On Packing Light: A One-Bag Packing List to Handle Just About Anything
A one-bag packing list designed for indefinite travel across multiple climates and locations.
Across the last few years, I've traveled to more than 25 countries, from short-term trips to 58 weeks straight on the road. I adhere to the “one-bag” philosophy, meaning I only bring one backpack with me whenever I travel, even if it’s for an indefinite period of time.
Admittedly it’s a little obsessive, though I really believe that pairing down what you bring helps you be adaptive and focus on the trip. And that’s important! Travel can be a little messy, though maybe not as much these days, but even still it’s comforting to know that the kit on your back will get you through just about anything. Not to mention it’s immensely rewarding.
Over the years, I've slowly refined my kit list and strategy through extensive research and reviews to find to optimize what’s in my bag. On almost every trip this is what goes in my bag. It’s designed for general travel across multiple climates (ideally around 32°F to 90°F) and activities (general city/urban travel to light hiking). If I’m on a specialized backpacking trip or have specific gear requirements, I’ll flex in certain directions but it I still use it as a template.
Before we get into the complete list, let's start with a few general thoughts.
There might be a few definitions of "one-bag" travel. For me, it's a backpack with 45 liters or less of capacity. Sure, a rolling suitcase or a large hiking backpack technically qualifies as "one-bag," but those aren't really in the ethos of ultralight or minimal packing.
You don't need any of the gear here. You already have everything you need to go out and explore in your closet. Don't let the gear listed here make you think you need to buy it, or you won't have the "optimal" experience. That's all bullshit, and none of it actually matters. That said, all the gear I mention/link to here has been (and is continuously) curated over years of trial and error, and it'll serve you well. If no product is explicitly mentioned, that probably means I haven't found a need to upgrade what's already in my closet.
You don't need as much as you think. If you are questioning whether you need it, you probably don't. Sometimes, you’ll wish you had a certain item, but those thoughts tend to melt away when you're on the road. Plus you can almost always buy whatever you need.
Packing for two weeks is the same as packing for two years - you'll inevitably have to do laundry. No need to pack 365 pairs of underwear.
The Daily Carry
The things that are on my person at all given times.
iPhone - I'm too deep in the Apple ecosystem at this point. I always go for the largest size and the Pro model. It's the tool I'm interacting with the most on the road, so the larger screen size, battery, and camera are all incredibly important. The leather cases from NOMAD are fantastic. But do I contemplate throwing my phone out the window every day? Yes, yes, I do.
Saddleback Front Pocket Wallet - I bought this wallet years ago based on a recommendation from a friend. Ten years later, this thing is still going strong (it even looks/feels better). Always opt for a front pocket wallet to avoid any pickpockets. I've never really done the travel wallet (moneybelt?) that straps to my body, but it's probably not a bad idea.
Schwab Bank Debit Card - Another recommendation from a friend years ago. Schwab isn't a typical bank; they're a brokerage first, but they still offer checking and savings accounts. Because of that, they are more or less an online bank and don't have many physical locations or ATMs. The upside is that they'll reimburse you for any ATM fees worldwide, so you never have to worry about paying $5 extra to take out some cash. Better yet, there aren't any fees or account minimums, and the customer service is awesome .
American Express Platinum - There are so many folks out there who have good overviews of all the credit cards and how to play the airline/hotel points games. I wouldn't call myself an expert, but I dabble enough to be knowledgeable. I think that around 2014 or so, playing the points game started becoming a worse and worse deal for consumers. Still, it makes sense to have a travel-focused credit card, especially for the trip insurance. I opt for the American Express Platinum because I'm based out of Seattle, and there's a Centurion Lounge here - they're easily the best lounges out there. The Chase Sapphire Reserve is another good option, and it is easier to justify the high annual fee cost. There's also a case for having both. Either way, make sure you actually use the points all these cards give you before they get devalued. Don't count on your Amex being accepted by stores/restaurants outside the U.S. Always keep a Visa or Mastercard handy. I only use the Amex to buy big-ticket travel items - flights, hotels, Airbnb, trains, etc.
