One-bagging

We know it: overpacking is the travel tradition as old as the neck pillow. We’ve all been there sitting on a suitcase, trying to zip it shut while convincing ourselves we might need that third pair of boots for a three-day trip. Spoiler alert: we didn’t.

That’s where one-bagging comes in. It’s part minimalist philosophy, part travel hack, and part “I’m never waiting at baggage claim again” revenge plot. The idea is simple: everything you need fits into one carry-on-sized bag (or even more minimalistic approach: in a personal item backpack). That’s it. No checked luggage. No dragging a wheeled monstrosity over cobblestone streets like a sad tourist cart horse. Just one bag, one traveler, and a whole lot of freedom.

In this post, I’ll break down how one-bagging works, why it’s magical, and how you can do it too, without sacrificing style, hygiene, or your sanity. Whether you’re a chronic overpacker, an aspiring minimalist, or just sick of paying baggage fees that cost more than your flight, this one’s for you.

So… What Is One-Bagging?

​​"One bagging" in the context of travel, refers to the practice of traveling with only one bag, usually a backpack, instead of multiple suitcases or luggage.

The primary goal of one-bagging is to simplify travel by minimizing the amount of baggage one needs to handle, especially when moving between different destinations. 

This practice is perfect if you are traveling for a short getaway but it can definitely be used on longer trips with the right tools and mindset.

Hardcore minimalists define one-bagging as using only one personal item (backpack) to travel to your destination. The concept has been gaining more and more popularity and with that a bit more flexibility in the definition. Sometimes you will see 1.5 bagging, instead of one-bagging related to one carry-on and your personal item.

However different sources will want to call it, the principle is the same: pack as efficiently as possible.

The Benefits of One-Bag Travel

Depending on your plan and your budget, one-bagging can add to this experience by putting into the mix the freedom of movement and flexibility, as well as comfort no matter what transport you will be using to move around.

Being able to move from one place to the next with ease will make you enjoy your time during your holidays even more.

You can also save money in many of the airlines by not adding checked luggage, which also enhances your airport experience without the waiting times for the bands to start moving or the stress of not seeing your luggage come out. And for many of the low-cost airlines, traveling with just one backpack is always going to be cheaper than adding carry-on and checked luggage.

Some benefit that not many people talk about is the time it saves when packing. Once you are used to creating such small packing lists, packing is the quickest thing to do in your day, even more if you get used to it more and more, reducing so much stress and anxiety.

And talking about time, how about the time you save for not checking luggage and just going straight to the security lines?

Choosing the Right Bag

This is one of the most crucial (and yes, very fun) parts of one-bagging: the endless search for THE BAG.

Believe me, the perfect one does not exist, unfortunately. This is even more relevant since you need to consider that every airline has different size guidelines, some a bit bigger or thicker while others much more limited. So always always always, and I mean ALWAYS check with the airline you booked your ticket what their guidelines are to make sure you avoid paying extra during boarding. Something to note is that many new backpack brands advertised for one-bagging sometimes also include an airline allowance and comparison for you to check, but it is crucial you are up to date with the information provided directly from the airline you picked.

You could opt for either a backpack, a mini roller or a duffel bag. In the end it will depend on your strength and comfort. For example: my right shoulder is usually hurting, so I rather have the weight of my bag distributed in both shoulders, so I would never buy a duffel or a cross-body bag when one-bagging.

My favorite backpacks as of 2025 are Osprey Daylite 26+6 and the classic 28L Cabin Zero. I have used them with Ryanair, Vueling, easyjet, AirFrance with no issue and they are perfect for personal item one-bagging.

Packing Smart: Essentials Only

Clothing 

The main principle behind packing your clothes when one-bagging is to mix and combine them.

2 tops and 2 bottoms make for 4 different combinations for 4 different days.

Now, to do that the best is to pick neutral colors that can be mixed together easily, and also opt for fabrics that are quick drying and odor-free, e.g. merino wool.

My top brand for packable and easy to clean clothes has to be uniqlo, from their thermal clothes to their jackets and highlighting their airism line. As well as anything that you can find in decathlon, as their clothes are generally super practical and easy to pack. 

There are different rules like 5,4,3,2,1 or 4,3,2,1 or others for how many clothes and accessories to pack.

In general you should bring half the amount of tops that you will have days, with one less bottom and the idea is to let the clothes air out (or dry if you washed them) while you wear the others for 1 or 2 days. Do note that this will be tricky if you are moving from one hotel to the next every day, so be careful with that and plan accordingly.

