for at least 3 weeks maybe longer. I am toying with a 26l bag and maybe a 10lb limit for comfort. I can be a one shoe person with the right shoes and I am eyeing some short Birkenstock boots. (I have the Rebecca Minkoff backpack purse and have loved it. Bought it for running around Manhatten. I will have to try using it as my luggage for a trip.) Thanks for all of the tips! I didn’t think it was possible to meet the airline requirements, but with sites like yours it was possible. I do love my clothes so this has been an interesting process! I absolutely loved Europe, the people and the food!

Thanks for the note KC! Glad you’ve found our advice useful! Sounds like you’ve had some great travels!

This was amazing! I also looked at your video on YouTube, Alex. Since you manage to pack minimally and fashionably, it would be very helpful to see how you packed your eBags Slim Packing Cube. I would have like seeing the pictures of the clothes you bought (and how you mix and match them) in this post. You wrote it all down, but I find a visual extremely helpful.

Thanks Maura! This is how I pack my packing cubes: https://travelfashiongirl.com/packing-cubes-video-tutorial-learn-how-to-pack-light/ The clothing is shown above the section that says: Capsule Wardrobe inspired by Essentials Packing List (one party dress not shown)

Absolutely love the Rebecca Minkoff Julian Backpack! I just used it on a two day trip to San Francisco. Thank you for sharing your travel style!

Thanks for reading Jessica! Glad you like the bag! Safe travels!

Wow! My dream is to travel luggage free some day! Very inspirational post.

Thanks for reading Diane! You can totally do it! Happy travels!

Thank you Diane! You can totally do it, we believe in you! Little steps at a time! Safe travels!

Absolutely love it – and I love that it gives me a new challenge! I have a 1 month trip to India and the Philippines coming up (for work) but now I am rethinking my packing strategy.

Thanks for reading Lauren! Glad we could help!

Really inspired by your website and it helped hugely on my recent holiday to Prague even though I did go over on toiletries – whoops!! But still was under the allowance so its a small win!!

Thanks Hannah 🙂 I’m glad you found it useful! Sounds like a big win to me!

This was so inspiring. I really want to get back to my minimalist packing roots. And I think I need a Rebecca Minkoff backpack/purse thingee too.

I Love my Rebecca Minkoff purse but it can be done with any purse of a similar size 🙂 You can do it!

Wonderful photos! The trip looks absolutely amazing!

And I love that you travelled with SO LITTLE for that trip!!!

Thanks Phebe 🙂 It was wonderful!

Realizing it is possible and easier to travel with one bag is fantastic. I remember the days of dragging monster suitcases throughout train and subway stations. It was horrible

I totally agree! Light travel is the way forward!

WOW! I was so inspired by this post. While I’ve been following TFG for nearly two years now, and work harder every trip to pack more lightly, this post encouraged me to tote just my backpack for a recent 6-day trip to Chicago where I visited with family. There were two “fancy” parties on the agenda (a niece’s 19th birthday party, and another niece’s first baby shower), so that meant packing two nice going-out outfits. And, since I was going to be around multiple family members the rest of the time, I didn’t want to look like I was wearing the same clothes all the time. I managed to do it, toting my full-sized laptop, an additional pair of shoes, and limited toiletries. I still overpacked (didn’t need a pair of shorts and tee I’d packed), but it worked out well. Next time, I’d probably rather bring a rolling tote (easier on my back) but still I impressed myself! Thanks TFG; couldn’t have done it without you!

Nice work! Anyone can do it 🙂

Very inspiring, hopefully I can eventually get to this minimalist stage

You can do it 🙂

This is like a traveling fashionista’s holy grail! I’m so impressed! I tend to travel light already, but I’d never dream of achieving this. Very useful post, thank you!

Thanks for reading Eleanna! We appreciate the compliment! But even more so, are happy the post helps! Keep traveling 🙂

This is a fab guide! Everything is so condensed! Jabeen x

Thank you for reading Jabeen! Appreciate the feedback! We love giving packing tips in simple, easy to digest formats! Happy travels!

Did they let you bring liquid make up like foundation? Customs wouldn’t let my husband bring an opened bottle of contact lens solution or a small bottle of hand cream in his carry on for a flight from Canada to the US!

I take liquid foundation in a small travel container. Each item should fit into a 100ml container, which should all fit into a smaller seethrough bag. Have a look at this post for ideas http://bit.ly/2auozV1

I had an uncle that was a world traveler and only carried on satchel bag with him at all times. this contained 2 pairs of underware, 1 white cotton shirt that he could wash and dry by the next morning and some shorts. He did this for years to the amazement of his fellow travelers!

This is awesome 🙂 I can see why he impressed them!

Love your site! So many helpful tips! Have traveled quite a bit but the older I get, the more I want to lessen the load while still looking decent. Am anxious for my next trip to try many of your fantastic tips! Thank you for taking the time to enlighten us al!! I appreciate you!

You’re welcome Shannon 🙂 It’s always nice to hear the posts are helping people!

Our last trip to Rome, we managed to get a week’s worth of clothes for each of us into one regulation-sized backpack — you inspire and challenge us! Besides, we’re there to have fun, not to worry about having more clothes than we really need 😉 Thanks again for sharing!

Nice Work 🙂 Exactly, the stress of packing is really not needed!

Love all the tips! I want to adapt the light packing travel, lifestyle! And everything helps!!!

Great timely article, I’m currently trying to pack for a four day road trip (2 out/2 back) and 8 days of business meetings with two formal dress dinners. I’ll wear jeans for the road trip and will be required to wear specific pants for one event. I prefer skirts for sitting in hours of lectures for comfort. Thanks, for providing a guide to decrease what I have to pack. Loving your site! Hopefully to go on a trip one day where I can pack light in one small backpack.

I’m glad you found it useful 🙂 Have a look at this business trip packing list for more ideas http://bit.ly/2anbdHm

This is my goal for every trip!!

Seriously impressed! And great inspiration for my next trip 🙂

Thanks Danielle 🙂 Anyone can do it!

Great post! I have one year of travel coming up, and can’t wait to try some of your ideas. My most minimal packing so far was a 3-day trip with my Tumi Knox backpack, but with your tips I think I can do it your way. We’ll be based in Hong Kong, taking shorter trips out of there, so your post is very relevant for me. Thanks for the inspiration!

Glad you found it useful! Have an awesome time 🙂

You may have answered in other posts but I’ve just found your site. What about wrinkling your clothing when stuffing it in the cubes so tightly?

Hi Terri 🙂 The best thing to do is to find wrinkle resistant fabrics 🙂 Take a look at this post for ideas http://bit.ly/29hB9VY

This is so inspiring! I can only imagine how freeing this was for you on your trip. I do carry-on with the Farpoint and a small purse now, but I hope to manage with as little as you had someday for the extreme convenience factor.

Thanks Sonia! Would love to do this full time but it was great at least for a shorter trip 🙂

Alex as always you are a packing inspiration. Your wonderful site, tips and tricks led me and my partner (after I convinced him it was possible) to travel for 8 months around the world using the Osprey farpoint 40. It was the perfect bag for that length of trip and today you have inspired me to pack even less for shorter trips. Thank you and happy travels, Bonnie x

Thank you Bonnie! I’m happy you and your partner found it possible to travel for an extended period of time a 40L bag! Shorter trips should be a breeze!

I love this post!!! It’s amazing to see what you can do with the right pieces! Thanks for sharing:):)

🙂 Yay! Glad you like it. I totally agree, the right pieces are key!

űgreat result of minimalist packing! This bag doesn’t even look 10 liters. So for the pool days there were no scarves or towels packed but you relyed on what the hotel provided?

Hi Bea for pool days I just used the pool towels provided by the resort and just used my white button up top open if I wanted some coverage 🙂

Loved this post! I am in awe as I am the dreaded overpacker dum dum dum lol. I need to take this approach for my upcoming (Aug 5) 2 week trip with the boyfriend to Peru to spend with his family as they are from there… The first week will be at a beach resort in the northern part of Peru so it’s warmer there in the days for swimming in the ocean and then we’ll go to Lima where they live for the 2nd week where it is cold. I hope I don’t overpack… The thing is I’m Afro-Latina and so I must travel with my own shampoo and most importantly conditioner… Anything they give at a hotel always leaves my hair tangled and dry and for 1 week at a beach resort where I’ll be washing my hair everyday I will need my conditioner lolol

Hey 🙂 I’m glad you found it helpful! It is possible to cut down on the amount you take! Take a look at this Peru post for some more ideas http://bit.ly/2apB4zE and have a great time!

I’m just wondering – since the backpack is leather, is it heavy? I try to always take canvas or a fabric bag when traveling, and I’m nervous about my stuff behind me in a backpack, but you make it all look so easy! You’ve inspired me to pack smarter!

Thanks Janell! I don’t find the leather to be heavy, perhaps the hardware adds a little weight but not enough to make a big impact – the versatility of the bag is worth it!

Awesome! Love this post! Curious… what do you use for a wallet? Where do you keep your cash, credit cards, etc?

Hi Marti! Glad you liked the post 🙂 My wallet is my phone case. You didn’t see it because I was using my phone to record the video but this is what I use: http://amzn.to/2ab4bFL

Is the flat iron dual voltage? I have gotten past taking a hair dryer but I have to have a flat iron that I can count on through out Europe! Thx!

Yes it is! It’s been fantastic abroad, no issues in Europe.

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The Best Minimalist Backpacks for Modern One-Bag Travel

As a nomad who lives with less, few things get me fired up like simple one bag travel while donning my minimalist backpack. The feeling that overcomes me knowing everything I need is gently resting on my shoulders as I get to know a new place is simply exhilarating.

But fitting my travel essentials comfortably into one single bag didn’t always come naturally. Not too long ago, in fact, you could find me staggering around the streets of Western Europe with a bulging 80-liter backpack and an overstuffed suitcase. “You’re living the dream out there!” declared my family and friends.

Maybe, but that dream was dreadful to lug from one place to the next.

So I kept dragging my belongings around the continent until I met a young guy from Australia near the end of my trip. He was energetic, light on his feet, and carried a modestly sized backpack that held everything he needed to travel. Seeing him thrive with so little was a revelation, so I decided to become a one bag traveler myself.

When I got home, I bought a new backpack, overhauled my packing list, and whittled down my travel gear to the bare essentials. It’s taken me years of gradual downsizing, but all of my travel necessities now fit into a 30-liter carry-on-friendly backpack.

One bag travel with a rock-solid minimalist travel backpack is the best way to travel. Here’s how to get started:

• Find a simple minimalist backpack
• Dial in your packing list
• Start traveling

Now, let’s cross #1 off the list.

Best Minimalist Backpacks

• Noel’s Ultralight Travel Pack: Zpacks Bagger Ultra 25
• Noel’s Do-Everything Minimalist Travel Pack: Tom Bihn Techonaut 30
• Pro Traveler’s Top Pick: Aer Travel Pack 3
• Best Backpack for Digital Nomads: Minaal Carry-On 3.0
• Best Waterproof Option: Tortuga Outbreaker
• Best Pack for Photographers: Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
• Most Spacious Pack: Osprey Porter 46L
• Best Anti-Theft: Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45
• Best Outdoorsy Travel Bag: REI Co-op Ruckpack 40 Recycled Pack
• Best Segmented Simple Minimalist Backpack: Matador SEG42
• Most Durable: GORUCK GR3
• Best Ultralight Pack for Hikers & Backpackers: Zpacks Nero 38L ROBIC
• Best Carry-On Backpack on a Budget: Amazon Basics
• Best Minimalist Travel Duffel Bag: Peak Design Travel Duffel 35L
• Best Packable Daypack for Travel: Matador On-Grid Packable Backpack
• Best Sling for Day Trips: Pacsafe Venturesafe X Anti-Theft Sling Pack

Essential Accessories for One Bag Travel

• Considerations for Minimalist Backpacks
• Carry-On Bag Sizes & Rules
• Final Thoughts

Noel’s Ultralight Travel Pack Zpacks Bagger Ultra 25

MSRP: $250 Capacity: 25L Weight: 10.7 oz | 302 g Main Material: Ultra 100 & 200, 3D spacer mesh The Good: Extremely lightweight and functional, fully waterproof, a minimalist’s dream The Not-So-Good: Doesn’t offer much protection for your fragile gear

I recently switched from the Pakt Travel Backpack to the Zpacks Bagger Ultra 25 and I’m thrilled with my decision. The Pakt was simply too heavy — nearly 7x the weight of the Bagger Ultra! — for my ultralight needs, and I cut nearly four pounds off of my travel base weight by switching bags. That’s significant.

Another reason I ditched my old bag is that I needed a pack that would conform to budget airlines’ personal item dimensions (which the Bagger Ultra does perfectly). I can pack this little beast as full as I want and never need to worry about paying for an oversized carry-on. This bag is fully waterproof, comes with two water bottle pockets, and isn’t bogged down with unnecessary features. It has everything I need and nothing I don’t.

Its futuristic Ultra fabric isn’t going to protect your expensive tech items on its own, so bring along cases for your laptop, camera, and whatever other fragile electronics you travel with. Use packing cubes for your clothing and a ditty bag for your odds and ends, as well, since the main storage compartment doesn’t have built-in organization like many other bags on this list.

If you’re a minimalist traveler searching for an extremely lightweight and functional bag, you’ve met your match. The Zpacks Bagger Ultra 25 is the perfect pack to keep your travel packing list organized, streamlined, and as lightweight as possible as zip around from Point A to Point B. If there’s a better ultralight travel pack on the market, I haven’t seen it yet.

Noel’s Do-Everything Minimalist Travel Pack Tom Bihn Techonaut 30

MSRP: $392 Capacity: 30L Weight: 2.5 lb | 1.12 kg Main Material: 525D Ballistic Nylon The Good: Very comfortable and durable, extremely functional, converts into a duffle/shoulder bag, sleek and stylish The Not-So-Good: Expensive

I’m in the process of launching my YouTube channel (gulp), which means I need to start traveling with an expensive camera (and all of its expensive gear). To do so, I needed to get my hands on a slightly more spacious and protective pack than the Bagger Ultra above. After hours and hours of research, I landed on the Tom Bihn Techonaut 30.

Everything in my minimalist travel packing list fits perfectly into my Techonaut. The bag is extremely durable, highly weather resistant, full of clever features, and padded in all the right places. It protects my precious electronics as I bumble about, all while fitting like a glove underneath the airline seat in front of me.

It’ll also convert into a crossbody duffle for my hybrid travel/backpacking trips where I travel with two bags. On such voyages, I’ll wear my Zpacks Nero 38L as a backpack and sling the Techonaut comfortably over my shoulder while I zip around airports, train stations, and bus terminals.

I’ll definitely still use my super-efficient Bagger Ultra 25 on minimalist trips when I won’t be filming anything, but the Technoaut 30 has cemented itself as my go-to bag on adventures when I’ll be toting my camera gear. I need a little more experience with this bag before I bump it up to the #1 position, so stay tuned for updates.

Sure, the Techonaut is relatively pricey, but it’s absolutely perfect for my travel style and is made (in the USA) for the long haul. This top-notch bag is well worth the investment for frequent travelers in need of a high-end pack they can trust for the next couple of decades.

Traveler’s Consensus Top Minimalist Backpack AER Travel Pack 3

MSRP: $249 Capacity: 35L Weight: 4.1 lb | 1.86 kg Main Material: 1680D Cordura® Ballistic Nylon The Good:  Sleek, durable, efficient use of space, great external organizer pocket The Not-So-Good: Main compartment isn’t divided, not a ton of storage

The AER Travel Pack 3 is sleek, highly functional, and sits atop many other lists of the best minimalist backpacks. It’s about as modern, functional, and feature-rich as it gets for one bag travel.

This backpack is indestructible. Its 1680D Cordura Ballistic Nylon fabric is built to hold up for years of travel and is incredibly weather-resistant to boot. As a frequent backpacker, I appreciate that the AER is equipped with side compression straps, which draw the bag’s weight closer to your body and make it far more comfortable to carry. Its thoughtful external organizer pocket will stash all your cords, chargers, notebooks, pens, and other gizmos for quick and convenient access. The bag’s large main clamshell-style compartment is reasonably roomy and will fit a set of three packing cubes (large, medium, and small) quite perfectly if fully packed. It also sports a nifty waterproof shoe pocket at the bottom of the pack, which reviewers are quite smitten about.

