travel light gear

The Best Gear for Travel

By Wirecutter Staff

Traveling well can be one of life’s great pleasures, whether you’re alone or with family and friends.

But what does it mean to travel well? We’d say that along with traveling safely (of course), traveling well involves avoiding hassle, carrying a single bag (if possible), and bringing only the necessities.

“Traveling well is a fine balance between finding inspiration in the unknown while being grounded in something,” said Wirecutter founder Brian Lam. “Sometimes that is a memory of home, a family, a significant other, friends, etc. Sometimes it’s just the familiar, reliable stuff in your bag.”

Over the past 10 years, we’ve spent hundreds of hours researching and testing dozens of products to find the most dependable items that will help you travel well. On top of that, we sought the advice and wisdom of Doug Dyment, author and creator of OneBag—a traveling businessman and public speaker, he has logged millions of miles over the past few decades—as well as travel-gear reviewer Eytan Levy, the Snarky Nomad.

And we relied heavily on the experiences of Wirecutter staff, an especially mobile group of individuals. Our staffers have worked remotely from every continent except Antarctica—the five most frequent flyers among us travel about half a million miles in any given (normal) year.

The research

Flying/riding, just in case, travel tips.

A well-packed bag is one that contains less than you think you need but everything you actually need. If possible, fitting everything into one carry-on and personal item will give you more freedom compared to checking a bag or two. You’ll be glad you did if (and when) things don’t go according to plan. While carry-on-only isn’t feasible (or advisable) for every trip—especially extended business trips or weddings where you need multiple outfits to maintain appearances—if in doubt, it’s better to cut.

Carry-on backpack (non-roller)

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

A versatile small pack for a week or a weekend.

The Allpa’s clamshell design makes organizing your things simple. The strap design lets you easily wear this durable bag on your back or carry it in your hand while you’re on the move.

Buying Options

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

An easily customizable large bag for long trips and expensive gear.

This bag was built with photographers in mind, but most travelers will appreciate its easy accessibility and clever tuck-away straps, and the elegant way the bag expands and contracts depending on how much you’ve packed. The accessory cubes cost extra, though.

We spent six months testing 22 bags, and in the end we chose two as our top picks for travelers determined to never check luggage again: the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L (for most trips) and the larger Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L . Both bags are exemplary carry-on travel backpacks that are designed for comfort, durability, and organization.

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L features an easy-to-pack clamshell design and highly adjustable straps that make it a great all-around bag for any traveler who’s dedicated to packing light, or for a smaller person who wants less to carry. Handles on all four sides of this bag make it easy to grab no matter where you’ve stowed it, and the Allpa’s straps are contoured to comfortably fit people who have large or small chests. It’s not a specifically gendered design, but our female tester noticed the improvement right away. (In August of 2024, Cotopaxi released a slightly redesigned version of the Allpa 35L; we’re comparing it to the previous version and will report back as soon as we’re able.)

The bag is protected by a full lifetime warranty and has the build quality to back that up. Its front panel is made of a waterproof, TPU-coated 1,000-denier polyester (a strong fabric covered in a flexible plastic coating), which means you can lay it on its back in a wet field or in gravel without worrying about moisture soaking through or jagged edges ripping the fabric. The rest of the paneling is made with 1,680-denier ballistic nylon, which feels similar to a strong canvas but with a more prominent weave. After four years of testing, this single backpack (plus a personal item to store under the seat) has replaced nearly every travel bag or piece of luggage that Kit Dillon, Wirecutter’s senior staff writer who covers luggage, uses.

One caveat: The Allpa has a minimal amount of administrative organization—places to keep pens and papers, spaces to hold tickets, and so forth—which is where the personal item comes in handy (see below).

The larger Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is 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. Not so with the Peak Design: It looks just as good fully packed at 45 liters as it does compressed to a 30-liter daypack. You can access the bag through a back panel, which doubles as a computer and tablet pouch, as well as through a front one, if you unzip the pass-through divider. You can also get into the main compartment via two wing-like trapezoidal flaps that 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. It still feels larger than a normal daypack, but we think that’s a small compromise for the ability to use one backpack as both your travel bag and your daily explorer. The bag itself consists of 400D nylon and polyester fabrics—it feels tough, but not as tough as the Cotopaxi Allpa. As for flaws, it is expensive, especially if you commit to the entire system of packing cubes and camera cubes . The adjustable design and multiple zippers do add complexity, and complexity adds potential weaknesses, though Peak Design covers all of its bags with a lifetime warranty.

Finding the right bag is a personal choice, and no single bag will appeal to everyone. That’s why we have picks in our full review of carry-on travel bags that can double as traveling offices , and bags that are easy to carry while you’re walking long distances .

Carry-on bag (rolling)

Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Carry-On Spinner

Great features, great value.

This spinner carry-on offers the best balance of size, value, reliability, and durability, with high-end details. It’s backed by a lifetime warranty.

Since 2015, we’ve researched several dozen suitcases and gone hands-on with the 67 most promising candidates in a variety of tests—including having active flight attendants test bags for us in a fake plane fuselage in their training facility. We determined that for most people the  Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Expandable Spinner  offers the best balance of features, durability, and price for most flyers who log less than 25,000 miles annually.

It features smooth-rolling, user-replaceable wheels; solid and comfortable, telescoping handles; and a hard-wearing nylon exterior propped up by a solid internal chassis. The Elite only improves on past iterations in the Platinum line by reducing the size of the stowed handle (which used to jut out about an inch) and adding a second zippered, exterior pocket for easy access on the go and a USB pass-through extension that lets you insert your own battery pack for charging your phone. And at 7.8 pounds when empty, this carry-on bag is about half a pound lighter than its predecessor. Compared with other bags in this price range, you also get surprisingly high-end components and a warranty that covers anything, even airline damage, for the life of the bag (as long as you register the suitcase within 120 days of purchase, which is easy to do on any smartphone).

Upgrade pick

Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22″ Carry-On Expandable Spinner

For frequent flyers.

If you fly more than 25,000 miles a year, invest in a bag with unique features, superior details, and plenty of expandable room. This manufacturer guarantees your satisfaction.

If you fly more than 25,000 miles annually and you’re willing to invest in a higher-quality product, we recommend the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22-Inch Carry-On Expandable Spinner. It can fit more clothing than any bag we tested, thanks to a cavernous interior and clever expansion and compression system that can adjust to variable levels beyond open and shut. Over a five-year period before the pandemic, Wirecutter’s founder, Brian Lam, put more than 150,000 miles on his. His only complaint was that longer pants will need an extra fold, or to be rolled. In taller bags, pants will only need to be folded over once.

Personal item (otherwise known as underseat luggage)

As the name suggests, “personal items” are very, well, personal, and no one bag will work for all travelers. Our favorites include the Waterfield Air Porter Carry-On Bag , which shines as a tech organizer that still has enough room to also hold a change of clothes. And it’s still good-looking enough to carry from the plane to the office without raising an eyebrow.

If the Air Porter is too businessy for your taste, you may like the Monos Metro Duffel , a luxuriant shoulder bag with detailed organization and add-ons made specifically for simplifying travel. Should you prefer to roll your personal item aboard the plane, we suggest the remarkably maneuverable Travelpro Crew VersaPack Carry-On Rolling Tote —it’s large enough to carry everything you need for an overnight trip, but it still falls within the average US airline underseat dimensions. See our full guide to underseat luggage for still more options.

Checked luggage

If you need to pack more stuff than a carry-on and a personal item can hold, our first piece of advice would be to reconsider whether you need that extra outfit “just in case.” But you’ll have times when you need to travel with several pairs of shoes, formalwear, a winter coat, special equipment (like diving or camping gear), or all of the above. In these cases, there’s no way to avoid checking a bag.

Osprey Farpoint 55 Men’s Travel Pack

The best travel backpack for those with taller torsos.

Comfortable, adjustable, and carry-on capable, the Farpoint has everything we needed for a week, or even months, of travel.

Osprey Fairview 55 Women’s Travel Pack

The best travel backpack for those with shorter torsos.

Comfortable, adjustable, and carry-on capable, the Fairview has everything we needed for a week, or even months, of travel.

If you’re going somewhere where you’ll need to walk a lot (particularly if there’s dirt or cobblestone roads), we recommend a travel backpack. We like the Farpoint 55 and the sized-for-smaller-torsos Fairview 55 because they’re comfortable and have plenty of room to store, and separate, our essentials. The front of the main pack unzips like a suitcase, so you can easily fit and access a week’s worth of clothes and toiletries. The daypack, which attaches to the front of the larger pack, has room for camera gear, daily essentials, and a small laptop (via a built-in sleeve). It’s also easy to stow. The main pack’s straps can tuck behind a zippered flap, so they won’t catch on anything if you check your luggage.

These bags are made of a heavy-duty recycled polyester that stands up even to long trips–one of our testers has traveled with a Farpoint 55 for years, across dozens of countries for months at a time, without damaging it. If something does happen, though, Osprey has a lifetime warranty.

Travelpro Platinum Elite 25″ Expandable Spinner

The best checked bag for most travelers.

The bag provides a luxury feel at a reasonable price, with a capacity, warranty, and reliability that should suit most travelers. The 25-inch model should offer plenty of room for most people without going over airline weight limits.

If you don’t plan on walking around while carrying all your stuff, the  25-inch Travelpro Platinum Elite Expandable Spinner Suiter is our favorite piece of checked luggage for all of the same reasons we loved the carry-on size: It has excellent organizational features, it’s especially durable, and it has a better warranty than anything in its price range.

Luggage tags

Ovener Silicone Luggage Tag

Strong and easy to see.

Rugged silicone and a metal cable mean this tag (which comes two to a pack) may well outlive your luggage. The brightly colored case displays its owner’s name but keeps other personal information out of sight.

A good luggage tag should be durable, simple to use, and discreet. Ultimately, a tag should allow someone to get your luggage back to you quickly and easily, and it should withstand the wear and tear of being thrown onto conveyor belts time and again. After researching the top-rated and best-selling models, reading existing luggage-tag reviews, and comparing fourteen tags , we recommend the Ovener Silicone Luggage Tag for most travelers because it’s the only one we’d trust to survive being smashed by other bags, jammed into walls, and generally abused by baggage handlers. It’s the most durable tag we tested, and it comes in a wide selection of colors to help any bag stand out from the rest.

The Ovener tag’s silicone body seems nearly indestructible and is available in a rotating selection of colors (you get two tags per pack). Whereas other tags also feature metal cables, this tag has a metal grommet to keep the cable from eventually wearing through the silicone case.

Should you lose your bag, the Ovener makes it easy for a Good Samaritan to find your contact information. To fully access the info card, you have to unscrew and remove the metal strap; this lets the card slide out of the case. Most luggage tags we tested secure their info card in this way. It isn’t a difficult or time-consuming process, but it is an extra step compared with using a tag that displays all of your information openly. Still, for anyone who wants to keep their contact information out of view, the extra step is worth it.

Another approach to increasing privacy is to hide information in a QR code, as the Dynotag Smart Deluxe Steel Luggage Tag  does, or to provide a user ID number, as the Okoban UID Luggage Tags do. But these seem like overly complex solutions to a problem that doesn’t really exist.

Compression sacks

Originally designed for reducing the bulk of lofty sleeping bags, compression sacks are stuff sacks modified with additional nylon end caps that can be pulled together by strings or straps to remove air and create a smaller, denser package that’s easier to pack. Most travelers use compression sacks to condense socks, underwear, and other stuff you don’t mind getting wrinkled into a package with half as much overall volume. For example, an 8- to 12-liter sack can compress a fleece jacket and a long-weekend’s worth of socks and underwear into something that fits in one hand. They also make a decent pillow in a pinch.

Osprey StraightJacket (8L)

Easier access, less compression.

It has a full-length zipper on its side that allows access to the bag’s entire contents. However, it doesn’t compress as tightly as traditional designs.

Most compression sacks require you to empty out the stuff at the top to get to the stuff below it, but the side-zipper design on the Osprey StraightJacket allows access to the entire contents of the bag at once. The compression straps attach sideways, and are less likely to get tangled and twisted like on most compression sacks with lengthwise straps. It can also sit up on its own, and the handle design lets you break it out as a last minute carry-on to avoid an overweight-baggage fee. However, it doesn’t compress down as compactly as the traditional designs we tested so it’s not the best option if compression is your top priority.

GobiGear’s SegSac takes a different approach to solving the same access issue: It has four inner dividers that run the length of the sack in order to keep your socks separate from your underwear, winter accessories, towel, what have you. This means you don’t have to take out your T-shirts to get to your socks. Unlike the Osprey, it compresses just as much as a normal compression sack, but it loses points for versatility because the segmentation prevents it from handling large items like a down jacket or sleeping bag.

Packing cubes

Packing cubes could change your life. (Okay, maybe just your traveling life.) Packing cubes are basically bags to hold your clothes that you organize within your luggage. Though seemingly superfluous, they’re brilliant in action. If you imagine your suitcase as a dresser, you can think of these cubes as individual drawers: Put all your underwear and socks in one container, all your shirts in another, and your workout clothes in yet another. Then pull out only the cube you want. They make packing and repacking wonderfully simple.

Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set

Well built with easy access.

Simple and solidly constructed, these packing cubes keep your bag organized while you’re traveling.

The three-piece Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set keeps a week’s worth of clothes organized and moves easily from suitcase to hotel dresser.

The full-size cube is great for shirts, shorts, and insulating layers. The half-cube and quarter-cube are perfect for underwear, socks, and other thin fabrics such as stockings or sleepwear. These cubes are made of 300-denier polyester (a strong fabric) and stay upright when empty, so they’re easy to pack. The Pack-It cubes’ windows are made of the tightest mesh link we tested—better for resisting snags—and the smooth zippers close easily around all corners, even when a cube is overstuffed.

The Eagle Creek cubes have the ability to unzip fully to allow full access to their contents while sitting in a dresser drawer. That means your clean clothes stay protected against some potentially dicey motel dressers. In 2022, Eagle Creek updated the design of these cubes, and now the company no longer uses YKK zippers, which are widely accepted as the best around . That said, we couldn’t tell any difference between Eagle Creek’s zippers and other brands’ YKK zippers, even with a magnifying glass, and their performance was indistinguishable. For what it’s worth, an Eagle Creek product manager assured us that the proportion of zipper-related warranty claims hasn’t changed since the company made the switch from YKK. (In 2024, Eagle Creek redesigned the Reveal cubes yet again; we’re currently assessing the new version.)

Most travelers are likely to be well served by the Reveal set. But if you value lightness above all, the more expensive Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Cube Set is about 50% lighter than similar-size competitors (just over 1 ounce for a medium cube, whereas the Eagle Creek classic style weighs about 4 ounces). Unlike the Reveal set, this set is water resistant. However, the Isolate design’s thin sides—which don’t allow the cubes to stand up on their own—make those cubes a bit more challenging to pack than the Reveal cubes. (The Isolate too has been redesigned in 2024; again, we’re taking a look and will report back.)

Buying the right gear can help organize your existing travel kit, but it’s a red herring if your goal is better portability. “It’s mostly the clothing that allows you to reduce what you need to carry,” explains veteran traveller Eytan Levy, better known as the Snarky Nomad . That’s because clothing, which is very voluminous, makes up the bulk of what’s in your bag. He recommends traveling with basic-looking clothes because you can always buy or rent something nice in a pinch, whereas lugging around formalwear just in case will always be a pain. It also helps if you can avoid cotton and stick to merino and synthetic fabrics, which dry faster. This allows you to do laundry by hand in the sink as needed to reduce the amount of clothes you need to carry.

Travel underwear

Good travel underwear keeps you feeling fresh and clean, even when your destination is gritty.  To find the best , we researched an array of underwear designed for men and women to find 37 pairs meeting our criteria: moisture-wicking and breathable, quick-drying, odor-resistant, stretchy, stylish, and cut to fit a variety of body types.

We then conducted rigorous pretesting (wearing the underwear for two days at a time, machine-washing them repeatedly, and tracking their drying speed when hung on a clothesline) before taking them out into the real world. Our testers went backpacking 215 miles throughout Portland, Oregon; hiking in the Canadian Rockies, including walking from the lowest point in the Continental US to the highest; and road-tripping to the national parks of the West. Testers who flew to their destinations wore the underwear on the plane, too.

Afterward, we checked for signs of wear, such as seam breakage and pilling on the fabric. As we continued to test the finalists, we repeatedly checked for durability problems. In addition to comfort and fit, we noted whether each pair seemed lightweight and packable.

ExOfficio Men’s Give-N-Go 2.0 Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Brief

Best for most men.

Durable, quick-drying, and relatively inexpensive, this soft-fabric version of ExOfficio’s time-tested Give-N-Go undies will get the job done for years.

The ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Brief is the best men’s underwear for travel because it balances fit, comfort, odor-proofing, and value better than anything else we’ve tested. The Sport Mesh fabric excels at breathing and wicking and has better odor-resistance than other fabrics. It feels soft on the inside and smooth on the outside so it slides against your pants instead of creating friction, reducing potential for chafing. It also features a sculpted crotch area that gives wearers some much-appreciated support, without feeling stifling. These boxer briefs dry quickly, pack compactly, and weigh less than almost all the other boxer briefs we tried—basically they’re everything you’d want from a pair of excellent travel underwear.

Patagonia Women's Active Hipster

Best for most women.

These light, stylish, quick-drying hipsters stay in place whether you’re walking, flying, or hanging upside down.

The Patagonia Active Hipster doesn’t appear special upon first glance. Only after trying everything else and living through their failures to stay put did we remember what “special” really means in a pair of underwear: Feeling as if you’re wearing nothing at all. The Patagonias have the best fit, comfort, and style out of all the panties we tested. The nylon material is fast-wicking and better than most synthetics for odor-proofing, making it well suited for athletic activities. The Active Hipster is lightweight and packable, and is the fastest-drying underwear we tested—making them perfect for minimalist travelers who go weeks at a time with just one or two pairs. But these same characteristics make them great for any traveler looking for comfortable, packable panties, regardless of where you’re going or what you’re doing.

Budget pick

Uniqlo Men Airism Boxer Brief

Comfortable, compact, and fast-drying, these are a great value but don’t fit quite as nicely and aren’t as supportive in the crotch.

Uniqlo Women Airism Ultra Seamless HipHugger

Similar fabric to the Men’s Airism, with a no-ride cut for women, these underwear are the least expensive of any we tested and among the best performing.

If you want to spend as little as possible without sacrificing performance, the Uniqlo Airism line has long been a great choice for men and women who can wear sizes small and medium. In recent years, both lines have expanded their size range somewhat (men to 3XL, and women to XL). If these fit, you can replace an entire underwear drawer on a tight budget, as long as you can deal with the slightly odd cut and less-effective odor-control treatment.

If you’ve never traveled with merino wool socks, you’re missing out. These aren’t the scratchy wool socks your grandpa wore in the army; they are soft and stretchy ones that have natural sweat-wicking and odor-resisting properties that keep your toes comfortable under all conditions—even when wet. This combination of odor, moisture, and temperature regulations makes them ideal for traveling. "Because of its natural anti-bacterial properties, washing merino wool on a daily basis isn’t absolutely necessary,” explains Snarky Nomad , "after letting it air dry overnight while you sleep, it’ll seem brand new.” The only major downside is that merino tends to be a bit pricier than synthetic counterparts. But it’s a worthy trade-off, since you can go for longer with fewer pairs.

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Sock (women’s)

The best quality for women.

The best mix of comfort, durability, and cushioning in a versatile height.

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Sock (men’s)

For the best quality.

The same great versatile sock as the women’s model, but in different color options and more sizes.

Darn Tough’s Light Hiker Micro Crew socks (both the men’s and women’s versions) have been our favorite hiking socks for years. Darn Tough made its name through its quality guarantee : “We knit a longer lasting sock that stays comfortable season after season. We’re able to guarantee them for life because we knit them ourselves. If yours ever rip or tear, we'll replace them free of charge.” Pacific Crest Trail thru-hikers (hardcore backpackers who walk from Mexico to Canada in one continuous trip) praise them for their durability, comfort, and blister resistance. When you hold a pair of Darn Toughs next to a pair of Smartwools (which only have a two-year guarantee ), the difference is clear. The Darn Toughs are more tightly knit, the yarns are finer and feel sturdier, and the stitching is tighter.

Darn Tough Women’s Coolmax Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock

The best non-wool women’s hiking sock.

This midlevel cushioned sock for women is the best synthetic option for most climates and terrains.

Darn Tough Men’s Coolmax Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock

The best non-wool men’s hiking sock.

This synthetic men’s sock is perfect for day hiking in most weather.

If you are sensitive to wool, prefer a vegan product, or want a cooler option for the summer, we also like the Darn Tough Coolmax Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock, which comes in women's and men’s sizes.

We appreciated how breathable this sock felt. While wearing the Coolmax Micro Crew in hot summer weather, our testers’ feet stayed dry and sweat-free. The shorter micro-crew height makes the Coolmax Micro Crew suitable for both boots and shoes, too. And like all Darn Tough socks, this model comes with a lifetime warranty.

Indosole Flip Flops (women’s)

A quality flip flop in women’s sizes.

These stylish beach sandals come in a wide range of colors. Be careful, though: Indosole sizes tend to run a little small.

Indosole Flip Flops (men’s)

A quality flip flop in men’s sizes.

These beach sandals are the same as the women’s version but cut a bit wider; we still think they run a little smaller than regular shoe sizes.

A good pair of travel flip-flops should be lightweight, comfortable, and waterproof. The men’s and women’s Indosole Flip Flops offer the best combination of quality, comfort, and easy packability. Unlike many flip flops, which slap against the ground with every step, the subtle arch support of this flip flop kept it secure against our feet. Plus they’re made from waterproof, recycled materials. Keep in mind, though, that our testers found these shoes to run a bit small, so we suggest sizing up for the best fit.

Clothesline

While doing laundry at home can be a large weekly event, OneBag author Doug Dyment recommends approaching travel laundry as a part of your daily routine, especially if you’re trying to pack as little as possible: “The laundry should be more like cleaning your teeth—something you do everyday. It only takes about five minutes to do it. Every night, do your socks and underwear and you’ll have clean socks and underwear everyday.”

A secure, hassle-free option

The Flexo-Line attaches easily to a door handle or faucet and grips garments securely between its loops.

Check out OneBag’s laundry packing list if you want specific tips on how to do it and what you’ll need, but it’s a pretty simple setup: All you need is a toiletry bottle of powdered detergent, a towel to help expedite drying, and a travel clothesline to finish the drying process while you sleep at night.

Specifically, you want a braided—not twisted—surgical latex clothesline with looped ends, which means you want a Flexo-Line . The Flexo-Line can stretch up to 7 feet long, which is enough to span most hotel bathtubs, and it has loops that you can attach easily to a door handle, bath spigot, or faucet. The braided construction is superior to twisted designs made from other materials because the latex does a better job of gripping garments securely between the loops, which means you don’t need any additional clothespins.

Dyment has tried them all, but the Flexo-Line is the one he comes back to. As he explained to me in an interview, “There are others that are fine, but there are far more that are not fine.” More specifically, Dyment says to avoid anything that’s not made of latex , because clothes will inevitably slip out of them. He also says to never, ever trust a suction cup: “They don’t work, period.” If the Flexo-Line is unavailable, Dyment says that the Rick Steves collection from Kiva Designs also makes a nice braided line that is a bit more expensive. If you have a latex allergy, Dyment recommends going with a length of cord ( paracord is nice because it’s durable and you can use it for other things as well) and stainless steel safety pins meant for cloth diapers , because they take up far less space than a clothespin and won’t rust. In fact, it’s worthwhile to get these items even if you can use a latex line because they’re great for making luggage repairs and performing other MacGyver-ish tasks in a pinch. To hang up the clothesline, we recommend using a bowline knot on one end and a taut line hitch on the other. These knots work well together because the bowline creates a simple, slip-proof loop to anchor one end while the taut line hitch allows you to adjust for tension and locks tightly in place. If you could commit any two knots to memory forever, these are the ones to learn.

Laundry detergent

Minisoak Travel Packs

A travel size version of the best delicates detergent.

Perfect for traveling because you don’t even need to rinse it out.

May be out of stock

When you’re washing your underwear in a hotel sink, you want a fast and easy experience. For this, we recommend the no-rinse detergent Soak . That’s right, we said no rinse . You just add a drop to the sink, fill with water, and leave your garments to soak. Then press out the water and hang. Done.

In our tests of delicates detergents , Soak cleaned almost as well as our top laundry detergent, Tide; plus, it comes in individual packets of powder  that are great for traveling, as well as in  travel-size bottles of the liquid version . In addition to unscented, it's available in a variety of scents, although Lacey and Celebration are not the most descriptive of scent names. They all smell nice, not overpowering. Soak also comes in an assorted travel pack with two single-use packets of each scent, if you want to test-drive one or two before you buy. In that mini size, you get eight packets for $11 currently, but you really need only a squeeze, not the the whole packet, to wash a couple of pairs of socks and underwear.

One downside to Soak is that you won’t find it in a grocery store or big-box store. But it is available online at Soak’s site . And if you really want to walk into a store and put your mitts on a bottle, you can find it at most local yarn stores.

Don’t feel like buying Soak or bringing along a bit of your own detergent? Shampoo also works pretty well for cleaning garments in a pinch, so make use of that free bottle from the hotel. But a caveat: Neither Soak nor shampoo contains enzymes , which are biological molecules in laundry detergent that break down certain stains. If you have especially stinky or stained clothes, you might need to break out the Tide .

When we first published this guide, this section addressed only toiletry kits and bottles, razors, and packable towels. The times, and traveling, became more complicated. One thing we've learned in the past few years is that face masks can be useful whenever you’re sick and don’t want to share your misery. Fortunately, compared with early 2020, medical-style N95s and KN95s (which many experts recommend as the best protection) are widely available. They’re easy to tuck into a bag, which we do now whenever we travel. 

Toiletry kit

We’ve researched dozens of travel toiletry bags and dopp kits over the past several years, and we tested 23 of the top-rated contenders in our most recent round of tests. After packing and unpacking a week’s worth of travel-size toiletries, conducting spill tests, and living out of the top performers on the road, we have a few different picks that stand out thanks to their style, packability, and quality of construction.

Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag (small)

A space-saving hanging bag.

This lightweight, well-organized bag fits a week’s worth of travel-size toiletries into a compact package. It’s meant to be hung, which makes it good for tight spaces, but it doesn’t have much in the way of internal structure.

The Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag (small) is compact and durable. It’s small enough to stash in a backpack or laptop bag, but it holds enough travel-size toiletries to keep us supplied for a week. You can open it and hang it from a shower curtain or towel rod to easily see and grab your items. It comes with a shatterproof mirror, two micro-mesh zip pockets and an open pocket for toothbrushes, lip balm, and tweezers, and a large compartment for bulky lotions and hair-care items.

L.L.Bean Personal Organizer Toiletry Bag

For more stuff and longer trips.

With a 6.4-liter capacity and over a dozen compartments, this toiletry bag has a place for everything—and everything will stay put during transit, too. It can also accommodate non-travel-size bottles.

The L.L.Bean Personal Organizer (medium) is a great option for longer trips and people who travel with full-size bottles. Its 6.4 liters of storage spread across a dozen compartments means there’s a dedicated place for pretty much everything you could want to bring on a trip—it even has a removable mesh shower caddy for shampoo and body wash. This level of organization is crucial for larger toiletry bags because, as we discovered after years of traveling with our picks, contents that aren’t securely fastened can shift around in transit, which increases the chance of spilling. The downside of all this organization is that the L.L.Bean weighs 14 ounces when empty, so it’s not ideal for carry-on travel.

If neither of these bags seems right for you, read our full review of the best toiletry bags and dopp kits to learn more about our picks and everything we tested.

Toiletry bottles

Sea to Summit TL Clear Zip Pouch with Bottles

These six TSA-friendly bottles are sturdy and smartly designed, dispensing liquids more precisely than any of the other bottles we tested.

For traveling with liquids in your carry-on, the Sea to Summit set is your best bet. All six bottles conform to TSA size limitations; three of them can hold 3 ounces of liquid each, and three can hold 1.5 ounces each, for a total of 13.5 ounces. Despite the set’s name, the bottles themselves are made not of thermoplastic polyurethane—“TPU" refers to the zip pouch—but a high-density polyethylene material, much like what you’d see used in most plastic milk jugs. It has an almost-smooth, semi-transparent surface just textured enough that it’s not slippery when wet. The plastic is also flexible enough that you don’t have to squeeze very hard to get your shampoo or liquid soap or whatever going. An insert at the mouth of each bottle helps regulate the flow, and the screw tops prevent liquids from leaking in transit.

Razor (faces)

Gillette Mach3

The best manual razor for most faces.

This classic razor’s three widely spaced blades provide the best balance of speed, smoothness, and safety. Its handle is comfortable and well designed, and replacement blades can be had for a fair price.

We researched more than 100 and tested 11 manual razors for our full razor guide , concluding that the Gillette Mach3 is our top pick for manual razors. Although the three blades require a little extra time for a closer shave, it performs comparably to the latest and greatest offerings for as little as half the price.

The Gillette Mach3 provides the best balance of speed, smoothness, and safety. The Mach3’s simple, round handle is easy to grip and maneuver, and its three blades offer a close shave without over-irritating the skin or getting clogged with hair. And the price of Mach3 blades—$2 per cartridge or less, whether you buy them online or in a store—came close to, or even beat, the pricing of shave-club rivals, and the Mach3 shaved better than those competitors.

Razor (legs/body)

Gillette Venus Smooth

The best body razor.

This classic Venus is one of the easiest razors to grip and maneuver and its three-blade design keeps the blades remarkably free of hair.

Disposable razors (both the completely disposable and replaceable-cartridge variety) are fine to take through airport security , and among them we like the Gillette Venus Original best for traveling. Although it’s now the runner-up pick in our guide to body razors —it was formerly the top pick—we believe that its simple aloe lubricating strips, which don’t become tacky when wet, make the Venus more travel friendly than our new top pick . Plus, as with any Venus, the Original’s body is compatible with any other Venus head and many heads from Gillette’s facial razors, making replacement heads easier to find when you’re on the road.

The Original’s head has three blades separated by considerable slats of space, making it far easier to clean the head between strokes. The Original is intuitive to hold and secure to maneuver, thanks to a contoured handle with corrugated chevrons of rubber. Though our testers have a wide range of hand sizes, no one found the Original difficult to grasp. Despite the significant ribbing, it doesn’t feel too bulky. Gillette claims its razors have lasted for five weeks; we think one razor for a weeklong trip should be fine.

(Know that, confusingly, the Venus appears for sale on some retail sites under the name Venus Close and Clean or Venus Smooth. It’s the same razor. If you’re unsure which Venus model you’re looking at, check for the Original’s three blades and trademark sea-foam blue color.)

Towel (packable)

PackTowl Personal

The best all-around packable towel.

The PackTowl Personal Towel is lightweight, soft, absorbent, quick to dry, and odor-resistant.

We put 20 top-rated towels through a battery of tests including regular shower use, a trip to the beach, camping, and a 48-hour stay in a ziplock bag under the hot Hawaiian sun. After all was said and done, the Packtowl Personal Towel is still the best all-around travel towel for most people. In addition to being the softest lightweight towel we tested, it was more absorbent than competitors made of similar materials. It had the best odor-resisting abilities and comes with a convenient mesh carrying pouch. We also have alternate picks for ultralight and all-natural towels below.

The Personal Towel’s suede-like material was the softest of the thinner towels. The Personal Towel also had superior absorption when compared with other similarly constructed towels such as the Sea to Summit DryLite —in our tests, it absorbed 2.8 times its weight in water, while the others absorbed between 2.3 times and 2.7 times.

One of just two we tested that featured an added antimicrobial treatment, the Personal Towel was only a little musty smelling after 24 hours in a sealed ziplock bag, and remained unchanged at 48 hours.

If you’re looking for a budget option, consider the Rainleaf Microfiber Towel , which is a tad smaller than our other picks and is made from a seemingly lighter-feeling fabric. Unlike most budget options, it has an antibacterial coating and still managed to carry a pleasant smell after being testing in different environments.

Regardless of how you get to your final destination, it’s likely you’ll be stuck in a seat that’s less than ideal. Travel gadgets that claim to reduce this misery, such as compression socks, are popular. But when they take up precious luggage space for the duration of your trip—not just the flight or train ride–they need to be worth every cubic inch of space. The less you can make do with, the better off you’ll be.

Neck pillow

Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow

More support for most necks.

Its tall memory-foam walls let it offer more support than any other pillow we tested. It’s also shaped to sit flush against a headrest, and it compresses to a manageable size.

The uniquely angled back on the Travelrest Ultimate sets it apart from other travel pillows we tested because it can lay flat against the seat back. Most other pillows have a rounded back, which pushes your head away from the headrest. The Travelrest also has rubber grip dots to prevent slipping while sleeping. This pillow’s spongy memory foam cushions the entire circumference of your neck, preventing your head from leaning far in any direction, and its adjustable Velcro strap ensures it can fit most necks. The pillow’s cozy velour exterior is removable and machine-washable. Although it doesn’t pack flat, the Travelrest weighs less than a pound and compresses to a quarter of its size when rolled into its Velcro-strapped carrying case. Our only complaint is that the Travelrest’s high walls, though supportive, can push over-ear headphones off of the ears of people with shorter necks.

Noise-cancelling headphones

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700

The best over-ear noise-cancelling headphones.

The Bose 700 headphones deliver excellent noise cancellation in a comfortable, lightweight design that’s traveler friendly—but they carry a high price.

The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 over-ear set has the most versatile active noise cancellation we’ve ever tested. With 10 levels of noise reduction to choose from, everyone should be able to find a setting that meets their needs. We also enjoyed the lightweight and comfortable design and the easy-to-use controls. What distinguishes the Bose 700’s ANC is the amount of adjustability it gives you: Most noise-cancelling headphones offer controls for only on/off or maybe high/low/off, but with the Bose 700 pair you can set the ANC level from 0 to 10, so you have more flexibility to dial in the ideal setting for your comfort. The 20-hour battery life, while not the best we’ve seen, is more than sufficient to get you to most destinations. We have additional options—including earbuds and surprisingly good budget options for  over-ear headphones and earbuds —in our full guide to noise-cancelling headphones .

Mack’s Slim Fit Soft Foam Earplugs

For blocking out the most noise.

These blocked the most noise in our controlled testing and got the most votes from our subjective sleep panel.

When you’re traveling, it can be difficult to fall asleep to unfamiliar noises. That’s why we spent several hours researching new contenders and tested four top-rated models while sleeping in a house that was next to an airport in order to determine that Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam earplugs are the best earplugs  for sleeping.

The Mack’s 37.1 dB noise reduction rating was the highest among the models we tested. According to Cooper Safety , that’s enough to reduce the volume of a gas lawnmower to that of a normal conversation. What made the Mack’s earplugs so effective is the fact that we could insert them and rest assured that they would stay in the whole night. Meanwhile, the Howard Leight MAX1 might be a favorite from crowdsourced sleep-aid review site Sleep Like the Dead , but the earplugs would inevitably fall out in the middle of the night. Thus, they failed to block out the noise of planes landing and taking off throughout the night, despite the MAX1’s 33 dB noise reduction rating. The Howard Leights also made our ears ache on occasion, whereas the Mack’s has a tapered shape that was consistently comfortable night after night.

The Mack’s Slim Fit Soft Foam Earplugs cost about 20¢-35¢ per pair when purchased in a 50-pair pack. They come in a plastic case is about the size of a large coffee mug, which is small enough to toss in a large bag or suitcase. Many other ear plugs like our runner-up, the 3M’s E-A-Rsoft OCS1135 , can only be ordered in industrial-size lots that, while perhaps appealing to those who travel constantly (or run a hostel), are annoying to store and often lack a reusable container of any sort.

Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask

For air travelers and back-sleepers.

The lightweight and contoured Nidra mask is a light-blocking win for most face shapes, with deep eye cups that allow the wearer to blink freely and arrive feeling refreshed.

When bright lights hamper peaceful shut-eye, we recommend the light-blocking, contoured Nidra Deep Rest sleep mask. Of the 14 masks we tested , the Nidra blocked the most light on the most faces. It’s contoured to rest on your face like a pair of soft goggles, with fabric lenses that sit around your eyes (instead of directly over them). This design provides more space for your eyes to flutter during REM sleep, ensuring that you come through red-eye flights with less redness in your eyes. Makeup wearers will also appreciate that, with the Nidra’s elevated eye cups, there’s a smaller chance of smudging.

Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask

A flat, silk mask.

A silken exterior material, a flat design, and an adjustable strap make this mask a fit for almost any face, but it puts pressure on the eyes.

Mzoo Sleep Mask

A smooth, contoured eye mask.

Soft, structured, and contoured, this mask stays on all night and prevents any light from seeping through

If the Nidra Deep Rest doesn’t fit your face quite right, we also recommend the Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask and the Mzoo Sleep Mask . The Alaska Bear mask lacks contoured eyecups and thus applies some pressure to the eyes overnight like any regular eye mask does. But its flat design easily conforms to fit your face, and its silk exterior feels smooth and soft against skin (the padding is made of cotton). Its relative lack of structure makes it more difficult to knock off when you’re tossing and turning.

The Mzoo mask’s eyecups have a convex gap so your eyes can open and close. That gap is surrounded by a memory foam padding that rests on the perimeter of your eye sockets. The effect is such that you don’t feel like your eyes are being forced closed, but there is a bit of compression near your temples, eyebrows, and cheekbones. Most—though not all—of our testers found this sensation soothing. One liked how the contour of the eyecup kept the mask from brushing against their eyelashes, which makes it a good choice for people who wear eyelash extensions.

Few things are better than landing at an airport, turning on your phone, and having it just work. No hassles, no stress, no worries about brutal roaming fees. You can check in with loved ones, scope out the route to your lodgings, and maybe post an Instagram story or two—because your phone works just like it does at home. This is especially freeing, and it makes travel so much easier. (Of course, phones aren’t the only useful tech to bring: Check out our accessories reviews for guides to the best cables ( USB-C , Lightning , and Micro-USB ), Wi-Fi hotspots , Bluetooth speakers , and more.)

Unlocked mobile phone

One of the most useful gadgets for international travel is an unlocked smartphone that’s compatible with cheap, prepaid phone plans you can sign up for at your destination. Unless your carrier offers plans including high-speed data that you can access internationally (i.e., you’re with T-Mobile or Google Fi), traveling with a phone under contract with a major carrier means paying an arm and a leg for data. Being able to access data-guzzling apps like Google Maps or Google Translate on the fly is worth the hassle to unlock a phone. Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp are free, easy ways to communicate with people you meet on your trip and people from home. Plus there’s checking email, TripAdvisor, banking, social media, and so on.

An “unlocked” phone means you can buy prepaid SIM cards in the country you’re visiting, letting you access their local network for significantly less money than the roaming fees incurred by your home carrier. With a prepaid SIM, your phone effectively becomes a new phone with a new (now local) phone number. Instead of seeing “Verizon,” “AT&T,” or “Sprint” at the top of your phone, you might see “Vodafone,” “Yes Optus,” “M1,” or whatever provider you choose in the country you’re visiting. The first thing to check is if your phone will work where you’re going. If you’re unsure if your phone will work where you’re going, check the Wikipedia page for your phone or contact your provider.

Your phone will also require a removable SIM. (If your phone has an eSIM, as all new iPhones do, check out our blog post about those.) Most countries require a passport or other ID to buy a prepaid SIM without a contract, but switching the SIMs is easy. Most stores will do it for you while you’re there. Depending on the country/provider, this could take as long as 10 minutes but is often faster. The next question is easily the most complicated: Can you unlock your phone? Each carrier has different rules and criteria. Generally, if you have a brand new, expensive phone, they may not let you unlock it (there’s usually a waiting period after the purchase date). But if it’s a little older, or if you’ve paid it off, they probably will. The thing to remember is that a provider can deny an unlock request without giving a reason. You might be lucky, though; certain phones on certain providers are unlocked by default. Here are Verizon and AT&T’s pages on unlocking. Alternately, you can buy a pre-unlocked phone just for travel. Amazon and Best Buy, for example, sell unlocked phones. This is also a good option if you think you might lose your expensive phone and a cheaper one will suffice while you travel.

Plug adapter

Epicka Universal Travel Adapter

Best universal travel adapter.

With four plugs that will work in most countries, plus faster-charging USB ports (and more of them) than its competitors, this adapter is the best all-around choice.

With clipped on-page coupon (deal on gray, black, and white)

In a sea of almost-identical travel adapters, the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter stands out, combining the best of the features we look for. It contains the three most common international plugs and a US-style plug, which should cover you in the majority of countries around the world. It has the most USB ports—four of the standard USB-A and one USB-C—of any universal adapter we tested, and it charged more of our devices faster. A replaceable fuse and an included spare should take the brunt of any accidental, unfortunate, or shockingly bad connections. The Epicka is fairly compact and well built, and it even comes with an extra USB cable and a nylon case.

However, no universal travel adapter is truly universal, and they’re all a lot bulkier and more expensive than simple plug adapters. If you want the smallest adapter possible, or if you’re going someplace where a universal adapter won’t work (more on that in a minute), a plug adapter could be what you need.

Ceptics International Worldwide Travel Plug Adapter 5 Piece Set

The best plug adapter.

Individually, these tiny plug adapters are smaller, lighter, and cheaper than any universal travel adapter. To juice up multiple devices, though, you’d need a separate multiport charger too.

The tiny plug adapters from Ceptics are barely larger than the prongs they convert. Small, simple, and cheap, they’re perfect for someone who wants to carry only the adapter they’ll need and who already has a multiport USB wall charger they like. Like our universal adapter picks, this set contains the three most common international plugs and the US plug. However, it also includes a somewhat rarer plug used in some European countries that has two thick, cylindrical prongs. This means that the Ceptics set will likely cover you in even more places—as long as you pack the appropriate plug adapter. These charts should help you find the shape you need before you order.

However, getting your gear to work in different countries isn’t quite as simple as it should be, and there’s no single solution that’s guaranteed to work for everyone. Our picks should work for you, but you may have some random piece of equipment, or be traveling to some country, for which our “good for most” picks just won’t work. (Case in point: One Wirecutter editor visited Iceland a few years back. The house she stayed in had outlets unlike anything on those charts, and the plug adapters she had used elsewhere in Reykjavik didn’t fit at all. It turns out the mystery sockets belonged to an obscure Italian system from the 1960s that was popular in Iceland for a time. Luckily, the hosts had power strips in the house that her adapters fit into.) The world is a big place, and when it comes to electricity and wall outlets, there’s a lot of variation. That’s important to keep in mind.

Whether two-prong or three-prong, an adapter just changes the shape of your plug, not anything about the electricity coming through the wires. However, this usually isn’t a problem because almost every power brick that comes with modern electronic gear is capable of accepting both the 110-volt standard used in the US and the 240-volt commonly used abroad. If your device has a power block on the cord, it likely says something like  “100-240 V ~ 50/60 Hz”—that’s the all-clear to use it without a voltage converter so long as the range covers the voltage of the country you’re visiting . This includes the vast majority of modern laptop and USB chargers.

Products without some sort of power block at the end or with a non-detachable cord—in particular, things with heating elements like hair dryers and curling irons—are more likely to need a voltage converter. Putting 220 V through a US 110 V device would be like attaching a firehose to a drinking fountain—you’re likely to blow your face off. But voltage converters are tricky devices, and most of the inexpensive ones have awful (or dishonest) reviews. Since hotels and hostels will often have hair dryers and most newer gear can do the full range of voltages, we strongly recommend that, whenever possible, you only bring items that work with a much simpler (and more reliable) adapter.

Wire/gadget organization system

Now that every device has a battery, every battery has a charger, and every charger has a cable—never mind power-plug adapters if you’re traveling abroad—the sheer quantity of accessories needed just to keep your gadgets running can take up more space than the devices themselves. And unless you organize them, you can bet on having to blindly fish them out of the least convenient spot at the bottom of your bag. Recently, our pick for carrying tech necessities, the Incase Nylon Accessory Organizer, which had been out of stock for a few years, returned to the Incase website and was briefly in stock. (It’s now out of stock again, alas.) If you prefer mesh to easily see your contents, we also like the Container Store Micro Mesh Pouches .

The Incase cable organizer is a poly-nylon blend, so it’s durable. It is a soft-shell bag, however, so its contents can distort the bag’s shape when it’s full. But the bag’s edges remain rigid—so the seams don’t pucker—its contents don’t fall out, and zipping and unzipping the bag is still easy. We have other picks in our full guide to bag and cable organizers , including a roll-up bag and a stylish duo of cosmetics travel pouches ; we’ll also start testing other options.

USB battery packs

A USB battery pack (also called a power bank) can keep your small electronics—from phones and cameras to tablets and more—going while you’re on the road. Although the length of your trip will determine exactly how much extra juice you’ll need to have on hand, whatever your requirements, we have a great USB battery recommendation for you. The Belkin Boost Charge Plus 10K weighs about half a pound, and its rounded edges make it easy to hold or slip into a pocket. Its USB-C Power Delivery (PD) port can charge most handheld devices and recharge itself at top speed (with the right USB-C cable and wall charger), and it can pass power to another device while being recharged from a wall outlet. It only comes in one color, but it has enough capacity to fully charge most smartphones up to three times, as well as built-in USB-C and Lightning cables that are easy to slide in and out of their holsters.

If you’re traveling for leisure, try not to get too wrapped up in technology because you might miss what you’re actually there to do: experience a new place. OneBag’s Doug Dyment said in an interview, “Wearing headphones and staring at a screen is like putting a digital wall around yourself when you’re traveling. It makes you seem unapproachable and uninterested in what’s around you.” That may be a good thing if you do truly want to be left alone, but Dyment went on to say that some of his most memorable traveling experiences were the result of just looking lost and getting help from the locals. “One minute, you’re a lost foreigner in an unfamiliar village, then someone asks if you need directions. Before you know it, you’re eating dinner with his family.”

Travel binoculars

Athlon Optics Midas ED

The overall best binoculars.

Amazingly affordable with great optics, these binoculars have performance comparable with that of many models that cost thousands more.

Our top pick for binoculars is durable and great for near-home hikes. In hot or dusty environments that may call for a clearer optical boost, the Athlon Optics Midas ED 8×42 binoculars deliver top quality. Its focus dial offers a wide range of depths that makes it easier to see whatever it is you desire—birds, grass or darkened areas of the forest. Our recommendation comes with the assistance of a professional ornithologist who spent over 100 hours putting 17 pairs of binoculars to the test in the mountains of Southern California and the rain forests of southern Mexico.

Although the Celestron TrailSeeker ED binoculars don’t offer a clear edge-to-edge view to the same degree of the Athlon Optics Midas EDs , they’re a comparable runner-up model that’ll be lighter on your wallet if having binoculars while traveling is a must. The TrailSeekers are equipped with great light-gathering qualities, close focus, and impressive optical resolution. Or, if you’re concerned about saving space, we liked the Pentax AD 8x25 WP binoculars. While not quite as powerful as our other picks, this compact pair of binoculars is well made and easy to fit into a carry-on while traveling via plane.

Ebook reader

Amazon Kindle (2022)

The best e-reader for most people.

Amazon’s most affordable Kindle is also its most portable, and it’s finally been upgraded with sharper text on its 6-inch screen and support for USB-C charging. Those features bring it in line with much-pricier e-readers.

The entry-level Amazon Kindle finally got an upgrade and is now our favorite e-reader , with the same crisp display and USB-C charging as the pricier Kindle Paperwhite has (and with double the storage space of the previous entry-level model). Amazon’s well-stocked ebooks store remains its biggest selling point, along with the ease of checking out library books via Libby and sending them directly to a Kindle.

Even if you don’t have time for pleasure reading on your trip, it’s worth investing in a Kindle because many major travel guides are available in fully searchable ebook formats now. Furthermore, e-texts will also work on your phone, tablet, and computer, thanks to the Kindle ecosystem.

Packable daypack

Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack

A pack that fits in your palm.

Toss this lightweight, phone-sized packable bag into your luggage or coat pocket, and you’ll never get caught without a spare bag again. If you need something to carry every day, though, we think you’ll prefer one of our more-structured picks.

Packing a stowable daypack, one that stuffs down to fit in your luggage when not in use, is a relatively small investment of space in exchange for a high return of function and flexibility. After researching dozens of packable daypacks across a spectrum of portability, features, and prices, and then packing, unpacking, loading, wearing, and drenching the top-rated finalists during multiple rounds of testing, the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack is the smallest and lightest packable backpack we recommend. Packed up, it is very discreet: nearly the size of a keychain accessory.

The bag itself is a no-frills sack made from a paper-thin siliconized Cordura nylon, which means it’s very light and water-resistant. It has reinforced stitching at stress points, allowing the Ultra-Sil to carry more weight than you would expect. That said, since this pack is made of such thin, light material, carrying large or awkwardly shaped loads is somewhat uncomfortable, especially when compared with our more structured picks.

If comfort or waterproofing is important to you, check out the alternative picks in our review of packable daypacks for travel .

Field Notes Memo Books

For ultimate portability.

Field Notes are cheap but contain high-quality paper that earns praise from pen and stationery geeks across the web.

For writing your adventures as you travel, you can’t beat the portability, practicality, and romanticism of a pocket notebook. There’s nothing better in that category than Field Notes (three-packs available in a variety of styles and types ). These pocket-sized notebooks are widely praised for their excellent paper quality, and the Pen Addict’s Brad Dowdy tells me “Field Notes is pretty much the runaway pocket notebook champ.” Dowdy has praised it for the lack of feathering or bleedthrough with almost any pen, as well as for the light brown ruled lines, which are easier to write over than solid black. Austin Smith of Art Supply Critic told us in an email that his recommendation is “Field Notes has it, no question.” The Well-Appointed Desk has reviewed a slew of different Field Notes variants for those looking for something a bit more interesting.

Field Notes Expedition

A weather-resistant option.

Weather-resistant Expedition Field Notes are great if you’re writing in wet conditions, but don’t get them if you don’t need them. The synthetic paper feels weird and can cause some inks to smear.

If you think you’re going to be writing in foul weather, Field Notes also has the waterproof Expedition version with pages made from a synthetic water-and-tear resistant paper. You should only get these if you really need them, because otherwise, they just feel unnaturally slick and are more prone to smearing ink. At least one user has said that the paper shows less soaking through when wet than the similar Rite in the Rain books . The one caveat is that the synthetic paper will only work with pencils and certain inks ; thankfully, the Uni-ball Jetstream RT , our pick for best pen , definitely makes the grade.

Things can go wrong while you’re traveling, both where you are and where you’re not. Though you can’t prepare for every worst-case scenario, the peace of mind that a little bit of preparation grants will allow you to focus on what’s in front of you, instead of having to worry about what could go wrong. But preparation doesn’t simply mean buying more stuff just in case; it also means making efficient use of what you already have.

Merchant & Mills for Purl Soho Rapid Repair Kit

For the best combination of sewing tools.

The Merchant & Mills Rapid Repair Kit is the only travel kit we found that had objectively high-quality thread and scissors.

There’s nothing quite like a wardrobe malfunction to put a damper on vacation, especially when traveling with limited clothing. A good travel-size sewing kit allows you to mend a popped button or ripped seam on the fly—or even tackle more pressing issues like fixing a tent, sleeping bag, or backpack. After 15 hours of research, interviews with sewing teachers and avid home sewers, and tests of six travel and full-size kits, we found the Merchant & Mills for Purl Soho Rapid Repair Kit had by far the best tools and was the easiest to keep organized. Standard travel sewing kits usually contain mediocre thread and plastic-handled scissors that break easily. They can also be hard to keep organized (a truth we confirmed when testing six top-rated travel and full-sized kits). The Merchant & Mills set was the only one that had high-quality thread, all-metal mini scissors (don’t worry, the TSA shouldn’t stop you ), and a durable tin case (about the size of a deck of cards) to keep everything well organized.

Because the sewing pins are neatly stuck into paper inside a slim envelope and the three needles are housed in a mini glass vial, this kit also limits the risk of losing a sharp object in your bags. We found the Merchant & Mills needles easier to thread than others (no need for a fussy needle threader!) and we also like the vintage-looking safety pins that come clipped together along with two small white buttons. Although this kit only comes with black and white thread, the thread is strong and there’s more of it than you’d get in a flimsier set with shorter strands of multiple colors. We do think it would be nice if the kit included a more durable measuring tape than the paper one included, but overall everything about this kit is leagues ahead of anything else we considered. We didn’t find editorial reviews for any of the kits we tested, but the Merchant & Mills rapid repair kit was recommended by several sewing bloggers and is sold in many reputable indie fabric shops.

Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella

The best umbrella for most people.

