no bag travel

Traveling with No Luggage: The Ultimate Guide to a Minimalist Adventure

Robert is passionate about traveling, technology, and reading books on his phone.

Traveling with no luggage is a growing trend among adventurers who value minimalism and efficiency. It may seem like a daunting prospect, but with the right approach, you can reap the rewards of a lighter, more streamlined travel experience.

You’re probably wondering how it’s even possible to travel without any luggage. That’s where we come in. In this guide, we’ll share essential tips and techniques to help you embark on your luggage-free journey with confidence.

We’ll cover everything from packing essentials and utilizing pocket-only travel gear to layering clothes and mailing souvenirs. By the time you’ve finished reading, you’ll be well-equipped to explore the world unencumbered by bulky bags.

A. Focus on the Essentials

B. versatile clothing items, a. pocket-only travel solutions, scottevest women’s travel hoodie, ochenta men’s casual military cargo pants, hyout travel jacket, a. mastering the art of layering, b. packing extra clothes, a. pre-arrange shipping with hotels, b. visit local post offices, a. travel apps and e-books, b. digital storage solutions, a. collapsible water bottles, b. multi-functional travel accessories, a. travel laundry essentials, b. quick-drying clothing, a. the magic of convertible clothing, b. top convertible clothing picks for no-luggage travelers, a. rolling and folding techniques, b. packing cubes and compression bags, a. research cultural expectations, b. familiarize yourself with airline carry-on regulations, 1. how do i ensure the safety of my valuables while traveling without luggage, 2. how can i maintain good hygiene while traveling with no luggage, 3. what should i do if i want to buy souvenirs but don’t have space in my pockets or day bag, 4. how can i make sure i pack enough clothes for my trip without luggage, 5. can i travel internationally without luggage.

So, if you’re ready to embrace the freedom of traveling with no luggage, keep reading to discover a new way to see the world.

Mastering the Art of Minimalist Packing

To successfully travel with no luggage, it’s crucial to hone your packing skills and focus on bringing only the essentials. Create a checklist of items that you absolutely cannot do without during your trip, such as travel documents, medications, and a few essential toiletries.

Tip: Use travel-sized toiletries to save space and weight.

Select versatile clothing items that can serve multiple purposes and be easily mixed and matched. This way, you can create a variety of outfits with just a few pieces. Consider clothing made from quick-drying, wrinkle-resistant materials to maintain a polished appearance throughout your journey.

Example: A simple black dress can be worn during the day with sneakers and dressed up for the evening with a statement necklace and heels.

Leverage Travel Gear with Pockets

For a luggage-free experience, consider travel gear designed specifically for this purpose. Companies like ScotteVest offer clothing and accessories with strategically located pockets to accommodate your essentials.

B. Top Travel Clothing for Pocket-Only Travelers

Some excellent options to consider for your pocket-only travel wardrobe include:

This ingenious hoodie is designed to keep your belongings organized and secure with its 18 strategically placed pockets. The pockets are tailored to accommodate a wide range of items, such as passports, smartphones, sunglasses, and even a tablet. Made with a comfortable and breathable material, this travel hoodie also features an adjustable hood and a built-in eye mask for those moments when you need to catch some shut-eye on the go.With 18 pockets, this hoodie can hold everything from documents to electronics.

These rugged yet stylish cargo pants are made from rip-stop fabric, ensuring durability and comfort. The eight pockets include four side pockets with Velcro or button closures, two rear pockets with flaps, and two classic hand pockets. These pants are perfect for carrying your essentials while traveling, hiking, or exploring a new city, and their relaxed fit ensures all-day comfort.

This versatile cotton-polyester vest was initially created for fly fishing enthusiasts but has proven to be a valuable asset for no-luggage travelers as well. With 16 pockets of various sizes, it can hold an impressive array of items, from smartphones and passports to larger items like water bottles or compact cameras. The vest’s lightweight and breathable fabric, along with its adjustable straps, ensure a comfortable fit and make it an ideal choice for keeping your belongings safe and within easy reach during your luggage-free adventures.

Remember: Opt for clothes with secure pockets to reduce the risk of theft.

Layer or Pack Extra Clothes (If Possible)

When traveling with no luggage, layering your clothing can help you stay prepared for different weather conditions without taking up additional space. For example, wear a vest, a long-sleeved shirt, and a t-shirt underneath to adapt to fluctuating temperatures.

If you’re a pocket or day bag traveler, consider packing an extra pair of socks, underwear, and a spare t-shirt. These items can serve as a backup while you launder your current clothing.

Mail Souvenirs or Extra Gear

Instead of carrying souvenirs or extra gear, consider mailing these items to your destination or back home. For example, you can ship warm clothing to your first cool destination by pre-arranging this with the hotel you plan to stay at.

When you find a souvenir you can’t resist, simply visit a local post office and mail the item home. This strategy allows you to enjoy your trip without being weighed down by extra belongings.

Note: Airlines do not permit luggage to travel without the passenger across international borders.

Embrace Digital Solutions

When traveling with no luggage, it’s essential to take advantage of digital solutions to save space and weight. Replace physical guidebooks, maps, and language dictionaries with apps and e-books that can be accessed from your smartphone or tablet.

Examples: Google Maps , Duolingo , and Kindle .

Consider using cloud storage solutions like Google Drive or Dropbox to store and access important documents, such as travel itineraries, hotel reservations, and copies of your passport. This not only saves space but also provides an extra layer of security in case of loss or theft.

Tip: Keep your devices charged and bring a portable power bank for emergencies .

Use Travel Accessories to Maximize Space

A collapsible water bottle is a space-saving hero for luggage-free travelers.

These bottles can be folded or rolled up when not in use, taking up minimal space in your pocket or day bag.

Invest in travel accessories that serve multiple purposes to reduce the number of items you need to carry. A travel scarf with hidden pockets, for example, can serve as both a fashion accessory and a storage solution.

Other examples: A multi-tool card, a combination lock with a built-in cable, or a compact travel towel that doubles as a blanket.

Prepare for Laundry on the Go

When traveling with no luggage, it’s important to be prepared to launder your clothes as needed. Pack a small, travel-sized laundry kit containing detergent, a sink stopper, and a clothesline to ensure you can wash your garments wherever you are.

Choose clothing made from quick-drying materials to expedite the laundry process. This allows you to wash your clothes in the evening and have them dry and ready to wear the next day.

Tip: Look for clothing made from synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon, as these materials tend to dry more quickly than natural fibers like cotton.

Embrace the Versatility of Convertible Clothing

When traveling with no luggage, convertible clothing can be a game-changer for packing light and maintaining flexibility in your wardrobe. These ingenious garments can be transformed into different clothing items, allowing you to adapt to various weather conditions and situations with ease. In this section, we’ll explore the benefits of convertible clothing and offer some suggestions for must-have items on your next luggage-free journey.

Convertible clothing is designed to serve multiple purposes, helping you reduce the number of items you need to pack while still having a variety of outfit options. These items are especially helpful when traveling to destinations with unpredictable weather or when you need to transition from casual to formal settings.

• Convertible Pants/Shorts: These versatile pants can easily be transformed into shorts by zipping off the lower pant legs. They’re perfect for hikes, city exploration, or when temperatures fluctuate throughout the day.
• Wrap Dresses/Skirts: A wrap dress can double as a skirt by simply adjusting the way it’s tied. This offers you two different looks with just one piece of clothing.
• Reversible Clothing: Reversible items, such as jackets, shirts, and even leggings, give you two different color or pattern options in one garment, increasing your outfit combinations without taking up extra space.
• Multi-Way Tops: These innovative tops can be worn in multiple ways by adjusting straps, ties, or buttons, giving you several unique looks with just one piece.
• Convertible Travel Pillows/Scarves: A convertible travel pillow that can also be used as a scarf is a practical and space-saving accessory for no-luggage travelers.

By incorporating convertible clothing into your travel wardrobe, you can streamline your packing process, save valuable space, and still enjoy a range of stylish outfit choices on your luggage-free adventure.

Practice Smart Packing Techniques

Mastering smart packing techniques is crucial for traveling with no luggage. Experiment with different folding and rolling methods to find the most space-efficient way to pack your clothes and accessories.

Examples: The Ranger Roll or the Bundle Packing Method .

If you’re using a day bag, packing cubes and compression bags can be a game-changer for saving space and keeping your belongings organized. These accessories help you compress your clothes and other items, making them easier to fit in a limited space.

Be Mindful of Local Customs and Regulations

When traveling with no luggage, it’s important to be aware of local customs and cultural expectations regarding attire. Dress modestly and respectfully, and be prepared to cover your head, shoulders, or legs as necessary in religious or traditional settings.

If you’re relying on pockets or a day bag to carry your essentials, familiarize yourself with airline carry-on regulations, especially regarding liquid and electronic items. This will help you avoid unexpected surprises or delays at security checkpoints.

Tip: Consider using solid toiletries (e.g., shampoo bars or solid toothpaste) to comply with liquid restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions about Traveling with No Luggage

Be cautious and strategic with your belongings. Use clothes with secure pockets or invest in a high-quality day bag with lockable zippers. Distribute your valuables among different pockets and compartments to minimize risk.

Pack a few essential toiletries like a travel-sized toothbrush, toothpaste, and a small bar of soap. If possible, bring solid toiletries to save space and comply with airline regulations. Take advantage of public restrooms or your accommodations for quick wash-ups and laundry when needed.

You can mail souvenirs or extra gear back home. Visit a local post office, and they will help you send your items to your destination. Remember, this may not be possible for all types of souvenirs, so plan accordingly.

Focus on packing versatile clothing items that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. Opt for clothes made from quick-drying, odor-resistant materials so you can wash them on the go. Additionally, layering your clothes will allow you to carry more items and adjust to different weather conditions.

Yes, it’s possible to travel internationally without luggage. However, you’ll need to plan carefully and be mindful of local customs, airline regulations, and any visa requirements. Make sure you carry all essential documents, like your passport and travel itinerary, in a secure and easily accessible place.

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Travel miracle new company packs your suitcase for you.

Take a moment to consider the worst things about travel.

Aside from annoying seatmates and surly airport staff, chances are some of your complaints relate to the drudgery of preparing for a trip.

Washing, ironing, packing.

Making sure your luggage isn’t overweight.

Lugging said luggage all over the world.

Now imagine a world in which none of that has to happen.

A world in which all you need to grab before a flight is your smart phone, laptop and passport.

That’s the aim of DUFL, a start-up company that launched earlier this year with the slogan, “Changing the way the world travels.”

Basically, DUFL promises to simplify your trip by cleaning, ironing, packing, storing and shipping attire and toiletries to your U.S. destination for you.

For now, the service is only available in the United States, but the company says it expects to start operating in Canada soon and expand to the EU and Asia in 2016.

How high maintenance are you?

DUFL founder Bill Rinehart says the company already has international customers who use DUFL for their U.S. travel.

In fact, it was his own overseas travel that inspired him to start DUFL.

“I was in London on a Friday for business, waiting for my return flight to Phoenix and dreading the fact that when I got home I had to unpack, do laundry, make a same day rush trip to the dry cleaner and repack so I could be in New York on Monday,” says Rinehart.

“I knew there was a niche that needed to be filled.”

There are a couple of questions you might be asking yourself right now.

Namely, “Am I really that busy or high maintenance? Can I not even find the time to pack my own bags?”

DUFL hopes so.

Here’s how it works:

First, you download the DUFL app and create an account.

DUFL then sends you a suitcase to fill with all the clothes and toiletries you might want to take on future trips.

After you schedule a pickup, your goods are taken to a U.S.-based facility where they’re photographed, cleaned and stored.

Before your next trip, you can pack virtually by using the app to select which of your own clothes and other items you’d like to have waiting for you when you reach your destination on a specified arrival date.

Assuming you’re willing to go to such lengths to avoid dealing with luggage, the price tag of $9.95 per month for storage and $99 per round-trip ticket likely won’t phase you.

Ready to sign up?

You can get more information at DUFL .

Show all

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Minimalist Travel Gear Packing List 2022 (No Bags!)

“Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

I originally posted this page in 2012. Since then, it has attracted a ton of views, spawned the No Bags Trave l movement, and got me the World’s Best Travel Hacker badge from FlightNetwork.com. In short, it struck a nerve. Therefore, I keep it updated. Here’s what I got for 2022 .

“Where’s your luggage?”

“It’s all I got.”

This is always how it begins. This is what security officers in Ben Gurion airport ask when they see me – sometimes with a tiny bag, sometimes completely bagless – going abroad. And it is then when I need to disarm and convince them I am neither a lunatic nor a terrorist.

So I send them to this page ;)

What’s this page, you’re asking?

It is your travel guide to serendipity, freedom, and joy of life.

For the past decade I’ve traveled the world almost full-time. What I’ve constantly noticed was how much of an impact your belongings have on the joy of your trip. It made me realize that minimalism is truly a privilege of the rich. The gurus weren’t lying!

Here you will see how I gradually minimized my gear, sculpturing it to a point where it offers maximum peace of mind and comfort.

The result?

After a ton of field tests in ~70 countries, I can proudly say I have refined my gear to a point where I don’t even need a backpack anymore.

I call this… No Bag Travel. You may also call it No Luggage Travel, or No Baggage Travel. It is the art of traveling so light you can technically pack all your travel gear inside the pockets of your pants.

The only times I carry a bag is when I go on extended periods and need my laptop for work. In either case, I am always as mobile as a bird.

Minimalist Travel

“It is futile to do with more things that which can be done with fewer.” – William of Occam

You know that classic backpacker look. The colorful bracelets all over the arms. The disgusting, sweaty, worn-out T-shirt. The gigantic Lonely Planet guide. And the huge NASA rocket harnessed on the back.

What the heck do backpackers (rocketpackers?) fill it with? To me, that is absolute insanity . Back in my days in the Israeli Defense Forces, I had the fetid privilege of spending months in the harsh desert. The funny thing? Neither me nor my comrades ever carried so much luggage.

The joke becomes even more ridiculous when backpackers see how better equipped I am, compared to them. They’re unable to fathom the idea. How can this guy carry that little and look cleaner than me?

The secret, as secrets always are, is both elegant and simple:

You can wear one set of clothes at any time, so why not maximize the efficiency of this one set and ditch the rest? Why not pick something that never stinks, barely needs laundry, and always looks great?

Less is more.

This is what this minimalist travel gear guide is all about.

Benefits of Traveling Light

“The cost of a thing is the amount of what I call life which is required to be exchanged for it, immediately or in the long run.” – Henry Thoreau

• Less frustration and wasted time. You won’t have to wait at the airport for your luggage, or worse, get frustrated if the airlines loses it. Also, going on and off airports will be blazing fast.
• Cheaper flight fares . Most low-cost airlines charge additional money for anything bigger than a handbag. With my philosophy, you’ll always be complying with onboard luggage policies. In other words, you’ll save money. (Related: How to Find Cheap Flight Tickets )
• Flexibility and comfort . You won’t have to waste energy carrying luggage, or finding a place to store it. You’ll have less back pain. You’ll do less laundry. Traveling light is pure beauty. It allows you to jump on opportunities and adventures as they come. Serendipity will find you. This, my friends, is what real freedom looks like.
• Better infusion with the local culture . There is a degree of disrespect when you walk around Cambodia holding a big, shiny DSLR. Being more modest in appearance will make you more inviting, and attract more interactions with the locals.
• Less risk. You’ll be traveling with little, so you won’t look like the average tourist. You’ll look more like an expat. Vendors will be less likely to rip you off, and malicious people will be less likely to rob you. (Related: Best Way to Take Money Abroad )
• You don’t need more.  Cyril Parkinson was known for his disrespect to the lack of human efficiency at managing resources. He suggests that work expands so as to fill the time available to its completion. If you have eight ours to finish a task, it’ll tend to take you eight hours. Likewise, your luggage expands so as to fill the space available. No matter the size of your bag, you’ll always find a way to fill it up.
• Simplicity.  Before going on my first long minimalist trip, I had given my entire wardrobe to charity. I won’t lie, giving everything away did itch. But it was a great lesson, a reminder of the enormous amount of trash the human race accumulates. Shortly after, I learned a good lesson: An unnecessary item you owned quickly loses its meaning when gone. You forget it existed. Leaving all those physical burdens behind means you’ll be more focused on your trips, on life itself.

Minimalist Travel Gear Packing List

“We make progress by eliminating things, by removing the superfluous.” – Steve Jobs

My philosophy isn’t stinking like a barefoot hippy. It is to be efficient. You want to choose your gear wisely and skillfully. We’re going to carry just a few items, so it’s crucial to make the right choices and ensure we’re as lean and mean as possible. Therefore, our fabric of choice is this:

The nastiest mistake I see on the travel trail is the use of synthetic “travel gear”, or cotton. The former may dry quickly and wick sweat away, but it stinks like a mofo. The latter not only stinks, but also becomes sweaty, takes ages to dry, and doesn’t keep you warm enough when it’s chilly.

And so, our savior is wool. But why wool?

• Doesn’t stink. Wool is naturally anti-microbial and odor resistant, and quickly evaporates sweat into the air. You’ll rarely have to wash it. You can go weeks with a single set of wool clothing. If it does begin to smell, it’ll often be because of food stains rather than sweat.
• Regulates body temperature. Wool is naturally both breathable and insulating. It evaporates sweat and keeps you dry in summer, and excels at keeping you warm when it’s cold.
• Dries super fast.  Imagine a tropical monsoon showering you out of nowhere. With cotton, you’ll have to change your clothes as soon as you can. With wool, you’ll be dry again before you know it. Wool can also absorb a lot more water before you “feel wet”.
• Doesn’t wrinkle. Wool is naturally resistant to wrinkles because of the structure of its fibers, so you’ll never look like a homeless person. And no more time wasted ironing if you’re a business traveler!

You can use any type of wool – Cashmere, Mohair, etc. I like Merino wool, which comes from New Zealander sheep, because it’s soft, elegant, widely available commercially, and never itches like those sweaters Grandma used to knit for you when you were a child.

So, without further ado…

Best Travel Gear: Minimalist Packing List

“The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less.” – Socrates

I’m assuming you’re gearing for a short trip, so I’ll give you suggestions for different climates. If you’re traveling full-time, you’ll need to mix & match depending on the range of climates you’ll encounter.

Shirt (Base Top Layer)

The base layer helps regulate your body temperature and wick sweat away, keeping your body dry. Cotton isn’t good. It retains moisture and will get you cold even if you have five layers of fleece above it.

So, which base wool top should you get?

Depends on your destination:

Hot and sunny ? Get a thin layer (120-150gsm), something like the  Woolly Ultralight Crew  / Woolly Tank  for men, or the Smartwool Merino 150 Lace Tank for women. If it’s really hot, choose a tank top. Wool is warm.

Springlike?  Get a 165-200gsm base layer, something like the  Minus33 Ticonderoga 170  /  Woolly Henley  for men or the  Minus33 Moriah 170  /  Meriwool 180 / Icebreaker 175 for women.

For triple the price, you can get a gorgeous 130-200gsm Wool & Prince button-down . I own one and love it, though you can’t machine-wash it.

Cold and wintery? Get a 230-300gsm base layer, something like the Minus33 Chocorua 230  / Minus33 Isolation 230 /  Meriwool 250  for men, or the Minus33 Ossipee 230 /  Meriwool 250  / Kari Traa for women.

Freezing and arctic?  Go hardcore and get a 400gsm base layer, like the Minus33 Yukon for men or the Meriwool 400g for women.

Feel an itch to browse some more? Then go check Amazon . The only rule of thumb to remember: 100% wool . Try to choose the best weight (gsm) for your destination, but don’t obsess over it too much. I was in Canada in freezing January, and a 170gsm base layer did the job. And remember:

You only need a single shirt.

Wool doesn’t stink, so it’s the only shirt you’ll need. After you buy your shirt, wear it for a couple days. Do some workouts, sweat in it. Then do the same with cotton. Now sniff both. Smell the difference?

Mid Top Layer (For Cold Weathers)

The mid layer helps insulate your body and trap heat. Obviously you don’t need it when you travel to warm places, where a single shirt, the base layer, is all you need. But in cold weather it’s necessary. Our best materials for a mid-layer are wool, fleece and goose down:

Wool: breathable, doesn’t stink, dries quickly, insulates even when wet. Warmth per weight isn’t exceptional. Can be pricey.

Fleece: breathable, dries quickly, very inexpensive, but lacks water resistance and can also smell quite quickly.

Goose down: the king of warmth per weight. Exceptionally packable. Best for extremely cold and dry conditions. Not nearly as breathable as wool and fleece. If you’re going to get your heart rate up and be super active, it can get very hot, very fast. Also, very expensive, and can smell.

So, what to choose? Again, this depends on the weather:

Not freezing? Get something like the Aran Crafts Irish Wool Sweaters / Cashmeren Turtleneck  / Woolly 250gsm Zip-up / 1/4 zip / Henley 190gsm  if you’re a man. Short on cash? Go with a Goodthreads’ sweater . For women, go for a beautiful Aran Crafts Irish Wool masterpiece / West End Knitwear Cable Sweater /  Carraig Donn Long Irish Sweater . You can also get a 100 / 200  (also for women ) / 300 / 420 Polartec fleece. However, I prefer wool, since fleece can smell. When you go No Bag, it’s crucial.

Freezing? When things get icy , you’ll want goose down. The higher its Fill Power (FP), the warmer it is per gram of down. For the best warmth per weight, the Montbell Plasma 1000 ( Men  /  Women ) is unbeatable. It offers 1.6oz (45g) of top-notch 1000FP down, and weighs a ridiculous 135g (4.8oz). For very cold climates, you’ll want more fill though, something like the Plasma 1000 Alpine at least. Montbell has a nice line:

Do note: down is VERY good at trapping body heat. You’ll be toasty, especially when wearing a wool base layer. So, if you don’t go to the Arctic, don’t go with a crazy jacket. For up to -5f (-20c), almost any down jacket will suffice (real down, not synthetic ‘puff jackets’).

Personally, I’m using an Eddie Bauer Hooded Cirruslite I picked on a $25 Amazon sale. Amazing fit, coated with a water repellent, and very durable so far. Kept me very toasty on my last trip to the Pyrenees mountains. You can often find (new) Eddie Bauer items on eBay for good prices.

Another option is the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer ( Men / Women ). Wind proof and water-repellent, and warmer than the Eddie Bauer, though also pricier. Pick only if the weather is really cold.

Oh, and if you’re going somewhere crazy frozen – think Greenland, Siberia or Antarctica in the winter – consider a full down suit .

Outer Top Layer (Storm Shell)

An outer shell protects you from the rain, snow and wind. Personally, I won’t bother taking one if it just light rain or wind. But if it’s anything heavy, a shell can be a godsend. If that’s your case, get yourself a light, breathable, and fully waterproof (not just ‘resistant’) shell.

The lightest one is the Arc’teryx Norvan SL ( Men / Women ) – waterproof and windproof at only 4.2oz! (120g). The Outdoor Research Helium II ( Men / Women , 6.4oz / 180g) is a much cheaper option. If you find a fully waterproof shell that costs less (and isn’t too heavy), go for it.

I used to travel with brushed-nylon convertible travel pants . They were comfortable, but started smelling quickly. So I ditched them.

I replaced them with the since-discontinued Wool & Prince wool shorts. That solved the, well, aroma issue, but they were far too thick for hot climates, where I was visiting most of the time. So I began wearing…

Just my swimming shorts!

This proved to be a genius move for a number of reasons. First, because I was immersing them in water the whole day — I was scuba diving and ocean bathing a lot — they never smelled. Second, I liked their super light feeling. And third… I could wear them without underwear.

So, which pants/shorts should you get?

If you’re going somewhere warm, any swim shorts with pockets will work, like the Kanu Surf Barracuda . For women it’s trickier. You can’t just walk in bikini all day. But you can wear some light wool yoga pants / trousers (with pockets, if you No Bag it). Try SmittenMerino .

If you’re traveling to cooler climates, or if you just want to look nicer, try Makers & Riders wool trousers ( for women too). I’ve been wearing them for a couple years; very durable and good looking. They use 45% wool at 190gsm. If you need something warmer, get the Wool & Prince ones , which are 60% wool, 240gsm. Similar price for more wool!

Note:  Neither the Makers & Riders nor the Wool & Prince trousers are pure wool. Still, no smell. Wore them for years now; no problem.

If you don’t want to spend any money, just pick your favorite pair of jeans. I find myself traveling with jeans more and more often. Not always comfy, but they don’t smell nearly as bad as brushed-nylon “travel pants”.

Now, if you’re going somewhere cold, put a nice wool base layer underneath the pants. Pick the gsm according to climate and how cold-sensitive you are: Men ( 170 / 200 /  250 ) – Women ( 170 /  230 / 250 /  400 ). For women, here’s a nice wool pullover sweater/dress combo to put on top of the wool base layer leggings, if you don’t want any pants.

P.S.  Whatever pants you choose, I recommend sewing an internal pocket . This will secure your passport, money and credit card.

Back when I started traveling, I was wearing the famous ExOfficio Give N’ Go because of the hype. However, they took noticeably longer to dry than my wool gear. This is why I now wear wool exclusively as my undies.

Currently I am using two nice pairs of Woolly, but will replace them soon, as they start to wear out- I’ve had them for two years. All in all, just get the cheapest 100% wool boxer briefs or panties you can find.

How many pairs should you pack? When I No-Bag, I’ll wear one, and wash it as I’m showering every night. It’ll dry before I wake up. When I do carry a bag, I’ll take two pairs and alternate.

P.S. For those prone to chaffing, I recommend boxers over briefs.

P.S. #2 For ladies looking for 100% merino wool bras, they exist!

Going somewhere cold? Buy a pair of touch-screen friendly gloves, so you don’t have to take it off whenever you use your phone. Good options:

Novawo Unisex Magic Wool & Cashmere Blend

Elma Nappa Leather Gloves (100% Cashmere lining)

Warmen Nappa Leather Gloves (30% Wool / 70% Cashmere lining)

Eddie Bauer Men’s Boundary Pass Down Gloves

Eddie Bauer Women’s Sun Valley Down Gloves

Personally, I have the Elma and wear them for most weathers. They look amazing, they’re inexpensive, and they’re made of real leather and wool. If I went somewhere frozen, I’d take down gloves though.

If you want to cover your head, look for a 100% wool beanie . Whatever that you personally liked, and is 100% wool, get it.

By the way, for more versatility, get a wool buff ! You can use it as a beanie, a neck scarf, a balaclava, even ring it around your head to warm your ears. I even used one in Central America to protect my face from mosquitoes in the jungle at night. It’s a versatile garment.

For the past decade, I’ve been wearing barefoot style shoes exclusively.

Normal shoes have numerous problems. Mainly, they don’t allow enough space for the toes to spread, and their sole isn’t flat. This makes you strike the ground with your heels, hurting your back and feet.

Check this out:

Of of all the pairs I tried, these are my favorites:

• For sport-sandals, the Xero Shoes Z-Trail .
• For lightweight active shoes, the Xero Shoes Speed Force are superb.
• For cooler weathers, the VivoBarefoot Gobi II .
• For cold weathers, the Lems Shoes Leather Boulder Boots .
• For a fancy look, check out the stunning Carets barefoot shoes .

(My pair of Lems Boulder Boots to the left, and Carets to the right)

Once you get used to barefoot shoes, you’ll never go back. The proper part of your feet will land first when you walk or run, providing natural shock absorption without added stress on the back. Your toes will have room to spread, giving you a stronger grip. Your tendons and ligaments will strengthen, and your posture will improve.

P.S: If I travel to a beach destination, I’ll just take my flip flops.

P.S #2 Don’t forget to get some 100% wool socks. I use those 100% Alpaca wool socks and love them. I tested them by No Bagging a single pair to Czech Republic. Never washed them, and they refused to smell.

P.S #3 If you travel to warm destinations, have open shoes (sandals, etc). Humidity, warmth and darkness is a killer combo for bacteria.

P.S #4 If you have small children, have them wear barefoot footwear from day one. That will ensure their feet develop well, wide and strong!

Update : I am now finding myself wearing Xero Shoes almost exclusively. Check out my nice collection:

The Aptos are the nicest day to day, slip on – slip off pair of shoes. The speedforce are my favorite running or gym shoes in the summer, the 360, in the winter. The Alpine are incredible for Skii trips or other colder climates. The Aqua sport are really comfy for running at the beach or other messy terrains (their material is non-absorbant), plus I love its “lacing” mechanism, much more comfortable than traditional laces, and much firmer than the Aptos. All of the pairs above are nice.

I still wear the Carets for anything “official” or fancy, but for most other purposes, the Xero Shoes are my go-to. The Boulder boots’s sole have disconnected from the leather fairly shortly after I started using them, but the Xero Shoes (every single one of my pairs) have all held on. I still use the Boulder, but I suspect soon I’ll have to get rid of them. My full collection nowadays (5 XeroShoes, 1 BoulderBoots, 1 Carets):

When I travel, I pick whatever pair makes most sense for that particular trip. For example, I went to ski in Italy two months ago – the XeroShoes Alpine was absolutely priceless. Kept my feet toasty and happy.

When Apple started using their dual-lens technology ( bought from Israeli startup Lynx Imaging ), my life as a photography enthusiast changed.

In the past I used to carry a DSLR. But DSLRs are massive and heavy. Also, I never felt comfortable walking with a DSLR into a poor village, where people can barely afford a good meal. It felt like arrogance.

Luckily, smartphones have gone a long way. Check out those unedited photos I took in Canada with my iPhone 7 Plus a couple years ago:

Who would have thought we’d ever be able to get a nice bokeh (blurred background) with a smartphone? It does it by using a setup of two lenses and combining the input computationally. Having two lenses of different focal lengths also means you can zoom in and retain quality:

These days, I’m using a Pixel 6 , which is much newer and takes even better photos. And the wide lens is a killer for landscapes.

When you have a smartphone that can take this kind of photos, you have an exceptionally powerful device in your hands. This, and merino wool, are what truly allow us to go No Bag without sacrificing anything.

The smartphone really is amazing:

No need to carry a laptop – book flights, read news, respond to mails, all from that tiny device. No need to carry a notebook for notes. No need to take scuba dive / workout / vaccination logs. It’s also your clock, music player, eBook reader, and GPS. Download maps. Monitor your business. Stay in touch with family and friends. And now it has an amazing camera. All in slim waterproof chassis that easily slides in your pocket.

However, you must be careful. The easiest way to corrupt your travels is to constantly check your emails, browse social media, and get a false sense of home. Don’t let it destroy the sense of adventure you’ve been craving so much. So, use Airplane Mode generously.

Sometimes, I’ll travel with my old, compact Olympus XZ-1 and leave the smartphone at the hotel. It just feels more natural when you ask locals to take photos of themselves. With the Olympus, it feels like you’re a photographer making art. With the smartphone, they think you’re a pervert who wants to share their photos over WhatsApp. In cold weathers, where your fingers are stiff, it’s especially nicer operating a camera made of physical buttons, rather than the touch-screen of a phone.

By the way, I recommend Airalo if you need constant internet access for your GPS. It gives you eSIMS for almost any country, at great prices.

No Bag doesn’t mean you need to smell. Don’t neglect your hygiene.

Did you know that sweat itself doesn’t stink? It’s only when it comes in contact with the bacteria in your armpits that it does. Neutralize that bacteria and you neutralize the odor.

But, don’t use normal, anti-perspiration deodorants.

First, your body needs to perspire. Second, normal deodorants contain toxic substances that you don’t want absorbed in your body. Third, they leave icky stains on your expensive wool shirts. The solution?

Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda).

I use it all the time, even at home. When I travel, I carry it in a tiny 3g cosmetic container . You don’t need much; a small amount will last forever. I apply the soda after my morning shower. It’s potent – put much less than you think you need. If I use too much, you get armpit rash.

Years ago, I used a  Thai crystal stone  ( potassium alum, not the synthetic  ammonium alum ). It works, but it’s much bulkier. Not suitable at all for No Bag Travel. Both the stone and baking soda prevent bacterial growth, allowing you to perspire without smelling.

Toothbrush & Toothpaste

I carry a  Tom’s of Maine travel size toothpaste . Tom’s doesn’t contain any nasty substance like peroxide. Combine with a travel toothbrush like this or this and you’re set. If you’re taking a bag, no sense in compromising, you have the space for a normal toothbrush.

I tend not to carry soap, because hotels always have them. When, however, I go off the grid, I’ll grab a travel size bottle of Dr. Bronner . You can use it to both clean yourself and your clothes, if needed. It’s a very concentrated all-natural soap, a little bit will last forever. If you want a good way to carry it, use a GoToob . Up to 3.5oz is airplane-friendly.

Other Items

A Minimalist Towel

Get a PackTowl . When my sister joined the Israeli Defense Forces, I gave her one of those. She was shocked when she used it after a shower, hung it dry on a clothesline under the sun, and found it 100% dry exactly 8 minutes later. If I stay out in the wild, I’ll take a Packtowl Ultralite.

A Minimalist Wallet

For the past couple of years, I have been using a KOOLSTOF money clip . It takes little space, it’s super lightweight, it holds your bills and cards tight and always springs back to its original shape, it passes through airport security without upsetting the metal detector, and it looks awesome. By the way, there are cheaper carbon fiber money clips on Amazon .

But, there’s one main drawback that made me give up on the money clip. The inserting and taking out the cards scrape the cards. My RFID chip has completely stopped working on the credit card, and some text was scraped off on one of my other cards. So I resorted to a more traditional minimalist wallet. I tested a good bunch, and ended up with these:

Vaultskin KENSINGTON ( Amazon )

I love this one. It’s intended for single passport use (as shown on the fourth photo), but I found out you can use it for dual-passport as well by simply placing them on the outside sleeves, where boarding passes are supposed to go. The leather is very high quality to the eye, touch, and nose. It has four pockets for cards, although two of the pockets can fit two each. When I go No-Bag, I’ll use this passport exclusively.

Vaultskin MANHATTAN ( Amazon )

This one is the Kensington’s little brother (as you can see from the last photo). They pair each other really well. I use this one daily back at home, where I don’t need to carry my passports, or when I travel with a bag, in which case I’ll have the smaller Manhattan in my pocket, and leave the Kensington with the passports at the hotel. The wallet is just as well made as the Kensington. It has four internal slots for cards, though the two inner ones are difficult to reach. It also has one external card pocket for frequent use, which is very comfy to store your room key in.

Andar Monarch ( andar.com ) or Scout ( andar.com )

If you want a wallet with an even smaller footprint, the Andar wallets are great. My friend, who also travels with me from time to time, uses the Scout (the one with the middle pocket for bills) and absolutely loves it . If you live in a cashless country, like Iceland, the Monarch will be even cleaner, though I have mixed feelings about its pull string mechanism. Anyway, both are high quality leather, handcrafted by a legit brand from Arizona. This is not one of your Chinese brands on Amazon.

Andar Atlas ( andar.com )

If you have just a single passport and want something slim for it, the Andar Atlas is really nice. Its only problem was that the passport wouldn’t slide all the way down (as you can see from the photo). To solve this, I just detached that pulling-string mechanism, cause it was blocking the passport from going deeper. It’s great now, and the passport is easy to pull even without the string. It’s the slimmest passport wallet you’ll find that can also hold a couple cards, boarding passes, and cash. I like it.