This bag has only one large main storage compartment, meaning that travelers would have to stash their clothes and precious tech gear side-by-side. At 35 liters, this bag isn’t super roomy, either, so some travelers might prefer an option with more storage. Other than that, there isn’t much else to nitpick about this stellar backpack.

The AER Travel Pack works best for one bag travelers who have committed to simple packing and strive to travel with only the essentials. I don’t recommend this pack for anyone who has a more extensive wardrobe or plans to pack bulky luxuries like books, over-ear headphones, or hammocks * shudder *.

Best Minimalist Backpack for Digital Nomads Minaal Carry-On 3.0 Bag

MSRP: $349 Capacity: 35L Weight: 3.1 lb | 1.41 kg Main Material: 600D Picton Fabric The Good: Comfortable, very secure, protected by a lifetime warranty The Not-So-Good:  Expensive, often back-ordered, no hip belt

I nearly bought the Minaal Carry-On 3.0 Bag on several occasions but never pulled the trigger. Whether I balked at the price, the bag was backordered, or I got cold feet, this pack and I just weren’t meant to be.

Regardless of why I don’t own it, the 35-liter Carry-On 3.0 minimalist travel backpack may actually be the best option for me. For starters, the pack’s sleek exterior is made from high-end Picton fabric, which is incredibly durable, weather-resistant, and environmentally friendly. Its tech-forward design is highlighted by its divided main compartment, which keeps clothes and pricy gadgets separate (a feature I appreciate in my old Pakt backpack). The bag’s shockproof laptop sleeve, discreet secret pocket, and flexible internal frame combine to create a secure and comfortable carry best for those who pack expensive gear and travel extensively. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t daydream about this bag from time to time.

So, what’s not to love about the Carry-On 3.0? Its hefty $349 price tag (plus $19 shipping to the US) is sure to scare some travelers off. This bag isn’t equipped with a hip belt, either, though you probably won’t need one as long as you’re not overloaded. Minaal’s in-demand backpacks are often backordered, too, meaning you might have to wait months to get your hands on one.

I recommend the Carry-On 3.0 Backpack to frequent or full-time travelers who simply want the best gear and value attention to detail. If packed intelligently, this 35-liter pack can hold everything digital nomads need to earn on the go, secure their precious cargo, and stay very comfortable along the way.

Best Waterproof Backpack for One Bag Travel Tortuga Outbreaker Backpack

MSRP: $269 | $299 Capacity: 35L | 45L Weight: 4.6 lb | 5.1 lb Main Material: VX21 Waterproof Sailcloth The Good: The Not-So-Good: 

I’m definitely understating the greatness of the Tortuga Outbreaker when I tell you it’s the best waterproof backpack for travel. Yes, this bag’s VX21 sailcloth gives it incredible weather resistance, but the Outbreaker excels at so much more.

Don’t believe me? Just ask the New York Times, whose trusted Wirecutter product review blog named the Outbreaker one of the six best carry-on travel backpacks on the market. Available in 35-liter and 45-liter versions, this do-it-all pack is thoughtfully engineered and quite deserving of all the press. Thanks to its super-adjustable harness system, generously padded back panel, and load lifters, this pack can carry large loads of gear exceptionally comfortably. Speaking of large loads, the 45-liter version of this backpack can fit a ridiculous amount of travel gear. Don’t believe me (again)? Just watch the walkthrough video on its product page . Oh, and did I mention this bag is waterproof ?

So, what’s not to love about the Outbreaker? At 5.1 pounds, the 45-liter version tips the scales as the second heaviest one bag travel pack on this list. The $269 and $299 price tags might be a bit hard to swallow, too, though thousands of happy customers worldwide find it to be well worth the investment. Some don’t like the look of the bag’s rectangular shape and VX21 sailcloth, either, but I definitely dig it.

I recommend the Tortuga Outbreaker backpack to anyone looking for an extraordinarily comfortable and weather-resistant bag that’ll take their carry-on travel game to a new level. I’d opt for the 35-liter version of this bag because less is always more in the world of minimalist travel.

Best Minimalist Travel Bag for Photographers Peak Design Travel Backpack

MSRP: $300 Capacity: 35L | Expandable to 45L Weight: 4.5 lb | 2.05 kg Main Material: 300D Nylon & Poly Menage The Good:  Built for photographers, expandable storage, handy side zippers The Not-So-Good:  Expensive, heavy

Next up on the best minimalist bags comes the Peak Design Travel Backpack, an uber-popular option that photographers, digital nomads, and one bag travelers have sworn by for years.

Peak Design produces premium photography and travel gear, and their Travel Backpack lands perfectly at the intersection of those two worlds. Like most other options on this list, this pack is made from durable, weather-resistant, and environmentally-friendly materials. It features 35 liters of internal storage but can expand to haul an extra 10 thanks to its dual expansion zipper system. This bag also sports external carry straps for your tripod, a roomy main storage compartment, and side zippers for quick access to cameras and other gadgets. Built to pair with Peak Design’s line of well-reviewed camera cubes , this pack can haul and protect delicate photography gear better than pretty much anything else on this list.

At nearly $300, this bag might be a tad too spendy for some travelers. It weighs 4.5 pounds, as well, which puts it on the heavier end of the simple minimalist bag spectrum. Its large main storage compartment forces travelers to store their clothes and camera gear side by side, but that shouldn’t be a huge deal for those willing to splurge on some packing and camera cubes.

The Peak Design Travel Backpack is optimal for photographers who want a worry-free pack to stash and protect their invaluable gear along their journey. This bag works for the non-photographer travelers as well, since it’s adaptable and excels for those of us whose packing list grows and shrinks from trip to trip.

Most Spacious Carry-On Compliant Backpack Osprey Porter 46

MSRP: $160 Capacity: 46L Weight: 3.3 lb | 1.48 kg Main Material: Recycled 500D Nylon Packcloth The Good: Durable, huge capacity, backed by All Mighty Guarantee  The Not-So-Good: Bulky when packed full, not very comfortable over 25 pounds

Before I was fully committed to minimalism and hadn’t yet refined my one bag travel packing list, I owned the Osprey Porter 46 backpack. It was a wonderful bag for me at the time, but we grew apart when I decided to downsize.

So, why would I still recommend the Porter 46? For starters, it’s an Osprey bag, meaning it’s backed by their All Mighty Guarantee , which promises that they’ll repair any damage or defects for any reason . It’s incredibly roomy, too, meaning you’ll have space to haul around a few more days of clothes or some extra luxuries. And at 3.3 pounds, the Porter 46 is a reasonably lightweight bag, considering its massive 46-liter storage volume. Though it’s not the most stylish bag, it’s incredibly durable, has a solid front organization system, and has solid anti-theft features, as well.

Resist the urge to pack this bag with much more than 25 pounds of gear, as it doesn’t have an internal frame and can get quite uncomfortable if overloaded. I never found much use for the bag’s top pocket, either, which was cramped and awkward to navigate when the bag was fully packed. Like most Osprey bags, the Porter 46 puts off an outdoorsy backpacker vibe, so don’t expect to blend in like a local while traveling.

I recommend the Porter 46 to one bag travelers who crave as much space as possible in their carry-on. The fast-paced adventure traveler might also find it useful since it’s highly durable and can stand up to a beating. If you’re looking for a similar bag that’s more comfortable but not quite as spacious, check out the Osprey Farpoint 40 .

Best Anti-Theft Travel Backpack Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45

MSRP: $240 Capacity: 45L Weight: 3.13 lb | .21 kg Main Material: 100D ROBIC Nylon The Good:  Extremely secure, made from sustainable materials, lots of storage The Not-So-Good:  Thin material, not very weather-resistant, not much padding

The Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 was created for travelers who’ve heard (or experienced) horror stories of theft and robbery in faraway places and want zero part of it. This bag caters to the traveler that values security and peace of mind above all else.

While the Venturesafe EXP45 is comfortable, spacious, made from recycled fishing nets, and has a lot else to like, it truly stands out because of its safety features that deter theft at every level . From its patented Roobar lockdown systems, to its wire-mesh infused slash-proof fabric, to its built-in locking cable, this backpack serves one purpose: to thwart criminals at all costs. Pacsafe is raising the anti-theft bar to the next level, and other backpack companies should take notice of their efforts.

The Venturesafe EXP45 might be the best anti-theft travel backpack on the market, but it lacks a few features that could really make it shine. For starters, its 100D nylon fabric is thinner than most packs on this list, making it far less weatherproof and much more susceptible to abrasion. Padding at the corners of the pack is minimal, so your valuables won’t be protected from drops and bumps as well as most other options, either.

Those who are gung-ho about protecting their valuables or traveling in countries with high crime rates should consider the Venturesafe EXP45. Its safety and security features may seem a little overkill to some, but they could mean the difference between a trip-stopping travel disaster and a very close call.

Best Outdoorsy Travel Backpack REI Co-op Ruckpack 40 Recycled Pack

MSRP: $149 Capacity: 40L Weight: 2.8 lb | 1.29 kg Main Material: Recycled Nylon The Good: Very comfortable, versatile for travel and outdoors, affordable The Not-So-Good: Not technically carry-on compliant (3″ too long)

The REI Ruckpack 40 is built for the intrepid traveler who isn’t afraid to ditch their hostel and head into the wilderness at the drop of a hat. No, it’ll probably never become my personal travel bag, but it will work swimmingly for those who want a hybrid travel/hiking pack that can take them anywhere.

The Ruckpack 40 has loads of features to get excited about. Equipped with a mesh back panel, a lightweight spring steel frame, and load lifters, this pack distributes weight well and can comfortably haul up to 30 pounds of gear. As evidenced by its back sleeve that’s compatible with both laptops and water bladders, it’s a versatile bag that can thrive on a crowded sidewalk or a wide-open trail. It sports TWO water bottle holders, allows wide-open clamshell access, and even comes with a stowable rain shell for when the weather gets dicey. Priced at an approachable $149, I think this bag is a terrific value and would consider it if I were more of a hybrid traveler.

You shouldn’t have problems carrying it onto a plane, but this bag’s 25″ length technically renders it ‘non-carry-on-compliant.’ And, if you want this pack to haul your backpacking kit, that’s great, but know that it won’t be roomy enough for both a complete set of gear and all of your urban travel essentials. If you want to travel with both, get a bigger pack like the Osprey Exos 58 or buy a carry-on compliant rolling suitcase to pair with it.

Traveling outdoor enthusiasts should consider the REI Ruckpack 40, as it’s very effective for urban travel yet adaptable enough to thrive in the backcountry. It isn’t the best minimalist backpack on this list, nor would I consider it among the best backpacking bags, but it might just be the best hybrid of the two.

Best Segmented Minimalist Backpack Matador SEG42

MSRP: $200 Capacity: 42L Weight: 2.3 lb | 1.03 kg Main Material: 480D Nylon The Good: High level of organization, very lightweight, highly weather-resistant The Not-So-Good: No frame, no water bottle pockets

If you’ve never seen a backpack like the Matador SEG42, that’s because there isn’t anything else like it on the market. Divided into five flexible (and stowable) segments, this minimalist pack is excellent for those of us who crave a little organization in our hectic lives spent living out of a backpack.

The SEG42’s intrigue comes from how different it is from any other pack on this list. While other options on this list would require a set of packing cubes to create five separate compartments, the SEG42 has five levels of division built in . Each compartment is sized differently than its neighbor, but each is also ‘flexible,’ meaning it can fill the surrounding space left empty by nearby under-filled compartments. The pack also sports a large clamshell compartment underneath the segments, which Matador recommends to use for stashing shoes and dirty clothes. Aside from its unique design, this pack is also very lightweight (only 2.3 pounds), waterproof, and has an external padded easy-access laptop pocket.

I worry that my perfectionist packing style wouldn’t really gel with the SEG42, as overpacked and underpacked compartments would likely drive me nuts. This bag doesn’t have any water bottle pockets for some reason, which is a head-scratcher, seeing as it’s marketed as a rough-and-tumble outdoorsy bag. I also imagine this bag could get a bit bulgy and saggy if fully loaded, as it doesn’t have an internal frame to support the weight of a hefty 42-liter load.

I think the SEG42 backpack would work best for fast-paced one bag travelers who crave simple organization but aren’t huge fans of packing cubes. Those who dirty up their clothing and gear quickly might also find this pack useful since its waterproof internal compartments are great for keeping the clean away from the not-so-clean.

Most Durable Backpack for Adventure Travel GORUCK GR3

MSRP: $395 Capacity: 45L Weight: 5.2 lb | 2.34 kg Main Material: 1000D Cordura Nylon The Good: Incredible durable, comfortable, weather-resistant, patriotic The Not-So-Good: Heavy, expensive

If you feel like you’re going to war when you strap on the GORUCK GR3 backpack, that’s not a coincidence. Made with burly Special Forces Grade 1000D Cordura Nylon, this bag was designed with both front-line soldiers and heavy use travelers in mind.

Simply put, the GORUCK GR3 is the most durable minimalist backpack on the market. Remember that 1000D Special Forces Grade nylon I just mentioned? Well, it’s about as thick, burly, tear-resistant, weatherproof, and rough-and-tumble as you could ever dream of. The “bombproof” laptop compartment on this bad boy is no joke either, as GORUCK claims you can use it to “securely take your laptop into combat.” (I don’t know insane travel plans you’ve made, but your laptop will be just fine in this pack.) Aside from its crazy durability, this pack is very comfortable and built to stand up to rain, snow, sleet, and whatever other wild weather mother nature has in store.

Because it’s made from such thick, indestructible fabric, the brawny 5.2-pound GR3 ekes out the Outrbreaker to win the honor of heaviest minimalist backpack on this list. Oh, and it’s also the most expensive bag on this list, with a premium price tag of $395. At the time of writing this, this pack has been out of stock for over a month, meaning GORUCK has fallen behind demand, and you might have to wait a while to get your hands on a GR3.

Are you a rugged traveler who puts your poor backpack through hell and has $400 burning a hole in your pocket? If so, the GORUCK GR3 is might just be the bag for you. Its unmatched durability will take any type of abuse you can throw at it, so go ahead and strap it to the back of your mud-caked ATV and get moving. I’m excited for you.

Best Backpack for Ultralight Backpackers & Travelers Zpacks Nero 38L ROBIC

MSRP: $189 Capacity: 38L Weight: .8 lb | .36 kg Main Material: 100D ROBIC Nylon The Good: Incredibly lightweight, completely waterproof, surprisingly comfortable The Not-So-Good:  Not enough features for some, fragile, top-loading

Alas, a recommendation for the ounce-counting extreme minimalists among us: the Zpacks Nero 38L Robic. If you love to travel, hike, and backpack and have perfected your ultralight gear list , this might just be the pack for you.

Born from Zpacks’ minimalist mindset, the Nero 38L ROBIC is one of the lightest no-frills backpacking bags on the planet. Made from superlight waterproof ROBIC nylon, this bag weighs in at a stunning 12.6 ounces (or about as much as an unopened can of Coke). What you see is what you get with this pack, though, as there are no zippers, hidden compartments, or anything else that would add unnecessary weight to this pack. It’s built to haul only the most ultralight backpacking gear list but could also have space for a handful of minimalist travel essentials if your kit is truly dialed-in. This is a very simple pack and only makes sense for those who have fully committed to an ultralight style of travel.

Made for backpacking, the Nero 38L won’t offer nearly the same travel functionality as other packs on this list. This pack’s delicate 100D ROBIC nylon is relatively thin and could easily be punctured or slashed if not treated with care. This top-loading rolltop pack doesn’t have any anti-theft features, laptop compartments, padded corners, or hidden pockets, either. So, if you’re looking for a maximum comfort, feature-rich minimalist bag, I’ve got bad news for you: this ain’t it.

If you’re a beginner backpacker with bulky gear, the Zpacks Nero 38L ROBIC probably isn’t the bag for you. Only those motivated to venture out with their ultralight backpacking gear and the absolute bare-bones travel packing list — think a tablet, a notebook, a pen, and one or two sets of extra clothes — should consider this bag. Everyone else should probably look for something a little more conventional.

Simple Travel Backpack on a Budget Amazon Basics Carry-On

MSRP: $51 Capacity: 40L Weight: 3.6 lb | 1.65 kg Main Material: Polyester The Good: Affordable, roomy The Not-So-Good: Boxy, uncomfortable when overpacked, made from cheap materials

If you’re hesitant to fork out $250 on your next backpack, I get it. That’s why I’ve included a functional budget option for the travelers who’d rather save their money for… well, traveling.

