The One-Bag Packing List
Travellagio · 5 min read
You don’t need a checked bag. For trips of 1 week to 3 months, one 40L carry-on backpack is enough. Here’s what goes in it and — more importantly — what doesn’t.
Clothing (5–7 days max, wash as you go)
- 3 t-shirts/tops (merino wool if you can — doesn’t smell, dries fast)
- 1 long-sleeve layer
- 1 light jacket or rain shell
- 2 pants/shorts
- 5 underwear (merino again)
- 3 pairs socks
- 1 swimsuit
- 1 pair walking shoes (worn on the plane)
- 1 pair sandals/flip-flops
Tech
- Phone + charger + cable
- Universal power adapter (one, not five)
- Portable battery (10,000mAh is enough)
- Earbuds
- eSIM (installed before you fly — no need for a physical SIM)
Toiletries (buy most things there)
- Toothbrush + small toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Sunscreen (bring this — it’s overpriced abroad)
- Any prescription medication
- Everything else: buy a travel-size at your destination
Documents
- Passport
- One credit/debit card + one backup card (in a different place)
- Travel insurance proof (screenshot on phone)
- Phone copies of all documents (email them to yourself)
What NOT to pack
A laptop (unless you work remotely). Books (use Kindle or phone). “Just in case” items. More than one jacket. A towel (hostels and hotels provide them; buy a thin microfiber one if you’re camping). Anything you’d be devastated to lose.