This is a solidly built, easy-to-find umbrella that holds up in high winds. It also comes in a variety of colors.

price may vary by color or style

An umbrella you take traveling should be small, light, sturdy, and affordable. After putting in 66 hours of research and evaluating a total of 48 umbrellas across five rounds of testing (including one thunder-snowstorm), we found that the Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella is the best umbrella for most people. Its durable, nine-rib construction held up admirably against gale-force winds, and it’s as sturdy as umbrellas that sell for more than twice as much.

The Repel folds up to an 11½-inch long, 14-ounce package that fits easily into most bags and glove boxes. And it forcefully expands at a touch of a button to reveal an ample 37-inch-diameter canopy that protects your head and torso from precipitation in all but the windiest of conditions. Its lengthy, textured handle is easy to grip for hands of all sizes. We also appreciate that the Repel comes in a wide variety of colors, so it’s easier to pick yours out of a crowded umbrella bucket. Finally, despite its affordable price, it’s backed by a lifetime replacement guarantee, but only if you purchase directly from Repel and register the item under the company’s warranty.

Packing method for clothes

While packing cubes and other organization tools are helpful for maximizing your bag’s usable space, efficient packing is also achievable without the aid of tools and compartments. One Bag’s Doug Dyment tried all manners of folding aids and compression products but was unsatisfied with their claims of compression and wrinkle prevention. Frustrated, he developed his own method of packing clothes compactly called the Bundle Method, which he’s used and perfected over several decades of traveling.

The Bundle Method involves layering your shirts and pants at opposing angles on a flat surface, then wrapping them around a small “core” parcel (e.g. a packing cube full of underwear and socks). We won’t get into details, but Dyment does on his website ; you can watch this easy-to-follow video from NBC . The resulting bundle is compact and has no sharp creases that will require ironing out later on. Additionally, Dyment explains that “the slight tension created in the fabric by the wrapping process, along with the anchoring of the resulting bundle, greatly reduces the chances of wrinkling.” You then put it in your bag and use the tie-down straps to provide just enough pressure to keep it together.

While simple to perform, this packing method isn’t something you can master in one go. It takes a bit of practice, but once you get it, it’s like riding a bike. The downside is that you can’t just leave your clothing packed and expect to be able to access your underwear without fully unpacking your clothes first. But unpacking is a good habit to get into anyway, as it allows your clothes to breathe and avoid wrinkles or mildew. Wirecutter founder and frequent traveler Brian Lam says that unpacking the moment he enters a room has a grounding effect that allows him to feel a bit more at home in a new environment.

If this sounds like too much of a hassle for you, you can do what we did before we found out about bundling: roll up your socks and underwear tightly and place them in packing cubes, then put your wrinkle-prone items (shirts, pants, skirts, dresses, jackets) in a garment folder—we used the Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Garment Folder . This is also travel guru Rob King’s preferred method of packing. Though the garment folder is not quite as space-efficient as the bundle method due to the added bulk of the folder and folding board, the plastic backboard does go a long way towards preventing wrinkles. Just be aware that if you leave your clothes in there for longer than a day, they’ll begin to develop unsightly creases that require an iron to get rid of.

A big thank-you to the Hotel Lucia in downtown Portland, Oregon, for lending us a suite to use for the photos in this guide.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

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Wirecutter Staff

Mentioned above

• Whether you’re planning a week or a weekend away, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack Del Dia can keep you organized and comfortable on the road. The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks  
• After 10 years of airport dashes and overhead-compartment stashes, the Travelpro Platinum Elite is still the suitcase we want to carry. The Best Carry-On Luggage  
• The Waterfield Air Porter Carry-On Bag is a great bag for tech-carrying travelers to slide under an airplane seat. We also have options for other travelers. The Best Underseat Luggage and Personal-Item Bags  
• After researching 30 models, we found that Travelpro Platinum Elite 25″ Expandable Spinner is the best suitcase for most travelers who check bags. The Best Suitcases for Checking  
• We chose five luggage tags that will help you identify your belongings in a sea of similar suitcases. The Best Luggage Tags  
• After researching and traveling with packing cubes for more than five years, the Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set is what we keep in our luggage. The Best Packing Cubes  

Further reading

The Gadgets We Bring on Every Trip

by Ivy Liscomb

You don't have to be a digital nomad to travel like one. Here are a few gadgets and accessories to make travel as painless as possible.

Air Travel Is Chaos. This Gear Will Help Get You Through the Exasperating Delays.

by Elissa Sanci

These things don’t make your flight take off any faster, but they can make the wait a little more tolerable.

The Best Gear for Your Road Trips

by Kit Dillon and Wirecutter Staff

After hundreds of hours of research and 1,500 miles behind the wheel, we’ve singled out the gear that’s absolutely essential for your next journey on the open road.

The 43 Best Gifts for Frequent Travelers

by Samantha Schoech

We’ve discovered practical, pretty and surprising gifts to delight your chosen sojourner.

• Travel destinations
• Architecture
• Digital nomad jobs
• Business ideas
• Digital nomad interviews
• Join mailing list
• Mailing list

© 2024 Bright Nomad

Travel light: How to pack light and smart for your trip

A full guide to how to travel light, with tips and hacks for efficient, minimalist packing. Learn how to pack light for any vacation or backpacking trip.

• Post date October 22, 2018
• Post categories In Trip Planning
• Tags Minimalist Packing , Packing , Packing Light , Packing Lists , Travel Accessories , Travel Gadgets , Travel Gear

What is the secret to packing light?

The secret behind packing light is… bringing less stuff!

Simple, isn’t it?

Well, not really.

Because when we’re packing for a trip, be it a weekend city break or a year long round the world trip or anything in between – we will find ourselves packing all sorts of stuff that we think we might need, but actually don’t.

That’s perfectly natural.

We’re going to unfamiliar place, we don’t know exactly what we’ll find there, and we want some kind of reassurance that we’ll have everything with us.

It gives us a sense of control over an unknown situation.

I used to do that myself in my very early days as a traveller, but quickly learnt the lesson.

After a particularly uncomfortable night train from Bulgaria to Turkey, where I hardly had space for my bags in the train carriage, I realised there was no point in carrying so much stuff.

That’s when I decided to start travelling light.

Before leaving the train station in Istanbul, I sat down and made a list of all the things  I actually used  during that trip.

I saved the list and a few months later, when I was packing for my next trip, used it as my packing list. I ended up travelling with about  half  the amount of stuff.

Light travel with a carry on bag has huge benefits

In practical terms, travelling light means you travel with one  carry-on bag  that you can take with you on the plane, plus an optional smaller bag, like a laptop bag.

why is it best to travel with a carry on bag only?

Travelling with hand luggage only has huge advantages. It saves you money, stress and time , and makes your life so much easier when you travel.

Low cost airlines are getting increasingly strict about what they allow you to board the plane with.

The fees they charge for checking even one piece of luggage can sometimes be outrageous.

By travelling light, you avoid baggage fees when you fly low cost, so that your flight can be really cheap.

When you don’t check luggage, there’s no need to worry about your bag being lost, damaged, stolen or even just not arriving on the same flight as you.

It gives you some peace of mind on the flight. The same applied to trains and buses, where you always want to keep your bag with you.

When you get off the plane, you’re free to exit the airport fairly quickly, while you watch your fellow passengers wasting their precious vacation time waiting by the luggage carousel.

And finally, moving around is so much easier when you don’t carry heavy luggage.

Imagine walking to a train station or a bus stop, or searching for your hotel on the streets of a foreign city, with a heavy suitcase. It’s not appealing. You want the flexibility and freedom of light packing.

So now that we know why we want to travel light,  how do we do that?

The life changing magic of packing light

In her best-selling, cult-creating book , Marie Condo teaches a simple decluttering technique:

Lay all your stuff on the floor, pick each item and ask yourself “if it sparks joy within you”.

You can use a similar method when packing.

This is especially useful if your reason for overpacking is that you’re too attached to your things.

Instead of asking if the item sparks joy, ask: Do I really need this, or am I packing it “just in case”?

Pack only what you really need .

Only w hat you will definitely use.

Remember you can always buy or hire other things later, so “just in case” is not an excuse for overpacking.

The rest of this guide has more hacks, tips and tricks to help you travel ligh t .

I’ve divided it into four sections: Your bag, clothing, toiletries and gadgets.

Travel light: buy a smaller bag

The first trick you need to know if you want to travel light is: buy a smaller bag. In other words, make it impossible for yourself to overpack.

With a smaller bag you will have to make those decisions as to what you really need to take and what you can leave behind or buy at your destination.

With a larger bag, you’ll most likely be tempted to take all sorts of things you don’t really need, just because there’s space for them.

How small should your bag be?

I recommend a 30-40 litre backpack as your carry on bag for the plane.

It’s usually a good size for a carry on bag, that most airlines will let you board with.

I travelled with a 40L backpack plus a laptop bag for about 9 years and it was both easy and convenient.

It’s the ideal size if you want to travel light, and at the same time have enough space for your stuff.

It doesn’t matter if you’re going on vacation for a week or on a 6 month trip… as long as you can do your laundry once a week, why would it matter?

An all-in-one travel pack

The Journey is an innovative, sophisticated bag that’s ideal for the minimalist traveller.

Its creator describes as the bag that will liberate you from the hassle of extra luggage .

It’s been designed to include 5 different bags inside one carry-on sized travel pack.

These include a detachable day pack, a detachable hip pack, a hanging toiletry bag and two drawstring bags, plus a couple of compression bags.

Watch the video to see how The Journey works and read my full review on how I use this set of bag to travel light.

Why buy a backpack instead of a suitcase

I also recommend you buy a backpack instead of a trolley suitcase. It just gives you much more flexibility .

Going up or down stairs at train stations, for example, is not an easy task when you carry a suitcase with you (and you’d be surprised how many stations don’t have elevators or escalators…).

Walking on cobblestone streets or dirt roads with wheeled luggage is not a pleasant experience either.

With a backpack on your back, it’s much easier to use stairs, you can walk faster (or even run, say if you’re about to miss a bus… ) and both your hands are free.

Having both your hands free is so useful when you need to check maps on your phone for example, or have your take-away coffee on the go.

Of course, in some cases, a suitcase is perfectly fine. For example, if you suffer from back pain, or on a short vacation where you’re getting a taxi from the airport and staying at a resort without moving around at all.

Eagle Creek make a brilliant convertible carry on bag that you can use as wheeled luggage or as a backpack .

when you choose a backpack, pay attention to a few things that will make your travels easier:

The backpack should be a panel loading or front loading bag, meaning you can open it like a suitcase (as opposed to top-loading backpacks).

Your backpack should be lightweight , not just because it’s easier to carry, but also because airlines have weight limits on luggage.

And it should have pockets . Lots of pocket. An ever so helpful feature that will help you organise your things easily.

Clothing – tips and tricks for packing light

Clothes normally take up the most space in your luggage.

Let’s see what we can do about that…

Wear heavy layers on the plane

Heavy layers might not fit in your backpack when you travel light.

Don’t expect them to – a basic trick of travelling light is wearing some of your luggage on you.

Whatever you wear doesn’t count as part of your carry on luggage . Use that 😉

When you board the plane, you can wear any jackets , or tie them around your waist.

If you’re bringing heavy shoes, like hiking boots , wear them on the plane and pack your lighter shoes.

Hats and scarves can also come on board with you. None of these need take up any space in your luggage.

This trick isn’t useful only for saving space in your bag – it’s also a lifesaver when it suddenly gets freezing cold on the flight.

Pockets! lots of them

You can put many things in your pockets when you go on the plane.

Anything small that fits and that you might need during the flight should go in your pockets, such as your phone  and earphones for example.

have taken the idea of pockets to a magnificent extreme with jackets and vests that look completely ordinary, until you realise they have about 20 hidden pockets in them!

Rolling instead of folding

This is probably the most basic tip for travelling light: When you roll your shirts, they magically take up less space and as an added advantage, crease less.

Packing cubes and compression bags

You can save more space in your bag and at the same time make sure your clothes are well organised by using  packing cubes and compression bags .

Sometimes called packing squares or packing pouches, you want to use packing cubes in different sizes to organise your clothes: One cube for t-shirts, another for socks and so on.

Packing cubes normally come in sets of 3-6 pieces and in different sizes and colours.

Use large packing cubes for your shirts and trousers, and medium sized ones for socks and underwear.

There are packing cubes that are just meant to help you organise your things, but it’s far more efficient to use packing cubes that also offer compression .

They minimise the space your clothes take, by sealing them in the bag after squeezing all the air out.

When compressed, your clothes will take up much less space. This is especially useful for any bulky garments you pack.

Eagle Creek is a brand famous for its packing cubes and compression bags. They are stylish, lightweight and durable. As an added bonus, they’re made from recycled materials.

are packing cubes and compression bags worth buying?

In my experience, yes, they are worth it.

If you’re struggling with overpacking and want to avoid it, or if you need to take some bulky winter clothes, then will definitely help you make the most of the space available in your bag.

If your main issue is staying organised , go for ordinary .

If you want the best of both worlds, buy the . Watch the video to see how they work:

Buy quick dry clothes

A lot of smart technology is invested in making travel clothing more efficient. Make sure you use it to your advantage.

quick dry, moisture-wicking t-shirts

These tees are popular for workout, and are invaluable for travel.

When you select your travel clothes, quick dry garments are always the best choice. Cotton t-shirts are not.

As you’re not taking too many clothes with you when you travel light, you want your laundry to dry fast.

Quick dry fabrics are extra useful in hot, humid places, as they don’t absorb the sweat and keep you dry for longer.

I’m a fan of IsoCool quick-dry t-shirts .

The feel great on your skin and come out of the washing machine almost dry!

Mountain Warehouse make them super affordable.

They have a range of colours for women and men .

Fleece jackets

Travel with jackets are perfect for keeping warm in colder climates or at night and at the same time lightweight and dry quickly.

There are heavy fleece jackets too, in case you need them for intense outdoor activities and colder weather.

Some leading brands for quality fleece jackets are:

No need to pack your fleece jacket in your backpack though – it will take up too much space. Wear it on the plane or tie it around your waist.

quick dry trousers

Jeans are not quick to dry and can also be quite bulky, so they are not a good choice if you want to travel light.

To find quick dry pants, look for hiking pants , even if you’re not going hiking.

They are made of the right quick dry, moisture wicking materials . They will also typically be breathable and lightweight.

quick dry underwear

You want your underwear to dry quickly as well as be odour resistant.

ExOfficio   are probably the most famous brand known for making some excellent travel underwear for both women and men.

They dry quickly and smell less, so you can take fewer pairs with you when you travel light.

Matching colours

This packing tip is simple and will help you avoid a basic packing mistake.

Make sure whatever you pack can be colour-coordinated.

In other words, avoid packing anything that isn’t compatible with any outfit you may wear on your trip.

You don’t want to waste space packing garments that you’ll only end up using once or twice.

By colour coordinating, you can easily mix-and-match them to create many different outfits without packing a lot of clothes.

Another simple but clever packing tip when it comes to clothing is to use layering.

Check the weather forecast before you travel. If you’re going to a hot and sunny place, then don’t worry about layering obviously.

However, some places may be sunny in the morning and cold in the evening, or different parts of the country may have completely different climates.

Also, in colder countries, whenever you go on a train or enter a heated up space, like a shop, you’ll immediately feel the need to take some layers off.

That’s where layering gives you great flexibility when you travel, without having to carry any unnecessary items of clothing.

On a sunny day, you can walk around in a t-shirt, but when it gets cooler after dark, that same t-shirt becomes a base layer.

You want to pick only garments you can layer easily, so ideally they would be of similar thickness, though some can be of warmer fabrics.

A fleece jacket is super handy for layering when you travel, because it’s warm but also lightweight and can fold easily (plus it dries quickly as we mentioned already).

When it’s cold I would prefer layering two fleece jackets to wearing one big coat.

If I were to take off that one big coat, I’d have to carry it around with me, while the thinner jackets can fold easily into my day bag, or I can tie them around my waist.

What to do about shoes if you want to travel light

Shoes are a huge problem if you want to pack light. They’re just too bulky.

Flip flops  are an exception – they are super useful and don’t take up too much room.

You can wear them for the beach, when you take a shower and as part of a summer outfit too.

As for other shoes, it really depends on the type of trip you’re going on.  hiking boots  may be necessary. In that case, wear them on the plane and your pack lighter walking shoes in your backpack.

Your clothes should be colour-coordinated and the same applies to shoes, so dark shoes are often a safe bet.

Also remember that you can buy shoes at your destination, so sometimes it isn’t necessary to pack extra shoes at all.

When you pack your clothing, pack for a week , no matter how long your trip is.

This classic trick is one that’s used by many savvy travellers and all it requires is that you have access to a washing machine once week.

This way you can travel forever with a small backpack.

It’s so much easier to find a washing machine along the way than to needlessly carry heavy luggage with you everywhere you go.

Find a laundromat, use the washing machine at your vacation rental or even use your hotel’s laundry service.

If you really can’t find a washing machine, there’s always the sink.

Quick dry clothes are ever so useful and you’ll be glad you bought them when you do your laundry once a week.

You can buy laundry detergent in small, travel size packets. I suggest you buy these at your destination, rather than carry them with you on the plane.

Don’t forget to bring a small  laundry bag  to keep clean and dirty clothes separate inside your backpack. You can also use a compression bag just for laundry.

Toiletries – pack less and pack solid

When it comes to packing toiletries I would advise you to first, take less than you think you need, and second, opt for solid versions.

Pack less toiletries – you can buy them later

Toiletries take up a lot of room in your bag, but they don’t have to.

If you are going to stay at a hotel, it’s likely that you’ll be provided with shampoo and body wash, so there’s no need to bring those at all.

If you wear makeup, be sure to take only what you will definitely use, not stuff that you might want to use, and definitely not anything that you might only use once.

Always remember that anything you don’t bring with you, you can buy at your destination (unless you’re travelling to the middle of nowhere).

Shampoo, body lotion, shower gel, sunblock, toothpaste, deodorant – these are things you can buy cheaply anywhere you go.

When you travel with carry on luggage, liquids and creams you take with you on board the plane cannot exceed 100ml (or 3.38 oz). This isn’t a universal rule, but it applies in many countries.

You can bring small travel size bottles of essential toiletries for the first couple of days, and then buy the rest later.

However, I recommend you replace liquids with their solid versions.

Get solid toiletries to avoid flying with liquids

This will make it easier for you to pack despite the ban on flying with liquids and creams exceeding 100ml .

Liquids might also spill inside you bag and can cause damage or just be a hassle to clean up.

Soap  is easy – no need to carry shower gel when you can bring a bar of soap.

Even if you’re used to showering with shower gel at home, make an exception for your trip and it will make your packing easier and lighter.

What about shampoo ?

I started travelling with a shampoo bar in recent years and I’m really happy with it! Wish I’d known about it earlier…

How does a shampoo bar work? It looks just like a bar of soap and it lathers up when you rub it in your hands in the shower, and then you can wash your hair with it.

Shampoo bars save space in your luggage and they last for a long time.

An added advantage is that you can use a shampoo bar as body soap too. This is useful if you want to go for super minimalist packing.

Gadgets – travel light more efficiently

Gadgets can also take up too much space in your luggage. Let’s look at ways to pack more efficiently.

Travel adaptor

You’ll probably need a  travel adaptor  and it’s best to buy a universal one that you can use in most countries with various sockets.

It should also convert electrical currencies where needed.

This way you don’t need to carry several adaptors if you’re going to multiple destinations around the world.

To save more space, instead of taking a phone charger, get a   universal adaptor with USB ports . It will let you charge your phone, tablet and power bank. You only need to bring the USB cords.

Reading when you travel light

To travel light,  make the most out of your phone .

It can replace quite a lot of things that there’s no need to carry anymore: books (both recreational reading and guidebooks), a camera, maps, a flashlight, a notebook, magazines… And obviously you can use it to listen to music and watch movies.

You don’t need to carry heavy guide books with you. Many travel guides have ebook versions.

This will save you a lot of space and weight when you’re packing.

When you pack headphones or earphones , make sure they are both compact and noise cancelling or noise reducing (useful for noisy flights or trains).

Portable chargers

is essential if you’re out and about all day and your phone runs out of battery.

If it runs out just when you need to check Google Maps to see which bus to take, or to check addresses, reviews, opening times or anything else – you’ll be so grateful you packed a backup battery.

Portable chargers are also useful for flights, so you can watch movies on your phone without worrying about the battery running out.

These chargers come in different capacities measured in milliamperes (mAh). The higher the mAh number, the more power the charger has.

I normally carry two, just for peace of mind, and charge them overnight.

Hope you find these tips helpful when you pack for your next trip!

Do share this article with any of your friends who might need packing advice.

If you have more tips on packing light, do share them in the comments.

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16 Comments

Great tips on traveling light! Personally, I’ll always check a bag as my carryons are full of camera gear and laptop. But love all the ideas on how to make traveling easier and more functional!

Great tips and good reminder as well.

I definitely could work on traveling lighter. I do use packing cubes and I think they are a huge help! Great post. 🙂

Great tips on traveling light! Personally I’ll always check a bag as my carryons are full of camera gear and laptop. Lol. But love all the ideas on how to make traveling easier and more functional! 😁

I love packing light!! Great items and tips on here! I LOVE using shampoo bars when traveling.

Thank you so much for the recommendations and the jacket with all the pockets looks amazing!!

I really need to check out the shampoo bars. I keep hearing about it and it’s great for carry on luggage.

Yes, it’s so convenient 🙂

I love traveling light! I do most of these but never thought about using a smaller bag to pack leas. Genius!! I’ve recently started using packing cubes and I LOVE them! Makes everything so organized. Thanks for this posts, it was super helpful! I’ll try the smaller bag for my next trip.

We do most of these things already, and we love it! Been on the road for 4 months now with nothing but carry-on: a 46L Osprey Porter and a 28L daypack (mostly for camera gear). All solid toiletries (including a laundry bar so we can wash clothing without a machine) and merino clothing that we can wear for days 🙂

Great article 🙂 Thank you for this. I have always used Osprey when travelling but that Eagle Creek backpack looks epic and very durable.

These are great tips! I am always guilty of packing way too much and then hating my life as I have to lug my bag around. I think I’m going to invest in a 40L backpack for my next big trip and see how that goes!

Good luck! I thinks it’s the best way to travel and you’ll get used to it easily 🙂

A great and enviable post. What a detailed guide! Great information and advice.

Indeed, there are hikers who are light grasshoppers, and there are hikers who are turtles, who move their hump, or part of it, wherever they travel.

I belong to the second type .. . I have already been jealous of Henderson (“Henderson the Rain King”, Saul Bellow), who traveled to Africa with his modest luggage including the following items: a toothbrush in his pocket, a credit card and a wide-brimmed hat.

Thanks to Tal Bright

Great guide! I pack in a 40L backpack which converts to a suitcase (the straps can be hidden) which I just love. It’s perfect for my full-time travel lifestyle. But I still get jealous when I’m boarding a plane and other people have much smaller suitcases than me.

A note about solid toiletries: I recently started travelling with a deodorant crystal – a completely solid object. But the people at the airport flag it as a liquid every time I go through security. I got so tired of being pulled aside that I now just put it in with my liquids.

Thanks Jane! I know what you mean about getting jealous when you see people with smaller luggage 😉 I think that if the deodorant crystal comes in the kind of packaging that’s similar to ordinary deodorant, than yes, it’s very likely to confuse airport security…

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The Ultimate List of Travel Gear for Packing as Light as Possible (2020 Edition)

When traveling, minimalism has become our way of life. During our world trip, we chose to pack light, that is, to travel with cabin suitcases only. And for nothing in the world would we have done it differently because the benefits of traveling light far outweigh any drawbacks.

In fact, during our 15 months trip across 50 countries , the total weight of our equipment was 30 kg for our family of 4. And believe it or not, if we had settled for the bare essentials, we could have reduced it to 20 kg in 2 carry-on luggage.

For some, this form of travel may seem frightening. One only has to try it to adopt it. But to avoid being disappointed, it is best to be well prepared for it. To prevent your preparation from becoming a real headache and to help you take the plunge, I will share with you a list of items that I have carefully selected.

On the day of departure

4 Reasons to Travel Light

First of all, here are 4 reasons to travel light:

1. Travelling with heavy luggage can cause fatigue . This is all the more true when a dense itinerary forces us to move often from one accommodation to another.

2. Suitcases can be quickly packed and unpacked. . Time spent traveling is precious. Optimizing it is the best way to make the most of it.

3. Minimalism helps reduce hassle . We don’t get emotionally attached to materials or appearances. Our only souvenirs are in our heads and in the pictures. When we possess fewer things, it becomes easier not to lose them.

4. Great savings can be made . Travelling solely with carry-on luggage reduces check-in fees and saves time at airports. It also prevents lost, delayed or broken luggage. In addition, one can afford to rent smaller cars with smaller trunks.

The Fiat 500, a car with a small trunk

The only drawback to travelling light is having to do laundry once a week. However, all you need to do is to make arrangements to have access to a laundromat or a washing machine at your hotel or Airbnb. In most developing countries, 5-star laundry services are available and for a few dollars, you can have your laundry washed, dried, ironed and folded.

Selection Criteria For Our Travel Items

Each item that accompanies us has been meticulously selected according to 5 criteria: compactness, lightness, quality, robustness and price.

Since these items constitute our “home” during the trip, we might as well select them carefully. This list is the result of several months of investigation, review reading, comparison and shopping. I therefore put my seal of approval on these items according to the aforementioned criteria!

So without further ado, here’s the list!

N.B. : the links contain affiliate codes that allow us to earn a small revenue on each sale at no additional cost to you. Some links may redirect to non-existing products, depending on your location.

Our Selection of Light Travel Items

Away travel carry-on.

Away Travel is among suitcases what Tesla is among automobiles. With an integrated 10,000 mAh USB charging battery pack, a TSA-approved security lock and an enclosed laundry bag, the cabin suitcase has been designed and engineered for modern travelers. It is lightweight, sturdy, durable, has optimized compartments and dimensions at the limit of those allowed by most airlines. In short, everything in this suitcase is convenient.

We have two Away Travel carry-on suitcases.

Away Travel Carry On

Osprey Farpoint 40 and Fairview 40 backpacks

Osprey is THE reference for backpacks. Its reputation is well established. Their bags are designed to be comfortable, ergonomic, durable and have a LIFETIME guarantee! So if a zipper breaks or if a samurai accidentally rips open a bag with his sword, Osprey will repair or replace it free of charge.

So you can be confident that you won’t need to buy another bag for the rest of your life… or that of the company, depending which event comes first. But since they are in business since 40 years and no one has ever surpassed them, you can keep traveling with peace of mind.

