Franz ElizI enjoy travelling, but what I don’t enjoy much is packing. What I don’t enjoy even more is having to travel with a lot of stuff, especially if I’ll be walking or using buses and trains a lot. That said, I always try to pack mindfully, so I can travel with only one bag – you can do it, too.
Get the right travel bag (not including your handbag) for your one-bag trip, meaning your suitcase or backpack shouldn’t exceed the baggage allowance of the airline you’ll be flying with. It should also be big enough to store all your essentials without your bag looking overpacked.
Depending on the situation, travelling with only one bag is not always an option. But in general, most people can travel with only one bag if they keep their packing list simple and travel light. Keep reading as I’ll share how I travel with only one bag, whether locally or overseas.
Choosing a Backpack With a Capacity Between 27L and 40L
While I do travel with suitcases, I travel with backpacks more. I can say that I’m more of a backpack person, mainly because I usually don’t carry a lot of stuff while travelling. The only times I travel with a lot of stuff are when I have to send some of my things back to my hometown or when I have to move home or work location.
Typically, I tend to travel with 27–40L backpacks. That’s because I find bags in this size range suitable for my body type. These bags are neither too small nor too big to carry, although they can look rather big on me.
Quechua Bags
For hiking bags, I like backpacks from Quechua. They’re nice, durable, and affordable. These French hiking backpacks can also be used as year-round travel backpacks. They look more on the sporty side, which might not suit those who prefer backpacks with a more neutral look. Quechua also has mini day packs that are about 10–20L, such as the Quechua Arpenaz 10 and the Arpenaz NH100 20L, big enough to carry travel or everyday essentials.
When cared for properly, a Quechua backpack (or any Quechua outdoor gear) can last for many years. I have had my 35L and 40L Quechua backpacks for more than 5 years.
Despite its low prices, Quechua has managed to keep customers happy with its high-quality items. The warranty and return policies are also good.
AER Bags
I like Quechua bags and I think their prices are a steal. But for year-round travel backpacks that are also versatile for both city and countryside travels, I think the AER TP3 is a good option. It’s one of the latest bags by AER, a San Francisco company specialising in travel packs.
I found the AER TP3 ideal for travelling thanks to its wonderful bag organisation. It has a clamshell opening and many pocket compartments.
Mine is the 28L version, which I highly recommended to travellers with a smaller frame. The 28L AER TP3 fits under the plane seat even when fully packed – I’ve flown with it in Southeast Asia via AirAsia and Batik Air.
The fabrics used to make the AER TP3 are X-Pac or 1680D Cordura® ballistic nylon. That means the AER TP3 may be a strong and sturdy bag, but it isn’t the lightest backpack. The bag weighs between 1.7 and 1.9kg, which might be a deal-breaker for some.
Note: The AER TP3 doesn’t come with hip straps, but they can be bought separately for about USD20.
Patagonia Bags
For everyday use, I like the Patagonia Black Hole collections, like the Patagonia 27L Blackhole Tote Bag. It makes a great day bag and shopping bag, and even a year-round travel backpack for the most minimalist travellers. I have used mine for several years now and it’s still going strong.
Although the Patagonia 27L Blackhole Tote Bag is about the same size as the AER TP3, for some reason, it feels like the latter can hold up a lot more things. But compared to the AER TP3, the mentioned tote bag is a lot lighter, weighing only 370 g. It’s lightweight but very strong. I’ve carried 10 kg of stuff in it for many years now and the straps have yet to fall apart.
Wearing Lightweight or Year-Round Clothes
I usually pack thin, lightweight clothes that don’t take up much space in my backpack. Even when travelling in winter, I always try to pack minimally.
The weather in Southeast Asia can be quite hot and humid, for example, in Thailand and Malaysia. When travelling to these countries, I would usually wear light but breathable clothes made from 50/50 synthetic and natural fibres. For example, 50% polyester and 50% cotton.
Sometimes I would pack a linen outfit but only if my trip involves specifically hot climate countries. Linens are heavier than cotton but are stronger, so despite their weight, they’re still a good option as I don’t have to worry about them falling apart quickly.
In colder climates, I would wear the same outfit as in hotter ones; but in addition, I’d pack a warmer, bulkier jacket or coat to keep me warm. I sometimes include a bulky sweater, but typically, I use layers of clothes to keep me warm. Generally, I don’t sweat much, so in colder seasons I usually don’t need to wash my clothes so often. If I must wash my clothes, I wash them by hand or send them off to the nearest laundromat.
I Avoid Packing Heavy and Bulky Clothing
I find jeans versatile as they can be worn in both casual and more formal settings. However, I don’t always include them in my packing list because jeans tend to take up more bag space and are heavier than other fabrics.
Instead of jeans, I usually opt for a versatile dress suitable for any kind of setting. If I must pack my jeans, I’ll wear them while flying but only for short-haul flights. Knowing that I’ll pack my jeans – suppose I’m taking a long-haul fight – I ensure I pack them properly without sacrificing space for other important things or exceeding my baggage allowance.
There’s Always Room for Merino Wool
Merino wool is an excellent fabric and I always include it in my trip, whether in hot or cold countries. Even though plain-looking, it’s versatile, elegant, and long-lasting provided that it’s cared for properly. This fabric, however, is not cheap.
Don’t pressure yourself to buy Merino wool. You can stay warm and comfy even with other fabrics (like synthetic-blend clothing), provided that you have a layering system that works for you. I like Merino wool, but personally, I don’t prefer to wear it in hot, humid countries; I still find my good, lightweight, loose singlet more comfortable.
But I always pack at least one Merino wool garment for a trip, like a Merino Wool ¾ top. Merino wool gives me excellent sun protection, with some products offering a UPF of 30+. Since Merino wool can absorb harmful UV rays, my skin can still be protected even if I forgot to apply sun lotion. Icebreaker is one of the best-known brands for Merino wool.