Regardless of what you think about Amazon, their 40-liter Amazon Basics Carry-On backpack is very well-reviewed and has worked out well for lots of travelers. Sure, this backpack’s design is a bit boxy, and it’s made from more affordable (read: lower quality) materials, but it’ll stash your travel gear semi-comfortably at an approachable price. Similar to the AER, this pack has one large main compartment and an external organizer pocket for your in-transit essentials. At 40 liters, it’ll stash more gear than the first two packs on this list, but that’s not necessarily a good thing.

According to reviewers, packing this bag full can render it fairly uncomfortable to carry. It isn’t made from high-end materials like other options on this list, either, so rips, tears, and failures are going to happen far more often. Aesthetically, it’s a bit large and clunky and could easily be mistaken for a rolling suitcase that lost its wheels. In all of the reviews I’ve read, this bag has never been accused of being sleek, eye-catching, or even remotely stylish.

The Amazon Basics Carry-On backpack might be a good fit for occasional weekenders who are willing to sacrifice a bit of style, comfort, and durability to save a decent chunk of cash. I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone who travels frequently, though, as I don’t trust its materials to stand up to the test of time.

Best Minimalist Travel Duffel Bag Peak Design Travel Duffel 35L

MSRP: $130 Capacity: 35L Weight: 2.0 lb | .90 kg Main Material: 400D Recycled Nylon Canvas The Good: Very lightweight, can be worn as a backpack, affordable The Not-So-Good:  Not meant for one bag travel, duffels can be awkward to carry

Though I’ve never attempted one bag travel with a duffel, there are plenty of brave souls who pull it off. The Peak Design Travel Duffel 35L would be a great fit for the minimalists among us who want to forego the more traditional options, like backpacks or rolling suitcases.

Admittedly, I’m pretty curious why anyone would choose a duffel over a backpack or suitcase as their standalone bag. (I think duffels are a bit cumbersome to carry, personally.) That said, Peak Design has put together a very good-looking and well-designed bag, and I wouldn’t blame anyone who gave it a go. For starters, the Travel Duffel 35L is a sleek and feature-rich bag that can also be worn as a backpack. Its internal and external pockets are thoughtfully placed, and its easy-to-access main compartment looks pretty spacious for 35 liters. It’s a top-notch duffel bag, no doubt.

My biggest hangup with this bag is that duffels are inherently more awkward to carry than backpacks. Yes, it is possible to wear this duffel as a backpack, but I have serious doubts that it would be as comfortable to carry as most other options on this list. It doesn’t have load lifters, an internal frame, or side compression straps, after all. When you sling this duffel across your shoulder, its weight won’t be distributed entirely evenly, and the bag is bound to bump against your leg, back, or butt as you walk.

So, who would find the Peak Design Travel Duffel 35L useful? Well, if you’re among the minority of one bag travelers who do best with duffels over simple backpacks, it might be right up your alley. It’s my opinion, though, that this duffel would work best as a secondary bag to complement your more comfortable and less awkward minimalist backpack or rolling suitcase.

Best Packable Daypack Matador On-Grid Packable Backpack

MSRP: $65 Capacity: 16L Weight: .5 lb | .21 kg Main Material: 100D ROBIC Nylon The Good:  Very lightweight, packable, and comfortable to carry The Not-So-Good: Thin nylon material, belongings can poke at your back

If you’re using your main travel backpack during your short day trips, you’re doing it wrong. That’s why I recommend bringing along the 16-liter Matador On-Grid Packable Backpack. It works great for quick and simple adventures when you only need to pack a handful of your travel essentials.

I currently own Matador’s Freerain 24 Packable Backpack but am getting ready to switch this pack since the On-Grid pack is more tech-friendly. Weighing only half a pound, this little daypack can compress into its own pouch and will stash away comfortably into the corner of your main bag. It’s made from entirely waterproof 100D ROBIC nylon, which will protect your precious contents from rain, spills, and splashes. It has a handy external front pocket for quick access to your gadgets and sports a simple laptop sleeve inside the main compartment.

Because it’s made from thin 100D nylon, you might feel this pack’s contents nudging you in the back as you wear it. To counteract this, stash your laptop or a lightweight foam pad at the back of the bag to create a nice flat surface. Other than that, I don’t see any downsides to this backpack. It’s simple, packable, and should do exactly what you ask of it.

I recommend the Matador On-Grid Packable Backpack to anyone looking for a simple, travel-friendly daypack for short trips into the city, day hikes, and any other quick adventures you can dream up. I’m excited to get my hands on one and look forward to putting some miles on it sooner rather than later.

Best Packable Sling Pacsafe Venturesafe X Anti-Theft Sling Pack

MSRP: $100 Capacity: 6L Weight: 1.0 lb | .46 kg Main Material: 200D Nylon Diamond Ripstop The Good: Great anti-theft features, sleek The Not-So-Good:  Bulky for 6 liters, expensive

As wonderful as the 6-liter Venturesafe X Sling Pack is, I’m definitely not advocating it as your standalone travel bag. But I do think it would work well to securely carry your essentials during short trips into the city, day hikes, or as a personal item on an airplane.

Much like the Venturesafe EXP45 backpack , this stylish little sling is chock full of anti-theft features that are unmatched in the industry. From its slash-proof straps and fabric, to its Roobar locking system, to its RFID-safe blocking pockets, this beast will thwart thieves among the best of them. I’m not much of a sling guy myself, nor do I focus too much on anti-theft features, but I’m pretty impressed with how sleek, stylish, and secure this little sling is.

The Venturesafe X’s $100 price tag is bound to scare off some travelers, as there are plenty of more affordable (albeit not as secure) options on the market. While both feature-rich and impenetrable, this sling is a tad bulky for only holding 6 liters and isn’t nearly as packable as the more spacious 16-liter Matador On-Grid Daypack I reviewed above.

Those who want a slick-looking and comfortable sling that’ll keep their travel essentials secure should give the Pacsafe Venturesafe X some serious consideration. Of all the slings on the market, this little beast is as well-made and functional as they come and is versatile enough for countless travel scenarios.

Your job as a one bag traveler isn’t entirely done once you get your hands on one of the best minimalist backpacks. You’ll need a few more pieces of quality gear to round that your packing kit of yours. These six simple accessories will do just that and could elevate your minimalist travel experience to the next level.

Compression Packing Cube Set Suited Nomad

Packing cubes are essential to keep your stuff organized during one bag travel. Many travelers swear by the Eagle Creek compression set ; however, I love my Suited Nomad cubes, which do a splendid job for half the price.

Tool Case Minaal

Is this tech-stashing tool case worth $50? I think so. Especially if you’re a digital nomad who needs to keep their cords, chargers, SD cards, and other tech gear organized and protected from the rigors of travel.

Camera Cube Peak Design

Many of us travelers have invested loads of money into our beloved camera kits. A padded camera cube will protect all of that pricy gear while packing it away seamlessly into the main compartment of your travel bag.

Toiletries Bag Sea to Summit

Not only are travel toiletries hard to keep organized, but they’re messy. That’s why I recommend a simple, lightweight, and well-designed dopp kit that’ll help you stay fresh and nicely organized on the go.

Rain Fly Peak Design

Not all travelers need a rain fly. (Hell, one of the packs on this list even comes with one.) That said, I recommend a lightweight waterproof pack cover for those who anticipate a little precipitation on their journey.

TSA-Approved Locks Desired Tools

Grab these TSA-approved travel locks if you want to add an extra layer of security to your travel backpack. I use them to lock my pack’s zippers, while staying in hostels, or to secure my stuff in public lockers.

Factors I Consider When Analyzing Minimalist Backpacks

I’m a helpless gear nerd, so I put an agonizing amount of thought and effort into analyzing the 15 minimalist backpacks and bags on this list. I take gear very seriously, and would never write up or recommend a bag without first taking into account the following six factors:

Whether you’re racing through airports, navigating foreign sidewalks, or squeezing onto packed subways during rush hour, your backpack shouldn’t be a distraction as you get from point A to point B. That’s why I analyze the feel, fit, and ease-of-carry for each pack you’ll find in this post. Comfort matters and you should never sacrifice it.

Internal Storage

Internal storage volume is measured in liters (L), with one liter equal to the size of a cube that’s 4 x 4 inches. The backpacks on this list range from 30 to 46 liters, and should all fit the carry-on requirements for US-based airlines (as long as they aren’t overpacked).

Your task is to find the perfectly sized backpack for your style of one bag travel. Start by finding your sweet spot by mock packing your travel essentials in your current bag or a friend’s. Next, note the volume of the backpack, how comfortably your gear fits inside, and go from there.

The heavier your backpack gets, the more of a burden it’ll become when you’re traveling. Here’s some advice: keep your fully-packed backpack below 25 pounds (11 kilograms) . Heavier loads will tug at your shoulders, strain your back, and become exhausting to lug around.

If you’re spending a chunk of your hard-earned money on one of the best minimalist travel backpacks, it had better be well-made from high-quality fabrics and materials. I don’t have time for cheap packs that will fray, tear, or come apart at the seams. Do you?

All packs I recommend (aside from the budget option) are constructed from high-end fabrics, reliable zippers, and strong thread. I want your pack to hold up to the harsh realities of travel, and I want it to hold up for a very long time.

Functionality

Are the backpack’s zippers in the right place? Is the laptop pocket easy to access? Are there handles on the bag everywhere there should be? Is the internal layout simple and travel-friendly? Does the pack have sufficient anti-theft features to deter criminals?

These are the questions engineers ask themselves when designing one bag travel backpacks, and they’re also the questions I ask myself when analyzing them. The backpacks I recommend must be thoughtfully designed and engineered with you, the traveler, in mind.

Most of the packs on this list aren’t cheap, as most options fall between $150 and $400. The truth is, if you want a top-notch backpack for one bag travel, you’ll likely have to shell out a decent bit of cash.

These backpacks will last a long time, however, so a decent investment now should be rewarded with years of reliability, comfort, and functionality as you travel.

Carry-On Backpacks & Bags: Sizes and Rules

Domestic Airlines (US)

Though the exact dimensions vary slightly from airline to airline, the most common carry-on size for US domestic airlines is 22″ x 14″ x 9″ . Weight limits for carry-ons exist for a select few airlines but are seldom enforced.

International Airlines

There’s no standard carry-on size for international travel, but the vast majority of international airlines allow bags that fit the dimensions of 21″ x 14″ x 9″ and below. Weight limits also exist and usually fall at 22 pounds (10 kilograms) and below.

The bags on this list should all fit within domestic and international guidelines, as long as they’re not hopelessly overpacked. If an airline gives you guff about the weight of your carry-on, simply move some items to a packable daypack to reduce weight and claim it as your personal item.

A Simple Minimalist Backpack Will Make All the Difference

Do I miss the days of sputtering around Europe in the dead of the summer while lugging around a backbreaking amount of my belongings? Definitely not. I wish I could go back in time, actually, and sit myself down and for a nice long chat.

I’d tell myself that my excessive possessions will keep making travel less enjoyable if I don’t change my ways. “Wherever you go next,” I’d say, “You’ll feel every ounce of your belongings as you carry them around.”

“Yes, travel gear matters, but only bring exactly what you need.” I’d say as I place a hand on my younger self’s shoulder. “Oh, and you should check out this blog post we wrote about the best minimalist backpacks for simple one bag travel. Maybe you’ll find something that can help you end this overpacked charade for once and for all.”

Last Updated on April 2, 2024

Noel Krasomil

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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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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.

Further reading

The Best Travel Backpack

by Geoffrey Morrison

For trips ranging from a week to multiple months, the Osprey Farpoint 55 and Fairview 55 carried everything we needed comfortably.

The Best Buy It for Life Backpack (Please Don’t Call It Tactical)

by Kit Dillon

A buy-it-for-a-lifetime backpack should last you for years of heavy use. But as with all investments, you need to decide if it makes sense for you.

Wirecutter’s Favorite Bags, Totes, Backpacks and Carryalls

by Truth Headlam

Whether you’re going to school, work, the gym, the store, or on vacay, you need a bag. Here’s the Wirecutter-recommended carrying gear we love most.

I Took 5 Trips in 6 Months. My Go-To Weekender Bag Was This Surprisingly Spacious Backpack.

by Elissa Sanci

Struggling to pack for your weekend away? The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L fits so much more than you’d expect.

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10 Awesome Travel Essentials for One Bag Travel

The less you carry, the more enjoyable your travels become. One bag travel not only keeps you agile on the go but also helps you avoid baggage check-in charges and long waits at the luggage carousel. However, the key to becoming a one bag travel ninja is packing the right gear. Compact size, light weight, and multifunctional design are key when considering your one bag travel packing list. So we’ve selected 10 awesome essentials that are worthy additions to that list, helping you see and do more with less.

MODL Infinity Tool 2.0 (from $19)

A multitool you can wear on your wrist? The MODL Infinity Tool 2.0 is this and more, offering a host of different uses in a package that can be worn as a bracelet, secured on a bag, and much more. The revised system features new studlink and stud designs as well as glow-in-the-dark options, making this a versatile system for numerous outdoor and urban uses alike. Use it as a bungee cord, gear loop, or glow stick for visibility in low-light conditions, whether you’re hiking, camping, riding a bike, or sightseeing in the city.

FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers (US$22)

FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers let you keep your smile fresh while ditching bulky toothpaste tubes and long brushes. The compact 2-in-1 toothbrush and toothpaste design is the size of a lipstick, making it easy to stash in a pouch, bag, or pocket. The FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers® are reusable up to 30 times and also include a small mirror on the base for added convenience.

KableCARD (from US$36)

Tired of tangled charging cables? The KableCARD provides a sleek storage solution for multiple cable charging options, along with space for a SIM eject pin and nano SIM card storage. For added functionality it also serves as a memory card reader, phone cradle, and source of ambient light. All in a package that’s slim enough to store in a wallet or pocket.

Matador FlatPak Travel Toiletry Bottle – 3 Pack (US$38)

Need to travel with liquids? Traditional carry-on-approved bottles may be small but still tend to be awkward to pack, taking up a lot of room in a toiletry kit. But Matador have come up with a nifty alternative in their FlatPak Travel Toiletry Bottles. Made with welded waterproof 30D Cordura® ripstop nylon, the bottles have a large screw-off cap for easy filling, with a flip-open design for dispensing as required. And as the name suggests, they pack flat when empty for even better space-saving storage on the return journey.

Bellroy x Carryology Tech Kit (US$69)

Part of our Carryology Essentials collection, the Bellroy x Carryology Tech Kit takes all the thoughtful functionality of Bellroy’s Tech Kit and serves it up with a hardware and materials upgrade, giving you practicality and sleek style in one. The kit is constructed with water-resistant YKK zippers and fabric and features a unique Auxikko pattern embossed on the leather detailing. Inside you’ll find multiple elastic loops and pockets to organize tech items and small EDC, making it easy to access them on the go without having to rummage in the recesses of your bag.

Trakke Foulden Clamshell Packing Cubes (~US$94)

Trakke’s Foulden Clamshell Packing Cubes help prevent a jumbled mess in your travel bag, keeping your gear neat and accessible while you’re on the move. Made in Scotland with dry-finish waxed canvas, the set includes a small and large cube, each with grab handles for easy retrieval from a bag. The handles also allow the cubes to be hung up on hooks or coathangers at your destination, creating hanging storage that keeps gear within convenient reach by partly unzipping the cubes.

Proof 72-Hour Merino UPF Hoodie (US$138)

As the name suggests, this merino hoodie is designed to be worn for three days straight without the need for washing, making it a great addition to your travel wardrobe. Featuring a blend of 84% 18.5-micron merino wool, 12% nylon, and 4% spandex, the hoodie provides all the travel-friendly benefits of merino wool (temperature regulation, odor resistance, and moisture wicking) with added durability and comfort. The UPF 50+ rating makes this a lightweight piece for protection from the sun, with the versatility to layer up in cooler weather. Plus you also get thumb loops to help keep the sleeves in place while you’re getting after adventure.

Salomon XA Pro 3D Trail Sneaker (US$175)

Shoes take up a lot of packing space, so if you’re only running with one pair on your travels, they better be versatile. Enter Salomon’s XA Pro 3D Trail Sneaker, which offers dependable grip through its All Terrain Contagrip design and moderate cushioning for comfort and energy return. Add in its understated, urban-ready aesthetics and you get a multifunctional shoe that will happily venture onto demanding outdoor trails while also nimbly navigating urban environments too.