Habitoux Passport Wallet ( Amazon ) + Hissimo Bitfold Wallet ( Amazon )

If you’re short on cash but still want a passport wallet and/or a regular minimalist wallet, those two are nice. No, not as nice as the Vaultskins or Andars (notice the glue on the bottom of the Hissimo), but nice. They’ll cost you about half of what the more premium combos will cost you.

By the way, if you pick a cheaper wallet, its RFID function may be a bluff. You can check this by trying to wireless-pay with your card while its inside the wallet. If the payment goes through, the wallet doesn’t protect anything. In such a case, you can use Vaultskin’s VAULTCARD . Simply put it inside the wallet, and it will protect any RFID chip around it:

Rescue Whistle

Imagine you’re lost in a jungle trek (happened to me in Costa Rica), or stranded in the ocean (boat, scuba diving or paddle boarding troubles, etc), or being chased by a pack of wild dogs, or, if you’re a woman, being followed by someone when you’re alone. In such cases, a whistle could save your life. Shouting is demanding, and often not loud enough. The solution is a rescue whistle. Just read these Amazon reviews:

“Never thought I’d need to use it, but sure enough, I got stuck in a tree well while skiing. Scary as hell. I have it attached to my zipper pull on my Patagonia shell jacket which made it easily accessible. That’s a big deal when you’re hanging upside down in a tree well, using one hand to hold onto a branch for dear life. I blew this thing like my life depended on it. Sure enough, after about 5 minutes, another skier heard it echoing through the woods and found me. Fortunately I wasn’t immersed in powder. I could breathe and extract myself after I calmed down. Could have been much, much worse.”

“This whistle is extremely loud. I got it to scare off bears while hiking. Even though all my trail buddies laugh at my “rape whistle”, I’ll take all the jokes if it works as intended just once in my life!”

“When I bought this whistle, I imagined it would be nothing more than one of the many trinkets I own for emergency situations, but never use. I brought this whistle with me on a family vacation the Philippines. Everyone poked fun at the whistle because I tend to be over prepared. But no one could foresee that this little whistle would be the one thing that actually saved our lives! My family and I were on the island of Palawan and rented a private boat tour for the day. We were supposed to tour a few different islands in the area and be brought back to shore. About midway through our tour, in the middle of the ocean our boat was cut into by the massive waves (what our “captains” neglected to mention was that a Gale warning was in effect and boats were supposed to be out of the water hours prior) and in a matter of seconds our boat completely submerged. We grabbed everything we could and with our life jackets strapped on were floating in the middle of the ocean- no swimmable land in sight. I went into survival mode and the first thing I did was blow with fierceness into this whistle, weary that anyone would hear it but feeing as though it was our only hope. Our boat had no method of communication, no walkies or dispatch. It also ran on a gasoline engine- we were drenched in gasoline as the 3-4ft waves thrashed around us. After about 5 minutes of using this whistle a boat appeared in the distance. What we would find out later was that they were on their way to shore (also due to the intensity of the waves) and that they could not see us because of the height of the waves, but the only thing they could hear was the blowing of our whistle and the very tip of our boat before it sank completely. This whistle saved our lives, and no one was laughing at it afterwards! I’ve had many family members and friends who have asked me for the link to purchase. I definitely recommend having this whistle with you if you’re out on the water, it’s truly a lifesaver.”

“It once saved my life in a scuba diving accident. While floundering in the ocean, I blew SOS and was heard all the way to shore; several miles away. I was rescued as a result.”

Convinced now?

OK, so whistle should you get? Look for a couple features:

• High decibel count (100+) so it can be heard from a mile away.
• Pea-less design to eliminate the risk of jamming/freezing (no moving parts). Also blows when wet, and eliminates rattle when walking.
• Doesn’t take a lot of breath. Fell and broke a rib? You won’t be able to give a hard blow. You want to turn heads with minimal lung effort.
• Ultralight, portable and comfortable to carry; flat if possible!
• Bright design so you can easily find it.
• Plastic. Won’t stick to your mouth when cold.

Good options that checks all the above:

• S.O.L. Slim Rescue Howler
• Fox 40 Sonik Blast CMG
• Markwort Storm
• ACME Tornado Slimline 636
• Shoreline Marine Flat Safety Whistle

Hopefully you’ll never have to use this whistle. If you do, you’ll be forever thankful you had it. These whistles are cheap, powerful, and barely weigh anything or take any space. There really is no excuse not to have one.

P.S. Every woman should have one in her purse, even back at home when not traveling. Bad guys are everywhere, and they hate attention drawn.

P.S.#2 These whistles scream like a banshee. They’ll leave your ears ringing. Use only in emergencies! Anyone around will hate you.

P.S #3 The universal distress signal is three consecutive blasts. Wait 20-30 seconds before you repeat the blast pattern. By the way, one blast means “Where are you?”, two blasts “Come to me”, and three is “Help”.

eBook Reader

When you No Bag, just use your phone. Hopefully you bought one with a large screen, so that it can sustain long reading sessions. If you do carry a bag (for work purposes, carrying a laptop, etc), just throw in an Amazon Kindle or your favorite eBook reader. Compared to a phone, reading on an e-ink screen is much nicer, especially if you read outside in the sun.

Minimalist Travel Gear

“I also have in mind that seemingly wealthy, but most terribly impoverished class of all, who have accumulated dross, but know not how to use it, or get rid of it, and thus have forged their own golden or silver fetters.” – Henry David Thoreau

“Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” – Confucius

As you see, everything fits inside your pockets. No need for a bag or vest.

That’s it.

You now have at your disposal the most minimalist packing list you’ll ever find. Go out, use it, and enjoy life to its true potential. I wish you loads of sexy adventure , and the safest of travels. Rock on!

Reader Interactions

July 18, 2012 at 8:59 pm

Regev, I love your article. I found it very useful. I hope you don’t mind, but I was just improving my “About” page when I discovered your site, and the Saint-Exupery quote was just perfect for what I’ve written a few moments ago, so I “borrowed” it.

I am funny with packing: I fill a couple of bags with heaps of stuff, then I start taking away. I usually end up with a small bag, regardless for how long I travel.

July 27, 2012 at 11:00 pm

Of course, it’s completely fine.

Yeah, at some point you just realize that ‘heaps of stuff’ are not only unnecessary, but are a serious burden. Thanks for your words.

July 18, 2012 at 9:55 pm

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, you are the only person I know who travels lighter than I do! And most people think I’m insane travelling with under 7kg carry on! Maybe I just need to try harder – but I’m not giving up bras at the age, just saying

July 27, 2012 at 10:51 pm

Haha, try merino wool bras !

January 8, 2018 at 11:50 pm

Try these, No affiliation, I just love advanced performance gear. https://www.knixwear.com/products/8-in-1-evolution-bra

July 18, 2012 at 11:45 pm

Oh my goodness, I absolutly loved this article!! honestly, I read it twice! and I loved your hummus reference lmao but honestly I have no idea how you do it. On my way back to the U.S. I was thinking of you and how you managed to do that cause I know I was regretting all the pointless crap I ended up carrying.

I never thought it would be possible to pack like that, but it’s people like you that prove me wrong. I somehow always over pack and carry things that I regret later. So I must say your article was very helpful! Props to you!

July 27, 2012 at 10:57 pm

Glad it’s been helpful. It’s all about the Hummus, baby!

July 19, 2012 at 12:47 am

Kick-ass article Reg! O_O Maybe it’s because I’m a girl, but I’m a chronic over-packer. I used to fill up one of those massive family-size suitcases, plus have one of those carry-on bags AND handbag filled to bursting point.

I’ve improved somewhat lately, mainly because I’ve realised I only ever use a fraction of what I pack. I’ve cut down to one of those mini-suitcases, plus a handbag, when I travel (thanks to my Kindle, I’ve also been able to eliminate the pile of books I usually bring with me). With your encouragement, I think I can take that further! :D

Reading your list, I still feel my mind racing at extra things I would need to pack. Medication, glasses, hairbrush (no way am I going army-style!), sunscreen, makeup…. Hmm, I MIGHT be able to skip bringing a dress and high-heels if I wasn’t going to go anywhere fancy. Gawd, I’m such a girl.

Speaking of which, any of your girl friends have recommendations for a decent sports bra/ crop top? I almost never wear a bra anymore (underwires are the devil, even if they do give uber cleavage), but I’ve yet to find a crop that doesn’t make my rib cage stink like sin after a day of heat. For some reason, sports underwear is almost always synthetic, and we all know what happens with synthetic materials. And I hardly even sweat.

I have another question for you too. What do you wear when you’re washing your clothes? You might get away with waltzing about in nothing but your spare briefs, but I’m thinking a girl doing the same might turn some heads! :P

Great article dude, keep it up!

July 27, 2012 at 11:25 pm

Thanks Belinda!

All that girly stuff of yours can actually be easily put into cargo-pants. If you don’t mind looking dorky of course.

As for the bra, try merino wool undergarments. Or you can just go-all-natural as you said, some of us men got a thing for that!

I usually wash my clothes when I’m taking a shower (Killing two birds with one stone!) at night, and they’re always ready wen I wake up.

August 6, 2012 at 11:13 pm

“Or you can just go-all-natural as you said, some of us men got a thing for that!”

Men go for that until the lady hits 50 and her nipples are brushing her belly-button! :P I try to at least wear a crop top when I go out- helps to defy gravity for a little longer! I’ll check out Icebreaker. :D

“I usually wash my clothes when I’m taking a shower at night”

Dude, why didn’t I think of that???

August 3, 2012 at 4:31 am

A sarong Belinda – most useful item of clothing/towel/top sheet EVERY invented

Great idea Lissie!

July 22, 2012 at 2:59 am

Very cool post. I have a history of over-packing, and with our kids starting to get interested in traveling, I definitely want to minimize my gear.

About the Invisible Shoes: I have been wearing them a lot over the past year. They are incredible, and, aside from barefoot, are my favorite running/walking footwear.

To make them a bit more structured and secure, I replaced the stock nylon strings with 1/2 nylon straps and plastic buckles. The modification cost about $10. There are lots of how-to videos on line to help with the process. I find the straps/buckles work better for me, especially when running and on technical terrain.

I am definitely going to check out the products you recommend.

December 10, 2013 at 5:20 pm

awesome Aaron, safe travels and great advice for the huaraches

June 5, 2014 at 12:16 pm

Regev, thanks for your positive influence in my life…….You rock man!

@Aaron – I’d love to chat to you and see a photo of how you modified your hauraches if you don’t mind? I bought a pair of Xeroshoes and in March and haven’t looked back..I love them they are just a little unsecure as I’d love to use them for running…

Would love to hear from you if you don’t mind!

Thanks! Marna Marie’ Strauss Cape Town,

July 24, 2012 at 2:24 am

You know, travelling with three children, travelling light is sort of a contradiction in terms – or that’s what I’ve thought every time I’ve seen discussions about it with your or Liz. But – scanning through this post, I do think we can do better. For starters, just having the right clothes (eg things that dry quickly) can make a big difference.

We are trying to simplify, pare down, and declutter our home, both for its own sake, and because in 2014 we are looking at going o/s again, but this time hopefully for about 6 months. So we will need someone to house-sit. I am hoping we will be able to pare down a LOT in preparation for that, but I’m also hoping that the trip itself will give my kids a taste of really simple living. I’ll be coming back to this post before we start thinking about packing for that!

December 10, 2013 at 5:21 pm

That’s awesome Kirsten have a blast with your kids overseas and stay safe.

July 25, 2012 at 9:03 am

Thanks for all the info you shared here regev… didnt know about those things especially the cool looking flip flops and the quick dry and lightweight clothes…

December 10, 2013 at 5:22 pm

anytime amigo

January 18, 2013 at 7:46 am

This is the best article on minimalism I’ve ever read. You’re a badass, man!

I’m headed to India this weekend and had already decided to bring only one outfit. While trying on my gear, I found this article just looking for other travelers rolling like this. My gear is pretty similar:

-Airblaster’s Merino Wool ninja suit as my base layer

-White 686 Snowboard pants (tough, thigh vents, tons of sealed zip pockets) with the liner removed

-Matix MJ Waffle top layer, because it’s super comfy as pyjamas, doesn’t look hyper-tech, and is awesome

-Merino wool socks and saucony sneakers (for cold nights)

-Vibram 5fingers for hot desert wandering

-Binchotan charcoal toothbrush and charcoal exfoliating / deodorizing pumice stone from occultier.com

I’m an author and music producer as well, so I’m taking my Dakine backpack for laptop, a few books for long bus and train rides, and my taoist herbs and raw chocolate. I’ll be leaving the backpack in the hotel while I hit up the kumbh mela, then decamp back to rishikesh when I’ve gathered enough material to write about.

Really excited to travel ultra-minimalist, man! Thanks for the added inspiration and heads up about some majorly awesome gear.

December 10, 2013 at 5:27 pm

Muchas gracias Dogson. Enjoy India!

March 31, 2013 at 12:33 pm

I would like to thank you. I live in Scotland, but I sometimes travel to warmer places, and your tips are priceless. After reading your article almost a year ago, I completely switched to merino base layers and usage of Alum; not only when traveling, but also on daily basis. What brought me to your website, was the mention of huaraches, which I use personally for couple of years, and I share your enthusiasm towards them.

You had a very positive influence on my lifestyle. Thanks again.

December 10, 2013 at 5:29 pm

You, my friend, has just made my week.

June 11, 2013 at 11:47 am

I really agree with the heart of what you’re writing, here — but smartphones and laptops and other mod-con technology is the exact direction you shouldn’t desire to go, as a minimalist and adventurer!

The most fun in adventuring around is not having a smart phone or a laptop with GPS and a translator and all this bullshit to make it feel comfortable and distracting like home! Yes, I understand that it’s CONVENIENT and REALLY COOL to be able to play Angry Birds on the long bus ride into Lhasa. It’s still ridiculous, though, and something real is lost in doing it.

…It’s so sad, when I go to a hostel, and find the common area full of dead eyes and blank faces staring into the glow from their laps!

December 10, 2013 at 5:52 pm

I agree and that really depends on the situation.

If i’d go for a month-long trip to ‘calibrate’ in nature – I’d leave the laptop and smartphone behind. But if you’re living mobile 365 days a year, and especially if you NEED your laptop to support yourself financially – it wouldn’t be very smart to stop using them.

It’s about balance really. Used with the right dose, smartphones can be very useful and valuable. Too much of them does the opposite.

The Kindle is AMAZING though and id take it anywhere. 2 kilograms of 10 books or 150g of 1000? technology can be very useful and life-enriching as you see.

with all that being said,

i feel like there’s a steep learning curve to go through. when you’re just traveling for the very first times, you learn a lot, and fast. the lack of those technological devices in that case can be quite beneficial because it helps you make it tougher and expand your comfort zone farther. But the moment you hit that specific comfort-zone spot, and when the excitement and novelty of first travels is gone, I feel like the value those devices bring to your life is much much higher than the ‘personality-growth’ bonus points you get without them.

I started traveling with technology from day one to be honest, but that’s only because travel feels like a joke compared to the first year of the Israeli army back there in the desert.

July 19, 2013 at 11:36 am

Great article, exactly what i was looking for. I think i’m gonna buy a few stuff, especialy an icebreaker short sleeve… really wanna try to light my backpack !

December 10, 2013 at 5:53 pm

cheers Louis, thanks

February 5, 2014 at 9:07 pm

Love this! When I was in Istanbul last year I met a girl on a bus – we got chatting because we were both just starting out on trips through Eastern Europe. She had one of those colossal gap year backpack things – must have been 80l or so looked like it weighed as much as she did. I had an ancient nike school bag – maybe 20l and most of that was laptop. We were both planning on travelling for the same length of time – she couldn’t get her head around it! Nothing compares to the freedom of packing super-light.

February 14, 2014 at 3:59 am

Hey dude awesome! I was just wondering if you ever though about hemp as a clothing option? It really does work the same as merino ( warm when cold, cool when hot) not too mention you don’t have to wash it for 4-5 days also. You seem like the kind of guy is aware of the environment and though the benefits of merino are great. Hemp in general is truly superior. Peace

February 14, 2014 at 4:04 am

Oh and also moccasins dude they are perfect for the colder harsher climates ( I’m a bit of a naturalist )

April 17, 2014 at 11:57 pm

I enjoyed reading your article. Question: is there a similar clothing list for the ladies? I don’t particularly like dressing like a guy. Thank you.

May 8, 2015 at 7:41 pm

Just get the same stuff for girls. Add in a merino wool bra and you’re gold.

June 1, 2016 at 3:12 pm

I still think most of the same stuff for girls makes us girls look like bricks, probably I’m picky about the cut. Here’s a dress I found, made of merino wool. https://www.backcountry.com/icebreaker-aria-sleeveless-dress-womens – unfortunately in my size, I bought the last one.

October 27, 2016 at 8:51 pm

I wanted to find the same thing. All the clothing you list looks like really nice guy stuff, I’m having a hard time finding nice, in style women’s wear that doesn’t look like I’m about to climb a mountain. Obviously you don’t have to worry about that but maybe you know of some nice women’s brands?

May 9, 2017 at 8:06 am

Icebreaker does a range of clothing that does not look like you are going to climb a mountain! :-) They do have skirts and tights Other stores you could try are Kathmandu (often have a mix between merino and their Tencel material-whatever that is!), Maxshop (very nice feminine clothing- under their Merino knitwear tab), Glassons, The wool Company NZ, The Tin Shed NZ, Macpac have some options, and I am sure there are more stores selling merino… you just have to hunt around a bit.

July 16, 2014 at 2:35 am

Awesome tips and well explained. I have slowly been minimizing my life for the last four years, layer by layering realizing how much I do not need. Still I want to get rid of more. I feel physically lighter and my brain is less chaotic and flustered when I have little stuff to deal with. So true how having to pick out an outfit every morning can waste precious time if there are too many choices. Thank you for sharing!

August 3, 2014 at 10:07 pm

Could you make a nice cheet-sheet out of it? you know, like a minimalist travel checklist PDF or something? would be awesome to have one

August 3, 2014 at 10:27 pm

Best minimalist packing list Ive found! thanks a lot from Canada :) been looking around for travel light gear and yours looks like a good combo of minimum weight to maximum efficiency

October 11, 2014 at 9:00 pm

Shava tova!

I an finishing my army service next week, and booked a round trip Tel Aviv->New York for 3 months for $750 :)

This reminded me of your first flight abroad haha.

Anyways I wanted to ask where you currently are, and if you’re in the states by any chance maybe we could meet up for a beer.

I’m also gearing up now, re-reading your gear post. Have there been any advancements/new stuff since you wrote it?

Thanks for being an inspiration for me to live an alternative lifestyle, Oren.

May 8, 2015 at 7:43 pm

Baaaaaaaam. Gear list just updated.

November 17, 2014 at 10:12 pm

thanks! there’s a couple of useful products i didn’t know yet

December 30, 2014 at 1:17 pm

Hi, Really like you article here, it is rather inspiring at least. I am not by far that minimalist yet, but will definitely try some of your ideas. Just one comment, if you travel without any bag at all, how do you deal with basic misc items? like: – charging cables (for camera and/or smartphone) – keys – ID documentation (e.g. passport) Thank you!

May 8, 2015 at 7:46 pm

I always have a charging cable and a passport in my pocket. It’s all small stuff.

January 7, 2015 at 8:22 pm

I’m a bit late to the party…just read the article while looking for needed travel inspiration. Lately I graduated from a childs’ size suitcase to the grown up kind and wanted to get back to a freer traveling me, I would like to use the ‘chick’ excuse, to allow me a second pair of shoes (whatever works). I generally travel to warm places so a sarong or a bed linen works as versatile/multifunctional chick outfits and leaves room for the shoes! Dr. Bronners = check, I have a length of stretchy neutral fiber than works to wrap or headband my tresses and quadruples as a bracelet or necklace. A mini kit of water color paint, a pad, a swimsuit, skirt or pants (sarong can do this also) toothpaste, toothbrush, tweezers, deodorant and a few creamy items pretty much tops off my list. Cell phone is 50/50 nice for photos but nice to leave it behind. Now, the crystal thingy works?! Really, really? That is my big question and thanks for your blog.

May 1, 2015 at 7:31 pm

The crystal thing does work, but I now use baking soda more often. It’s very effective, and it’s easier to fit in your pockets if you’re traveling bag-less. I suppose it doesn’t matter much if you’re with a backpack, so by all means go for the crystal if you can get your hands on one. You’ll love it.

February 10, 2015 at 11:39 am

Is it really possible for a woman to travel light? I’m not vain or anything, but I still end up bringing a lot of stuff no matter how hard I try to keep my bag light.

May 8, 2015 at 7:48 pm

I can’t speak for the hygiene items. But as for clothing, just get merino wool. You can even get merino wool bras .

February 19, 2015 at 11:06 pm

Great info I bought the super flip flops you recommended andd gave you credit to the manufacturer when I made the order Thanks for good logical travel suggestions

Awesome, thanks. You’ll enjoy them.

February 28, 2015 at 12:41 pm

Hey there, I’m Sergiu and I’m from Romania. I’ve read your article about your Xperia ZR and I was happy to see that you’ve actually been to Romania. I’d like to travel Romania using the same phillosophy you are: carrying around the bare minimum and I was wondering if you have any tips for beginner travellers like me. I plan on sticking to Romania for now, just so I can learn the “ropes” of travelling, before adventuring in Europe or further.

I hope to hear back from you soon, Sergiu :)

May 8, 2015 at 7:50 pm

Forget the tips, just climb over your back fence and start exploring. You’ll figure it out. You know what, I’ll give you two tips: 1. Wear merino wool. 2. Use common sense.

May 6, 2015 at 7:42 pm

Awesome minimalist gear Regev! I’m definitely going to adopt some of the tips here. Thanks. I myself travel with a pretty minimalist travel wardrobe, but I never imagined it can be done with no bags at all.

October 18, 2015 at 9:48 pm

Thanks, John. Yeah and this minimalist travel approach doesn’t even feel that extreme once you get used to it.

May 7, 2015 at 11:19 pm

I love to read books since i was 7 year old and i switch to e-book and my friend gift me Kindle. Really according to me it is the best gadget i have ever come across in my life. Now Kindle is mine pligramge and E-book is my god.

May 8, 2015 at 11:26 pm

I am also a kindle fan without doubt. My kindle is still kindle paperwhite, I like its weight and size. Well, mostly the weight!

May 13, 2015 at 1:50 pm

Great stuff mate. Was impressed when I met you in Burma. Pure travelling dude! Keep me posted about the book! :)

October 18, 2015 at 9:47 pm

Thanks, brother.

May 14, 2015 at 9:22 pm

Do you have a Wool&Prince type recommendation for women’s clothing? Love this post I just donated over 3/4 of my clothing. Didn’t get rid of everything because I need something to where while I work on finding the perfect pieces :). Now trying to do the same with other things in my house….

May 16, 2016 at 5:09 pm

April, did you ever find anything good?

May 21, 2019 at 10:12 pm

Hi April, Wool&Prince has women’s clothing now. Best, Mac

May 15, 2015 at 1:44 pm

Incredible packing ideas in this article! My job is connected with a lot of traveling and I pack luggage often. The truth is that it is hard to decide what to take and what to leave at home. So, thank you for the tips again!

October 18, 2015 at 9:46 pm

Anytime, Mira. Enjoy your travels.

May 22, 2015 at 11:10 pm

I found your blog by accident and loved your minimalist travel gear tips. I would love to have your courage to drop everything and travel the world with nearly nothing. I did drop everything, but I stopped in a few cities to live and I carry luggage around, unfortunately. I wish you all the best and hope you get to see as much of the world as it’s possible. This is my dream. Cinthia

Thank you Cinthia, all the best, and keep on rockin’

June 2, 2015 at 1:53 pm

Awesome article, really appreciate the tips! Just one question – do you think a merino wool cardigan would be too warm for Singapore/Koh Samui/Hanoi/Siem Reap in July?? I feel the cold so may need an extra layer at night but not sure if the humidity would make the wool uncomfortable? Thank you!

October 18, 2015 at 9:45 pm

a CARDIGAN in South East Asia’s July? That’s a sweater, right? You don’t need any more than a single thin merino wool shirt, certainly not a sweater. Even at night, it’s so warm I always sleep shirtless. The kind of shirts I recommend are so thin you don’t feel their weight like old-school wool. And when it’s humid, they evaporate your sweat pretty quickly so that’s another big benefit.

June 23, 2015 at 3:24 pm

Thanks for the wonderful site. Enjoyed, very much reading. Especially the About section.

All the best !

BTW, I am from Kuwait :)

October 18, 2015 at 9:42 pm

Thanks buddy, all the best.

July 22, 2015 at 5:40 am

Found you through “secrets to cheap flights.” Very helpful, thanks! Love your site, by the way. Great advice in this article. I try to travel light, but do end up with luggage, just not oodles of bags’ worth. Unfortunately, when you go to visit friends, one shirt ain’t gonna cut it. ;o)

Have a question for you though… what do you do if you’re allergic to wool? I can’t wear it. Period. So, what’s next best?

July 25, 2015 at 10:25 am

Love this radical approach to packing – I thought I was being badass when I wore the same black jeans, black sneakers and black leather jacket for one week in Paris. I had a small pull along suitcase and a backpack though, which was handy when bringing back pots of mustard, back when we could do things like that without checking a bag. However, sadly, I AM ALLERGIC TO WOOL :( – any suggestions for an alternative? Thanks!!

September 15, 2015 at 9:20 pm

Hi I’m summer and I amazing

September 19, 2015 at 5:06 pm

I’ve been minimizing my stuff for the past few months, and found this article a very entertaining and informative read. Thanks for posting it. Any opinion on Vibram FiveFingers shoes? I’ve been using them for several years now and can’t imagine travel without them. I only take socks to wear to bed (often this eliminates the need for a blanket) because all of my shoes are barefoot shoes.

I recently went on a river cruise in France and only took about four changes of clothes, which everyone on the ship (mostly snooty retired people haha) found extremely shocking. When I came home I was super irritated with the too-large carry on suitcase I had taken so I bought a 20L backpack and find it more than sufficient. I even have 2-4L of extra space in case I find more books I want to bring home :P

I never tried the Five Fingers, but many people love them. I know smelling is a real problem with them, but I may be wrong. Maybe Vibram have fixed it by now.

August 24, 2016 at 8:59 pm

Put some baking soda in them!

October 3, 2015 at 11:14 am

Very useful post! I agree with your choce of laptop 100%. I have a Macbook Pro with retina and love it! I can’t recommend it enough for traveling.

October 18, 2015 at 7:41 pm

Leaving for Bolivia (for the first time) in a week. Only have two shirts and thought, ‘crap, I should have kept those t-shirts I donated earlier this month.’ Instead, I’m gonna wear the same dang outfit the whole week. Thanks for helping me regroup and remember why I’m going to South America in the first place :)

Anna from Cali

October 18, 2015 at 9:39 pm

Awesome, Anna, but know that my approach is optimized for wool. If you’re gonna wear one set of cotton, it will be a nightmare, and you’re gonna stink. Enjoy your trip and stay safe.

October 20, 2015 at 4:41 pm

Lejeim Dude!

Good stuff. Also a big fan of minimalist travel! My record is a five litre waterproof strap over. Still wanna do just a ”fanny pack”. Most legendary I saw was a guy doing a weekend trip with just a tooth brush. Good stuff :)

The book looks interesting. I searched for it on amazon but couldn’t find it – what happened? Staying away from the corporates? How the sales going? You would think if you get it to the right place it should be a killer book. Thinking of I hope the serve beer in hell and The game etc.

Anyway, thanks for the cool content man!

Lo meveim sandwich le mesada…

Peace out, MC

November 13, 2015 at 7:38 am

I was checking out your blog and was hoping I could talk to you about the clothes you wear while you’re traveling. It’s clear that you’re a travel pro, so I’m sure you have some definite go-to’s that you love! My company, Betabrand, has a passion for creating unique clothes that make life way more comfortable (and a bit more stylish!)

Lately, we’ve been discussing how to create the most fashionable, yet comfortable outfits for those who are always on the go. I reached out to you specifically because we’re looking for advice on what makes a great ‘wanderlust wardrobe.’

Would you like to share your thoughts on this topic? Hopefully there will be some common themes we can pick up on and then we can put them into action and create more amazing travel clothing.

Megan T. Community Manager Betabrand

November 13, 2015 at 3:36 pm

Short answer: WOOL JEANS.

Long answer: Create an amazing looking, stylish, 100% merino/cashmere wool button shirt (think Wool&Prince), and a 100% wool jeans that fits and looks great, and i’ll be your fan forever. Versace used to have one that looks nice, but they discontinued it. Add a pair of wool briefs and you have just created the best travel gear set ever made.

November 13, 2015 at 3:38 pm

Thanks for getting back to me so quickly and I appreciate your input :) I love the idea of minimizing travel gear and have a functional and comfortable outfit to work the whole trip! I love your idea of creating wool jeans, definitely would be perfect for traveling.

For this project we are reaching out to travel gurus, such as yourself, to create a post about their perfect travel outfit. We really want to get the conversation going and want to dig into what people look for when it comes to comfortable travel clothing.

November 18, 2015 at 4:00 pm

Hello Regev,

I am a young professional with a new job that requires frequent global travel. However, I am female which means wardrobe expectations vary dramatically by region. Do you have any recommendations of female travelers’ blogs you have come to know along the way or just from what you have experienced to advise an aspiring No Bags (or one tiny bag) traveler?

Thank you Jana

December 14, 2015 at 12:59 am

This article is pure gold. My husband and I are planning our first minimalist motorcycle trip down the coast of Oregon. While I’m not ready to give up all of my clothes and worldly goods, many of the tips on here will be great for cutting down on the superfelous items I tend to take with me “just in case.” The wool clothing, super absorbant towel, and specific lack of a travel guidebook are my favorite 3 tips that I will definitely make use of. Thank you for reminding me how needless the rest of the stuff is.

December 21, 2015 at 4:43 pm

Hi! after 20 years i managed to travel with only 6 kilos last summer. I´ve reached some phase in life from 30 on that i realised i really didnt need to many things to live. Apllying this to travelling is now my challenge. Last year i bought my new 32 liter backpack (smallest i ever had) and i was so happy i could pack all my stuff in it for 15 days trip. Maybe its nothing yet but i am so inspired by your article and a lot of similar articles i´ve been reading! Thank so much! Yes, i am a girl and yes i believe girls can do it too!! :-)

January 15, 2016 at 6:10 pm

Love this stuff. thanks for the travel hacks ~!

January 17, 2016 at 12:58 pm

Just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your thoughtful, focused, detailed blog entries.

I stumbled on your site in my ongoing search for minimalist inspiration, and I wasn’t disappointed. Your posts are both informative and fun to read. I particularly appreciated your entries on low- or no-gear travel, something that I’ve been working on for a while now. (In my case, “simplifying” has become a central life goal.)

Your review of the Tom Bihn 19-liter backpack was really good. Lately, I’ve been on a quest for a quality bag in the 20-liter range. Anyway, good stuff, man. It’s great to read blogs from like-minded individuals who choose quality and functionality over quantity or popularity… and who really get behind the idea that “less is more.”

Thanks for writing — and if you have any new thoughts about your “favorite” travel backpack, please let me know.

Mike Bailey miqesi.com

February 22, 2016 at 5:20 am

This was great! First time here and will look at other articles. I have full plans to migrate fully onto Merino wool (aside from one of those zip short/long pants as I managed to get one at an opp shop) as I have two icebreaker hiking socks that I fawn over when ever I go hiking. I might be classified as a digital nomad in the future as it’s my ultimate aim to be a freelancing vagabonder (Wacom Cinteq as opposed to a laptop). My aim is to be self sufficient on the road. Only carry-on. I got a 40L Osprey Farpoint backpack for long term as it would meet my requirements in the future.

A part of me wishes to take this ‘barely anything’ or just a normal backpack route for the long term but another thinks it’s slightly troublesome to go that far with the way I’m likely to travel with my art streak, aspiring profession, and random camping/hiking streak. I’m thinking I can afford to if I’m staying in country for at least a year. I aim for ultralight gear at least.

Still, I plan to try the minimal method (again if I think about it. I never brought much to camps in army cadets) when I go to Brazil in June-July as it’s only 46 days, with two pairs of clothes as opposed to one (I will be seeing the same people day to day so two seems reasonable ) Definitely rethought the clothes, phone and camera here though. I’m debating whether to bring my small tough camera with me at all. I have a thief proof bag ( though not so thief proof at gunpoint), Pacsafe Metrosafe 200, that I’m thinking I can can fit everything necessary into and pack a packable light weight backpack to store everything not needed when I go out and about.

March 7, 2016 at 8:25 pm

How did you manage to get your flash light stolen? … multiple times ? that makes very little sense to me right now :)

August 9, 2016 at 5:31 am

It was stolen from me once, in the Philippines, and since then I haven’t gotten one. Today I just use my smartphone, which seems to work just fine for lightweight travel.

March 19, 2016 at 6:52 pm

How about bamboo for the people who are alergic to wool?

August 9, 2016 at 5:29 am

Bamboo never got inside my minimal travel wardrobe, so honestly I don’t know.

April 26, 2016 at 11:31 am

Great!!! Your blog is interesting and so informative.

May 2, 2016 at 9:05 pm

Shalom Regev!

GREAT article. I’m about to leave for a short trip to LA at the end of this week, and my total weight including the weight of my pack (the REI Flash 18 day pack, which will double as my hydration pack for the hikes I have planned) is under 3.7 kilos. Fun fact: I purchased several of the items you recommended after some of my own research, including the Thai Crystal deodorant stone, Marmot rain jacket and the Earth Runners minimalist sandals. Even though this trip is just for a long weekend, my packing would be the same for a month or six months or indefinitely, assuming warm-ish weather. I feel like I’ve never been better equipped for travel and am LOVING how super light and small my bag is. In addition to the essentials, I’ve even got a full-size beach towel, super comfy travel pillow, the novel I’m about to read next (The Time Machine by H.G. Wells), AND space to spare in my little bag. Merino wool clothing has me feeling like a boss, too. The icing on the cake is that my pack is so tiny that I don’t need to pay for carry on luggage for my super cheap flight with Spirit Airlines (they consider it a “personal item” which is included in the fare). Anyway, just wanted to drop a note and thank you for the truly invaluable information and flat-out enjoyable read. Safe & happy travels!

Best, Jackie Shiloh

May 31, 2016 at 3:08 am

Great article! I was searching for ways for packing for a 13 day road trip with my husband and 4 year old—and your article came my way. I’m impressed and (once again) taking one more step towards a more minimalist lifestyle—and traveling light is it. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!

-Nicole P.S. tried to find merino wool bras in my size…no luck! But the rest is so doable!

