New to one-bag travel and want to find out how to pack everything in one backpack? Keep reading and at the end of this article you’ll learn everything you need to know about how to make the most out of your backpack’s space (plus, how to choose the best bag for carry-on-only adventures).

When you’re traveling with just one backpack, you’ll need to plan carefully in order to fit all of your vacation essentials in it while keeping the weight manageable. Use these packing list tips to learn how to pack vacation stuff in one bag and how to make sure you have everything you need.

The Best Backpack for One Bag Travels

Whether you’re going away for a week or a month, you can pack all your vacation stuff in one backpack if you apply the “less is more” rule. This means packing fewer things, but smarter.

Packing smarter will help you stay comfortable on the road, avoid annoying baggage fees, and save precious time at the luggage carousel. When traveling carry-on only and leaving behind the unnecessary, it will be easier for you to move to one point to another.

First things first: choosing the best travel backpack.

Before we discuss how to pack all your vacation stuff in one backpack, you’ll need to make sure you have the right type of bag. For city breaks or long weekend trips, you can choose a 20 – 30 liters backpack. For trips longer than two weeks, a backpack of 35 – 45 liters should be enough. Most seasoned travelers can travel for months with a 45 liters backpack. And one of their preferred options is the Nordace Henge 45 L Carry-On Backpack.

Besides opening from the front just like a suitcase for fast access, it is packed with smart pockets for easy organization. A dedicated laptop compartment will keep your device safe and separate from shoes, clothes, and toiletries. The front pockets give you extra space and quick access to small items, while the daisy chain allows you to easily attach and carry extra gear throughout your trip.

Designed to be carried comfortably, it features padded shoulder straps and compression straps to keep its content in places for extra stability.

How to Pack Vacation Stuff in One Backpack

The Packing List

Before starting to pack, make a list of all the things that you want to take with you on your vacation and ask yourself these questions:

• Will I use it? 
• Do I need it?
• Is it multipurpose? 
• How many times will I wear this? 
• Does it take up much space? 
• Can I buy it there?

Be honest with yourself and the answers to these questions will help you avoid overpacking.

Here are some things that your vacation packing list should contain:

• Documents (passport, ID, visa, travel insurance, driving license) 
• Clothing & accessories (depending on your destination, weather, and activities) 
• Toiletries & personal care 
• Tech (laptop, camera, action camera, chargers, adapters) 
• Entertainment (e-book reader, books, magazines, headphones) 
• Medication

Organize Everything

Now that you have the bag, the list, and the things, it’s time to put every item in its place. This is how you’ll know where everything is, so you’ll save a lot of time.

Create Vacation Outfits

To make things easier when you arrive at your destination, prepare some vacation outfits. Each activity requires something different so, think about what items you’ll be wearing each day and for different activity. Choose versatile clothes in neutral colors that you can wear on different occasions from wandering the streets of a new city to enjoying your breakfasts at the hotel’s restaurant.

Choose Multipurpose Items

Opt for natural, breathable, and lightweight fabric. Merino wool is such a popular fabric among travelers considering its moisture-wicking, anti-bacterial, and odor-resistant properties. Merino wool garments are easy to carry, help you save space, and will dry faster.

But when we say multipurpose, we don’t mean only clothes. A bandana can be used to cover your head, neck or face when the sun in burning.

This applies to toiletries, too. For example, there are multipurpose personal care products such as special soaps that can be used as body wash, shampoo, or shaving cream and will help you save space and money.

Roll Your Clothes

The way you pack your clothes makes a huge difference when it comes to saving luggage space. Rolling your clothes minimizes space and keeps them wrinkle-free.

Use Compression Packing Cubes

A great tip to save luggage space when traveling and keep your clothes organized is to use compression packing cubes. Roll your clothes and lay them flat inside the cube. It’s so simple. You’ll be able to access your items without having to unpack the whole bag.

Wear Your Bulkiest Items

Don’t pack bulky items. Wear them. To maximize your bag’s space, wear your coat, heavy jackets, sweaters, jeans, or boots.

Yes, you can fit your entire life into one bag. Packing everything for your vacation in one backpack is possible and comes with amazing benefits. It gives you the freedom to be spontaneous and move from one place to another.