Huckberry x Peak Design X-Pac Travel Duffel Bag – 35L (US$180)

So you’ve got all your awesome travel essentials sorted, but how do you carry them all? The Huckberry x Peak Design X-Pac Travel Duffel Bag is a great choice for those who want to roam with a duffel. The exclusive collaboration offers up Peak Design’s Travel Duffel in a handsome Coyote X-Pac that’s tough, weatherproof, and lightweight. Multiple interior and exterior pockets keep smaller items organized, while the wide opening makes it convenient to pack and retrieve gear. You’ve also got the option to carry it by hand, over the shoulder, or as a backpack using the hand straps. The 35L volume is carry-on-friendly and also versatile enough for other day-to-day uses too, such as trips to the gym or weekend adventures, making this a useful piece to have in your carry arsenal beyond travel use too.

Matador GlobeRider45 Travel Backpack (US$350)

For ultimate hands-free travel freedom, a backpack is the way to go. And Matador’s GlobeRider45 Travel Backpack provides a trusty blend of functional design, durability, and low-key aesthetics to accommodate a wide variety of settings and loads. The 45L pack features a weatherproof 420D Bluesign® nylon UHMWPE reinforced ripstop exterior and weatherproof YKK zippers for protection from the elements. The clamshell main compartment offers easy packing, while exterior-access tech storage and quick-access pockets make getting through airport security less of a hassle. As an added benefit, the hip belt and shoulder straps are also stowable to prevent snagging in tight spaces.

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The Best Carry On Backpack For One Bag Travel

Last Updated: April 11, 2024

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In all my years of worldly adventures, I couldn’t wrap my head around One Bag Travel. The sheer statement held an incomprehensible gravity. 

Just one bag? But what if???  

What if….I’m forced to check it and my laptop is inside? 

What if….I lose it or it’s stolen and everything was in it and then I have absolutely nothing? 

What if…I need a day pack at my destination? 

What if….too many what ifs. 

And then I realized that I was taking the concept of One Bag Travel more literally than most. To me, one bag travel means traveling with just one bag; a minimalist travel backpack that gets my stuff from A to B, and then somehow converts into a daypack at my destination. 

When I looked around online at what other people define as one bag travel, for the most part it’s just about the best travel backpack (sometimes not even carry on sized backpacks) – as an alternative to traveling with multiple pieces of luggage. Sometimes the backpacks have some flexibility in size (with expansion capabilities for example), but really – the wimpy meaning of one bag travel is traveling with a carryon backpack . 

That’s poppycock! That definition of one bag travel is just a new spin on minimalist carry-on travel. It’s been done. 

So, I went on a quest. The quest to find the best carry-on backpack for one bag travel.  

Here is my experience with One Bag Travel pros and cons, one bag travel packing lists, suggestions, and a review of three different backpacks designed with this whole quest in mind. 

What is One Bag Travel? Just Minimalist Travel – or More? 

One-bag travel is an approach to packing and traveling that involves carrying only one bag of personal items. The idea behind this type of travel is to prevent the hassle and stress associated with hauling multiple bags around by keeping your belongings down to the essentials, often resulting in a lighter overall load. It’s the art of packing light by having everything you need for your trip in one single bag.

Having addressed the wimpy definition of one bag travel (which is really just basic minimalist travel in disguise), let’s look at what real one bag travel entails. 

In order for it to be a success, the bag of choice is large enough to transport everything we need to travel from A to B, while being small enough (or having separable modules) to suffice as a daypack while tootling around at our destination. 

Three travel backpack companies have stepped into the one bag travel arena to provide products that answer to this call. 

These companies are Knack Packs , Peak Designs , and Standard Luggage . They all sent me a free bag to test out for the purposes of this quest. You’ll see that each has its own set of pros and cons, and I’ve not been unduly biased or influenced towards one or the other. If you click some of the links in this post to make a purchase, I may receive a small commission, which doesn’t affect your price (but which does help me to run this website and continue to offer content to you for free). 

I hope you find this article useful as a review and also a resource with suggestions for how to make your own (real) one bag travel adventures a success. 

At a Glance: Best One Bag Travel Bags

Knack Pack Expandable Travel Backpack (Best expandable backpack for shorter one bag trips)

Peak Design Travel Backpack (Best carry-on backpack for adventure travel and/or photographers)

Standard Luggage Carry-On Travel Backpack and Packing Cubes (Best choice for one bag travel if you also have their multi-use packing cubes)

What To Look For In A One Bag Travel Bag

When selecting a carry-on backpack for one-bag travel, it is important to consider a list of factors and we will go over each of them in detail.

The first on the list of factors to consider is the size of the bag. Ideally, you should aim for a bag that can hold all of your belongings in an organized manner while still being small enough to fit into most overhead compartments.

The material and construction of the bag should also be taken into account to ensure that it can handle long-term use. The higher quality bags are usually made from more durable materials such as canvas or polyester and feature reinforced seams, double stitching, waterproofing and well-padded shoulder straps for extra comfort.

Organization

The best one-bag travel backpack should also come with plenty of pockets, compartments and other organizational features to help you keep all of your items in the order.

Finally, the weight of the bag is another important factor to consider when selecting the right one-bag travel backpack. While it should be light enough to carry around, don’t forget that you will be packing it full of your essentials and thus its overall weight can become quite significant.

In order to truly be functional as one bag for travel, it is best if it expands to get all your stuff to your destination, then compresses (or breaks apart into modules) to be useful as a smaller daypack at your destination. It’s a very precarious balance.

The Best One Bag Travel Backpacks

1. knack pack expandable travel backpack – best expandable backpack for shorter one bag trips.

Note: Since I originally wrote this article, Knack Bags redesigned their lineup, and also evolved into a spiffy “Series 2” lineup. I have edited the text below to reflect the amended Series 1 bag (which is basically what I had). Though if I were in the market for a new backpack, I would purchase the Series 2, and I’ll tell you why below.

Knack Bags sent me their Series 1 Large Expandable Travel Backpack . I was immediately impressed with this lightweight backpack with lots of well-thought-out features. It’s made of water-resistant material and zippers. 

The molded foam padded back is comfortable (though lacks breathability in hot weather). There’s also an adjustable removable sternum strap for heavier loads. The shoulder straps also tuck away in case you need to check the bag or prefer to carry it by the top handle .  Note: The Series 2 bag has a side handle so you can carry it like a briefcase after tucking away the backpack straps.

The Knack Pack magic happens with its hidden expandable backpack luggage compartment. This expands the capacity of the bag from 30 litres to 46 litres! When not expanded, the pack fits under the seat in front of you on an airplane, and fully expanded, it fits most airlines’ carry-on size regulations (for the overhead bin). 

My biggest beef with Knack Pack might be another person’s accolade: there are a gazillion pockets.

The front diagonal zippers reveal an oddly-shaped area with RFID-protected pockets for cards and other smallish items. Thing is, I’d never keep anything of value in there, because it would be too easy for somebody to open the zippers (which can’t be locked) and rifle through my stuff unbeknownst to me while the pack is on my back. (The zippers for the other compartments are lockable though; just not the front triangular pocket).  Note: In the Series 2 bag, the front compartment has been redesigned to have more space and is also lockable, easier to open, and thus much more practical. It also has some secret compartments for valuables.

Behind that is a much larger compartment with a variety of slots and pockets to organize stuff. This is the meat of the daypack part of the bag. 

Behind that , is the expandable luggage compartment, which opens up completely for convenient flat packing and organization. 

At the side of the pack is a water bottle pocket that zips away so it’s hidden. It fits up to a 700ml (24oz) bottle. 

Lastly, at the very back of the pack, is a subtle side zipper revealing a large padded 15″ laptop compartment.  Note: the Series 2 bag also has a hidden pass-thru sleeve so the Knack Bag can slide over a wheeled luggage handle.

Knack Pack Large Expandable Backpack Specs (Series 1)

Pack Dimensions (L(height)xWxD): Expanded – 21.5″ x 14″ x 9.5″ Unexpanded – 21.5″ x 14″ x 4.5″

Volume: Expanded – 46 Litres  Unexpanded – 30 Litres

Weight: 3.25 pounds (1.47kg) 

While volume-wise, Knack Pack’s Large pack is an appropriate size for most carry-on travel situations, I will say that because of the dimensions of the pack, it feels large, even when not expanded . I took it on a couple of weekend excursions, and even unexpanded I felt like it was overkill, even though in its stead I would have taken a 25 (or even 30) litre daypack. 

If the large is too big for your needs, consider the medium. Series 1 Medium is a bit bigger than the Series 2 Medium, but I prefer the design of the Series 2 bags overall. I believe for short trips of up to a week, the medium size is the best bag for weekend travel. Confused yet? I’ll bet. You can compare all of Knack’s expandable backpacks here .

Want to see the Series 1 Large AND Series 2 Medium in action in a direct comparison? Watch my video here !

For longer trips, you may want the large size, especially if you’re bringing lots of technological tidbits like laptops, cameras, and other hardware.  However the large size is large enough that it ceases to be truly practical as a day-pack in the spirit of one bag travel.

Taking Knack Pack on a One-Week Business Trip

Knack Pack was put to the full test on a one-week trip I took from Toronto to Boston to attend a conference. It was a pretty simple trip during the summer season, requiring some casual and semi-business attire, workout gear, and of course my business accoutrements. 

Before going, the challenges for me were multi-fold:

• Because I was taking a smaller commuter plane, I was worried about being forced to check my bag. If that were to happen, I would have had to remove my laptop and a few other items I wasn’t willing to check. Thus, instead of slipping my laptop in the padded laptop pocket as is (like most normal people do), I kept it in its case with a shoulder strap. This took up extra space and weight. But it served me well because I could easily take my laptop on to the plane separately and stow the Knack Pack overhead without having to access it during the flight. NOTE: My new solution to this problem is to use a large enough tote as my personal item that I can keep my laptop in it. My latest love affair is with the Pacsafe Citysafe CX Anti-Theft Backpack/Tote . 
• I was unconvinced that I’d feel comfortable carrying the unexpanded Knack Pack around as my daypack during the conference. Not only did it seem too big, but coupled with my stylish wrinkle-free wardrobe , it lacked a certain panache. (Once again: a problem that would have been solved with the Pacsafe bag).

Here’s how the trip rolled: 

• While I wasn’t super attentive to ultralight packing, I was surprised in that the Medium Knack Pack was pretty full. I probably could have used the large size, as the medium was a tight fit. 
• I didn’t have to check the bag, but it was a tight fit in the overhead compartment on the commuter plane. Pay close attention to carry-on bag size guidelines whenever you fly! I watched many people on the flight who couldn’t fit their standard carry-on luggage into the overhead compartments. 
• I did use the Knack Pack as my day bag during the conference, and while it served its purpose, it was too big for just my laptop, notebook, jacket, phone, wallet, and business cards. (Hello: Pacsafe ! If you don’t like the Citysafe CX Anti-Theft Backpack, they have a plethora of other options to suit your style and needs) . 

Carry On Packing List for a One-Week Trip With Knack Bags

Pictured above is everything I took with me on my one week trip. This carry on packing list includes the following:  See also: Pro Packing Hacks – Best Travel Accessories for Saving Space and Organization

Packed into the Hoboroll (top left):

• Workout Clothes
• 4 pairs Underwear
• 4 pairs Socks
• Bathing Suit

Packed into packing cube ( Travel Capsule Wardrobe , top middle):

• 1 pair Pants
• 1 Short-sleeved Shirt
• 1 Lightweight Jacket

Electronics/Business Stuff

• Laptop and Charging Cord
• Extension cord/surge protector/USB charging station/Travel Adaptor (all-in-one)
• KeepGo Mobile WiFi Router  
• Various USB Charging Cords
• Business Cards

Extra Stuff

• Zero Waste Travel Kit
• Ultralight foldable backpack (just in case)
• Packing Cube for dirty laundry
• Wristlet (for nights out when I don’t want to carry the Knack Pack)
• 2 pairs Shoes (1 dressy ballet flats, 1 sandals ; I wore runners on travel day)
• Toiletries (bottom left)
• Rain Jacket

Overall Experience: Knack Bags Expandable Travel Backpack

On the whole, I think it’s a fabulous bag. It offers a ton of protection with padded everything, lots of organization with various compartments and related features, and even the large size, fully packed, fits most carry-on guidelines (if it’s packed to the gills you might have a tough time on smaller commuter planes). 

The biggest cons is that the bag’s dimensions make it appear larger than it really is when not expanded. 

I think the medium size Knack Bag is the best carry on bag for trips of about a week (give or take), and the large size is ideal for longer trips. (Of course, this ultimately depends on the nature of the trip and how much stuff you need to bring). 

I referred the Knack Bags to my friend who travels for business all the time, and he said – emphatically – that it is the best backpack for work and travel that he has ever owned . Is it the best backpack for business travel? Well….it depends on your needs and the length of your trip. What’s for sure is that this is an incredibly well-made bag, and if you check out their site they’re developing some new stuff too. 

Shop for Knack Packs here . 

2. Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L – Best Carry-On Backpack for Adventure Travel and/or Photographers

To be perfectly honest, after my positive experience with Knack Bags, I was leery of the Peak Design bag in front of me, comparatively looming in size (you’ll see what I mean in a minute). 

But, some colleagues of mine who are professional photographers hail Peak Design as having the best camera backpack for travel. Granted, they have different Peak Design models; Peak Design’s roots are in making everyday bags and other gear specifically for photographers, who have somewhat unique needs for space and organizational characteristics . 

I also adore their commitment to the environment and socially responsible practices; for example, their waterproof material is made of 100% recycled 400D nylon canvas, and they donate 1% of revenue to environmental non-profits. 

So, given that the Peak Design Carry-On Travel Backpack is claiming a stake in the one bag travel movement, I tested it out to see how it fared. 

“You look like a Ninja Turtle!” exclaimed my boyfriend as soon as I donned my Peak Design backpack. Not the reaction I was going for.  (Ironically a couple of years later when we broke up, he absconded with the bag, so it couldn’t have looked that bad).

Unfortunately, he wasn’t entirely wrong. Even empty and fully “compressed”, the Peak Design travel backpack sits commandingly on the back (and my choice of green colour doesn’t help the whole ninja turtle thing). 

Thus, it immediately became apparent to me that I would not be using this backpack as a daypack at my destination. It’s simply too big! So unfortunately, it immediately failed the one bag travel test according to my strict criteria. 

However, I’ll say it again: perhaps travelers who are toting drones, DSLR cameras, lenses, and other photographic equipment would find this a suitable carry-on backpack/daypack combo. (Though technically if your camera equipment takes up all the compressed space of 30L, then your clothes and other stuff would need to fit into the remaining 15L of expansion space; I’m doubtful). 

But, I wasn’t ready to write off this bag; while the expansion/compression features are minimal, they are still noteworthy, making this a carry-on backpack that can flex in size from trip to trip (and also within one trip) . 

It’s also one of the most solid and sturdy backpacks I’ve ever seen, and this lends it well to adventure travel. 

FEATURES:  

There’s no two ways about it; this is a solid bag (which is a double-edged sword, when you consider what “solid” weighs). It’s so solid it comes with a lifetime guarantee, and its features are MANY. 

It’s super durable, made of recycled plastics ( yay! ), and both the bag and the (lockable) zippers are weatherproof. 

The front compartment has simple zippered pockets for organization, and this compartment also expands by an additional 10 litres. 

Behind that is the main compartment, which is accessible from both sides as well as the back (the entire back of the pack opens up fully for ease of packing, and the side zips make access on-the-go easy). The padded laptop sleeve sits at the very back of this section. The main compartment expands an additional five litres with some snaps at the top. 

Behind the subtle drink pockets on each side of the bag is a hidden zippered pocket for valuables. 

The very back of the pack has magnetic flaps that allow you to very easily hide away the backpack straps and waist belt, and there are super-sturdy streamlined carry-handles on the top, both sides, and even the back. 

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L Specs

Pack Dimensions (L(height)xWxD): Expanded 22” x 13” x 11”; Regular/Compressed 22” x 13” x 9”

Volume: Expanded – 45 Litres; Normal – 35 Litres; Compressed – 30 Litres

Weight: 4.5 pounds (2.05kg)

Taking My Peak Design Backpack on a 9-Day Business/Adventure Trip

Compared to my trip with the Knack Pack (one-week business trip in summer), Peak Design had a more complicated task at hand. I needed business clothes for the four-day conference I was speaking at in Montana, as well as adventure clothes/shoes for the five-day Montana road trip afterwards, which would involve hiking, zip lining, fishing, hot springs, and more; changing hotels daily. 