June 1, 2016 at 3:07 pm

The phrase “stinks like a mofo” is now going to be stuck in my head for the rest of my life :)

So much of the clothes we think we need is about social conventions. My family and I all have “go bags” for travelling – a small bag each that we like to think we can just grab and head off – but you’ve got me rethinking the contents. I am curious what you wear to formal events if you’re basically living in shorts… thinking of possible examples… 1. Lifestyle doesn’t throw formal events at you much, 2. You hire formal wear, 3. You ignore convention and wear your one outfit, 4. “What do you mean ignore convention, this looks good already!” :) … or ? I don’t know.

July 31, 2016 at 12:00 pm

Hahahahhahahahahhaha

When I’m abroad and invited to a formal place, I just wear what I have. I mean, when some random Vietnamese guy invites you to his wedding, which happens right there, last thing you’re gonna worry about is changing clothes.

Also, I’m not traveling all year anymore, and when I’m in my home base, I wear long jeans/pants for weddings, meetings, etc. But 99% of the time I’m wearing shorts.

July 31, 2016 at 12:16 pm

When I saw the picture on facebook, I was sure the picture was from Romania!!!!

August 4, 2016 at 12:55 pm

This list is incredible! I really cant get my head around going without a bag at all and I thought I was minimal. Doesn’t going without a bag leave you with bulging pockets and cargos? I try to go light, ive got everything I need for a month down to 3kg/15L, but a kilo of that is just medical supplies for type 1 diabetes, something that really contradicts going minimal. Ive parred myself down as much as I’m willing to risk medically but find it prevents true minimalism, or is going ultralight what allows me to make up for the bulk of medical necessities? When does going light sacrifice safety?

August 9, 2016 at 5:27 am

No bulging pockets whatsoever. My credit card, money and passport are inside an internal pocket sewn inside my pants. My smartphone and its charger, each gets its own pants pocket.

I don’t think lightweight travel sacrifices safety at all. But if you have some medical items which you can’t get in your destination and which would be absolutely necessary in times of emergency, by all means find a way to carry them.

August 25, 2016 at 9:43 pm

As a missionary who lives out of a suitcase and frequently downsizes, I read your article with great interest. For years I have traveled to various places with three bags (one large suitcase, a gym bag, and a backpack that holds my MacBook Pro with its accessories). The ideas you shared have inspired me to think of ways to downsize even more. One complaint I have is the unnecessary swear words near the end. They ruined an otherwise great article. I like what one motivation speaker says, “If you can’t be interesting without profanity, then let’s face it: You’re not that interesting.”

August 27, 2016 at 1:32 am

Hey Reggie, Can you elaborate on how you carry, and use, baking soda as deodorant.

October 9, 2016 at 1:56 pm

October 11, 2016 at 2:11 pm

I make my own deodorant using baking soda, coconut oil (naturally antibacterial), beeswax and shea butter. You can buy small deodorant sticks on Amazon. It works way better than chemical based deodorant and for a few days. I use rosemary and lavender for fragrance.

Great post!!

September 19, 2016 at 2:40 am

I can’t speak for Reggie, but I carry my bicarb soda in a small plastic screwtop container (probably 25x50mm). To use I rub around 1/2 tsp under each arm immediately after toweling down following a shower. It works better than any deodorant I have ever used, doesn’t stink of perfume and protects me from the chemical load I’d rather not expose myself to. I wouldn’t put anything on my skin that I wouldn’t eat.

October 9, 2016 at 1:55 pm

I carry my baking soda in a tiny bag that I put in my pocket. I use extremely small amounts, right after shower. I just shove my finger in the dusty powder and rub whatever sticks to the finger right in my underarm. I do this twice, once for every side. I agree with you, it works tremendously better than any deodorant I have ever tried. Plus the shirt doesn’t stain.

October 11, 2016 at 2:07 pm

Agreed. Minimal travel is the way to go for sure. Towel is key! I have minimal travel towels for sure. I hiked Half Dome this summer and should have left the DSLR behind. It turned out to be a space hog and I needed up using my iPhone more and anything. Might want to consider a Bolstr bag? It is for essentials and when traveling its my grab-and-go and where I put keys, wallet, passport, phone, keys and sunglasses so I never lose them. When packing and unpacking, it is easy to put one of your EDC items down and lose it in a pile. I just keep it all in the bag when I return to my room and never have to worry about. If I use my phone, I put it back in the bag immediately…

https://www.koyono.com/collections/bolstr-edc-bags-and-accessories

October 25, 2016 at 6:01 pm

Love this. I a traveling to Spain/France fro three weeks and would like to add to the conversation the Sport Coat by scottevest that I plan on wearing.

November 21, 2016 at 1:09 am

This is a great article. And thank you for sharing your list to us. I been traveling backpacking. Travel is fun but sometimes it can’t be that so much fun if you forgetting to put that specific thing to your travel bag. When I planned my travel, I always write things down now.

December 21, 2016 at 12:41 am

Amazing travel advice!!!

December 21, 2016 at 6:35 pm

Thanks A Million Buddy! I just traveled for two weeks and people trip when they realize how little you actually have. I saw your average traveler takes so much junk I get depressed looking at it. My biggest take-away was the wool shirt. I bought a Wool & Prince for $68 and wore it everyday, it was as fresh as day one at the end of the trip. Thanks again you really inspired me! My two take-aways were more underwear fewer socks and a giant battery pack for the Smart Phone.

December 27, 2016 at 11:18 am

I really liked your list! I’m not really a minimalist but I consider myself a lightpacker and I think it’s the best (and cheapest) way to travel.

December 30, 2016 at 2:39 am

Nice article! Yeah, we really don’t need anything much other than a toothbrush and a nail clipper(absolute musts lol). It also helps when everything is anti-bacterial, anti-odor, quick dry and stuff. also make the backpack waterproof. Then go with the wind. Wherever you end up.

February 10, 2017 at 10:06 am

The wind never disappoints!

January 13, 2017 at 4:18 pm

‘never own anything you are sad to lose’ has been on my mind a lot recently.

i gave away majority of my belongings a couple years ago, still have too much, but i’m working on it. the quote is a head twist – but when you actually give away the most precious things/jewellery/clothes etc you own, you feel such a freedom!

thank you reg for your brutally minimalist post – it has helped – a lot. (!!!)

as a zero waste-wannabe, i carry an insulated klean kanteen thermos (doubles as a water bottle), a produce bag & stainless steel lunch box with me almost all times in a canvas tote bag. but that’s it.

when i travel, i just add a pair or undies, light woolsilk long sleeve shirt & long johns = ninja suit wool socks & patagonia UL down jacket to it and i’m ready to roll!

(for the ladies; make up take up sooooo much space, time, money & effort, ditch it and you’ll be so much happier! your face doesn’t beat your personality, so invest in adventures instead….. ;-) )

January 21, 2017 at 8:31 am

Thanks for the travel advice. For me traveling with only one pair of clothing, even something made out of merino wool is a miss for me. I usually bring 3 or 4 days of clothing. I usually spend a month overseas every year. I have aNikon D7200 that I bring as well as 2 lenses. Most of my coworkers at work and friends, will not be able to take a trip like the ones I have taken. Unfortunately most people will never leave their neighborhood. I like to show people the pictures I have taken. I have developed a reasonable travel kit, that I use and that works for me. I also bring a 100% silk travel liner. Thanks for the article and safe travels

February 9, 2017 at 2:08 pm

Thank you for this amazing article and it is really inspiring. I’m currently travelling for I don’t know how long since I quit my job and taking a lot of domestic flights (going under 7kg bag). My question was what do you do with phone and camera chargers, plugs for different countries and medication like malaria pills? What if you go somewhere fancy ?

Safe travels! V.

February 9, 2017 at 2:45 pm

My phone is my camera, so I carry one charger only. It’s a tiny iPhone’s charger, so it fits my pockets easily. Plug I take a small adapter that will fit my destination, or a universal adapter like the Kikkerland if I’m going between many different areas. Medications I never take.

If I go somewhere fancy… it’s never on my plans really, but when it does happen, I just go. Always brings a smile to my face to enter an expensive restaurant with a black T shirt. With wool pants and button-down shirt, you can look great though, at least as a man.

February 12, 2017 at 9:33 am

I really enjoy this article and come back to it often across the years. It’s hard for me to be this minimal as a committed dad but the principles are my escape hatch and I have created my emergency go bag wuth synapse 19 that I could just grab and go. I’m just curious to know if you carry a trimmer or razor – how do you keep your hair/beard in shape. And when you’re at home and not travelling do you have any extra items?

February 12, 2017 at 8:51 pm

Hey Mark, glad it’s helpful. I do not carry a trimmer. I just go to a barber shop every two weeks or so and shave my head/beard off completely. Currently I’m more settled than in the past, so I definitely have extra items. But when I go traveling (still a couple of times a year), I go completely No Bag these days. I find it rejuvenating.

February 13, 2017 at 11:09 pm

Hey Regev! After using this article as my bible after finding it years ago, it’s awesome to see you’ve updated it. Looking forward to reading more from you.

February 13, 2017 at 11:28 pm

Come back over the next days, I’m not done yet. And if you loved what’s here, you’re gonna love the book.

February 13, 2017 at 11:49 pm

Oh I’m reading Destination Poon right now man on my kindle. It’s great so far. Unless there’s another book I’m not aware of?

February 13, 2017 at 11:58 pm

You’re on the right one. There’s another book on the plans, but it’s going to take a while.

February 15, 2017 at 1:45 am

Any options if you are allergic to wool?

February 16, 2017 at 4:32 pm

For all those reporting allergies to wool (Wendy, Laurel, Rachel), let me ask you this: Are you 100% sure it is wool you are allergic to?

Most of the time, the red rash and itching are just a reaction of your skin against the friction of thick wool fibers. Most people find that they don’t experience this when they move to soft, refined wool – like merino or polwrath. Before you ditch wool completely, try merino wool and see if the reactions persist. Look for a low micron count, which refers to the thickness of each fiber. The lower the count, the finer the fiber and less likely it is to irritate your skin. As far as I understand, most people feel itchy at around ~30 micron count, but merino wool base layers these days are only about 15-20! This is why most people who “can’t wear wool” suddenly find that they actually can when they try soft wool like merino. And even at high micron count, wool allergies are very rare. It is usually dust or wool processing chemicals residues. If you want to know for sure if you’re allergic to wool, try organic, low micron count merino wool and see if your body reacts. Chances are you’re not allergic.

November 10, 2022 at 9:19 pm

I’ve tried all the top wool brands, Ice Breaker etc and couldn’t get the clothes off quick enough when trying on, and have tried getting ‘used to it’ as suggested by the sales person at Ice Breaker and so bought a garment but the irritation drove me insane. Fine as a top layer over something else but definitely not against this skin!

February 25, 2017 at 11:23 pm

Hi Reg – Thank you for this great post. For the women, Ibex also sells merino wool undies, which have become my favorite. Initially I thought “wool underwear?!” but since I was loving all my other merino clothing I decided to give them a try. Love ’em. They are pricey but they occasionally go on sale, they last a long time and they are great, especially for travel. Ibex also has some merino bras but I prefer the ones Icebreaker has (just personal preference). Ibex also makes other merino clothing, some of which might be more “fashionable” for the women who were asking about clothes that don’t make them look like they are wearing men’s clothing. Nice men’s stuff at Ibex, too. Also, merino pants… my husband has some Kuhl Outback pants that are 50% merino, 50% nylon and loves them. He had a tailor add a discreet side-leg zipper pocket that fits phone/passport and they are great for travel. He actually got the pants a little long and the tailor took a bit off the length to make the edging for the pocket :) In any case, thanks for your post. We are always trying to travel a bit lighter and you have given us some new ideas! Thanks!

February 27, 2017 at 4:37 am

Thanks for the update Reg. I’ve completely changed from a lugging massive suitcases around to a minimalist traveller, all thanks to your blog. I threw away *all* my tech t-shirts, briefs and socks and only wear merino shirts. I even bought a merino dress shirt for business trips. I got myself a Synapse 19, that I test drove yesterday on a business trip to Cairo. I was wondering, can you link me to the your tiny nylon bag (the size of a key)? I tried baking soda but haven’t quite got the hang of it, but I’ll get there. Cheers mate

February 28, 2017 at 9:41 am

The “tiny nylon bag” isn’t anything special. Anything can work. Improvise! I once used a hotel toothbrush’s nylon wrap for months.

March 1, 2017 at 2:07 am

Very inspiring article, glad I found it, thank you. I’m currently traveling New Zealand and will certainly give a try to some of your ideas/advice. Especially when Merino wool is actually local product.

March 3, 2017 at 8:01 am

Heard from Kiwis that you can get them really cheap at local merino wool brands outlets over there.

March 17, 2017 at 8:53 pm

This was an amazing read, thanks for putting this up. Wish I had seen this sooner so I could prepare some stuff for my upcoming trip. Will try at least to find those legendary 100% wool shirts!

April 2, 2017 at 2:27 pm

I made the switch from 35 pounds of mostly usless weight to about 5 pounds of ONLY useful weight about five years ago. I’ll never go back! Just essential items pocketed and my medicines and spare “rotation” underwear and minimal added layers are hand carried in a 3 ounce nylon cinch bag. Additional toilet items, meds, hand laundry Soap and a few tech items weigh about five pounds. I suppose I could go bagless just by rolling my spare clothing and strapping it but in my case with six medicine bottles I just use the cinch bag. Still minimal and light weight! I would like to add that I have discovered Wrangler “stretch” jeans! They don’t stretch but they are made with a light weight denim that dries fast after the “slosh slosh roll it in a towel and stomp” weekly washing. Super strong and reliable. ONE pair of pants worn period. And no I don’t care about how I look as much as I care about what I’m CARRYING! Hint: Your spare socks stuffed in with a wallet or passport stops pickpockets! So does a Humangear nylon spork pocketed tines up and out! It’s entertaining too! Very good advice here! Thanks for your “research” and suggestions!

November 23, 2017 at 2:25 am

Great thread. I travel 6-9 mos/year in Asia=hot. This year I switched to a big checked bag which I’m hating. BUT I decided I wanted to take 9 months of supplements and meds, which add huge weight and bulk. 1 pillx180 days x 10 supplements + antibiotics, + I also take resistance tubes so my fitness doesn’t go to shit. You guys have inspired me to Merino a 2nd chance. So far I hate wool on my skin when it’s hot. I prefer Nike Dri-fit tank tops.I also love RailRiders Adventure Pants which have huge pockets are superlight. I roll them up and use plastic clothes pegs to keep em up.

I carry a custom Sil nylon poncho which is the best Asia rain gear, doubles as a blanket. I also carry a 4 oz Thermarest Zlite sleeping pad. Airport bed, yoga mat, pad mattress support.

And last, I carry 3M Pelator earmuffs=huge unminimalist aviation industry quality that makes sound disappear: snoring in a hostel? Gone!

I’ll see if I can wean myself into Merino starting today.

Next trip I’ll go all Reggie except for the above. I’d love to figure out the supplements.

May 13, 2017 at 12:39 pm

This post was very insightful, I never knew about the benefits of wool. But wholly crap, you take minimalism to the last. Only 1 outfit?!? ONLY ONE OUTFIT?!? I’m trying to move to a more minimalist lifestyle and I see I have a long way to go. Thank you for all of this information, keep traveling.

May 14, 2017 at 11:58 am

Do wool shirts / pants offer sun / UV protection?

May 22, 2017 at 12:14 pm

How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood? Thanks a lot for this Regev~~!! love it

June 11, 2017 at 11:43 pm

Definitely saving this. I don’t travel, but a lot of the things here can apply to everyday normal life as much as they do international travel.

June 18, 2017 at 8:38 pm

Thanks for this, I’ll definitely be using some of these tips to go under 5kg next time, it’s so doable. It is totally amazing what you can accomplish if you try. Having said that, you definitely have a disorder which comes across both in your masturbatory writing and your obsessive behaviour. And your weird desire to conquer poon of all races and religions lol. Good thing it sells though, therapy ain’t cheap.

August 2, 2017 at 10:54 am

hahahahahahahahahaha, we all got our faults don’t we

July 8, 2017 at 6:59 am

Thank you for giving a detailed guideline on traveling light. I found your recommendation on wool particularly useful. I’ll try out some of your tips and modify accordingly to my upcoming Euro trip next month.

You inspire me to start recording my own minimalist journey. I’ll revisit your blog in the near future to keep you posted. Thank you!

Cheers, CGL

August 2, 2017 at 10:56 am

Awesome, good luck Lioness and keep us posted

July 10, 2017 at 4:45 am

Shalom, This is the most wonderful article about travel I have ever read, and it’s all in one. It’s a great lesson about travel and living simple. I also found your story very inspiring and the laughter of your grandma made me laugh, thank you for sharing, Regev I will be traveling soon and thank you for the insights ES

August 2, 2017 at 11:06 am

<3 Thanks, you mentioning my grandma made my day.

August 23, 2017 at 2:54 pm

I heard wool is very fragile, What do you say? Is it true?

E.g. when bicycling, the wool gets ruined. when I bought my wool-undergarments, so they recommended me buying a mix of polyester and wool, which I did. And it does smell. :-/ (I wish I read this article before buying it, but it was 2-3 years ago)

What about packing for long-term travel with work/studying? (more than 5 months)

August 23, 2017 at 2:56 pm

and if I need to bring more stuff/clothes when traveling long-term (more than 6 months), what sort of bag do you recommend? suitcase? duffle bag? backpack?

September 6, 2017 at 2:53 pm

Hey! I love the way you think! Big props for these great packing list.

I wonder what do you think about sunglasses….necessary item?

November 2, 2018 at 10:03 pm

Never using it.

October 17, 2017 at 5:11 am

Love the article. It’s very enjoyable to read. Honestly, I also like to travel light. Not as light as you for the time being, but who knows, someday maybe? I always make sure that whatever I carry on my back should be less than half of my body weight. I am small in size, and not tall either. That enables me to have smaller clothes and use small bags all the time. The biggest backpack I’ve owned was a 30L backpack.

Now I am travelling with a 28L backpack by Osprey. I purposely bought that size. It forced me to pack the most important things for my travels. I can’t travel with anything smaller, not until I have more money in my pocket. Of course, if I have more money, I will travel with even less.

You’re right about the unnecessary need for carrying a laptop while travelling. I can leave mine behind if I don’t need it. But I make money from writing, so I pretty much need it even while I’m travelling.

Overall, I really love the article! Thanks.

October 27, 2017 at 10:15 pm

Very nice article. For now I’m a permanent nomad, don’t have a permanent home and have been on the road for more than 2 years and definitely more years to come… I love minimalism, but don’t go that extreme, I make sure to stay under the carry-on limit.

About merino wool, I have a few merino products and really like it. I think the only con about merino is, that it’s not so durable?

A tip for people who travel around and stick longer at some places and want some more clothes to wear. Try to find second hand shops for clothes. Many of them are charity shops, it’s very cheap and we are saving the planet by recycling. When I leave the place I just bring the clothes back to the charity shop again.

And yes the crystal deodorant stick is amazing, I put some after my shower and never smell anymore. And the stick lasts for a very very long time(years).

November 11, 2017 at 10:55 pm

Ah, how do we find these gems on the innernest? What an amazing web!

So, I am 50+, female, planning a solo walking for 2 weeks in Spain (not the Camino), with a 40 liter, 15 lb backpack. Four days before departure, I tripped on a broken sidewalk and painfully bruised my ribs. After a day of couch and ibuprophen, I removed two lbs of stuff from my pack. This included my swimsuit and sandals. So I traveled with only one pair of shoes and never did find a good swim spot. There is nothing I missed that I had removed, and a few things I took that I didn’t need after all, and a few things I hadn’t thought of that I wished I had. I also cut a few excess bits off my actual pack – straps and so on – to save a few ounces. My final day in Barcelona was really, really long, but even though by then my pack weighed 28 lbs (chocolate and fabric, mostly), I had gained enough strength that all day long, the weight didn’t bother me at all. This is my first trip like this, and I will do it better next time.

January 5, 2018 at 5:43 pm

Remember- No benefits of wool will ever outweigh the abuse and torture the sheep go through in order to produce that wool. I am sure there are plenty alternatives to wool that will be adequate.

February 10, 2018 at 1:28 pm

Great story so inspired! But maybe you should do a packing video on your youtube channel that will be so much helpfull! Plus we can see it in real life how you do it.

November 2, 2018 at 10:02 pm

Good idea! My packing video will last exactly 10 seconds though. Put my clothes on, grab my phone, moneyz, passport, toothbrush, toothpaste, baking soda and hit the airport.

April 8, 2018 at 7:21 am

Hi, your travel gear page approach is very interesting and good! I was wondering though that you are not carrying a water bottle even though you travel in some very hot climates? Second thing is travel adapter, surely iphone charger is not compatible with all those countries you have visited?

November 2, 2018 at 9:58 pm

I never carry a water bottle. I drink enough throughout the day, especially alongside my meals. If I need an adapter for my iPhone, I just buy a small one locally or ask the reception at the hotels.

April 11, 2018 at 12:12 pm

Do you know a good website that talks about or tells you where to buy traveling clothing for young kids (like the clothes you mentioned here)?

August 12, 2018 at 10:35 am

I’d look on Amazon. The principles are the same as for adults, just look for children sizes.

June 29, 2018 at 3:14 am

I tried a zero bag challenge back in January for a long weekend trip to Pensacola, FL. I learned a lot, it gave me more perspective for future trips. I have been a one bag traveler for years (Tom Bihn synapse 25), but doing a no-bag was a leap for me. I enjoyed it and the added challenge that it was winter, albeit only in the 40’s, made me feel real good about it later. Since then, I no longer carry a purse or a work bag. My future one bag travel bag will be the Tom Bihn synapse 19 or their new pop tote. I’ll be trying a second run of a zero bag travel trip this summer also for a weekend in Pensacola, we will see how that works compared to the winter trip.

July 22, 2018 at 5:36 am

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!

November 9, 2018 at 9:06 pm

Hello, I think the post is awsome but I have one complaint. You are constantly promoting wool and how good of a fabric it is. I think it is really important that you know where the products come from and how they are produced before you promote them to other people. With wool we tend to forget that it comes from sheep and as with all industries that use animals we know that these are extremely cruel towards them and the wool industry is no different. I wanted to share this article where this topic is explained in detail so the next time you’re promoting wool or anything else you do a bit more research on it. https://www.peta.org/issues/animals-used-for-clothing/wool-industry/ I hope I could spread some awareness.

December 14, 2018 at 3:36 pm

I recently discovered this article and greatly appreciate the philosophy and recommendations. In the replies, I have noticed a number of requests for a non-wool option. Although I would recommend evaluating the merino wool option to determine if you are truly allergic or sensitive to this, you can also look into linen products that have similar anti-microbial properties but offer a plant based option. I prefer the merino wool products, but do use some linen pants and shirts as well in my travel items depending upon my trip.

January 15, 2020 at 10:58 pm

Any chance of an update for the new decade?

February 8, 2020 at 8:09 am

Absolutely. It’s coming up ;)

February 28, 2020 at 8:24 pm

Great! ??? We are all waiting for it! Thank you for inspiration!

March 25, 2020 at 10:52 pm

Folks, guide just updated for 2020!

March 26, 2020 at 7:54 pm

I would also just add earbuds, and ear plugs, they don’t take up much space, but are a life saver. I do no-bag travel with a small fanny pack. As a woman most of our clothes come without or with substandard pockets. If its winter and I’ll have a coat then I leave behind the fanny pack, winter coats have decent pockets. Even at a minimum though I also take an extra pair of underwear. Also, I have found that for the most part you can just travel in your regular clothes. No need to buy merino wool everything, (except socks-buy those) but merino items do make it easier. If you are one-bagging be careful, the backpack straps tend to fray and pull at merino wool around the shoulder areas. Thanks Regev, alway a pleasure to read your updates.

November 9, 2020 at 2:25 pm

I revisit this blog every year or so. Fantastic, and very inspiring. I currently have a small sling bag (the Bellroy Sling) packed ready for a trip to SE Asia when travel is allowed again.

In my experience, the only additional things I need to take that aren’t covered here are sunscreen (expensive and often laced with whiteners in Asia) and strong insect repellent (mosquitos seem to find me particularly tasty). They are annoyingly bulky, but I personally can’t travel without them. I think it is the clothes where you really save the space though.

I’ll just be wearing a merino top, light trousers and sandals, with a pair of lined swim shorts rolled into my bag – alongside some basic toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, tiny flip comb and the aforementioned insect/sunblock). For electronics I am simply taking my AirPods, iPhone, a charger and a small battery pack/single cable.

I have a slim case for my passport that also carries a few extras – sim remover tool, other simcards, spare bank card, bottle opener and tiny torch.

I think that is basically everything. Oh, and of course a face mask in this new world!

July 11, 2021 at 4:26 pm

Very smart.

Do you buy any souvenirs when you travel ?

Merci beoucoup

April 28, 2022 at 10:14 pm

I’ve tried so many really top wool clothing (Ice Breaker etc) but can’t get them off fast enough. The itch is unbearable, and I don’t have super sensitive skin. So it’s a bummer when all the minimalist packing bloggers say wool wool wool. Looks like it’s poly only for me ?Love to hear what any other ‘itchy types’ have found.?

February 22, 2023 at 7:01 pm

Hello, Regev:

I am searching where to purchase the secret zippered pockets shown on your website. I don’t have access to a sewing machine and the secret pockets by Andy the Hobo Traveler are no longer available at Amazon.com

Can you tell me where I can find one? Thank you.

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.

The Blog of Author Tim Ferriss

Tim Ferriss's 4-Hour Workweek and Lifestyle Design Blog. Tim is an author of 5 #1 NYT/WSJ bestsellers, investor (FB, Uber, Twitter, 50+ more), and host of The Tim Ferriss Show podcast (400M+ downloads)

How to Travel 12 Countries with No Baggage Whatsoever

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Starting tomorrow, travel writer Rolf Potts will embark on a trip that will take him around the world without using a single piece of luggage. This post will explain how he’s going to do it, and there’s a kick-ass giveaway at the end…

For six weeks he will explore 12 countries on five continents, crossing the equator four times, without carrying so much as a man-purse. The few items he does bring will be tucked away in his pockets. Though he’s a seasoned minimalist traveler (famous from his book Vagabonding ), he usually travels with a single overhead-bin-perfect backpack, the Eagle Creek Thrive 65L . It’s been his go-to bag for the last 3-4 years.

So why attempt to travel the world with no luggage at all?

Rolf sees his journey as a real-time experiment in traveling ultra-light, and “a field-test for a more philosophical idea — that what we experience in life is more important than what we bring with us.”

While circumnavigating the globe with no luggage sounds like a clear enough proposition, it can raise a few semantic issues. What, for example, counts as a bag? Rolf has set up a set of ground rules to guide his own journey, including:

– No bags on the journey (not even a man-purse or grocery store bag, unless the latter is used en route to a meal).

– No borrowing items from his cameraman or using his cameraman as a pack mule.

– Borrowing or buying items along the way is permitted but excludes bags.

Since most people don’t travel with a film crew, Rolf’s advice for the average no-baggage traveler is a bit broader than the rules he’s set for himself. Here are 8 key tips from Rolf on how to plan and execute a no-luggage journey.

In Rolf’s words…

1) Manage the journey from your mobile phone.

A smartphone could well be the most important tool for a baggage-less traveler. It can store your boarding passes and other important documents, make phone calls from virtually anywhere in the world (with a swappable SIM card) and even act as a miniature blogging tool.

I recommend an iPhone with a foldable Bluetooth keyboard , which allows you to fit your mobile office inside a single jacket pocket. The iPhone can be loaded with a series of applications to replace everyday day items carried on a normal trip. The Kindle app lets you leave behind bulky books, and Genius Scan lets you use you iPhone’s camera as a makeshift scanner so you can quickly save receipts and email them to yourself on the fly. Wikihood utilizes the phone’s GPS to serve location-relevant Wikipedia articles, which is a unique and interesting alternative to a guidebook. Throw in your favorite currency converter, phrase book, and flight tracker, and you’ve got a single device in your pocket more powerful than its dead-weight paper counterparts.

Some recommedations:

TripTracker by PageOnce

Lonely Planet series of phrase books (multiple links depending on language)

Currency converter: “Currency”

2) Keep your footwear simple and practical.

With no bags, the only shoes you’re going to want to bring is whatever you’re wearing from day to day.

I’m traveling with a pair of Blundstone boots I bought in Australia in 2006. I’ve worn these boots all over the world the past four years, from Paris to Ethiopia to the Falkland Islands, and they’ve served me great. They work for hiking in remote environments, yet they’re easy to slip off and on at airport security.

Some travelers might prefer Chaco or Teva sandals (if nothing else to save packing socks) — and I won’t fault them for that — but my Blundstones look nice enough that they will get me into places where sandals might seem too informal. You are on your feet constantly when you travel, of course, so whichever footwear you choose to bring (be it sandals or boots or running shoes), make sure you aim for comfort, simplicity, and durability.

( Note from Tim: I opt for darker-colored Keen Newport Bison Leather Sandals . If you use black or dark socks, since they have closed toes, you can easily get into restaurants or even pass for business casual if you tuck the tightening strings in.)

3) Buy or borrow certain items as you go.

An old vagabonding adage goes, “Pack twice the money and half the gear.”

The same notion applies to no-luggage travel — even if you’re only packing a tenth of the gear. If a journey takes you to a beautiful beach region, odds are you can buy rubber flip-flop sandals there for a few dollars. If a given city is rainy, cheap umbrellas should be in plentiful supply — and if you get sick, the world is full of pharmacies (many of which are better-suited to cure local ailments that whatever medicine you might have packed).

Should you travel your way into cold weather, thrift stores are a good place to buy a warm jacket (which can be given way to a needy person or left in a hostel swap-box when you leave). You can also borrow things from other travelers along the way. You don’t want to be obnoxious about this, of course, but most travelers don’t mind sharing a spot of toothpaste or a couple of aspirin, and asking for these kinds of things can be a great way to strike up a conversation at the hostel or on the hiking trail.

4) Be disciplined and strategic with what you choose to bring along.

Packing light can be enough of a challenge when you have a small backpack, let alone when you have to keep all your gear in your pockets. This in mind, don’t bring anything you’re not going to use every day.

Nail clippers can be borrowed along the way; rain ponchos can be purchased on rainy days. I left my razor out of the equation (it was better to let my beard grow and then get a hard razor shave in Morocco), and before the trip I cut my hair so short I won’t ever need shampoo. Any big-box retailer should have bins of tiny deodorants and collapsible toothbrushes to keep your toiletries micro-sized. Camping stores will sell 3-ounce snap-top storage bottles that work well for toting concentrated laundry detergent or multipurpose liquid soap. Err on the side of minimalism; you can buy or borrow items along the way.

5) Wear travel gear with strategically located pockets.

If you travel without any bags, this means whatever gear you bring will have to fit in your pockets. My journey is co-sponsored by ScotteVest, an Idaho-based sportswear company that specializes in travel clothing with multiple pockets.

Most of my gear fits into the ScotteVest Tropical Jacket , which has 18 pockets of differing sizes. A majority of these pockets are accessed from the inside, which (a) is a nice deterrent against pickpockets, and (b) saves me the “dork factor” of looking like I’m traveling the world dressed like a confused trout fisherman. I can carry a majority of my gear in this jacket without looking ridiculous — plus the sleeves zip off, so I usually wear it as a vest. I’m also wearing a pair of Ultimate Cargo Pants from ScotteVest, though I’ve packed light enough that I rarely have to use the large cargo pockets. ScotteVest isn’t the only company that makes travel gear with utility pockets, of course; your local camping outfitter or travel-specialty store should provide you multiple gear options, and you can choose the clothing that best fits your needs.

6) Use a minimal rotation of clothing.

Essentially, you’ll want to travel with little more than the clothes on your back — but you will want to bring a few spare clothing items to keep things fresh and ensure you won’t get too stinky.

Given that I wear cargo pants, a travel vest, socks, underwear, and a short-sleeved t-shirt under a long-sleeved shirt on a typical day of my trip, I keep one spare t-shirt, two extra pairs of socks, and two extra pairs of underwear in my pockets.

Each night I wash the day’s socks, underwear and t-shirt in the hotel/hostel sink, and these items are dry enough to pack by morning. I’ve been washing the cargo pants about once a week (and I have yet to wash the travel vest). Some people take short no-luggage trips with even fewer clothes, but my arrangement isn’t bulky and ensures that I always have a rotation of fresh socks, underwear and t-shirts.

( Note from Tim: Here what I pack for an uber-light trip , in this example less than 10 pounds total. ExOfficio underwear are a lifesaver.)

7) Utilize the postal system for souvenirs and extra gear

With airlines baggage fees quickly spiraling upward, many travelers these days are saving money and hassle by mailing certain items to one or more destinations along their itinerary.

If, say, you’re traveling from warm climates into cold climates, you can mail your warm clothing to the first cool destination (just make a pre-arrangement with the hotel you’ll be staying at in that location). On that same token, traveling without luggage doesn’t mean you have to forgo buying souvenirs — if just means you won’t be able to carry them. To solve this problem, just hit the local post office and mail that Balinese mask or Latvian amber or Syrian silk home.

This is actually a strategy that can be employed when you’re traveling with luggage: The souvenirs you find along the way might be nice, but there’s no sense in dragging them along with you. It’s worth the expense to ship them.

8) Remember: Travel is about the experience, not what you bring with you.

In the end, that remember that going without luggage and packing ultra-light need not be an extreme act. It isn’t a contest, or a rite of travel-superiority: It’s just a great way to eliminate distractions and concentrate on the experience of the journey itself.

Freed of baggage, there’s little to forget or lose on the road. You don’t have to stow anything, guard anything, or wait for anything (aside from the occasional train or bus): You can just throw yourself into the adventure and make the most of your travels.

If you’ve ever fantasized about taking time off to globe-trot, I would highly recommend Rolf Pott’s Vagabonding . It is one of only two books I took with me when I traveled the world for 18 months. Outside Magazine founding editor Tim Cahill calls Vagabonding “the most sensible book of travel related advice ever written.”

I recently partnered with Rolf to release the exclusive audiobook for Vagabonding. For more on this incredible book, click here .

Afterword: So how’s Rolf doing? How’s he actually holding up? Check out his progress here , in real-time on the RTW (Round-The-World) blog .

Question of the Day (QOD): What tricks for light travel have you learned along the way? Please share in the comments. The more detail, the better.

Prize of the Post: Leave an answer to the QOD by this Sunday at midnight PST (8/22), and one of the best comments (hard to objectively say one is “best”) will get a Sonos ZonePlayer 120 ($499 retail) and two Klipsch speakers ($389 retail)! Just download the Sonos app for iPhone/iPod Touch, and you’ve got a killer home stereo system that can play just about anything, including Pandora and Rhapsody.

The goodies will ship directly from me in an S5 box (as I now have a new S5 setup ). Look forward to your tips!

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Huge fan of Rolf Potts! This is great news.

Now that is impressive. I have done 5 countries will a 34 litre bag but now I feel less of a man. Well played Rolf, well played.

That’s a really cool concept, but is it really all that comfortable to have all your gear strapped around you and extra undies and socks popping out of your pockets?