We chose two 40-liter bags because they have the maximum dimensions to be considered as carry-on luggage by most airlines. The Osprey Farpoint is for men, and the Osprey Fairview for women.

When we returned from our trip around the world, our bags still looked brand new!

Osprey Farpoint 40

Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack

Osprey again. Impossible to miss them, they are the best! The Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack is perfect to escape on an excursion with your water and food after dropping off your suitcases at the hotel. It can also be used as a laundry bag. It is easily tucked into a small bag the size of a child’s fist, which is handy when space in the suitcase is limited. In addition, it only weighs a few grams.

And remember, the Osprey warranty is valid for the rest of your life! We’ve worn out both of our day-packs during our world tour. We made use of the Osprey Warranty when we returned and received two new day-packs!

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Gonex Packing Cubes

Once again, “the reference” for packing cubes. You’re going to tell me I’m just repeating myself. Then I’ll stop saying it and you’ll just have to keep it in mind for the rest of the post. The Gonex packing cubes are convenient for organizing our belongings within the compartments of our suitcases. Simple isn’t it?

We even bought compression storage cubes to save even more space. But because our items are so compact, our bags never overflow and we don’t need to compress them. [columns size=”1/2″ last=”false”]

Compression Gonex Packing Cubes

Gonex Packing Cubes Medium

Icebreaker Apparel

I will not make an inventory of the clothes that accompany us on our trip. Known that they have been meticulously picked according to the same criteria as our other travel items, in addition to durability and comfort. Nevertheless, I do recommend one brand of outdoor clothing for serious travelers that I rank above all others.

Do you know the brand Icebreaker ? This New Zealander clothing brand manufactures merino wool garments. The result is simple: the clothes are insulating when it’s cold, they breathe when it’s hot, they don’t keep body odors. Moreover, they are antibacterial, they dry quickly, they are ultra-light, and they are so comfortable!

La Icebreaker family

These clothes have allowed us to do less laundry. Like in Iceland when I wore the same Icebreaker t-shirt for 9 consecutive days (and nights) without ever having to wash it. Even during hot weather, I wear them 3 or 4 days in a row before washing them because they don’t smell at all! And since they are washed less, we don’t pack as much clothing, so we can travel even lighter!

The disadvantage of these clothes, as you may have guessed, is their price. But their quality is well worth the cost!

Tesalate Beach Towel

No more thick and bulky towels. Say hello to the Tesalate microfiber beach towel . It is light, compact, durable, ultra-absorbent and dries very quickly. Sand does not stick to it and it is very handy since it can also be used as a beach, picnic or yoga mat. Tesalate is an Australian company that produces towels designed for travelers. They are available in several sizes with designs as beautiful as one another.

The Tesalate beach towel

Dell XPS 15 Notebook

The Dell XPS 15 is a laptop for those with a need for performance! Some would be satisfied with the 13-inch version. I personally like the comfort of the 15-inch. But since the edge of the screen is almost non-existent, it is the size of a regular 14-inch laptop. In addition to being ultra-thin, my XPS 15 is equipped with an i7 processor, 32 GB of RAM, a 1 TB SSD disk and a 4K touchscreen. Processing my photos with Lightroom has become quite a breeze!

Dell XPS 15

Seagate Backup Plus Slim 2TB External Hard Drive

There is no external hard disk drive thinner than the Seagate Backup Plus Slim besides SSD disks. It’s perfect for photo backup!

Seagate Backup Plus Slim 2 TB

Fujifilm X100F

Join me and hundreds of thousands of Fuji aficionados: sell your Nikon and Canon right away and choose Fuji! This is the 4th generation of the X100 camera line. The Fujifilm X100F is a mirrorless technology masterpiece, one without which you might not enjoy following us on our travels quite as much. After my wife and children, it is my favorite travel companion. I never get tired of taking pictures. Besides, it’s beautiful!

In my opinion, this is the best compact camera in terms of quality, price and versatility. It takes extraordinary pictures and has unparalleled color rendering that only Fuji can achieve. Its 35mm equivalent fixed lens can somewhat limit the shooting possibilities. With the Fujinon WCL lens which brings it to 28mm, it becomes more versatile in almost all conditions.

Its successor the Fujifilm X100V (5th generation) was released in 2020. If having a fixed lens is an issue for you, I would recommend the Fujifilm X-Pro2 which is the equivalent of the Fuji X100F but allows interchangeable lens. Its successor the Fujifilm X-Pro3 , more recent, is the Fuji X100V equivalent.

GoPro 7 Black

Everybody know the GoPro . I wouldn’t immerse my Fuji in the water, but I would definitely use the GoPro in the water!

Gopro 7 Black

Zippod 45 Tripod

Few tripods take up little space. The Zippod 45 is so compact and light that it should be a piece of equipment for any traveling photographer who wants to save space in his suitcase. It is not very sturdy in the middle of a hurricane, but it gets the job done.

The Pedco UltraPod

The Pedco UltraPod is a very versatile small tripod. It folds up tiny and it can be attached to a pole.

Pedco Ultrapod

Manfrotto Camera Case

I love the Manfrotto brand because the company not only produces good tripods, but also high quality camera bags.

Manfrotto Amica 10

iPad mini 4

During our world trip, each of our boys had an iPad mini for school. Android doesn’t offer the same variety of educational applications as iOS, so we had fallen back on these tablets. We had scanned the class workbooks into PDF documents so that the kids could do their exercises on their iPad.

iPad Mini 4

Asus ZenFone Max Pro 128GB

Under the criteria “long battery life in case I venture into an area without electricity” and “entry-level so as not to be sad if I get it stolen”, I present to you my phone, the Asus ZenFone Max Pro 128GB . You can’t imagine my relief to be able to live without having to charge my phone every day.

Asus ZenFone Max Pro

Deercon Rechargeable Cordless Hair Clipper

Deercon provides a compact electric hair clipper that trims well and runs on rechargeable battery power. And with 3 heads to trim each month, the clipper has quickly paid for itself.

Deercon Cordless Hair Clippers

USB Rechargeable LED Headlamp

For the times when we had to wander at night in the middle of the Jordanian desert or the Malaysian jungle, this USB rechargeable headlamp has proven to be very useful to us. This is the winner of the “just in case” category.

LED Headlamp

Steripen Pure+ Water Purifier

Better safe than sorry, as they say. The Steripen Pure+ can irradiate all microbes and viruses in the water before you drink it and it can be recharged via USB. The lamp can purify 15,000 L of water. That shouldn’t stop you from bringing Imodium tablets!

Steripen Pure+

The Universal 4-Port USB Power Adapter

With all of our devices that we have to charge via USB, the purchase of this travel adapter makes perfect sense.

Universal Adapter with USB plugs

The Ultra-fast USB Car Charger

Here is a USB Car Charger with 2 Qualcomm 3.0 sockets to quickly charge our electronic devices in the car. You’re welcome.

Quick Charge 3.0 Car Charger

Car Phone Holder

A small magnetic phone holder that holds my phone attached to a metal plate, so I can use my GPS when I drive. Check!

Magnetic Phone Holder

Travel Locks

You never know what can happen on a trip. These travel locks are symbolically useful in deterring household staff with bad intentions.

Neck Stash for Passport

You are never safe from an unfortunate situation, but you must know how to minimize the risks. As you can see in the photo, this security pouch can hold 4 passports, credit cards, 500 Euro bills, and even Apple headphones!

Rfid Blocking Neck Stash for Passport

Silicone Bottles

100 mL being the largest format allowed in aircraft cabins for liquids, these refillable silicone bottles are convenient to keep our shampoo and sunscreen in.

Refillable Silicone Bottles

Blizetec Pocket Blanket

To sit on the ground, on the lawn or on the beach without getting dirty, or to cover our belongings in the car away from prying eyes, the Blizetec blanket is always with us.

Blizetec Blanket

The Electronic Luggage Scale

Small and lightweight, this electronic luggage scale will ensure that we balance the loads of our bags before arriving at the airport. This is an indispensable item especially in Asia and Oceania, where low-cost airlines limit the weight of cabin luggage to 7 kg.

Digital Luggage Scale

The Non-essentials

In addition, here is a list of objects that we brought with us at the beginning of our trip, but that we left behind along the way.

The Precision Stylus

In the absence of paper and pencils, the children are entitled to a precision stylus that emulate writing on their iPad.

Stylus for iPad

The Boogie Board

The Boogie Board is ultra light and saves us from travelling with paper. Super handy for writing and drawing, then erasing at the touch of a button. Kids love it!

Boogie Board

Hootoo TripMate Titan Travel Router

Here is another extraordinarily practical thing. Le Hootoo TripMate Titan is a travel router and WiFi signal replicator. When you arrive at the hotel, all you have to do is connect this device to the WiFi, and it transmits the signal through its own network, on which all your devices (computer, phone and tablets) are already configured. This way, there is no need to configure the WiFi on each device every time you move from one hotel to another. Another interesting feature of this device is that it is energy autonomous because it has its own battery. Therefore, it allows you to take advantage of the WiFi at the outdoor swimming pool while working. And finally, with a capacity of 10,400 mAh, its battery can be used to recharge electronic devices via USB, just like a charging battery pack.

Hootoo Wireless Travel Router

MPOWERD Luci Inflatable Solar Light

The MPOWERD Luci is an inflatable light that can be charged with sunlight. It charges in 7 hours in the sun and can provide 12 hours of light. Perfect for playing cards with the family in the RV!

MPOWERD Inflatable Solar Light

Glacial Stream Personal Water Filter Straw

The Glacial Stream Water Filter Straw allows the water to be cleaned in order to remove its contaminants. It is less effective than a Steripen in removing viruses, but no less convenient.

Personal Water Filter Straw

The Cooling Towel

The Tough Outfitters cooling towel is great! Soak in water, wring out, place around the neck to cool down for several hours during a heat wave.

Tough Outfitters Cooling Towel

Mifold Booster Seat

If you cannot travel with car seats and you don’t want to rent one every time you rent a car, the mifold booster seat save a small fortune while ensuring the safety of our children. In addition, they comply with safety standards both in Europe and America.

The Power Inverter

For camper road-trip enthusiasts, the power inverter is a must! No need to hunt for a Starbucks in order to recharge your computer anymore! This little device will do it for you! Simply connect it to the 12V power supply of your vehicle to obtain a 110V AC output.

Power Inverter

Keep reading our great travel stories by browsing through  all our destinations !

Browse through  15,000 of our  most beautiful travel photos  sorted by destination and download them  for free !

I would also like to take this opportunity to share with you  the summary of our exceptional world tour as a family !

To learn some techniques to improve your travel planning skills, have a look at our our travel tips :

• How to book flights at the lowest price ?
• How to enjoy free hotels nights with credit cards ?  (for Canadians)
• How to make the most of your travel points?  (for Canadians)
• Which credit card to carry when traveling ?  (for Canadians)
• How to travel with carry-ons only ? Our lightweight travel gear list
• How to build an itinerary for a world tour ?
• How to estimate a budget for a trip around the world ?
• How to enhance your photos with Lightroom?
• How to start a travel blog ?

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Ultralight Travel: How to Pack Light Every Time

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."

Email Sarah at [email protected] .

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Packing light doesn’t mean sacrificing style or comfort, but it does require rethinking such travel basics as suitcases and shoes. An ounce here, a half-pound there—when you’re packing for a trip, these small increments can add up fast. Do the math and it’s easy to see why this matters: If your checked bag is too big or heavy, you’ll incur baggage fees on most airlines. If you are carrying on a suitcase, weight matters even more since you’ll be lifting your bag dozens of times while in transit (in and out of the car, onto the security belt, into the overhead bin, and so on).

After years of traveling, I’ve learned the many advantages of bringing only a carry-on, even on trips of more than two weeks: avoiding baggage fees, not having to worry about the airlines losing my luggage, and being less encumbered by heavy bags while navigating a new place. And while other flyers are waiting at baggage claim watching the belt go round and round, I’m breezing past them to hop in a cab and get on with my day.

Whether you’re looking to travel with a carry-on only or you simply want to cut your checked bag down to size, these tips for packing light can help.

How to Make Your Suitcase Lighter: The Basics

If the challenge of ultralight packing has you wanting to lock your doors and stay home forevermore, it helps to think basic instead of specific, at least at first. When making your packing list , start by separating your items into these key categories.

Packing light starts with a featherweight foundation. When you’re looking for a suitcase, consider these weight classes: A 22-inch carry-on roller suitcase is generally considered lightweight if it’s under 10 pounds. Manufacturers start claiming “ultralight” status at around the seven-pound mark. Brands such as Lipault and Delsey are both known for lightweight offerings in the five- to six-pound range. The MegaLite collection from IT Luggage is even lighter.

Whichever suitcase you choose, make sure that it has enough pockets and compartments to help keep you organized, and that it’s as roomy as possible without exceeding your airline’s size requirements. For more suggestions, see 10 Ultralight Rolling Carry-on Bags Under 5 Lbs.

When choosing clothes to pack, consider lighter fabrics. Wool and heavyweight fleece are sure to keep you warm, but they also tend to be both bulky and heavy. Fabrics known for being particularly lightweight, on the other hand, include silk and synthetics such as nylon and polyester. Cotton, linen, and cotton blends are slightly heavier, but they tend to still be on the lighter end of the spectrum and should remain on your list of options.

When it comes to shoes, packing light is a tricky balancing act between bulk, style, and comfort. The lightest available shoes, such as sandals and ballet flats , may not offer enough support for long days of walking. If you’ve got a heavier pair you need to bring, let your feet do the lifting and wear them when you’re in transit, reserving your suitcase for lighter shoes. Above all, be realistic about your shoes. Unless it’s for a specific special occasion, all your shoes should be multi-use. (Bonus points if you can pull your trip off with just one pair. For help, see One Shoe Trip? These Are the Best Pairs That Do It All .)

The lightest option for toiletries, of course, is to pack none and either depend on your hotel to provide you with basics or purchase them when you arrive at your destination. If you can’t travel without, solid shampoos , conditioners , and small bars of soap tend to weigh less than their liquid counterparts (you can travel even lighter by cutting the bar and taking only the portion you’ll need for your trip). Travelon’s shampoo and body wash sheets each weigh in at about half an ounce per package of 50.

Electronics

Traveling with the right electronics can save you both weight and space. A typical e-reader or tablet weighs in at somewhere between eight ounces and one pound, roughly the same as a modestly sized paperback guidebook or sizzling beach read. You can store an entire suitcase full of books on one small device, and with a tablet, you can score handy additional features like travel apps that can help you cut down on your vacation paper trail. Just don’t forget the charger.

A jacket can add major bulk to your packing list, but plenty of outdoor suppliers offer surprisingly lightweight options—like the seven-ounce women’s Featherless Hybrid Jacket from Marmot or the 10.5-ounce REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket for men.

Outdoorsy not your style? Since so many companies now offer some variation of lightweight outerwear , you’ve got plenty of options that don’t sacrifice fashion for weight.

Key Tips for Packing Light

There are no hard and fast standards that can apply to every imaginable trip, but here are a few rules of thumb that have served me well when learning how to travel light, gathered from years of trial, error, and inspired experimentation.

Every Little Bit of Space Helps

Swap your pile of paperbacks for a tablet or e-reader, forget about those “just in case” items you could easily buy in your destination, and maximize your space by filling in nooks and crannies with small items (including stuffing socks, underwear, mittens, and even T-shirts into your shoes). See What Not to Pack for more help whittling your list down to the bare essentials.

Don’t Pack More Than a Week’s Worth of Clothes

To keep everything fresh, toss in a dryer sheet (you might find you can forgo perfume altogether with this hack). To erase wrinkles in a pinch, pack a travel-sized bottle of Downy Wrinkle Releaser and spritz your garments on the go. For trips longer than a week, plan to do laundry along the way.

Pack Outfits That Mix and Match

Pack only garments that can be color-coordinated with everything else in your travel wardrobe. If an item doesn’t work in multiple outfits, leave it at home. I generally try to limit myself to two pairs of pants and two pairs of shoes that go with everything else I’ve packed.

Maximize Your Personal Item

In addition to a carry-on bag, airlines allow you to bring a personal item such as a purse or laptop bag. I generally bring a small backpack, which can hold a lot more than a purse but will still fit easily under the seat in front of me. (If I need a purse during my trip, I fold it up inside a larger bag.)

How to Pack Light and Stay Organized

A cornerstone of ultralight travel is expert-level organization. The most common approaches to packing include folding, rolling, and compressing, which involves placing folded clothing in a sturdy plastic bag (like these ) and rolling the bag to force additional air out, thus saving space.

The folding method works best for garments with sturdier fabrics, such as denim jeans or chambray blouses, while rolling your clothes works best for softer fabrics that are less likely to wrinkle, such as cotton and wool. Compressing, while a great space saver, does not ensure a lighter bag; in fact, it can tempt you to over-pack, thus running the risk of incurring surprise weight-induced upcharges at the airport.

Consider folding outfits into “units” and placing them into your bag together rather than placing all sweaters in one pile, all jeans in another, and so on. The following packing tools can help with this type of organization.

Packing Cubes

Packing cubes, like this cute bear-themed set from Eagle Creek , are great for maximizing space in your bag. They categorize items and store them separately, making it easier to find exactly what you need in your suitcase. If you’re on a budget, you can use gallon-sized freezer bags —they do the exact same thing for a lot less money, and they’re sturdy enough to be reused over several trips.

Packing Folders and Envelopes

Another organizational aid, packing folders or envelopes offer the same efficient space-saving functionality as packing cubes, but they’re better at keeping your clothing wrinkle-free. These are good options if you’re toting lots of button-up shirts or blouses, and many come with boards to make folding easier. But keep in mind that any folded garment is still liable to crease along fold lines.

Packing Sacks

The most free-form of the packing aids you’ll find, packing sacks are like cubes but in softer bag form. They won’t keep clothing wrinkle-free, but they’re a great hiding place for belts, jewelry, hair-styling tools, shoes, and other necessities that you don’t want to toss into your bag willy-nilly. Consider these packing sacks from Eagle Creek; they’re water-resistant and partially transparent, so you can see what’s inside without tearing open each bag.

How to Travel Light in Tricky Packing Situations

I’m often asked how I manage to squeeze everything into a single carry-on and personal item, even for trips as long as a few weeks. I’ve put together advice for traveling light in three tricky packing scenarios.

Challenge No. 1: A Long Trip Through Multiple Climates

First off, if you’re going for much longer than a week, resign yourself to doing a little laundry. (Your shoulders and back will thank you when you’re not lugging 17 days’ worth of clothes.) You can pay your hotel to do it for you, look for a nearby laundromat—think of it as a glimpse into the local culture!—or simply wash your dirty duds in your bathroom sink.

Second, get creative. This is the time when all those clever convertible travel clothes are actually worth the money, like pants that can be turned into shorts by zipping off the legs or jackets that have a gazillion pockets for all your odds and ends.

The secret to dealing with multiple climates is layering. The same lightweight T-shirt that you’d wear when strolling around the humid streets of Buenos Aires can serve as a base layer during your hike in the snowy Andes. Keep your heavy layers to a minimum—you can wear the same sweater or fleece every day as long as you keep changing the lighter shirt closest to your skin. And be sure to bring your jacket on the plane with you so you don’t have to stuff it into your suitcase.

If your trip starts in a wintry climate and ends in a tropical one, consider mailing your cold-weather gear home so you don’t have to lug it around for the rest of the trip (or vice versa). An alternative is to bring along older clothes that you don’t mind donating or leaving behind along the way.

Challenge No. 2: A Week on a Cruise Ship

Shorts, bathing suits, and tank tops are easy enough to pack, but the most common sticking point for cruisers is formal night. How can you get a tux or an opulent ball gown into that teeny little carry-on?

Luckily, these days you don’t really have to. Many cruisers opt to skip formal night altogether and head to the buffet or order room service instead. But if getting gussied up for formal night is as much a part of your dream cruise as ocean breezes and fruity cocktails, you’ve got options. Men can pay to rent a tuxedo on some ships if they want to dress to the nines—but on many cruise lines you can get by with nice slacks and a jacket (a tie is preferred, and easy to squeeze into a carry-on). Bring multiple ties to change your look if there’s more than one formal night.

For the ladies, think little black dress . If there are a couple of formal nights on your cruise, save space by wearing the same dress twice with different scarves, shawls, jewelry, or other accessories. Choose shoes that can also go with sundresses or other less formal outfits at dinner for the rest of the week. For more help, see Top 10 Cruise Packing Tips from SmarterTravel’s sister site, Cruise Critic.

Challenge No. 3: The Business Trip

Business trips pose two primary challenges for people trying to pack light: looking professional without toting half your wardrobe, and bringing only the most essential gadgets to get the job done.

Unless it’s a particularly lengthy trip, you can usually get by with a single neutral-colored suit that can be mixed and matched with different shirts, ties, and/or accessories. For example, a woman can wear the same pair of black suit pants for a daytime meeting (pair with a button-down shirt and jacket) and for dinner out (substitute a flowing wrap for the jacket and add earrings or other jewelry to dress up the look). By sticking to neutral colors, you should also be able to keep yourself to a single pair of dress shoes . If you’re bringing a blazer or jacket, wear it on the plane to free up space in your carry-on.

The advent of the iPad and other tablets has helped lighten the load of the business traveler considerably by providing an alternative to bulkier laptops. Don’t have a tablet? If it’s a short trip, you can probably get by with only your phone.

A note for business travelers attending a conference: Forget about lugging all those folders and freebies you received on the trade show floor. Go through them the night before your departure and pack only what you really need or want. If you still don’t have room in your carry-on, have your hotel mail the remaining goodies back to your office.

Don’t let the task of packing light weigh you down. Armed with these top tips, you’re well on your way to your next destination, lighter of bag and spirit.

Outfits to Pack on Your Next Trip

Women’s business casual outfit for travel with carry-on, shop the look.

Ribbed Puff Sleeve Tee

Dress Pant Yoga Pants

Stainless Steel Water Bottle

20-Inch & 28-Inch Trunk Rolling Luggage Set

Men’s Comfortable Work Business Outfit for a Flight

Tech Button Down Shirt

Commuter Pants

Chrono Leather Watch

Leather Jeans Belt

Cycia Shoes

Women’s casual summer dress outfit from nordstrom.

Midi Wrap Dress

Coin Pendant Necklace

Woven Straw Bag

Miles Slide Sandal

Men’s casual summer outfit from nordstrom.

Floral Sport Shirt

Skinny Fit Jeans

Chronograph Leather Strap Watch

Original Achilles Sneaker

Comfy yet casual older women’s outfit for a scenic drive.

Wide Leg Crop Pants

Saylor Glasses

Long Cardigan

Men’s Comfy Outfit to Wear on the Airplane from Nordstrom

Armour Fleece® Jogger Pants

QuietComfort® 35 Wireless Headphones II

Baseball Cap

Knox Low Top Sneaker

Women’s outfit for walking to tijuana.

Big Rainbow Boyfriend Tee

Tye Dye Legging Shorts

65-piece Hair Scrunchies

Men’s Outfit for Walking to Tijuana

Paper Plane Print Tee

No Sweat Relaxed Fit Shorts

Vintage Canvas Backpack

Women’s Swimsuit to Wear in Hawaii

Retro Sunglasses

Halterneck Swimsuit

Drawstring Waist Chambray Shorts

Seasonal Flip

Men’s swimsuit with cooler outfit for the beach.

Natural Face Moisturizer & Mineral Facial Sunscreen

"Life is Beautiful" Printed Tank

Aviv Sandals

More from smartertravel:.

• 7 Things Not to Do When Packing a Carry-On Bag
• How to Pack a Suitcase: The Ultimate Guide
• A Traveler’s Guide to Minimalist Packing

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information. Christine Sarkis, Dara Continenza, and Margaret Leahy contributed to this story.

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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How to Pack Light & Travel with Less (Like a Pro)

Last Updated: August 31, 2024

Want to travel light? Then you’d better pack light!

This simple bit of advice will fix most of problems if you’re a traveler who is weighed down with a suitcase that’s bursting at the seams and endangering anyone in its path.

Beyond bringing less, there’s more to the art of one bag packing and travel.

If you’ve already slimmed down your luggage, there’s still plenty more you can do to lighten your load.

I’m a steadfast one-bag traveler with years of experience under my belt, and would love to share some of my best advice with you.

Here are my best tips for packing (and traveling) light.

Pack Light, Travel Light

Make a Packing List and Stick to it

Learn how to ranger roll.

• Maximize Your Carry-On Size
• Know When to Utilize Packing Cubes

Pack Multi-Functional Clothing

Invest in merino wool & technical fibers, wear your bulky items at the airport.

• Leave Unnecessary Items at Home
• Don’t Overpack Toiletries

Bring Packable/Collapsible Gear to Save Space

Select your luggage for dimensions and weight, pack high-use essentials at the top of your bag.

• Final Thoughts on Packing Light

If you don’t, completely unnecessary items will magically appear in your bag.

How did that novelty travel mug get in your luggage?

Well, it probably snuck in while you were packing without a packing list!

Make a thoughtful list of your necessities, and once you’ve dialed it in, don’t deviate from it as you pack.

Know that your destination will almost always have anything you chose to leave behind, so don’t stress.

If you need some lightweight travel inspiration, check out our one-bag packing list to get started.

Or, if you want to really dive deep into lightening your load, peep our minimalist packing list , or check out our YouTube video above as well.

Whatever you do, avoid copying someone else’s packing list item-for-item.

There will always be something you need that they don’t (or vice versa).  

If there’s one thing we travelers can do to make packing light easier, it’s learning how to ranger roll .

What was once a way for soldiers to pack efficiently is now a favorite technique for travelers and nomads looking to utilize every square inch inside of their bag.

The ranger roll helps us travelers to make the most of our space, and the incredibly tight rolls also minimize wrinkles.

There’s certainly an art to it, but it’s a skill entirely worth learning.

Maximize Your Carry-On Size for Optimum One-Bag Travel

I recognize the irony for this piece of advice.

Joe, you just said to slim down your luggage, and now you want me to buy a bigger carry-on?

Fair enough, but stay with me.

You certainly don’t want to overpack, but you also want to balance comfort with ease of travel.

That’s where your carry-on comes in.

Unless you’re braving the budget airline realm and going personal item only , you’ll need to know carry-on regulations.

Even if you’re barreling headlong into the Spirit Airlines budget travel world — I do routinely and have lived to tell the tale so far — every square inch inside your luggage matters.

Most domestic airlines have identical carry-on regulations (and at least very similar personal item regulations).