Being autumn and in the mountains, layers were essential, specifically lots of warm layers for the fickle weather and cold mornings. 

This immediately sparked concerns about weight and space. Two different wardrobes plus heavier layers, all in a carry-on backpack that already weighs 20% of my entire carry-on weight allowance of 22 lbs/10kg? Yikes. 

I sweated this one out for days prior to packing. 

But in the end, with the help of some cool space-saving packing tools like compressible packing cubes and my Hoboroll, I made it all fit into the pack at it’s normal (unexpanded) size which just fit the carry-on size requirements and weighed in at 20 pounds (also squeaking in under the limit). 

I was able to make this work in large part because of the Pacsafe Citysafe CX Anti-Theft Backpack/Tote , which would be not only my purse for the trip, but also my daypack and laptop bag. 

Technically, it means this was not a one-bag trip, given that Peak Design was relegated only to use on travel days. But this bag would still be put through its paces in ease of pack/unpack-ability in the adventure portion of the trip when I would be on the go and changing hotels every night. 

Here’s how it went down:

The top snaps for “compressing” the bag are a bit difficult to snap and only minimally change the bag’s profile. But they did create a surprising amount of extra space for some swag I received at the conference. 

So too did the expansion zippers at the front. Again on initial inspection, I thought this minimal expansion was useless. But when I did the road trip, I had to put my (bulky, heavy) dress shoes/boots in the backpack while I wore my (ultralight, low-profile) hikers. I also stashed my laptop in the backpack since I didn’t need it in my purse/daypack. 

Between the conference swag, laptop, and having to pack some of the bulkier items I usually wear on air travel days, I was really pleased to have a bag that could expand in a few different ways when I needed it to, and compress back down when I didn’t need the space . 

I was also really impressed with the make of the bag, including the following features:

• The zippers are super high quality 
• The material feels indestructible 
• The backpack straps are really comfortable 
• The carry handles are super solid and easy to use
• The backpack straps and waist belt are really easy to tuck away

Ultralight Travel Packing List for a 9-Day Business/Adventure Combo Trip

Pictured above is everything I took with me on my nine day trip. It’s all in this ultralight travel packing list: 

(Note: halfway through the trip I needed to hand-wash some items like underwear and socks).

• 5 pairs Underwear
• 1 bra 
• 5 pairs Socks

Packed into two compressible packing cubes ( Travel Capsule Wardrobe , right, next to the Peak Designs backpack):

• 2 pairs dress pants
• 1 pair hiking pants
• 1 pair leggings (doubles as a layer for warmth)
• 2 sleeveless tops
• 2 long-sleeved tops
• 2 ultralight jackets (business style and layering for warmth)
• 1 light sweater
• 1 fleece-lined zip-up sweater

Electronics/Business Stuff (I took my laptop and its charge cord in my purse/tote)

• Wristlet (for nights out when I don’t want to bring my purse)
• 2 pairs shoes (1 hiking/ultralight trail runners, 1 ballet flats; I wore dress boots on travel day)
• 1 pair flip flops (for visiting hot springs)
• Toiletries (top middle)

Because I had no plans to use the Peak Design backpack as my daypack, my purse/tote became a catch-all for purse-y things as well as anything I wanted easy access to on travel days (eg: under the seat in front of me while in flight). This included:

• Laptop and charger
• Business cards
• Video recording tools (selfie-stick and microphone)
• Vitamins (see how I stay healthy on the road )
• Zero waste kit

Overall Experience: Peak Design Travel Backpack

Considering I started off the trip really not wanting to like the Peak Design backpack (given my love of the Knack Pack), I returned from the trip liking it very much. 

But I’ll reiterate, this is not a true “one bag travel” contender, given that the compressed size is still too large to be a daypack.

What it is , is a great carry-on backpack with flexibility to be a smaller bag, a regular backpack, or an expanded gear-hauler. 

That said, be careful of the weight. At 4.5 pounds, it’s a good deal heavier than the other carry-on backpacks I recommend in this post , specifically the 45L Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 at 3.8 pounds and the Osprey Porter 46 at 3.4 pounds. 

But, if you compare it to the weight of my favourite carry-on rolling case (the Pacsafe EXP21 Wheeled Carryon – since discontinued) at 7 pounds, suddenly Peak Designs doesn’t look too bad, and it has a bit more packing volume as well. 

If you travel full-time or long-term with carry-on luggage only, the Peak Design Travel Backpack could be a contender for your home on the road . (Just pack a packable daypack inside, cuz you won’t likely want to use this Click here for a comparison of the top packable daypacks so you can find the best one for you). 

Shop for your Peak Design gear here . 

3. Serious Contender for One Bag Travel: Standard Luggage Travel Backpack & Versatile Packing Cubes

Their website does it justice, but even I didn’t truly understand how awesome the Standard Luggage travel backpack and its nifty features (like multi-functional packing cubes, floating laptop sleeve and more) were until I got my hands on mine. In fact, I was so excited, I turned on the camera and went live. (You’ll see that video below).

Standard Luggage combines the best of the backpacks above and makes one bag travel truly possible. Here are a few of the features I adore:

It’s Expandable. Not as much as the Knack Pack (which has 16 litres of expansion space to a max of 46 litres), and in fact it’s the same as Peak Design, expanding from 35-45 litres.

Multiple Ways to Carry. The top and side handles are strong and feel good in your hand. The padded backpack straps zip away and the hip belt detaches entirely if you don’t want to bring it along. All the straps are adjustable (6 points of adjustability), and the back of the pack is both padded and ventilated to keep you cool. And the shoulder strap has a really nice touch with neoprene for a considerably more comfortable carry than most shoulder straps allow.

Lockable Zippers. Both main compartments can be locked; an important security feature.

Rain Cover Included. The material of this travel backpack is water resistant and durable, but if you’re stuck in a downpour, Standard Luggage has you covered (literally). This is especially important given that in the name of one bag travel, this bag will be holding important things like your electronics. And they don’t like water.

Floating Neoprene Laptop Sleeve. Here’s where this backpack really starts to shine. The neoprene sleeve that holds your laptop and/or tablet is designed to slide in and out of your pack to make pulling out your electronics at airport security a breeze. It also detaches in case you want to put your bag in the overhead compartment and carry on your laptop (in the sleeve) by hand. And – this is what blew my mind – the sleeve is actually suspended inside the pack . This is a really thoughtful extra layer of protection against breakage in case the bag is dropped or gets banged around.

Just Enough Pockets. I’m like Goldilocks. If the Knack Pack had too many pockets and Peak Design had too few, then Standard Luggage got it just right. Enough pockets to access and organize things easily, but not so many that I lose stuff in it.

But The Multi-Functional Packing Cubes Blew My Mind

Here’s where it gets crazy, and ultimately why I decided I wanted to feature Standard Luggage here.

Carry on travel in general, and One Bag Travel in particular is all about making judicious packing choices and making sure everything is multifunctional. PJs that double as workout gear. Shoes and clothes that serve multiple scenarios from hiking to attending conferences. A dress that doubles as a coffee maker (haven’t found one yet, but I’m looking).

And in my opinion, Standard Luggage’s packing cubes are what makes it stand apart from the competition.

They are sold separately from the pack itself, so you don’t need to get them (but you really do). In addition to the fact that they are designed to fit perfectly into the backpack, here are some nifty features:

One of my favourite packing tools when I’m traveling with checked luggage was the Rolo; a hanging wardrobe that rolls up and compresses for packing into your luggage. I loved it because unpacking is as easy as unrolling it and hanging it up. But the Rolo has since been discontinued. Standard Luggage makes the packing cube equivalent of the Rolo.

The three separate packing cubes are unassuming enough. They’re made of a nice material, have a strong (ie: won’t stretch out with time) mesh front so you can see what’s inside, and there’s a smaller pocket on the back to separate clean from dirty laundry, carry underwear, etc.

When you arrive at your destination, simply attach the three packing cubes together using the strong velcro, and use the loop to hang your newly transformed travel wardrobe wherever you want.

Standard Luggage already had my heart at “travel wardrobe”. But they clinched their top spot as my favourite carry on backpack for one bag travel with the fourth and final packing cube (pictured above). It’s a packing cube that is also a packable daypack.

The Knack Pack has admirable expansion abilities, which is intended to allow you to use it as a daypack while compressed and expand it on travel days to get all your stuff from A to B. But it’s still a large bag at 30 litres (which means it’s not always an ideal daypack at my destination).

And Peak Design is extremely high quality, rugged, and thoughtful in design. But it doesn’t even pretend to be small enough to be used as a daypack. Sure, it expands and compresses, but who wants to carry around a 35L pack to hold their sunglasses, some granola bars, and tablet?

Thank you for listening, Standard Luggage. Their Backpack Packing Cube is 8 Litres, which is enough to hold your camera, jacket, water bottle, and more. There’s not much to the inside from an organizational perspective, but it does have a pocket to keep something like a tablet separate and easily accessible. The separate lined pocket at the bottom is perfect for a water bottle or even a small pair of shoes.

The straps are minimalistic, but at 8L you won’t be able to pack so much stuff in it that it’s heavy. You’ll have room for just enough stuff to be fully functional to get around town at your destination.

Thus, with a packing cube that doubles as a packable daypack, Standard Luggage truly understands what One Bag Travel is, and how to get you to – and around – your destination with nothing more than one bag.

Standard Luggage Carry-On Travel Backpack Specs

Pack Dimensions (L(height)xWxD): Expanded 21.5” x 13.5” x 9.5”; Compressed 21.5” x 13.5” x 7.5”

Volume: Expanded – 45 Litres; Compressed – 35 Litres

Weight: 3.7 pounds (1.68kg)

• Laptop pocket:   Fits 15.6″ laptops and 15″ MacBook Pro
• Tablet pocket:   Fits 10″ tablets
• Made of 1680 denier high tenacity ballistic nylon
• Water resistant, durable, and easy to clean
• YKK brand buckles & zips & buckles
• ITW Nexus sternum strap
• Lifetime Warranty and Satisfaction Guarantee

Watch me Salivate.

Don’t take my measured words for it. you can actually watch me salivate over my next trip in this video which I filmed live after receiving Standard’s full monty:

Or click here to watch this video on my (most excellent) YouTube channel.

2023 UPDATE: Although I did these one-bag travel test trips, for the most part I travel for months at a time and one bag travel isn’t practical for my needs. So, I tend to travel with carry-on luggage (that goes in the overhead bin) PLUS a personal item backpack that fits under the seat in front of me. On my last three trips (5 months, 2 months, and 4 months), I have tried out the following luggage: * Osprey Daylite Wheeled Carry on Duffel (handy because it has backpack straps as well as wheels, though I detached the straps to maximize luggage space on my trip). * Level8 Grace EXT expandable hard shell spinner carry-on case – this was my first foray into the world of hardshell spinner luggage. For my personal item, I took either one of these: * Peak Design Everyday Totepack (you can watch my video review of it here , and see what I pack into it here ) * Knack Bags Series 2 Medium expandable backpack , which is a wee bit bigger than the Peak Design Everyday Totepack when expanded and I adore the flexibility of the expansion capabilities. You can watch me go through it here .

How To Pack For One Bag Travel 

When packing for one-bag travel, the key is to be as organized and efficient as possible. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Make a list of all the items you need and stick to it.

Some of the essential travel items are:

• Documents (i.e., passport, driver’s license, etc.)
• Electronics
• Medicine/First Aid Kit
• Phone Charger & Accessories
• Cash/Currency
• Snacks & Water Bottle
• Sunglasses and Hat

Check out this video which will help you develop the perfect packing list for your next trip.

Use packing cubes or folders to keep your stuff neat and organized.

Packing cubes and folders are invaluable tools for one-bag travel. It allows you to organize your belongings in a more efficient manner and makes packing much easier. Packing cubes can be made from a variety of materials such as nylon, polyester, mesh, and more.

They come in different sizes so you can choose the ones that best suit your needs. Folders are also great for organizing items such as documents or electronics. You can even use them to store smaller items such as earphones or charging cables.

Check out this post for a list of the best packing cubes on the market .

And click here for a summary of other travel accessories that will help you pack smart .

Roll up clothes instead of folding them to save on space and prevent wrinkles.

Rolling clothes instead of folding them when going on a one-bag travel trip is a great way to save on space and prevent wrinkles. This technique allows you to fit more items in your bag without having to worry about them taking up too much room or getting wrinkled during the journey.

To start, lay out multiple items flat on the bed and roll them up tightly together. Once done, place the rolled items into your backpack in an orderly fashion.

Wear heavier clothes while traveling instead of packing them.

When traveling with one bag, wearing heavier items such as coats or sweaters is a great way to save space and weight in your bag. These types of items are usually bulky and can take up a lot of room when folded. By wearing them, you can avoid having to pack them and save valuable space for other essentials.

Pack multi-purpose items that can serve multiple purposes during the trip

When packing for one-bag travel, it’s important to include versatile items that can serve different purposes throughout the journey. Multi-purpose items such as a scarf that doubles as a blanket or a shirt that can be used for swimming are great examples of this. Not only do they save space in your bag, but they also offer a lot of versatility.

Make use of outside compartments for quick access.

When packing for one-bag travel, it is important to make use of the outside compartments of your bag. This will allow you to quickly access items such as snacks or travel documents without having to dig through the entire contents of the bag. Utilizing the outer pockets of your backpack can also help keep valuable items such as your passport or wallet safe and secure.

Use a compression bag for bulky items.

Compression bags are essential items to have when traveling with one bag; they are great for compressing bulky items such as winter jackets and sweaters. Compression bags not only save a lot of space in your bag, but they also provide an added level of protection and help keep the contents of your bag secure. (I mentioned the Hoboroll a few times in my packing lists above; it’s my absolute fav tool for organizing and compressing my stuff for travel).

Frequently Asked Questions About One Bag Travel

Now that you know what to look for in a one-bag travel bag and how to pack for one-bag travel, here are some frequently asked questions about this type of travel:

Q. What is one bag travel?

A. One bag travel is a minimalist packing approach that emphasizes travelers bringing only the essential items for their journey. This type of travel eliminates the need for multiple bags and instead relies on one single bag that can fit all the necessary items needed for the trip. It is designed to be lightweight, portable and easily stowed away when not in use.

Q. What size bag can I travel with one bag?

A. The size of the bag for one-bag travel depends on the type of trip you’re taking and your personal preferences. Generally, it is recommended to use a medium-sized carry-on backpack for most trips. A bag that is about 20” x 13” x 9” or smaller meets most airline requirements for carry-on luggage and can easily fit a few days’ worths of clothing.

Q. How do you travel the world with one bag?

A. Traveling the world with one bag requires planning, research and organization to make sure all essential items are packed in a way that is compact and easy to transport. It is important to only bring items that are necessary for the trip and to make use of multi-purpose items wherever possible. Additionally, rolling items instead of folding them and using compression bags can help save valuable space in the bag.

Q. Can I bring 1 carry-on and a backpack?

A. Yes, you can bring 1 carry-on and a backpack when traveling with one bag. Many airlines allow passengers to bring 1 carry-on item (such as a suitcase) plus 1 personal item (such as a laptop bag or small backpack). As long as the combined dimensions of both items meet the requirements set by the airline, you should be able to bring them both on board.

Do you have any experience with one-bag travel? Any luggage or packing recommendations?Please share in the comments! 

You Might Also Be Interested In:

The Ultimate Packing List for Long-Term Travel

Pro Packing Hacks: These are the Best Travel Accessories

Backpacks vs. Rolling Luggage

The Best Anti-Theft Bags and Backpacks

10 thoughts on “The Best Carry On Backpack For One Bag Travel”

Nora this looks so incredibly awesome. I am becoming more of a minimalist every day. Travel with less, experience more. Like, the less I carry around, the more time I save and the freer I am to experience the world.

Hey Ryan, I’ve long said that the weight of your bag is equally proportionate to your level of misery on the road!

