Backpacking: Exploring The World With Minimal Baggage

Travelling the world with a backpack is an appealing prospect, but it's not as simple as throwing a few things in a bag and heading off. It takes careful planning and consideration to ensure you have everything you need, without overpacking.

The key to successful backpack travel is to focus on mobility, efficiency, and inconspicuousness. The lighter your load, the more mobile you are, and the more you can adapt to changing plans. It also makes it easier to get around, whether that's navigating crowded public transport or breezing through airports without checked luggage.

When it comes to choosing a backpack, look for something durable, weather-resistant, and with a comfortable harness. Simplicity is often best, as bags with too many features can be bulky and impractical. Consider the size carefully: a 40L backpack is a good balance between space and weight, but you may want to go smaller or larger depending on your needs.

When it comes to packing, opt for versatile, compact, and high-quality items. Merino wool clothing is a great choice as it's lightweight, quick-drying, and odour-resistant. Layering is key for adapting to different climates. For electronics, choose smaller, lightweight options and consider whether you really need that bulky charging cable.

Remember, the goal is to pack light and embrace the freedom that comes with it. You don't want to be weighed down by your luggage, either physically or mentally. So plan, pack efficiently, and get ready to explore the world.

Choosing the right backpack: Pick a backpack that suits your travel style

When choosing a backpack, it's important to consider your travel style. If you're a business traveller, you'll likely need a few more pockets and features for storing your electronics and office items. If you're backpacking through Europe, you'll want a strong and comfortable back panel, a fully-featured harness, and a more outdoors-focused design.

If you're travelling carry-on only, you'll want to consider the weight of your backpack, as well as its size. A backpack with a million pockets might look great in the marketing materials, but it won't be so practical to use in real life. A backpack with six distinct pockets is great, but one with 14 will just make you forget where you put all your stuff.

If you're travelling with a lot of tech, you'll want a backpack with multiple compartments and great protection. The Incase Icon backpack, for example, has three separate compartments for keeping all your large items organised.

If you're travelling somewhere with a rainy climate, you'll want a backpack that can ward off the elements, like the Tortuga Travel Backpack, which is made from 100% recycled and waterproof material.

If you're travelling by foot, you'll want a backpack with straps that distribute the bag's weight and make it feel lighter, like the Osprey Fairview.

If you're travelling carry-on only, you might want to consider the Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L, which is a backpack specifically designed to haul your clothes, gear, and other travel essentials securely and comfortably on your back.

If you're travelling with a laptop, the Timbuk2 Authority Deluxe backpack has an entirely separate padded pocket for a 17-inch laptop, as well as a second padded laptop sleeve in the main compartment.

If you're travelling on a budget, the Volher Travel backpack is a high-performing yet affordable, tech-forward daypack.

Packing light: Only pack the essentials

Packing light is a skill that can be learned and perfected over time. It will save you time, money, and hassle. It will also increase your overall mobility and ease of travel. Here are some tips to help you pack light and only bring the essentials:

• Plan ahead: Give yourself enough time to pack, ideally a day or more before your trip. This will help you avoid the temptation to overpack or bring unnecessary items.
• Choose the right luggage: Opt for a smaller bag, such as a carry-on compliant bag with a maximum capacity of around 35 to 40 liters. This will force you to be more selective about what you pack. Consider the weight of the luggage itself; choose lightweight options made from durable materials.
• Pack only the essentials: Bring items that are versatile and can be used in multiple situations. Focus on packing must-haves rather than nice-to-haves. For example, instead of packing special-case items like hiking boots, consider bringing comfortable walking shoes that can be used for multiple activities.
• Limit your clothing: Pack at most one week's worth of clothing. Choose a simple color palette with a base color like black, navy, or brown, along with a contrasting color, and an accent color. This will ensure that your outfits can be mixed and matched. Roll or fold your clothes to save space.
• Be mindful of toiletries: Avoid packing full-size bottles. Instead, opt for travel-sized containers or decant your favorite products into smaller bottles. Consider using solid alternatives, such as soap bars or shampoo bars, which last longer and weigh less.
• Utilize packing aids: Invest in packing cubes, compression bags, or laundry bags to keep your belongings organized and maximize space.
• Leave unnecessary items behind: Ask yourself if you truly need certain items. For example, instead of packing heavy guidebooks, consider downloading e-books or using travel apps on your phone or tablet.
• Be mindful of electronics: Only bring the essentials, such as your phone, charger, and any other devices you will actually use. Standardize your chargers around a single type of port, such as USB-C, to reduce the number of adapters you need.
• Don't forget the essentials: Remember to pack important items like travel insurance, passport, visas, cash, credit/debit cards, and any necessary medications.

