The Best Minimalist Backpacks for Modern One-Bag Travel (2024)

As a nomad who lives with less, few things get me fired up like simple one bag travel while donning my minimalist backpack. The feeling that overcomes me knowing everything I need is gently resting on my shoulders as I get to know a new place is simply exhilarating.

But fitting my travel essentials comfortably into one single bag didn’t always come naturally. Not too long ago, in fact, you could find me staggering around the streets of Western Europe with a bulging 80-liter backpack and an overstuffed suitcase. “You’re living the dream out there!” declared my family and friends.

Maybe, but that dream was dreadful to lug from one place to the next.

So I kept dragging my belongings around the continent until I met a young guy from Australia near the end of my trip. He was energetic, light on his feet, and carried a modestly sized backpack that held everything he needed to travel. Seeing him thrive with so little was a revelation, so I decided to become a one bag traveler myself.

When I got home, I bought a new backpack, overhauled my packing list, and whittled down my travel gear to the bare essentials. It’s taken me years of gradual downsizing, but all of my travel necessities now fit into a 30-liter carry-on-friendly backpack.

One bag travel with a rock-solid minimalist travel backpack is the best way to travel. Here’s how to get started:

1. Find a simple minimalist backpack
2. Dial in your packing list
3. Start traveling

Now, let’s cross #1 off the list.

Noel’s Ultralight Travel Pack
Zpacks Bagger Ultra 25

MSRP: $250
Capacity: 25L
Weight: 10.7 oz | 302 g
Main Material: Ultra 100 & 200, 3D spacer mesh
The Good: Extremely lightweight and functional, fully waterproof, a minimalist’s dream
The Not-So-Good: Doesn’t offer much protection for your fragile gear

I recently switched from the Pakt Travel Backpack to the Zpacks Bagger Ultra 25 and I’m thrilled with my decision. The Pakt was simply too heavy — nearly 7x the weight of the Bagger Ultra! — for my ultralight needs, and I cut nearly four pounds off of my travel base weight by switching bags. That’s significant.

Another reason I ditched my old bag is that I needed a pack that would conform to budget airlines’ personal item dimensions (which the Bagger Ultra does perfectly). I can pack this little beast as full as I want and never need to worry about paying for an oversized carry-on. This bag is fully waterproof, comes with two water bottle pockets, and isn’t bogged down with unnecessary features. It has everything I need and nothing I don’t.

Its futuristic Ultra fabric isn’t going to protect your expensive tech items on its own, so bring along cases for your laptop, camera, and whatever other fragile electronics you travel with. Use packing cubes for your clothing and a ditty bag for your odds and ends, as well, since the main storage compartment doesn’t have built-in organization like many other bags on this list.

If you’re a minimalist traveler searching for an extremely lightweight and functional bag, you’ve met your match. The Zpacks Bagger Ultra 25 is the perfect pack to keep your travel packing list organized, streamlined, and as lightweight as possible as zip around from Point A to Point B. If there’s a better ultralight travel pack on the market, I haven’t seen it yet.

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Noel’s Do-Everything Minimalist Travel Pack
Tom Bihn Techonaut 30

MSRP: $392
Capacity: 30L
Weight: 2.5 lb | 1.12 kg
Main Material: 525D Ballistic Nylon
The Good: Very comfortable and durable, extremely functional, converts into a duffle/shoulder bag, sleek and stylish
The Not-So-Good: Expensive

I’m in the process of launching my YouTube channel (gulp), which means I need to start traveling with an expensive camera (and all of its expensive gear). To do so, I needed to get my hands on a slightly more spacious and protective pack than the Bagger Ultra above. After hours and hours of research, I landed on the Tom Bihn Techonaut 30.

Everything in my minimalist travel packing list fits perfectly into my Techonaut. The bag is extremely durable, highly weather resistant, full of clever features, and padded in all the right places. It protects my precious electronics as I bumble about, all while fitting like a glove underneath the airline seat in front of me.

It’ll also convert into a crossbody duffle for my hybrid travel/backpacking trips where I travel with two bags. On such voyages, I’ll wear my Zpacks Nero 38L as a backpack and sling the Techonaut comfortably over my shoulder while I zip around airports, train stations, and bus terminals.

