I’ve Traveled to Over 20 Countries With Just a Small Backpack, and Here’s Exactly How I Pack

For years, I was part of the “if a bag is included, let’s just check it” club. But a couple years ago, when I found myself needing to go on several back-to-back trips with very little luggage, I changed my mind. So much so, in fact, that I’ve now joined the ranks of people who travel with just a backpack.

Today, I’ve visited more than 30 countries, and most of those trips were done with nothing more than my 24-liter Cotopaxi backpack. The best part? That thing fits right under the seat in front of me and counts as my personal item, which lets me avoid carry-on fees even on budget airlines.

It’s true that packing this way requires strategy and intentionality. After several years of trial and error, here’s exactly how I pack for trips lasting anywhere from a long weekend to several weeks abroad.

Why I Prefer Traveling With a Backpack

Packing light has completely changed the way I travel. Using a small backpack means:

• No checked-bag fees
• No waiting at baggage claim
• No risk of lost luggage
• Easier movement, especially through airports and train stations
• Less stress overall

The tactic pays off handsomely when I’m flying budget airlines like Norse Atlantic or Ryanair, where avoiding carry-on fees can save a surprisingly large chunk of money.

But most importantly, traveling with less stuff just feels freeing.

My Go-To Backpack: Cotopaxi Batac 24L

The backpack I use most often is the Cotopaxi Batac 24L Travel Pack.

It’s lightweight, comfortable, super durable, and small enough to qualify as a personal item on most airlines. That means I can usually fly with just a single bag, even on carriers with strict baggage rules. Despite its modest size, it holds more than you’d think, especially when you throw packing cubes into the mix. While I’ve never measured the exact weight, I’d guess it weighs around 16 to 20 pounds with my laptop included.

And because Cotopaxi uses repurposed materials for its Batac bags, every one has a unique color combination. Mine is bright and slightly chaotic, but that’s a good thing. My travel wardrobe is mostly grays, blacks, and whites, so the Cotopaxi is a guaranteed pop of color, and it’s very easy to spot.

If there’s one accessory that makes this strategy feasible, it’s packing cubes. I use Away packing cubes to separate my clothes into categories and compress everything neatly. Typically, I dedicate:

• 1 cube for tops
• 1 cube for bottoms
• 1 cube for undergarments and socks
• 1 cube for workout clothes or miscellaneous items (e.g., a scarf, beanie, gloves)
• 1 cube (or a reusable baggie) to separate my dirty clothes

Packing cubes help me maximize space and make it easier to find what I need without unpacking my entire bag.

What I Pack for Most Trips

For trips lasting up to 2 weeks, my packing list includes enough to layer and rotate through a few outfits: 4 to 5 shirts, 2 pairs of pants or shorts, 1 lightweight sweater, 1 jacket, undergarments, and some sleepwear. I take minimal toiletries with me, knowing I can always find what I forgot while I’m traveling.

My toiletry bag essentials include: CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Facial Moisturizer with SPF 30, The Good Oil by The Organic Skin Co., Cocokind’s Revitalizing Eye Cream, Refy’s Brow Sculpt Gel, and my trusted ILIA multi-stick (in the Lady Bird shade).

That may not sound like much, but it’s more than enough when you plan to do laundry at least once during your trip. And that’s the real trick, honestly. I just accept that I’ll do laundry at some point during a longer trip. That might mean using a washer at my hotel or Airbnb, visiting a local laundromat, or even washing a few essentials in the sink when desperate times call for desperate measures.

Now, if I’m on a trip lasting longer than 2 weeks, I’ll usually try to squeeze in at least 1 more pair of packable pants and another thin top just for more variety. But again, laundry is the key here.

Adjusting for Climate and Culture

Climate also plays a role. Packing for a warmer destination obviously requires less strategy, since those garments tend to be smaller and thinner. If I’m headed to a colder climate, I still prioritize layers, but I might leave behind some tanks and take some more long-sleeve tees. In those cases, I’m never without my Patagonia Women’s Nano Puff^® Jacket, which I can easily shove in my backpack if needed, though I tend to wear it on travel days. For colder spots, I’ll also throw in some gloves and a beanie, or something to cover my ears.