I’m really interested to hear how this turns out…

Hopefully it’s a liberating experience that we can all learn from.

Thanks Tim and Rolf…

bring and wear clothes made with high-tech fabrics. usually have less mass (lighter), dry quick and easy to wash!

Have a most excellent adventure Rolf. You seeem to have it nailed – use the resources of your destination – most hotels have all the basic toiletries and they are small and if your clothes come in the teeny tiny dri-fit variety available so readily now it is easier to put socks in your pocket. How about a collapsible water bottle? It is hot near the equator!

Hey Tim and Rolf, great post!

Rolf, I just finished reading Vagabonding, as I’m considering doing something similar this Winter now that I’ve freed up my time and location. I’m looking forward to following your journey around the world on your blog, so congrats man.

Good luck, travel safe!

One of the best tricks I’ve learned for light travel actually comes from my Search and Rescue training – test what you need, before you actually need it! I tend to pack what I think I need, and then go on a shorter trip somewhere. Items that I don’t use, don’t need, or that I can find better alternatives for get dumped, no question. Also, make sure everything you have is multipurpose (making it, therefore, a better alternative). For example, take a leatherman or something similar rather than a switchblade, cargo pants rather than jeans, a waterproof jacket w/ a hoodie rather than a jacket, poncho, and hat, or a pouch w/ room for documentation, phone, and money (one of the ones that tourists often wear around their necks) rather than carrying them all separate. Vests work wonders as well, but the more multipurpose things you carry, the less you will have to bring with you.

You may not always be the most fashionable, but you definitely are traveling much lighter. I’m using a similar technique for moving back to college after summer break, and it’s done wonders so far.

I’m an ultralight backpacker – hiked the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail with less than 9lbs w/o food and water.

This is a habit I got into early on – whenever I got back from a trip, I would go back over my packing list and note the things I didn’t use. A lot of people carry stuff they NEVER use but by the time the next trip comes around, we forget.

I still think I would prefer an ultralight backpack to the vest (really, you’re just using wearable luggage) but it’s a cool idea. I’m sure the vest’s inside zip pockets would help in areas with pick-pockets.

Safe travels!

QOD Response:

Before I start packing, I’ll close my eyes, and imagine running through my daily routine and what I’ll be doing that day from the time I wake up to the time I’ll go to sleep. And I make note of everything I need along the way. For example, “I wake up, brush my teeth (pack toothbrush and toiletries), put on my clothes(pack a pair of jeans,shirts), going swimming(pack swim shorts) .. etc. I run through the entire day as best as I can estimate. And what I dont imagine needing, I dont pack. Then I do a final ‘phone, wallet/ID, cash’ check. Because really with those 3 things, you can handle most any situation you encounter, whether you forgot to pack something you needed or forgot to make arrangements of some sort.

Instead of a cotton t-shirt, bring a dri-fit shirt. You can easily wash it in any shower or sink, and they dry so quickly you dont really need a spare.

I also normally wear short ankle socks, but if you wear bring knee high socks (only under pants for me) you can actually carry quite a lot of small light items, and more securely than in your pockets. Extra credit card, cash, passport, even stuff like a tooth brush or comb.

If I am going to be swimming I will wear biking shorts underneath my regular shorts or pants. You can drop your shorts, go for a swim, the bike shorts will dry off a lot quicker and you can put your clothes back on over them once they are dry and be comfortable all day. Traditional bathing suits are much too bulky for this.

If you have a nice camera, utilize it. I took high resolution pictures of all of the maps I would need, and my camera allowed me to zoom into the picture with incredible detail. You could even pop into an internet cafe to review them, instead of bringing a lot of maps. This is a simple trick to compact a lot of documentation.

When I travel I wear a pair of Mountain Hardware Hiking pants that have zip of legs. That way I have a pair of pants and shorts all in one.

I have to agree with the two statements:

1) Ex officio underwear has been a lifesaver. They make other things too! Socks, shirts, convertible pants…in general, their whole line is geared toward minimalist travel. It is durable, easy to care for, comfortable and prevents the “stinkies” when you are traveling!

2) iPhone with or without a keyboard…plus certain apps such as Kindle or iBooks app…the development and extension of smartphones (iPhone is the BEST!) has certainly been a game changer. I don’t think I have carried a laptop on a trip since the first iPhone was introduced. I will admit that lately, when I don’t have to be ABSOLUTELY minimalist, I am carrying an iPad….which is the same idea….light, thin, LONG BATTERY LIFE, and allows things like Kindle and iBooks and Zinio, magazines, newspapers, maps, weather, flight information, etc….(just like iPhone, but more capacity and longer battery life)…not quite pocket sized, but certainly easy to carry.

These are the two things that have changed my travel the MOST and reduced my load the MOST. I can’t say that i have travelled without ANY bags….but I am certainly able to deal with a smaller bag and many less pounds as a result.

Last couple of plugs – many companies make shoes that fold or pack flat for easy travel. Some of these also have removable insoles so that you can have more or less support depending if you are riding on the airplane (and don’t really need thick insoles) or walking a lot (in which case you can slip the insoles in). I won’t plug a specific brand here…many places have them.

The PacSafe company makes a variety of small pouches all the way up to large bags that lock up tight, can be anchored to immovable objects (like a door or desk), and cannot be cut through by the usual tools….these are VERY useful for travel in situations that you won’t have a safe but want to secure that iPhone or iPad from theft. Highly recommended.

Happy travels!

Wouldn’t this raise red flags in some places? Not traveling with anything.

Wow, I’d love to do that. I still think I need to take my netbook. I think I can get down to mini carry on, But no less. I have a problem with the theory though. Having to explain to customs officials why you have no luggage, not even a carry on for international trips. I realize that “officially” they can’t detain you for being uber-efficient, but I know these guys….their gonna ask….and ask…and break you down until you admit to a variety of crimes just to get out of the inquisition room. It might be worth trying this a while to make a documentary. “How I saw 12 different country’s security system in 15 days”.

Best light weight travel tip! Wear wool. Wool has natural antimicrobial agents that keep the stink to a minimum. Wool is the best fiber for temperature regulation, meaning that you need to remove and add less layers during exertion. Wool also absorbs moisture into the fiber, so if you are sweating it will not look like you are. It takes 30% of the materials weight in moister for you to feel wet vs 5% in cotton or synthetic. There are some great wool brands out there that have made stylish functional pieces that are great for in the city or in the woods.

I’ve found that, especially as a woman, the bag that fills up the fastest is the one filled with costmetics/bathroom items. To combat this, I:

*Pack makeup that does double duty – like a lip/cheek/eye stain; tinted moisturizer with SPF.

*Pack 2-in-1 shampoo/conditioner that can also serve as body wash and shaving cream.

*One razor with multiple cartridges usually takes up less space than multiple disposables – but razors are something you can easily buy at your destination. Same with feminine hygiene products, so don’t give in to the urge to pack extra “just in case”.

*Pack a rubber band, elastic headband and bobby pins instead of tons of product and styling tools. If you’re spending the trip hiking, this is a no-brainer, but this also helps you lighten your load and feel comfortable with a night out, dinner in a restaurant, etc.

1. If you’re looking for a good all-in-one soap/shampoo/facewash I recommend trying the baby aisle of your local (or destination’s) department store. I found a great ‘GAIA’ brand ‘Bath & Bodywash’ that is soap and sulphate free, with some orange oils for zest.

2. Crocs don’t just make dorky plastic sandals — you can get the same lightweight sole with slip on loafer stylings up top. I love my pair of funky herringbone patterned loafers. Good for casual wear, and if going somewhere more ‘dressy’, people will just think you’re a hipster!

3. Twitter. A great tool for making a local friend or two in each destination before you leave. Great for a quick answer on a local topic.

Bonus: My sister bought an iPad before she went on an extensive european trip (she was going to lug along a full laptop) and it’s proven it’s worth. Incredible battery life, good size screen for maps etc . If you need a little more than a smart phone, it seems to be a reasonable alternative.

I enjoyed rolf’s book. I think you need to add another point that would perhaps be the biggest tip for many.

Choose who you travel with carefully. If your wife is one of those people that has to take the hair straighteners, then you’re going to have a problem traveling light!

You will probably need to compromise, consider splitting up for a while or get them to read rolf’s book!

I’m off to Thailand for my honeymoon is Dec and yes I have the slight issue of having someone else’s opinions who matter to me to consider!

In my travels I’ve noticed that having a handkerchief takes the place of a hat, towel, bag for small items you find (like stones at the beach), a way to mark and recognize baggage and muzzle the annoying person on a crowded bus (haven’t really tried this last one yet…). So one small piece of clothing, that can be worn on a head, neck, wrist or ankle, allows you to not carry as much on trips.

Very good tips above! Will make my next trip backpacking Europe easier with less stuff!

We always make sure our long-sleeved t-shirts contain SPF or are sun shirts (some people call them rash guards). With a good hat on our heads and long pants, we don’t have to pack sunscreen or bug spray, nor do we have to apply any of those nasty chemicals to our bodies.

Great post. It’s tough to travel this lightly with two small kids, but we sure try.

Man… With all of those awesome tips above, how are we suppose to compete!?

I haven’t done a ton of “extended journey” traveling, but when I do travel I like to only bring my backpack. The best tip I have is to use a checklist to make sure you have the “essentials” (things that can’t be replaced when you get there). Stuff like medication, passports (yes, people forget them!), phone, etc.

When your checklist pimpgame is tight, you feel extra chill when you pack and you’re on the way to the airport. Anything you bring on top of the checklist is just “icing on the cake”… Or weights holdin’ you down… 🙂

The timing of your post is funny… Since (I might) have your attention. Is there a way you would be interested in raising $500,000 for a school (or three!) of your choice and me buying $5,000 worth of your new book when it’s released?

If yes, click over to my webzone (when you have some free time) and scan the latest blog post (you’re more than welcome to skip the rambly video). 🙂

Zip off pants! Having a single pair of pants that can be used in hot and cold is invaluable. They might be ugly, and you have to carry the lower leg parts once you’ve removed them, but they give you a lot of options (like being able to wear longs pants in cultures that require them) without having to add an entire extra set of bottoms.

Very impressive!

One of my travel light favorites is swapping the underwear for light weight, quick drying board shorts for a few reasons:

-Its a good excuse to get in the nearest ocean/river/lake daily.

-You can keep cash/visa/passport in the pocket which is hidden under your pants if you get into trouble.

-And obviously you can just wear the board shorts if its too hot for pants.

Make sure you have one pair of boxers for when board shorts are too wet.

Enjoy the travels and remember “the only thing you get from looking back is a sore neck”

great post! This is my first time visiting your site. I’ve skimmed through your book a couple of times at Barnes and Nobles, but today I decided to abuse my privileges. In 3 hours I read half of 4 hour work week, and completely lost track of time.

No worries, I did purchase 2 books 🙂

Didn’t mean to hijack the message board but thanks for putting out this awesome book!

Welcome to the party! No problem on the hijacking (you didn’t really hijack, after all)… I figure we’re even after two books 🙂

As a fan of Rolf’s book Vagabonding (hopefully I’ll be able to join the ranks of Vagabonds after grad school), this was a great post in many ways that aren’t even immediately evident. The eighth point is really one that I want to expand on: excessive luggage creates unnecessary distraction. From the brief world-travel I have done, I’ve found that a more concise travel pack not only helps you focus on the locations you tour, it also forces you to appreciate the few items you do pack.

Because we can go to a store here and get a 5-pk of black shirts for about two bucks a shirt (I believe your friend Kevin Rose has about a hundred of these), we see these hugely important items as almost disposable. When accessibility to cheap essentials is restricted because you’re on-the-move and busy touring, we perceive items taken for granted in a totally different way. Traveling light is an easy way to reset your subconscious notion (and order) of the importance of objects on a fundamental level.

Great article, I’m looking forward to reading more about the journey!

How do you go through airport security? (with liquids, etc)

My guess is dump it all in a bag you can throw away when you get there, but I’m curious anyway.

Contest Entry:

When traveling through western Europe a few years ago I learned the value of a super-light day pack.

We made a circle through Switzerland, Italy, and France and I was using a regular suitcase, with wheels! (I was total amateur).

I happened to have a nylon drawstring backpack (the kind athletes use to carry shoes and stuff) that I started using as a day pack.

For the size and weight it holds a good amount of gear, it has no pockets and draw string at the top that are over your shoulders so it’s fairly impervious to pick pockets, and it folds up smaller than a wallet weighing only a few ounces.

http://www.amazon.com/Ensign-Drawstring-Backpack-Black/dp/B000HLS2DO/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=apparel&qid=1282345972&sr=8-3

Second Entry:

I can’t take credit for this one, but I wanted to share anyway:

Karol Gajda, of Ridiculously Extraordinary, recommends aLokSak’s for doing laundry in sinks of questionable cleanliness, or when you have no sink at all.

They are basically extra-heavy duty ziplocks, and also fold up extremely small.

http://www.ridiculouslyextraordinary.com/15-minutes-clean-clothes-anywhere-in-the-world/

Looking forward to your trip updates!

Currently I’m using a 40 litre bag. There is a pack list on my site but I’m really digging your no bag rule! I might have to take my DSLR along though. I don’t think I want to go anywhere with out that.

As for light packing tips:

1. Sign up for a checking account that refunds ATM fees

2. Borrow, beg, and don’t steal

3. If you do have to pack a bag, I find that rolling your clothes helps a lot

4. Just remember that 9 times out of 10 where you are going will have what you need

Ohh and have fun!

Hi Tim and Rolf

Excellent post, thank you.

This is a trick I learnt from a friend in the British Royal Marines. Fleeces and mid-layers can be bulky to pack/carry. Instead, carry a cashmere sweater. Benefits are: they are very light and pack small; can be casual or smart if needed; can be worn effectively under a outer-layer; and can be easily washed in shampoo/conditioner – it is hair after all!

I also carry a bluff – a tube of material that can be pulled over your head. Benefits: can be used in cold weather as a scarf; in sun to protect your neck; used as a hat or sweat band/bandana when folded/rolled… I have also used it as a mini towel, water filter, helmet padding, impromptu bandage and a small bag…

I also really like by Under Armor Heat Gear T shirts, they: wash well, dry quickly and hold their shape.

Rolf – have a great trip. Tim you are inspiring.

People are always amazed that I travel with only a lap-top sized bag. They are surprised because I am a girl and we’re not usually associated with light travel, and also because I can get by for weeks with this teeny bag.

My tricks are that I bring only one pair of pants (jeans) and I wear them on the plane. You can really go for weeks without washing jeans without anyone noticing (and if you do need to wash stuff, there’s always laundromats, or friends). I bring only a few shirts and one light, wrinkle-free black dress which I can wear for nicer events. For shoes I wear tennis shoes on the plane and pack one pair of gold flip flops that pass for nice dress shoes since they’re gold and sparkly. I also wear a hooded sweatshirt on the plane which works for rain or cold weather and doubles as a pillow when traveling.

The hardest part is your toiletries (at least for us women, and especially when we wear contacts). I simply minimize the make up (an all-in-one gold powder works for eyeshadow and, when mixed with chapstick, as a lipgloss), foundation and mascara and that’s it. No jewelry. Toiletries are brought in small travel sizes (including a comb) and if I run out on the road I just buy or borrow some. (If visiting family I never bring things like toothpaste or shampoo, I just use theirs).

Finally, my favorite trick is to pack my bag with dryer sheets. It keeps my clothes smelling nice and when they get funky I can rub the dryer sheet on it to mask the smell. Double bonus- dryer sheets reportedly work as a mosquito repellent.

I learned all of this after backpacking across Europe. You realize that it’s far more comfortable to wear your clothes a bit stanky than to lug around lots of luggage.

Thanks guys….Great post! I am definitely going to pick up some of that clothing.

I work as a freelance designer and programmer and am in love with photography. On my first few overseas trips my computer and photo gear took up most of my baggage. Now I just rent the gear when I get there and make sure I get insurance. I use Dropbox for all my files and software. Now I’m much less worried about losing gear and am free to travel and take side trips with just a backpack. Some companies even let me borrow a laptop when I get there. People love to lend things to travelers, you just have to ask.

Good luck Rolf, we look forward to hearing about your journey.

I am going to europe this fall/winter. Also I’m training for a marathon so I really have to bring my running shoes but I need to have boots as well. What do I do then?

One tip that have served me well: Only pack clothes that will dry quickly (even better if you can roll them in your towel, compress and have them come out dry). Can get away with much less clothing if everything can be washed at a moments notice. Plus, materials that dry quick tend to be lighter than your typical cotton shirt and jeans.

My trick to ultralight travel is the mobile phone (as you mentioned) — but I like to call it my “travel computer”. An iphone, ipod touch, or android device can replace more than a dozen things in your backpack: An alarm clock, movies and music for flights and train rides, TripIt for travel confirmation documents (no printouts), Evernote for taking pictures of receipts and remembering phone numbers and plans along the way (no paper notes) as well as journaling (no moleskine), Kindle or Stanza for books, Skype for calling and texting internationally from wifi spots, the built in camera for replacing your camera and video camera, Lonely planet guidebooks (along with tons of other guidebook apps and sites), Chase or USAA bank apps for depositing checks from wherever you are (and in the future you should be able to replace your wallet with some bank apps). Otherwise, grab your passport and extra pair of those ex officio boxers and you’re ready to travel.

Being a digital traveler can make you a ultralight/minimalist/paperless traveler.

nice! I also wanted see you along side Rolf in this video! =)

Love the idea!

Bon Voyage, Rolf.

QOD: When leaving one country and moving to another one buy a bottle of a local popular alcohol in the departure country at the airport eg. top Tequilla in Mexico, Flavoured vodka in Russia (ask for the special sealed plastic bag when buying to avoid issues at security gates / connecting flights). It’s a fantastic way to get some good friends soon after the arrival in the hostels, camping places etc. talking about the place the bottle comes from and later borrow stuff you are missing easily 😉

I have found that as a solo female traveler (and emergency-preparedness nut), that the two most versatile and useful things to tote around are MAXI-PADS and DUCT TAPE. I generally take 3-4 pencils and wrap lengths of tape around them to avoid the heft of a roll. That way, I get pencils, too! Not only can a pads and tape be used to seal off a large wound, but my two favorite life-savers thus far have been:

1) After placing my shoes too close to the fire while rafting in Mexico, I needed to protect my feet for the next 2 days of portaging, until the pick-up point. I put pads on each foot, and taped them on. Walked over rocks, steamy sand, no problem. The tape stayed in place while wet.

2) Recently on an overnight bus ride in Guatemala, the speaker across the isle was mal-functioning and very loud. The young couple with a baby directly under it were going nuts, as were the rest of us in the vicinity. When the attendant couldn’t fix the speaker, I whipped out 2 pads and the tape. Instant muffler.

I guarantee that as my travels continue, I will have many more uses for these gems!

-have your computer live off a bootable usb drive to be used a library or friend’s computer

-bring an empty drawstring bag for odds and ends

-cell phone with some sort of hands free device is excellent for traveling

-cary extra cash hidden somewhere, and keep several stashes in case one is compromised

-if possible, befriend a guide to help you around the city you’re in

-in a new location, wandering around is not always a bad thing. watch for people who look like they know what they’re doing and follow (not too creepily)

-fluids, especially water are very helpful when on a train, bus or plane to stay healthy

-via dan pink’s travel tips: make sure your nose is properly protected (Bacitracin), it’s a place where germs fester

-the best place to go to the bathroom is at a hotel; the hotel’s lobby should have a ‘public’ bathroom

-photocopy your important docs (passport, etc) and place them separate of your luggage for safe keeping

I’m looking forward to checking out Rolf’s journey! I’ve been wondering since I read about it whether I could manage purse-less travel. Maybe a bucket list add, travel sans everything. Cool flashlight in the video.

A tip for travelling photographers:

If you don’t already have one, pick up a new carbon fibre monopod. There are versions that double as walking sticks and those that collapse into a pocket or backpack portable size. They hardly way anything but add needed stability for low light conditions or HDR shots.

A monopod can also be used as an arm if you want to hold the camera away to take self-portraits.

Tim – Just say no to socks with sandals. (Unless you’re in Japan) 😉

Alles liebe.

Really enjoyed this post, thanks to both of you, Tim and Rolf.

I have a pair of casual Puma sneakers (Roma stye, brown on brown) that have proved priceless for me in my travels. They were: comfortable to walk around in, durable, yet light and thinly-soled, and — most importantly — were appropriate in many situations. Wearing the same pair of shoes, I felt appropriately dressed for academic lectures in Beijing and nightclubs in Barcelona. Granted, the other components of my attire required a backpack (kudos to Rolf for his extremely light-traveling), but if you do have a backpack and know you’ll be in diverse dress code situations — like business casual for academics and dress-to-impress (if that’s the term?) for bars or clubs — having only one pair of shoes can be huge. Needless to say, I also felt comfortable wearing the shoes in Rome, the shoe’s namesake.

Thanks again for the post.

Hey Tim, here is my list:

I go for the Light! Light! Light!

– I always travel with a single carry-on backpack and never with luggage.

– I use small travel size containers from Walmart or sample size items (shampoo, soap, mini folding toothbrush..etc. BTW, there are types of soaps that you can use for your face, hair, body, as shaving soap and for hand-washing clothes!!)

– I always use all-purpose or multi-purpose clothing and wear zip-off pants/shorts especially with several pockets on the legs. And, I roll my clothes.

– Money belts you can wear like a belt

– I wear quick-drying and breathable “shu-sandals” (they are crossover between the shoe and a sandal). I have one of these: http://www.zappos.com/chaco-paradox-gun-metal (Yeah, not cheap but they last long!)

– I also pack one scarf in my bag. Yeah, colorful scarf. They are very handy! Can make you look stylish and for instant respectability…

– Aquapac (Water resistant bag) find a good one here: http://www.saveandcheap.com/index.php?c=SportingGoods&n=51576011&i=B003R2SJ0Q&x=Aquapac_Keymaster

– Always carry small sharpie or a pen inside of your little neck pouch. BTW, neck pouches keep everything organized..even outside of the airports.. Example: http://www.rockcreek.com/sea-to-summit/travelling-light-neck-pouch/?ref=RCO_googlebase

– Small digital camera, nowadays I use my phone…I also use the same phone to type in daily journals.

– Light wristwatch with a built-in alarm

– Finally, I always leave some space in my bag for small souvenirs. Don’t get carried on with the big items. Pick smaller but meaninfull souvenirs.

Do it just like Gandhi, with simple clothes, open eyes and an uncluttered mind.

Great post!

As for QOD, I have learnt the hard way that it is really nice to lose stuff on the go! I had my dirty clothes in a plastic bag within my main bag, after a few days at a hotel was in a hurry to take the boat to the next destination and simply forgot to pack the plastic bag with my dirty clothes back in the main bag. At least my backpack got a couple of days clothing lighter!

Pretty expensive tip, but if you take some clothes you know you’re not using/going to wear anymore(we all have those!) it’s nice to give/throw them away as you go along.

Rolf, awesome idea and good luck. I’m confident this can be done.

My wife and I just traveled around Italy with our 6 & 8 year old kids for six weeks with just small backpacks. If you’ve ever tried to load up a backpack for a 6 and 8 year old you would know that they really can’t carry much weight. My wife had a small Kelty pack and I had a midsize Northface pack with neither of them being completely full, nor did we have items strapped on the outside.

I’m sure Rolf will manage just fine.

Great post, Tim. As a high schooler, I’ve never traveled truly solo before, but I’ve learned a few things about the practice from reading books and blogs here and there. There are several, but I’ve listed the ones that I have tried to apply on trips.

1. The bundle approach (roll apparel like a snail shell, then tighten it with a string or a rubber band) is a great way of saving space.

2. Pack versatile clothing and other items, and realize that you don’t need more than two or three changes of clothes at most.

3. Bring extra money, not only for souvenirs and emergencies, but also to cut down on cheap yet relatively bulky things such as socks and undershirts.

4. If there’s a smaller and/or digital version of something essential, use it and not the bigger/physical version. By going with the electronic editions of my summer reading and using online test prep, I avoided the hassle of lugging books around as I visited several relatives along the East Coast over the course of a week.

5. Expensive rentals are a natural part of travel, and bringing the bag of golf clubs or the skateboard is not worth the amount that it will cost you to rent the item for a day.

6. For novices (myself included), set a limit on the amount of things you’ll bring before you proceed to pack. Pack so that you can meet this goal, then try to shrink your luggage to just over half of what you’ve included.

This is something I’ve learned from experience, but when traveling in a group, as I did a few years ago, it’s easy to skip bringing items like ties–just mooch off of friends. Just rely on principle 2 and bring a shirt that is unlikely to clash with other colors. You’re not likely to get denied, especially when your speaking event starts in ten minutes.

Don’t pack the night before you leave. Just like writing an essay, you will need some time to cut down on the extraneous bits. “Draft” your luggage several days in advance by packing everything as if you’re ready to leave (write items down if you don’t want to physically pack them), and let the contents of your bag mull about in your head. You’ll end up naturally trimming down what you’ve brought as you fail to find instances in which you might use the useless items.

Ah the good old days…

A few kilos ago

A couple of decades ago

… and a child ago 🙂

Tim –

When you travel do use a smart phone with an extended keyboard or bring a laptop?

It depends on the duration and what I’m doing. If super extended, I’ll usually bring a laptop these days (writing, after all), but I’d like to try the smart phone with keyboard. The trick might be only using it overseas, as I don’t want email in my pocket in the US. That might change, but we’ll see.

Packing light is all about optimization. My teenage daughter packs so she has choices and brings twice as much as anyone else…my teenage son wears basketball shorts and t-shirts, so he’s easy. My wife is a smart packer and backpacked through Europe for 4 months in the early 80’s with a 75lb pack on her back – she vowed to never do that again – meaning pack that much. I have traveled to Europe and China on business for week-long trips with a carry-on – key is to get stuff that needs to be cleaned done at the hotel or if possible a local dry cleaner. (2x the $ and 1/2 the stuff) Learn to use the iron in your room if you need to press something. Pack single colors so you don’t need 2 different color pairs of shoes and belts. Leave toiletries at home except for what you absolutely cannot get at the hotel for free or in the sundries shop if you need to buy it.

I plan on getting an iPad before my next trip so I can leave my laptop and books/magazines at home. I’ll even pdf docs I need and store them on it for reference. If something needs to be printed – email it.

That’s my take on packing light!

Great Article! I especially liked the links to the gear. I love outdoor and travel gear and use a similar Eagle Creek Backpack when I travel.

One of my favorite travel tips… turn your underwear inside out after a few days’ wear. It feels like a fresh pair. While you are washing your undies in the sink with barsoap, wear your swim suit as underwear. Commando is always fun too.

And, if I am traveling on a budget and purchase food from a grocery store or farm stand, I found that a cloth napkin is great as a makeshift lunch table (on a sandy beach, random bench, etc). It also works as a spill rag, towel etc. Along with that, I do as much research about where I’ll be visiting before I go (including train schedules) so I know what to expect.

I look forward to reading more about this journey. Props!

Traveling light?

– Pack a bag of bags. I use little nylon bags with draw strings that my mom sewed for me when I was in scouts.

– Pillow case can come in handy as an extra bag or — stuffed with a fleece outer layer — an actual pillow

– 35 mm film canisters make great waterproof containers. Even if you don’t take a film camera — and who does any more — throw some allergy medication of your choice in one and some benedryl in another. I react with different climates, cultures sometimes.

Leave the children at home. They seem to required luggage in inverse proportion to their size!

Tim, I know you’re a fan of traveling and you promote it every time you get the opportunity. But I wish, just once, you’d recognize how much damage flying via jet travel does to the ozone layer of our planet. You do nothing to minimize your carbon footprint by flying as much as you do.

Great tips above, Rolf and Tim. My two favorite things for light travel are a light poncho (~$10) and Nivea Active3 (~$3-4).

You can always shove the poncho deep down in your pack, and if you don’t need it, great, it only weighs about 6 ounces. But it’s come in handy waiting for those buses on the exposed mountain roads in Panama, and it will cover you and your pack. That way you don’t need full, heavy raingear. It’s great for impromptu picnics on wet ground, too.

The Active3 (and they have generic versions too at target) you can put in a tiny 2-ounce squeeze bottle — it’s shave gel, body wash, and shampoo/conditioner, and it excels at each. It’s really reassuring to know that I have what I need to get clean, in case I get to my destination too late to go to the local store.

Happy Travels, all!

Having done a fair amount of solo-traveling myself (3 years with extended stays), the best trick I have, after learning the language and buying local, would probably be my Samsonite Silhouette 7 hard-side carry on suitcase (packed with my Eagle Creek packers). Before I get flamed for not using a backpack or convertible backpack (I have a great Osprey Waypoint 80), I find for most of the travel I do, a solid messenger bag (my Chrome bag, or the multipocket Samsonite Attachable Tote that has dry pouches etc.), and my rolling hardshell work perfect. With the hardshell I can pack it with anything rest assured it won’t be broken on the other end, I look way more together when checking into hotels along the way, I am way less of a mark for con-artists, I can straddle my luggage when on a cramped subway, rather than taking up space for 2 with a back pack, I avoid the uncomfortable and unseemly sweaty back when going from point A-B in warmer climates, and I can move easily from one mode of transport to another.

While I recognize that the post is about ultra-lightweight travel (an interesting exercise), I think the most practical way to travel is to avoid checking luggage at all costs, feeling comfortable in urban environments, and avoiding being lumped into any particular traveller stereotype.

Oh, one more thing, if you use deodorant, bring your favorite along with you, because some countries have some pretty lame and unhealthy options!

I’ve only done a couple of major trips (more than a week) out of the U.S., and my early attempts involved a very steep learning curve. So my main “tips” for light travel are a few what-not-to-do’s that I learned the hard way:

-Don’t bring your old boy scout MagLite. A tiny LED keychain flashlight is plenty for finding your way around the hostel or your backpack at night.

-Don’t bring your Leatherman Multi-tool when a simple penknife is plenty.

-Don’t bring a sleeping bag when you’re hosteling. It’s likely that the hostel’s sheets are cleaned more often than your own. (especially if you’re a college-age single male)

-Don’t bring a 1-pound padlock for hostel lockers. A decent little luggage lock is enough of a deterrent to keep your things safe while you’re in the shower.

I have more, but those are the most dramatic (and embarrassing). I hope others can learn from my mistakes.

Cheers, everyone! Not a lot of time, since I jump on the subway to JFK in 24 hours, but you have some great ideas going here.

@Jan: I’ve often worn boots and packed running shoes in my travels (not when I’m going bagless, though). If there’s any way you can get out of bringing the boots, though, go for it. You can do a lot of the same activities in running shoes (though to be honest I tend to favor boots).

@Peatt: Love the female travel tips! Those cracked me up…

Great tips, everyone — keep them coming!

My wife and I did backpacking in Europe for 24 days. We used the Osprey rollybag/backpack combos. Rolling them in the airport and packing them on the cobblestones was perfect. We traveled in April so I had a Helly Hansen heavy nap fleece that had big inside pockets and zipper outside pockets that worked beautifully.

The backpacks are the only thing coming with us on a two week trip in November to Singapore. That and 18 month old twins! 🙂

This is kind of long, but you did say the more detail the better… so, here goes.

My first rule of light travel is that my bag has to fit under the seat in front of me in an airplane (if I’m taking one). So this immediately restricts my packing options.

I pack one change of clothes and do my laundry in the sink daily if possible so my clothes are always clean. I don’t pack formal clothes because I rarely go anywhere too fancy when I’m on vacation. If I find I need a skirt or better shoes, I can go shopping at my destination.

My favorite pants to travel in are a dark gray pair of convertible pants/capris/shorts I found on the clearance rack at REI a few years ago. They have velcro pockets (so I have an audible alert when they open), dirt doesn’t show up on them, they dry fast, I can sleep in them if I’m sharing a room with a travel buddy, they’re weather-adjustable, and they don’t look too manly. Even when I’ve packed other pants, I end up only wearing the others when I’m doing laundry.

I pack the bare minimum for toiletries. Most hotels have all I need either for free or in a vending machine in the lobby. Or the convenience store a block over has them. I usually bring at least a toothbrush that folds over into itself , some deodorant, and a couple pieces of makeup.

I pack as few electronics as possible, or an extra charged battery instead of a charger. The space cords take up for laptop, cell phone, and camera chargers is obscene. I figure if I’m traveling, why do I need to be hanging out behind a computer screen or texting about nothing important with my friends? I can do that a home for much cheaper. Also, public computers and telephones seemed to be readily available most places I’ve traveled.

I also learned the hard way that light travel is made less spectacular if my travel companions are not also light packers. I once traveled with a friend who packed two gigantic duffel bags and a backpack for a two week trip. He ended up wearing the same (very stinky) clothes for the entire trip, and we spent forever waiting to check and claim his baggage at the airport.

I could go on forever with more of this, but those are the highlights.

Great post, thanks Tim & Rolf. I especially like the advice about only a few changes of clothing, underwear, etc., then washing what you’ve worn. I did that on a 5 week trip through Mexico and Central America. It worked great. I haven’t traveled that way in a while though, need to get back to it.

For the QOD: I really like a money belt or small pouch that hangs around the neck, inside my shirt. Its great to put your backup credit card/cash and things you want to keep close like your passport (on days you’re not going through customs). It keeps everything inside safe and difficult for somebody to take off of you, but also ads one more organizational “pocket” for keeping those valuable things separate, so you don’t accidentally drop your credit card out of your pocket, when you’re pulling out some dry socks for the hick back from the swimming hole.

Great video and blog. I am glad http://www.scottevest.com can help.

Scott Jordan, CEO

I highly recommend a mini quick-dry, microfiber towel (I use one from REI), ExOfficio boxers, and Smartwool socks. Having gear that dries quickly and will stand up to repeated washings is essential. Lastly, skip the guidebook and talk to people!

Great post! I think this idea is phenomenal! I have always wanted to try traveling light. I haven’t had a chance to read all of the tips yet. The only thing I would add is that a spare iPhone battery may be helpful, Best of luck to you Rolf!

i will ask how you get trough airport security with all that stuff and do we need to do that if you can get a nice small backpack which can be so comfortable so you wont feel it with those few items you take with you.

Harmonica. Put a harmonica in your pocket. Even if you don’t know how to play it. Music opens door and provides opportunities to for conversations.

I would also include sunglasses and aspirin

Happy travels.

I am a former infantry Marine, and although this may not apply, the 3 things I made sure were in my pockets before going out on patrol, were a knife (in case I needed to stab someone), a tourniquet (in case I got shot), and some baby wipes (in case I needed to take a shit). I say this in all seriousness. When push came to shove, those were my 3 essentials.

