Being smart with packing is key to enjoying a trip, be it 3 days, 3 weeks or 3 months long.

Limit yourself to one bag, preferably a backpack if you’re going to be walking and moving around a lot.

Why pack light? From the onebag.com page:

• Security – you can always keep your single bag on you
• Economy – no need to check luggage or pay for transport for walkable distances
• Mobility – you’re never held back by heavy luggage
• Serenity – less stuff to lose, easy to pack and unpack

Minimum viable packing list

Here follows a very minimal packing list. In general you don’t need more than this, but you should of course adjust for climate, comfort, and niche needs. So if you’re going to a beach town obviously also pack swimwear, duh (or better yet, find shorts that double as swimwear). If you’re a photographer bring your camera. And so on.

Clothing (wear one item from each bullet point):

• 3 x Shirts
• 3 x Underwear
• 3 x Socks
• 1 x Pants
• 1 x Shoes

Technology & Entertainment

• Phone – for GPS, ongoing trip planning and connecting with people you meet
• Book or E-reader – good for long transports
• Necessary chargers

Documents

• Wallet + Cash
• Passport
• Small pen – always useful
• Small notebook – optional

Hygiene & Miscellaneous

• Dry bag or sink stopper – see the laundry section below
• Toothbrush

Toothpaste, soap and other hygiene articles can be bought at the destination or brought with you, it’s up to you.

How big a backpack do I need?

For the above list, no more than 15L.

Laundry

The dead simple way to clean is to use a dry bag, 5-10L in size. You simply pour some shampoo or shower gel into it, then some hot/warm water until it lathers, put clothes inside, shake around, let sit for 10 minutes or more if really dirty. Empty and rinse in the shower or sink. Usually underwear and socks are easier to wash by hand directly, and then you don’t need more than a 5L dry bag. Don’t worry, this method does in fact clean your clothes very well.