Midsize Woman

For almost three years, I’ve traveled through more than 20 countries across Southeast Asia, Europe, and North Africa with just one 50L backpack.

No checked luggage. No extra suitcase.

Just one backpack that has been with me on every flight, train ride, bus journey, and ferry crossing.

People are often surprised when they see me arrive with such a small bag, especially after finding out I’ve been traveling for months at a time. The question I hear most is:

“How do you fit everything in there?”

The truth is, traveling carry-on only isn’t about packing as little as possible. It’s about packing smarter.

Over the years, I’ve learned what I actually use, what I never touch, and what simply isn’t worth carrying around from country to country. That mindset has saved me money on baggage fees, made travel days much easier, and given me the freedom to move without dragging a heavy suitcase behind me.

In this guide, I’ll share the packing system I’ve refined over nearly three years of full-time travel, including why I always travel with carry-on only, what I pack, what I stopped bringing years ago, and the simple rules that make long-term travel with one backpack possible.

Why I Always Travel with Just One Backpack

For me, traveling with one backpack has never felt like a challenge, it just makes traveling easier.

When everything fits on my back, I can move around without thinking twice. Whether I’m catching a train, hopping on a bus, walking through a city, or taking a ferry, I never have to drag a heavy suitcase behind me.

It also gives me more flexibility. I can easily change plans, switch accommodation, or take public transportation without worrying about bulky luggage.

Another unexpected benefit is that packing has become much simpler. Instead of asking, “What else should I bring?” I ask, “Will I actually use this?” If the answer is no, it stays home.

Over time, I’ve realized that traveling comfortably doesn’t mean packing more, it means packing the right things. Once you stop bringing items “just in case,” you’ll probably find you need much less than you think.

Why I Chose a 50L Backpack

Over the years, I’ve found that 50 liters is the perfect balance for the way I travel.

It’s large enough to carry everything I need for long-term travel, but still compact enough that I don’t feel like I’m carrying my entire life on my back.

Of course, what works for me won’t work for everyone. If you’re only traveling for a weekend, a much smaller backpack will probably be enough. But if you’re planning longer trips across different countries and climates, a 50L backpack gives you enough space without encouraging overpacking.

One thing I’ve learned is that having a bigger backpack doesn’t mean you’ll travel more comfortably. In fact, it often has the opposite effect. The more space you have, the more tempted you are to fill it with things you probably won’t use.

A 50L backpack naturally forces me to be more intentional. Every item has to earn its place, and that’s made packing much easier over time.

I’ve now used the same backpack across more than 20 countries, through airports, train stations, buses, ferries, and countless walks to accommodations. It isn’t just a backpack anymore, it’s a packing system that I’ve refined over years of travel.

Travel Style	Recommended Bag
Weekend trip	20–30L backpack
One-week vacation	30–40L backpack
Long-term travel	50L backpack
Family vacation	Suitcase

Everything I Pack in One 50L Backpack

People often assume traveling with one backpack means constantly sacrificing comfort.

In reality, I carry everything I need, I just pack more intentionally.

Here’s what usually goes into my 50L backpack.

Clothing

I only pack enough clothes for about a week.

Since I travel long-term, doing laundry once a week is much easier than carrying enough clothes for an entire month. Most accommodations have laundry facilities nearby, and if they don’t, laundromats are easy to find in many destinations.

I also stick to clothes that are comfortable, lightweight, and easy to mix and match. Instead of packing outfits for every occasion, I bring versatile pieces that work in different situations.

Shoes

Shoes take up the most space, so I keep them to a minimum.

I usually travel with one comfortable pair for everyday walking and, depending on the trip, a pair of sandals or flip-flops.

Before packing another pair, I always ask myself if I’ll actually wear them. Most of the time, the answer is no.

Toiletries

I bring travel-sized toiletries to get me through the first few days of a trip.

Once I arrive, I simply buy anything I need locally. This saves space, keeps my backpack lighter, and means I don’t have to carry full-size bottles from country to country.

Electronics

My electronics are surprisingly simple.

I always travel with my laptop, phone, chargers, power bank, universal travel adapter, and a few cables. Since I work while traveling, these are the items I never leave behind.