Here are a few tips after 30+ years of business and leisure travels across all continents:

– Bring the iPhone / iPad with USB cable, headphones (Bose or Apples) and adapter (this will be your home office, camera, bookstore, movie screen, boarding card, phone et cetera. only use WiFi hotspots)

– Store all your data in the cloud and access via apps (music, movies, docs, spreadsheets, mail, photos et cetera)

– Use a Timbuk2 messenger bag (medium or large) as they work well for both business and pleasure

– Travel in comfortable jeans, shirt and trainers; pack shorts / swim trunks, travel socks and briefs, flip-flops, PJs and a few shirts; a blazer if for work

– Use the PJ to sleep in on long-hauls to keep your clothes fresh; grab a shower at the airport lounge

– Wash your clothes at the hotel or local laundromat for a few bucks while having breakfast

– Two credit cards and passport; no wallet

– No need to bring any hygiene products as the airline, airport lounge and/or hotel can always provide that for you

– Utilize the airport lounge to shower, eat and work / communicate – all free

– Make extra sandwiches from the breakfast buffe to use for lunch / backup

Buy or borrow anything else; the world is more commercial than we’d like to think. Be okay with wearing the same jeans for a few days.

The above allows you to travel in style, light-weight and don’t look like a bag packer or a corporate drone. It enables you to easily leave the airport and head off out on adventure as soon as you land.

Here is a prezzo I made before the arrival of the iPad about traveling smart: http://www.slideshare.net/perhakansson/how-to-travel-smart-fast-and-simple

I’d like at some point to travel around the world in only the clothes I’m wearing, two credit cards, passports and an iPhone. But that’s another story and challenge.

Disperse your valuables in different locations on your body (internal pockets, external pockets, moneybelt, etc.)

This simple concept has saved me so many times I’ve lost count. No need to be overly paranoid or let it stop you from traveling, but still: nothing derails a trip like a stolen passport. Credit cards (which if possible should be favored over massive amounts of cash and debit cards) and such are somewhat easier to recover, but it’s still a pain and can interrupt a trip in major ways if you are not prepared for it.

In Rolf’s case, presumably he will have to have all his valuables on him at all times, unless he is comfortable leaving them at his hotel lock box or with a friend. As an expert traveler, I’m guessing he’s probably not too worried about it because he has a system down. And that is key to this tip: develop a system.

Before you head out to the market or clubs (pickpocket heaven), the airport (a little more secure), or a border crossing (depends on where), carefully consider exactly what valuables you will need to access. Place them accordingly for both security and ease of access. In most cases, I’ve found the following system to be the best:

Put some small change/bills in an external pocket, preferably zippered (hint: wear pants with zipped pockets). You can access this easily for small purchases, and the loss is negligible if it is stolen. Keep larger bills, credit cards, immunization records, passport, and photocopy of passport in deep internal pockets or a money belt/necklace, but NEVER keep your main source of $$ in the same place as your passport. Ideally, each valuable should be in a separate internal pocket, with thought given to the priority of each valuable and the security of the pocket. Never keep these things in a bag attached to your body, and for that matter, never carry a purse or a bag that only has one point of contact with your body (i.e. messenger bags, camera bags, etc.).

Depending on the clothing and planned itinerary, each system will be a little different. But the key is to think about it carefully and implement it at all times. After a while it becomes second nature. A little forethought can save a lot of regret and hassle.

Love the blog and the book, Tim.

#3 Buy or Borrow

Though I love the premise of this journey, if meant to promote a long term lifestyle, please remember that you will find very generous people along the way, but reciprocation is expected. It wouldn’t really be fair to always be the borrower…..

I teach recreation (yes, it’s a real job) and have a general rule when backpacking when it comes to going ultralight. Anything (aside from clothing which varies greatly season to season and location) that one brings must as a rule serve more than one purpose. For example, what purpose will your toothpaste serve outside of being toothpaste…..no purpose is the answer you are looking for….ditch it and borrow or ask for some when you check into a hostel, hotel, etc. Contact lenses? Ok, I’ll give you that one. Great use of the vest by the way. If you go by the dual/multiple purpose rule – you can shave come serious weight. And…I agree with Peate, duct tape is a must…ditch the safety pins…you’ll only end up pricking yourself along the way. wrap the duct tape around one of your other multi-purpose items (using the sunscreen tube as a duct tape holder makes it multipurpose).

Great stuff! Here are a few tips/tricks I have used

1) smart phone and ear bud headphones. Already covered, but amazing

2) REI nylon cargo pants. Similar to above. These things are amazing–dry, sun proof, dry super fast, come clean from almost any stain, the legs zip off to for shorts! I wore them every day on the Race Across America (RAAM) a few years ago.

3) Vibram KSOs. Love these shoes. They look odd, but if you go with the all black they blend in a bit more. Awesome for hiking in wet and dry conditions.

4) TRX suspension trainer. Packs in bag and can be set up almost anywhere to do some cool exercises. Of course, knowing bodyweight drills requires zero equipment and is highly effective. A couple jump stretch bands can help too.

5) Trade skills – I do some movement work that most times allows people to move better and without pain, many times in minutes. This works great to trade for virtually anything. Most people have a few slightly or major painful issues. Get them out of pain and you can get tons of cool stuff and an instant friend for life.

6) lightweight fleece – works great when it its cooler and makes a great pillow at night too.

Keep up the great work guys!

Mike T Nelson PhD(c)

When I travel for work, they are usually short trips of about 3 days. I economize on space by wearing the same pair of black pants pants and shoes each day, and just packing shirts to switch out. It may not be for everyone, but it saves so much space, and I guarantee no one notices.

The space this saves allows me to pack my gym shoes and workout clothes. I always pack clothing made of cotton or wrinkle-proof material so that I can roll it up to maximize space. The ultimate result is being able to make a 3 day business trip with nothing more than a small backpack.

There are some great suggestions here, I’ve definitely been taking notes. Of late, my light travel has been camping with kids. (Don’t let the ads fool you, kids, once they are past the baby stage, don’t require more stuff! A single bottle of bubbles has often been the only added entertainment.)

The best suggestion I have is to live your everyday life in a simple way. When you’re doing that, you find what you “need” away from home is simple.

If you are used to living light, traveling light occurs naturally.

I’ve met travellers who do the borrow toothpaste, shampoo etc thing and I wanted to say it’s really freaken annoying. Don’t expect other people to look after you.

It’s a personal preference but I’d rather carry more stuff with me than spend precious holiday time doing handwashing and running around shops looking for basic items. I’m especially wary after travelling through SE Asia and not being able to get things dried overnight in the humid weather… damp knickers – urrrghh!

I guess I’ll never be an ultra light packer because I have other priorities for my holiday time and I’d rather die than wear nylon or technical fabric on hols.

My packing light tip is definitely to cut the shoes. They are the worst. One of my male friends is trying to convince me I can travel with one pair but it’s not working. I’ve cut down to two pairs though.

My light travel tip is to take a water bottle with you. It can be a Sigg, Kleen Kanteen, Lifefactory glass, Nalgene, old milk jug, etc. The point is to take a re-useable water bottle with you. This not only helps to keep you hydrated while traveling (especially important for air travel), but also reduces the amount of crap that ends up in landfills. Double win! As long as the bottle is empty when you go through the TSA checkpoint, you are all good. Next, skip the water fountain and ask the friendly Starbucks, Caribou, Peets, etc. coffee person to fill up your bottle when ordering your double tall soy skinny mocha latte frappachino. The filtered water the coffee houses use is typically better than what comes out of the water fountain.

ok, this is going to sound really obvious- but bear with me-

I really like bringing a backpack- but bringing it about 75% empty. Having it on my back like that gives me a sense of peace (it’s like a reminder of how light I’m traveling and how easy it is to move around with all my stuff) and it’s a great tool to have if you need to get something from point a to point b easily while you’re on the road/on foot.

Now, can I have that expensive item please? Thanks in advance-

http://www.amazon.com/JanSport-Superbreak-Classic-Backpack-Black/dp/B0007QCQGI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=apparel&qlEnable=1&qid=1282355160&sr=1-1

Warning: contains secret girls business. (but not for princesses!)

Traveling with “feminine hygiene products” is a nightmare for a variety of reasons. One tip from me – menstrual cup (eg Diva Cup). I won’t say any more – chicks can Google it if interested.

And as tempting as it is to get the smallest thong possible for underwear, take up a bit more room and get boy-leg undies in black. They can double as swimmers, pyjamas and even shorts.

Rock on Blundstone boots from Australia; Tim, ban the sock/sandal combo!!

Cool post! What a creative challenge – I hope things go well for those involved.

Last summer I hitchhiked and backpacked over 1,000 miles around the Midwest and Canada. I was only allowed an average-sized backpack and could only spend money on myself at dire need (the only money I spent on myself was on a McDonald’s breakfast my last day in celebration and chewing tobacco to keep me occupied while walking).

The key was developing a fearless confidence and learning to truly care about other people. It is difficult to muster up enough courage to invite yourself into other people’s lives, but your initial reluctance diminishes rapidly after a few skipped meals or cold night outside (especially without a blanket…one of my worse ideas).

Three tricks I found useful:

1. Practice. I spent three months before the trip hiking, biking and sleeping in ditches to imitate worse-case scenarios. My feet still got blistered and I still hated trying to sleep in 40-degree weather covered in dew, but I was prepared and knew I could manage those problems.

2. Don’t be discouraged when you fail. For every ride I hitched, meal I shared or friend I made there were dozens of cars and people who passed me by.

3. Actually listen. Most people offered me something small, like a 5-minute ride to the next town. See those 5 minutes as an opportunity to establish trust and build a relationship – don’t be afraid to be honest or get personal. The more authentic you are with people, the faster you gain their respect.

My best success using this method was turning a 5-minute ride turned into two days of hospitality and a +200 mile ride to Milwaukee. Caring pays!

Another trick is using a VA to manage your life while you’re gone. Spend time learning how outsourcing and who to hire. Automate everything you possibly can – your VA(s) should be doing everything in the month or two before you leave. Having a VA will help you setup processes for most of the unimportant things in your life and letting them do everything will force you to stop micromanaging. The key is to do this BEFORE you leave so you can step in and do damage control in a secure environment.

Once you’re on the road, your life should be automated. Take your time. Let experience guide you and remember: serendipity cannot be planned.

Tips for outsourcing:

1. Find a ghostwriter to take care of your writing needs during the trip. Find/train someone who can mimic your stylistic needs, then call them a couple times a week to feed them travel notes or plan new content.

2. Don’t manage the trip planning yourself – tell the VA what you want and let them set it up. Again, you should train them BEFORE you leave. Use them to setup appointments, measure travel distances and routes, contact local hosts on sites like CouchSurfing, etc…

Hope these tips help future travelers.

Find ways to have multiple uses for everything. This reduces our gear load considerably. Phone for calls, flashlight, itinerary tracking, music, Internet…

The ultimate tip for travelling light is to make friends with locals during your journey. Not only does this improve your travel experience and teach you more about the local cultures, you will be surprised by the extent to which complete strangers will help you on your journey.

This is often in the form of a free dinner, a shower, a bed for the night, but more importantly (for travelling light), these wonderful people will often kindly supply (or let you borrow) the things that you need for life on the road, often in the quantities you need (a refill of shampoo, some soap, some water for the road, etc.). This will help you to avoid carrying so much cargo.

Of course, it is vital never to take advantage of people’s generosity. However, if you are open-minded and genuine, you won’t need to anyway.

Good luck Rolf!

For the QOD:

For me, the biggest gain for travelling light has been something I actually found here, Evernote. With the ability to use the iphone app to quickly take pictures of things and then discard them (great for bills/receipts etc.), as well as easily searching through any information / documents that I may want (Travel insurance details, flight info for example) that I have already stored in there have saved on the need of carrying a load of stuff around with me.

One of the handy things I have recently found myself using it for is keeping track of things I want to pick up. On a recent trip over the course of the week, whenever I saw something I felt was worth buying and taking home, I would take a picture of it, note where it was and tag it as ‘To Buy’, then on my last day, I spent a couple of hours going around, picking the bits and pieces up and off I went. This also had the advantage of actually saving me time, as I didn’t need to do the ‘umming and ahhing’ over a purchase when I could do it later in some downtime, like waiting for a bus. It also allowed me some time to decide if I really wanted something or not, without the hassle that either going back and deciding I didn’t really want it, or later finding something better would cause, while allowing me the freedom to spend my time as I wanted, without carrying around that amazing souvenir I found in the morning all day.

Long story short – Evernote has been by far my best find in a long time, and it has amazing uses in almost any situation, including helping travel light!

QOD Answer:

Tim, you said the more detail the better. Well, as we all know it is usually more difficult for a woman to pack light. There are certain problems that woman can not avoid such as menstruation. I have found that is it difficult to lug around boxes of pads and tampons everyday so there is a solution called the “Diva Cup”. The Diva Cup is a silicon cup that is reusable for up to a year. It is easy to pack, washable with soap, and wearable for 24hours without being emptied. I am now able to be superwoman with this device.

I have also used “secret stash” a detachable bra pocket to store extra money.

“Go Girl” a feminine urination device where woman can pee while standing. It is very discreet, easy to pack, easy to clean and safe than sitting in public restroom. I use it usually for camping outside.

A lot of women do not like to talk about these issues and do not that there are solutions. I hope that I have not disgusted you guys.

This is a very fascinating post, but as a fashionable woman that is currently planning her own round the world trip for February 2011, I find it very disheartening that comfy, functional travel products are geared for men. The ones that I have seen for women are for women with no sense of style. I’m racking my brain to figure out how to only take one bag on this trip and maintain the “glamour element” but so far, I am stumped as to how to accomplish this.

I highly recommend Tilley.com. I went to London for 2 weeks with just one carryon bag and felt stylish the whole visit.

light beer:)

In more than a decade of traveling around the world from a year to just a few weeks, I can say that traveling light is certainly the way to go.

I still can’t go as light as Rolf, nor do I think I’d want to, but for me, that means carry-on only whenever possible, no matter the length of the trip or the destination.

I find zip lock bags of all sizes invaluable for organizing. I use them in place of bulkier toiletries bags. I put clothes in the larger ones and when I go through security, it makes it much easier if my bag is searched.

I also make my own “guidebooks”, culling the best of what I can find on the web before I go into a single document, rather than bringing an out of date printed heavy book.

The best things I like to bring with me when I travel are : Travelon Soap Toiletry Sheets (one kind is enough to wash your hands or clothing, or taking a shower) and 4 or 5 Buff multifunctional headwear.

When the weather is too warm, dip a Buff in cool water and wear it around your neck or around your head. Also a nice filter to avoid breathing sand or dust during a storm.

A Buff replaces a scarf around your neck when it’s getting cold, and hides your hair when it’s getting wild. You may also use a Buff to wash yourself.

The macabi skirt is supposed to be great also because it’s multifunctionnal and dries fast, but I didn’t try it yet.

Great article, very inspiring !

I have continually reduced my travel load. Generally travel with a half full backpack but have traveled with nothing but stuff in pockets. Here are some observations:

1. A baggie with duct tape, heavy duty rubber bands, safety pins, handkerchief. etc. Any of these things can be awesome in emergencies.

2. Travel clothesline – cant wash clothes in hotel rooms without it. I’ve even used the rubber band plus the hair dryer usually in hotel bathrooms to turn the bathroom into a giant ‘dryer’ – just band the trigger shut of the hand dryer and leave it in the holster pointed at the clothes. Don’t go to sleep though!

3. This is a huge lifesaver – a small travel allowable bottle of coconut oil. I use this stuff for: shaving oil, hair oil, moisturizer (hand and face), um personal lubricant, etc. Its totally natural, smells nice, and in a pinch it’s an emergency food ration. You laugh, but after being stranded for 36 hours without food during a trip somewhere I chugged it for a quick couple of hundred calories.

4. ex-officio underwear. Wear on, bring one – all you need.

5. I got one of of the Macati travel skirts. You can roll/fold this up to pocket size. Same goes for vibram footwear – it can be packed small.

6. Make sure everything you have can be charged via usb, and then bring either a notebook or one usb/outlet adapter and forgo the individual adapters (for your phone, etc). I typically charge everything I need – camera/phone, etc – off my laptop overnight.

7. When you plan on bringing stuff, decide whether you are bringing something because you need it or because you are using it to avoid people. Why bring three books with you, you should be out socializing.

8. A pair of nice jeans, that can be worn to a night out, a pair of shorts you can swim in (any athletic shorts), and the macati’s are all a man needs when traveling. Wear the jeans on the plane.

9. No need to bring copies of travel docs – store on gmail somewhere. Print them if you need them.

10. Eyewear. Contact lenses need very little care. I can travel overnight with just the lens case filled with saline, no need to bring a bottle. And, in a pinch, if you have to, tap water is fine to store them in. It’ll hurt your eyes the next day but you’ll survive.

here’s a simple and small piece of headgear with multiple functionality. it can be worn as a:

pirate bandana

neckerchief

it’s called Buff from http://www.planetbuff.com

just a little piece of flexible cloth. it comes in a huge varitey of colors and can be worn at leisure and formal settings.

used to wear it under my bike helmet when I went through sicily on bike for 2 months last year. it absorbs sweat and keeps your head cool in the sun.

worn as a wristband it gives you a rockstar kind of extra accessory (for those who want to stay in style on the road!)

I prefer to look poor when I travel. It minimizes the chance that I’ll be targeted by criminals or con men (or women!).

I don’t bring spare clothes. My favorite travel attire is mesh shorts and an undershirt in tropical locales. Benefit being, you can simply buy new ones instead of washing them, and they keep you cool even during midday exertion. For shoes, I wear loose archless slip-on cheap hard-rubber sandals. They allow my toes to spread and my feet to breathe, and they wash easily and dry immediately. Arch support is bad for your feet.

I don’t like pockets. I don’t like odd things bumping against me when I walk. I have a comfortable leather man purse that hangs at hip level and doesn’t interrupt my stride.

For geekery, some combination of smartphone with optional USB keyboard or a mini laptop will do. You also might use Dropbox, a USB stick, or a virtual desktop application to access your data from internet cafes. Be aware that Dropbox would work poorly in low bandwidth situations, and a USB stick might have security issues with exposure to multiple international internet cafes, unless you are running a virtual machine off of it.

For info management on the hoof, I recommend a combo of audio recorder (probably your smartphone) for capturing inspirations, and a pen and notepad for practical information you will need to access again, e.g. addresses and phone numbers. Don’t rely on your smartphone for practical information, because it is unreliable: low battery, data loss, water damage, you’re using the phone and can’t look anything up, etc.

Don’t make schedules. Keep all plans tentative.

Food is a big one for those of us with sensitive stomachs. I don’t eat food prepared by anyone but me. I buy fatty meat and cook it myself in the hostel microwave or whatever, then eat it with disposable silverware. (I live on an all-meat diet.) In a pinch, I go for something simple like plain white rice. A single meal can cost you a week of illness – it’s not worth it.

My #1 travel tip: Walk up to the pretty girls you see with your mind blank and your heart filled with desire. Be direct about your romantic interest. A girl will appreciate your appreciation of her beauty even if she doesn’t want to date you. That habit should make you plenty of instant friends who will usher you into an interesting mix of local life. With a pretty local girl on your arm, you will find easy introduction to others whom you would like to meet. You do not have to consummate any relationship for this to work.

thanks Tim for the great post

i have been working on this same problem for the last month can’t wait to share my findings with you ill compile the stuff and post it in about 3 to 4 hours

I am in Bangalore India right now getting ready to leave to NY on the 11th i hope this post makes it on time

this post is going to make history

Great stuff, Rolf.

The Boy Scouts gave me a keen sense for packing light.

It’s always a game between my fellow scouters to see who can pack and get by with the least (but most useful) gear.

Many times, we would head up a gear truck that would run our heavy loads to our final destinations (great for canoeing outings and long trips).

Usually, one or two people would head up the truck. We even had a team drive a trailer across country to meet up with us and deliver gear (while we flew and effortlessly hiked around national parks). We’ve encountered groups that provide transportation services within the parks and it’s a great way to enjoy your travels but still have the benefits of using gear at the end of the day.

This reminds me of Rolf’s “utilize the postal service” suggestion.

I was wondering if anybody else was familiar with any delivery services on a larger scale?

Depending on where you are headed, these tools can be a great addition to lighten your load/pack without losing usefulness:

ENO Hammocks- ( http://amzn.to/cjwSBL ) Durable, lightweight, super well-built. Eliminate being on the ground at night (bad flooding experiences). Great health benefits too.

SwissCard- ( http://amzn.to/d4VFZJ ) Fits in your wallet. Streamlines a ton of tools.

Best in Travels,

I like to wear a baseball cap (Redsocks) when traveling. It protects against weather (sun and rain) and bad hair days. I also have an old Air Force Grunts jacket that my brother bought at a thrift store 20+ years ago that has a great arm pocket. it’s light while still being warm, and I can use it as a blanket.

I’m a girl and I travel with the same purse I use to carry my laptop/textbooks at college. It might be cheating, but I *like* having a small bag and I *need* my laptop for coursework. I use a simple system when I pack to travel solo.

1. Dress for the airport wearing layers. I live in Seattle. Departing & arriving with a bikini under jeans & tank and a jacket over is always okay.

2. Wear sturdy, flexible shoes. Black flats work best for me.

3. Bring essentials: hairbrush, toothbrush & paste, shampoo. Credit card & passport. For me, makeup and sunglasses.

4. Electronics: 10″ laptop, cell phone, charging equipment. I never bring a camera, since I go for the experience and can always find photos online or use my cell phone’s camera.

5. Only bring clothing that will definitely be worn. On my last trip, I brought two dresses, shorts, a shirt, a scarf/towel, and an extra swimsuit for swimming/underwear. Used it all. Didn’t need anything extra.

Seattle being what it is, I tend to flee to the south or travel during warmer months. This scheme definitely doesn’t accommodate cold climates. Rolling clothes into bags and sealing out the air doesn’t work for me — I pack too much and can’t access it easily.

Since there are way too many great posts I’m just going to stay with a short answer. Since we’re talking about absolute minimum, I am taking this to the extreme 🙂 Just take a passport, one credit card, and a toothbrush (can take the FlyClear card too to speed up airport times).

These are really to me the only necessities if you are going to travel extremely light, since obviously you legally need the passport, and you need a form of currency. The toothbrush is one thing I definitely don’t want to borrow! The clothes you are wearing can be washed every night.

Thanks for the great post, and good luck to you Rolf!

QOD: Bring/wear WinterSilks long underwear–amazingly warm but balance heat well, and lighter than anything else you’ll find. Can cram them into tiny spots and they’re practically weightless.

Silk boxers Idea.

If you’re a boxers man, you could wear 2 pair of silk boxers. One over the other. Less to fill your pockets and ultra light. Simply rotate, washing the inside pair each night. Silk dries quickly.

bon voyage.

Travel Tips:

Give-N-Go underwear able to wash daily and dries quick.

A compact travel towel – micronet is cool but still needs innovation

The OHSO Marko Travel Toothbrush is fun!

A wallet belt

Micro Fiber Socks

the ultimate cargo pants rock!

One question. What about going though security? The number of fluid containers you have could cause some problems.

Uber cool quest! Good Luck! I’ll follow

To travel light, travel with a friend. That was items can be divided between the two (toothpaste, shampoo, aspirin etc.) While this might seem obvious, I’ve got on multiple trips where members of my group will carry multiples of the same item. For me, I just break down the trip to bear essentials, clothing,hygiene, and passport/money. Since I don’t have a smart phone, I usually shut it off for most of the trip, but keep it handy for emergencies. Yet one could easily go without it. I 100% agree on the usefulness of any smart phone on your trip, but I could also see that as a distraction. For me, the temptation would be to strong to check blogs, facebook, twitter, etc. Again if you travel with a friend, chances on you can use his smartphone for things like GPS, weather alerts, etc. But again, interacting with the people there is the point, so reliance on any technology could be hazardous. Either way great post, good luck Rolf, and keep up the great work Tim. Excited for the new book!

QOD: Practice.

90% of success at anything in life is attained during practice and preparation, not the actual actions themselves.

You can “travel light” without leaving the house. Pack yourself as if you were leaving, and live out of that bag in your own home for a week. Or three. Just because there’s a stove and a refrigerator, maybe a washer and drier, doesn’t mean you have to use them. Treat your home as if it were a hotel or hostel, and simply ignore any item that wouldn’t be there on a trip.

I’ve used this method over the last year, and I’ve never even managed to travel yet due to time constraints (because I’ve not yet implemented my Muse and found my Ferrissian Escape Vector). It’s simplified and improved my regular life so much I have no doubt I’ll be able to travel light and agile.

Practice. Practice. Practice.

Fun challenge – let’s see.

1) Plan by design – if you have a firm itinerary set, use WolframAlpha.com to look at the kind of climate variation you can expect where you’re going at each place, and plan accordingly. I personally like cargopants (REI Nylon are a decent choice) with removable legs at the knee – great in the summer, where a normally cool area can jump in temperature dramatically.

2) Plan by experience – before embarking on a longer quest, take a shorter one. Recently I traveled Hokkaido, and packed everything I thought I would need. I took two bags – a mini-suitcase, and a backpack – everything I needed was placed in the mini-suitcase, and as I needed them throughout the trip, I would transfer them to the backpack. By the end of the week, my backpack contained the few items I needed. The suitcase and everything inside it could then be safely donated.

This helps not only in helping break down expectation vs. reality, but also gives a psychological boost in that, as you’ve survived with the backpack before, you can easily do so again. It’s great for beginners to minimalistic packing.

3) Reducing common items:

Laptop – as mentioned, can be reduced to an iPad or iPhone, depending on needs. In addition to all the points mentioned above, they can also be used to store a decent amount of photos, so as to reduce the need for multiple SD cards. The Apple camera-connector is useful here, and small enough to fit in your camera pocket.

Multiple pairs of anything – DriFit or similar such water/stain/etc. proof materials are great – if you need to do something fancy at a moment’s notice, it’s always great to have a spare t-shirt, but a dark colored DriFit shirt can be run through a faucet and dry on your skin before you shake the hands of anyone important.

Underwear – depending on temperature, I’ve sometimes substituted these for a light pair of waterproof running shorts, which are typically small enough to not be terribly uncomfortable (similar to wearing boxers) and can be used as a bathing suit quite easily.

4) Temperature variation – A small, thin washcloth can be easily tossed into a pocket (or you can use a t-shirt for this same purpose, if you bring an extra one) – when the temperature climbs, soak it in cold water and place it on your neck. The blood running through your neck is cooled (similar to how placing your wrists under running water can cool you down) and simultaneously protected from the sun. You can drape it over your head to protect from heat in much hotter areas as well. In cool weather, you can heat the cloth (very carefully) in a dryer, in a pan (over a fire or set on low heat), or in a pinch in a microwave, then wrap it around your neck to keep warm.

5) Ultimate minimalism (building off Potts’ ideas)

– Eliminate mobile internet/phone – while I think it’s better to not remove your sole means of contacting people, the world has enough internet cafés that you could do this if you really wanted.

– Grab a phone with a higher end camera and replace your camera. This is my favorite – the iPhone 4, for example, has a good enough camera to reduce the need for a dedicated one.

– Buy on-location. Eliminate everything other than clothes and camera-phone (+ keyboard if needed). While deodorant in some countries is laughable (I’m looking at you, Japan), it’s good enough to use in a pinch, unless you smell terrible. Shampoo/soap can be borrowed if you’re going anywhere with people, and what can’t be borrowed can be picked up in a convenience or dollar-type store for pretty cheap.

– While I’m personally involved with WeDrink (charitybottle.com), I’m hesitant to recommend taking a bottle along – it really depends on where you’re traveling. It adds a ton of weight when full (which I guess could be used as a weapon in a pinch), and while you could treat one as a mini-pot and boil water in it (make sure it’s stainless steel), in most areas where you’d want to boil or iodine the water you’d probably be better off buying bottled. If you’re traveling through all first(ish) world countries, then it’d be a decent thing to carry.

Personally, I leave with a money-clip (credit card, some cash, ID), passport, quick-dry running shorts (with extra change of underwear), 2 pair socks (replaced from convenience stores when they get unhandwashable), pair of light boots, pair of cargo shorts (with zip-removable legs), DriFit t-shirt (with 1 extra), and either a suitcoat or a pocket-filled vest that contains a camera phone (typically iPhone) with earbuds, and a set of earplugs. Everything else I need I buy as I need it.

I have two tricks that helped me in my travels:

– Couch Surfing ( http://www.couchsurfing.org/ ) for sleeping for free anywhere in the world. The people there are so friendly and they introduce you to their culture and day to day life (something you might entirely miss if you’re “just traveling”)

– Greet and meet! Talk to people everywhere, get in a habit of starting a story that they can relate to. You’ll soon be making a lot of friends in all the countries you’re traveling.

My goal for 2012 is to make a trip through Europe befriending people in every country I go to. Since I just ticked off my last goal (parachuting) I hope I can also make this one happen!

I love when you do traveling posts, Tim.

ESPECIALLY when they involve Rolf!

My Swedish parka ( see e.g. http://www.outdoor-supplies.co.uk/zencart/images/Swedish%20Fur%20Lined%20Parka%201.JPG or http://www.rddusa.com/images/products/Army-Jacket/Swedish-Military-OD-Work-Jacket.350.jpg ).

I find it useful because:

1. With its classic cut, fabric and color you can combine it with tons of other clothes – even with a suit (think mod). –> you don’t look like a tourist waiting to be ripped off (this is of course geography-dependent and won’t work for e.g. me in Nepal).

2. It has huge pockets where you can put lots of stuff you would normally wear in a (small, city-tour) backpack –> you don’t need a backpack –> you don’t look like a tourist waiting to be ripped off. Plus: you will not get pick-pocketed as easily, esp. if having your hands in the pockets.

3. You can use it as a blanket (or pillow) in e.g. (night) trains. Or when having a picnic.

4. As it has a removable lining, I can use it in any season of the year resp. geography I travel.

5. Having buttons instead of zippers you don’t run the risk of not being able to close the jacket when needed. Plus: the buttons can easily be closed even when wearing gloves. Plus: If opting for a backpack, you can use the jacket as a cape, thereby covering your backpack

I’ve got no problems carrying a single carry-on bag for 1 week or less. My warhorse is the eBags weekender.

The tricky part is the toiletries:

1) Shaving – Gilette Atra Mini (from eBay) and 20 Atra cartridges, plus a small bottle of ShaveSecret shaving oil. It all fits in a soap dish, and it’s TSA-friendly. You can also trim the handles off of disposable razors to make them fit in the soap dish.

2) Teeth – I keep a tooth powder bottle in my travel toiletries kit and use it whenever I’m on the road. It’s a bit pricey, so I only use the tooth powder when on travel.

3) Other toilietries (Contact lens solution, shampoo). Put them in 2 oz nalgene-type bottles (available at camping stores, some ‘mart’ stores). I don’t even bother w/ shampoo and soap if I know I am staying in a hotel that will have them.

Why This Man Travels Without Luggage

By Laura Dannen Redman

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

When he's not at home in Brooklyn, designing rooftop gardens across New York City, 37-year-old Jonathan Yevin is living the dream, spending six to ten months a year on the road as a writer and adventurer. He has enough incredible stories to make him a candidate for the next "most interesting man in the world." In the past year alone, Yevin has visited Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Tunisia, Israel, Lebanon, Italy, Greece, Bulgaria, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Poland, Scotland, Ireland, "and some Nordic countries." He swung by Emirates to visit a friend, and India for his third time at the Jaipur Literature Festival; he skipped from Mexico to Panama to Colombia, where "the kitesurfing is proper and a fresh fried fish with all the trimmings costs five bucks right on the beach." Next month, he'll likely head back to Africa and Asia (not or— and ).

So, the question we all have: How do you do it? How do you afford it—the time off, the flights, the unpredictability of a life on the road? In addition to "an array of overnight plane rides and last-minute one-ways on discount carriers," Yevin's travels could be boiled down to one constant: no luggage. He's kind of famous for it. Just Yevin and his trusty passport, circling the globe like his life depends on it. Wouldn't we all, if we could leave our baggage at home?

I chatted with Yevin about a few of his greatest tales and travel tips—like never underestimate cargo pants.

You're known for traveling the world without any luggage. What was the first trip you took where that cemented this tradition?

Ten years ago I was on assignment for Men’s Fitness, researching an article about mountain climbing in the Andes, which involved lugging
 nearly 100 pounds of equipment up and down 20,000-foot peaks. Upon returning to Quito I officially renounced my Sherpa-ness by
 giving away all that gear to anyone in need. I stripped myself down to the bare essentials—passport, toothbrush, credit card, and a couple 
hundred bucks. From there I took a few months, headed north all the way to Mexico and back down again to Costa Rica, where I had an assignment for the Travel Channel. The production fellas in San Jose looked at me like I'd just been airlifted from a mujahideen training camp.

What's your go-to outfit for traveling?

It's always something very plain and nondescript, so no one notices I'm wearing the same thing every day. When I'm traveling without bags, colder weather is easier since I'm not constantly sweating. A jacket offers much in the way of pocket space. I don't travel
 with clothes I'm sentimentally attached to. All the more easier to replace them whenever the occasion arises. In the developing world, 
tailors are plentiful and cheap—I've had street couturiers dismantle cargo paints, migrating the pockets from the front to be hidden 
inside. While this affords me the ability to keep my money, passport, toothbrush, phone, and charger safely tucked away, it has 
left many receptionists and immigration officers in a tizzy whenever I had to unzip my pants to pay for a hotel 
or fill out a visa form.

Go-to airline?

Whichever's most economical. I've pretty much memorized the route maps of every discount carrier in the world, from AirAsia to Interjet to
 Jazeera . I once flew from Morocco to France on an airline called  Jet4you . Yes, with the "4" ungrammatically squished like that. I have no complaints when it comes to air travel. Even after hundreds and hundreds of flights the whole process is still so wondrous. "Sitting in a chair in the sky, like a Greek myth," in the
 words of Louis C.K. Which is not to say I don't have standards... I will not be re-booking the charter service from Mexico to New York any
time soon, which lost an engine mid-flight, sending our 747 into a sharp 180-degree bank as the captain turned on the emergency lights.
 The woman in an adjacent chair, a complete stranger, suddenly seized me in a dear-life cling. Once when I worked in Africa, I sat in front on a 14-seater between the mainland and Zanzibar, and noticed the pilot kept the instruction manual in his lap and obsessively referred to it.

What are you bringing with you on your next trip?

Trick question! Anyone who grew up in New York in the '80s is imprinted with the iconic Mount Airy Lodge commercial jingle: "All you have to
 bring is your love of everything." So, that, plus a badly mutilated passport with four inserts of extra pages (due to a bizarre clerical error at the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi), a credit card with no foreign transaction fees, and an unlocked Samsung Galaxy Note5 with a battery case.

Most off-the-beaten-path you ever went on a trip?

I'm constantly in search of the elusive unbeaten
 path. One time I rented a motorbike in a remote Burmese town called Hsipaw and went off-road, following the path of environmental
 destruction blazed by the still-in-construction $2.5 billion, 500-mile-long Sino-Myanmar pipeline project . What else? At one point in a trip to a remote area of Canada, I lost my shoes in some quicksand. So I show up at the airstrip barefoot with mud
stains up to the knees. Also barefoot, some pig farmers in Kapiri Mposhi Zambia, who took me in after I missed a once-a-week train back 
to Tanzania. Those guys had a severe predilection for barbecue, hard liquor, and evangelical Christian American television. In some ways any travel I do is off the beaten path, because people and their lives are not included in any maps I know. In that sense a traveler could go off the beaten path without leaving his hometown.