For carry-ons, the standard in the US tends to be around 22″ x 14″ x 9″. European carriers, on the other hand, can be a bit more stringent .

If you swear by one carrier exclusively ( for better or worse ), know their carry-on and personal item regulations and how they compare to other airlines.

Know When to Utilize Packing Cubes (and When not to)

Packing cubes are a favorite among organization-minded travelers, so why would you ever travel without them?

The one downside of packing cubes is they’re, well… cubes.

Unless your pack is completely made of 90-degree angles, they won’t actually fill up every square inch inside.

Backpackers may be familiar with the idea of taking their sleeping bag out of its stuff sack and jamming it into the bottom of their pack, Doing so allows it to move naturally and fill every little crevice.

The same is true when travel packing.

For traditional travel, packing cubes are worth their weight in gold.

However, when you’re one-bag traveling, you may find that packing cubes may not maximize space in your bag and you’ll have to get creative to fill the empty spaces.

If you want to give packing cubes a shot, be sure to analyze their dimensions to ensure they fit well into your travel bag before making a purchase.

Let’s split “multi-functional” into two categories: style and utility.

In terms of style, aim for a simple wardrobe that matches well and can be dressed up or down.

Considering your itinerary is crucial to dialing in your clothing.

If you plan on visiting beautiful European churches with dress codes or heading out to fancy dinners, your needs will differ wildly than if you’re spending a relaxing week in Bali or splashing around in the ocean.

It’s not strange to pack only one set of nice clothing for your trip. If you’re on the move, nobody will know that you re-wore a certain outfit already anyway.

As goes for all things one-bag travel: less is more.

The second element to choosing a travel wardrobe is utility.

You want to consider your specific travel needs and which combination of clothing can solve the most needs at once.

Swim trunks and workout shorts do not have to be different pieces of clothing, for example.

They can also act as casual shorts on travel days, if nothing else.

Shoes often present a potentially tricky element to travel packing.

Even if you have size four feet, extra shoes will still occupy a significant amount of space in your bag.

In an ideal world, I recommend wearing one pair of versatile shoes and packing some thin flip-flops for showering and warm weather destinations.

Can you bring two pairs of shoes? Sure you can, but you’ll have to be at peace with cutting a significant amount of usable space from your bag’s volume.

Ultimately, everything you put in your luggage has an opportunity cost, so prioritize as you see fit.

The longer you can wear something without washing it, the fewer items you’ll need to pack.

Makes sense, right?

Merino wool travel clothing is ideal when it comes to stretching time between washes since it wicks sweat from your body and is incredibly anti-microbial and odor-resistant.

When you’re traveling for a week or more, you’re bound to get a little ripe.

That’s just how travel goes.

So, why not pick items that are made to keep your travel musk at bay for a few more days than usual?

Merino wool doesn’t need to be washed nearly as often as cotton (or polyester and other technical fibers, for that matter).

Wearing the same socks and underwear for days at a time would be a gnarly endeavor if they were cotton.

Merino wool though? Perfectly fair game and completely hygienic.

Merino clothing can be quite expensive, so it’s not for everyone.

For what it’s worth, my favorite Merino brand, Smartwool , frequently runs promos on their socks and underwear.

Keep a close eye on their clearance section, and you’ll find some serious discounts. Darn Tough is also great.

If you can’t find a sale or swing the cost of Merino, other synthetic technical fibers can simulate many of Merino’s benefits at a lower cost.

What should you do with boots, jackets, travel jeans , and other bulky items that hog precious space in your bag?

Simply don’t pack them; it’s a rookie mistake.

Wear them onto the plane instead.

Who cares if you look like the Michelin man going on vacation?

Freeing up valuable space in your bag is worth it.

Airports and airplanes tend to be over-air-conditioned anyway, so it’s a win-win.

Leave Unnecessary Electronics at Home

Stay with me, digital nomads.

I’m not saying leave all of your precious tech gadgets behind.

I’m simply encouraging you to pare down your setup to the absolute essentials.

Maybe you already have, but just in case you haven’t, let’s talk.

You may not be able to get a full day of work from just your phone, but do you really need a bulky laptop?

Could the combination of a smartphone and a capable tablet get the job done?

A phone stand, compact tablet, and mini Bluetooth keyboard can work wonders for digital nomads and free up a bunch of weight in their packs.

Don’t Overpack Toiletries

If you’re short on space in your bag, buy toiletries when you arrive at your destination or simply use what they provide at your hotel, hostel, Airbnb, or other lodging.

If you aren’t short on space, pack your favorite travel-sized toiletries to save some time and money.

A local pharmacy or general store is never too far away to stock up on toothpaste, soap, and other essentials.

Hotels and hostels usually have extras on hand that they’ll give away if you ask politely.

The same goes for those chargers and other odds and ends in the lost and found (if you’re extra charming).

Disclaimer : Your favorite toiletries won’t be available everywhere you travel. If you require a specific brand or type of toiletry, don’t chance it – bring it with you. The same goes for prescriptions and medicine beyond the basics.

Packable down jackets, crushable travel hats , power banks with built-in wires, and other compact travel accessories will maximize storage in your bag.

Invest in efficient, space-saving gear and watch your pack-size shrink.

One of my favorite packable pieces of travel gear is the Klymit X Inflatable Pillow , which I’ve used for several years.

Sure, it’s a bit of a luxury but frequent travelers will find it to be worth every penny.

It takes up no space, inflates in a few seconds, and is far more comfortable than resting your head on your backpack.

You can pack lightweight items, but a heavy piece of luggage will nullify all of your weight-conscious decisions.

Remember, just because a bag is small doesn’t necessarily mean it’s lightweight.

I mean, have you seen those Fjallraven backpacks?

They aren’t that large, but they weigh practically as much as a toddler.

There are loads of benefits to traveling with a smaller, lighter bag .

That said, the more technical and lightweight a bag is, the pricier and (sometimes) more delicate it can be.

Some travelers are fine with the tradeoffs, others aren’t.

If you want durable luggage you can toss around without worry, buy a more burly bag and enjoy the little extra workout you get as you trek around the globe.

Within your mind, there’s a Venn diagram that pinpoints the optimal balance between your bag’s size, weight, durability, and price.

There are going to be trade-offs no matter which direction you lean, so choose a bag that falls perfectly within your sweet spot.

Admittedly, this piece of advice won’t help you travel lighter in and of itself.

But, a thoughtfully-packed bag will significantly elevate your one-bag travel game.

When traveling, having your most essential gear immediately accessible will be a game-changer.

Think travel documents, power banks, and in-case-of-emergency cash. Whether you stash these items at the top of your pack, inside a fanny pack, or on your person is up to you.

When heading towards the land of one-bag travel, ensuring your essentials are easy to find is absolutely crucial.

How you pack your bag is almost as important as the items you bring along.

Pack Light, Travel Right & Keep Perfecting Your Craft

As you spend more time trying out one-bag travel and traveling light, you’ll naturally continue to dial in your gear list and travel packing routines.

The only way to see what works for you is to pack a bag, get out there, and go for it.

If you haven’t quite perfected traveling light when you head out on your next trip, don’t stress.

You’ll likely never be completely smitten with your packing list.

Along your journey, put your packing list to the test, figure out what works through trial and error, and forever fine-tune the gear you bring along, even if just incrementally.

Joe Coleman

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The Best Ultralight Backpacks of 2024

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Ultralight backpacking is exploding in popularity — and rightfully so: Going light means going farther, faster, and more comfortably, but you’ll need the right pack to do it with. We’ve been testing the best ultralight backpacks for more than a decade now, and have rucked in over 25 of the most dialed to key in on our top selections today.

To help narrow down the choices, we interviewed several knowledgeable thru-hikers and tested countless models to find the best ultralight backpacks, from the time-tested HMG Windrider 55 to the more budget-friendly Mountainsmith Scream . If you’re looking to pack light, you’ve come to the right place.

All of our current testers are long-distance hikers, and collectively, we’ve put down somewhere north of 15,000 miles on long trails everywhere from the Pacific Crest Trail to Iceland’s Laugavegur and Patagonian cross-country treks. We know the importance of balancing durability, weight, and functionality when scoping out the best ultralight backpack for your journey, and we allowed only the crème de la crème into this roundup.

While there isn’t a single ultralight backpack for everyone, we’ve noted some of the useful features and specs of each of our recommendations to help you find the best ultralight backpack for your needs. At the end of our list, be sure to check out our   Comparison Chart ,   Buyer’s Guide , and Price & Value sections for additional info to guide your choice.

Editor’s Note: We updated our Ultralight Backpacks guide on September 13, 2024, to add the REI Co-op Flash Air 50 , ULA Equipment Ultra Circuit , and the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Contour 35 — all excellent UL packs that excel in their own niche.

• Best Overall Ultralight Backpack: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider 55
• Best Budget Ultralight Backpack: Mountainsmith Scream 55
• Best Entry-Level Ultralight Backpack: REI Co-op Flash Air 50
• Best for Ultralight Base Weights: LiteAF ECOPAK 30L Curve
• Most Durable Ultralight Backpack: ULA Equipment Ultra Circuit
• Best Ultralight Pack for Heavy Loads: Stone Glacier Terminus 7000
• Best Comfort Ultralight Backpack: Osprey Exos Pro 55

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider 55

• Weight: 1 lb., 15.6 oz. (white); 2 lbs., 2.5 oz. (black)
• Volume: 64.8 L (55 L main compartment, 9.8 L outside storage)
• Material: DCH50 main body and DCH150 bottom (white); DCH150 main body and bottom (black)
• Outside storage: Two zippered hipbelt pockets, two side water bottle pockets, front shove-it pocket, ice axe attachment
• Lightweight yet durable fabric will last entire thru-hikes
• Easy to adjust the volume with roll-top collar
• Removable aluminum stays add structure and support
• Mesh stuff pocket is a great place to dry wet kit
• Available in two different DCF weights
• Interior DCF will begin to fray after 1,000+ miles
• Ice axe attachment is finicky to use

After multiple thru-hikes now, we’ve settled on the  Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider 55 ($379) as just about the best ultralight pack for the greatest number of hikers out there. Even with new textiles making a big scene, the Dyneema Composite Fabric build of this pack is simply too good to stray from, and the smart feature set tacks on just what you need while having the restraint to do without what will weigh you down.

Available in three different volumes (40, 55, and 75 L), the 2-ounce penalty between the 40 and 55 volumes makes the middle child an easy recommendation for anyone setting out on anything from a long weekend to an entire long trail. Otherwise, this pack is basic: It has one main compartment with a bladder holder, a large mesh area with three separate compartments, two side pouches, and an ice axe loop. The design is a near paradigm at this point.

The roll-top closure keeps water out and the whole pack compresses down easily with a strap. The overall volume of the pack can be adjusted significantly by rolling or unrolling it to the desired level, and four side compression straps aid in the cause (as well as wrangling tall kit stashed in the side pockets, like trekking poles or umbrellas).

That expanse of mesh on the front of the pack is what differentiates this pack from the similar HMG Southwest and Junction packs, and we found it makes the perfect spot to stash a wet tent fly to dry. A note here that, like most mesh, this too can get snagged and tear, so consider your needs when choosing between these packs.

It’s expensive, but dang, this pack is durable! In our testing, despite rolling, and unrolling the top closure hundreds of times, placing sharp objects in the main compartment, sitting on it in rafts, and getting brushed and harassed by thorny wilderness on miles-long treks, there was not a single hole or tear. What will occur, however, after about a thousand miles of trail use, is that the interior threads of the DCF fabric in the collar will begin to become loose.

It’s the price you pay for ultralight materials, and with careful use (and some Dyneema repair tape ), you can get many more miles out of this pack. For the thru-hiker or weight-conscious weekend warrior looking for top-of-the-line ultralight performance that doesn’t skimp on durability, the Windrider 55 may just be the perfect pack.   

Read Review: Ultra-light, Ultra-tough, Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider

Mountainsmith Scream 55

• Weight: 2 lbs., 13 oz.
• Volume: 55 L
• Material: 210d Robic Dynajin nylon ripstop UTS
• Outside Storage: Two zippered hipbelt pockets, two mesh side pockets, double front panel storage pockets
• Budget price
• Solid organization with plenty of zippered pockets and access points
• Lightweight internal frame distributes loads well
• On the heavier side for ultralight packs
• Roll top closure is sometimes a little funky if pack isn’t fully loaded
• Shoulder strap foam is a bit firm

The newly updated  Mountainsmith Scream 55  is a heck of a deal for ultralight backpacks. At a retail price of just $160 (and a lot less in the off-season), this is by far the least expensive on this list. We used the Scream on a few big hikes and were highly impressed.

This pack is a top-loader with roll closures, similar to the HMG Windrider , but with a shorter collar. This is mated up to a large U-shaped zippered front panel that helps access gear easily, and two large external stretch mesh pockets help with organization. With no top lid, this feature gives you a place to put small, frequently needed items. In use, we were impressed with how well the minimal EVA frame sheet distributed weight through our back, hips, and shoulders.

The 45-pound capacity is impressive compared to some of the lighter-duty packs in our testing, and we found that the aluminum hoop frame that forms the backbone of this pack was able to hit that number without much complaint. The shoulder strap foam is plenty thick, though we found it to be a bit firm for our liking.

At 2 pounds, 13 ounces, the Scream 55 is at the upper end of what we’d allow as ultralight, though its about the best price-to-weight ratio you’re going to find out there. For those willing to separate with a few more bills, the REI Co-op Flash Air 50 ($299) trims a full pound compared to the Scream, and sports a more conventional UL pack design to do it — while still retaining the suspension performance you’d expect from REI.

At $3 per liter of volume, though, you do get a good amount of pack for your money, and for anyone curious about checking out ultralight, the Scream 55 can be a stellar option.

REI Co-op Flash Air 50 Pack

• Weight: 1 lb., 15 oz.
• Volume: 50 L
• Material: UHMWPE ripstop nylon (87% nylon/13% polyethylene)
• Outside Storage: Two zippered hipbelt pockets, two side water bottle pockets, two exterior side pockets, one front stash pocket, ice axe/trekking pole tether
• Pre-curved frame provides excellent comfort
• UHMWPE fabric is uber tough
• Water bottle pockets are front-angled and easy to snag
• Top Y-strap wrangles bulky items like bear canisters
• Compatible with REI Packmod accessories
• Back panel doesn't have the best ventilation
• Not fully waterproof design — will need other waterproofing solution
• Not the lightest option out there at nearly 2 pounds

A spur on the tried-and-true Flash series, the  REI Co-op Flash Air 50  ($299) is the industry old guard’s first foray into the UL pack scene , and color us surprised: they didn’t do half bad. Is it true UL at almost 2 pounds? Not quite, as we tend to aim at 16 ounces as our grail ultralight pack weight, but with a number of niceties we typically see on more mainstream packs, this is the ideal bag to dip your toe into lightweight hiking with.

Best thought of as a Flash pack cut from UHMWPE cloth, the Flash Air trims an entire pound from the OG (losing the floating top lid also helps accomplish this) but still retains a spring steel frame, ventilated back panel, pre-curved hip belt, and even load lifters. Similar to the Osprey Exos Pro , this pack still offers a good amount of comfort for lightweight hikers, instead of demanding they cut base weights.

We put the Flash Air into the hands of PCT alumni Samuel Martin, who measured it against his go-to Hyperlite packs and ended up dubbing it ultralight for the masses. “It’s a common misconception that you must trade comfort for weight when using ultralight gear,” says Martin. “Even while climbing 1,000 feet in 2 miles, the Flash Air 50 felt secure and weighted on my hips.”

Besides the better-than-average carry, the Flash Air follows pretty much the standard recipe: a single-compartment tube pack, with a large front stash pocket, and side water bottle pockets round out your storage options. Those side pockets are a bit unique, however, as they’re actually split into four separate sleeves: two tall for wrangling long water bottles and two short and angled for reaching into while wearing the pack. It’s no bottom pocket, but it works well enough for on-the-go snacking.

Like most UL packs, don’t expect the Flash Air to be 100% waterproofed: Martin found that even the waterproof UHMWPE fabric isn’t impervious to a Linville Gorge rain storm, and we recommend a pack liner to keep your essentials dry. The optional REI Pack Mod accessories also feel a bit gimmicky, and the shoulder-strap phone pocket isn’t nearly as nice to use as some integrated options, such as on the HMG Contour 35 .

Compared to other ~2-pound packs, the Flash Air 50 makes a compelling argument for itself as the perfect stepping stone into ultralight hiking — and even more so if you already use a Flash pack. The Osprey Exos Pro is another option to consider, though we found the side compression strap system on that pack a little less user-friendly. It’s also ~3 ounces heavier across the board, making the Flash Air our current recommendation for an entry-level UL pack.

LiteAF ECOPAK 30L Curve

• Weight: 13 oz. without any accessories
• Volume: 30 L, plus an extra 15 L external capacity
• Material: ECOPAK EPLX200
• Outside Storage: Two side water bottle pockets, large front shove-it pocket, ice axe attachment (optional), bottom stretch mesh pocket (optional)
• Crazy lightweight, yet durable enough for a thru-hike
• Tons of loud colors to choose from to spice things up on trail
• Long front shove-it pocket affords a good deal of external storage
• Ability to totally customize your own pack
• Need to purchase hipbelt separately
• Pretty low 20-pound weight limit
• Long custom pack lead times (upwards of 8 weeks)

Now we’re getting into those truly specialized ultralight goodies! With this pack, it’s all in the brand’s name. Starting at 13 ounces (that’s not a typo), the frameless LiteAF ECOPAK 30L Curve  ($235) seems to float from your hand when you pick it up. People are really thru-hiking with this?

More and more, these snazzy-colored, funky-shaped packs can be seen trotting (swiftly) down the length of the PCT, AT, or pretty much anywhere fast and light adventurers are getting after it. As a true cottage brand, LiteAF offers a huge variety in custom-building your own pack, from standards like torso and hip belt sizing to even tweaking the color of the pack body and pockets.

Available in three different styles of material (with rugged Ultra and DCF also options), the ECOPAK version of the Curve is the cheapest of the bunch, but that doesn’t mean the EPLX200 can’t hang. This fully recycled polyester textile uses a waterproof film backing and weighs in at 5.9 ounces/yard, meaning its a bit heavier than the comparable 200-denier Ultra at 3.5 ounces/yard, but its a more economical option, and as a bonus, it can be printed with all sorts of different patterns.

As a frameless pack, you’ll need to be smart in your packing of the bag to lend it structure from the contents and avoid any odd shapes poking into your back. We’ve had good luck in using a Gossamer Gear Thinlight Foam Pad folded into a back panel, though some hikers will also just use their inflatable pad. We found that the load carry on the Curve was as good as the frameless MLD Exodus or HMG Contour and that the narrower pack profile aided in keeping it clear while we hiked.

With 30 L of internal capacity (and an extra 15 L of external storage), your kit needs to be pretty dialed to make a long-distance backpacking trip work in this. The 30L Curve is for those with base weights under 10 pounds who are looking to lighten their setup even more (think: your tarp is also your rain gear, type vibe).

Despite such a low weight, this pack is still featured enough to make long-distance travel comfortable and efficient, and they offer several add-ons (such as a stretch mesh bottom pocket and various shock cords) to increase storage capabilities. While the pack doesn’t ship with hip belts, you can separately order a  1-inch webbing hip belt  or a simple  padded hip belt  if you feel the need.

For the lightest, fastest adventures you could dream of,  Lite AF’s 30L Curve  is about as ultralight and streamlined as they come. Take care of it, pack it wisely, and it could be the ticket to that next FKT you’ve been eyeing.

ULA Equipment Ultra Circuit

• Weight: 2 lbs., 1.8 oz.
• Volume: 68 L
• Material: ULTRA 400X/ULTRA 200X Fabric + UltraStretch Mesh
• Outside Storage: 2 zippered hipbelt pockets, 2 adjustable side water bottle pockets, front shove-it pocket, ice axe/trekking pole attachments
• Very durable water-resistant ULTRA 400X and 200X fabric
• Super comfortable and highly adjustable
• Customizable ordering for personal sizes — shoulder straps in particular
• Roll top with Y strap that can be replaced
• Roll top buckles clip both ways
• Fits bear cans both inside and on top
• Not seam taped/waterproof
• Strap connections aren't secured completely; can come off

The Circuit has a well-worn groove in the UL scene, with near-constant rankings in annual post-season long trail surveys and a name for itself as an already overbuilt bag. Now trimmed out in Ultra fabric, the ULA Equipment Ultra Circuit ($380) is even burlier, and if you need something for bushwhacks, canyon trips, or just wailing on, this is the ultralight pack for you.

Thru-hiker Jackson Sims-Myers has around 7,000 miles notched on his hip belt, with a not small number of those completed using another ULA pack, the CDT . Now a canyoneering nut, Sims-Myers needed something with a bit of a thicker skin to put up with the abrasive nature of sandstone canyons, and the Ultra Circuit was just the ticket.

“I was honestly surprised by how well the Ultra fabric held up, considering the bag wasn’t designed to withstand this particular experience,” Sims-Myers said after thrashing the pack down (and back out of) the Grand Canyon. Ultra is the new hot-ticket in pack design right now, and while there’s a weight increase, it does a good bit better than Dyneema Composite Fabric when it comes to abrasion, with UHMWPE fibers running in three directions instead of two with DCF. 

Beyond the textile difference, the Ultra version shares a great bit with the classic Circuit, including two side water bottle pockets, two zippered hip-belt pockets, ice axe/trekking pole retention loops, and a large front shove-it pocket to round it out. The pack carries heavier loads comfortably with its contoured shoulder straps and padded back panel.

Its roll-top closure makes the volume of the pack highly adjustable. This is prime for thru-hikers, who will often load up for long stretches between towns and then can roll the top down to about 35 L as they empty the pack.

The pack carries extremely well, featuring a 1.2-ounce carbon fiber and Delrin suspension hoop coupled with a dense foam frame and single aluminum stay. This unique design provides great load control, rigidity, and back support without compromising on weight or impeding the range of movement. It’s no meat-hauler like the Stone Glacier Terminus 7000 , but compared to many ultralight packs, the Ultra Circuit doesn’t shy away from weight.

While the Ultra fabric is inherently waterproof (and the pack uses a roll-top closure and waterproof zips), we did notice that the body itself isn’t taped, meaning water ingress can still be a problem. Price, too, should be considered, as this is one spendy pack at $380. You’re undoubtedly paying for access to the Ultra textile here, so if you don’t quite need that level of burl, consider the regular ULA Circuit — a standby pack.

Though not the lightest of ultralight packs, the ability to carry larger loads while still cutting down on weight makes the  Ultra Circuit  an ideal option for those heading into unkind environments for long trips.

Stone Glacier Terminus 7000

• Weight: 3 lbs., 15 oz.
• Volume: 115 L
• Material: X-Pac and SG ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) blend fabric
• Outside Storage: No pockets, but plenty of sinch straps to attach things to
• Super low weight for the volume and how much it’s designed to carry
• Carries and distributes the weight of heavy loads well
• Very durable
• Pretty specific design for a niche need
• Huge profile

The  Stone Glacier Terminus 7000  ($649) is one of the more unique “haul everything” packs we’ve tested. Designed for the hyper-specific niche of big mountain goat and sheep hunting, the pack is capable of that and a whole lot more.

In essence, the pack is a single large tube of high molecular weight polyethylene attached to a world-class frame, shoulder straps, and harness. Designed to carry massive loads north of 150 pounds, this pack is a dream to carry. And thanks to smart carbon composite design, it weighs in at just 3 pounds, 15 ounces, which is super impressive, given its volume of over 115 L.

Our team tested the pack hauling loads in preparation for elk hunting, mountaineering, and general backpacking. It carries remarkably well, even with a lot of weight. While the pack is bare-bones in terms of storage solutions, it does have two internal pockets, a large external pocket, and a lid pocket, all of which can help keep items organized.

But its strength comes in hauling heavy loads. Unlike some hunting packs though, it doesn’t have a meat shelf, meaning that the load needs to be loaded internally. So, strangely shaped objects (like firewood or chainsaws) will be awkward to load. For those who need to haul heavy loads though, the Terminus 7000 is a unique, excellent choice that carries weight amazingly well.

Read Review: Ultralight, Ultra-Strong Backpack: Stone Glacier Terminus 7000 Review

Osprey Exos Pro 55

• Weight: 2 lbs., 1.2 oz. (S/M); 2 lbs., 2.6 oz. (L/XL)
• Volume: 55 L (S/M); 58 L (L/XL)
• Material: NanoFly recycled 100-denier UHMWPE ripstop nylon with DWR
• Outside Storage: 1 zippered & 1 elasticated hipbelt pocket, 2 side water bottle pockets, front shove-it pocket, ice axe/trekking pole attachments
• Excellent suspension system that transfers loads well
• Cozy shoulder harness
• Fantastic breathability
• Fully featured
• Easily accommodates a bear can
• Z-style side compression straps aren't our favorite
• Heavier than other ultralight backpacks
• Thin hipbelt padding is noticeable with heavy loads

Folks, the wait is over. We present the newly minted Osprey Exos Pro 55 ($290), a lighter, sleeker sibling to the original treasured Exos . This pack is a fully featured iteration of Osprey’s lightweight standard bearer, with the luxe suspension system we’ve grown to expect, fine-tuned adjustability, and ample storage — while shaving nearly a pound off an already featherlight package.

To be sure, at just over 2 pounds, the Pro can’t hold a candle weight-wise to packs like LiteAF’s 30L Curve, but it has a 55-58 L capacity and the ability to haul much heavier loads. Plus, removing the brain sheds an additional 2.6 ounces, which is how we usually like to roll — making it even more competitive.

Nano-fly UHMWPE ripstop nylon, thin straps, and tiny buckles are key ingredients in the secret sauce. They strike a nearly perfect balance between bougie comfort and lightweight minimalism. With a suspended mesh back panel, full frame load transfer, torso adjustability, and ventilated mesh yoke, it carries and performs like Osprey’s chunkier models, which weighs over twice as much. For premium ultralight comfort and next-level breathability, the Exos Pro is next to none. So what’s the rub?

The obvious tradeoff is durability; 100-denier fabric will hold its own during light bush-bashing but is designed for the well-trodden path. For burly off-trail objectives, look to a pack made from Ultra, like the ULA Ultra Circuit or Black Diamond Betalight 45 . That said, we found ourselves scrambling over some pretty gnarly terrain with the Pro over our testing period, and it weathered the storm with barely any signs of wear and tear.