Great reviews. A couple years ago I bought an Osprey Farpoint 40 for my four leisure days in Japan. I had a suitcase full of “work stuff” that, after the work portion I had shipped (thank you Yamato) to my departure hotel. I’ve been using the Farpoint as my only bag domestically for leisure travel since then. I also took it to Japan again for a 10-day trip, since I’ve learned coin washing is better than pounds. I did buy a camera bag during the trip to free up gifting space. I can take my clothes, laptop, camera and personal care in the one bag, but it is tight. I wouldn’t go bigger again,

Hey Marty, I’ve heard good things about the Osprey Farpoint 40 as a “traditional” carry on backpack. What it lacks in comparison to the bags above, is the ability to expand/compress, which – as you point out with your camera bag – can be handy for gifts and such.

When my wife and I are travelling, it’s suitcases and luxury, and I don’t think about light travel.

When I am travelling on my own, the bag I am currently using is a Rab 50litre. It might be something for the UK market only.

I took it to Nepal earlier this year. I don’t take a lot of stuff. I have a Fuji X100s camera and that is about the heaviest thing I take.

The shoulder straps on the bag are detachable, and the bag has retains its shape when I open the zip. I like decent shoulder straps just in case I have to walk a longish distance.

The bag a just a bit too long as cabin luggage. I could put a strap around the length and compress it that way and it would pass as cabin luggage. That said, I flew to Nepal with Qatar Airways and they are pretty relaxed about size. I use an Eagle Creek daypack as cabin luggage. I like it because it has a lockable zip and because the straps are comfortable.

Once I am out of the airport I put the daypack flattened into the Rab bag. That’s mainly because I prefer to be in charge of just one piece of luggage. Any more than one piece of luggage and I start to fret about where everything is. Same for pockets and different ways to access luggage, I prefer luggage with just one container and one way to get into it.

Best, David

Nice strategy, David! I too, can get confused if I have too many pockets. That said, I do like a few different ways to organize stuff for ease of access on the go. With just one space in luggage without any pockets, I dislike having to dig around for what I need. (Though, packing cubes and other similar packing tools like the Hoboroll help immensely with that).

I like the ebags Motherlode Weekender Junior. I got a week’s worth of (warm weather) clothes in it, plus a first aid kit and an 8″ tablet. Three different ways to carry it: handle, shoulder strap, or as a backpack. No airline employees even gave it a second look.

Nice one, Mike! Thanks for the suggestion.

For me a one-bag travel pack needs to have a detachable daypack. This is essential for airline flights. One carry-on, one ‘personal item’.

Hi MM, I tend to agree. The purpose of this article was to try out traveling with ONLY one bag, but I prefer having a daypack as well.

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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).

• EXPLORE Random Article

How to Travel With One Bag

Last Updated: June 3, 2021 References

This article was co-authored by Archana Ramamoorthy, MS . Archana Ramamoorthy is the Chief Technology Officer, North America at Workday. In 2019, she went on a three-month sabbatical from her work and solo traveled throughout Southeast Asia. She is a product ninja, security advocate, and on a quest to enable more inclusion in the tech industry. Archana received her BS from SRM University and MS from Duke University and has been working in product management for over 8 years. This article has been viewed 468,709 times.

Travelling with one bag can be a freeing experience, and offers increased mobility and simplicity as you traverse airports and checkpoints. No long waits at baggage check-in counters, or lost luggage to worry about! Unless your trip is highly specialised, or requires carrying large heavy items, traveling light will ensure that you can avoid checking a bag and will be able to keep track of your own stuff.

Sample Packing Checklist

Traveling with One Bag

• Size: The largest dimensions that your airline will allow as a carry-on is a good starting point. If you can fit what you need into a smaller bag, doing so may allow you to travel more comfortably, and give you more options when storing the bag in the overhead compartments or under the seat in front of you.
• Big, easy to carry, durable and modestly priced bags are especially important to soldiers. Try a "giant duffle [sic] backpack" from a "tactical" store for checked baggage (the cylindrical girth and somewhat bigger length maximizes permitted volume, and the stowable backpack straps preserve mobility); or a maximum-carryon-sized boxy-shaped backpack. The color selection may be limited, but black is generally available and may helpfully avoid a military appearance in travel out of of one's own country.
• Storage: Multiple pockets help keep things organized, at the expense of a little added weight. Pockets accessible from the outside provide convenient access to travel paraphernalia such as an inflatable neck pillow or other sleeping aids and snacks, without unpacking or rummaging through everything else.
• A packable nylon or light synthetic canvas shoulder bag that folds into a little pouch is a great backup to have on hand in case you decide or happen to accumulate souvenirs. Choose a size within your airline's "personal item" carry-on limits to bring it on the plane with you, or check it in on your return trip.

• Three changes of clothing (at most). Perhaps more socks, underwear and shirts than pants. (Consider packing synthetic fabrics, which are lighter, fold up smaller, slide past each other readily rather than distorting piles, and dry faster––especially for pants, where any difference in feel is less noticeable.)
• Toiletries, such as a toothbrush, floss, soap, shampoo, razors, and anything else you need for grooming. See below for more information about packing toiletries.
• Medical items that you currently require, such as medication, bandages or eyeglasses.
• Any charge cords or other accessories you need for your phone, laptop, or other electronic items.
• Shoes, if you'll need a pair besides your traveling shoes.
• Empty plastic bags. You can put dirty clothes in them until washing to keep them from contaminating the clean ones. They should be clear so they aren't confused with trash and thrown away. Try produce bags.
• Laundry detergent for washing by hand. Put a few scoops of powdered detergent in a plastic sandwich bag if you're going on an airplane. An inexpensive, lightweight, and long-lasting alternative is to carry a bar of laundry soap.
• A portable clothesline (available at any camping or travel goods store).
• A universal sink stopper (a flat rubber disk, available at any hardware store), to help with hand-washing laundry. A rubber ball can be an alternative, but check that it doesn't tend to float and is large enough so as to not risk falling in.

• The bundle method. Wrap clothes around large and/or semi-delicate objects (such as bags of toiletries, pairs of shoes, or electronics), rather than folding or rolling clothes. Stuff underwear and socks into shoes to save space and to prevent crushing shoes. The bundle method saves space and also reduces wrinkling. [5] X Research source
• The rolling method. Roll each item of clothing into a tight cylinder. This saves space and minimizes wrinkles. See how to roll clothes for details.
• Combine rolling and folding. See How to Pack Clothes in a Backpack for more information.

• Remember that for carry-on air travel, your airline will require all liquids to fit inside a single plastic bag. Check your airline's carry-on rules for size specifications.
• Put toiletries that could leak (shampoo, gel, etc.) in individual plastic bags to avoid mess. If you use bar soap (which can substitute for other forms of soap such as shampoo and shaving cream), get a ventilated holder for it so it doesn't turn to mush through use and storage.
• For quicker trips through airport security, try to use solids rather than liquids. Shampoo is available in solid soap-block form and even single-use sheets. Check at a backpacking or outdoor store for more options.
• Save extra space by omitting common inexpensive items like body soap and shampoo, and purchase them instead when you reach your destination.

Expert Q&A

• Consider taking an e-reader, as this will take up much less space than any books you might have taken. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
• Pick neutral colors so your outfits are easier to coordinate. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• When traveling in a group, share common items (shampoo, detergent, books etc.). Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• If you are prescribed a number of different medications and are traveling to another country, make sure that you contact customs both at your starting destination and at your ending destination to find out if there are any regulations concerning your medication. Try to get whatever they say you need in writing . Start this process as early as possible; if there are doctor certificates or permits that are required, they may take some time to get. Some countries can be slow to respond and you do not want to have your trip postponed or try to take your medication in that country illegally. Do not pack your medications in your checked bags ; pack them in clear zip lock bags with any necessary documentation and carry them yourself. Do not carry medicine in unmarked or wrongly marked containers ; make sure they are all in the prescription containers they came in. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• Try to avoid putting valuables in any checked bag. Bring valuables onto the plane in your carry-on bag. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• While travelling to different country make sure to find out if they have any regulations regarding your prescribed medications. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Things You'll Need

• A single bag that suits your travel style
• Airline carry-on size restrictions, if not checking your bag
• Travel documents and funds
• A pragmatic mindset

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.onebag.com/bags.html
• ↑ https://www.onebag.com/list.html
• ↑ https://www.onebag.com/checklist.html
• ↑ https://thepointsguy.com/news/army-packing-technique-saves-money/
• ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/clothing/bundling-clothing
• http://ricksteves.com/plan/tips/packlight.htm

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• Minimalist Travel Gear – What to Pack and Why

Check this out if you’re new to one bag travel, I break down the basics of minimalist packing clothes, electronics, and gear

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you click on a link, we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you. Please read our full policy below , thank you for your support!

Howdy folks, I want tell you about some of the basics of minimalist travel gear. The idea is simple, carry a small bag, and take less stuff. But there are some important tips and tricks you need to know to keep yourself happy and safe before venturing forth into the unknown.

What minimalist travel gear do experienced travelers bring that allow them to pack so light? How do you pack for travel without looking like a disheveled hippy? How do you stay safe while traveling with minimalist travel gear and avoid being robbed or losing your stuff? We have the answers to all these questions and more.

The key to minimalist travel is simple, bring only one small carry-on size bag, and no more. This will limit the amount of clothes and stuff you can take. You find quickly discover what’s really important to you when you force yourself to fit all of your possessions in a single bag.

If this is your first adventure into minimalist travel gear, I would recommend starting out with a maximum carry-on size bag. Most airlines are trimming down size requirements, but generally the standard is 9 x 14 x 22. This size will fit in the overhead (not under the seat) of most carriers. The goal is to eventually work down to an even smaller bag, but this is a good place to start.

There are a lot of good options to hold your minimalist travel gear. Sometimes the options can be overwhelming. There are a ton of good choices, and no right answer. The bag you choose will depend on your preference and travel style. A good place to start researching bags is the Comparison Table from One Bag Travels . It lists many of the most popular minimalistic travel bags, with links to reviews.

Bring basic, stylish clothing that can be worn together, and are interchangeable. Avoid bringing “outfits” and clothes that only goes with one other thing. Instead, opt for clothes that can be mixed and matched. Think basic neutral colors, solids or simple patterns.

Tip: If you are going to a cooler climate and need to bring a jacket, you can wear it on the plane. Clothes on your body don’t count!

Fabrics should be either natural fibers like merino wool , or sturdy, quick drying synthetic fabrics. Avoid thick, bulky cotton clothes, and sweaters. Merino wool is expensive, but it is a natural antibacterial fabric, which won’t hold odors. You can wear them day-after-day without the need to wash. Synthetic fabrics also tend to hold less odors than cotton. They are lighter, pack smaller, and you can wash and dry them quickly.

Shoes can quickly fill your travel bag and are the bane of good minimalist travel gear. Avoid the urge to bring shoes for every activity. Bring only one pair of sturdy, versatile, walking shoes or boots. You may choose to bring a second pair of sandals, flip-flops, or flats, if they pack small.

• Electronics

Repeat after me, “I do not need to bring my laptop to Paris.” They are big, and just distract you from your trip. With electronics, less is more. Minimalist travel gear does not allow for large or heavy laptops or cameras. Focus instead, on small multi-purpose gear. Smart phones can double as cameras , maps, guide book, language translators, and actual phones (gasp!).  Unless you are a professional photographer, or on business and need a laptop for work, leave these items at home.

One smart phone, and one e-reader or tablet is all you need. You can store hundreds of books, guidebooks, and maps on your tablet. The phone can be used for everything else. Unlock your phone before you leave and buy a local SIM card with data when you arrive at your destination to save on international roaming fees.

Minimalist travel gear fans rejoice! TSA has made our lives easier here. No more full-size shampoo bottles exploding in the overhead. You are allowed as many 3.4 sized containers of liquids or creams as you can fit in a quart sized bag. Really all you need to do here is to buy some 3.4 oz bottles and fill them with the products you currently use. Put them in a sturdy freezer bag so they don’t leak.

Preventing Theft

This part is my favorite. Have you heard the story of the bear and the campers? When a bear approaches, one camper begins to put his shoes on. The second camper says “why are you putting your shoes on, you can’t outrun a bear?” at which point the first camper exclaims “I don’t need to outrun a bear, I just need to outrun you!”

Your equipment doesn’t need to be theft-proof. It just needs to be more theft-deterrent than the person next to you. Most of the dangers of travel are mitigated by following a few simple steps, one of which is carrying one bag with minimalist travel gear. A bit of redundancy with your valuables helps as well.

Leave the watch at home

Have you ever known a traveler that got an expensive piece of jewelry stolen that they didn’t take with them? Of course not. Don’t take flashy valuables with you when you travel, and you won’t be a target. Leave the gold watch at home. You can’t lose what you don’t have.

Carry two forms of ID, and credit cards

Does the thought of getting pick-pocketed or mugged when abroad scare you? Do you think that would ruin your trip? What if it didn’t have to? What if losing your wallet didn’t affect your ability to enjoy your trip in the slightest? I’ll tell you how.

This is slightly contrary to the minimalist travel gear theme here. But these items are small so we get a pass. Take two of everything, and keep them separate. Two forms of picture ID, passport and driver’s licence (or other picture ID). Take two credit cards, two debit cards, as well as a paper photo copy of all your ID and cards. Include a small amount of cash, enough to get a hotel and eat for a day or two. Take one set with you, and hide one set in your luggage which you will leave in a safe place in your hotel room when you are out.

Losing your identification or credit cards is no fun. They are also difficult to replace while abroad. With 2 cards you can simply cancel the lost one, and continue your trip as planned. Replace it when you get home. If you lose your passport, all is not lost. You will have to visit the embassy to get a replacement passport. But with a second form of ID, as well as copies of all your cards, this process will go much smoother. A little extra cash (in local currency) will help you survive until you can get these things done.

That’s it! Take a smaller bag, this forces you to carry less stuff. Bring quality, interchangeable clothing, in neutral colors, and good shoes. And exercise a few simple rules of safety. Now you’re ready to take on the world with your minimalist travel gear without the distraction of excessive luggage!

Affiliate Disclaimer

I run One Bag Travels as an independent website, I am not directly associated with, nor do I take payments from any of the companies featured on this site. My opinions are based on my personal experience with these products, as well as years of experience as an independent traveler.

Any revenue I receive from One Bag Travels is from affiliate marketing relationships, meaning if you click on one of the product links, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. I strive to review products that I like, or are popular in the one bag/minimalist travel community, not just brands that I receive a commission on. Sometimes a company will send me a free product to review, I am however under no incentive or obligation to give them a favorable review.

The continued existence and success of One Bag Travels relies on the support of my readers. I believe providing thorough, honest, unbiased information is the best way to grow this support. I put a lot of work into my reviews, if you find this information was helpful in your decision, we encourage you to purchase through one of our affiliate links, at zero extra cost to you. This support allows me to continue providing the best reviews and content for you. Thank you for your support!

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Heading to Europe this winter? Bulk up on minimalist clothes that will allow you to layer, mix and match, and stay warm and dry while you're shopping for nutcrackers and at a German Christkindlmarket =)

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18 Best Travel Backpacks, According to Frequent Flyers

By Gabrielle Porcaro

As someone who frequently travels, I've slung duffels, totes , and travel purses on my arm, but nothing compares to using the best travel backpacks. Depending on the length of your trip, a suitcase can either be too bulky or not big enough, so you'll need the vital second bag to make sure all your clothes, tech, and gear securely arrive at your destination. Plus, traveling with a backpack can be more supportive for your back, freeing up your arms and hands to pull out directions on your phone or to hold an iced coffee. Backpacks can also be surprisingly roomy, so everything you need (or want) on your trip fits as comfortably as possible. The good news is there are a wide range of excellent options to suit any and all of your needs. Below, we found the most travel-friendly options and tapped Glamour editors and some of our frequent-flier friends to share the best travel backpacks.

What to look for in a travel backpack

When shopping for luggage items like a travel backpack, the comfort and capacity of the bag is key. You want it to feel easy on the body, which means wide straps or a hip belt to distribute weight, which comes in handy if you're running to catch a plane or carrying it through a crowded subway. Bonus points if the straps are they adjustable and padded. Consider the material: Is it lightweight, soft, and made of durable material like water-resistant fabric? As for size, think about the use of the backpack. There are weekender bags and carry-on size options you can use for long weekends or smartly packed weeklong vacations and styles for short day trips, hikes, or shopping excursions.