I’ll definitely still use my super-efficient Bagger Ultra 25 on minimalist trips when I won’t be filming anything, but the Technoaut 30 has cemented itself as my go-to bag on adventures when I’ll be toting my camera gear. I need a little more experience with this bag before I bump it up to the #1 position, so stay tuned for updates.

Sure, the Techonaut is relatively pricey, but it’s absolutely perfect for my travel style and is made (in the USA) for the long haul. This top-notch bag is well worth the investment for frequent travelers in need of a high-end pack they can trust for the next couple of decades.

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Traveler’s Consensus Top Minimalist Backpack
AER Travel Pack 3

MSRP: $249
Capacity: 35L
Weight: 4.1 lb | 1.86 kg
Main Material: 1680D Cordura® Ballistic Nylon
The Good:Sleek, durable, efficient use of space, great external organizer pocket
The Not-So-Good: Main compartment isn’t divided, not a ton of storage

The AER Travel Pack 3 is sleek, highly functional, and sits atop many other lists of the best minimalist backpacks. It’s about as modern, functional, and feature-rich as it gets for one bag travel.

This backpack is indestructible. Its 1680D Cordura Ballistic Nylon fabric is built to hold up for years of travel and is incredibly weather-resistant to boot. As a frequent backpacker, I appreciate that the AER is equipped with side compression straps, which draw the bag’s weight closer to your body and make it far more comfortable to carry. Its thoughtful external organizer pocket will stash all your cords, chargers, notebooks, pens, and other gizmos for quick and convenient access. The bag’s large main clamshell-style compartment is reasonably roomy and will fit a set of three packing cubes (large, medium, and small) quite perfectly if fully packed. It also sports a nifty waterproof shoe pocket at the bottom of the pack, which reviewers are quite smitten about.

This bag has only one large main storage compartment, meaning that travelers would have to stash their clothes and precious tech gear side-by-side. At 35 liters, this bag isn’t super roomy, either, so some travelers might prefer an option with more storage. Other than that, there isn’t much else to nitpick about this stellar backpack.

The AER Travel Pack works best for one bag travelers who have committed to simple packing and strive to travel with only the essentials. I don’t recommend this pack for anyone who has a more extensive wardrobe or plans to pack bulky luxuries like books, over-ear headphones, or hammocks *shudder*.

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Best Minimalist Backpack for Digital Nomads
Minaal Carry-On 3.0 Bag

MSRP: $349
Capacity: 35L
Weight: 3.1 lb | 1.41 kg
Main Material: 600D Picton Fabric
The Good: Comfortable, very secure, protected by a lifetime warranty
The Not-So-Good:Expensive, often back-ordered, no hip belt

I nearly bought the Minaal Carry-On 3.0 Bag on several occasions but never pulled the trigger. Whether I balked at the price, the bag was backordered, or I got cold feet, this pack and I just weren’t meant to be.

Regardless of why I don’t own it, the 35-liter Carry-On 3.0 minimalist travel backpack may actually be the best option for me. For starters, the pack’s sleek exterior is made from high-end Picton fabric, which is incredibly durable, weather-resistant, and environmentally friendly. Its tech-forward design is highlighted by its divided main compartment, which keeps clothes and pricy gadgets separate (a feature I appreciate in my old Pakt backpack). The bag’s shockproof laptop sleeve, discreet secret pocket, and flexible internal frame combine to create a secure and comfortable carry best for those who pack expensive gear and travel extensively. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t daydream about this bag from time to time.

So, what’s not to love about the Carry-On 3.0? Its hefty $349 price tag (plus $19 shipping to the US) is sure to scare some travelers off. This bag isn’t equipped with a hip belt, either, though you probably won’t need one as long as you’re not overloaded. Minaal’s in-demand backpacks are often backordered, too, meaning you might have to wait months to get your hands on one.

I recommend the Carry-On 3.0 Backpack to frequent or full-time travelers who simply want the best gear and value attention to detail. If packed intelligently, this 35-liter pack can hold everything digital nomads need to earn on the go, secure their precious cargo, and stay very comfortable along the way.