Other slight cons include relatively thin hip belts (only one pocket is zippered) and somewhat awkward Z-style compression straps that connect to the hip belt pockets, which just aren’t our favorite design. These straps were the deciding factor in us recommending the REI Co-op Flash Air 50 as our pick for a pack to get into ultralight backpacking with, as both bags are fairly similar (though the Flash Air does undercut the Osprey by a handful of ounces).

Don’t let our quibbles dissuade you, though. This lightweight feat of engineering represents a landmark for weekend warriors and thru-hikers alike, hinting at a new category of high-capacity, fully-framed ultralight backpacks. So, if you aren’t ready to make the leap to a glorified trash bag with straps and wish to carry a full-length toothbrush, then give the Exos Pro a shot.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Contour 35

• Weight: 15.9 oz.
• Volume: 35 L
• Material: DCH50 main body and DCH150 bottom, 100D Dyneema Gridstop pockets, and Dyneema Stretch Mesh
• Outside Storage: Two side water bottle pockets, front stretch front pocket, two shoulder strap pockets, one stretch bottom pocket
• Wide and cushioned shoulder straps support the frameless design well
• Pack weight just under a pound
• Side bottle pockets can fit two 1 liter bottles side by side
• Bottom stretch pocket is a great place for snacks on the go
• Seam tape on all internal vertical seams
• Grab loop on back of pack is fairly lightweight
• Internal volume will require either careful packing or fast hiking on long stretches

After using a Southwest 40 for a thru-hike of the PCT, Senior Editor Nick Belcaster was keen on getting some miles under the new Hyperlite Mountain Gear Contour 35 ($329), which required him to cut some luxuries and focus on the bottom line. After having now used the pack for sections of long trails and alpine packraft bushwhacks, his opinion: “This pack is Hyperlite hitting its stride.”

So what’s different? Well, not a lot, but also a good bit. For one, the bag is Hyperlite’s first dedicated frameless overnight pack, which thankfully is mated up to a redesigned set of shoulder straps that are a full 3.25″ inches wide. This puts the pack a cut above the brand’s Unbound , which sports a single aluminum stay and removable hipbelt. On the Contour, you’re locked into minimalism, but that’s not a bad thing: Belcaster found the suspension better than his Southwest.

The classic DCF build is a constant, and it’s a hardwearing textile that our miles of trail use are still trying to get to fail. Mated to that is a front Dyneema Stretch Mesh stuff pocket that wrangled our water filter, rain shell, and bathroom kit easily. The side water bottle pockets are pleated to add a good bit of material, and will accommodate two 1-liter bottles, in our experience. Besides this, there’s little else adorning the Contour, save for two paracord side lashings, where we like to dry our socks.

To be fully honest, the Contour does suffer from a bit of convergent evolution, where the idea of the modern ultralight pack settles into a familiar groove: The stretch bottom pocket — a feature we’ve grown to love on other packs like the Pa’lante V2 — makes an appearance here, complete with the corner cutout to slip your garbage into. Imitation/flattery and all that aside, the addition raises all boats here, and we loved stashing our day’s worth of snacks in the pocket every morning.

Like the LiteAF 30L Curve , you probably already know if the Contour is right for you. At 35 L of internal storage, this pack is squarely in the ‘single-hiker shelter, 30-degree quilt, probably-cold soaks’ camp and will necessitate putting down bigger mileage days to avoid packing too much food. Thankfully the 6.5 L of external storage is easy to use. During our testing, we also felt a bit uneasy fully hefting the pack by the grab loop, as it felt a bit flimsy.

But as they say, light is right, and if your base weight is consistently south of 10 pounds (and you hit that 3 MPH pace on the regular), the Contour 35 can be an excellent UL pack to carry it all with. The internal volume will challenge some to really trim the fat, but on well-supplied long trails, you could get away with a lot wearing this pack.

Black Diamond Betalight 45

• Weight: 1 lb., 15.4 oz.
• Volume: 45 L
• Material: Ultra 200 & 400
• Outside Storage: Two zippered hip belt pockets, two side water bottle pockets, front shove-it pocket
• Extremely durable yet lightweight
• Weather-resistant design
• Lots of storage built into shoulder harness
• Removable frame pad gives structure without adding much weight
• Hip belts and shoulder straps thinly padded
• Not our favorite strap closure design

Black Diamond’s answer to the ultralight wave is impressive, to say the least, yet expensive, to say the worst. Let’s get down to brass tacks on the novel Betalight 45 : if $400 for a sack with straps turns you away, it may be best to read on. Get into the nitty gritty, though — and it just might be worth it.

Black Diamond has been angling toward the mountain-running scene for a few years now, but this pack is its first effort at a backpacking pack that isn’t dialed in for the alpine. Perhaps the most important factor here, partially contributing to the high price tag, is Challenge Sailcloth’s Ultra 200 body fabric — the same material that makes the ULA Equipment Ultra Circuit so tough. BD certainly read the room by choosing this material, and the pack has proven tough.

Thru-hiker Chris Carter recently helped map out a new trail system in Kenya, and four days and over 60 miles later, the pack was hauled through hell and came out without a scratch (well — without a tear). Not only did it fend off endless thorns and sharp bamboo, but the waterproof fabric (coupled with taped seams) kept everything dry through torrential downpours. 

BD whittled the pack’s weight down to a respectable 31.4 ounces by employing this extremely durable fabric, which offers up a comfortable ride to boot. The running-vest-inspired shoulder harness is unusually wide, distributing weight well — but is sparsely padded. The hip belts are also quite thin (very reminiscent of Hyperlight Mountain Gear, also), meaning you’ll want to keep your load to a modest ultralight weight when using this pack.

We love the massive front shove-it pocket but wish you didn’t have to unclip the top strap to access it. The large side pockets hold contents securely, but it’s difficult to remove bottles on the go. The hip belt pockets easily accommodate larger iPhones and plenty of snacks, but the zipper sits a bit low on the pouch, meaning contents spill out easier than other designs we’ve seen. We found this out the hard way.

These gripes aside, the level of durability you get at such a light weight with the Betalight 45 pack is honestly shocking. BD still has a bit of refining to do, in our opinion, but this has the potential to be one of the more hardworking ultralight packs out there. For something with a bit more proven R&D (and cheaper), we suggest snagging a Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider or, if you’re after the same Ultra material, the ULA Equipment Ultra Circuit  — at a slight weight ding.

Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60

• Weight: 1 lb., 13.2 oz. (small); 1 lb., 15.2 oz. (medium); 2 lbs., 1 oz. (large)
• Volume: 60 L (36 L main compartment, 24 L exterior pockets)
• Material: 100- and 200-denier Robic high-tensile strength nylon
• Outside Storage: Two zippered hipbelt pockets, three side pockets, front mesh shove-it pocket, ice axe attachment
• Phenomenal organizational features
• Approachable price point
• Made with durable but light Robic nylon
• Excellent fit and adjustability
• Not the best ventilation
• Zippered top pocket difficult to use when pack is fully loaded

Well known for its lightweight but still comfortable packs, the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 ($315) is the darling of the lineup and weighs just over 2 pounds. As a brand, Gossamer Gear has typically steered away from the space-age textile race and instead focused on carrying comfort, and after some good miles under the Mariposa, we think it’s a solid option.

Newly specced out in 100D and 210D Robic nylon, this pack is remarkably durable for its weight. It also hits a modest price point compared to packs made with more expensive Dyneema Composite fabrics, and, instead, puts those dollars to work in organization. Like most other packs, you’ve got the classic stretch-mesh stuff pocket, but the Mariposa takes a different tack with the side pockets with one tall (perfect for umbrellas or your tent) and two staggered — for bottles and rainwear.

Fit, too, has been dialed in, or rather: you can dial it in, with two different styles of hip belts available (as well as five sizes across those options). This is a welcome departure from the ‘get-what-you-get’ of packs like the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider   or Mountain Laurel Designs Exodus , and coupled with the load lifters, we felt that this was one of the most accommodating packs out there currently.

The biggest negative that we noticed had to do with its ventilation. Compared to some other models in its weight and price category, the foam sheet on the back is somewhat breathable, but left us wishing for some greater airflow. The ability to strip the pack of the pad is a handy feature, however, and the placement on the exterior of the pack means you can pop the pad out for a lunch break.

The Mariposa 60 has plenty of the hallmarks of being an excellent budget pick — save for the price, which, while still on the lower end, carries the overhead of being from a smaller brand. Instead, we like to think that the pack is a killer option for those who want an ultralight pack, but don’t want to get dinged with the wild prices. In this way, it’s similar to the Granite Gear Crown3 and Virga3 — both packs focused on carry and durability.

Granite Gear Crown3

• Weight: 2 lbs., 6.4 oz.
• Volume: 60 L
• Material: 210-denier high-tenacity nylon
• Outside Storage: Two zippered hip belt pockets, two side water bottle pockets, ice axe attachments, stretch mesh shove-it pocket, elastic water bottle lash on shoulder straps
• Low weight with a high load capacity
• Super durable
• Comfortable and versatile
• Lid converts into a lumbar pack
• The lack of a metal stay makes the load shift around some during use — can be purchased separately

The  Granite Gear Crown3  ($240) weighs just 2 pounds, 4 ounces, and has a 60L carrying capacity. Even at such a low weight, it can transform from a weekend heavy-hauler to a lightweight bag for a long thru-hike. Much like this pack’s predecessor, the Crown2 60, the Crown3 60 is versatile, light, and relatively durable for an ultralight backpack.

We tested the Crown3 60 on a 32-mile 4-Pass Loop hike in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, and found the pack carried really well, even with a heavier-than-average load, thanks to the optional ($12, sold separately) aluminum stay. This beefs up the otherwise good VC Mark 3 Frame Sheet, giving the pack a weight capacity of up to about 45 pounds.

During our test hikes, we found the pack very comfortable and versatile, especially for its light weight and low cost. We also loved the huge side pockets, large stretch-mesh back panel, and removable, just-right-size top lid pocket.

The Crown3 uses the same material as the Crown2’s 210-denier, high-tenacity nylon, which we put through more than 2,000 miles of testing. So we expect it to hold up at least as well as the old version.

Compared to other lightweight packs that otherwise follow a familiar mold, we tend to suggest the Osprey Exos Pro 55 or REI Co-op Flash Air 50  more frequently than the Crown3 simply because these packs come ready-to-hike with supportive frames. This pack does slide in a good bit cheaper than both of these, however, so if you are feeling the squeeze, it can make a great option.

Read Review: Granite Gear Crown3 60 Review: Ultralight Pack, Heavy Potential

Mountain Laurel Designs Exodus 55L

• Weight: 1 lb., 2 oz.
• Volume: 58 L
• Material: UltraGrid 200D, or Ultra X 200/100D
• Outside Storage: Two side water bottle pockets, front shove-it pocket, trekking pole and ice axe attachment
• Accommodates a bear bin
• Built with ultralight but durable material
• Thoughtful, streamlined design
• Side pockets are quite tight
• Hipbelt is pretty short

Serious ultralight backpackers heap praise on the  Mountain Laurel Designs Exodus 55L  ($245-325), and for good reason. The frameless pack carries a load of 20-25 pounds and weighs in at a scant 18 ounces. The brand calls it the “lightest full-size, full-featured, frameless pack made.”

It’s a popular design for thru-hikers or others doing big, lightweight miles who may be carrying a bear bin to protect their food from bruins. At 12 inches wide, 7 inches thick, and 35 inches high, it will fit a small bin with room to spare for other gear.

True to its cottage industry roots, the Exodus is always changing for the better. The most recent pivot is to offer the pack in two different varieties of Challenge Ultra fabric: UltraGrid and Ultra X. The former is a double UHMWPE ripstop grid mated to recycled nylon, and the latter is the most cutting-edge stuff currently out: a 200D Ultra weave with an additional two plies of UHMWPE. The high-test stuff will run you $325 a pack, but for the money, it’s incredible stuff.

The Exodus has a very supportive, cushioned hip belt, especially for an 18-ounce pack. The SuperWick Mesh-lined waist belt wings with 1.5-inch webbing, and the buckle adjusts from about 28 to 45 inches.

It’s a simple design that serves the needs of ultralight hikers with no unnecessary features. Customers can add a lid or hip belt pockets and shoulder pockets if they so desire. The most glaring issue may actually be finding a proper use for all 55 L of space: frameless packs have a definite weight limit, which means you’ll be limited to bulky — but lightweight — kit, which makes this pack pretty niche. For most folks, a better all-arounder is likely the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider or, if you want to stay frameless, the LiteAF Curve .

For the lightest and fastest hiking missions where weight and efficiency are the biggest concerns, the Exodus has proven to be one of the best ultralight backpacks out there.

Granite Gear Virga3 55L

• Weight: 1 lb., 10.8 oz. (regular); 1 lb., 11.5 oz. (long)
• Volume: 55 L (regular & long)
• Material: Robic high-tenacity nylon (100D and 210D) with barrier DWR treatment
• Outside storage: Two side water bottle pockets, front shove-it pocket
• Simple, quick adjustability
• Better options for fit in straps, hip belt
• Durable, thoughtful design
• Quite affordable
• Easily accessible side pockets
• Compression straps are difficult to effectively use without a frame
• Recommend foam sleeping pad to add rigidity

The very first thing you notice when sliding a new Granite Gear Virga3 ($200) from the box is the wild-looking shoulder harness, with even more adjustability than you’d find on the beefy Osprey Aether . Not one, but two rows of daisy chains decorate the top of this pack, and afford the shoulder straps lateral and longitudinal adjustment with simple gatekeeper buckles. How is this still an ultralight pack?

Add in a fully adjustable pocketed hip belt, large side and front mesh pockets, side and front compression straps, all with a durable nylon construction, and you’d think this pack wound up in the wrong guide. But the Virga3 hovers miraculously around a pound and a half and can be stripped down further to a minimal trail weight of 1.18 pounds.

This does come with a caveat, however. Granite Gear achieved such an impressively low weight by leaving out a frame sheet or stays. The structure of the pack is meant to come from the load itself, and they have included top and bottom pad pockets inside the main compartment where you can insert a folding foam pad.

This is a unique design, but we found that some accordion pads were too large for the pockets. Additionally, many people prefer to hike with inflatable pads to save space. We also don’t find compression straps to be very effective on frameless packs, so we don’t generally use the ones on the Virga unless we have a pad in the back.

Despite all this, we found the Granite Gear Virga3 to be among the more comfortable ultralight packs we tested. Unless you’re toting seriously heavy loads, it carries quite well even without a frame or inserted foam pad. For a budget pack with a shorter learning curve, however, we tend to recommend the framed Mountainsmith Scream 55 , as packing a 55-liter frameless pack is a bit of an art.

We love the sleek design, incredible torso adjustability, and competitively low weight. This is also a very affordable pack, and we believe it would be a great option for those looking to snag a more feature-packed ultralight model for long treks.

Read Review: Most Comfortable Ultralight Pack at a Low Price: Granite Gear Virga3 Undyed Review

Ultralight Backpack Comparison Chart

Which backpack is for me.

When shopping for backpacks, begin with your intended use. Be honest with yourself and how you intend to use the pack. This should direct your purchase.

GearJunkie has several backpack buyer guides for specific use cases. Find the perfect generalist backpacks , hop a bus with laptop backpacks for commuters, travel the world with the best travel backpacks , discover durable hunting packs for the wilderness, and gear up with robust tactical backpacks for rucking and preparedness enthusiasts.

How We Tested the Best Ultralight Backpacks

The GearJunkie team ranges from casual weekend backpackers to full-blown thru-hiking dirtbags and has put thousands of hard-earned miles on ultralight backpacks in a range of conditions and landscapes. We know what it’s like to get to the end of the day with a sore back from a poorly fitting or overloaded pack. We’ve therefore tried to whittle this list down to the absolute best models that won’t weigh you down, but also offer a comfortable ride over big-mile days.

Field Testing

Ultralight means more miles, and we obliged these packs, putting our fleetest feet under them across the country (and world). We assemble our standard ultralight kits (which average around 10 pounds) and hit the dirt, most recently completing 100-mile section hikes in the Pacific Northwest and treks across the highlands of Iceland.

Every gram counts when trying to pare down your base weight. So, while testing these packs, we considered factors such as durability, value, useability, and functionality of each accessory and feature to determine the quality of the pack. After weeks of putting each model through the wringer on fast and light backpacking trips, we feel confident recommending each of these backpacks to those wishing to push the limit and lighten their load on long trails.

And while ultralight weekend backpacking can be a hoot, UL kits really come into their own on thru-hikes. Thankfully, our current testing team has more than 15,000 miles of long trails under our belts, with hikes of the Pacific Crest, Appalachian, and Continental Divide Trails being common. These treks are the ultimate in stress-testing for ultralight packs, and we regularly re-complete section hikes to rack up some high mileage on these packs.

Bench Testing

Our ultralight pack testing also hits the bench, where we tally up harder metrics to get a handle on, such as specific weights (ounces matter here), internal and external volumes, and material differences. Our waterproofing test consists of packing these bags full and taking them to the yard for a hose test, and finally, we crunch the numbers and come up with a weight-to-volume ratio to square these packs against one another.

Why You Should Trust Us

Editorial Director Sean McCoy led the charge with this guide back in November 2020, curating our initial selection of nine packs. A life-long hunter, backpacker, and all-around outdoorsman, Sean knows the importance of balancing weight with function on ultralight objectives in the backcountry.

Triple Crown thru-hiker Chris Carter has added significantly to our testing team, and his travels continue to take him around the world. He’s navigated the sinking sadness of a mid-hike pack failure and knows the importance of choosing a model that fits your needs and will last the distance. His gear testing is near-non-stop, and he’s most recently taken packs to the Himalayas for some extended treks.

Senior Editor Nick Belcaster rounds out our testing team, and as an alumnus of the Pacific Crest Trail, he’s been around the block once or twice. A multisport athlete, Nick applies the ultralight ethos to much of what he does, and his testing takes him across the West to places like the Hoh Rain Forest and on long traverses of the North Cascades.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Ultralight Backpack

We’ve all had that moment of frustration as new backpackers where we realize we’ve overpacked, and contemplate chucking half the gear we brought off the next overlook.

If you’ve decided to pull the plug and join the ultralight cult, there are some things you need to consider. First, it has to be done carefully as you are still headed into the backcountry with this kit, and need to be prepared for all the unexpected twists and misadventures Mother Nature loves to throw our way.

A reliable ultralight kit starts with a functional, solid backpack. With so many options on the market, it can be hard to decide what to go with, and you should think about the elements that you will encounter on your trip, and the level of comfort you want, before making a decision. Below, we’ve broken down several factors to consider when choosing the best ultralight backpack for your adventure, which hopefully streamlines the process.

Ultralight Backpacks Fabric Selection and Weather Resistance

Ultralight backpack manufacturers have the difficult challenge of offering an extremely lightweight package while also being durable enough to hold up to months of abuse on rough trails through bad weather. For that reason, these packs are constructed with the latest, most durable materials on the market, which often explains the high price tag.

Some of the most common fabrics found in ultralight packs are Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF), Ultra, ECOPAK, X-PAC, and nylon (such as Robic or CORDURA). Each of these fabrics has different benefits and uses, which impact the weight, durability, and weather resistance of the packs they construct.

Many people look at ultralight packs and think they are waterproof, since they often resemble the classic roll-top closures of dry bags, or are made with shiny reflective material. While the fabric of some of these packs is highly water-resistant, you will still want to add additional rain protection to your gear for when the weather turns foul.

We like to use separate ultralight Dyneema dry bags for contents that absolutely need to stay dry (such as electronics, a first aid kit, a puffy jacket, and a down sleeping bag), with a large lightweight pack liner that always stays in the backpack, protecting everything. The two most popular waterproof pack liners are Nylofume bags, such as this one sold by Gossamer Gear .

We’ve found this to be the best, lightest, and cheapest way to ensure that your gear stays completely dry. And you don’t have to waste time desperately fitting a rain cover over your pack as a freak storm sweeps in, as the inside contents are already protected. Just make sure there’s nothing too important in the external shove-it pocket.

In general, Ultra, ECOPAK, DCF, and X-PAC are waterproof to some degree, though the packs that use them may not be seam-taped, and water will seep through in prolonged bad weather. Most hikers who use these packs will still use a pack liner or cover in significant rain to keep their gear dry. Materials such as Robic nylon, on the other hand, will absorb water slowly over time and allow your pack contents to get wet.

The introduction of DCF and X-PAC to the backpacking scene represented a pretty significant jump in ultralight fabric technology due to their incredible strength-to-weight ratio. Packs such as the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Contour 35 have secured their spots as the lightest packs in their size range because of DCF, with the ability to carry loads of up to 35 pounds while maintaining an impressive, ultralight weight.

Ultralight Backpack Volume Selection

The volume of your ultralight pack is an important part of the selection process, and depends heavily on how dialed in your base weight is. Ideally, you want to have a sub-10-pound base weight while wearing ultralight packs, which includes everything aside from consumables (such as food, fuel, and water).

This is largely because, in order to achieve such a low weight, ultralight backpacks are generally not as durable or supportive as traditional, heavier backpacking backpacks.

Overpacking them will result in faster deterioration over time, and they just won’t hold the load as comfortably on your back. For that reason, you want to make sure the gear you are packing is also as ultralight as possible if you are going to be using an ultralight pack.

For most ultralight hikers, a 40 L pack will provide enough volume for a long weekend trip, or a 3- to 5-day push between towns on a thru-hike. This will always depend on the climate and terrain you intend to hike through, but for general three-season use, 35 L to 40 L should suffice. Some packs, like Hyperlite’s Windrider 55 , can expand or contract a good deal to accommodate different volumes of loads.

As hikers obsess further over every gram in their packs, truly committed ultralight backpackers can whittle their entire thru-hiking kit to fit into 30L or smaller packs, but this comes with some notable sacrifices.

Using simple tarp shelters (or even a rain poncho) in lieu of tents, going stoveless, or carrying less food helps to save weight, but not everyone is ready to take that leap.

Hip Belts on Ultralight Backpacks

For a couple of reasons, many ultralight backpacks have a removable hip belt or no hip belt at all (such as LiteAF’s Curve 30L or HMG Contour 35 , which both have optional hip belt additions). This is primarily found in frameless ultralight packs. Many hikers who have already dialed their base weight well below 10 pounds find that they can save even more weight by leaving the hip belt off, without sacrificing too much comfort.

With frameless ultralight packs, hip belts are not as load-bearing as traditional packs, as there is no frame for the load to be transferred to. The hip belt really only helps keep the pack close to your body while hiking, preventing it from jostling around, since you optimally will be carrying a weight that won’t overly fatigue your shoulders.

While most ultralight packs will still have a hip belt, they will often not be as padded as traditional packs (such as the hip belt on Mountain Laurel Designs’ Exodus 55L ), and you may have the option of removing them entirely. You can still find great ultralight options, such as the Granite Gear Crown3 , that have solid suspension, ventilation, and support at the cost of a slightly heavier package.

It’s important to think about the comfort level you are looking for in your pack, and how far you are willing to go to cut more weight.

Packing an Ultralight Backpack

You want to pack an ultralight backpack in much the same way that you would pack a traditional backpack . However, there are some additional considerations that are important to note. Namely, ultralight packs cannot carry the same weight that traditional packs can, so it is important to have as minimal and lightweight a kit as possible. This will not only prolong the life of your ultralight backpack but will make it feel a lot more comfortable.

As previously mentioned, you will ideally have a base weight of under 10 pounds. Starting at the bottom of your pack, place your lighter, fluffier items like a sleeping bag and other elements of your sleep kit. These will serve as a “pillow” on your lumbar on top of which some of your heavier items can sit.

Bulkier, heavier items, such as your cooking kit, food , and tent , should go in the middle of the pack and be situated as close to your back as possible. By putting these items in the middle of your back, you alleviate a significant amount of stress from your shoulders or lower back, which is particularly important with ultralight backpacks.

Finally, at the top of your bag, you want to pack lighter items that you may need to use throughout the day, such as a midlayer or rain jacket .

Since ultralight backpacks also tend to have less padding than other packs, you want to be more aware of how your gear is fitting inside your pack, in order to avoid things poking uncomfortably into your back.

When packing more featured, framed models — like Osprey’s cushy Exos Pro 55 or REI Flash Air 50 — you don’t have to be quite as careful, as the load isn’t jutting directly into your back. Most ultralight backpacks force you to think carefully about how your gear meshes in the pack, so it doesn’t sit uncomfortably against you, but this isn’t as big of a consideration when the frame separates the load from your back.

These framed models also allow you to carry heavier loads, since more of the weight is transferred to your hips through the rigid structure of the frame. Additionally, compression straps work much better on framed backpacks than frameless ones, as there is built-in structure to compress the load against. This means you can often achieve a tighter, less wobbly package while bounding along the trail with framed packs.

Ultralight Backpacks: Pros & Cons

Ultralight backpacking means keeping your entire load low. Your base weight, including all your gear — except consumables like food, water, and fuel — should be under 10 pounds.

And that’s where these packs shine. They are light themselves, thus adding very little weight to your back, but they also carry light loads comfortably and can stand up to reasonable on-trail use.

You really need to keep your weight down with these packs ( Stone Glacier Terminus excluded). Most of them won’t serve you well if you load them heavy, so they’re a little less versatile than more robust backpacks.

Where does this matter? If you own just one backpack and plan to use it for hiking, ski mountaineering, and rock climbing, you’ll want to look elsewhere.

Also, some of these packs aren’t super durable for off-trail hiking, so be sure to scrutinize materials closely if you plan to use them while bushwhacking.

Ultimately, you will have to decide if you’re willing to trade creature comforts for minimal weight. For those who’ve made the leap, the above are some of the best ultralight backpacks on the market.

Price & Value

Going ultralight doesn’t mean you have to lighten your wallet unnecessarily, but typically, more specialized kit like ultralight packs will cost a bit more, compared to conventional backpacking packs. That’s why keying in on exactly what you get for the money is worthwhile.

Just dipping your toe in? No need to splurge then, and with a few trade-offs, you can get into a lightweight pack that’ll trim pounds from your base weight. This will typically mean that fancy textiles like Dyneema Composite Fabric and Challenge Ultra are off the table, but even humble nylon can be juiced up by going with a Robic or ‘high-tenacity’ variety. These packs often will employ a simple aluminum hoop frame for structure, but otherwise, they won’t be very modular.

The Mountainsmith Scream 55 ($160) ticks plenty of the boxes we’re after in a UL pack, but only if it fits you. This pack is only available in one size, and limited sizing or adjustability is common in more budget packs. Instead of a frame, the Granite Gear Virga3 ($200) invests in a more robust suspension set-up, but you’ll have to supply the rigidity with your sleeping pad.