The Travel Backpack
The natural first inclination is to reach for the biggest hiking backpack possible. Resist the temptation. Unless you're doing a specific backpacking trip, leave the 70-liter Osprey bag at home. Those types of bags are just awful if you're doing anything other than hiking - you'll take too much shit, and you'll never be able to find it and all the fucking straps will just get in the way. You'll also stand out like a backpacker/tourist immediately. Maybe that's okay with you, but I prefer to be a bit more incognito.
Look for something under 45 liters in capacity, which is the maximum legal carry-on size for U.S.-based airlines. But even at 45-liters, the backpack will get pretty heavy, so I'd recommend the ~35-liter range.
Note: The indicated capacity on backpacks is not always the best indicator of how much the bag can hold - some bags manage to hold a lot more than you'd expect because of how it's designed. So yeah, size doesn't always matter.
The Minaal 2.0 - I have tested many, many backpacks, but I always end up coming back to the Minaal 2.0 (they have a 3.0 version now). It’s the GOAT. It just feels right. It's the perfect combination of size, comfort, and design. Even when fully packed out, the Minaal carries well enough that I can walk around a city for hours without any issues or fatigue. I also have good spatial awareness when carrying the Minaal; it doesn't sit too far off my back, which is extremely helpful for small or crowded spaces.
Maybe the biggest benefit of the Minaal 2.0 is that, in a pinch, you can fit it under the seat in front of you. An absolute game changer when you're flying a budget carrier or are the last person on the plane, you'll never be stressed about overhead bin space (a.k .a. time for one more drink at the lounge).
I’ve been using the Matador GlobeRider 35L for a few trips and like it quite a bit. It’s a little better than the Minaal for daily carry or a hiking bag when you’re at the destination. The organization is just okay, some of the internal pockets leave something to be desired and the external tech pocket might be a little too over engineer (who needs four pen slots). But the external stash pocket is excellent for a jacket, book, or something that is a little awkward to fit in the main compartment. It’s a great bag and would recommend it in a heartbeat.
Whichever bag you choose, packing cubes are a must. Most bag manufacturers will make packing cubes designed for their bags. You don't necessarily have to choose those, but they tend to work better. The Minaal packing cubes fit the bag perfectly and are incredibly lightweight. Packing cubes also act as a limiter for your clothes - once those are filled, that's all you can bring. Don't bother with the packing cubes that zip down and compress your clothes; you'll add more weight to the pack.
I'd also recommend a packable backpack or tote that you can use as a daily carry option when walking around (groceries, computer, notebook, etc.). The Peak Design Packable Tote is fantastic.
Electronics
Macbook Pro - Many days are spent in coffee shops grinding away, especially when I'm traveling indefinitely. I currently have the 14″ Macbook Pro M1 Max, which is an excellent combination of power and size. If I weren't working, I'd probably take an iPad or nothing at all.
Charger + Cables - Now that the iPhone uses USB-C, I'm finally close to getting my dream of USB-C everything. However, sadly, not all USB-C cables are created equal. I just picked up a few Thunderbolt-4-grade cables to make it easy. Make sure you get extra-long cables or extension cords, whether you need USB-A, USB-C, Micro-USB, or lightning cables. You never know when the plug or outlet will be inconveniently placed in the back corner of the Airbnb.
Noise Cancelling Headphones - I'm not the biggest audiophile in the world. Don't get me wrong, I love music, but can I distinguish the technical differences between the latest Bose and Sony headphones? Sadly, no, I can't. There are many audio-specific reviews to help you guide your choice, but I picked up the Sony WH1000XM4 on sale a while ago, and they're great. If you're not taking a long flight, noise-canceling earbuds like the AirPods Pro might work well and save you some space (I take both).
Headphone Splitter - For sharing a movie or podcast with a partner or friend. I don't bother with the Bluetooth ones.
