Traveling with only a 25L backpack (personal item)
Traveling super light make things easie
Leonel RuizMinimalism, Travel, Backpacking3 min read
Traveling with little luggage is something you slowly learn over time. At first, the idea of using only a 25L backpack feels limiting, almost uncomfortable. But after a few trips, you realise it’s actually enough, more than enough to move freely without missing anything important.
This isn’t a packing guide or a perfect system. It’s just how I travel now, and why it works for me.
Why a 25L Backpack Makes Sense (to Me)
I like being able to move without thinking too much. No checked luggage, no waiting around at airports, no dragging a suitcase through streets that were clearly not designed for wheels.
A 25L backpack fits under the seat on most flights. That alone simplifies everything. It also saves money on low-cost airlines, but honestly, that’s just a nice side effect.
The less I carry, the less I worry. I know exactly where everything is. Nothing gets lost because there isn’t much to lose in the first place.
It also makes moving around easier. Buses, trains, motorbikes, long walks, everything feels lighter when your entire life fits on your back.
And maybe the most important part: it forces me to be honest about what I actually need. Not what I might need. Not what feels safe to bring. Just the essentials.
How I Think About Packing
I keep things simple.
One rain jacket.
One ultralight down jacket
One pair of shoes I can walk in all day.
One pair of pants that works in different situations.
I prefer layers instead of bulky clothes. Light pieces that I can combine depending on the weather.
If something can’t serve at least two purposes, it usually doesn’t make it into the backpack. A jacket that blocks rain and wind. A buff that works as a scarf, bandana, or sleep mask.
I also stick to lightweight, quick-drying materials. Things I can wash in a sink and wear again the next day.
What I Carry (More or Less)
I don’t follow an exact checklist, but it usually looks something like this:
Clothes
A few t-shirts (4), one slightly nicer shirt, two pairs of pants, a light jacket, underwear and socks, sandals, walking shoes, and a swimsuit.
Small essentials
A nanofiber towel, sunglasses, a cap, a small lock for hostels, and a plastic bag for dirty clothes.
Tech
My phone, laptop, chargers, a power bank, earphones, and one cable that does everything.
Basic hygiene
Toothbrush, solid soap and shampoo, sunscreen, crystal deodorant, nail clippers, small perfume.
That’s it. Nothing fancy.
About Space and Organisation
I fold my clothes. I use one medium size packing cube for all of my clothes. Not because it’s some life-changing hack, but because it keeps things calm and predictable.
Heavy stuff stays on me when I travel. Big bottles are avoided. Solid toiletries make life easier.
Small decisions, less friction.
Traveling Like This
The less I carry, the more I enjoy the trip. Moving feels easier. Decisions feel lighter. I don’t think about my stuff, I think about where I am.
Traveling this way removes a lot of unnecessary stress. No extra weight. No “just in case” items. No attachment to things I don’t really need.
If you’ve never traveled with a backpack this small, it might sound uncomfortable. It did to me too. But once you experience the freedom of moving light, it’s hard to go back.
At some point, you stop feeling like you’re missing things and start realising how little you actually need.