The Only One Bag Travel Packing List You Need

Packing light sounds simple until you try doing it on a real trip. You lay everything out, tell yourself you will be disciplined this time, and then the “just in case” items creep in. Suddenly, your bag feels like a burden again as you lug it around. The extra back pain doesn’t help.

If you read the One Bag travel guide from the other week, you already know why packing less gives you more freedom. This post builds on that idea and gives you a clean, practical packing list that works for almost any destination. It is designed around one goal: fit everything into one carry-size bag without feeling deprived.

Use it as a starting point, then adjust to your own climate, activities, and personal comfort level.

1. The Bag

The right bag makes One Bag travel easier because it forces you to be honest about what you pack. Whether you prefer a backpack or a duffel, focus on:

• A rectangular shape for efficient packing

• A structure that holds its shape without being rigid

• A full-open main compartment

• Durable materials that tolerate rough handling

• Good straps and handles for long walks through airports or cities

Many travelers use a 20 to 30 liter backpack for short trips and a 35 to 40 liter bag for longer ones. If you prefer something streamlined and built for daily use, the NORWALK 20L from the VETO GO line fits the One Bag philosophy well. For more capacity, the NORWALK+ 40L Duffel gives you a simple layout that works for both packing cubes and loose clothing. Use whatever feels right for your body and travel style.

The exact bag matters less than how you use it. A good One Bag system starts with discipline, not gear.

2. Clothing

Clothing is where bags get heavy, so the key is choosing items that layer, wash easily, and dry quickly. With the right pieces, you can pack light without feeling like you are wearing the same outfit in every photo.

Base list (works for 3 days or 3 weeks)

• 2 shirts

• 1 long sleeve or light sweater

• 1 pair of pants

• 1 pair of shorts (or an extra pair of pants, depending on climate)

• 2 pairs of socks

• 2 pairs of underwear

• 1 set of sleepwear

• 1 packable rain shell

• 1 warm layer if needed for your route

You will wear one outfit and pack the rest. Wash clothing in the sink or shower as needed. Two sets are usually enough for indefinite travel because something is always drying while you wear the other.

Fabric matters

Stick to breathable synthetics, merino wool, or blends that resist odor. They wash fast, dry fast, and stay comfortable across climates.

Shoes

Shoes add bulk and weight, so limit yourself to one versatile pair. Most travelers can get by with a single pair of lightweight sneakers or boots. If your trip demands a second pair, pack sandals or flats that compress easily.

Tip: Trying using the ranger roll to save space!

For trips requiring multiple outfits, packing cubes can separate tops, bottoms, and underwear, keeping everything organized and easy to find.

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3. Toiletries

Toiletries can get out of control quickly. Keep the list simple and refill as you go. Your goal is a compact kit that covers essentials without bringing your entire bathroom.

Base list

• Travel-sized toothpaste

• Toothbrush

• Small deodorant

• Travel-sized shampoo or solid shampoo bar

• Small conditioner or solid conditioner bar

• Sunscreen

• Comb or small brush

• Razor if needed

• Nail clippers

• Any daily medications

• Compact first aid basics (pain relievers, bandages, blister care)

A small, well-structured toiletry case helps everything stay visible and dry. The NORWALK+ Toiletry Case from the VETO GO line is sized for simple kits like this, but you can use any small organizer that keeps liquids upright and separate from clothing.

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4. Electronics

Even minimalists carry some electronics today. It’s impossible to remain tech-free in a world full of QR codes. However, start with what you actually use, not what you think you might need. Most things you need can be done from your phone: reading, watching tv, and/or doomscrolling. Unless you’re traveling for work or research, larger tech like laptops and tablets are mostly redundant. Here’s what I personally travel with:

• Phone
• Charger: I use a three-in-one cord that has a USB-C, Micro-USB, and Lightning connector, so I don’t have to deal with tangled cords.
• Powerbank for long days
• E-reader: I need breaks from my phone, and this is a nice way to wind down the evening.

• Earbuds

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5. Personal Items

These items are small but critical. Keep them accessible at all times.