Travel Adapter - These are always frustrating because they're so damn bulky. I like the Anker Nano Travel adapter. There’s also an argument for something like the Road Warrior adapter, but then I’d recommend something like this Anker charging station that has a simple two prong plug that won’t weigh down the charger and fall out of the outlets.
Kindle Paperwhite - I prefer physical books, but e-readers are too convenient. Alternatively, I've surprisingly enjoyed the reading experience from the Libby app if you don't like eReaders but still want the convenience.
Portable Charger - Never worry about running out of juice. There are some instances where you’re on a busy without an outlet for 5 hours, or the outlet is on the other side of the room, etc. It's by far one of the most used accessories on this list. There are many options, but this one from Anker works pretty well.
Clothing
Pants (x2) - The Outlier Slim Dungarees are by far the most comfortable, versatile, and bomb-proof pants I've ever worn. They nicely toe the line of chinos/jeans and can take on anything. On a trip to Iceland, I accidentally sprayed myself with gasoline (long story) and was able to get it out of these resilient bastards when I got back. They're breathable to keep you cool in the summer but thick enough to keep you warm in winter. They come at a steep price point but are worth every penny. The other pants I bring are the Western Rise Evolution 2.0, which are just as capable and comfortable as the Outlier pair.
Use the code “GROG-15” for 15% off any purchase from Western Rise.
Underwear (x5) - Depending on how long you're traveling, you'll probably do laundry in the sink at some point, so having underwear that dries fast, even in cooler conditions, will be critical. The ExOfficio Give-N-Go boxer briefs are the best, hands down, no questions asked.
Socks (x5) - I only take wool socks these days. A nice mix of heavy and lightweight wool will get the job done. Just get a few pairs from Darn Tough and call it a day. Don't sleep on compression socks, either.
T-Shirts (x4) - I take four T-shirts with me, most of them are Merino wool - great for layering, and you don’t need to wash them nearly as often. I've been happy with the ones from Unbound Merino. I use basic colors like navy, black, and grey to keep it simple and easy to mix and match. They are also great base layers for hiking and backpacking. I also have a few 72-Hour Merino T-shirts, which are pretty nice as well (size up if you’re interested)
Long-Sleeve Shirt/Sweater (x2): This might not need to come depending on the weather throughout your trip, but having at least one light long-sleeve layer and a sweater is helpful. I have a black Smartwool Quarter-Zip and a green sweater from Unbound Merino.
Use the code “GROG10” for 10% off any purchase from Unbound Merino.
Shorts (x2): Two pairs of shorts used for everyday wear, workouts, and swimming. There are plenty of generic do-it-all travel shorts, but Western Rise makes some good ones.
Insulated Jacket - Patagonia Nano Puff is hands down the most comfortable jacket I've ever owned. It also does a great job of keeping you warm and works well layering under another shell. I just picked up the Airloft Hooded Jacket from Western Rise, and it feels warmer and water-resistant than the Nano Puff. I’m optimistic, but I still need to test it out.
Rain Jacket - I have a simple rain shell from Montbell that I travel with. It's pretty cheap, no fuss, and easy to pack down. I generally don’t have to use it much, but it gives me the peace of mind just in case.
Shoes (x2) - Easily the most challenging part of one-bag packing, especially if traveling across multiple climates. I always bring a pair of boots, and I'll try to bring a pair of trainers if it's a longer trip. A pair of classic Blundstone boots are the easy recommendation, since they look passably nice and can take whatever the hell you throw at ‘em. For one trip around the world, that’s what I’d bring. I've put those things through so much, and they're still going strong. For trainers, find whatever you think looks the best and packs down the smallest. For me it’s a pair of black/white Escalante from Altra.
Toiletries
This section is challenging since the toiletries vary widely depending on your self-care. But this is an area that can end up taking up a lot of space and add some weight to your bag. Try to go as generic, avoiding brand names as much as possible - most of this stuff can be found at pharmacies or other stores worldwide.