The best travel backpacks, at a glance

• Best Overall : Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack , $210
• Best on Amazon : Shrradoo Extra Large 52L Travel Laptop Backpack , $33
• Best Daypack : Lululemon Everywhere Backpack , $78
• Best Budget : Coofay Carry On Backpack , $30
• Best for Commuters : Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack , $95
• Most Stylish : Tumi Voyageur Just in Case Packable Nylon Travel Backpack , $150

All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Best Overall : Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack

Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack - Del Día

Here's a simple, sleek backpack with plenty of built-in organization. “My twin sister and I have traveled the world together, and this bag came in particularly handy on our trip to South America when we both needed more room besides our carry-on luggage. What I loved about this piece is it's essentially a suitcase with straps. The wrap zipper fully opens up, allowing you to see and organize your goods into the compartments. Crafted in repurposed nylon, the exterior is one of a kind, and the colors made it easier to spot one another through the crowds,” says Glamour contributor Gabrielle Porcaro .

Capacity: 42 L / Waterproof : Water-resistant

• Pros: Repurposed nylon body; suitcase layout; weight-distributing harness system
• Cons: Can easily show dirt

Best on Amazon : Shrradoo Extra Large 52L Travel Laptop Backpack

SHRRADOO Extra Large 52L Travel Laptop Backpack

As a runner-up, consider this the Swiss Army knife of backpacks. Hidden in this compact, durable bag are 20 pockets and compartments to accommodate and organize everything from clothes to an umbrella to power cords. A practical standout feature of this travel backpack is an external USB port with set-in charging cables to charge your phone (just remember to charge your power pack before heading out on your trip). Another noteworthy aspect is the U-shaped 3D breathable mesh straps designed to relieve stress from shoulders and reduce a sweaty back.

Capacity: 52 L / Waterproof : Water-resistant

• Pros: So many pockets for organizing; USB charging port; comfortable
• Cons: Chunky, technical look

Best Daypack : Lululemon Everywhere Backpack

Lululemon Everywhere Backpack 22L

Lululemon gets a lot of love for its Lulu leggings and activewear, but don't sleep on accessories like its laptop bags . A classic backpack with a modern design, the Everywhere Backpack has a clean appearance that will effortlessly match your look. Inside it's spacious and has a padded pocket that fits a 16-inch laptop. On the exterior is a front zipper pocket for keys, antibacterial wipes, headphones…whatever you need handy while on the go.

Capacity: 22 L / Waterproof : Water-repellent

• Pros: Internal laptop sleeve; side water bottle pockets; lightweight
• Cons: No luggage strap; not a ton of pockets

Best Budget : Coofay Carry On Backpack

Coofay Carry On Backpack

This affordable, multifunctional pack is lightweight but can hold a lot and easily fit under an airline seat as a carry-on. “I loved the space and compartments of this bag. It's durable and packed a lot of room for so many things. The luggage handle strap is also a bonus if you're hauling a roller bag,” wrote one Amazon reviewer . Bonus: It has a shoes and a wet pocket compartment.

Capacity: 17 L / Waterproof : Yes

• Pros: Separate shoe compartment, 29 color options; USB port design
• Cons: Short luggage strap

By Sam Reed

By Stephanie McNeal

By Sophia Bush

Best for Commuters : Everlane the ReNew Transit Backpack

Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack

Whether you're a college commuter or in the office most days, this is an excellent option for everyday travel or work trips. It's a go-to for Condé Nast associate director of box business operations Haley Welch . “The separate laptop compartment makes organizing seamless, as does the front and upper zipper compartments, which is great for a Kindle,” she says. She likes that the chic and minimal look effortlessly mixes with every outfit, from comfy travel joggers and hoodies to a work-appropriate suit or dress.

Capacity : 27 L / Waterproof : Water-resistant

• Pros : Internal and external water bottle holders; zipper pocket on top; made from renewed materials
• Cons : Only holds a 15-inch laptop

Most Stylish : Best Tumi Voyageur Just In Case Packable Nylon Travel Backpack

Tumi Voyageur Just in Case Packable Nylon Travel Backpack

For anyone looking for a dressier option for their everyday commute or regular work trips, Tumi has a gorgeous style. Don't let the sleek appearance fool you; the zipper reveals a very roomy interior but still folds flat. A two-way zipper makes it easier to grab whatever you need from the inside with a smaller front pocket as well. There’s also a very convenient add-to-a-bag sleeve to secure this nicely over your suitcase handle, making it one to use on daily and international excursions. It's so stylish it can double as a cute work bag for office days.

Capacity: 15"H x 12"W x 4 1/2"D. (Interior capacity: large) / Waterproof : Water-resistant

• Pros :Packable; folds down flat; lightweight
• Cons: Doesn’t fit a ton

Best for Organization : Snoffic Travel Backpack

Snoffic Travel Backpack

If remaining organized is of the utmost importance while traveling or in everyday life, look no further than this Snoffic backpack. This wallet-friendly pick has a 4.6-star rating on Amazon and under $35 price tag. “I was able to pack a week's worth of summer clothes in it, which included two summer dresses," says one Amazon reviewer . Not only does this bag offer ample space and waterproof material, but it also includes two clear toiletry bags (also waterproof) to help you reduce your zip-lock baggie usage. Plus, it comes in a wide range of pretty shades.

Capacity : 40 L / Waterproof : Water-resistant

• Pros : Nicely priced; roomy; includes two toiletry bags
• Cons : Boxy shape

Best for Pockets : Athleta Excursion Backpack

Athleta Excursion Backpack

This pick, courtesy of Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs , is one that can hold every little trinket or gadget you own. “I thought this backpack was going to my go-to for hiking, but it’s actually my go-to for pretty much everything. I love how sleek it is, and yet, despite its slim appearance, it manages to fit my 15-inch laptop, my secondary screen, charger, headphones, e-reader, and mouse. It has handy organizational features, like an inner key ring, zippered outer pockets for me to stash my lip gloss and phone, and not one but two mesh pockets that fit my water bottle and an umbrella. Its handles are also made of a breathable fabric—so useful when I’ve worked up a sweat while out and about.”

• Pros :Lightweight; ripstop material resists snags and tears; mesh back panel for added support
• Cons: Larger on top shape

Best Minimalist Design : Dagne Dover Dakota Medium Neoprene Backpack

Dagne Dover Dakota Medium Neoprene Backpack

“On my last flight I saw not one, not two, but multiple travelers with this style hanging from their backs. As someone who regularly takes Dagne Dover bags on trips, I understand the popularity. The neoprene material is strong, soft, and stretchy, which causes the bag to flex to your body and whatever you put inside. It's forgiving, allowing you to fit in and possibly overstuff everything you need for a trip. It also washes well, ensuring it will always have that chic appearance even after some wear and tear,” says Porcaro. Dagne Dover also makes excellent diaper backpacks like this parent-approved Indi Diaper Bag .

Capacity: 16 L / Waterproof : No

• Pros: Packs a lot; machine washable
• Cons: Neoprene is a bit heavier than other material; material creases easily

Best for Airplane Travel : Augustnoa Classic Noa

Augustnoa Classic Noa

“So many features drew me to this bag: the eco-friendly (plus water-friendly) material, smart design, and luggage sleeve—a must for any travel carry-on piece. There are ten pockets and compartments to organize essentials, something I took full advantage of when using. As an active person trying to hydrate more, I also appreciated the side pockets that securely held my water bottle (I bent over, and it didn't budge). It also includes a removable drawstring bag, something I always forget to pack for morning workouts and overnight travels,” says Porcaro.

Capacity: 21 L / Waterproof : Water-resistant

• Pros: Pockets on straps; laptop and tablet sleeve; two water bottle holders
• Cons: Pockets in the back and on straps are small

Best Roll Top : Roark Passenger 27L 2.0 Bag

Roark Passenger 27L 2.0 Bag

Expandable storage is always a plus with any travel bag. This backpack, from super cool brand Roark, has an adjustable top to allow more room. The roll-top also has a magnetic entry, allowing for easy and secure access on the move. Interior and exterior pockets, including one for your tablet or laptop, sunglasses, and a hidden pocket for your passport, are specific details that make this a unique backpack. Ergonomic air mesh padded straps, a quilted back, and chest straps prevent this from adding any discomfort to your travels. The appearance calls for adventure, but it equally works in cities.

Capacity: 27 L / Waterproof : 100% Nylon

• Pros: Streamlined look; quilted back; magnetic closure top
• Cons: Could use more internal pockets

Best Large Travel Bag : Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 55L

Patagonia Black Hole® Duffel 55L

The beauty of this bag is it says it right in the title—it's a black hole. With a 55-liter capacity, there's no doubt it will hold everything you need for a long weekend or even a long weekend trip. Ultra-comfortable to carry, it's perfect for hiking excursions, camping trips, or multi-city European backpacking adventures. Durably made with 100% recycled fabric, this fits in the overhead bin; if you want to check it, you can trust it will return to you just as you left it.

Capacity: 55 L / Waterproof : Water Repellent

• Pros: Large, carry-on size, top and side handles; removable shoulder straps
• Cons: Rugged design

Best for Laptop : Herschel Kaslo Dayback Tech Backpack

Herschel Kaslo Dayback Tech Backpack

If you're looking for a laptop backpack , this is a top choice. Hershel backpacks are a go-to for marriage and family therapist and mom of two boys, Whitney Steller. “I have had this for almost six years, and the quality is amazing. No rips or anything and the straps are still comfortable. “The classic grade school look was also a draw and the fact that it fits perfectly under a plane seat. This style, in particular, is eco-friendly, made from post-consumer water bottles, and has a padded compartment to fit up a 15-inch laptop.

Capacity: 20 L / Waterproof : No

• Pros: Optional strum strap to help disturbed weight; padded compartment for laptop
• Cons: No luggage sleeve

Best Y-Pack : Topo Designs Y-Pack Backpack

Topo Designs Y-Pack Backpack

This is an awesome option for anyone who ends up leaving a trip with more than they brought. “The adjustable Y-shaped strap can be tight and secure or loosened to allow for more room, which is the reason why this is a piece of heavy rotation for me. It always shocks me how much I can fit/shove into the main compartment yet still slide my laptop out of the back sleeve. No matter if it’s filled with a hoodie and various pouches holding makeup, power cords, and snacks; it's easy to access. I like to use the zip pocket on the top to store antibacterial wipes, hand sanitizer, headphones, and anything else I want easy access to once I arrive on the flight,” says Porcaro.

Capacity: 23.8 L / Waterproof : No

• Pros: Drawstring closure offers more space; zip pocket on top for easy access; durable material great for travel and the outdoors
• Cons: G-hook buckle closure can sometimes be tough

Best Waterproof : SealLine Skylake Dry Pack

SealLine Skylake Dry Pack

The beauty of this piece is that it rolls up for easy packing within a suitcase or larger travel backpack. The fact that it's created from an extremely lightweight material also ups the packability and wear factor. Jen Ator, a personal trainer, used this on her honeymoon in Thailand. “Not only was it super sturdy and waterproof, but it fits everything we needed during day trips.” She also pointed out how handy the exterior pocket was for easy access to essentials like a phone to snap a picture of her and her husband.

Capacity : 18 L / Waterproof : Yes

• Pros: Lightweight; stowable
• Cons: No interior pocket

Best Convertible : Thule Crossover 2 Convertible Backpack

Thule Crossover 2 Convertible Backpack

Adaptability is vital when traveling, and this Thule convertible backpack offers various ways to hold it. If you're in a tight space, de-boarding, or want to give your shoulders a break, there is a longer shoulder strap and top handle to hold. Inside the backpack, you'll find compartments that look like your favorite easy-rolling carry-on suitcase, making it easy to keep everything with you secure and organized. Another standout feature is the exterior crush-resistant SafeZone compartment that's perfect for storing sunglasses or a phone.

Capacity: 21 ¾"H x 14"W x 8"D. / Waterproof : Water Resistant

• Pros: Crust resistant, two-way zip closure, RFID-shielded pocket;
• Cons: Expensive

Best for City Travel : PAK Large Nylon Backpack

PAK Large Nylon Backpack

“As a backpack I recently added to my collection, I was impressed by how many features were hidden in what seemed like a pretty basic bag. First, it’s worth noting how seamlessly this slid on and off my back, making it a breeze to sit on the subway or grab my wallet to buy coffee. At first glance, I was confused about the zipper on the bottom of the front pocket, but when I realized it was a coat sling, which, as someone who runs cold and always has an extra layer, is something I will use again and again. Another made-for-me feature is an extra large pocket for water bottles since it’s a personal pet peeve when they aren’t wide enough for standard sizes. Having only worn this around the city for daily life, I appreciate that the shape and look of the pack are city-ready and more polished. When I take this on international trips, I look forward to using the hidden theft-proof compartments,” says Porcaro.

Capacity: 13.5”L x 7” W x 14” H / Waterproof : No

• Pros: Easy access pocket in the back, Coat sling, Large side pockets
• Cons: Not super large

Best Customizable : Roam Continental Backpack

Roam Continental Backpack

Anyone who is a fan of customization will appreciate this pick. Buyers can choose the color they want on the front, back, side, and straps to create a bag that is uniquely theirs. This is favorite of Glamour commerce editor Jenifer Calle , who has been using it for years. “It fits enough for weekend trips and vacation travel. I particularly like that the side zippers fit my Owala water bottle and there are plenty of zipper and pockets to hold my wallet, keys, chargers, lip balms, and more” says Glamour’s Calle.

Capacity : 26 L / Waterproof : Water Repellent

• Pros : Customizable; 100-day trial period; soft material; luggage sleeve
• Cons : Expensive

By Malia Griggs

By Kelsey Clark

By Paula Lee

By Hannah Singleton

The 24 Best Travel Tote Bags for Your Next Big Trip

Whether it's your only bag or a carry-on supplement, a travel tote will take your packing game to the next level.

Every item on this page was chosen by a Town & Country editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

T&C Tried and True

Medium metro tote deluxe.

Separate Compartment for Organization

Lo & sons catalina deluxe tote.

Luxurious Essential

Cuyana easy travel tote.

Folds Small for Easy Packing

Lululemon packable tote bag.

Classic Tote

Longchamp large le pliage tote.

Everyday to Travel Tote

Etronik travel duffel bag with usb charging port.

Minimalist and Functional

The renew transit weekender.

Bargain Bag

Bluboon travel tote bag.

Madewell The Shopper Tote

Heavy Lifter

Boat and tote.

Whatever your travel needs for the season ahead, odds are that a good tote can make your packing life more organized, and less stressful—honestly, what more could you hope for? With that in mind, we've scoured the internet for the more durable, functional travel totes for every type of traveler, from the serial overpacker to the organization fiend. Here, our favorite finds for all of your journeys.

Perpetually trying to find space in your carry-on for one last thing? Meet what one T&C editor calls, "the personal item of every overpacker's dream." Featuring five exterior pockets, plus six on the interior and an detachably pouch, it will keep all of your travel essentials organized while it's sturdy-yet-lightweight construction makes it easy to tuck in "just in case" items to your hearts desire without overwhelming your arms.

The cushy, reinforced straps are easy on the shoulders, but it also has a detachable crossbody strap and a built-in sleeve to slip over the handle of your luggage if you don't feel like toting. It also comes in four sizes (we're fond of the medium for it's ability to hold oodles of stuff while still slipping neatly beneath the seat in front of you on a plane) and a seasonally-refreshed roster of more than a dozen shades, making it as stylish as it is functional.

Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe Tote

For the "a place for everything and everything in its place" traveler, this tote has you covered with a zippered bottom pocket that's perfect for separating out toiletries or dirty shoes from the rest of your haul (an interior panel also allows you to open the bottom compartment fully, if you're craving a deeper bag.)

Available in recycled poly or sturdy canvas, at 15" x 14" x 7", it qualifies as a personal item for most airlines and has a handy luggage sleeve to pair with your suitcase. For those looking for larger options, it comes in four additional sizes as well.

Cuyana bags are a favorite of T&C editors and royals alike ( Meghan Markle is a big fan ) for their timelessly stylish silhouettes, buttery soft leather, and effortless functionality. This, their latest launch, is made specifically with travel in mind.

Crafted with lightweight, durable pebbled leather (currently available in four colorways) it offers ample interior space (a 37L volume, to be precise) plus two large pockets, a phone slip, and a key clip, as well as snaps for Cuyana devotees who want to mix in their System Flap Bag or System Zipper Pouch .

If you're more of a "shop when you get there" traveler, this bag brings the souvenir space without taking up lots of room in your primary bag. Water-repellant and roomy (it holds 32L by volume) it features rugged shoulder straps, plus an extra strap that lets it slip over the handle of roller luggage, and can fold into its own exterior pouch when not in use to make a tidy, handheld bundle.