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Best Waterproof Backpack for One Bag Travel
Tortuga Outbreaker Backpack

MSRP: $269 | $299
Capacity: 35L | 45L
Weight: 4.6 lb | 5.1 lb
Main Material: VX21 Waterproof Sailcloth
The Good:
The Not-So-Good:

I’m definitely understating the greatness of the Tortuga Outbreaker when I tell you it’s the best waterproof backpack for travel. Yes, this bag’s VX21 sailcloth gives it incredible weather resistance, but the Outbreaker excels at so much more.

Don’t believe me? Just ask the New York Times, whose trusted Wirecutter product review blog named the Outbreaker one of the six best carry-on travel backpacks on the market. Available in 35-liter and 45-liter versions, this do-it-all pack is thoughtfully engineered and quite deserving of all the press. Thanks to its super-adjustable harness system, generously padded back panel, and load lifters, this pack can carry large loads of gear exceptionally comfortably. Speaking of large loads, the 45-liter version of this backpack can fit a ridiculous amount of travel gear. Don’t believe me (again)? Just watch the walkthrough video on its product page. Oh, and did I mention this bag is waterproof?

So, what’s not to love about the Outbreaker? At 5.1 pounds, the 45-liter version tips the scales as the second heaviest one bag travel pack on this list. The $269 and $299 price tags might be a bit hard to swallow, too, though thousands of happy customers worldwide find it to be well worth the investment. Some don’t like the look of the bag’s rectangular shape and VX21 sailcloth, either, but I definitely dig it.

I recommend the Tortuga Outbreaker backpack to anyone looking for an extraordinarily comfortable and weather-resistant bag that’ll take their carry-on travel game to a new level. I’d opt for the 35-liter version of this bag because less is always more in the world of minimalist travel.

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Best Minimalist Travel Bag for Photographers
Peak Design Travel Backpack

MSRP: $300
Capacity: 35L | Expandable to 45L
Weight: 4.5 lb | 2.05 kg
Main Material: 300D Nylon & Poly Menage
The Good:Built for photographers, expandable storage, handy side zippers
The Not-So-Good:Expensive, heavy

Next up on the best minimalist bags comes the Peak Design Travel Backpack, an uber-popular option that photographers, digital nomads, and one bag travelers have sworn by for years.

Peak Design produces premium photography and travel gear, and their Travel Backpack lands perfectly at the intersection of those two worlds. Like most other options on this list, this pack is made from durable, weather-resistant, and environmentally-friendly materials. It features 35 liters of internal storage but can expand to haul an extra 10 thanks to its dual expansion zipper system. This bag also sports external carry straps for your tripod, a roomy main storage compartment, and side zippers for quick access to cameras and other gadgets. Built to pair with Peak Design’s line of well-reviewed camera cubes, this pack can haul and protect delicate photography gear better than pretty much anything else on this list.

At nearly $300, this bag might be a tad too spendy for some travelers. It weighs 4.5 pounds, as well, which puts it on the heavier end of the simple minimalist bag spectrum. Its large main storage compartment forces travelers to store their clothes and camera gear side by side, but that shouldn’t be a huge deal for those willing to splurge on some packing and camera cubes.

The Peak Design Travel Backpack is optimal for photographers who want a worry-free pack to stash and protect their invaluable gear along their journey. This bag works for the non-photographer travelers as well, since it’s adaptable and excels for those of us whose packing list grows and shrinks from trip to trip.

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Most Spacious Carry-On Compliant Backpack
Osprey Porter 46

MSRP: $160
Capacity: 46L
Weight: 3.3 lb | 1.48 kg
Main Material: Recycled 500D Nylon Packcloth
The Good: Durable, huge capacity, backed by All Mighty Guarantee
The Not-So-Good: Bulky when packed full, not very comfortable over 25 pounds

Before I was fully committed to minimalism and hadn’t yet refined my one bag travel packing list, I owned the Osprey Porter 46 backpack. It was a wonderful bag for me at the time, but we grew apart when I decided to downsize.

So, why would I still recommend the Porter 46? For starters, it’s an Osprey bag, meaning it’s backed by their All Mighty Guarantee, which promises that they’ll repair any damage or defects for any reason. It’s incredibly roomy, too, meaning you’ll have space to haul around a few more days of clothes or some extra luxuries. And at 3.3 pounds, the Porter 46 is a reasonably lightweight bag, considering its massive 46-liter storage volume. Though it’s not the most stylish bag, it’s incredibly durable, has a solid front organization system, and has solid anti-theft features, as well.