Toiletry Kit - The Matador Flatpack series is excellent, but also don’t sleep on just using a few plastic Ziplock bags.
Panasonic MultiShape - An excellent toothbrush/beard trimmer combo. What a world we live in.
My travel supplement stack
Melatonin
Magnesium Glycinate
Wellness Formula
NAC
Vitamin D3 + K2
Omega 3s
General items
Deodorant - I love Native deodorant and essentially refuse to use anything else. It's the only natural deodorant I've found that works and doesn't irritate me. Depending on how long I’m on the road, I’ve packed a few of these at a time.
Floss
Nail Clippers
Tweezers
Cotten swabs
Toothpaste
Toothbrush
Medicine/First Aid - Generally, I don't take much outside of Ibuprofen/Naproxen. But for any extended travel, I'd recommend bringing some antibiotics as an insurance policy. You can usually pick some up over the counter in other countries (foreign pharmacies are great), but you can also ask your doctor beforehand, and they might suggest a specific type.
Misc.
Aeropress Go - If, like me, you require coffee to function, this will save you a ton of money. It's probably one of the more luxurious items I pack, but it's absolutely worth it. The Aeropress is indestructible and makes the best damn cup of coffee - you'll never rely on the coffee machines from the hotel, hostel, or Airbnb. I've even used it in an airport (ask for hot water). The one trouble is the filters, which you run the risk of running out of, but odds are you'll come across a hipster coffee shop that sells them. Or buy a reusable filter.
Beanie - Only necessary if you're going to a colder destination. Get a wool one for extra warmth.
Bucket Hat - Something packable and with decent sun protection.
Gloves - Don't judge me for wearing fingerless gloves. Those touch-screen-compatible gloves never work well.
Sunglasses - You will inevitably lose these, but Knockarounds are cheap enough to thrash while offering good sun protection.
Jump Rope - Even when you're not traveling, jump rope is one of the most effective cardio workouts you'll get. It weighs practically nothing and can be packed anywhere.
Turkish Towel - You want something that will dry quickly; there's nothing worse than putting a wet towel into your backpack. Please don't bother with microfiber towels; they're made with synthetic fibers (plastic) that are prone to pick up odors and smells. Turkish towels are made from long fiber cotton that dries quickly and doesn't stink.
Notebook + Pen - Pick up some Field Notes notebooks. Keep one on you and a couple in your backpack.
Sleep Mask + Ear Plugs - Undoubtedly the most underrated piece of equipment on this list. I've had my fair share of hostel experiences that were successfully remedied with these. Hell, even if you're not doing any hostel budget traveling, these things can come in handy.
Water bottle - I go with a simple 32 oz Hydro Flask.
Apps
Airalo - Affordable and reliable eSIMs.
Maps.me - Sometimes Google/Apple Maps won't cut it (in places like Albania, for instance). Maps.me is a good option for offline maps; try to download them ahead of time when you have reliable WiFi.
WhatsApp - As much as I don’t love using Facebook products, everyone in the world, both people and businesses, use WhatsApp.
Google Translate - Better than the Apple translation app. The only thing that drives me nuts is sometimes, even when the language is downloaded, the app tries to use data/WiFi to translate. Why Google, why.
Libby - A surprisingly great reading experience for ebooks and magazines from your local library.
Splitwise - If you're traveling with a group, this will be immensely helpful to track and share expenses.
Overcast - The best podcast app around.
CurrencyConverter - If you travel across multiple countries, it's hard to keep track of all the different exchange rates. I've had a decent experience with this app, and I don't think it's stealing my data.
Final Thoughts
Everyone is different, so what works for me might not work for you. It might even take one or two trips to find the right balance between how you travel and what you're comfortable with. That said, I've found the above sufficient for me to pack indefinitely across all climates. Hopefully, this gives you a place to start and the courage to venture into the one-bag way of life.
What am I missing? What products should I check out? I'd love to hear your recommendations and kit list!