Middle-of-the-pack bags ($200-300) open up a good number of different options, and with it, better textiles. While Dyneema Composite Fabrics used to be the best and bleeding edge, Challenge Sailcloth’s Ultra material has recently been overwhelmingly adopted by the UL community, and both offer impressive strength-to-weight ratios — at added expense. Packs in this range are often more adaptable with strippable frames or hip belts, meaning you can tailor your pack to the trip you’re taking.

The LiteAF ECOPAK 30L Curve ($235) uses a less-expensive EPLX textile in its frameless construction, but makes up for it in the huge number of features you can add to your custom pack. Both the Osprey Exos Pro 55 ($290) and REI Co-op Flash Air 50 Pack  ($299) lean into the comfort-first angle, and instead use fewer features or smaller hardware to hit their 2-pound weights.

Paying anything north of $380 these days will net you a pretty premium ultralight pack, with all of the R&D of a cottage brand (or brand edging into the scene). Hyperlite Mountain Gear, ULA Equipment, and Zpacks are big names in this price range and offer packs tailored for the likes of thru-hikers who need packs that will last 2,000+ miles. Expect cutting-edge fabrics and function over features on these packs.

The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider 55 ($379) has been our top pick for a few years running now, and it’s still one of the best premium UL packs out there. The Ultra variant of the ULA Circuit ($380) also, has a storied history, and with a new super-tough weave, it’s well worth the price. Niche packs, too, are found in this price range, like the Stone Glacier Terminus 7000 ($649), a hunting pack made to be as light as possible (and still carry 115 liters).

Frequently Asked Questions

Ask 100 hikers about their favorite ultralight pack and you’ll get a dozen different answers. But like all backpacks, the most important aspect is that it fits your body perfectly and is adjusted properly! If you don’t know how to fit a pack, it’s worth a trip to an outdoor shop to talk with a qualified salesperson.

If you can keep your packing weight low, yes, an ultralight backpack is worth the investment for many hikers. However, it’s worth noting that ultralight packs require the user to understand how to pack efficiently to keep their load weight quite low, usually less than 25-30 pounds.

If you expect your gear will weigh more than that, an ultralight backpack will probably not be a good choice, as many won’t support heavy loads very well.

Your base weight is the weight of all your gear not counting things you consume such as water and food. So it includes things like your stove but does not include the food you cook.

Most ultralight backpackers consider a base weight of 10 pounds to be a good measure of ultralight backpacking. Get it down to 5 pounds, and you’re in the superlight backpacking range. For more casual, lightweight backpacking, you can stretch the weight up to about 20 pounds.

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Based in beautiful Chattanooga, Tennessee, Chris Carter is a Senior Editor for GearJunkie, while squeezing in side gigs as an adventure filmmaker and content creator in the outdoor industry. Drawing from his childhood in Africa, experience as a rock climbing and backpacking guide, ultra-marathon running, and years of extensive thru-hiking, he’s passionate about journalism that gets people into the wild. He has thru-hiked the Triple Crown of long trails in America: the Pacific Crest Trail (2018), the Continental Divide Trail (2021), and the Appalachian Trail (2021), and has explored, rock-climbed, and backpacked all over the world. He hopes to spread his love of adventure and travel through his writing, art, and videography.

Sean McCoy is the Editorial Director of GearJunkie, and 5+ other AllGear websites.

He has been writing about hunting, fishing, trail running, camping, skiing, and more for 15+ years.

Prior to GearJunkie, he was the chief photographer for the Virgin Islands Daily News and former editor-in-chief for GearJunkie. Based in Denver, Colo., McCoy is an avid trail runner, camper, hunter, angler, mountain biker, skier, and beer tester.

Hailing from the hemlocks and hanging mosses of Washington State, Senior Editor Nick Belcaster is an adventure journalist following threads of stories across the West. Cruelly stolen from the alpine swales of rural Wisconsin at a young age, Nick made do ascending the snows and granite of the North Cascades while completing a journalism degree. A long stint on the Pacific Crest Trail in 2018 codified a life bent on sleeping on minor slopes and picking devil’s club out of his shoes.

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THE NEW ASPECT 32 IS HERE Learn more

THE NEW ASPECT 32 IS HERE

Just in time for the new season of snow! The Aspect 32 ski touring day pack is built to last a lifetime with our exclusive super light but super tough Fully Woven Dyneema.

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Designed for backcountry safety, this lightweight essential lets you quickly wrap and evacuate an injured skier. Don't get caught unprepared; explore with confidence.

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The One Simple Secret to Traveling Light. And It’s Easier Than You Think

The secret to traveling light is simple: ditch the giant suitcase for a carry-on backpack. Then, pack smart to make the most of the smaller space.

Learning how to travel light or even  traveling carry-on only  is easier than most people think.

It’s made out to be a complicated secret. A method that’s utilized by pro travelers. Only the most experienced travelers can pull this kind of thing off, right?

There’s a secret to traveling light, and you may already know it.

Have you ever heard of  Parkinson’s Law ? It posits the idea that “work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion.”

If you have four hours to complete a report, it’s going to take you four hours to finish it. But if you have eight hours to complete it, it’s going to take you eight hours.

See where I’m going with this?

How to Travel Light

Traveling light is simple, really. You don’t have to fight with your suitcase every time you go on a trip.

The amount of stuff you have will expand so as to fill the space available.

In other words: Buy a  carry-on backpack  that’s the size you want to carry, and you’ll end up taking only enough stuff that will actually fit.

That 120L suitcase in your closet? Throw it out. OK, well, maybe don’t throw it out—you might need it sometime. But let’s work on downsizing.

How big do you want your bag to be? In fact, let’s reframe that question. How small do you want your bag to be? A carry-on backpack? A much smaller suitcase? A weekender bag?

I’m a huge fan of the following  carry-on luggage  options:

• Osprey Farpoint 40L
• Tortuga Setout 45L
• Arc’teryx Khamski 38L
• Pacsafe Toursafe AT21  (42L wheeled luggage)

Buy that bag, then commit to carrying only that bag. If something doesn’t fit, or if something takes up a disproportionate amount of space, get rid of it. You won’t be taking it with you on this trip!

How to Save Space in Your Bag

Fitting everything you want/need (they’re not the same thing!) into a smaller bag isn’t always easy. There are a few simple tricks you can use to keep yourself both organized and traveling light.

1. Use Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are a popular choice. They’re easy to use and they keep everything bunched together in nice little pouches. They’re perfect for organizing your bag and keeping your stuff compartmentalized. Organization is of paramount importance if you want to pack light.

Mise en place . It’s a famous French saying for, “a place for everything.”

When you don’t have random pairs of socks and underwear floating around your bags, it’s much easier to maintain an organized, tightly, expertly packed bag.

2. Use Compression Sacs

The less popular choice—and I’m still at a loss for why—are compression sacs. They’re vacuum-sealed “packing cubes” for your clothes.

Especially if you need to carry bulkier items—and especially heavier jackets or mid layers—throw them into the right sized compression sac, squeeze all the air out, and you’ve likely just reduced the amount of space that item takes up by somewhere around 50 percent.

Seriously, they’re that good.

3. Don’t Stuff in What You Don’t Need

On top of getting rid of the extra clothing you probably won’t wear more than a couple times, get rid of the heavier and space-consuming items like bulky jeans or large toiletries.

You should also ditch all the shoe options since shoes take up the largest amount of awkward space in your bags. Bring only the essentials—one pair of sneakers if you’ll need them (wear them), one pair of hiking shoes and a pair of sandals.

Make sure whatever shoes you pack can go with all of the clothes you pack, too. Leave the extra Jordans, Nikes, and Converse at home this time.

But What if You Forget Things?

If you want to learn how to travel light, you have to go into it with the right mindset. You have to overcome the fear that you might be forgetting something, or that you might leave something behind that you’re going to need at your destination.

The fact is: You probably will.

But part of traveling is overcoming fear. And overcoming the fear of packing light has to be your first step. Assuming you don’t want to lug 70 pounds of luggage around with you from place to place, of course.

Forgot your sandals? Pick up a new pair when you arrive. Didn’t realize it was going to be so cold? Buy a new jacket or sweatshirt when you touch down.

Whatever it is that you need, it’s guaranteed you’ll be able to find one wherever you’re traveling.

And lastly, when you’re on the road, for the love of everything that’s holy, don’t buy things you don’t need. Small souvenirs? Sure—go for it. But just remember that you’re going to have to carry with you anything you buy along the way.

No matter how much you want it, resist. If you need it, go for it. Just remember, you might have to throw something else out to free up some space.

So pack only the essentials —the bare minimum of what you’ll definitely need. The rest you can pick up along the way.

Pretty simple, isn’t it?

• The 65 Best Travel Tips I’ve Learned After 10 Years of Traveling
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• 12 Smart Ways Keep Your Stuff Safe When You Travel

Traveling Light FAQs

What's the secret to traveling light.

The secret to traveling light is to use a smaller bag and not bring anything that doesn’t fit. Simple.

What is the 1-2-3-4-5-6 packing rule?

The 1-2-3-4-5-6 packing rule is to pack 1 hat, 2 pairs of shoes/sandals, 3 bottoms, 4 tops, 5 pairs of socks, and 6 pairs of underwear.

How to travel light for 3 weeks?

The best way to travel light for 3 weeks or longer is to only bring enough clothes for a week or so, and then do laundry during your trip.

What is the golden rule of packing?

The golden rule of packing is to bring less stuff. The less you bring, the more you can focus on the experiences and not the stuff.

How do you pack successfully?

The best way to pack successfully if you want to travel light is to use a smaller bag. Anything that doesn’t fit gets left behind.

Jeremy Scott Foster

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How to Pack a Suitcase Efficiently for Your Next Trip

Using packing cubes, stuffing socks inside your shoes, and simply bringing less stuff are a few of the packing techniques get the most out of the space in your suitcase.

20 Expert Packing Tips: Your Guide to Efficient and Stress-Free Packing

By planning ahead, choosing travel-ready clothing, and following these other packing tips, you can start your trip with confidence.

I have to travel light Jeremy, due to a bad spine and agree with what you say, except for the packing cubes, I find they actually take up more room (because of the sides) than bags with a draw strings. All the soft stuff goes at the bottom to cushion my travel writing kit.

My pack is a small 35L one.

I carry one change of clothes (wear one, wash one). My travel writing kit: – Tablet and smartphone or small Leica/Lumix camera for short trips. – 12.6 inch Laptop and the small camera. – A small linen towel (they dry faster) – The usual paperwork. – First Aid kit and a few other little bits. – Empty cool bag for food (often as padding under it all).

Often I’m left with room for stuff I might pick up on the road.

Total weight between 9-13 lbs depending on the travel writing kit I take.

What I don’t carry Toothpaste (buy it there) flip-flops I buy when there from the cheapest shop I can find.

Works for me….

I admire how little you travel with, Ted! It’s exactly that kind of packing that makes all the difference.

As for packing cubes, some are definitely better (rather, smaller) than others. Mine are really thin so barely take up any space. Some are quite a bit more bulky though. Regardless, I do think organization–especially if using a small suitcase–is a big part of packing light.

Keep doing that thing you do! Thanks for the comment.

Oh yea, I’ve always struggled with this.. But you’re right that the size of the bag is of paramount importance. I like to travel on long weekend trips with my CabinZero. For longer trips, I’ve at least managed to do away with a smaller suitcase.

Nice one! I’ll have to check them out.

“Mise en place” a famous french saying… I’m French and I’ve never heard it said in that sense. =D

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Best Ultralight Backpacking Gear

The iRunFar team offers their picks for the best items for an ultralight backpacking or fastpacking kit.

A good fastpacking kit is light enough to allow you to move quickly in the mountains and get to places beyond the reach of day runs. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

The best ultralight backpacking and fastpacking gear can allow you to cover large distances on multiday excursions on all types of terrain. By keeping pack weight as low as possible while still staying safe, fastpackers can often run downhills and flat ground and move fast on technical terrain, opening up seemingly endless possibilities for anything from simple overnight trips to multiday outings deep in the wilderness.

The best fastpacking gear is light, functional, and durable. An entire kit can fit into a pack under 30 liters in size and won’t bounce around on your back when you run. Fastpacking, the fusion of backpacking and adventure running, can let you get places too far away for a day mission without compromising your ability to move efficiently and run on many types of terrain.

For this guide, we consulted members of the iRunFar team, who have been fastpacking for years and testing endless amounts of gear, to assemble their ideal fastpacking kits. We want our gear to strike the right balance between durability, low weight, and price. While spending a seemingly endless amount of money to shave grams off of a kit is possible, we try to recommend products that provide great value. We also have budget options for higher-priced items in a fastpacking kit, such as tents and sleeping bags.

When it comes to putting together a fairly universal sleep kit that will work in nearly all conditions, we turn to the Feathered Friends Swallow UL 20/30 Sleeping Bag – 20 Degree , Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad , and Mountain Laurel Designs SoloMid XL , all packed into a Pa’lante Packs Joey fastpack.

You can read more about ultralight backpacking and fastpacking gear in our Best Fastpacking Packs , Best Ultralight Sleeping Bags , Best Ultralight Sleeping Pads , and Best Ultralight Tents guides. For more background information, see our buying advice, testing methodology, and frequently asked questions below the picks.

Fastpacking lets you set up a home for the night in wild and remote places so that you can travel even farther the next day. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

Best Fastpacking Gear

• Best Fastpacking Pack — Small: Pa’lante Packs Joey

Best Fastpacking Pack — Large: Red Paw Packs Flatiron 28L

• Best Ultralight Backpack: Gossamer Gear Murmur 36 Hyperlight Backpack
• Best Ultralight Shelter: Mountain Laurel Designs SoloMid XL
• Best Budget Ultralight Shelter: Paria Outdoor Products Sanctuary SilTarp
• Best Ultralight Sleeping Bag: Feathered Friends Swallow UL 20/30 Sleeping Bag – 20 Degree
• Best Budget Ultralight Sleeping Bag: Outdoor Vitals StormLoft Down TopQuilt 15
• Best Ultralight Summer Sleeping Bag: Sea to Summit Spark Down Sleeping Bag
• Best Sleeping Pad: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad
• Best Ultralight Cooking Pot: Toaks Light Titanium 550ml Pot
• Best Ultralight Stove: BRS 3000T Stove

Best Ultralight Shelter: Mountain Laurel Designs SoloMid XL ($275 to $455)

This shelter’s versatility, functionality, and low weight all contributed to its being named one of our favorite shelters in our Best Ultralights Tents guide. The seam-sealed tarp weighs 516 grams (18.2 ounces) with guylines attached, the mesh inner is 339 grams (12.0 ounces), and the total package weighs a reasonable 855 grams (30.2 ounces).

We spent more than 120 nights in this tent throughout the testing process, so we feel we can speak to the durability of the 20-denier silnylon tarp. We found that the material maintained its waterproof properties longer than similar materials but had a tendency to attract sand, something to be aware of if many of your trips occurs in the desert.

This shelter pitched easily and quickly. If faced with rapidly deteriorating weather conditions, we could get it up in 60 seconds. The tarp pitched to the ground without sacrificing volume, a feature we appreciate in inclement weather conditions.

Learn more about other features we loved in our in-depth Mountain Laurel Designs SoloMid XL review.

Weight: 855 grams (30.2 ounces) for the entire shelter

Best Budget Ultralight Shelter: Paria Outdoor Products Sanctuary SilTarp ($85)

The 8 x 10-foot tarp has 16 ¾-inch webbing loops around the perimeter. While 16 felt a bit much — we didn’t attach guylines to all of them — they add to the tarp’s versatility and make it easy to set it up in different configurations and awkward camp spots. We generally set it up with two trekking poles in an A-frame configuration and found that it comfortably fits two adults and gear.

The 30-denier sil/PU nylon material is durable but not the lightest, and the tarp comes with six stakes and a length of rope to set up guylines as you see fit. The whole package fits into a small stuff sack.

While we wouldn’t recommend heading out into an atrocious weather forecast with this tarp, it’s plenty functional enough for most night rainstorms or sitting out an afternoon monsoon downpour.

Weight: 440 grams (15.5 ounces)

Best Fastpacking Pack — Small: Pa’lante Packs Joey ($240)

The model we tested weighs a scant 395 grams (13.9 ounces) and fits comfortably. The vest-style harness straps are wide enough to not dig into our shoulders but don’t feel overbuilt. The two layers of three-dimensional mesh conformed to our bodies and made it so the pack stayed secure when we were running. There is no waistbelt, but we didn’t find this a problem as long we kept our pack weight low enough. The front vest pockets fit most 500-milliliter soft flasks, an array of snacks, and a phone.

In addition to the main compartment, the pack has a large outer back pocket, two side pockets, a pocket underneath — which was more secure than similar pockets on other packs — and the front vest pockets. As long as we kept our kit light, we were able to take this pack out on three-day trips.

The material is durable, and we haven’t caused any significant damage to the pack over countless trips scrambling up rocky peaks, bashing through willows and other shrubbery, or sliding down slickrock in canyon country.

You can read more about the details of this pack in our in-depth review of the Pa’lante Packs Joey .

Weight: 395 grams (13.9 ounces)

For our custom pack, we added a zipper to one of the smaller shoulder strap pockets, elastic drawstrings on both the larger shoulder strap pockets, and a shock cord to the back of the pack to secure items we had sticking out of the rear pocket. With the added features, the bag weighed in at 19.47 ounces and is made of mostly 200-denier Ultra material. The aesthetically minded on our testing team like the fact that custom color combinations are available.

This pack uses a hybrid fastpacking harness that is not quite a running vest but also not a traditional backpack setup. While the padding on the straps is overkill for lighter loads, we didn’t complain about the extra cushion when the pack was fully loaded. The three-dimensional mesh is wicking and quite comfortable, and there’s a waist stabilization belt that we use for heavier loads. For lighter loads, we were able to run without it, and the pack stayed in place.

Since each pack is made custom, there’s generally a bit of a lead time to get one. That said, it’s worth the wait if you have the luxury of time.

You can read more about this pack in our in-depth review of our custom Red Paw Packs Flatiron 28L .

Weight: 553 grams (19.5 ounces)

Best Ultralight Backpack: Gossamer Gear Murmur 36 Hyperlight Backpack ($185)

With a 36-liter volume, this pack is ready to carry gear for an extended trip. While it doesn’t fit our criteria of a fastpack without a vest-style harness, it runs surprisingly well for its design. Because of this — combined with its featherlight weight and functional details — we’ve included it in our Best Fastpacking Packs guide.

We found that the S-style straps keep the pack secure, though we’ll be the first to admit that we miss the pockets on the front to carry soft flasks for hydration, snacks, and our phones. For trips where we didn’t use the waist belt, there was no access to any of our items unless we took the pack off — which we were bummed about.

The 30- and 70-denier material is incredibly thin, and while this may not be the pack for you if you spend the majority of your fastpacking or ultralight backpacking trips off trails, we found it to be quite durable for what it is.

Weight: 232 grams (8.2 ounces)

Best Ultralight Sleeping Bag: Feathered Friends Swallow UL 20/30 Sleeping Bag – 20 Degree ($629)

A 20-degree bag is a versatile option that can be used in a variety of weather conditions, from cold mountain nights fully zipped up and cinched down to warmer nights in the desert only partially zipped up. If you’re going to own a single sleeping bag for all of your fastpacking needs — and you intend to be out in a variety of temperatures — we’ve found 20-degree bags to be in the sweet spot between weight, warmth, and versatility.

Weighing 764 grams (27.0 ounces), this sleeping bag is one of the warmest in our Best Ultralight Sleeping Bags guide and was our overall favorite. Filled with 475 grams of 950-plus fill down — some of the highest-quality down available — this sleeping bag is warm and lofts well.

We found that this sleeping bag fits the dimensions of many different body types, and our female testers didn’t think that the 60-inch shoulder width was too wide. We stayed cozy and didn’t feel like we were getting to the lower bounds of what was possible with this sleeping bag, even when temperatures dipped below the 20-degree rating.

The down-proof material keeps feathers from leaking out, and the outer material felt thick enough that we weren’t concerned about long-term durability. While we acknowledge that this sleeping bag comes with a hefty price tag, we would argue that it’s worth the investment if you can afford it.

Weight: 764 grams (27.0 ounces)

Best Budget Ultralight Sleeping Bag: Outdoor Vitals StormLoft Down TopQuilt 15 ($340)

The quilt has a stretchy pad attachment system that we found to be a bit finicky. We even broke one of the clips in trying to adjust it. Still, we were able to tuck the quilt under our body to keep it in place, and we stayed warm.

There seems to be extra down in the foot area of the quilt, which we appreciated since we’ve found that it’s easier to add additional layers to our core to stay warm than to keep our feet warm when temperatures plunge.

While this quilt isn’t as warm or comfortable as our top pick for a sleeping bag, the Feathered Friends Swallow UL 20/30 Sleeping Bag – 20 Degree reviewed above, it is nearly half the price. This quilt is an excellent option for someone looking to assemble an affordable, yet still light and functional, fastpacking kit, which is why we included it in our Best Ultralight Sleeping Bags guide.

Weight: 652 grams (23.0 ounces)

Best Ultralight Summer Sleeping Bag: Sea to Summit Spark Down Sleeping Bag ($449)

Weighing 484 grams (17.1 ounces), the regular 30-degree Fahrenheit bag is perfect for shoulder-season desert or mid-summer mountain trips. It’s filled with 850-plus fill power goose down that has a non-PFAS Ultra-Dry Down treatment to keep it from clumping as much if it gets damp. The 10-denier fabric feels quite light, but we haven’t had any issues with its durability, even after an entire summer of regular use.

We opted for this sleeping bag on a light-and-fast late-summer trip on the Wind River High Route in Wyoming and were pleased that we never got cold. In fact, we found ourselves unzipping the bag to cool off even as temperatures dipped into the 30s.

The 30-degree version of this bag uses two different types of baffles to save weight and maximize warmth. In the torso area, the vertical hybrid box baffles are optimized for warmth, while in the leg area, the horizontal sewn-through baffles aren’t quite as warm but are lighter and less expensive to manufacture. This design helps keep the bag’s cost reasonable without compromising too much on warmth.

There is also a women’s version of this bag that has additional insulation in areas where women tend to get colder, but it weighs more than the unisex version.

Weight: 484 grams (17.1 ounces)

Best Sleeping Pad: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad ($210)

With an R-value of 4.5, this sleeping pad has more than enough insulation to be used as a three-season sleeping pad. We used it on cold fall trips in the high valleys of the San Juan Mountains of Colorado when nighttime temperatures dipped well below freezing, and we felt well-insulated from the ground.

The pad comes with a giant inflation bag, which we’ll admit we rarely carry. While it’s generally recommended that you use the inflation bag to preserve the integrity of the pad’s insulation and prevent the growth of microbes inside, our gram-counting tendencies have us often leaving both the pad’s stuff sack and inflation bag at home. Please don’t judge us.

This sleeping pad is available in various sizes and widths, so you can save weight if you’re a smaller person or are willing to sleep on a smaller surface. It folds up quite small, and we occasionally use it as a back pad in our fastpacking pack.

You can read more about our thoughts on this sleeping pad in our in-depth Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad review.

Weight: 374 grams (13.2 ounces)

Best Ultralight Cooking Pot: Toaks Light Titanium 550ml Pot ($34)

The handles on titanium pots often require a cloth layer to grab after they’ve been heated, and the liquid in them cools faster than it would in other types of pots, but we consider this a small price to pay for the weight savings.

While the 550-milliliter volume may initially seem small, it’s big enough for most fastpacking and ultralight cooking applications. Nearly all backpacking meals require less than this amount of liquid, and we’ve found it to be a good amount for a morning cup of coffee or an evening hot chocolate or tea. The volume is big enough to make a whole packet of ramen, and we’ve frequently made full Ram-Bombs (ramen mixed with instant mashed potatoes) in it without our dinner overflowing the rim, though it is close.

The thin and light handles have withstood all the abuse we’ve thrown at them, and they’re easy to grab with a buff or the bright orange mesh storage bag included with the pot.

This pot will nest the small four-ounce fuel canisters but not the medium-sized ones. If we need to carry more than a small fuel container, we’ll use the pot to carry an array of bagged foods, from morning oatmeal to recovery protein powder to bags of candy so that there’s no empty volume in our packs.

Weight: 68 grams (2.4 ounces)

Best Ultralight Stove: BRS 3000T Stove ($17)

After using a variety of stoves over the years, we have to admit that we haven’t carried much else since stumbling upon this little gem. It is simply so much smaller and lighter than other stoves on the market, making it a no-brainer for fastpacking gram-counters. We’ve carried it on countless fastpacking trips in the high-altitude Weminuche Wilderness in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, the damp rainforests of New Zealand, and the windy high deserts of Utah and the Colorado Plateau.

The product specs claim that the stove will boil a liter of water in under three minutes in ideal conditions and will only use 14 to 16 grams of fuel to do so. While we’ve never managed to boil water this quickly with this stove, especially since most of our testing has been done at high elevations and often in the wind, it’s not noticeably slower than any other ultralight stove we’ve used. The flame is powerful enough to boil water in windy and cold conditions as long as we make some sort of wind block for it.

The three small flip-out legs are big enough to hold small camp pots, though we’re not sure we’d trust it with excessive weight. When folded up, it measures a mere five centimeters in length and has a diameter of about three centimeters.

Our one gripe with this stove is the twisting knob that controls the gas flow often gets opened during transport, which can lead to unexpected fuel flow when the stove is first screwed onto the fuel canister.