Any trip that went hilariously wrong?

I wouldn't call it hilarious, but six years ago I was on assignment in East Africa and my girlfriend was visiting. We got a deal on Kenya Airways flight, so we decided to take a side trip to Madagascar. After much
 pleading, I convinced her to leave all of our stuff with a friend in Nairobi. The trip was a disaster. ... While we were on safari in Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, surrounded by lemurs, aye-ayes,
 and chameleons, there was a coup d'etat and the country fell to pieces. We arrived in the coastal city of Toamasina unaware of the 
situation. Downtown was thoroughly looted, storefronts were smashed, and rubber tire bonfires blocked the streets. Have you ever walked
 into a city as its natives were vacating it? It's a unique experience. There was a military-imposed curfew and we were in violation of it. We were shot at by the army. We huddled in an alleyway for hours. The locals were too busy barricading their neighborhoods to help us. Ultimately we found a safe haven with some Sri Lankan monks in the countryside. But it was weeks before flights resumed.

Harrison Pierce

Alex Erdekian

Charlie Hobbs

How can we be better travelers rather than tourists?

It is important to envision travel as an act of reciprocity rather than alienation. The journey is a living relationship, and the
destination is not a theme park. The thing to do is just get out there. Traveling is not a natural talent. It must be practiced with intention.

Why Steven Alan Designed Pants With Travel in Mind

Preparing for the No Baggage Challenge

Last Updated: January 6, 2023

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Preparing for the No Baggage Challenge…(originally published in 2011. Recently adapted and edited)

Almost a year ago, I was traveling from Nepal to Australia. The airport in Katmandu had a series of security checkpoints, but this time my routine of chucking everything on to the x-ray conveyor belt at one end and absentmindedly collecting it at the other end was stymied.

“There is something in your purse. I need to look at it,” said the security official.

I blinked and handed over my purse for inspection. It has been through x-rays with no complications many times before; nonetheless this extra step didn’t phase me. I had lots of time, and there were no crowds to contend with.

Slowly and methodically, the security official laid the contents of my purse out in front of us. This wasn’t nearly as simple a task as you might imagine, since my purse has several pockets and compartments. We were both increasingly amazed at the variety – and quantity – of things I keep in my purse.

He held a pack of cigarettes (I casually smoked at the time) and an asthma inhaler in each hand and looked at me critically. I blushed and said the inhaler was for allergies (which is true).

He took out a piece of cord and asked me what it’s for. “It’s string, for hanging up laundry, fixing shoelaces, many things,” I replied to his increasingly stunned expression. I mentally observed that I’d not once used this item in four years on the road and maybe it didn’t need to be in my purse.

He continued to dig through pockets and empty their contents onto the table in front of us. Lipstick, hand sanitizer, passport copies, receipts, notebooks, cell phone, camera, headlamp, shopping bag, sunglasses, you name it – it was there. Every time he thought he had found the item that was causing the scanner problems, he put the purse through the x-ray again only to discover he’d missed yet more pockets, with yet more things in them.

“You have too much in your purse,” he said, shaking his head every time he found a new pocket with something in it. I couldn’t help but laugh. And agree.

Next up: a padlock. (Actually, it’s one of three in my possession). His expression lit up, and he sighed with relief when he determined the padlock had been our x-ray machine culprit.

After this somewhat embarrassing display of the contents of my purse, I sheepishly stuffed everything back into their pockets before moving on, promising myself that I’d go through my purse and see what I could eliminate.

But over time, complacency set in, and I never did. It all continued to fit into my purse quite easily, and I figured as soon as I took something out I’d probably need it.

I’m in a tricky position since as a full-time traveler I travel with everything I own , which means everything is fairly tightly allocated and packed. Moving things around involves tetris-like dexterity, and if I get rid of something, it’s gone (I don’t have a drawer to store it in for later use). So it’s usually easier to just keep everything.

But my day of reckoning has now arrived.

I am doing a No Baggage Challenge.

I’m leaving my full-time travel gear in Toronto and using it as a base for a few smaller trips this summer. And I’m stepping way out of my comfort zone – I’m even leaving my purse behind.

I’m doing this with the help of Scottevest , who designs clothing purpose-based for travel. The trick: it’s all about the pockets. With up to 37 pockets in one jacket alone, this clothing is designed to allow you to leave your bags (or at least some, if not all of them) at home.

Which is exactly what I’m doing!

My first trip is a flight to Florida to visit a friend for a week. As my no-baggage travel companion, I’ve got the Women’s Essential Travel Jacket, which has 18 pockets (I think I’ve found them all). I expect the zip-off sleeves will come in handy with the summer heat.

The timing of a No-Baggage trip is impeccable; I’m flying with Air Canada, who was recently on strike. Although they have promised passengers close-to-normal service, they’ve issued strong suggestions to check-in online, and not to check any bags.

Sweet! Not only am I not checking bags, but I’m not even carrying any bags.

Wanna see what’s in my purse? Wanna see the Essential Travel Jacket? And do you wanna see me “pack” for my trip? Then watch this video!

(Email subscribers click here to watch ).

23 thoughts on “Preparing for the No Baggage Challenge”

Whoa! You certainly are brave! I think I would feel too naked to do this, but I applaud you!!

so what do you do for clothing? do you go naked? 😉

Ok, so you’re hiding your cash in your shoes, not very safe… and dare I mention, I didn’t see any extra undies…

More power to you. I hope by the time I leave for my world trip I have disconnected from a lot of the crap I would normally bring with me. I really don’t want to lug around a lot of stuff and not having to check bags is IDEAL. Hope it works out for you! 🙂

@Kate – As for clothing, I wore two outfits layered on top of one another (in a somewhat fashionable sense) so that I could wash one and wear one while travelling).

And yes, @Keith, there is an extra pair of undies in there too, elegantly masked by my bikini. 🙂

And to all, I’m in Florida right now, so stay tuned for my next post/video (in the next couple of weeks) detailing how this first trip has gone!

Wow, that’s so cool. I followed along last year (it was last year, right?) when Rolf Potts did one of these, wondering how a woman would pack differently. Now I have total trip envy.

Back in the last century, about 1979 in South Florida, I lived on a motorcycle, slept in a tent, even tried living under the 7-mile bridge for a bit, but i didn’t bring a bikini… thoughtless of me I know, but the folly of my youth soon ran head on into the train of reality… It was at the Dinner Key Lodge in the Grove that my daughter, Dina Kaye was conceived in the pool in a fit if water frothing frenzy… Life is all downhill regarding creative opportunity when you have the responsibilities of children, so remember to keep that bikini in place in the pool…

Please try not to be frightened when the palmetto bugs attack you in the middle of the night as you walk to the toilet… They might make you go wee before you reach the proper receptacle…

Have fun, but remember that if it looks like a hurricane, smells like a hurricane and blows like a hurricane, it just might be a hurricane…

@J. – Yes, Rolf Potts was the first to do this with the help of Scottevest. It’s a bit of an extra challenge as a woman, since we’re not used to working with pockets to begin with. But it’s possible!

@Keith – Okay….I’ll keep my bikini firmly in place….thanks for the life-experience-inspired advice! 🙂 As for the palmettos, I wrestled one to the ground in an all-out brawl, and it was close for a while, but I’m pleased to say I emerged the victorious one.

Good luck with your first no baggage trip – it’s very liberating.

I tested the no baggage concept with a short three day trip to New Zealand a few months ago.

I found a Scottevest jacket combined with Scottevest trousers was more than adequate to hold my gear. I list all the gear I took with me and it’s quite surprising what you can fit in 33 pockets!

A week to 2 weeks with no baggage should be a breeze. The only hassle is daily washing of socks and underwear but once it becomes a habit it’s much easier.

Longer periods of no baggage travel are perfectly feasible but where it becomes a problem is when you experience significant changes in climate between destinations. Staying in one location is not an issue because you can plan ahead.

Traveling with no baggage makes you feel as free as a bird. As I said earlier, it’s very liberating.

BTW, don’t go swimming in the canals, not only is it not safe, but I’m pretty sure it’s illegal too… Remember, according to Florida’s equal use of force, self defense law, you cannot kill a gator unless you too have a set of gator teeth; and if you pick up a stick to fight him off, you’re still in the wrong unless he too has a stick to fight you… this I know from first hand experience as I type with my second hand… scrunchees work well as tourniquets…

Just a thought here kiddo, the Palmettoes are like Columbians, once you’ve killed one, the rest of the genus will find you and relentlessly torture, torment, and test your emotional limits until you find yourself living under the seven mile bridge. I suggest mile-marker 79… Tell Scottie I sent you, he’s great at catching fish, and usually has a magazine to read… Don’t let his toothless grin put you off, after all he is from Walden, NY, where the toothbrush was invented, otherwise we would be calling them teethbrushes…

And don’t be fooled by the way every street has three names, Like SW 8th St, is also Calle Ocho, and Tamiami Trail…but on the maps it’s US 41…

I noticed in you pre-pocket staging you neglected sunscreen, bad move…

Buena suerte en Florida, su amigo favorito Keith…

It is an interesting experiment so good luck with that 🙂 Florida is a hot place so, you will probably be ok with less clothes there. I tend to think though that since a woman’s anatomy is so much different from a man’s, and for my own peace of mind, it’d feel a lot safer in terms of personal hygiene if i had a tiny, tiny bagpack where i could fit in a traveller towel, a soap bar, a few more undies, an extra t-shirt or two, sunscreen, a deodorant stick and a mini-size tootpaste. i’d feel a lot more confident to be sociable wearing a fresh set of clothes, but that’s just me 🙂 Having said that, I’m sure you’ll be fine and that you’ll find several ways to enjoy your newly found freedom 🙂 thumbs up!

@Robert – It’s great to know that you’ve had good experience with Scottevest clothing too. Great!

@Keith – Luckily, I can borrow sunscreen from my friend, and no worries – my brawl with the palmetto didn’t end in death. It was more a force of will…just call me the palmetto-whisperer!

@Despina – Because I’m staying with a friend, there were certain things I just didn’t need to bring, such as a towel. I’d be hard-pressed to make it work with this jacket and no bags if I had to bring ALL my toiletries, towels, etc.

As for clothing, washing one outfit while wearing the other works pretty well. I’ve always been good at having multifunctional pieces of clothing (eg: a skirt/dress that can be worn many ways) which helps.

Nora, you’re a badass! No baggage challenges are really hard. Everyone here at Scottevest is rooting for you! When you get sick of what you have contact us and we will get you a change of clothes. 🙂

It’s usually best to just gouge out their eyes…

But be sure it’s not Madonna, who said, “I am a survivor. I am like a cockroach, you just can’t get rid of me.”, and also beware of Boxing coach Freddie Roach, who was nicknamed La Cucaracha (The Cockroach) when he was still competing as a fighter…When boxing you can lose points for gouging your opponents eyes…

I could see how having your purse emptied of some contents you weren’t even aware existed could be cause for a no baggage challenge. Maybe I should apply to them as well? It’s much easier to do in Korea with jjimjilbangs and cheap clothing.

@Scottevest – Thanks!

@Turner – I think everybody chooses their essential travel gear differently. It would be fun to see what you’d do! 🙂

WOW! Super brave. I don’t think I could handle that. Looking forward to how this works out for you!!

(Do they have a pocket big enough for your laptop??) 🙂

@Dalene – Scottevest jackets have a special pocket designed for iPads or 13.3″ laptops. Scottevest vests have a rear pocket that can accommodate a larger laptop but you would have to remove your vest while sitting as it is a bit uncomfortable. You can wrap spare clothing around the laptop to make it a bit more comfortable and to stop the clothing from getting creased while traveling. I have tried wearing the vest under the jacket and that works OK. As Nora pointed out, you can layer clothing while traveling.

I hope your trip will be fun. Walking around without no baggage, without having something heavy to carry over everywhere will probably give you a real sense of liberty.

So awesome that you did this, Nora (both the challenge AND the video to detail it)! I’ve been meaning to look into the SeV stuff- cool to see that you are getting great use out of it! Thanks- Mark

Sounds like a fun challenge =) Do you think it would be cheating to bring one of those fold-able eco bags in your pocket and use that when necessary?

@Lori – I sure hope that isn’t cheating, because I brought one! However the only reason I brought it was to carry groceries etc back to the place I was staying, as I abhor using plastic bags. So I don’t think it’s cheating – it’s being responsible! 🙂

interesting idea… id like to see how this challenge unfolds.. checking out the jacket with 37 pockets too…

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Extreme Minimalist Travel: No Luggage

August 24, 2010 30 Comments

If you’ve been reading this blog for awhile, you know I like to travel light. I take a small carry-on bag for long trips, and nothing but a large purse for anything under a week.

Author and “vagabonder” Rolf Potts , however, has me beat. He’s traveling the world for six weeks without a single piece of luggage: no suitcase, no day bag, not even a fanny pack!

The only items he’s taking are those that fit in the pockets of his Scott eVest : a handful of toiletries, a few electronic devices, and a couple of miscellaneous items like earplugs, sunglasses, safety pins, and a notebook. He’s also managed to fit some spare socks, t-shirts, and underwear in there. You can see his complete packing list here .

The funny thing is, my husband, brother, and I (all extremely light travelers) have been joking about doing this for years. Of course, our “no luggage” plans are usually hatched late at night in a bar, after one too many beers – and quickly dismissed the following morning. :-)

Nevertheless, I’m pretty sure I could do this. The Scott eVest has 18 generous pockets that could easily accommodate my toiletries, cell phone, iPod touch, and an extra pair of socks and underwear. The large, zippered pocket across the back of the jacket looks roomy enough for one or two articles of clothing, as well as a few maps.

I think it would be fun to do once, just for the sake of doing it. However, I probably wouldn’t travel this way on a regular basis, for the following reasons:

1. Comfort. It’s too hot to wear a jacket or vest in the summer, or in overheated museums, stores, restaurants, planes, and trains in the winter. I’d end up carrying it, which would be more awkward than carrying a bag.

2. Security. When/if I do take it off, I’m almost certain to leave it on the back of a chair or a bus. In contrast, my cross-body bag is attached to me at all times (even when sitting).

3. Vanity. At the risk of sounding too vain, I’d rather not add excessive lumps or bulges to my figure. ;-) To be fair, the Scott eVest website says that the pockets are specially constructed so as not to bulge – but I’d have to see this to believe it!

4. Convenience. I like to carry some emergency items (like Advil, Imodium, etc) to avoid hunting down their equivalents in a foreign country (been there, done that). It’s easy to buy toothpaste in Tokyo or Thailand, but securing medications can be more of a hassle. Also, while I don’t mind doing laundry a few times during a trip, I’m not sure I want to do it everyday.

5. Hydration. When I’m traveling, I usually carry a water bottle with me. By filling it up in the hotel room each morning, I avoid buying drinks (or using dodgy water fountains) while out and about. While this slips easily into my bag, I’m not sure if it would fit comfortably into the eVest. It does have a bottle holder (an elastic band) in one of the pockets, but I’d have to see about the weight/bulge factor.

That said, while the jacket may not replace my travel bag, I think it might be well-suited to my everyday needs (at least in cooler weather, as I’m not really a vest person). It holds much more than my current coat, and would certainly eliminate the need for a purse.

I applaud Rolf for pushing the boundaries of light travel, and look forward to following his journey. I can’t wait to pick up some new tips (and inspiration) for lightening my load even more!

{If you’d like to read more about minimalist living, please consider buying my book, The Joy of Less, A Minimalist Living Guide , or subscribing to my RSS feed .}

Related posts:

• To Drift Like Clouds and Flow Like Water
• A Little Travel Talk
• Extreme Light Travel

Reader Interactions

August 24, 2010 at 7:13 am

I suspect those vests work better on the gentlemen than us ladies :)

August 24, 2010 at 9:33 am

i agree with beth above. what woman wants to walk around loaded down with some god-awful looking vest full of toiletries. that sure would be fun sitting at a lovely outdoor cafe in paris wearing that! no thank you. that thing would just complicate my life not enhance it.

August 24, 2010 at 10:01 am

I love your blog and I bought your ebook and it has inspired me soooo much! I am even starting my first blog( in construction right now)to document my decluttering process. Thank you so much Francine! p.s. little secret I read your travel posts almost everyday I aspire to travel as light as you do one day! Hope you right more posts about traveling light! Thanks a bunch!

August 24, 2010 at 10:56 am

I dissagree. I love the jacket. It may not work if your the type to sit at a cafe in Paris, but your explorations are less civilized I think it’s perfect.

August 24, 2010 at 11:40 am

I’m afraid I don’t like the “vest” idea. I hate wearing a coat. Too bulky and confining. I would rather wear light weight thermals if cold because of ease of movement. I would prefer a small bag like you use Francine. I don’t care so much about looks as I do comfort. It’s fine for those who want it but it wouldn’t be something I would pick.

August 24, 2010 at 1:13 pm

Thanks for posting this! It looks like I’m in the minority, though – I really like the idea! But I also do a lot of hiking and recreational cycling for fun, where carrying a purse is silly, and a backpack just gets my back all sweaty. My daily “uniform” consists of nice long-sleeve tees and sweaters with casual-but-business-acceptable trousers, so it will fit right in as outerwear.

This could be great for an overnight trip where you’d just need a t-shirt, socks, underwear, and minimal toiletries.

They do have a women’s version, which I just ordered. If it works out, it’ll replace a jacket and a vest (the jacket has sleeves that zip off) and a pack I wear when hiking.

August 24, 2010 at 11:15 pm

I laughed out loud at your “vanity” comment. I so relate. I love the idea of traveling this light but I don’t want anything making me looking bigger than I am.

August 25, 2010 at 1:48 am

Concerning hydration, a flat Platypus or EverNew bottle may be more suitable for jacket carry.

August 25, 2010 at 3:44 pm

Hmm..I think this would make my body feel cluttered to have a vest with 18 pockets filled with stuff wrapped around me all day. For my hiking/camping trips I think I’d much prefer a lightweight backpack, and I definitely wouldn’t want such a vest on less active trips that were more sightseeing/art museums/etc.

August 28, 2010 at 6:59 pm

You are very wise, miss minimalist, and have clearly gotten used to judging the consumer wind. This post makes me laugh because I have(had) the woman’s Scottevest. I thought I’d love it. I coveted it for the longest time then snagged it on a rare sale. I couldn’t wait! it was going to solve all my travel organization woes. I don’t remember the last time I wanted a consumer item so badly. The first time I wore it, however, it was abundantly clear that if they had female designers/models involved with the “feminization” of their best selling vests and jackets, they must have been either very skinny or have really small, er, chests(or probably both).

I love all the pockets, and the pocket design is well thought out and well crafted. And it WILL hold a lot of stuff. But unless you’ve got a really great memory, you’ll find yourself absently patting yourself down all the time. The pockets often lay over each other, and while you know it is in there…what layer is it?

It is quite warm for summer travel , though I see they are making more “tropical” weight items(none in “women’s” yet). The Ipod/phone pockets are really well placed…if you have no breasts, er, like a guy. But I have an extra inch or 2 of padding there, and the the iPhone hangs straight down as though suspended from the end of my nipple. The “see through” pockets which allow you to operate the phone without removing it are just cloudy enough to mess with eyes that already need glasses , so to use the music function I open the left side of the vest only to discover the vest doesn’t stretch to the end of my middle aged arm. Thus begins the pat down dance for my glasses, which are holding out the middle of the opposite side of the vest at about waist level and are snagged on the elastic band clipped to the eye glass cleaning cloth that Scott includes “free”. Then I have to let go with the hand trying to hold out the iPhone, because I now need two hands to untangle the elastic from my glasses. Releasing that hand allows the phone to bang into my left breast. But because both of my hands are now tangled in elastic, all I can do is cuss. While I wriggle free, the light weight rain jacket I tucked carefully and flatly into the huge pocket on the back is doing what an object does when exposed to jiggling gravity…it finds its lowest point at my already too curvacious behind. With that on my butt and the water bottle in another right front pocket, I stare into the airport bathroom mirror thinking “even Quasimodo would look more feminine than I do right now.”

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m a form and function kind of gal, a real late 1970’s feminist who distrusts any clothing whose only reason for being is to make me look “pretty”. I didn’t expect to be pretty in my vest; I worshipped the idea of its functionality. I could accept simply looking like a smart traveler even if that means I look like a man…just not the Elephant Man!

So I wore it to and from Vancouver one time, with the rain jacket crumpled in my lumbar spine, and retired it to a good home. Now the smallest back pack that GoLite makes is in my corner, packed rather similarly to yours(well, your previous version any way). I’ve had neck surgery so any weight I carry must be distributed evenly between my shoulders. But that surgery is what got me serious about ultralight travel, and you just help keep me inspired and focused. Thanks Cory

November 14, 2011 at 2:00 pm

Absolutely hilarious and I can so, so relate to this…

August 31, 2010 at 7:02 am

Other than the security advantage when you are wearing it (harder to steal than a bag) I really don’t see how this is any better than a small backpack or, shock horror, a handbag! I might be a cynic, but it seems like more of a gimmick than something overly useful, especially seeing as a small backpack or really good travelling handbag can be bought for less, and is better suited across a range of climates.

September 6, 2010 at 4:04 pm

Thanks for all the great comments — I loved hearing your different opinions on this!

@Cory, your description of your eVest experience had me on the floor laughing! I always wondered if the pockets on the women’s version were placed more, er, strategically. It sounds like a little more refinement may be in order to accommodate curvier figures. :-)

I’m still on the fence about acquiring one of these myself — but it sure has me wishing my current jacket had a few more pockets!

September 8, 2010 at 12:38 pm

Cory, that vest sounded like a tragedy! v have to admit that I was laughing reading your description, too.

I’d been thinking of sewing a woman’s travel vest, and it sounds like I should, just so the pockets won’t make my nipples look ipod-tastic! Thanks for the review!

September 11, 2010 at 10:33 am

I have to give a different impression of the Scottevest since my experience with it was resoundingly positive.

My problem is less minimalist luggage (I checked a bag, ok?) and more that I have to give up my carryon to something that I must have with me, my sleep apnea machine. You really can’t check it because if it breaks you’re screwed. So I got the vest for handling all the stuff I would normally put in my carryon.

Now to be fair, I didn’t buy the vest as a way to simply not pack, and I don’t think that was its intended purpose. What I thought it was for was to make the security checks easier, and it paid off totally. I had the men’s 2x (I am a woman but I am heavyset and I know from experience that woman’s 2x is not big enough)and I had my cell phone, my itouch, my ipad, a book, my camera, extra wallet, gum, bottle of water, travel papers, medication… everything I would need on the flight or didn’t feel comfortable packing. It worked great! Going thru security, instead of having to unload a bag, I just dropped the vest in a bin and picked it up on the other side. It didn’t look bulky, in fact a guy was really amused when he saw me take the Ipad out because he’d had no idea it was in my vest.

I will say that it is a bit warm for summer travel but otherwise I had a great experience with it. I didn’t look bulgy (when I got to my destination and started pulling out water bottle, snacks, camera, Ipad, book, my friends were all “how’d you get that in there??”) but I was wearing the male version – I had concerns that the phone and itouch pockets on the woman’s version would be breast popping.

I could see, if I had been geniunely concerned about not getting my luggage at the other end, easily adding some toiletries and a change of clothes into the mix – I didn’t buy it to travel minimally, I bought it for extra carryon purposes, but I could see it working. It really made my trip easier.

September 17, 2010 at 7:30 am

@natalia, miss mnmlist, darci &rap; In all fairness, to you and to ScotteVest, their pocket system is a great idea, especially for someone who isn’t as vain or big as I am. Their jackets and vests WILL sub as a small suitcase, but they cannot hide the fact that you are using it as a small suitcase. They might hide the fact that you are using it as a purse unless you routinely carry a duffle bag as a purse. They distribute the weight well and unlike a big purse, give you a place for everything. You just need to remember where that “place” is! ;) Despite my witty (sarcastic?) story above, I still think the world of their product line. I am still coveting their lightest (tropical weight or windbreaker) jackets which are not “designed” for women. Since stuffing the pockets full ruins the “design” for women anyway, I’m not sure that matters at all. both of these jackets fold down into their own pockets when empty. the windbreaker is water-resistant; the tropical weight jacket allows you to zip off the sleeves and wear as a vest to boot.

However, I can also recommend the lovely black Orvis womens blazer that doesn’t wrinkle, and while it won’t hold my water bottle or function as a suitcase, it does have 6 nice pockets and look classy/sleek. However, since menopause hit, its a tad “warm”…

OK..my minimalist travel Holy Grail…an air conditioned, water/wind proof, multi-pocketed jacket made entirely of recycled material, that weighs less than a pound, folds into itself, allows sleeves/hood/collar to change like a Transformer, and makes me look like Halle Berry!….Now THERE is a business plan…

September 20, 2010 at 10:52 pm

The vest is a very interesting idea, but I think I’ll stick with my purse. It isn’t even a large purse; it’s medium. In a previous post I mentioned that my “normal” clothes–even when I’m not travelling–are (1) a long tunic that doubles as a dress, (2) a hip length tunic, (3) a pair of slacks, (4) a lounger (like a muumuu but less bulky) (5) a bra, underwear, and those little ped things that serve as socks but are invisible so you can get by wearing them with the dress/long tunic. I also wear those fabric flat shoes–whether I’m travelling or not.

Am a bit perplexed why people carry soap, toothpaste, laundry soap, with them. All U.S. (and many foreign) hotels provide soap that can be used for all of these purposes. Ditto, the plastic cased deodorant when you can buy LA Fresh deodorant towels in packets (small and thin) and just fit them in where you can. I do take a comb, one of those little travel size toothbrushes, nail clippers and a lip pencil. The lip pencil is usually down to 1.5-2 inches–but I use it because I’m old and pale, and don’t want people to think I’m dead.

November 22, 2010 at 10:04 pm

Ok, I’m totally inspired by your very small travel purse bag thingee. Unfortunately it was out of stock on Amazon, and maybe not edgy enough for my style. But today, I splurged on something which I find to be incredibly cool, though a bit expensive.

http://hideowakamatsu.com/Hideo-Wakamatsu-Body-III-Ninja-3/M/B002WXFMJ2.htm

I did a trial packing run and it easily fit in the exterior pockets deodorant, iphone charger, my mini first aid kit that fits in a altoid box, socks, undies, and then in the main compartment a pair of pants, a nighty, and 4 shirts, with room to spare.

I am going to test it out in NY for Christmas!! Can’t wait, and thanks for the inspiration.

December 3, 2010 at 1:13 pm

Cool bag, Darcy!

November 30, 2010 at 2:17 am

For wearing just one item footwear (one pair of shoes or boots) and bringing no second pair, what kind would you suggest for a woman traveling in the North (Europe or North America) in the dead of winter?

December 3, 2010 at 1:14 pm

Jean, I travel with these:

http://www.merrell.com/US/en-us/ViewProduct.mvc.aspx/10445W/0/Womens/Spire-Stretch?galleryId=W-F

Not the sexiest pair of shoes, but I can walk in them all day.

When they wear out, I’m thinking of replacing them with these:

http://www.merrell.com/US/en-us/ViewProduct.mvc.aspx/18194W/0/Womens/Brio?galleryId=W-F

I’m just not sure if they’ll be as comfortable!

December 7, 2010 at 9:19 pm

Anders Ansar has his luggage down to the size of an Ipod nano. I bought his ebooks because I was interested, although I find his minimalist a bit too extreme for me. His website is http://home.swipnet.se/ansar/ , and if you scroll down about half way you can see a photo of his ultra compact ‘luggage.’

February 6, 2011 at 1:32 pm

Very interesting – but definitely a guy thing, and as you said, not good for warm weather (and vests? ugh not a fan). I already have a big chest – I don’t want to pile more on :P

February 6, 2011 at 1:33 pm

I forgot to mention I read somewhere that some people buy everything, including their bag, after they get to their destination so they don’t have to deal with airline security. They donate it all before going home. Also an interesting way to travel, but not for me.

May 1, 2011 at 4:56 pm

I use my colehaan travel coat as my handbag….so I have one suitcase…tiny for around the world…also, carry wrapped chocolates so we don’t need desserts at restaurants…..just have a tiny bit of the yummy stuff…saves tons of moola!

September 4, 2013 at 8:07 pm

This guy traveled without baggage too and wrote about it

http://voices.yahoo.com/turtleology-101-travel-witout-any-bags-12069586.html?cat=16

July 23, 2015 at 10:04 pm

I can’t imagine wearing a vest. I usually take a sweatshirt and a sweater or second sweatshirt unless it is summer. I also take a pair of thin gloves and a hat. Sun hat or one to keep my ears warm. I am not athletic and so I don’t take much because I can’t lift much. The least I take is an overnight bag and a tote bag for my various medicines. I suppose I could travel with a larger and smaller tote bag but that would be harder than my rolling bag in an airport.

June 23, 2017 at 9:27 am

It sounds like the perfect solution for budget air travel in Europe. Seems like every week they are changing their rules on bags fitting in this bin or that one and you pay extra for hand bags…ha. This would take care of all of that. Nice thing to about this is being able to pack electronics which I use on the plane and take it all off in one go.

June 23, 2017 at 9:29 am

I have heard of these vests but since my website it all about fashion, I hadn’t considered using one. However, this seems like a clever way to get through hassle free in the airport. Might be appeal for men.

June 18, 2018 at 4:38 am

Hi, i am totally into your type of extreme minimalist approach, but i hadn’t read this article till today. Being extreme minimalist and wise i think is kind of difficult but you got it girl! Totally agree and share your point of vue, maybe guys like the “no bag at all” travel but for us girls that’s kind of unconfortable for all the reasons you pointed. we could do it, i could do it, but i don’t want it to! Keep on the wise extreme minimalist!

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A Traveler’s Guide to Minimalist Packing

Sarah Schlichter

Deputy Executive Editor Sarah Schlichter's idea of a perfect trip includes spotting exotic animals, hiking through pristine landscapes, exploring new neighborhoods on foot, and soaking up as much art as she can. She often attempts to recreate recipes from her international travels after she gets home (which has twice resulted in accidental kitchen fires—no humans or animals were harmed).

Sarah joined the SmarterTravel team in 2017 after more than a decade at the helm of IndependentTraveler.com. Sarah's practical travel advice has been featured in dozens of news outlets including the New York Times, the Chicago Tribune, USA Today, Budget Travel, and Peter Greenberg Worldwide Radio. Follow her on Twitter @TravelEditor .

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "A journal. Even years later, reading my notes from a trip can bring back incredibly vivid memories."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Road tripping and hiking through the rugged mountains of Patagonia."

Travel Motto: "'To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world.'—Freya Stark"

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Aisle. I get restless on long flights and like to be able to move around without disturbing anyone else."

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Are you sick of paying baggage fees, schlepping heavy suitcases, and worrying that airlines will lose your luggage? If so, you might want to try your hand at minimalist packing.

What Is Minimalist Packing?

Part of a recent trend encompassing everything from decluttering your closets to living in tiny homes, minimalism is all about getting rid of what’s extraneous in your life so you can focus on what you truly value. It’s easy to see the appeal of minimalism when it comes to packing; bringing less means saving money on baggage fees and feeling less encumbered—mentally and physically—as you move through a new place.

Minimalist packing isn’t about ruthlessly paring your belongings down to five pieces of clothing and calling it a day. It’s about thoughtfully getting rid of unnecessary items in your suitcase and making sure everything that remains has purpose and value to you as a traveler. Check out the following minimalist packing tips to learn how to lighten your load on your next vacation.

Evaluate Each Item

Take the same approach to minimalist packing as you would to decluttering your house. Lay out everything you’re considering bringing on your trip, and then consider whether you really need each item. A few questions to consider:

Will you definitely use this item, or are you bringing it “just in case”? Keep in mind that some “just in case” items are well worth bringing (an EpiPen, for instance), while others are easy enough to buy in your destination if necessary (an umbrella).

Is this something your hotel will likely provide? Unless you’re staying in ultra-budget lodgings, you probably don’t need to pack your own shampoo, conditioner, lotion, soap, or hair dryer.

Can each piece of clothing be worn in multiple outfits, or do you have a few one-and-done garments in the pile? The latter are a waste of precious suitcase space.

Is this something you can live without? Such items might include jewelry, extraneous gadgets, and ink-and-paper reading material that could be downloaded to an e-reader instead.

Be Willing to Do Laundry

It’s easy enough to fit a week’s worth of clothes in a carry-on, but for longer vacations, the minimalist travel solution is to do a load of laundry midway through. You can pay the hotel to clean your clothes, use your hotel’s self-serve laundry facilities, or find a local laundromat.

Alternatively, you can wash items yourself in the sink using an Allurette Wash Bag , designed for hand-washing delicates, or a large, sturdy plastic bag . To speed up the process, pack clothes made of quick-drying fabrics.

You might also want to throw a Tide to Go pen in your bag; if you’re packing a minimal number of clothes, you don’t want one garment to be put out of commission by an unexpected stain.

Pack Clothes That Can Be Worn Again

If doing laundry on vacation doesn’t sound like your idea of a good time, consider buying clothes that don’t need to be washed every time you wear them. Organic Basics makes socks, bras, underwear, and T-shirts out of SilverTech fabric, which has antimicrobial properties to keep your garments odor-free through multiple days of wear.

Unbound Merino offers a similar selection of garments—socks, underwear, and T-shirts—made of merino wool, which wicks sweat away from your body and makes it more difficult for foul-smelling bacteria to build up. The company claims you can wear these garments for days on end without washing them, as long as you let them air-dry between uses. At press time Unbound Merino only offered men’s clothing, but a women’s line is coming later this year.

Pack Items That Serve Multiple Purposes

Everything in your minimally packed suitcase should be there for a reason—or, better yet, multiple reasons. One editor on the SmarterTravel team never travels without Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap , which can be used as a shampoo, body wash, shaving cream, laundry detergent, fruit and veggie wash, and more. Another space-saving, multi-purpose item: moisturizer with sunscreen .

When choosing clothing, opt for garments in solid, neutral colors that will coordinate with each other in any combination—that way each one will work with multiple outfits. For example, you can wear a basic white T-shirt on its own for sightseeing during the day, then use it as an undershirt beneath a button-down for a nice dinner out. For women, a long, flowing skirt works equally well for touring and going out at night.

If the weather will be variable during your trip, consider buying hiking pants that convert into shorts, such as these options from Columbia for men and women . The company also makes Interchange Jackets that let you mix and match layers for different climates. For more information, see SmarterTravel’s list of the best convertible clothing for travelers .

And don’t forget about shoes, which can quickly eat up suitcase space. Seek out the holy grail of travel: shoes that are comfortable enough to walk in all day but that look nice enough to wear to dinner. Start your search at The Walking Company , which offers walking shoes in a variety of styles.

