The sweet liberation of travelling with nothing but a single backpack! It’s a concept that might have seemed ludicrous to me once—how on earth do you fit everything you need into one tiny space? And yet, here I am, a complete convert to the one-backpack philosophy, preaching the gospel of minimalist travel to anyone who’ll listen. Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of breezing past the baggage carousel with nothing but your essentials snugly fitted on your back. It’s not just about avoiding checked baggage fees or the fear of lost luggage; it’s about the profound sense of freedom that comes with carrying all you need and nothing more.
My journey into the world of one-backpack travel was ignited by a blog post titled “How to Pack Lightly + What I Packed for 8 Days in Italy” from Abundant Life with Less. The post was so compelling that I decided to embrace this minimalist travel approach for a family trip to Folly Beach, South Carolina. Convincing the family was surprisingly easy. My husband, an already minimal packer and the designated luggage lifter, was all for it. My eight-year-old daughter had her reservations, quelled by the promise that her beloved stuffed cat could come along and that essentials could always be purchased. My five-year-old son was indifferent, bless his heart. And just like that, we were set to embark on our one-backpack adventure.
The gear for our experiment was nothing out of the ordinary. We each had a backpack—kids with their LL Bean, me with a Swiss Gear Laptop Backpack, and my husband with his 511 backpack. The only purchases made specifically for this trip were Eagle Creek Compression packing cubes and a clear toiletry bag for my liquids. The packing cubes, in particular, were a game changer, allowing us to maximize space and keep things organized.
Packing was an exercise in minimalism. For a seven-day trip in South Carolina’s unpredictable February weather, I packed a pair of jeans, leggings, sleep shorts, tank tops, shirts, a black cardigan, a bathing suit, a cover-up dress, a lightweight down jacket, underwear, socks, and sandals. On the plane, I wore my bulkiest items to save space.
The benefits of travelling with just one backpack became apparent the moment we left our house. The simplicity and ease of moving from point A to B without the burden of heavy luggage was nothing short of liberating. Bus rides and airport navigations were smooth, with no luggage to check in or wait for. Security checks were a breeze, thanks to our organized packing and adherence to TSA guidelines. I couldn’t help but smile as my daughter marveled at the fact that we were actually doing it—travelling with nothing but a backpack each.
Our hotel room remained tidy throughout our stay, a testament to the fact that having less stuff around actually keeps spaces cleaner. This minimalist approach also influenced our shopping habits. Knowing that whatever we bought had to fit in our backpacks made us more intentional about our purchases, resulting in more meaningful souvenirs.
Perhaps the most significant benefit of this experiment was the time it saved us. Packing and unpacking were effortless, and the journey was smoother and quicker without the hassle of managing multiple pieces of luggage. Even upon returning home, the ease of unpacking and doing laundry was astonishing—two loads of laundry for a week’s worth of adventures.
This experience has not only transformed the way my family and I travel but also how we approach life at home. The simplicity and clarity gained from living with less have prompted us to reevaluate our everyday needs, leading to a more intentional lifestyle.
The one-backpack travel experiment was an unqualified success. It’s a philosophy that has profoundly impacted our family, teaching us that it’s not only possible to travel light but also preferable. The freedom, ease, and clarity that come with carrying less have been liberating, and we are eager to continue exploring the world, one backpack at a time.
Now that you’re intrigued by the prospect of jet-setting around the globe with nothing but a trusty backpack slung over your shoulder, let’s dive into the nuts and bolts of one-bag travel. First things first, choosing the right bag is paramount. It’s not just about looking good as you stroll through the airport; it’s about functionality, comfort, and, importantly, compliance with airline carry-on standards. Remember, the goal here is freedom and ease, not a workout session schlepping an unwieldy sack. Look for something with multiple compartments for easy organization, a comfortable strap system to save your shoulders during those endless terminal treks, and a size that’s just right—not so big that you’re tempted to fill it with unnecessary items, but not so small that you have to leave behind your essentials.
Speaking of essentials, mastering the art of packing is your next mission.
Here, the adage ‘less is more’ couldn’t be truer. Start with a checklist of absolute must-haves — identification, wallet, phone, chargers, and a change of clothes. From there, carefully consider what you’ll need based on your destination and duration. The trick is to pack versatile items that can be mixed, matched, and layered. Think a lightweight jacket that can double as a raincoat, or shoes stylish enough for a nice dinner but comfortable enough for a day of exploration.
Embrace the idea of doing laundry on the go.
Packing fewer items doesn’t mean you have to wear the same outfit day in, day out. A quick wash in the hotel sink or a local laundromat can refresh your wardrobe in no time. And don’t forget the power of packing cubes and compression bags — they can be lifesavers for maximizing space and keeping your backpack organized.
Toiletries can be tricky, but a little creativity helps.
Opt for solid options when possible, like bar soap and shampoo, to avoid spills and TSA liquid restrictions. Alternatively, consider downsizing your liquids into travel-sized containers. And remember, unless you’re venturing into the wilderness, most places will have stores where you can pick up anything you forgot or run out of.
Electronics are an indispensable part of our lives, but they can also be the heaviest and bulkiest items in your pack. Carefully consider what you truly need. Perhaps your smartphone can double as your camera, negating the need for bulky equipment. E-readers are a great alternative to packing physical books, and remember, many places will have Wi-Fi, allowing you to stream content instead of bringing a host of devices.
Don’t overlook the importance of staying organized.
Know where everything is in your backpack, and keep important items like your passport and money in easily accessible, but secure, spots. The last thing you want is to be that person holding up the security line because you can’t find your boarding pass.
Adopting the one-bag travel lifestyle is about embracing simplicity and flexibility. It’s about breaking free from the ‘what-ifs’ and ‘just-in-cases’ that have us lugging around heavy suitcases filled with things we don’t need. It encourages us to focus on the experience, not the excess.Give it a shot! Traveling with one backpack is freeing and eye-opening. Remember, it’s not about what you bring, but what you learn along the way.
Related posts:
My Family’s Experiment with One Backpack Travel
How to Travel With Just One Bag, According to Reddit
One Bag Travel? Yes it’s Possible!