Some things are classic for a reason. Case in point: this timeless Longchamp tote; just ask T&C 's associate shopping editor, Sophie Dweck, who's been carrying hers for over a decade . Made from sleek, easy-to-clean nylon that comes in a cornucopia of colors, it features a simple, spacious interior and strong leather straps that ensure it can stand up to anything your travels throw at it, and look good doing it.

Looking for a tote that's as useful in your day-to-day as it is when you're far away? This multi-use tote has racked up thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon for its versatility. A separate, vented shoe compartment makes it as friendly to gym sessions as beach trips, while its multiple pockets keep essentials organized. It also includes a luggage strap and a USB charging port so you can plug in your tech without rummaging through your bag for your battery pack, and comes in two sizes and almost 30 shades so it will match your travel style.

One reviewer writes: "I must say, it exceeded my expectations in every way! This bag is the perfect blend of style and functionality, making it a must-have for any woman on the go."

Type-A packers, take note: this 100% recycled polyester is all about options. Its four colorways can be worn crossbody, carried in hand, or over the shoulder, and include a zippered exterior pocket, a luggage sleeve, two water bottle holders, and a padded laptop sleeve—all with Everlane's signature modern minimalist vibe.

Available in 20 colorways and textures, this canvas tote features a luggage sleeve that also doubles as a tech pouch so your gadgets will always be at the ready. The sturdy construction and bargain price tag have made it a hit with reviewers, who site its roomy 16.5" x 9" x 14" size and comfort.

One reviewer writes: "I am so happy with this purchase! Reasonable price, large main compartment, and a few zip compartments to organize smaller items. Bag fits perfectly under airline seat, even when stuffed FULL. It stayed in place when I had it on top of my roller bag, and I noticed the shape of it kept it from making everything tip forward (which happened with my previous bag)."

For a travel bag that you can use as a purse all trip, this simple Madewell leather tote brings a perfect mix of style and space (12.75" x 12.75" x 7.5".) It even comes with an interior strap that allows you to change the shape, and doubles as a keyring.

True L.L. Bean lovers know that the brand's classic Boat and Tote bag is hard to beat—after all, it's been one of their signature styles since 1944. Crafted from rugged cotton canvas, it's tested to hold up to 500 pounds, so no matter how much you manage to overpack, this bag is guaranteed to take it on. And with four sizes and two interior lengths to choose from, as well as a dozen colors, there's a perfect one for all your needs.

Caraa Studio Tote

Whether you prefer a classic tote style or a backpack, this Italian leather bag gives you the best of both worlds. Along with the usual amenities (a slew of pockets, adjustable straps) it also has a collapsible waterproof shoe pocket for those days your travel plans call for a quick change.

More: The 18 Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks for Easy, Breezy Packing

Béis The Convertible Weekend Bag

This tote brings two-for-one power with a removable bottom compartment that can be used as is, or as a separate packing cube. Easy to clean polyester and polyurethane make it a cinch to keep looking like new, with a built-in luggage sleeve and removable laptop sleeve give it plenty of function for that rush through TSA.

Tumi Voyageur Just in Case Packable Nylon Tote

Some people pack an extra suitcase when traveling abroad. We propose this packable Tumi tote instead. It folds out to an impressive 8" x 14" x 8 size when fully opened and weighs less than a pound, so you can shop to your heart's content while getting those passport stamps.

More: The 13 Best Luggage Brands for Every Type of Traveler

Carhartt Legacy Tote East/West

Built to work hard, this water-repelling polyester Carhartt bag is tough enough to handle all of your travel adventures. It includes two exterior pockets as well as an interior divider and pockets, so it's and functional on the inside as it is on the outside.

One reviewer writes: "Even better than expected! I used it as my personal item for a trip to Mexico…placed my purse, tablet, magazines, etc inside…lots of pockets! Hides dirt, wipes off easily, very well made."

Revive Nylon Large Tote

Available in five-shades, this nylon tote (made with fabric crafted from 27 recycled water bottles with recycled leather trim) has jumbo exterior slip pockets (plus three interior pockets and a keyring) and a built-in padded laptop sleeve to match its roomy interior with organization.

One reviewer writes: "Great color, roomy, lots of pockets to keep things organized and easy to locate. Perfect for work and travel. Very happy with it."

Dagne Dover Jemi Tote

Want a travel tote that makes a style statement? Bring your puffer coat style to your bag with this versatile, vegan tote made from recycled plastic water bottles. At less than a pound and half (it holds 16.2 L volume), it's super lightweight, and has two sets of comfy handles—one for hand-held use and one for shoulder use—plus a luggage sleeve, so it's great no matter your travel style.

Naghedi Jet Setter Small Tote

Fully lined, basket-woven neoprene brings beautiful texture to this travel tote, making it ideal for those situations when you have to go straight from the plane to an event. It also has a zip closure and zippered interior pocket to ensure that your stuff stays in place even on the wildest travel days.

Scout Travel Bag Large

You want all of the weight in your travel bag to be from your must-haves, not from the bag itself. This colorful version from Scout (it comes in half a dozen colors and patterns) is a featherlight 1 pound, yet can hold up to 65 pounds of your gear, and can fold flat when not in use. It also comes with a zipper pocket and reinforced bottom so everything you pack stays comfortable where you want it.

Barbour Medium Travel Explorer Leather Tote Bag

The biggest name in waxed cotton jackets brings their British heritage sensibility to travel with this luxe 100% leather tote. Measuring 17.72'' x 14.96'', it comes with sturdy top handles and an adjustable shoulder strap for comfortable carrying.

More: The 13 Best Luxury Luggage for Traveling in Style

WONHOX Large Travel Tote Bag

This waterproof travel tote features a luggage sleeve, three interior pockets, including a special compartment to separate wet and dry items (looking at you, still-damp swimsuit) and four external pockets, as well as a zip-open expansion on the bottom so your bag can be as big, or small, as you need.

One reviewer writes : "Schlepped this bag all over Europe and it holds a surprising amount of stuff! The little expander area on the bottom really helped me squeeze in a few extra souvenirs. The trolley sleeve is a MUST from now on. It hooks on to your roller suitcase so easily and is sturdy! I was throwing my baggage up on the train, in and out of taxis and through many airports easy peasy."

Lauren Hubbard is a freelance writer and Town & Country contributor who covers beauty, shopping, entertainment, travel, home decor, wine, and cocktails.

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Learning to Lighten your Load

So here is OneBag.com, a non-commercial Web site that teaches — in exhaustive (exhausting?) detail — the art and science of travelling light .

Here you can learn how to go pretty much anywhere, for business or leisure , for an indefinite length of time, with no more than a single carry-on-sized bag.

An experience that can — as I hope you will discover — be life-changing .

Why Travel Light?

Of all the travel skills you might acquire, travelling light is the one most likely to result in enjoyable, productive, stress-free travel experiences. For two thousand years, seasoned travellers have written of its many important benefits, including …

Don't just take my word for it. Read what others have to say !

I’m Convinced!  So How Can OneBag Help Me?

He who would travel happily must travel light.

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

If there's a "trick" to travelling light, it's the understanding and proper use of a packing list (albeit a different type of list than those you have likely seen). Apart from that, however, there's no single specific secret. Travelling light is a skill comprised of a very large number of very small considerations. Taken individually, many of these might seem relatively unimportant (or unnecessarily meticulous); collectively, however, this selection of small sanities makes it possible to journey for extended periods of time, carrying no more than will fit in a surprisingly small bag.

But there's no need to become an instant expert. Feel free to meander through this site, taking inspiration where you find it. Every single topic detailed on these pages can help you become a better (thus happier) traveller, but it's unnecessary (and perhaps even counterproductive) to tackle them all at once. Start with those that most appeal to you, and leave the others for when you seek to further hone your skills.

Here's a straightforward promise: if you persevere, you will at some point reach a transcendent moment , in which your (one) bag will be small and light enough to carry without consequence, no longer of any meaningful concern. And — from that instant — your travel experiences will be forever changed , with an unfettered freedom that is quite simply beyond the understanding of those who remain bound to their baggage.

Where Do I Begin?

Looking for luggage tips? You'll find much on that topic under the What To Pack It In menu. Appreciate, however, that merely acquiring a new bag, no matter how "perfect", will no more turn you into a one-bag traveller than a superb violin will turn you into a concert soloist!

• a checklist of things to take care of prior to leaving on a trip
• contact information for suppliers of harder-to-find items mentioned on these pages
• a (very) few recommended books on related topics
• collected links to some carefully-chosen sites that OneBag enthusiasts are likely to find interesting
• my own compilation of frequently-used travel industry links : the best metasearch engines, handy lists of country/airport/airline code designations, a telephone country/area code finding & deciphering service, and tools for checking real-time flight status, airport delay conditions, and aircraft seating arrangements  (a useful page to bookmark)

Finally — and possibly even most importantly — don't miss the TraveLetters page, featuring comments from people like you, who have tried out these ideas and reported on their experiences, thus offering reassurance that this site isn't merely (or at least, entirely!) the ravings of some geek with a packing fixation.

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I've been travelling for the past 18 months as a one bagger and I'm creating, what I believe to be, the best travel backpack for one bag travellers.

The bigger vision behind the brand is to introduce a wide variety of products geared towards fellow one bag travellers to make it easier to plan your perfect one bag.

I found that when I was planning my one bag setup, I ran into lots of issues finding the perfect items that factored in size, weight and functionality into their design.

Often times I’d find an incredible product but there was 1 or 2 things that could have been improved for the one bagger and that’s really what I aim to do with this brand. Create products specifically with the one bagger in mind. And as a fellow one bagger myself, I plan to create the best quality products that I will use myself.

Basically, I want to create the perfect products for one baggers to make it easier for people to one bag and not only one bag but have their dream one-bag setup.

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We want to introduce a merino clothing line, travel duffle and other one bag accessories like travel towels.

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13 Perfect Looks to Pack if You’re Going to Tuscany or Want to Emulate Italian Summer Style — From $10

Starting with a breezy sundress and comfortable walking sneakers.

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As a travel editor who’s been to more than 40 countries, I’ve seen a lot of the world — but I still haven’t found anywhere that compares to Italy in the summer . My sun-kissed memories of cruising around Capri, leather-shopping in Florence, and bike riding through Chianti vineyards are some of my fondest, which is why I can’t wait to get back there in May. This time I’ll be focusing on Tuscany, and you can bet that I plan to live out my dreams of lounging by the villa pool with a spritz in hand.

Of course, I’m going to need a wardrobe that lives up to the glam of this trip (but that fits in a carry-on since I haven’t checked a bag in four-plus years , and I’m not about to start now). With past Italy visits under my belt, I already know I’ll need comfortable walking shoes and a breezy sundress , but I’m adding a few new looks to my suitcase, including wide-leg pants and a matching set . Here’s what I’m eyeing for my trip to Italy — and hopefully, it’ll inspire all of your out-of-office adventures near and far, too.

The Perfect Sundress

I can see it now: I’m walking through Florence with a gelato and admiring the Duomo, wearing the perfect sundress. For this, I’ve already picked up the Melody Smocked Midi Dress from Madewell in black knowing it’ll take me from day to night — city walk to aperitivo — effortlessly. Thanks to its ultra-flattering fit with a smocked top and gentle A-line flare, I wouldn’t doubt if you see this midi dress way beyond Italy this summer. I’m going to pair it with white sneakers during the day and my platform sandals in the evening. I’m also eyeing this beautiful white sundress and this aptly named “Tagliatelle” dress from Reformation .

Comfortable White Sneakers

I’ve been a loyal fan of the celeb-loved Veja Campo sneakers for years now, but after reading rave reviews of these cushioned, platform Dr. Scholl’s Time Off Sneakers , I may just make the upgrade before my trip. Even Oprah loves this brand , with shoppers saying they feel like “walking on clouds.” Sounds like they’re worth it, especially since they’re on sale. I plan to wear these with everything from my breezy sundresses to casual shorts. 

Leather Crossbody Bag

Lo & Sons

It’s practically shameful to walk through Florence’s leather market without your own nice leather bag, and this one from Lo & Sons recently changed my world . The stylish, versatile Lo & Sons Waverley 2 4-in-1 Bag has a convertible strap that makes it four bags in one. I can wear it on my shoulder, crossbody for more security, as a belt bag to keep my hands free, and as a wristlet for a night out. That covers pretty much everything on my itinerary — and cuts down on packing space.

Tailored Shorts

These high-waisted shorts are so classy and elegant, they practically scream “Italy vacation.” French-girl-favorite and T+L editor-loved brand Sézane must’ve thought so too because they named this style “Rome.” I love the elevated, tailored details like pleating and cuffs. For the same look for less, I’d spring for these casual $26 linen shorts or classic $25 white shorts from Amazon.

Oversized White Button-down Shirt

I’m convinced there’s no trip I can’t use this Hotouch oversized white button-down shirt for, which is why it’s a permanent part of my travel capsule wardrobe . I can use it to cover up in the morning or evening if it’s chilly or if I enter a church, or I can throw it on over a bathing suit by the villa pool in Tuscany. (Psst, you can shop more of our favorite oversized button-downs here!)

Maybe it’s the White Lotus Tanya McQuoid in me, but I can’t imagine my Italy trip without a silk scarf to tie around my neck or hair (while riding a Vespa, probably). I’m eyeing this pretty, neutral one from Fonyve from Amazon since it’s a steal at $10. I was sold the moment I read this five-star review from a fellow traveler: “Elegant, well-made scarf…The colors of these are very vibrant and look like expensive scarves from Italy.” 

I always had a lot of trouble finding sunglasses that fit my narrow face (I used to buy kids’ sizes!) — until I tried these frames at Warby Parker, the same affordable brand that makes my eyeglasses. I love that they have narrow, medium, and wide sizes to fit pretty much any face, and you can add polarization and your prescription to them, all for way less than you’d normally pay for name-brand sunglasses. There’s far less guilt than if I lost my Ray-Bans, but they’re still nicer than super cheap ones. If you’re still not ready to shell out $95 for a quality pair, you can’t go wrong with these Sojos vintage sunglasses at Amazon, which look just like them but are only $15. 

Wide-leg White Linen Pants

I’ve written before about how Madewell’s Harlow wide-leg pants are the comfiest pants I own and go with absolutely everything (I even purchased another color after originally buying them), but I’ll sing their praises again and again. They are made from a luxuriously soft lyocell-linen blend that keeps things cool even on hot days, and I’ve found they wrinkle far less than my 100 percent linen pants.

Thin Leather Belt

Sometimes crafting the perfect travel outfit is all about accessories, and the right belt can take a good outfit from good to bellissima. This thin, understated option from Jasgood adds just the right amount of polish to a look whether it’s cinching a billowy dress or adding the cherry on top of the perfect pants. Adding a belt is also great for switching up looks from day to day.

Cardigan Sweater

Nights can get chilly in the Tuscan hills — even June and July see lows of 60 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s why I pack a versatile cardigan that pairs with all my looks in case I get cold. To pass my Italy packing list test, I usually ask myself, “Would Audrey Hepburn have worn this?” And this one from J. Crew passed the test . There’s something decidedly European about its classic stripes, and its neutral palette will match with anything I pack. While the 100 percent cotton sweater is on sale for less than $100 (and has an impressive 4.7 rating), I found a more affordable lookalike at Amazon for just $40.

Matching Set

Matching sets are the epitome of no-fuss, one-and-done outfits that look put-together for any event on the itinerary, whether you’re sipping Chianti at a vineyard or exploring town. Plus, you can mix and match them with other shorts and tops in your suitcase for maximum outfit potential. I splurged on the Noah Two-piece Set from Reformation (look how perfect that “linguini” print is for an Italian wedding weekend event!) but I also have and would recommend something very similar to this $33 matching set from Amazon.

Wide-brim Packable Sun Hat

I plan to soak up the Tuscan sun on this trip and to make sure I’m protected and looking stylish, I’ll pack my trusty J.Crew Packable Sun Hat that’s taken me from Egypt to Greece and back. It easily folds right up into my carry-on, and only takes minimal zhuzhing to get back to its original shape. I’d snap one up while they’re still 62 percent off if I were you.

High-waist Yoga Shorts

One of the most magical moments of my last trips to Tuscany was a bike ride through Chianti. I’m planning to convince my travel partners to re-create that, and I know for that I’ll need some athletic shorts like this pair I swear by from The Gym People. They’re perfect when strolling through markets paired with my oversized white button-down, sun hat, and sneakers. 

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