The Minimalist Packing Wardrobe

The following list of clothing is a good starting point for minimalist travelers. It works well for most leisure trips and will fit into a carry-on suitcase:

• One pair of jeans.
• One other pair of pants, such as hiking pants that convert into shorts for outdoorsy trips or black pants for evenings out in a city; women can also substitute a long skirt.
• One pair of comfortable walking shoes that look nice enough to wear to dinner.
• One other pair of shoes such as sandals, hiking boots, sneakers, or dress shoes.
• A handful of layerable tops appropriate to the climate. This might include tank tops, short-sleeved T-shirts, and long-sleeved T-shirts, plus a heavier sweater, fleece, or sweatshirt to wear in cooler weather. Be prepared to wear the heavier top layer multiple times and to wash the lighter layers midway through longer trips.
• A water-resistant jacket large enough to fit multiple layers underneath.
• No more than a week’s worth of socks and underwear; plan to do laundry on longer trips.
• Sleep clothes that you can wear for a few nights and then wash.
• Other specialty items as needed, such as a swimsuit, gloves, or a sun hat.

What are your best minimalist packing tips? Share them in the comments below.

More from SmarterTravel:

• The Carry-on Challenge: How to Pack Light Every Time
• 7 Things Not to Do When Packing a Carry-on Bag
• 8 Secrets of Ultralight Packing

Follow Sarah Schlichter on Twitter @TravelEditor for more travel tips and inspiration.

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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4 Must Brings When Traveling Minimalistically

Over the past few months, I’ve learned to appreciate respective forms of minimalism. Surely, it takes discipline and a shift in lifestyle to consider, but once I began my practice, I started experiencing whole clarity.

I’ve incorporated the art of minimalism while traveling interstate and abroad, and as hard as it may feel like in the beginning, I’m slowly learning to let go of materialism. Traveling with the bare minimal has taught me to not crave such worldly desires – such as new fads and trends, and I truly learned to leverage all my belongings.

So, when I travel, I usually just bring a backpack. Yes, one backpack and nothing bigger than that. People are always shocked and question how I do it? Backpacking your first time makes you realize that you really don’t need much to survive. We have so much clutter at home that we constantly believe ‘without this, I cannot live.’ That is totally wrong until you challenge yourself to come out of your norm! What’s wrong with re-wearing the same shirt and pants for 3 days? My friends think I’m gross for doing this, but who are you trying to impress?!

Traveling with this minimalistic mindset, people then ask me what essentials I need to bring on every trip. Without thought, I collectively came up with 4 essential, must-brings.

• Travel Laptop Backpack,Business Anti Theft Slim Durable Laptops Backpack with USB Charging Port,Water Resistant College School Computer Bag for Women & Men Fits 15.6 Inch Laptop and Notebook – Grey

First and foremost, of course my backpack. I’ve done a lot of research on the best backpacking bags online and came to the conclusion that this is the right one for me. This backpack has 2 huge storage units that hold the majority of my belongings. This is where I store my clothes, shoes, laundry, and it is also designed to hold your laptop. The medium and smaller units are large enough to hold all your accessories, electronics, chargers, etc. Wanna know something even cooler? It even has a port outside of the bag where you can charge your phone. Isn’t that amazing?! Yup, no more tryna hide your portable charger and having half your wires stick out of your bag. It’s life changing, man.

 2. Power Plug Adapter – International Travel (Sand Grey)- w/4 USB Ports Work for 150+ Countries – 220 Volt Adapter – Travel Adapter Type C Type A Type G Type I for UK Japan China EU Europe European

Ok people, if you love traveling abroad, this is the #1 thing you NEED. A universal power plug adapter. Why is this so important? Because not all countries have the same adapters. Simple. And since you don’t want to be buying a new adapter for every trip you go on, it’s convenient to just have one! Fact – I used a completely different adapter in Korea than I did in Japan. You’d think they’re same, but you’d be fooled!

The nice thing about this adapter compared to others is that it comes with a case. Not all options on Amazon gave that option, but this additional feature helped me make my final decision.

    3. Patagonia LW Travel Mini Hip Pack Backpack Black

If you don’t like carrying around purses and bags like me, this fanny pack is more than enough. Piggy backpacking on minimalism, this pack is big enough to hold all the essentials throughout the day, which includes my phone, hand sanitizer, vaseline, and a tissue. That’s literally it. You really don’t need anything else…in my opinion. It’s perfect if you like to do nature-y things, like hiking and walking around scenic-like places because you become hands-free.

FYI – this pack is fashionable too – I’ve gotten a few compliments on my outfit (because of the pack) and I’m literally the last to be up-to-date with the newest fashion trends.

   4. 4monster Microfiber Towel, Travel Towel, Camping Towel, Gym Towel, Backpacking Towel, Hiking Towel, Fast Drying Super Absorbent Travel Case

I do admit, most places you’ll stay at – Airbnb, hostels, hotels, all supply towels. But there are some people out there who don’t like sharing towels and would prefer just using their own. This microfiber towel is perfect if you’re that type of person since it literally soaks up all the water once used and drys within minutes. If you are a backpacker who is always on the move, this towel is the perfect add-on item for you. It even comes with a case – just roll up the towel and zip it up in the case. Sanitary since it doesn’t touch all your dirty clothes in your backpack.

Overall, I never forget to pack these 4 must-brings when traveling. Besides the backpack, the power plug adapter, Patagonia fanny pack and microfiber towel are all small enough where it won’t make a huge disturbance in my luggage. Traveling this lightly has continuously helped me practice my new motto of living a minimalistic lifestyle. I started humbling myself, my bank account, realized how privileged I am for all the luxuries I own, and am continuously decluttering by the day.

© 2024 Grace F Kim All Rights Reserved

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Pack Like A Pro: How To Travel Without Checked Baggage…

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Make the most out of what the airline allows. Invest in a quality carry on and maximize the space of your “ small personal item “.  This second bag could be a rucksack, duffel or tote bag , allowing you to squeeze in some extra items. As long as it fits under the seat in front of you you won’t get the evil eyes from your fellow travelers. Use your full sized carry on as “luggage” and your personal item for iPads, headphones and other things you may want to reach in flight. 

Sure, it’s a bit of effort, but you can re use clothes while traveling fairly easily, without steep hotel laundry fees. A quick wash in the sink, hang up to dry on the heated towel rack and you won’t need to worry about running out of clothes. You can even find mini washing powders and detergents to give you the fresh “just like home” smell. 

Wear your largest and clunkiest items. If you need to take a coat, boots, chunky jumper, scarf, try to plan your outfit accordingly. Just don’t be like this guy . Any bulky items that take up a lot of space should be a part of your new airport outfit, even if it just means carrying them in hand. 

Don’t bring them! Toiletries take up a lot of room and weight. Most places you stay will provide shampoo, shower gel, conditioner, moisturizer, towels and sometimes even more by request. With that in mind, save space and weight by taking advantage of the freebies at your destination. Worst case, you can buy small versions of whatever you need on arrival. 

This may seem random – but it’s not. You want to find the most functionally flexible shoes. You know, the ones that are comfy to travel in, but look cool enough to go out in as well. Shoes are the clunkiest item in most carry ons, so eliminating the need for an extra pair can make all the difference.

Think bendable, posable. It’s scientifically proven that rolling your clothes can save space and prevent wrinkles. Start with big items, and then save the socks, undies and other things to maximize the tough to reach corners.  And of course, when it comes to shoes, do your best to find the right space. 

Let’s be honest – how many times have you come back from holiday and realized you didn’t wear 1/4 of the things you packed. It’s always nice to have options when you’re away but try and be realistic, only packing the things you truly need. Plus, if you’re going somewhere exciting, you may find something you’d love to buy, and you’ll have extra room to take it back. 

Some people are surprised to learn that many luggage forwarding companies exist. Essentially, they’ll send your bags anywhere in the world – ready for you when they get there. If you don’t mind shelling out, this can be a great way to take the hassle out of baggage, while enjoying a wardrobe fit for a king or queen.

Gilbert Ott

Gilbert Ott is an ever curious traveler and one of the world's leading travel experts. His adventures take him all over the globe, often spanning over 200,000 miles a year and his travel exploits are regularly... More by Gilbert Ott

Join the Conversation

Good advice. I almost never check a bag and loathe it when I have to.

One note, though… I’d say consider where you’re going when skipping the toiletries. Some international destinations won’t have easy access to what you need.

Sound advice, particularly on short hops for business, or when you need to transit quickly though the airport.

However, when I am travelling in the front of the plane on long haul international trips, checking a nice big piece of rolling luggage just seems to add to the allure. After 10 – 15 hours in the flying tube, it seems a shame to frenetically dash through the airport and into a cab. I like to stretch a bit, loosen up, check out the architecture of the terminal, welcome myself to my destination. Meandering to the baggage carousel is my circuit training. Traveling with a packed suit, dress shoes, several sets of fresh clothes, lots of underwear makes the on ground tripping easier.

Then again, when I land back in the Bay Area after a long trip, I just wanna get home! Rolling straight from the plane to my car is nice. Decisions, decision, decisions …..

On a recent trip to Krakow via Vienna I was called out at the gate for having a personal item, a carry on and a duty free bag. I told the guy I was allowed these bags and it’s insane when people bring on HUGE wheelie bags that barely fit in the overhead bins. I made sure to stay behind as everyone disembarked and told my concerns to the stewardess.

Also if you lug a huge suitcase onto the plane and then ask others to help you put this into or remove it from the overhead bin you have no reason to be bringing that on board.

I would also say throw in a packable bag (i.e a backpack or duffel or tote that folds neatly into an envelope sized package) for those that might wanna do side trips but not want to carry on a second full-fledged bag. Or for those that anticipate buying a lot of gifts overseas. Tumi and Urban Outfitters make a duffel and backpack for men, while Longchamp makes the very popular Le Pliage line of nylon bags for women.

Tip for men particularly. – look at your choice of underwear. Packing briefs instead of bulky boxer shorts you can save a ton of space.

Additionally, important to get exercise when travelling frequently but a challenge for packing without checking a bag. Gym gear takes up a lot of space (extra footwear usually too). Use the pool instead, as you only need a pair of swimmers. If you can carry off a speedo instead of board shorts, then better still.

Great ideas chris. For a recent week trip, packing five pairs of boxers, a pair of trainers, a pair of gym shorts and t shirt literally filled my carry on bag so had to check in a larger one. Larger bag was lost by airline so never want to check one in again!

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The Best Travel Bags for Wherever You’re Headed

If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more . Please also consider subscribing to WIRED

Best Carry-On for Most People Travelpro Maxlite 5 Read more

Best Hard-Shell Carry-On Away Carry-On Read more

Best Soft-Shell Carry-On Yeti Crossroads 35L Read more

Best Bag for a Lifetime Briggs & Riley Baseline CX Read more

Whew! You've made it all the way across the globe. But have your toothbrush, pajamas, and running shoes made it, too? If you're a frequent traveler, it's easy to obsess over the logistics of getting your stuff clean, organized, and in good working condition upon arrival. Paying for a decent travel bag and a few useful accessories means buying a little peace of mind, especially when a few yards of zippers and some nylon are the only barriers between your precious belongings and the belly of an airliner.

Whether you're slinging a duffel into a car trunk for a weekend trip or packing for a whirlwind jaunt across Asia, we've got you covered. Need a bag for your passport or groceries? Don't forget to check out our other guides, like the Best Laptop Backpacks and the Best Recycled Bags , for more picks.

Updated April 2024: We reorganized this guide and added new picks, such as the Yeti Crossroads, Tom Bihn Aeronaut and Trinity, the Frame Carry-On Max, the Lo & Sons O.G. 2, the Camelbak A.T.P. 20, the Calpak Luka Duffel, and the Rux 70. We also updated the information on sizing and checked links and prices.

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Best Carry-On for Most People

Look around any airport—if you see flight attendants or pilots, they will probably be rolling around a Travelpro suitcase. We like Travelpros because you get a lot of bang for your buck. They're durable, light, and not too expensive.

For only a little over $100, the Maxlite 5 is one of the more affordable Travelpro suitcases, and at 5.4 pounds, it's very light! The exterior toiletry pocket is a nice touch for when you go through security and need to take out your liquids, and the zippers are also quite strong and don't tend to get stuck. The wheels also rolled nicely on both the spinner and roll-aboard versions. Reviewer Matt Jancer did note that the aluminum handle extensions did sometimes stick and the main grab handle on the bag is only single-stitched, which may cause durability issues farther down the line. However, he has seen no issues yet. This probably the best bag you can get in the $100 to $150 price range.

Best Hard-Shell Carry-On

Away's business practices may have raised some eyebrows , but there's no denying that this company changed the travel market entirely. It has increased in price since we first tested it, but multiple WIRED staffers still use the classic Away hard-shell carry-on ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ) as their travel suitcase.

Hard-shell suitcases tend to be heavier. There's also not as much give in the case, so you may find it hard to squeeze in more items than in a soft-shell bag, bu they look a lot sleeker than their soft-shell counterparts and protect fragile items better. The Away weighs 7.5 pounds, which is pretty standard for a hard-shell carry-on. When I tested it, I liked that it had multiple height settings and that the polycarbonate shell wiped clean and stayed mostly scuff-free (it helped that my tester was in the darker navy color). Away's suitcases also come with a built-in TSA-approved combination lock, four spinner wheels capable of rotating 360 degrees, and an included laundry bag to keep dirty clothes separate from the rest of your stuff. The handle did feel a bit wobbly, though.

★ Alternatives: So many companies now offer a direct-to-consumer, stylish, hard-shell carry-on similar to the Away's. We've tried ones by Monos ($255) and July ($295) . Besides price, the differences are mostly negligible. I like July's aluminum bumpers, but they do add weight. The Monos's handle rolls out more smoothly, but the July's pebbled surface doesn't show scuffs as badly. Both have survived multiple cross-country trips, being checked as baggage, and being ridden on by two small children with no damage.

Paravel also offers an Aviator carry-on ($395) that touts itself as the world's first carbon-neutral carry-on; it has an interior lining made of recycled plastic bottles, a telescoping handle made of recycled aluminum, and vegan leather trim to help it stand out from all the plain black bags at the airport. Product reviewer Jaina Grey fell in love with its roomy interior and durable, anti-scuff hard-shell exterior.

Best Soft-Shell Carry-On

Yeti's coolers and cups are famous for being bomb-proof. The company recently launched a luggage line that's similarly overbuilt. The Yeti Crossroads 35L is a 22-inch roller bag that's carry-on size for most major airlines. It weighs 7.7 pounds, on par with soft-sided competitors of the same size.

I recently spent a week dragging the Crossroads up and down grimy subway station escalators, thumping it across cobblestones, and scrunching it into overfull overhead bins during a trip to London, Paris, and Brussels. The blue 700D nylon on the front and sides looks just as fresh as it did out of the box while the molded polycarbonate shell on the back has a few well-earned battle scratches. The two extra-large fixed wheels are rolling as smoothly as ever and hopped up curbs so well that I grew to favor them over smaller spinner wheels. The Crossroads has a half-dozen well-placed pockets and sturdy zippers that didn't give me any anxiety even as I tugged them hard while smooshing down to fit souvenirs into a carry-on with 8 days of clothing. —Martin Cizmar

Best Bag for a Lifetime

Do you only want to buy one suitcase and never think about it, ever again? Briggs & Riley is one of the few companies with a lifetime unlimited warranty. I bought a Briggs & Riley carry-on as my first and only post-college purchase. Right now, it has lasted over 20 years. Periodically, I bring it into the one Briggs & Riley-approved dealership in my town to get a zipper pull put back on, and it's fixed for free in a few days. Its components are top-of-the-line. The face fabric is a heavy-duty ballistic nylon that’s water-repellent and abrasion-resistant. After having been dragged all over the globe, from the Philippines to Turkey to Iceland, the gleaming red is just as bright.

The low-profile wheels nor handles have never broken. The grab handles are also luxuriously smooth and padded, and there's an interior folding garment bag for my husband's suits. The only downside is that at 9.3 pounds, it’s pretty heavy.

★ Alternatives: If you need an absolutely bomber-tough rolling suitcase and don't mind its 9.6-pound weight, the Pro Front-Access Carry ($799) will stand up to more abuse than most rolling bags, with its aluminum frame and 70-percent-recycled polycarbonate body. WIRED reviewer Chris Haslam says it's his favorite rolling bag in years. Jancer also likes Travelpro's Platinum Elite carry-on ($315) , which he calls one of the most high-end polycarbonate bags on the market.

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Best Backpack

When I reviewed the Cotopaxi Allpa in 2018 ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ), it had only recently launched. Now, a half-dozen years later, it is one of the most popular travel backpacks that I see online and in airports all over the world. It's a combination of a camping backpack, a suitcase, and a soft, frameless duffel. You can splay it open like a sandwich to pack it easily; access items through a side zip; put it on your backpack and secure its weight with a sternum strap; or squash or stomp it into any overhead compartment or corner of your car trunk. The use case for this bag is extremely specific—the same people who are bopping around Thailand for several weeks in one backpack are not the same people trying to look professional at a work conference. But it is sturdy and comfortable.

★ Alternative: I took the Ekster Packable Duffel ($250) on several weekend trips this spring, and found that it more than upheld its claims of being built for “smoother journeys, on and off the grid.” This travel bag converts from a backpack to a duffel, with two separate compartments that also splay open for easier packing. The 600-denier exterior and water-resistant zippers are so sturdy that when we ran out of space in the car, we lashed it to the roof rack with surf straps and drove for hours in the rain. It, and its contents, remained pristine.

Best Convertible Bag

Every serious traveler knows the name of Seattle-based Tom Bihn, manufacturer of bomber bags that will last you a lifetime. The Aeronaut 45 is the classic Tom Bihn convertible carry-on, which the size of the maximum allowable carryon bag on a plane.

You get everything from a Tom Bihn bag that you pay for. It’s made of incredibly sturdy 1050 denier ballistic nylon, with bombproof YKK zippers. It has both hidden backpack straps and an extremely comfortable cross-body strap. This is commerce director Martin Cizmar's bag, and he's tossed it around and lugged it down rough streets and through crowds where roller bags are a liability. He owns two and the first lasted for more than a decade. This is the bag that both he and I would use, if we didn't have to constantly test other bags.

Best Personal Item

Some airlines are not content with charging you extra for checking a bag and now charge you for overhead bin space . The Tom Bihn Trinity ( 7/10, WIRED Recommends ) addresses that problem by providing a space for you to pack everything you need while still fitting underneath the seat in front of you. As the name suggests, it has three main compartments and three ways to carry—either as a briefcase with padded grab handles, a backpack, or as a shoulder bag with two attachment points.

It has three main compartments which can be arranged to your liking; for example, on one of the side compartments, you can zip a water bottle holder into place or unzip it for more room. It wasn't quite as versatile as I expected; I found that I prefer a small duffel with one main compartment that I can organize as I like. However, it does fit under the seat in front of me, even with clothes, laptop, and four (four!) hardcover books that I somehow stuffed inside it.

Best Work Bag

I've been traveling a lot for work and for family reasons in the past few months, and the bag I prefer for my personal item is the Lo & Sons O.G. 2, which is the larger version of the brand's Nouvelle purse ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ). It comes in a medium and a large version; the medium is adequate as an everyday bag, but the large turns it into a versatile work/travel bag. It’s low-profile and has both smooth leather grab handles as well as a shoulder strap. I have kicked it under plane seats and around airports, and the nylon doesn't show any damage. There's a hidden separate compartment if you spill water on yourself, and it has sturdy feet so you can put it on an airplane bathroom counter and dig for your makeup without it falling over or getting the bottom of the bag too disgusting. The toothed zippers do tend to crinkle and snatch at your knuckles when the bag gets overstuffed, but I suppose you could always, uh, avoid overstuffing your bag.

★ Alternatives: We have plenty of recommendations in our guide to the Best Laptop Totes , but we love Lo & Sons. The Catalina Supreme Tote ($338) is also great for weekend trips. Again, there's also a bottom compartment for a pair of shoes, or anything else you need to keep separate.

The Best Hiking Daypack

The Camelbak A.T.P. is so useful that I’m always startled to realize it only has a 20-liter capacity. I have it in the 100 percent recycled white color, which saves water and only emits half the greenhouse gas emissions by eliminating the dying process. It’s a panel loader, which means you can unzip the top and see exactly where everything goes, like a duffel. This is convenient when packing for trips—I was able to fit clothes, a Dopp kit, and electronics for an overnight trip. (I know these types of zippers fail more often than top loaders, but it does make it easier to arrange and sort items near the bottom of the pack.)

I particularly like how narrow it is. It fits my back and goes under airplane seats that even my children’s backpacks can’t. The bottle pocket has a zipper that makes it expandable so it can fit a little coffee thermos or my giant Yeti water bottle . Exterior compression straps also help squeeze my clothes even smaller. This is a great backpack if you want something that looks sleek enough for a work bag but is durable enough to take on a weekend trip to Yosemite.

★ Alternative: I also love the Patagonia Black Hole Backpack ($149) . This 25-liter bag is the perfect combination work/adventure bag. The suspended 15-inch laptop pocket clips shut, and the rest of the pockets are thoughtfully placed. It’s extremely light (a little over a pound) and is made from 100 percent recycled ripstop fabric.

Best Duffel Bag

The Big Haul ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ) is our favorite duffel because it hits the right balance of robust build materials and pockets without being too heavy to lug around all day. The standout feature of the Big Haul series, which comes in 28-liter to 120-liter options, is the ability to easily reposition the carrying straps, which feature plastic fishhook-style ends that slip into fabric loops. You can connect one strap end-to-end or double up on two straps in an H pattern for more stability with heavy loads. Adding and removing the straps isn't super fast, but it's not difficult, either, and six low-profile loops seems less intrusive than six rattling plastic buckles.

Two small interior pockets and an exterior pocket keep small things organized, and its water-resistant fabric is thick and tough without being stiff. All the sewing around the grab handles feels very robust too. Padded backpack straps hide away under a padded pocket on the top of the bag. This means that when you sling the Big Haul over your shoulders to give your arms a rest, your back is against the relatively clean top of the duffel, rather than a wet, dirty bottom side that's been set down on the ground. The current iteration of the Big Haul is also made with recycled nylon. What's not to love? —Matt Jancer

★ Alternative: For slightly more money, the classic duffel in this category is the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel ($159) , which also comes in a variety of colorways and sizes. You can either carry it by the grab handles or with the shoulder straps, and it's made from 100 percent recycled polyester with a TPU-film laminate. I (Adrienne) have had the 40-liter version for almost 15 years now and the laminate has yet to peel. It also fits as a carry-on on flights.

The Best Expedition Bag

If you like outdoor sports, you probably need a good expedition bag—that is, a huge, burly duffel that you can just throw all your pointy ice axes, trekking poles, or camp chairs into that you can take anywhere and everywhere. Reviewer Matt Jancer's expedition bag of choice is the Red Oxx PR5. He's used it for whitewater paddling trips and to lug mountain climbing equipment from coast to coast without a single frayed thread. Everything about Red Oxx is overbuilt. The zippers are huge, its thick pieces of nylon webbing are robustly sewn, and chunky metal rings hang the detachable carrying strap. All that said, it's not abominably heavy. At 3.4 pounds it's still lighter than many wheeled bags.

★ Alternative: If you've ever gone to a popular outdoor destination, like Yosemite or Everest, you've probably seen stacks of North Face Base Camp duffels . This is the quintessential expedition bag. My own personal bag is the OnSight Tarmac EPO , but the company no longer exists; I also have a Mountain Hardware duffel ($180) and after 20 years, the coating has finally started to peel.

Best for Camping

We love everything from Rux; I'm currently testing the waterproof adventure tote ($150) and I use it for everything from my climbing gear, to picnic gear, to bringing my kids' roller skates and soccer balls to the park. I have also leaked an entire water bottle in it and it stayed contained and out of the bottom of my car.

But for camping (or any outdoor pursuit, really), what you need is a Rux storage system , which, as the artist and filmmaker Van Neistat puts it, will help you kit your shit . It holds its frame shape, which means you can stack and organize inside of it just like a box, but it folds down like a bag for easy storage once you're at your destination. It's also light and waterproof and comes with a wide array of accessories . This is an upgrade for everyone who currently sorts their camping, climbing, or snowboarding gear in a series of $5 plastic totes and stacks them in their trunk.

The Best Aluminum Suitcase

Perhaps you've seen those Instagram-friendly, shiny aluminum suitcases and wonder whether it's worth the investment. Aluminum is extremely durable and can be machined with precision. That means it will protect your belongings better, and you can close them with latches instead of zippers. Your suitcase will last longer and be more secure— zippers are pretty easy to break into —and generally have fewer points of failure.

In my opinion, the cost-benefit analysis generally weighs against them. Aluminum suitcases are usually heavier and won't flex as much if you have overpacking tendencies, and I find them painfully conspicuous. Any suitcase with a decent warranty policy will painlessly cover any repairs. If you must have one, we like Arlo Skye's the Frame. Arlo Skye was founded by alumni from Louis Vuitton and Tumi, and reviewer Matt Jancer says that everything about the Frame screams robust quality, from the leather grab handles to the combination-lock latches. It also comes with a removable battery bank and has a few more liters of carrying capacity than the similarly-sized Away. The main disadvantage is that the interior organization is a bit lacking.

★ Alternative: Do you want the benefits of an aluminum suitcase without the drawbacks? You might want to consider Monos's Hybrid Carry-On ($325) . You won't fool anyone into thinking you've shelled out for a 100 percent aluminum suitcase, but Jancer notes that it's only a pound or so heavier than the competition and the aluminum frame offered better protection than any 100 percent polycarbonate suitcase that he tried.

A Good Emergency Go Bag

To be clear, any bag here could be considered a go-bag—even a grocery bag works when you have to leave the house imminently. But reviewer Nena Farrell used Calpak's duffel for an emergency surgery, and she is kicking herself for not getting it sooner. It was big enough for everything from makeup bags and extra outfits to a massive book and Nintendo Switch, and was comfortable to carry thanks to the large straps.

The shoe compartment was big enough for sandals and slides, but not big enough for shoes with an ankle. It was also a great place to stash haphazard Ziplocs of emergency toiletries and medications. There are some side pockets inside too, plus an exterior side pocket and a pass-through panel to place it on top of your luggage. It was a great hospital companion, but Farrell can't wait to take the Luka somewhere a little more fun.

Other Bags We Like

Not every good product can snag a best-in-category title, but there are several more bags we've tested that get our thumbs-up.

Osprey Ozone 40L for $280 : At 4.47 pounds, Osprey claims this bag is the lightest carry-on suitcase. It's also made from 400D recycled bluesign-approved nylon and is treated with DWR. This bag is light enough to easily hoist above my head and has also been checked multiple times.

Gregory Alpaca 40 Duffel for $140 : This duffel weighs a scant 2.7 pounds, but the water-resistant fabric and extraordinarily beefy (though plastic) buckles make it a solid bag for adventuring. There's an exterior pocket for storing shoes or dirty clothes. The backpack straps don't tuck away for storage—you have to unclip them—but might be the most well-padded, comfortable straps I've encountered on a duffel. Exterior daisy chains and an interior zippered pocket round out the impressive features list.

Land's End Waxed Canvas Duffel for $180 : Most duffel bags these days are made of nylon, and while it's tough to call a material that's been popular since the 1940s “modern,” nylon bags don't have the old-school charm that this waxed canvas bag does.

Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler 40L for $149 : This bag weighs 1 pound, 13 ounces, which is only slightly heavier than air. It also has backpack straps that stow away in a front pocket.

Skyway Epic Carry-On for $160 : At 7.1 pounds, the Epic is an average weight. The handle is a wee bit more finicky than our top pick, and the Travelpro's wheels glide a little more nicely. Still, the Epic is a solid choice.

Target Signature Weekender Bag for $81 : Looking like a cross between a duffel and a handbag, the Weekender has a structure that product reviewer Louryn Strampe says can become overfilled, so keep that in mind if you plan to bring it onto a plane as a carry-on. She appreciates its durability and the many internal pockets for organization, though, and its rather long five-year warranty.

Solgaard Carry-On Closet Plus for $345 : It's a tiny bit over what most airlines list as the maximum dimensions, but the difference is so small that it's accepted 95 percent of the time. WIRED reviewer Louryn Strampe praises its optional clip-in closet clothing organizer, which makes for efficient packing. The built-in TSA lock is easy to use, and there's an internal power-bank pocket. This suitcase is included in our Favorite Recycled Products guide.

Samsonite Outline Pro Carry-On for $200 : This is a hard-side, four-wheeled spinner carry-on made from an outer shell of durable polypropylene. Standout features include an interior fabric made from 100 percent recycled plastic bottles and a “WetPak” storage pocket for keeping damp items separated from the rest of your luggage.

Adidas Defender Duffel for $40 : If you're looking for an inexpensive duffel that'll handle some light-duty traveling, this is a good way to save $100. The fabric is significantly thinner and less sturdy than that of other duffels in this guide, and it lacks backpack straps. But for taking on the train or tossing into a car trunk, it'll do the trick.

Bags We Don’t Like

Some bags just aren't worth the asking price, especially with so many good alternatives at all price points.

Peugeot Voyages Carry-On Spinner for $595 : What a price tag for a plastic-case suitcase. You can see where Peugeot tried to imbue the Voyages with some luxury, such as the metal riveting and built-in travel locks, but the case felt no more solid than a budget hard-sided bag, and the USB charging port felt cheap, like an outlet you'd find built into a seat in an airport terminal.

Eagle Creek Caldera Convertible International Carry-On for $469 : At 6 pounds, 2 ounces, this bag is a bit heavy. There's a zip-off 19-liter backpack that you can separate from the rest of the 37-liter bag, but when they're zipped together, the combined size doesn't meet carry-on restrictions.

Ebags CTS Carry-On Spinner for $200 : This one wasn't awful, but there are much better options for the money. Its hard plastic sides felt more brittle than the hard-sided plastic Away suitcases. The handle rattles a lot and it didn't roll quite as smoothly as other bags.

A Few Travel Accessories

Once you've got your bag, you'll want to pack it with a few more useful items:

Apple AirTag for $24 : If you have an iPhone, it's one of the best ways to keep a digital eye on your bags. Drop an AirTag into an interior pocket to make sure you and your luggage are reunited at your destination. Don't have an iPhone? We suggest the Chipolo in our guide to the Best Bluetooth Trackers .

Eagle Creek Specter Pack-It Cubes Three-Pack for $35 keep everything inside your bags organized by allowing you to separate it into different cubes, so you won't ever have to hunt through seven pairs of socks to find your bathing suit again.

Calpak Clear Cosmetics Case for $75 : Calpak’s viral clear cases come in three sizes and a ton of colors for the edge trims. Reviewer Nena Farrell loved the small size for my gym bag and traveling with a smaller carry-on bag, while the medium was a great size for my daily makeup or larger suitcases.

Troubadour Buddy 2.0 Tech Case for $75 : You probably need a case to organize your spare charging cables and power banks. I've been testing this compact, waterproof, and recycled bag that fits neatly into my personal item.

UrPower Portable Steamer for $24 beats a travel iron because it's far lighter and you don't need to hunt down an ironing board at your hotel. WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano and I both have been using UrPowers for years. For a tiny thing, it's powerful and effective at steaming practically anything. You just need to refill it often.

Samsonite Manual Luggage Scale for $15 is handy when you're packing a heavy bag for an upcoming trip. Use it to weigh your luggage and make sure it's within the weight limits. International airlines are sticklers for carry-on weight, and even American airlines will be unforgiving about weight for checked bags.

InCase MacBook Sleeves for $50 will keep your laptop from bearing the damage caused by airport security lines. Travel through an airport without a case and it's only a matter of time before a bare laptop or tablet picks up nasty scratches and dents. Check our guide to the Best MacBook Accessories for more.

How to Pick the Right Size Bag

Every airline sets its own dimensional requirements for carry-on baggage, so if you want to be safe, you should check your airline's requirements before packing. But broadly, they're split into two categories: domestic and international.

Domestic flights by US airlines (and a few others) have standardized on 22 x 14 x 9 inches.

International carry-on bag sizes tend to be about 21 inches tall and a bit narrower, but they're all over the place. It's tough, because many international airlines will measure your bags at the airport and reject anything even slightly bigger than the allowed size. If you fly outside the US a lot, you may as well buy a bag sized for international flights.

You'll also want to check each airline's weight limits. They vary wildly, but some international airlines restrict you to 15 or 20 pounds, including the weight of the bag itself. For example, there are some East Asian airlines that limit carry-on bags to 11 pounds. Once you subtract 6 or more pounds for the bag, you're not left with much wiggle room to put stuff inside.

When to Remove Battery Banks

Battery banks, also known as power banks, are a travel must-have. Whether you're using a tablet to watch movies on your flight or relying on your phone to coordinate rideshares, hotel check-in, and handle your boarding passes, you've got to keep those devices charged and topped up. Many bags offer a removable battery bank that slides into a special pocket or notch of the suitcase.

For carry-on luggage on a flight in the US, you're allowed to bring a lithium-ion battery of 100 watt-hours or less. You don't need to remove it from the suitcase's pocket if you're storing your bag in the overhead bin.

Lithium-ion battery banks are not allowed in checked luggage. If you check your bag or have to gate-check it, make sure to remove the battery bank before you give your suitcase to the gate agent. Slip the battery bank into your purse, backpack, or pocket for the duration of the flight.

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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.

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

From basic rucksacks to nifty new features, these backpacks are a traveler's dream come true.

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.

Team T&C are experts in the field of traveling light and packing efficiently . And because we know every traveler has different preferences and needs, our editors took it upon ourselves to research, test, and share our favorite and most reliable styles on the market. Ahead, find the best carry-on travel backpacks designed to go the distance.

Samsonite Silhouette 17 Backpack

A backpack that packs like a suitcase? Why didn't someone think of this sooner? This Samsonite bag is perfect for the traveler who wants to travel light without sacrificing that packing method they've perfected.

One reviewer writes: "Durable yet lightweight. Streamline design and not bulky at all. Perfect carryon size with backpack straps for convenience."

Dimensions: 20" x 12.5" x 7"

Weight: 3.6 lbs

Material: Recyclex

Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack

This bag has compartments, on compartments, on compartments—including an exterior laptop pocket, making it extra easy to slip your computer in and out for TSA.

One reviewer says: "I initially purchased because I needed more storage to function as my work bag. It just so happen I was traveling abroad in that same month as well. I did not realize that it had a strap on the back to make it super convenient to connect to my carry on luggage. The storage in this bag is phenomenal. 10/10 recommend!"

Dimensions: 17.5” H x 12” L x 7.25” D

Packing Capacity: 27L

Material: 100% recycled polyester with a water-resistant finish

Fjallraven Kanken Water Resistant Backpack

These Scandinavian bags have been tested, tried and true since the 1970s. According to T&C 's Associate Shopping Editor Sophie Dweck, who owns several Fjallraven Kankens, they don't offer a lot of frills or features, but they are as practical and reliable as they come. Cute enough to be your day bag but spacious enough to fit all your carry-on essentials, this bag is two-for-one. Plus, there's no shortage of color options!

One shopper says: "This is my second backpack and I just love to use this during my travels. It’s stylish, lightweight and can surprisingly fit my essentials."