Base list

• Passport or ID

• Wallet

• Travel documents

• Pen

• Tiny lock for hostels or lockers

• Earplugs and a sleep mask

• Tissues

• Travel-size hand sanitizer

• Small snack for flights or long train rides

• Laundry detergent sheets

Tip: Use an exterior compartment or a small pouch in your bag to store these items. That way, you never have to dig through the main compartment.

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6. Optional Extras

Depending on your trip and personal preferences, you may want to add:

• Sunglasses and case

• Hat or cap

• Reusable water bottle

• Notebook and pen

• Lightweight daypack or foldable tote

If you can replace the item at your destination for less than ten dollars, consider leaving it behind. Odds are you will not need it.

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7. Packing Strategy

How you pack influences how light the load feels. The goal is a system you can repack quickly in a hotel, airport, or train station.

Use a small number of organizers

Two packing cubes are enough for most travelers:

• One cube for tops

• One cube for underwear and socks

Your pants and jackets can sit flat inside the main compartment. Toiletries and tech go in their own small pouches. Your travel documents stay in an outer pocket you can reach without opening the whole bag.

Roll vs fold

Roll lightweight clothing and fold heavier items. Rolling saves space, but folding helps structured garments keep their shape.

Reserve a small area for dirty clothes

A simple plastic bag or small laundry bag keeps worn items separate from clean ones. You do not need more than that.

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8. Weather and Activity Adjustments

The base list works for most climates, but here are simple adjustments.

Cold weather

Swap your light layer for a warmer one. Add:

• Lightweight insulated jacket

• Thermal top and leggings

• Beanie

Wear your bulkiest items during transit to keep your bag light.

Hot weather

Add:

• Extra shirt

• Extra pair of underwear

• Small powder or anti-chafe product

Hot climates reward fast-drying clothing even more, so choose lightweight fabrics.

Outdoor-heavy trips

Add:

• Small headlamp

• Compact knife if allowed

• Light rain pants

• Bug spray wipes

Business travel

Bring:

• One wrinkle-resistant button-up

• One clean sweater or blazer

• A simple dress or tailored pants outfit if needed

Choose pieces you can layer into your casual wardrobe too.

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9. How to Keep the One Bag Mindset

A packing list helps, but mindset does the heavy lifting. Travelers often return from trips with items they never touched. Your goal is to prevent those from entering your bag in the first place.

Here are the habits that support One Bag travel:

Choose clothing you already trust

This is not the time for a new untested pair of shoes.

Limit “backup” items

One reliable version of something is better than two mediocre ones.

Use travel-sized toiletries even on long trips

You can refill almost anywhere.

Buy only what you cannot live without

Souvenirs are fine if they serve a purpose. A small, useful item beats a pile of trinkets.

Repack lightly at the end of each day

This keeps your bag organized and prevents accidental overpacking during the trip.

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10. A Sample One Bag Packing Setup

To show how everything fits, here is a realistic setup:

Wearing

• Comfortable pants

• Simple shirt

• Light jacket

• Sneakers

Packed

• Two shirts

• One pair of shorts

• Two underwear

• Two socks

• Light sweater

• Sleepwear

• Toiletries kit

• Tech pouch with chargers

• Water bottle

• Rain shell

• Travel documents

• Small tote bag

This entire list fits in a 20 to 30 liter bag with room to spare. Larger bags allow you to add extra layers or gear without losing the One Bag simplicity.

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10. Final Thoughts

The goal of One Bag travel isn’t to make things harder. It’s to make your trips simpler, more efficient, and less stressful. By thinking carefully about what you bring and how you pack, you’ll always have what you need without the burden of extra luggage.

A structured, durable bag makes this possible. If you’re looking for a bag that works as hard as you do, Norwalk by VETO backpacks and duffels are worth considering. Their thoughtful compartments, ergonomic design, and professional-grade materials support all types of trips—weekend getaways, work travel, or longer adventures.

Use this packing list as a starting point, adjust for your destination and personal preferences, and you’ll be ready to travel lighter and smarter. The fewer things you carry, the more freedom you have to enjoy your journey.