Travel Essentials

The rest of my backpack is reserved for the essentials that I use on almost every trip:

• Passport and travel documents
• Wallet
• Reusable water bottle
• Sunglasses
• Small first-aid kit
• Packing cubes
• Microfiber towel

Everything has its own place, which makes packing and unpacking much quicker whenever I move to a new destination. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that I don’t need more space, I just need to pack things I’ll actually use.

The Packing Rules I Always Follow

Over the years, I’ve developed a few simple packing rules that have helped me travel with just one backpack. Whenever I’m packing for a new trip, I come back to these every time.

1. If I’m Not Sure, I Leave It Behind

Whenever I find myself thinking, “Maybe I’ll need this,” I usually don’t pack it.

I’ve learned that “just in case” items rarely get used. And if I genuinely need something later, it’s almost always easier to buy it at my destination than carry it around for weeks or months.

2. Everything Needs More Than One Purpose

I try to avoid packing items that only have a single use.

For example, I choose clothes that can be worn in different situations instead of bringing separate outfits for every occasion. The more versatile an item is, the more likely it earns a place in my backpack.

3. Laundry Is Part of the Plan

One of the biggest mindset shifts was accepting that I don’t need enough clothes for my entire trip.

Instead, I pack enough for about a week and simply do laundry along the way. It’s cheaper, easier, and takes up far less space than carrying a month’s worth of clothing.

4. Leave Space for the Journey Home

I never pack my backpack until it’s completely full.

Having a little extra space makes it easier to pack after every stop, and it also leaves room for anything I buy during my travels, whether it’s snacks for the next journey or a small souvenir I actually want to keep.

5. Comfort Always Comes Before “What If”

If I have to choose between carrying extra weight or traveling comfortably, I’ll always choose comfort.

After walking through airports, climbing train station stairs, catching buses, and moving between accommodations in more than 20 countries, I’ve realized that a lighter backpack makes every travel day easier.

6. One Item In, One Item Out

This is probably the rule that’s helped me the most over the years.

Whenever I buy something new while traveling, whether it’s a T-shirt, a pair of shorts, or another piece of clothing, I don’t just keep adding it to my backpack.

Instead, I remove something I no longer wear.

That way, my backpack stays the same size no matter how long I’m traveling.

It also makes me think more carefully before buying anything. If I’m not willing to replace something I already own, I probably don’t need it in the first place.

For me, this simple rule has made long-term travel much more sustainable. My backpack never gets heavier, and I avoid collecting things I don’t actually use.

Is a 50L Backpack Really Enough for Long-Term Travel?

In my experience, yes.

I’ve used the same 50L backpack while traveling across more than 20 countries, from tropical destinations in Southeast Asia to colder winters in Europe. As long as I’m willing to do laundry regularly and pack intentionally, I’ve never felt like I needed a bigger bag.

That doesn’t mean a 50L backpack is the right choice for everyone.

If you enjoy bringing multiple pairs of shoes, different outfits for every day, or a lot of camera equipment, you might find it too limiting. But if your goal is to travel comfortably, move around easily, and avoid unnecessary luggage, I think it’s the perfect size.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned isn’t how to fit more into my backpack, it’s realizing how little I actually need.

Once you stop packing “just in case” items and start packing for the way you actually travel, you’ll probably be surprised by how much space you have left.

Frequently Asked Questions

Would I Travel with a Suitcase Again?

Never say never but for the way I travel today, I don’t see myself switching anytime soon.

Traveling with just one backpack has made every part of the journey easier. I can move between airports, train stations, buses, ferries, and accommodations without worrying about dragging a heavy suitcase behind me.

More importantly, it’s changed the way I think about packing.

Instead of bringing everything I might need, I focus on what I’ll actually use. That simple mindset has helped me travel lighter, spend less on baggage fees, and enjoy the freedom that comes with carrying everything on my back.

If you’re thinking about trying carry-on-only travel, my advice is simple: don’t aim to pack perfectly on your first trip. Start small, learn what you actually use, and adjust your packing list each time you travel.

You might be surprised by how little you really need.

For me, one 50L backpack has been enough for almost three years and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

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