Dimensions: 14" H x 10" W x 4 ½" D

Weight: .7 lbs

Material: Vinylon

Calpak Luka Laptop Backpack

Calpak is known for creating travel bags and accessories with smart engineering in mind, and this backpack is an incredibly popular pick for obvious reasons. Thanks to its many compartments, it can hold a ton—shoes, notebooks, bottles, you name it—and is designed to protect a 15-inch laptop in one of the inner sleeves. Even better, it comes in a variety of pretty colors, such as this rose gold hue.

One shopper says: "I love this backpack. My laptop fits perfectly and it’s very roomy to carry a travel umbrella, glasses, electrical cord, notebooks, and more. I love the puffy exterior and have the matching Luca mini. Together, creates a great weekend getaway."

Dimensions: 16" x 12" x 7"

Weight: 1.8 lbs

Material: Polyester

Monos Metro Backpack

The unique feature on this pack from Monos is the detachable, interchangeable pouch that fixes to the front of the bag. This smaller bag is the perfect spot to keep the items you need quick and easy access to, like your passport, headphones, keys, and charging cables.

One shopper says: "I love this backpack! The trolley sleeve is a huge plus, but my favorite feature is being able to remove the Metro Kit. I like that I can conveniently place the backpack under the seat and the Metro kit can hang off the pouch in the seat in front of me, making it easy to grab the essentials mid-flight."

Exterior Dimensions: 11.5" × 16.5" × 6"

Exterior Weight: 2.4 lb (nylon) / 3 lb (vegan leather)

Metro Dimensions: 8.75" × 6.75" × 2"

Metro Weight: .6 lbs

Material: Nylon or vegan leather

Cuyana Leather Backpack 16-inch

For a travel bag that sacrifices neither function and fashion, you turn to Cuyana. The brand's minimalist backpack is crafted with premium Italian leather and tricked out with convenient features, like a spacious main compartment with pockets and a laptop sleeve, two additional exterior pockets, a magnetic snap closure for easy access, comfortable straps that don't dig into your shoulders, and a top handle that allows you to tote the bag around by hand.

One shopper says: "This is the perfect work and travel backpack. I got it in navy and looks amazing. My laptop, notebook, and computer accessories all fit in very neatly with plenty of room for other items. I was a little worried about my water bottle fitting in the front pocket, but it is just fine there and the magnets even help it stay in place. It is simply PERFECT!!!"

Dimensions: 15.1" x 11" x 7"

Weight: 2.6 lbs

Material: Leather

MZ Wallace Metro Backpack Deluxe

MZ Wallace's bags are absurdly lightweight, insanely roomy, and the signature quilting adds interest to an otherwise understated bag. This backpack is no exception. T&C 's Senior News Editor Emily Burack is a massive fan of the brand .

One shopper says: "Bought the Dawn metro backpack deluxe for a recent trip. I squeezed in so many items such as electronics, iPad, cosmetics, a jacket and small crossbody purse. Love the back sleeve that you can attach to your suitcase, and then can convert it to a pocket by zippering the bottom. And finally side pockets that can fit a water bottle."

Dimensions: 2.20" × 6.90" × 16.50"

Weight: 1.3 lbs

Material: REC Oxford

Carl Friedrik 72-Hour Backpack

For the packer who's serious about one-bag travel, Carl Friedrik's aptly-titled pack is a great option. The 25-liter carrier is designed fit up to three-days worth of outfits and is perfectly sized to fit under the seat in front of you. Also worth noting: The front panel fully unzips, there's a laptop sleeve, and various pockets so you can make the most of every nook and cranny.

And if that's not enough to convince you? Succession 's The Roy family is fan of Carl Friedrik , as is T&C 's very own Leena Kim .

Dimensions: 11.8" x 18.1" x 7.1"

Packing Capacity: 25L

Material: Nylon

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack

Those who are often guilty of overpacking will get a kick out of this pick. No matter how much you stuff inside of it, the bag is lightweight to carry day in and day out. It's made of a blend of tough, TPU-coated polyester and durable nylon paneling, and has padded shoulder straps which add to the comfort. Also notable is its harness feature that distributes weight and prevents you from suffering from any back or shoulder pain later on.

One shopper says: "The Cotopaxi was my real working bag for carrying 3-4 days' clothing & toiletries. I am impressed with the quality build, the cool appearance of the bag, the organized storage, the way the compartments hold their shape without using heavyweight material. The interior feels well enough secure for my purposes but also has easy access smaller compartment for a light jacket."

Dimensions : 20" x 12" x 10"

Weight: 3 lbs 8 oz

Material: Polyester and nylon

Lo & Sons The Rowledge

At last, your very own Mary Poppins bag. Well, not quite, but it might as well be. Don't be fooled by this bag's streamlined look—it can fit a lot. Yet, its dimensions qualify as a personal item, meaning it fits perfectly under the seat in front of you.

One shopper says: "I love traveling with this backpack. It is compact enough to wear I am not hitting people with it every time I turn around on the plane. It has a compartment for everything and is great quality. Excellent customer service from Lo & Sons, too!!!"

Dimensions: 11.5" x 6.75" x 16.5" (large); 10.75" x 6" x 16" (small)

Weight: 3.2 lbs (large); 2.9 lbs (small)

Material: Nylon and leather

Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack

First of all, this bag is made with 23 recycled water bottles! So it's already a winner. Water-resistant and roomy, it comes with a zippered pouch that can be used as a shoe bag, or for any other essentials you want easy access to. We also love its sleek look—how could you not?

One shopper raves: "I wanted a small backpack that could still carry all my stuff, but also look stylish and sleek. This was it. The Dakota and small is the perfect backpack. Big enough to carry all my stuff as a mom of three while traveling but small enough to not feel too heavy. The material is soft but durable. I’m definitely a forever fan now!"

Dimensions: 11.5” L x 5” W x 17” H

Weight: 2 lbs 3 oz

Material: Premium neoprene and performance air mesh

Aer Travel Pack 3 Black

A true traveler's bag, the main compartment of this backpack lays open flat, so you can pack it like a regular suitcase. It has designated laptop and organizational compartments, plus multiple additional pockets for all your other must-haves. The zippers are also lockable, and there's a pocket just for your AirTag !

One shopper says: "This backpack does everything I need. Keeps things really organized, looks great, comfortable to carry heavy stuff... I really like how it collapses to a smaller profile once it’s empty for both easy storage, and a slimmer profile for a day to day pack."

Dimensions : 13" x 21.5" x 9"

Weight: 4.12 lbs

Tumi Celina Backpack

Tumi is one of the most trusted names in luggage, so you can be sure this bag is of high quality. It has lots of pockets and compartments, but the best feature has to be the Tumi Tracer, which will allow you to track and locate your bag should you misplace it.

One shopper raves : "So light empty and so roomy. Lots of pockets and fantastic construction. A quality backpack that will last for years and years, worth every penny!"

Dimensions : 16.0" x 10.6" x 6.5"

Shinola Detroit The Runwell Backpack

If you're looking to invest in a bag that can really go the distance, it's gotta be high-quality leather. You can trust that this will hold up, and best of all, it'll only look better as it wears in during all your trips to come.

One shopper says: "I purchased this Runwell backpack in the summer of ‘19 to use as my work bag and waited a few years of daily use to review. I can truly say it’s almost perfect; it looks small on me but that’s my fault for not reading measurements. It easily fits my laptop, plenty of cables, paperwork, gym clothes, a shower bag, and many more random things. The pockets in the interior are great; it’s very functional. Although I do clean/condition it every few months, it’s developed a wonderful patina."

Dimensions: 17" H x 10.38" W x 6" D

Weight: 3.9 lbs

Beis Travel The Expandable Backpack

With pockets and compartments galore, the Beis backpack has endless room for all your essentials. And once it's all filled up? You can unzip the expandable zipper for even more space! Never thought you'd be so excited about a backpack? We get it.

One reviewer writes: "The expandable feature makes it great for travel but un-expanded, it’s great for work. The pockets are so functional and the extra padded laptop sleeve is great. Also got caught in a rainstorm this week and the inside of the bag stayed perfectly dry!"

Dimensions: 13" x 15" x 5-7"

Weight: 1.67 lbs

Material: 100% recycled poly

Troubadour Aero Backpack

This top-loading backpack not only features a main inner section with a ton of clever pockets, but there's also a 3D top pocket for easy access to your toiletries, a dedicated space for shoes, and a separate padded compartment for a laptop. Even better: It doubles as a duffle carrier for days when you'd prefer carrying your things as a crossbody.

One shopper says: "Just perfect. Enough pockets in the right place without being annoying or irritating and it looks sooooo good."

Dimensions: 13.4" x 20" x 7.9"

Weight: 2.75 lbs

Material: Recycled polyester fabric, recycled polyester lining, vegan leather trim

Away The Everywhere Zip Backpack

Known for the suitcases everybody can't get enough of, Away also offers a range of backpacks that feature the same intelligent designs and user-friendly features. The aptly-named Everywhere knapsack is made with water-resistant nylon and features a wrap-around zipper for extra access in the main compartment.

One shopper writes : "It may be a little much to say this backpack changed my life, but it changed my life.. It's comfortable. It's SO well designed, with a logical place for everything. It holds a LOT. It's stylish and stays upright when you put it down. Most importantly (and the reason I bought it in the first place), I'm no longer sore after walking around and carrying my stuff all day. I may never go back to wearing a shoulder bag again. Worth every penny."

Dimensions : 12" x 5.9" x 17.7"

Weight : 2.45 lbs

Material : Nylon and leather

Paravel Fold-Up Backpack

The genius of this backpack? Its compact size can fit a ton without weighing a ton, and when it's not in use, it folds up flat and zips into a space-saving pouch. Bonus: Get yours customized with your initials for a personalized touch.

One shopper says: "I couldn’t believe that a roomy backpack could zip up very easily into a pouch! It is very roomy with several zip up compartments for extra storage. It looks very nice. I am going to Europe and was searching for a lightweight backpack. This is perfect!"

Dimensions: 13" x 16" x 9"

Weight: .63 lbs

Material: Nylon from recycled water bottles

.css-1q42gf4{color:#030929;font-family:NewParis,NewParis-fallback,NewParis-roboto,NewParis-local,Georgia,Times,serif;font-weight:normal;margin-bottom:0.625rem;margin-top:1.875rem;}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-1q42gf4{font-size:1.875rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(max-width: 64rem){.css-1q42gf4{font-size:2.625rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-1q42gf4{font-size:2.625rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-1q42gf4{font-size:3.125rem;line-height:1.1;}}.css-1q42gf4 b,.css-1q42gf4 strong{font-family:inherit;font-weight:bold;}.css-1q42gf4 em,.css-1q42gf4 i{font-style:italic;font-family:inherit;} What to look for when buying a carry-on travel backpack

A carry-on travel backpack is a great in-flight companion because it's conveniently designed to be super spacious and a hands-free way to carry your belongings.

When shopping for the best option, it's important to choose a bag that can fit underneath the seat in front of you. While sizes vary depending on the airplane, most domestic airlines in the United States require a personal item to be somewhere around 17 inches tall, 13 inches wide, and 8 inches long.

Equally as important: Look for a backpack with functional features, such as organization pockets, full zip openings, a laptop sleeve, and adjustable straps for a comfortable fit.

Why trust Town & Country?

For more than 170 years, Town & Country has been the trusted source for influence, taste, elegant living, and the finest things in life. We cover everything from the latest and greatest in beauty to luxury travel to the buzziest fashion trends of the season. All of our stories are thoroughly researched, tested, and vetted by T&C editors and industry experts.

Meg is the Associate Fashion Commerce Editor at ELLE.com where she researches trends, tests products, and looks for answers to all your burning questions. She also co-writes a monthly column, Same Same But Different . Meg has previously written for Cosmopolitan and Town & Country . Her passions include travel, buffalo sauce, and sustainability. She will never stop hoping for a One Direction reunion tour.

Sophie Dweck is the associate shopping editor for Town & Country, where she covers beauty, fashion, home and décor, and more. 

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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 Emily Tannenbaum

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

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Travelers Swear by These Lightweight Crossbody Bags for Staying Organized, and Prices Start at $10

Including sling styles, belt bags, and more.

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Travel + Leisure / Marcus Millan

Packing for an upcoming vacation typically means picking out the best travel-ready clothing that offers comfort and versatility, making room in your luggage for your most supportive walking shoes , and adding in other accessories. But just as important as planning out your outfits is having a reliable bag that can take you from the airport to the hotel and beyond. Crossbody bags are often a go-to, particularly for active vacations, since they keep your valuables close and let you comfortably move around — and we found so many options hiding for under $20.

With prices so low, now is an ideal time to add some new crossbody styles to your closet. Walmart’s handbag section includes sling bags with multiple pockets to keep your belongings organized and easily accessible, along with belt bags that can be worn a variety of ways and are comparable to versions that are triple the price. Keep reading for more lightweight and compact yet spacious bags worth grabbing starting at just $10. 

No Boundaries Hands-Free Sling Bag

A crossbody bag like this No Boundaries sling style lets you carry everything you need for the day, rather than a bulky bag that will weigh you down or cause shoulder pain. It features two exterior pockets in addition to the main compartment, so you can easily access items like a small wallet or your cell phone. The adjustable strap helps you find your ideal fit, and shoppers shared that the hands-free style is perfect for travel, hiking, and more. 

Woornigojin Crossbody Belt Bag

Shoppers say this $10 belt bag is so similar to a popular style that’s more than triple the price, so you can grab it in multiple colors. It can be worn around your waist or across your chest thanks to an adjustable strap, and it’s waterproof to keep your valuables protected in any weather conditions. One reviewer called it perfect for vacation thanks to compartments that hold and organize cards, keys, lip balm, your phone, and more. 

Vbiger Crossbody Bag

For a more traditional crossbody bag , grab this one for just $13. It’s made with waterproof, lightweight material so it’s comfortable to carry around all day and has 10 different compartments for holding all of your essentials — including its main section that’s big enough to hold a tablet. One customer who has owned the durable bag for more than two years said it’s held up through rain, snow, and extreme heat, while another person noted that it’s very roomy.

Reebok Cosmos Crossbody Sling Bag

If you walk a lot, whether on vacation or when you’re local, consider this sling bag that’s made for active lifestyles. It has multiple pockets to hold small items and an adjustable strap that lets you use it as a crossbody over your chest or unzipped and worn with a thinner strap on each shoulder. One reviewer noted that it’s lightweight and great for travel, while another said that it has plenty of room despite its size.

Almusen Crossbody Bag

Make air travel easier with this bag that’s designed with pockets to help you quickly access your passport, tickets, phone, and more. The nylon fabric makes it completely waterproof, and one shopper said that the wide strap adds comfort for all-day use. They also highlighted that it’s roomy and can hold a lot, but it doesn’t feel huge or bulky. Grab it while it’s on sale for $14 in navy, black, red, or purple for $16.

Keep reading for even more crossbody bags that customers raved over for their travel-friendly designs.

Tinyat Crossbody Fanny Pack

Suptree crossbody sling bag with usb charging port, athletic works crossbody sling bag.

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Here Is What Is Missing From The FAA Reauthorization Bill

Congress unveiled a bipartisan deal that tackles the shortage of air traffic controllers and spate of runway near-collisions. But it is a mixed bag for consumers and leaves out a key Biden mandate.

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Congress' FAA reauthorization deal addresses the shortage of air traffic controllers. (Photo by SAUL LOEB)

O n Monday, lawmakers revealed a bipartisan Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization deal that includes measures to address the nation’s shortage of air traffic controllers and the recent spate of runway near-misses. Lawmakers also agreed to prohibit airlines from charging extra for families to sit together, and they tripled the maximum fines imposable on airlines that violate consumer laws.

But the draft legislation does not include a controversial increase in the pilot retirement age that airlines say would help ease the pilot shortage, nor does it include consumer protections proposed by the Biden administration, including a requirement that airlines provide automatic cash refunds when flights are canceled or significantly delayed.

The draft legislation emerging from the House and Senate committees overseeing the FAA would authorize more than $105 billion in appropriations for the FAA and $738 million in appropriations for the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) through 2028. The legislation would replace the temporary law overseeing the FAA that is set to expire on May 10.

Here are some key issues the legislation tries to tackle—and some that Congress is kicking further down the tarmac.

Hire More Air Traffic Controllers

The FAA has been facing a persistent air traffic controller shortage, with estimates of up to 3,000 more controllers needed over the next decade. At some airports, controllers are working mandatory overtime and six-day work weeks to cover staffing shortages. Fatigue has been blamed for a series of near-miss incidents and flight delays.

As drafted, the law would require the FAA to study the issue and increase access to training simulators in more air traffic control towers nationwide. The legislation would require the FAA to hire and train as many air traffic controllers as necessary to address the staffing shortage.

Winners: Hiring more controllers is a win for everyone.

Consider 25-Hour Cockpit Recordings

When investigating any airline crash or near-miss, NTSB investigators want to listen to the audio from the cockpit to try to glean clues from verbal communication or sounds, such as mechanical noises or alarms that might be overheard. The NTSB says that too often that audio is not preserved for investigators, making it much harder to get to the bottom of what happened. Currently in the United States, the audio from cockpit voice recordings is overwritten after just two hours—well short of the 25 hours mandated in Europe and other regions.

The FAA reauthorization legislation mandates a “zero tolerance” for near misses and runway incursions but only requires the FAA to “consider” the recommendation of the aviation rulemaking committee to record the most recent 25 hours of data.

Winners: The NTSB has been recommending this change since 2018. Losers: Historically, the FAA has cited costs as a reason not to adopt this rule.

Codify Refunds for Passengers

Last week, President Biden announced a new regulation that requires airlines to issue full cash refunds automatically instead of in response to customer requests when flights are canceled or significantly changed, when baggage return is significantly delayed and when ancillary services like inflight Wi-Fi are not provided to passengers who purchased them.

The draft legislation would codify into law the threshold for when a refund would be required: after a three-hour delay for a domestic flight or six hours for an international flight. Airlines would also have to establish reimbursement policies for lodging, meals and transportation expenses incurred due to cancellations or significant delays caused by the airline. Major airports would be required to hang posters informing travelers of their consumer rights regarding flight delays, refunds and lost baggage.

But while the drafted legislation would require airlines’ websites to prominently display refund request buttons, it would not require automatic cash refunds to be issued by default. Instead, consumers who paid for tickets with a credit card would be reimbursed within seven days “after the request for the refund,” while those who paid with cash would be refunded within 20 days after making their request. In addition, the legislation still allows carriers to offer a voucher or credit as an alternative to a cash refund—as long as passengers are informed of their right to a full refund.

Winners: Score one for the airlines. Airlines for America, the lobby group for major U.S. airlines, insists that airlines already offer a range of ways for consumers to be refunded. The American Society of Travel Agents also protested Biden’s rule requiring the “merchant of record” to provide automatic refunds. Losers: Consumers, many of whom will continue to accept credits and vouchers in lieu of owed cash refunds.

No Mandate for Airline Seat Size

Over the past two decades, the size of seats on commercial jets has shrunk both in width and legroom, even as airline executives ponder new ways to maximize “cabin density.” Historically, the FAA has been loathe to interfere in the carriers’ business model so long as passengers are able to evacuate an aircraft in 90 seconds.

The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 directed the agency to “set minimums for seat pitch, width, and length necessary for the safety of passengers.” But experts often groused that these drills were typically conducted under unrealistic conditions, using only able-bodied adults, with no luggage, kids or people with disabilities. When, in 2022, the FAA opened the topic for public discussion, more than 26,000 angry comments flooded in.

Despite this, the 2024 version of the bill still does not mandate minimum airline seat sizes and spacing. Instead, the draft legislation would force the FAA to take a fresh look at sizing and airplane evacuation standards. (Yes, yet another study.)

Winners: Airlines, which love to figure out new ways to cram more passengers into a plane.

Losers: Consumers, who are unlikely to see more comfortable seating anytime soon.

No Change To The Pilot Retirement Age

In 2007, Congress increased the retirement age for commercial airline pilots from 60 to 65. More recently, and particularly since the Covid pandemic, airlines have pushed for raising the retirement age to 67 to alleviate an ongoing pilot shortage. The largest pilot union has argued that the shortage is over, pointing to FAA data indicating that the agency issued more than 11,000 airline pilot certificates last year, beating both forecasts and demand.

The draft legislation does not call for raising the retirement age for commercial airline pilots to 67, as major airlines had lobbied for. Instead, it requires the Comptroller General to study the extent and effects of the commercial aviation pilot shortage on regional and commuter carriers.

Winners: This is a big win for pilot unions, which have fought hard against raising the retirement age. Losers: Airlines are exactly where they were before.

What’s next? A procedural move in the Senate last week paved the way for a vote on the legislation as soon as this week.

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Biden-Harris Administration Announces Final Rule Requiring Automatic Refunds of Airline Tickets and Ancillary Service Fees

Rule makes it easy to get money back for cancelled or significantly changed flights, significantly delayed checked bags, and additional services not provided  

WASHINGTON – The Biden-Harris Administration today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a final rule that requires airlines to promptly provide passengers with automatic cash refunds when owed. The new rule makes it easy for passengers to obtain refunds when airlines cancel or significantly change their flights, significantly delay their checked bags, or fail to provide the extra services they purchased.

“Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them - without headaches or haggling,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg . “Our new rule sets a new standard to require airlines to promptly provide cash refunds to their passengers.”  

The final rule creates certainty for consumers by defining the specific circumstances in which airlines must provide refunds. Prior to this rule, airlines were permitted to set their own standards for what kind of flight changes warranted a refund. As a result, refund policies differed from airline to airline, which made it difficult for passengers to know or assert their refund rights. DOT also received complaints of some airlines revising and applying less consumer-friendly refund policies during spikes in flight cancellations and changes. 

Under the rule, passengers are entitled to a refund for:

• Canceled or significantly changed flights: Passengers will be entitled to a refund if their flight is canceled or significantly changed, and they do not accept alternative transportation or travel credits offered. For the first time, the rule defines “significant change.” Significant changes to a flight include departure or arrival times that are more than 3 hours domestically and 6 hours internationally; departures or arrivals from a different airport; increases in the number of connections; instances where passengers are downgraded to a lower class of service; or connections at different airports or flights on different planes that are less accessible or accommodating to a person with a disability.  
• Significantly delayed baggage return: Passengers who file a mishandled baggage report will be entitled to a refund of their checked bag fee if it is not delivered within 12 hours of their domestic flight arriving at the gate, or 15-30 hours of their international flight arriving at the gate, depending on the length of the flight.  
• Extra services not provided: Passengers will be entitled to a refund for the fee they paid for an extra service — such as Wi-Fi, seat selection, or inflight entertainment — if an airline fails to provide this service.

DOT’s final rule also makes it simple and straightforward for passengers to receive the money they are owed. Without this rule, consumers have to navigate a patchwork of cumbersome processes to request and receive a refund — searching through airline websites to figure out how make the request, filling out extra “digital paperwork,” or at times waiting for hours on the phone. In addition, passengers would receive a travel credit or voucher by default from some airlines instead of getting their money back, so they could not use their refund to rebook on another airline when their flight was changed or cancelled without navigating a cumbersome request process.  

The final rule improves the passenger experience by requiring refunds to be:

• Automatic: Airlines must automatically issue refunds without passengers having to explicitly request them or jump through hoops.   
• Prompt: Airlines and ticket agents must issue refunds within seven business days of refunds becoming due for credit card purchases and 20 calendar days for other payment methods.  
• Cash or original form of payment: Airlines and ticket agents must provide refunds in cash or whatever original payment method the individual used to make the purchase, such as credit card or airline miles. Airlines may not substitute vouchers, travel credits, or other forms of compensation unless the passenger affirmatively chooses to accept alternative compensation.    
• Full amount: Airlines and ticket agents must provide full refunds of the ticket purchase price, minus the value of any portion of transportation already used. The refunds must include all government-imposed taxes and fees and airline-imposed fees, regardless of whether the taxes or fees are refundable to airlines.

The final rule also requires airlines to provide prompt notifications to consumers affected by a cancelled or significantly changed flight of their right to a refund of the ticket and extra service fees, as well as any related policies.

In addition, in instances where consumers are restricted by a government or advised by a medical professional not to travel to, from, or within the United States due to a serious communicable disease, the final rule requires that airlines must provide travel credits or vouchers. Consumers may be required to provide documentary evidence to support their request. Travel vouchers or credits provided by airlines must be transferrable and valid for at least five years from the date of issuance.

The Department received a significant number of complaints against airlines and ticket agents for refusing to provide a refund or for delaying processing of refunds during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. At the height of the pandemic in 2020, refund complaints peaked at 87 percent of all air travel service complaints received by DOT. Refund problems continue to make up a substantial share of the complaints that DOT receives.

DOT’s Historic Record of Consumer Protection Under the Biden-Harris Administration

Under the Biden-Harris Administration and Secretary Buttigieg, DOT has advanced the largest expansion of airline passenger rights, issued the biggest fines against airlines for failing consumers, and returned more money to passengers in refunds and reimbursements than ever before in the Department’s history.

• Thanks to pressure from Secretary Buttigieg and DOT’s flightrights.gov dashboard, all 10 major U.S. airlines guarantee free rebooking and meals, and nine guarantee hotel accommodations when an airline issue causes a significant delay or cancellation. These are new commitments the airlines added to their customer service plans that DOT can legally ensure they adhere to and are displayed on flightrights.gov .  
• Since President Biden took office, DOT has helped return more than $3 billion in refunds and reimbursements owed to airline passengers – including over $600 million to passengers affected by the Southwest Airlines holiday meltdown in 2022.   
• Under Secretary Buttigieg, DOT has issued over $164 million in penalties against airlines for consumer protection violations. Between 1996 and 2020, DOT collectively issued less than $71 million in penalties against airlines for consumer protection violations.  
• DOT recently launched a new partnership with a bipartisan group of state attorneys general to fast-track the review of consumer complaints, hold airlines accountable, and protect the rights of the traveling public.  
• In 2023, the flight cancellation rate in the U.S. was a record low at under 1.2% — the lowest rate of flight cancellations in over 10 years despite a record amount of air travel.  
• DOT is undertaking its first ever industry-wide review of airline privacy practices and its first review of airline loyalty programs.

In addition to finalizing the rules to require automatic refunds and protect against surprise fees, DOT is also pursuing rulemakings that would:

• Propose to ban family seating junk fees and guarantee that parents can sit with their children for no extra charge when they fly. Before President Biden and Secretary Buttigieg pressed airlines last year, no airline committed to guaranteeing fee-free family seating. Now, four airlines guarantee fee-free family seating, and the Department is working on its family seating junk fee ban proposal.  
• Propose to make passenger compensation and amenities mandatory so that travelers are taken care of when airlines cause flight delays or cancellations.   
• Expand the rights for passengers who use wheelchairs and ensure that they can travel safely and with dignity . The comment period on this proposed rule closes on May 13, 2024.

The final rule on refunds can be found at https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/latest-news and at regulations.gov , docket number DOT-OST-2022-0089. There are different implementation periods in this final rule ranging from six months for airlines to provide automatic refunds when owed to 12 months for airlines to provide transferable travel vouchers or credits when consumers are unable to travel for reasons related to a serious communicable disease. 

Information about airline passenger rights, as well as DOT’s rules, guidance and orders, can be found at   https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer .

Watch CBS News

New airline rules will make it easier to get refunds for canceled flights. Here's what to know.

By Megan Cerullo

Edited By Aimee Picchi

Updated on: April 25, 2024 / 12:56 PM EDT / CBS News

New consumer protection rules will soon entitle airline passengers to automatic refunds when flights are canceled or significantly delayed, while also requiring airlines to reveal  junk fees  upfront.

In total, the new rules could save travelers $500 million annually, Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said Wednesday, describing the regulations as "the biggest expansion of passenger rights in the department's history."

They take aim at some of the most common complaints against airlines, such as delays and difficulties getting refunds. Airlines will also have to disclose all possible fees, such as added costs for seat selection, when advertising a fare.

The regulations are likely to effect in October, officials said. Here's what to know about the new rules and what they mean for you.

You'll get an automatic refund for delayed or canceled flights

The first rule mandates that airlines promptly refund customers when flights are meaningfully disrupted or delayed. Airlines will have to refund customers the full ticket prices, including airline-imposed fees, as well as government taxes and fees.

In theory, passengers are already entitled to such refunds, but in practice airlines don't always provide them, Buttigieg noted. He said the new rule benefits infrequent fliers in particular, who may be less familiar with their rights. 

This rule will save customers the hassle of dealing with a chatbot or completing a cumbersome claims process to receive refunds they're entitled to anyway when flights don't take off as scheduled.

Airlines often offer customers compensation in the form of vouchers or miles with values that are less than the flight's original cost. And passengers often must engage with customer service agents or chatbots to secure refunds, which can lead them to give up on the process altogether, according to Buttigieg.

How long of a delay will qualify for a refund? 

The new rule defines what constitutes a "significantly changed" flight: a delay of at least three hours for a domestic flight, and at least six hours for an international flight. That was previously left to the discretion of the airline. 

The rule says passengers will get automatic refunds in those cases as long as they don't accept alternative transportation or travel credits offered by the airline.  

Passengers will also be entitled to refunds for other significant flight changes, according to the Department of Transportation. 

These changes include flights whose departure or arrival airports change, that add connections or downgrade passengers to a different level of service. If a flight requires a passenger with a disability to make a connection at an airport or on a flight that is less accommodating, that also qualifies for a refund.

How long will it take to get a refund?

Airlines will have seven days to automatically refund passengers who purchased their tickets with a credit card, and 20 calendar days for other payment methods, the Transportation Department said.

"No more defaulting to vouchers or credits when consumers may not even realize they're entitled to cash," Buttigieg said. 

Can I get a refund for delayed bags? 

Yes, checked bag delays are also covered. 

When bags aren't delivered within 12 hours of a domestic flight's arrival at its gate, passengers will get a refund for their checked bag fee.   On international flights, bags that don't arrive within 15 to 30 hours, depending on a flight's length, are covered by the rule. 

What other refunds will be available? 

Airlines must also refund the costs of services customers paid for but then didn't receive on the flight, such as wifi, seat selection or in-flight entertainment, the Transportation Department said.

For instance, if passengers buy wifi access but it doesn't work properly, they are entitled to a refund for the service.

What is happening with surprise fees? 

Transportation officials also announced a second rule on Wednesday that targets "junk" or surprise fees, which are charges that aren't typically disclosed to a consumer ahead of purchase. 

Under the rule, airlines must disclose all fees the first time that airfare is advertised on an airline's site. Hyperlinks don't count, according to the agency.

The rule is designed to protect consumers against confusion caused by "drip pricing"  by requiring airlines to disclose how much these additional fees will cost up front. That includes amounts airlines charge consumers to check bags, carry on bags, select seats, and change or cancel flights.

The rule is designed to help make it easier for passengers to estimate the full cost of flying so they can make an informed purchase.

Are seats guaranteed if I buy a ticket?

Under the second rule, airlines will also have to make clear to customers that if they buy a ticket, they're guaranteed a seat — even if they don't fork over additional money to choose where on the plane that seat is located. 

How will I know I'm seeing the actual flight price?

The second rule also bars airlines from advertising artificially low prices that don't factor in mandatory fees. 

The Transportation Department said this will end "discount bait-and-switch tactics" that dangle deceptive discounts to convince travelers to buy tickets.

What do airlines say about the new rules?

Airlines for America, a trade group for large U.S. carriers, noted that refund complaints to the Transportation Department have fallen sharply since mid-2020. 

A spokesperson for the group said airlines "offer a range of options — including fully refundable fares — to increase accessibility to air travel and to help customers make ticket selections that best fit their needs."

The group said the 11 largest U.S. airlines issued $43 billion in customer refunds from 2020 through 2023.

While Buttigieg said airlines aren't "enthusiastic" about being held to a higher standard, he believes the new rules will build passenger confidence in companies and ultimately benefit the industry as a whole.

Buttigieg also said he hopes the new rules will push carriers to improve the consumer experience. For example, if an airline knows it will automatically owe customers refunds for canceled flights, it might invest more in precise scheduling, and ultimately reduce the number of cancellations overall. 

—With reporting by the Associated Press.

Megan Cerullo is a New York-based reporter for CBS MoneyWatch covering small business, workplace, health care, consumer spending and personal finance topics. She regularly appears on CBS News 24/7 to discuss her reporting.

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Airlines must cough up cancellation cash and can no longer hide fees under new federal rule

A federal rule announced Wednesday will require airlines to quickly give cash refunds — without lengthy arguments — to passengers whose flights have been canceled or seriously delayed, the Biden administration said.

“Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them — without headaches or haggling,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement.

The rule from the Transportation Department says passengers who decline other reimbursement like travel credits are to get cash refunds.

It applies when a flight is canceled or has a “significant change,” the administration said.A “significant change” includes when departure or arrival times are three or more hours different from the scheduled times for domestic flights or six hours for international flights, and when the airport is changed or connections are added, it said.

Passengers are also to get refunds when their baggage is 12 hours late in delivery for domestic flights.

The new rule comes after promises to hold airlines accountable after major disruptions that made travel hell for passengers, including the 2022 Southwest Airlines meltdown , which resulted in almost 17,000 significantly delayed or canceled flights and a missing baggage nightmare.

The Transportation Department said that the new rule means refunds are automatic and that "airlines must automatically issue refunds without passengers having to explicitly request them or jump through hoops."

Also announced Wednesday was a rule requiring airlines to more clearly disclose so-called junk fees upfront, such as surprise baggage or other fees, the department said.

It said that rule is expected to save fliers around $500 million a year.

The surprise fees are used so tickets look cheaper than they really are, and then fliers get the unwelcome surprise of fees on checked bags, carry-on bags or reservation changes — or even discounts that are advertised but apply to only part of the ticket price, officials said.

Airlines will also have to tell fliers clearly that their seats are guaranteed and that they don't have to pay extra to ensure they have seats for flights, according to the Transportation Department.

Airlines for America, an industry trade group, said that its member airlines “offer transparency and vast choice to consumers from first search to touchdown” and that they do offer cash refunds.

The 11 largest U.S. airlines returned $10.9 billion in cash refunds last year, an increase over $7.5 billion in 2019 but slightly down from $11.2 billion in 2022, the group said.

“U.S. airlines are providing more options and better services while ticket prices, including ancillary revenues, are at historic lows,” Airlines for America said.

Left out of the federal changes announced Wednesday are those involving "family seating fees," but the Transportation Department said in a statement that "DOT is planning to propose a separate rule that bans airlines from charging these junk fees."

Travelers have complained to the Transportation Department that children weren’t seated next to accompanying adults, including in some cases young children, department officials said last year.

Fees on bags specifically have made up an increasing amount of airline revenues, the Transportation Department said Wednesday in announcing the new rules.

A Transportation Department analysis found that airline revenue from baggage fees increased 30% from 2018 to 2022, while operating revenue — which is from the flights themselves — increased by only half that amount, the department said.

Jay Blackman is an NBC News producer covering such areas as transportation, space, medical and consumer issues.

Phil Helsel is a reporter for NBC News.

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