Regardless of the season, I would pack sports bras or small French bralettes, sleeveless tops, (I like padded ones) or crop tops, t-shirts, shorts, a long skirt, a jacket, and trousers.
Wearing Fewer Accessories
I keep my accessories simple, so I usually don’t wear a lot of jewellery; scarves, a watch, a hat, earrings, sunglasses, and bracelets are enough.
One scarf is enough but sometimes I like to have two; a lightweight and bulkier one. The bulkier one is usually big enough to wrap my shoulders or act as a blanket. I like Thai and Vietnam silk scarves; they’re usually soft and warm.
Sunglasses are important as they protect my eyes from the sun. Cataracts are a huge problem and they don’t just affect old people but also young ones. That said, a good pair of sunglasses with UV protection is essential. I like Kiwi-owned Vilo sunglasses. They’re polarized, made of wood and recycled plastic, and offer UV400 sun protection.
Of course, I don’t travel without a hat. I like wearing a cap while travelling. Quechua has pretty good hat options, so you might want to check them out. Caps are cool, but they don’t always provide the best protection for my side face, especially when hiking under the sun.
I usually add more protection to my face by putting a small towel on my head just before putting on my cap. It’s not the most stylish way to wear a cap, but trust me, it works. That said, packing a small towel is a must. It can be used in multiple ways, including protecting me from the sun.
Packing Only One Footwear
Unless you’re doing specific activities that require different footwear, usually there’s no need to pack more than one pair of shoes or slippers.
I usually travel with two pairs of footwear – one which I wear and the other packed in my bag, Sometimes I didn’t even need to pack any footwear. Typically, I have one pair of shoes and one pair of slippers/sandals.
If I don’t need to explore the jungle or hike, I would leave behind bulky hiking boots and pack my trainers instead. My shoes should match most of my outfits, even casual or semi-formal ones.
My favourite slippers are the EVA Birkenstock Gizeh. They’re very comfortable and provide good arch support for my feet. For shoes, I opt for brands like Quechua, The North Face, and New Balance.
Not Overfilling My Bag
If you have the tendency to overfill your bag, it’s best to get a smaller bag. As discussed, I usually travel with bags with a capacity between 27 and 40L. I could go for even a smaller bag, but in most cases, I usually take a bigger one as I have gadgets that I need to carry for travel. If I’m only visiting my family home – where I keep some of my clothes and shoes – I can travel with anything smaller than 27L.
Even if I’m travelling with one bag, that doesn’t mean I don’t have another bag with me on hand. I usually keep an extra bag with me, like a lightweight, packable shopping or multipurpose bag, or a cute handbag. That way, I can leave my main backpack in the hotel while I’m out and about for the day.
I like tote bags, especially the 3-way ones – you can carry them with your hands or shoulders or on your back. The Fjallraven Tote Bag No.1 is a good example. But I prefer the Patagonia Blackhole Tote Bag like the one I have as it’s more lightweight and easier to pack when not in use.
Having an extra bag which I can pack into my main bag is useful when I suddenly decide to bring home souvenirs for my loved ones or even carry food for eating on the go.
Skipping the Makeup or the Latest Fashion Trends
Generally, I don’t wear makeup much. So, I never had the problem of having to make space for my makeup collection. I just travel with my bare face.
Not travelling with any makeup also means there’s no need for a makeup remover, which can take up space and limit the liquids I can bring. Travelling with more than 100 ml of liquid without checking in is generally not a problem for domestic flights, but it is for international ones.
If I choose to take some makeup with me, I’d usually take only lip gloss, eyeliner, or eyelash mascara. They don’t take up a lot of space. If I need to get a makeup remover, I’ll just buy one at my destination. Alternatively, I can use coconut oil to remove my makeup among other things, from moisturising my skin to conditioning my hair.
In addition, I usually avoid following the latest fashion trends, so I won’t have to worry about my outfit all that much. I like practical clothes that can be worn in different settings. For example, I have a pink T-shirt which I like very much and I’ve worn it hundreds of times for hiking, exploring cities, and more.
How To Choose the Right Bag
Getting the right bag is very important. It doesn’t always mean a bag with a systematic organization. If your bag lacks organization pockets, you can always use packing cubes to keep your things organised. Your bag has to be good quality so it can last a long time. Most of my bags are water-resistant, but I would give them a bag cover for extra protection from the elements or harsh handling.
If you’ll be carrying a backpack, make sure it suits your body type. Check if the backpack has a ventilation system and hip straps. If you don’t plan on checking in your bag, make sure that your bag complies with your airline’s carry-on requirements and that it fits in the overhead compartment.
I like having my bag as a carry-on, especially with the rising cost of checked bags today. To ensure that I won’t have trouble regarding my bag size when flying with different airlines, I try to go for backpacks that can fit nicely under the plane seat in front of me. By having a small backpack, I don’t need to keep it in the overhead compartment and can have it close to me.
I usually carry a small, travel-friendly weighing scale to ensure that my backpack doesn’t exceed my airline’s carry-on baggage allowance. Depending on the destination, airlines like AirAsia don’t always inspect their passengers’ bag weight, but it’s best to be on the safe side and comply with the baggage allowance limit.
Summary
Travelling with only one bag is easier than most people might think.
The rules are simple: get a quality bag that complies with airlines’ baggage size requirements, preferably with good organising features, make a packing list to help you decide what to pack and what you can travel without, choose your clothing and footwear wisely, and don’t overfill your bag even if there’s space.
By travelling with only one carry-on, you’re less likely to bring things you don’t need. While you have one main bag, it’s okay to have an extra bag you can easily pack or keep small items.