Weight:  27 grams (0.95 ounces)

Other Favorite Ultralight Backpacking Gear

• Rain Jacket: Montbell Rain Trekker Jacket ($230). Our go-to rain jacket’s two-layer construction makes it highly waterproof and breathable, and it only weighs 201 grams. Read more in our Best Running Rain Jackets guide.
• Rain Pants: Outdoor Research Helium Rain Pants ($98) are fully waterproof, light, durable, and easy to put on and off without taking shoes off. Read more at our Best Running Pants guide.
• Trowel: DirtSaw Deuce #3 Trowel ($24). Weighing only 28 grams, this trowel can save you seemingly hours of hole-digging frustration for next to no weight penalty.
• Headlamp: Nitecore NU25 UL ($37). Assuming you’re not planning on running too much in the dark during a fastpacking trip, this rechargeable headlamp weighs only 46 grams and provides plenty of light for most fastpacking camp chores and slower movement in the dark. Read more in our Best Running Headlamps guide.
• Trekking Poles: Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking/Running Poles ($190). Light, durable, and stiff, these collapsible carbon poles have wrist straps that are easy on and off, making scrambling easy. Learn about them in our Best Trekking Poles guide.
• Water filter: Katadyn BeFree 0.6L ($40). The original soft-flask filter remains reliable with high flow rates, especially when new. Find out more in our Best Water Filters for Trail Running guide.
• Pillow: Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Pillow ($50). What can we say? Sometimes even the most meticulous gram counter wants a little bit of comfort, and at 60 grams, we believe this luxury item to be worth it.
• Emergency communication device: Garmin inReach Mini 2 ($400 + monthly subscription). This satellite communication device can send text messages and provide tracking outside of cell service, making it useful for emergencies, check-ins, and sending messages about changes in plans.

iRunFar gear testers test fastpacking gear in all sorts of situations and climates, including the remote corners of the Wind River Range of Wyoming. Photo: iRunfar/Eszter Horanyi

Choosing Gear for Ultralight Backpacking

There’s the old adage that when it comes to gear: it can be lightweight, durable, and inexpensive, but it can only have two out of the three features at a time. Something can be lightweight and affordable, but you may not be able to trust it to stand up to the elements. Something can be durable and inexpensive, but you’ll pay a weight penalty. And then there’s the ultralight backpacking gear that will last, but you’ll probably have to shell out a fair bit of money for it.

That said, putting together a fastpacking kit is all about balance, and you’ll have to decide how to combine the three elements of gear to best suit your individual needs.

Fastpacking Versus Ultralight Backpacking

It could be argued, and often is, that there’s very little difference between ultralight backpacking and fastpacking. Both sports involve carrying minimal gear to keep weight low so that you can cover long distances each day of a multiday outing. The main difference is that fastpackers tailor their gear to allow for running, while most people consider themselves ultralight backpackers don’t run during their trips.

The pack is the most significant difference in gear between ultralight backpacking and fastpacking. Fastpacks, like the Pa’lante Packs Joey , tend to have a running vest structure with pockets on the front to carry soft flasks, a phone, and a variety of snacks. They’re designed to not bounce while running and generally sit higher on the back than traditional backpacks.

Some ultralight backpacks, like the Gossamer Gear Murmur 36 Hyperlight Backpack , have the structure of traditional backpacking bags, including a waistbelt, but are highly simplified and made of very light materials. The Red Paw Packs Flatiron 28L   has a hybrid harness that isn’t quite like a traditional backpack but is also not a full vest.

Most fastpacks range from 20 to 40 liters in volume and need to be packed light enough not to require the additional support of a waistbelt, while many ultralight backpacks tend to be a bit larger and come with a waistbelt.

Leave No Trace Principles

Fastpacking and ultralight backpacking take people into wild and remote places, and it’s important to leave as little of an impact as possible on the land you’re crossing. The seven Leave No Trace (LNT) principles outline some best practices for minimizing the evidence of your passage through a landscape.

The seven principles of LNT are:

• Plan ahead and prepare
• Camp and travel on durable surfaces
• Dispose of waste properly
• Leave what you find
• Minimize campfire impact
• Respect wildlife
• Be considerate of others

LNT principles can guide a wide variety of situations — from staying off sensitive surfaces to burying human waste to choosing not to have a campfire that leaves ashes to wearing headphones instead of blasting a Bluetooth speaker if you want to travel with music.

A good rule of thumb is always to consider how your actions in the backcountry will affect other people, animals, and the terrain, and to always move through an area as invisibly as possible.

The vest-like harnesses of fastpackings keep them secure so you can easily cover technical terrain. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

Ultralight Sleeping Bags

A good sleeping bag is a critical part of a fastpacking kit. One that isn’t warm enough will lead to a long, uncomfortable, and shivery night, and one that is too warm — and too heavy — will keep you from running and covering the distance you want. There are three main types of sleeping bags: hooded, non-hooded, and quilted. You can learn more about the details of each style in our Best Ultralight Sleeping Bags guide to help you choose which would be best for your needs.

Our upper weight limit for sleeping bags light enough for fastpacking is around 800 grams for a 20-degree Fahrenheit bag. A lighter summer bag can be as light as 450 grams or about a pound. Our go-to bag for colder conditions is the Feathered Friends Swallow UL 20/30 Sleeping Bag – 20 Degree , which provides incredible warmth at a weight that still keeps packs light enough for running parts of the trail. The Outdoor Vitals StormLoft Down TopQuilt 15 is a great budget option for those looking to get into fastpacking but don’t have a huge budget to assemble a kit.

The two main numbers to look for in a sleeping bag are the fill power and the temperature rating. The fill power of the down is a measure of its quality. Most ultralight sleeping bags have a fill power rating of over 800, while the warmest and lightest can have a 950+ rating.

Sleeping bags have different temperature ratings, which can sometimes be difficult to decipher. The two main units for sleeping bag ratings are the European Norm (EN) and the International Organization for Standardization (IOS). For all practical purposes, the two are the same in terms of how they rate sleeping bags.

There are three temperature ratings they give sleeping bags: Comfort, Lower Limit, and Extreme. The basic idea is that the Comfort temperature rating is what a “standard” woman will be able to sleep comfortably through the night with. Since women tend to sleep colder than men for various physiological reasons, this rating is higher than the Lower Limit, which is defined as what a “standard” man will be able to sleep in for eight hours without being uncomfortable. The extreme rating is defined as the temperature at which a “standard” woman will be able to survive for six hours without the risk of death from hypothermia.

When choosing a sleeping bag, determine if you’re a warm or cold sleeper and choose a sleeping bag based on how important complete warmth is to you versus saving a bit of weight.

Nearly everyone on the iRunFar testing team has spent at least a few nights shivering while waiting for dawn because we brought a sleeping bag that was too light to try to save a few grams.

Meghan Hicks of iRunFar tests a fastpack during an overnight trip in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

Ultralight Sleeping Pads

Sleeping pads are among the most underrated items in a fastpacking kit. While some on the iRunFar testing team have been known to go without a sleeping pad or to use a piece of Reflectix insulation as an ultra-lightweight option, a good sleeping pad is critical for a good night’s sleep. With options like the lightweight Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad available, there’s very little reason to suffer without a pad.

The four main things to consider when choosing a sleeping pad are its R-value, weight, size, and baffle pattern. You can learn more about these in our Best Ultralight Sleeping Pads guide, but the basics are fairly simple to ponder.

The R-value of a pad measures its insulative properties and determines how much of your body heat travels through the pad and is lost to the ground versus is kept in the pad or reflected back to your body, increasing your warmth. A higher R-value means a higher level of insulation.

The R-value of Reflectix insulation, which is little more than two pieces of foil with an air gap between them, is 1.1. A solid three-season insulated sleeping pad, like the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad , will have an R-value between three and five. Uninsulated pads will have a lower rating and not be as warm, while winter sleeping pads can have R-values reaching seven and eight.

Of course, more insulation means more weight, so you’ll want to use a sleeping pad that’s the right balance between weight and warmth for your sleeping conditions. Sleeping pads also come in different lengths and widths, and many gram-counting fastpackers will choose to use a pad that only goes down to their knees and then use their pack under their feet to create a barrier to the ground. Others will use a torso-length pad and supplement it with their pack and extra gear.

Finally, sleeping pads are made with vertical, horizontal, or quilted baffles. Many people find that quilted baffles are more comfortable, as they do a better job cradling their bodies. Some testers on our team find that horizontal and vertical baffles can be uncomfortable, especially if overinflated.

Members of the iRunFar testing team using the Mountain Laurel Designs Solomid XL Tent during a late fall fastpacking trip in the San Juans of Colorado. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

Ultralight Shelters

There are four main types of shelters used in fastpacking and ultralight backpacking: trekking-pole-supported tents, dedicated-pole tents, tarps, and bivvy. Each has its inherent advantages and disadvantages in terms of providing protection from the elements, their weight, bug protection, and ease of use. Our Best Ultralight Tents guide explores a wide variety of options.

Many fastpackers prefer trekking-pole-supported single-wall tents for their trips because they strike a good balance between protection and weight, and many fastpackers carry trekking poles  anyway. The Mountain Laurel Designs SoloMid XL is our current favorite shelter, and it can provide comfortable sleep for one person and two when needed.

For many years, people shied away from single-wall tents in favor of double-wall tents due to condensation issues, but improved designs and technology have created single-wall tents that don’t end up soaked on the inside due to human respiration. Similarly, many ultralight aficionados used to choose tarps over tents to save weight, and while tarps are still lighter, single-wall tents have significantly closed the gap, making it easy to swallow the weight penalty in exchange for the additional protection they provide.

Shelters are often the most expensive item in a fastpacker’s kit, but there are budget options as well, like the Paria Outdoor Products Sanctuary SilTarp , which protects from the elements with only a small performance and weight penalty.

Bivys are still a popular option for ultralight trips with good weather forecasts. While they will never be the most comfortable option, they are light, and there’s something romantic about cowboy camping under the stars with no shelter to block your view of the sky.

Bivys can be an excellent option for fastpacking trips with a good weather forecast and in areas without bugs. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

Unlike a day run, where you often don’t need to take much extra clothing, a multiday fastpacking trip inherently involves a wide range of temperatures and potential weather conditions. In addition to the clothing you are planning on wearing for running, we always recommend a good rain jacket and a pair of rain pants for additional protection during fastpacking trips.

Your sleep clothing kit will depend on the conditions in which you’re sleeping. A good base layer can help you retain heat at night, and a warm head cover is also important when the sun goes down. While the idea that we lose 45% of our heat from our head, which may have originated in an old U.S. Army Field Manual, has been proved incorrect, we still lose about 10% of our heat from our head, so it’s worth covering it up. A warm head cover, whether a jacket hood, hat, or buff, is also more important if you sleep in a hoodless sleeping bag or quilt.

A down or synthetic insulated jacket provides an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio. We recommend a synthetic insulated jacket for most running situations, but a down jacket is warmer for the weight. And since you’re likely only wearing your insulated jacket at camp, or maybe for a short period first thing in the morning, you don’t have to worry about sweating into it and wetting out the down, making the jacket ineffective.

Our Best Insulated Jackets guide explains the differences between synthetic and down jackets and can help you determine which is  best for your needs.

An extra pair of socks for sleeping in can improve the camp experience. Some of the iRunFar team members who have issues with cold feet carry a lightweight pair of down booties instead of a second pair of socks since they are both lighter and warmer, but they are less effective for walking around camp.

Of course, what you take on a fastpacking trip will depend on the temperatures you’re expecting to encounter and the weather forecast, but for safety, it’s always a good idea to have a set of dry clothes and a jacket that only come out for when you know you can stay dry in camp.

An efficient and well-thought-out clothing system will easily fit into a fastpacking pack like the Pa’lante Packs Joey alongside a sleep kit and food.

iRunFar’s Meghan Hicks wears the Packs Flatiron 28L during a six-day fastpacking trip through the canyons of Southern Utah. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

Why Trust Us

Members of the iRunFar team have been fastpacking and ultralight backpacking throughout the American West for as long as we’ve been running, which is to say, a long time. We’ve been around to see the evolution of the sport of backpacking, going from carrying around 50-pound packs and covering 15 miles a day to the light and fast gear kits of today.

This, in turn, allows runners to cover a lot of miles in much shorter periods. During that same time period, we watched ultrarunning take off as a sport, and we couldn’t be more excited about the fusion of two of our favorite activities.

For this guide, we pooled our years of combined experience and knowledge (and mistakes) about gear that works and gear that doesn’t. Our goal is to provide options that will allow you to build a quality lightweight kit and other options for those looking to save a bit of money or for those who are just fastpacking-curious and don’t want to make a huge investment to get started.

All of the items in this guide have undergone trip after trip of testing throughout the American West, from the deserts of Utah to the high mountains of Colorado. Our testing team also frequents the rainforests and often horrendous weather of New Zealand. We recommend gear that we trust will stand up to the elements, let you sleep comfortably, and move quickly through the terrain of your choosing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ultralight Backpacking and Fastpacking

What is fastpacking?

Once upon a time, there was adventure running, which consisted of long days of moving quickly with a light load but going home at night, and there was backpacking with heavy loads that required slow and deliberate movement. Fastpacking is the fusion of the two sports. By keeping your overnight pack weight low, you can continue to move quickly and efficiently but stay out instead of having to go home.

Self-identifying fastpackers are often gram-counters, striving to minimize the weight and optimize the multi-use functionality of everything in their packs to run as much terrain as possible. Fastpacking packs use running vest designs to stay secure against the back while running but are big enough to carry a sleep kit, extra clothes, and enough food for an extended outing.

We’ve fit six days of food into the Red Paw Packs Flatiron 28L , which has a hybrid harness system and a stabilizer belt. While we didn’t run much the first few days of the trip, as the pack got lighter, our speed increased significantly.

What’s the difference between fastpacking and ultralight backpacking?

On a gear level, there’s little difference between fastpacking and ultralight backpacking. You want to make your pack as light and efficient as possible in both situations. The most significant difference between the two sports is that fastpackers generally hope to run or jog on their trip, so they need a pack that won’t bounce around when they do.

Fastpacking packs, like the Pa’lante Packs Joey , have a vest-like harness similar to running vests that secure them snugly around the chest without restricting breathing or movement. Most fastpacking packs are 20 to 30 liters in volume. While the Joey is on the lower end of the spectrum, the Red Paw Packs Flatiron 28L , with its hybrid harness system, can hold well over its advertised 28 liters.

Ultralight backpacks, like the Gossamer Gear Murmur 36 Hyperlight Backpack , tend to have a structure similar to regular backpacks with regular shoulder straps and a waist belt to help distribute weight. These packs tend to be slightly larger and lack the shoulder pockets and vest-style design of fastpacking packs. They do better under heavier loads but tend to bounce if you try to run with them. That said, the Murmur ran surprisingly well under load.

For longer trips or trips in colder weather, the extra volume of the Gossamer Gear Murmur 36 Hyperlight Backpack makes it easy to carry everything you need. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

What is the difference between fastpacking and trail running?

While some members of the iRunFar testing team will argue that a “full-day trail run” can stretch into the 24-hour range, most runners will consider a solid day out somewhere significantly less than that. At the end of a trail run, you’ll most likely return to your home for the night, or your vehicle if you’re camping out. Fastpacking lets you go for a big run and stay out in the wild for the night.

A light kit in a fastpacking pack allows for running on downhills, sometimes flat ground, and occasionally uphills. If you’re going out for just a night in mild temperatures, it’s possible to keep a pack light enough that nearly anything that would normally be runnable will stay as such. Fastpacking trips can be as short as one night or extend into the weeks- and months-long range in some instances.

How do I choose a fastpacking route?

If you’re new to backpacking and fastpacking, the easiest way to dial in your gear systems is to choose a longer route you already know, maybe one you’ve run before. Knowing the terrain you’re traveling over will let you focus on the mechanics of figuring out fastpacking without worrying about navigation or unknown terrain.

Once you feel confident spending the night out with your kit, the world is your oyster. You can use countless resources to create a route, from a paper map to checking out routes on the Fastest Known Time website. When choosing a route, you’ll want to consider that you will move slower than you would with just a daypack, so it’s important to plan your mileage accordingly.

If you live in an area with a long trail, such as the Colorado Trail, Arizona Trail , Appalachian Trail , or something similar, finding loops using the main trail as a backbone is a great way to see new terrain. Choosing a series of peaks to summit also offers ample motivation. The internet is vast, and there’s a good chance you can find all of the information you could want on a route or trail if you do a little digging.

You’ll want to make sure that you’re camping on public lands. Many navigation apps will have a layer that shows private and public land, and many paper maps will also differentiate between the two. Camping is legal on nearly all Forest Service and BLM land. State-controlled land can be a little more complicated, and you’ll want to look into local regulations if you’re traveling over State Trust land. County parks occasionally allow camping, but it’s always good practice to double-check camping legality before setting out.

What temperature rating should the sleeping bag be?

Most sleeping bags have three ratings: Comfort, Lower Limit, and Extreme. The general rule of thumb is that if you’re a cold sleeper, you want to rely on the Comfort rating, and if you sleep warm, you can probably get away with the Lower Limit rating. Other factors that will affect sleeping comfort and warmth include the type of shelter you’re using, and if you’re sharing your shelter with another person, and your sleeping pad.

If you want to have a single sleeping bag for all of your fastpacking adventures, a 20-degree Fahrenheit bag, like the Feathered Friends Swallow UL 20/30 Sleeping Bag – 20 Degree , is a good option, as it will most likely cover the lower limits of what you need while still being light enough for a fastpacking kit. If you’re curious about the advantages and disadvantages of different types of sleeping bags — including hooded, hoodless, and quilts — you can read more in our Best Ultralight Sleeping Bags guide.

Why is pack weight so important for fastpacking?

There’s an old adage in ultralight backpacking and fastpacking that “Everything weighs something,” acknowledging the idea that a few grams or ounces here or there might not seem like a lot, but when multiple sets of “a few ounces” can quickly add up to an unwieldy and heavy pack.

Fastpacking allows you to move as light and fast as possible over rugged terrain, and a low pack weight can also allow for running or jogging, especially on downhill or flat terrain. While the upper limit of pack weight for running varies person by person and situation by situation, anything that starts pushing 20 pounds becomes prohibitively heavy for most runners. Using a smaller pack, like the Pa’lante Packs Joey can help reduce the chance of overpacking.

While it’s easy to spend a lot of money on the lightest gear possible, we’ve also included budget options in this guide, like the Outdoor Vitals StormLoft Down TopQuilt 15 and the Paria Outdoor Products Sanctuary SilTarp , which still form the basis of a light kit at a reasonable price point.

Meghan Hicks of iRunFar used the Red Paw Packs Flatiron 28L during a six-day trip on the Wind River High Route in Wyoming. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

Is it safe to drink wild water if it’s clear and flowing?

Knowing where and when you’ll get water is one of the most critical steps to planning a fastpacking trip. While it’s safe to drink unfiltered, wild water in many situations, especially in remote locations with no livestock, we always recommend filtering to be safe. And when water filters are as light and easy to use as the Katadyn BeFree 0.6L , there’s really very little reason not to filter.

While ideally, the best water source will be a flowing clear stream, they’re not always available, and water filters and other water treatment options will make all types of water safe to drink. You can read more about different types and styles of water filters and treatment options in our Best Water Filters guide.

Most water filters can handle some level of sediment in the water, though they will clog up more quickly filtering sedimented water. If you’re filtering out of sedimented water, as is often the case in the desert, prefiltering it with a bandana or coffee filter will remove the first round of sediment and may help save your filter from premature clogging.

If you’re concerned about viruses in the water, you’ll want to consider chemically treating it or using a UV light treatment option like a SteriPen Ultralight UV Water Purifier .

What are the Leave No Trace principles, and why are they important?

Following the Leave No Trace principles helps ensure that wilderness areas are protected from human impact as much as possible. The seven principles are listed above and can also be found at LNT.org . The basic idea is that there should be no (or as minimal as possible) sign that you passed through an area.

These principles cover situations as obvious as not leaving trash on the trail to more subtle actions such as choosing a durable surface for a campsite and hanging your food or using a bear canister to minimize the risk of creating a human problem for a bear. Carrying a stove and pot, like the BRS 3000T Stove and the Toaks Light Titanium 550ml Pot , instead of building a fire means you don’t have to make a fire ring, create ashes, and risk starting a forest fire.

Fastpackers and ultralight backpackers can travel far into the backcountry and pristine areas, so it’s especially important to follow the ideals of traveling as lightly as possible and leaving as little impact as we can as we pass through.

Call for Comments

• Do you have a favorite piece of ultralight backpacking gear that we haven’t included?

iRunFar’s Meghan Hicks wearing the Gossamer Gear Murmur 36 Hyperlight Backpack during a spring fastpacking trip in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

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• Best Ultralight Sleeping Bags of 2024 Here are the best ultralight sleeping bags for fastpacking available today....
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Eszter Horanyi identifies as a Runner Under Duress, in that she’ll run if it gets her deep into the mountains or canyons faster than walking would, but she’ll most likely complain about it. A retired long-distance bike racer, she gave ultra foot racing a go and finished the Ouray 100 in 2017, but ultimately decided that she prefers a slower pace of life of taking photos during long days in the mountains and smelling the flowers while being outside for as many hours of the day as possible. Eszter will take any opportunity to go adventuring in the mountains or desert by foot, bike, or boat, and has lived the digital nomad lifestyle throughout the west for the past seven years.

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Here’s your Hawaii packing list (essentials for every island adventure)

What to bring on your trip to hawaii.

Hawaii’s tropical paradise promises adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable beauty no matter what time of year you visit . But to make the most of your time on the islands, packing the right essentials is key. From beachwear and hiking gear to sun protection and tech must-haves, this guide covers everything you’ll need to enjoy every moment in Hawaii stress-free.

1. Lightweight, breathable clothing

• Shorts and t-shirts : Opt for breathable fabrics like cotton or linen to keep you cool in Hawaii’s tropical heat.
• Casual outfits : Hawaii’s relaxed vibe means you can leave formalwear at home. A few casual outfits will have you covered for dinners, sightseeing, and walking around town.
• Swimwear : This one is a no-brainer. Bring swimwear if you’ll be hitting the beach or pool daily. For those planning to surf or snorkel, a rash guard is ideal for extra sun protection.

2. Footwear

• Flip-flops or sandals : A comfortable pair of flip-flops or slip-on sandals are your best friends on the islands. They’re easy to take on and off when moving from the beach to paved paths.
• Water shoes : If you plan on exploring tide pools, going snorkeling, or doing some waterfall hikes, water shoes are a smart addition. They’ll help protect your feet from coral and rocks.
• Hiking shoes or sneakers : Hawaii offers some incredible hiking trails with breathtaking views. Bring supportive hiking shoes or trail-running sneakers if you’re planning on tackling some of the island’s famous trails.

3. Beach essentials

• Beach towel or blanket : A lightweight, quick-dry towel or beach blanket is ideal for lounging on the sand.
• Snorkeling gear : While you can rent snorkeling equipment on most islands, bringing your own mask and snorkel gives you the freedom to dive in any time you spot a reef.
• Reusable water bottle : Staying hydrated is essential under Hawaii’s tropical sun. A reusable water bottle with insulation will keep your drinks cool all day.
• Dry bag : Perfect for keeping your phone, camera, and other valuables safe and dry, especially if you’re kayaking, paddleboarding, or on a boat tour.

4. Sun protection

• Reef-safe sunscreen : Hawaii’s marine life is protected by state laws that require reef-safe sunscreen. Avoid formulas with oxybenzone and octinoxate, and instead look for mineral-based options.
• Hat : A wide-brimmed hat is ideal for added sun protection while you’re at the beach or hiking.
• Sunglasses : Polarized sunglasses are a must, as the Hawaiian sun can be intense. Polarized lenses help reduce glare, making it easier to enjoy the views.
• Aloe vera gel : Even with sunscreen, sunburns can happen. Aloe vera gel provides quick relief and helps with skin recovery.

5. Toiletries and personal items

• Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash : If you have sensitive skin or prefer a specific brand, bring travel-sized versions of your toiletries.
• Bug spray : In some areas of Hawaii, especially during hikes or near waterfalls, mosquitoes can be pesky. A small bottle of insect repellent will be handy.
• Moisturizer and lip balm with SPF : The sun and saltwater can be drying, so pack a good facial moisturizer and SPF lip balm to keep your skin hydrated and protected.
• Hand sanitizer : Keep a small bottle of sanitizer for convenience, especially if you’re traveling between crowded spots.

6. Tech and accessories

• Waterproof phone case : You’ll want to capture all the beach moments, waterfall swims, and snorkeling excursions without risking your phone. A waterproof phone case lets you snap photos without worry.
• Camera : Hawaii’s landscapes are photogenic to the extreme, so if you have a good camera, bring it along. GoPros or other waterproof cameras are perfect for underwater shots.
• Portable charger : Keep your devices powered up during day trips with a portable charger, especially if you’re relying on your phone for navigation and photos.

7. Adventure gear

• Light jacket or rain poncho : While Hawaii’s weather is generally warm, rain showers can pop up unexpectedly. A light jacket or poncho is useful, especially in lush areas like Hana on Maui or the Na Pali Coast on Kauai.
• Backpack or daypack : A small, comfortable daypack is ideal for keeping your hands free while exploring. Look for one with a water-resistant feature to handle sudden rain showers.
• Binoculars : Hawaii is a fantastic place for whale watching (in winter months) and bird-watching. A lightweight pair of binoculars will enhance these experiences.

8. Documents and essentials

• ID, passport, and credit cards : While you don’t need a passport if you’re traveling from the U.S., international travelers will need one.
• Copies of important documents : Having digital or physical copies of your important documents can save time if anything gets misplaced.
• Reusable shopping bag : Hawaii has strict regulations on plastic bags, so a reusable shopping bag can be helpful for groceries or souvenirs.

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Whether you’re dreaming of hitting the slopes, hiking through wildflower-filled meadows, or just enjoying the buzz of festivals, the best time to visit Colorado really depends on the experience you’re after. Here’s what you should know about booking your perfect Colorado getaway. The best time to visit Colorado for fewer crowds

If you’re planning your next getaway and want to maximize your chances of finding the perfect Airbnb stay, The Perfect Rug has analyzed 50 U.S. cities to reveal the top 10 cities with the most Airbnb-ready homes. The study considered key factors like visitation numbers, apartment listings, and the percentage of those available on Airbnb.

Topping the list is Austin, Texas, with an impressive 49.37 Airbnb rentals for every 1,000 visitors. With 61% of its 19,830 apartment listings available on Airbnb, Austin has the highest number of Airbnb listings of any city analyzed, making it an Airbnb hotspot. Travelers to Austin can enjoy live music, explore Lady Bird Lake, or take advantage of incredible shopping opportunities on South Congress Avenue.

Are you tired of wrestling with your suitcase every trip? Packing cubes are the game-changer you need. These simple yet ingenious organizers can transform your packing experience, making it faster, easier, and more efficient. Keep reading to learn how to use packing cubes to make traveling as stress-free as possible. What are packing cubes? Packing cubes are small, rectangular fabric containers used to compartmentalize and organize luggage. They come in various sizes and are typically made of lightweight materials like nylon or mesh. 

The idea behind packing cubes is simple: instead of shoving everything into your suitcase and hoping it all fits, you separate your belongings into them based on category, outfit, or even day of the week. This keeps things organized, makes packing and unpacking easier, and even saves you space. Benefits of using packing cubes