I’m not a light traveler. My last vacation I had a backpack for my camera gear, a backpack for hiking gear, and a duffel for clothes, swimsuits, and shoes. It was too much, I decided to challenge myself. For a 3 week trip to New Zealand during the winter I wanted to carry only a single backpack. I asked myself how was I going to possibly pack everything I needed into a single carry on? I figured it out and I wanted to share exactly how I did it.

The secret? Pack only the essentials, stop packing your fears.

What is Onebagging?

Onebagging is the concept of taking a vacation and travelling out of a carry-on sized bag (usually 30L-45L). It’s a minimalist idea of bringing exactly what you will need for the trip and nothing more.

Traveling with the Essentials

Like most people when I travel I packed a bunch of extra clothes for all the different scenarios I might or might not come across. When I finished packing my bag it would always be stuffed to the brim as I struggled to close the zipper. In the end, I didn’t wear half of the outfits I packed anyway. It just meant more laundry when I returned home.

Whether it’s a week long vacation or a month, the secret is to pack only the essentials and plan for one week at a time. I’ve included a “Sample Packing List” at the bottom to get you started! If your vacation spans several weeks this might mean a little more planning by booking an Airbnb with a washer, sink washing, or finding a nearby laundry to take care of it.

Traveling with Onebag involves the trade off of traveling light, ease, and convenience over having the luxury of all of your electronics and outfits ready to go. Think about the items you’re bringing and leave the bulky electronics or items at home. Do you really need that laptop or over the ear headphones? Once you realize the benefits and no longer find yourself lugging all of your heavy luggage through the airports, stairs, and hotel lobby’s you’ll never go back.

Tell Me About the Benefits?

When your plane touches down and everyone is heading to baggage claim where you’ll wait up to thirty minutes, you’ll be heading straight for the exit. At that moment, you’ll realize that you’re onto something.

Save Time. No more waiting in line at the airport to check your baggage before the flight or having to wait at baggage claim after.
Save Money. No more baggage fees!
Save the Stress. No more worrying if your bag is being treated with care or will arrive safety to your destination. With less outfits to choose from, you’ll be able to pick an outfit quickly to start the day.

Achievement unlocked - Walk straight out of the airport.

Sample Packing List

Use the below list as a template for any trip! Tailor it for your personal needs. Remember, the goal of onebagging is to save time, money, and stress. You don’t need to purchase anything new to start onebagging!

1 Bag: Ideal size is 30-45L. Usually anything over 45L will not fit as a carry on. Be sure to check your bag specifications.
3-5 Underwear: Quick drying/synthetic is best but if you love cotton bring a combination!
3 Socks: Quick drying/synthetic is best, wool works really well for either hot or cold climates.
1-2 Bra: One bra can be the top of a two piece swimsuit
3-5 Shirts: Bring causal and or formal. Anything that has multiple uses would is best.
1-2 Pants: Versatile pair for hiking and exploring the city. Another formal pair for dinners.
1 Shorts: Shorts to double as swim trunks if you plan on taking a dip!
1-2 Shoes: Depending on your trip this could be hiking boots/tennis shoes or tennis shoes/sandals.
1 Mid layer: The key to onebagging in colder weather is layering. Bring a lightweight fleece or a puffer down.
1 Jacket: Lightweight and packable. Rain shell if necessary, wind breaker, or puffer.
1 Small Toiletry Lit: Opt to leave the eletronic toothbrush at home. Bring travel sized toothbrush/toothpaste, deodorant, sunscreen, soap, and first aid kit.
1 Electronics Kit: phone, charger, earbuds, universal adapter, small power bank
Bonus, Packing cubes. Packing cubes help with organization or offer compression to allow you to fit an extra shirt or pair of pants.

Original source/list from reddit.com/r/onebag, modified with a few tips!