Resist the urge to pack this bag with much more than 25 pounds of gear, as it doesn’t have an internal frame and can get quite uncomfortable if overloaded. I never found much use for the bag’s top pocket, either, which was cramped and awkward to navigate when the bag was fully packed. Like most Osprey bags, the Porter 46 puts off an outdoorsy backpacker vibe, so don’t expect to blend in like a local while traveling.

I recommend the Porter 46 to one bag travelers who crave as much space as possible in their carry-on. The fast-paced adventure traveler might also find it useful since it’s highly durable and can stand up to a beating. If you’re looking for a similar bag that’s more comfortable but not quite as spacious, check out the Osprey Farpoint 40.

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Best Anti-Theft Travel Backpack
Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45

MSRP: $240
Capacity: 45L
Weight: 3.13 lb | .21 kg
Main Material: 100D ROBIC Nylon
The Good:Extremely secure, made from sustainable materials, lots of storage
The Not-So-Good:Thin material, not very weather-resistant, not much padding

The Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 was created for travelers who’ve heard (or experienced) horror stories of theft and robbery in faraway places and want zero part of it. This bag caters to the traveler that values security and peace of mind above all else.

While the Venturesafe EXP45 is comfortable, spacious, made from recycled fishing nets, and has a lot else to like, it truly stands out because of its safety features that deter theft at every level. From its patented Roobar lockdown systems, to its wire-mesh infused slash-proof fabric, to its built-in locking cable, this backpack serves one purpose: to thwart criminals at all costs. Pacsafe is raising the anti-theft bar to the next level, and other backpack companies should take notice of their efforts.

The Venturesafe EXP45 might be the best anti-theft travel backpack on the market, but it lacks a few features that could really make it shine. For starters, its 100D nylon fabric is thinner than most packs on this list, making it far less weatherproof and much more susceptible to abrasion. Padding at the corners of the pack is minimal, so your valuables won’t be protected from drops and bumps as well as most other options, either.

Those who are gung-ho about protecting their valuables or traveling in countries with high crime rates should consider the Venturesafe EXP45. Its safety and security features may seem a little overkill to some, but they could mean the difference between a trip-stopping travel disaster and a very close call.

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Best Outdoorsy Travel Backpack
REI Co-op Ruckpack 40 Recycled Pack

MSRP: $149
Capacity: 40L
Weight: 2.8 lb | 1.29 kg
Main Material: Recycled Nylon
The Good: Very comfortable, versatile for travel and outdoors, affordable
The Not-So-Good: Not technically carry-on compliant (3″ too long)

The REI Ruckpack 40 is built for the intrepid traveler who isn’t afraid to ditch their hostel and head into the wilderness at the drop of a hat. No, it’ll probably never become my personal travel bag, but it will work swimmingly for those who want a hybrid travel/hiking pack that can take them anywhere.

The Ruckpack 40 has loads of features to get excited about. Equipped with a mesh back panel, a lightweight spring steel frame, and load lifters, this pack distributes weight well and can comfortably haul up to 30 pounds of gear. As evidenced by its back sleeve that’s compatible with both laptops and water bladders, it’s a versatile bag that can thrive on a crowded sidewalk or a wide-open trail. It sports TWO water bottle holders, allows wide-open clamshell access, and even comes with a stowable rain shell for when the weather gets dicey. Priced at an approachable $149, I think this bag is a terrific value and would consider it if I were more of a hybrid traveler.

You shouldn’t have problems carrying it onto a plane, but this bag’s 25″ length technically renders it ‘non-carry-on-compliant.’ And, if you want this pack to haul your backpacking kit, that’s great, but know that it won’t be roomy enough for both a complete set of gear and all of your urban travel essentials. If you want to travel with both, get a bigger pack like the Osprey Exos 58 or buy a carry-on compliant rolling suitcase to pair with it.

Traveling outdoor enthusiasts should consider the REI Ruckpack 40, as it’s very effective for urban travel yet adaptable enough to thrive in the backcountry. It isn’t the best minimalist backpack on this list, nor would I consider it among the best backpacking bags, but it might just be the best hybrid of the two.