Mobility: Opt for a small bag to make travelling easier

When it comes to travelling the world, a small bag is your best friend. A large backpack might seem like the obvious choice, but it will only slow you down and weigh you down. A small bag, on the other hand, offers freedom and flexibility, allowing you to move through airports and new cities with ease.

The ideal bag should be around 30-40L, and fit comfortably under the seat in front of you on the plane. This means no racing to the overhead bins, and no lugging a giant bag to your accommodation when you arrive at your destination. You'll save money on baggage fees and have more energy to explore.

A smaller bag also encourages you to pack light, which is a valuable skill when travelling. It can be tempting to overpack, but ask yourself: do I really need this? Am I willing to carry this on my back for the next few weeks or months?

• Opt for high-quality, versatile clothing made from Merino wool. Merino wool is great for temperature regulation, quick-drying, and odour resistance.
• Only pack the essentials. Do you really need three pairs of shoes, or will one versatile pair do?
• Use packing cubes to organise your clothing and maximise space.
• Invest in a good daypack that you can use to carry meals, groceries, or your camera while exploring.
• Choose dark, inconspicuous colours for your bag and clothing to avoid looking like an obvious tourist and to conceal dirt and grime.

So, if you're planning your next big adventure, remember: less is more. Embrace the challenge of packing light and enjoy the freedom that comes with travelling with a small bag.

Organisation: Keep things easily accessible

Organisation is key when it comes to travelling with a backpack. Here are some tips to keep things easily accessible:

• Use packing cubes to separate and organise your clothing. This will make it easier to find what you need, and also helps with compression.
• Keep the items you need most often in the outer pockets of your bag. That way, you can grab them without having to rummage through your entire bag.
• Use smaller pouches or bags within your backpack to keep similar items together. For example, you could have separate pouches for your electronics, your toiletries, and your dirty laundry.
• If you need to access your bag while you're on the move, consider getting a handheld shopping bag or similar to carry the items you need for the day. That way, you don't have to take your entire backpack off your shoulders.
• Keep your bag's organisational capabilities in mind when choosing which one to buy. Look for a bag with multiple pockets, and perhaps even O-rings that allow you to attach smaller pouches.

Inconspicuousness: Blend in with your surroundings

When travelling the world with a backpack, it's important to consider inconspicuousness and blending in with your surroundings. Here are some tips to achieve that:

• Choose a backpack that is small and inconspicuous. A large, bright backpack can make you stand out as a tourist or a backpacker, which may be a safety concern in certain areas. Opt for more muted colours such as brown, black or grey.
• Keep your valuables out of sight. Avoid wearing expensive jewellery or watches, and be discreet when using electronic devices such as phones or cameras. Consider carrying your camera in an opaque bag rather than a camera case.
• Dress appropriately for your surroundings. If you're visiting a city, dress like a local. If you're going to the beach, wear beach attire. Try to avoid standing out as a tourist by dressing for the wrong climate or occasion.
• Keep your directions discrete. Instead of using your phone for directions, consider writing them down in a journal. This way, you won't have to pull out your phone in public, which may make you a target for theft.
• Choose versatile clothing that can be adapted to different climates and occasions. For example, a t-shirt and a long-sleeve shirt can be worn together for colder weather, or separately for warmer weather.
• Pack light. The less luggage you have, the more mobile and flexible you'll be. A small backpack allows you to blend into your surroundings more easily and makes it easier to navigate crowded spaces such as buses and subways.

Frequently asked questions