BootsnAll Travel Community

I curious how many of you have ever "backpacked" at the level of having just one, small backpack for everything. I'm not talking about the huge, 4ft tall, camping/expedition packs that most of us use, but really just a small (almost school sized) backpack. What did you bring? How many change of clothes (if any)? Its always been my fantasy to travel that way. But year after year, when I pack for my annual trip, I find that even if I can stomach having one, maybe two sets of clothes, my toiletries, meds, and tech gear alone will require a full sized camping style backpack.

Or even more extreme, how many of you have travelled around the world with nothing but the clothes on your back and a passport?

I think you'll find that a lot of people here travel carry-on only.

You can click on this image for an larger annotated version of what I carried for two months in Thailand:

For the second month of that trip, all of that gear was actually in a small thai shoulder bag.

I'm hoping to spend a month in South America this summer, with a similar size bag (32L), only I'll be bringing my dSLR and notebook computer as well.

I've got my own reasons for bringing the tech gear, but just once you should try leaving the bulk of your toiletries at home (toothbrush, floss, small toothpaste, what else do you need?), and not bringing much more than two extra sets of clothes, a notebook, and a point and shoot camera. With that setup you should be able to pack in a plastic shopping bag if you want.

This was my pack for a month



It helps if you are going to a warm weather country, but I think 50% of it has to do with choosing the right gear and the other 50% has to do with making compromises on comfort or appearance. If you choose the right clothing, you only really need one extra set. I don't really care about looking good, in fact the poorer I look the better. Add a jacket that packs well for warmth, a pair of shoes and some flip flops. Toiletries: Soap, toothpaste, and toothbrush. Gadgets: Maybe phone, camera, notepad, and guidebook / dictionary.

Whatever else I end up needing, I'll buy on the road. The empty room in my pack is for snacks and water.

Oh and IMHO carrying less doesn't really make anyone more of a backpacker, it's just a personal preference.

my pack is 50 litres. Bigger than some here but not what I would call a big expedition backpack. I bring 3 changes of clothes, wearing one so only have to carry two, plus a swimsuit, a jacket, and something to sleep in. This is what I carry in my bag:

clothes in a small bag
toiletry bag
extra pair of shoes
medicines
small bag with miscellaneous items...ie flashlight, camera charger, guide book, journal...