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Best Segmented Minimalist Backpack
Matador SEG42

MSRP: $200
Capacity: 42L
Weight: 2.3 lb | 1.03 kg
Main Material: 480D Nylon
The Good: High level of organization, very lightweight, highly weather-resistant
The Not-So-Good: No frame, no water bottle pockets

If you’ve never seen a backpack like the Matador SEG42, that’s because there isn’t anything else like it on the market. Divided into five flexible (and stowable) segments, this minimalist pack is excellent for those of us who crave a little organization in our hectic lives spent living out of a backpack.

The SEG42’s intrigue comes from how different it is from any other pack on this list. While other options on this list would require a set of packing cubes to create five separate compartments, the SEG42 has five levels of division built in. Each compartment is sized differently than its neighbor, but each is also ‘flexible,’ meaning it can fill the surrounding space left empty by nearby under-filled compartments. The pack also sports a large clamshell compartment underneath the segments, which Matador recommends to use for stashing shoes and dirty clothes. Aside from its unique design, this pack is also very lightweight (only 2.3 pounds), waterproof, and has an external padded easy-access laptop pocket.

I worry that my perfectionist packing style wouldn’t really gel with the SEG42, as overpacked and underpacked compartments would likely drive me nuts. This bag doesn’t have any water bottle pockets for some reason, which is a head-scratcher, seeing as it’s marketed as a rough-and-tumble outdoorsy bag. I also imagine this bag could get a bit bulgy and saggy if fully loaded, as it doesn’t have an internal frame to support the weight of a hefty 42-liter load.

I think the SEG42 backpack would work best for fast-paced one bag travelers who crave simple organization but aren’t huge fans of packing cubes. Those who dirty up their clothing and gear quickly might also find this pack useful since its waterproof internal compartments are great for keeping the clean away from the not-so-clean.

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Most Durable Backpack for Adventure Travel
GORUCK GR3

MSRP: $395
Capacity: 45L
Weight: 5.2 lb | 2.34 kg
Main Material: 1000D Cordura Nylon
The Good: Incredible durable, comfortable, weather-resistant, patriotic
The Not-So-Good: Heavy, expensive

If you feel like you’re going to war when you strap on the GORUCK GR3 backpack, that’s not a coincidence. Made with burly Special Forces Grade 1000D Cordura Nylon, this bag was designed with both front-line soldiers and heavy use travelers in mind.

Simply put, the GORUCK GR3 is the most durable minimalist backpack on the market. Remember that 1000D Special Forces Grade nylon I just mentioned? Well, it’s about as thick, burly, tear-resistant, weatherproof, and rough-and-tumble as you could ever dream of. The “bombproof” laptop compartment on this bad boy is no joke either, as GORUCK claims you can use it to “securely take your laptop into combat.” (I don’t know insane travel plans you’ve made, but your laptop will be just fine in this pack.) Aside from its crazy durability, this pack is very comfortable and built to stand up to rain, snow, sleet, and whatever other wild weather mother nature has in store.

Because it’s made from such thick, indestructible fabric, the brawny 5.2-pound GR3 ekes out the Outrbreaker to win the honor of heaviest minimalist backpack on this list. Oh, and it’s also the most expensive bag on this list, with a premium price tag of $395. At the time of writing this, this pack has been out of stock for over a month, meaning GORUCK has fallen behind demand, and you might have to wait a while to get your hands on a GR3.

Are you a rugged traveler who puts your poor backpack through hell and has $400 burning a hole in your pocket? If so, the GORUCK GR3 is might just be the bag for you. Its unmatched durability will take any type of abuse you can throw at it, so go ahead and strap it to the back of your mud-caked ATV and get moving. I’m excited for you.

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Best Backpack for Ultralight Backpackers & Travelers
Zpacks Nero 38L ROBIC

MSRP: $189
Capacity: 38L
Weight: .8 lb | .36 kg
Main Material: 100D ROBIC Nylon
The Good: Incredibly lightweight, completely waterproof, surprisingly comfortable
The Not-So-Good:Not enough features for some, fragile, top-loading

Alas, a recommendation for the ounce-counting extreme minimalists among us: the Zpacks Nero 38L Robic. If you love to travel, hike, and backpack and have perfected your ultralight gear list, this might just be the pack for you.