Culture is something else to consider. There are certain places around the world where looser-fitting clothing, sleeved shirts, and headscarves are either a requirement or simply the respectful choice. I usually travel with at least 1 button-down shirt (typically a neutral color) as an easy layer. And it’s nice to have a thin scarf I can throw over my head or shoulders when I’m visiting a temple or attending a service.

Other Small Items I Always Pack

A handful of small items makes traveling with a single bag significantly easier. Some of those items include:

• Aquaphor: This is my all-purpose travel essential, and I’m never without it. It works as a lip balm, moisturizer, and emergency skin repair.
• Shout wipes: These are incredibly useful for my daily ritual of spilling coffee on myself, and they’re great when you’re packing a few clothing options.
• Instant coffee: Speaking of coffee — yes, I have a caffeine addiction. So I like having a backup caffeine plan for early flights, train rides, and hotel rooms with questionable coffee setups. My go-to is EarthFirst’s Pour Over Singles.
• Protein bars: Perfect for travel days when food is expensive, limited, or nonexistent. Some of my favorites include Mezcla Bars, GoMacro Mini Bars, and Kreatures of Habit Daily Bars.
• Tech pouch: I keep chargers, adapters, cords, and batteries in one compact case, which makes it easier to grab them without digging through my Mary Poppins bag.
• Uniqlo crossbody bag: This lightweight bag fits inside my backpack (I usually just keep it at the top) and doubles as my daily carry once I arrive at my destination. And I can just stuff it in the Cotopaxi when I fly budget airlines that only allow 1 personal item.
• Water bottle: I’m a Nalgene fan for life, but I know a lot of other people who prefer a collapsible water bottle, which you can find on Amazon for around $15.

How I Handle Budget Airline Restrictions

Budget airlines can be strict about bag allowances. My strategy is pretty simple:

• I use a backpack that fits personal item limits (varies by airline, but usually no bigger than 18 x 14 x 8 inches).
• I wear my bulkier clothing and shoes on travel days.
• I keep my crossbody bag packed inside the backpack until boarding.

Once I’m on the plane, I can take out the crossbody bag for easy access to my essentials.

Credit Cards That Help Me Travel Light

It’s true that packing in a backpack can save you cash. But the right credit card can help reduce your costs even further.

Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offer travel protections, rental car coverage, and valuable rewards that can help reduce trip expenses.

BEST FIRST TRAVEL CARD

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Welcome Offer

Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

75,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,500

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.24% - 27.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs), gas, EV charging, vacation home rentals with top brands, and streaming services.

It offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and strong travel insurance coverage, including primary car rental insurance. If you travel a few times a year and spend on dining, the card is likely to be a good choice, but it’s hard to justify if you don’t dine out or travel often.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x points on all travel booked via Chase Travel
• 3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs), gas, EV charging, vacation home rentals with top brands (such as Airbnb and Vrbo), and select streaming services
• 2x points on all other travel worldwide

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• Subject to Chase’s 5/24 application restrictions

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase TravelSM, 3x on dining, 3x on vacation homes, 3x on gas & EV charging, 3x on top streaming services and online groceries (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs), 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases
• Earn up to $100 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Emergency Evacuation and Transportation and more
• Get a year of complimentary Apple TV when activated by December 31, 2026 – a value of $156.
• Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for 12 months when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
• Receive one statement credit of up to $120 every four years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card for a Global Entry, TSA Precheck^® or NEXUS application.
• Transfer points to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.24% - 27.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Welcome Offer

Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

75,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,350

Annual Fee

$395

APR

Purchases: 19.49% - 28.49% (Variable)

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.

Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.

Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
• 5x miles per $1 on flights and vacation rentals purchased through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• $395 annual fee
• Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
• Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge and Landing locations and participating Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
• Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
• Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®
• Top rated mobile app

Financial Snapshot

• APR: Purchases: 19.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

If you are checking a bag and it is delayed or lost, baggage delay protections on certain travel cards may also help reimburse you for essential purchases. In the rare case you’re asked to check your backpack or smaller bag, it’s nice to have peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

Traveling with a backpack has honestly made my trips easier, cheaper, and much less stressful. I can move through airports faster, avoid crazy fees, and spend less time worrying about stuff. After years of doing this, I can confidently say that most travelers need far less than they think.

This method has been flexible enough that I haven’t had to adjust it much, even when traveling to different corners of the world. Once you experience the freedom of traveling with just one small backpack, it’s tough to go back.