Underwear and socks can be packed with only a few (2 extra changes) and wash them daily as they usually dry fast enough.

This will of course depend on the type of holiday you will have; hiking, skiing, beach, winter, summer…

But if you manage to use the principle of mix and match for your clothes you will be already using a lot of less space. And when traveling for winter your tops and bottoms can be the same and no one will notice if you are all the time wearing a jacket! But that is another story for another time.

For shoes I recommend wearing the bulkiest ones for the flight and pack the lightest if you have to bring an extra pair (yes, that's why you see many people from Germany, Switzerland or Austria traveling with their hiking boots, hehe!). Sometimes if you are traveling for a wedding for example, you will have to bring some kind of formal shoe, so the less bulky the better.

+ Tip: packing cubes! Also those that compress the clothes a bit, they help a lot in organizing your bag and keeping everything more compact. Be careful if you get the ones with a vacuum as sometimes there are weight limits in the backpacks (and your back) too!

Toiletries

If you have not purchased a checked luggage, in most of the airports, you are only allowed to bring 1 bag of 1 liter with your liquids, and these liquids must be less than 100 ml each.

One super tip is to pack your toiletries together BUT only put the liquids inside the 1 liter bag. Anything else could be in a different bag inside your backpack or in your favorite hanging toiletries bag. Just make sure you keep the liquids bag close by before going through airport security in case you need to take them out to put them on the tray. Please pack ALL of the liquids inside this bag, liquids include also liquid makeup and lip gloss!

With this in mind, consider bringing solid alternatives for things like soap, shampoo or sunscreen to make space for your skincare routine to fit better in the 1 liter bag.

Tech
The more compact the better.
If you are traveling to a country with different energy outlets, don’t forget to get your adapter. There are some that have all the possible adapters and some extra usb ports, so that you won’t need too many cables and separate blocks.

Mindset Shift: Less Stuff, More Freedom

But if I forget something? What if I need something I didn’t pack?
Remember that unless you are going to a remote island in the middle of the ocean, most places have their own supermarkets and stores.
This is also part of the experience when travelling; visiting supermarkets and seeing what they sell there and how expensive or cheap things are, adding to the overall adventure of visiting a new country or city.

+ tip: one of the things I rarely pack is big (more than 100ml) sunscreen. Especially when traveling for a beach holiday. This is something that is better purchased locally.

All those things you packed “just in case” should stay home. If it rains, you can get an umbrella or a poncho at any store.

It is difficult, I know. Especially when you have been packing full suitcases of everything “just in case” for years. Start small and always think of the opportunity to shop like a local!

With this in mind, here come the challenges…

Challenges and strategies to overcome them

Just as we mentioned in the previous section, weather can sometimes be quite challenging when traveling. Lately it is almost impossible to predict how the weather will be, and with the years it will be even less predictable.

This is where light and compact tools come into place. Packing a light rain/wind jacket or a mini umbrella that uses very little space is always a good idea, especially for people like us, traveling in shoulder months when the weather is even more moody.

We talked a bit about traveling for a special event, like a wedding. This can be somewhat challenging due to the nature of the clothes you will be packing. Folders to fold in your suits or using fabrics that rarely create wrinkles can be the way to go, as well as considering the laundry services in the places you will book.

Laundry can also be tricky, where to wash stuff when on a budget or where to dry them can present a challenge if you are not prepared.

Some of the tools we have for this, and we always travel with them are: universal sink plug so you can wash your clothes in the sink. Compact / camping clothes line to dry the clothes and also a camping washing soap. Our favorites are the SeaToSummit brand, but there are different ones available.

With these tools you can also solve the problem of having a longer trip with only a backpack, as you can clean your clothes when needed and just keep rotating them without the need of packing extra things.

+ tip: one of the best tips I have ever read, as someone who travels for work at least once a month is to have the travel stuff double and ready to be packed. For example: you wear sleeping mask and earplugs for sleeping? Have your daily use ones and a set of travel ones. Same for toothbrush, chargers, medicine, sleeping clothes... This way packing is even faster and will present less than a hassle.

And now?

Now you know what one-bagging is and how to use this practice.
I would strongly suggest you test it in your next weekend trip and try different tips found in here. This can only get better the more you practice and the more you try it.
Being able to move freely and jump in a train after running does work better when bringing small luggage.
Give it a try! And if you have more questions, don't forget to leave them in the next section!

Happy travels!

Written: 15 April 2025
Published: 09 May 2025
Last updated: 09 May 2025