Born from Zpacks’ minimalist mindset, the Nero 38L ROBIC is one of the lightest no-frills backpacking bags on the planet. Made from superlight waterproof ROBIC nylon, this bag weighs in at a stunning 12.6 ounces (or about as much as an unopened can of co*ke). What you see is what you get with this pack, though, as there are no zippers, hidden compartments, or anything else that would add unnecessary weight to this pack. It’s built to haul only the most ultralight backpacking gear list but could also have space for a handful of minimalist travel essentials if your kit is truly dialed-in. This is a very simple pack and only makes sense for those who have fully committed to an ultralight style of travel.

Made for backpacking, the Nero 38L won’t offer nearly the same travel functionality as other packs on this list. This pack’s delicate 100D ROBIC nylon is relatively thin and could easily be punctured or slashed if not treated with care. This top-loading rolltop pack doesn’t have any anti-theft features, laptop compartments, padded corners, or hidden pockets, either. So, if you’re looking for a maximum comfort, feature-rich minimalist bag, I’ve got bad news for you: this ain’t it.

If you’re a beginner backpacker with bulky gear, the Zpacks Nero 38L ROBIC probably isn’t the bag for you. Only those motivated to venture out with their ultralight backpacking gear and the absolute bare-bones travel packing list — think a tablet, a notebook, a pen, and one or two sets of extra clothes — should consider this bag. Everyone else should probably look for something a little more conventional.

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Simple Travel Backpack on a Budget
Amazon Basics Carry-On

MSRP: $51
Capacity: 40L
Weight: 3.6 lb | 1.65 kg
Main Material: Polyester
The Good: Affordable, roomy
The Not-So-Good: Boxy, uncomfortable when overpacked, made from cheap materials

If you’re hesitant to fork out $250 on your next backpack, I get it. That’s why I’ve included a functional budget option for the travelers who’d rather save their money for… well, traveling.

Regardless of what you think about Amazon, their 40-liter Amazon Basics Carry-On backpack is very well-reviewed and has worked out well for lots of travelers. Sure, this backpack’s design is a bit boxy, and it’s made from more affordable (read: lower quality) materials, but it’ll stash your travel gear semi-comfortably at an approachable price. Similar to the AER, this pack has one large main compartment and an external organizer pocket for your in-transit essentials. At 40 liters, it’ll stash more gear than the first two packs on this list, but that’s not necessarily a good thing.

According to reviewers, packing this bag full can render it fairly uncomfortable to carry. It isn’t made from high-end materials like other options on this list, either, so rips, tears, and failures are going to happen far more often. Aesthetically, it’s a bit large and clunky and could easily be mistaken for a rolling suitcase that lost its wheels. In all of the reviews I’ve read, this bag has never been accused of being sleek, eye-catching, or even remotely stylish.

The Amazon Basics Carry-On backpack might be a good fit for occasional weekenders who are willing to sacrifice a bit of style, comfort, and durability to save a decent chunk of cash. I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone who travels frequently, though, as I don’t trust its materials to stand up to the test of time.

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Best Minimalist Travel Duffel Bag
Peak Design Travel Duffel 35L

MSRP: $130
Capacity: 35L
Weight: 2.0 lb | .90 kg
Main Material: 400D Recycled Nylon Canvas
The Good: Very lightweight, can be worn as a backpack, affordable
The Not-So-Good:Not meant for one bag travel, duffels can be awkward to carry

Though I’ve never attempted one bag travel with a duffel, there are plenty of brave souls who pull it off. The Peak Design Travel Duffel 35L would be a great fit for the minimalists among us who want to forego the more traditional options, like backpacks or rolling suitcases.

Admittedly, I’m pretty curious why anyone would choose a duffel over a backpack or suitcase as their standalone bag. (I think duffels are a bit cumbersome to carry, personally.) That said, Peak Design has put together a very good-looking and well-designed bag, and I wouldn’t blame anyone who gave it a go. For starters, the Travel Duffel 35L is a sleek and feature-rich bag that can also be worn as a backpack. Its internal and external pockets are thoughtfully placed, and its easy-to-access main compartment looks pretty spacious for 35 liters. It’s a top-notch duffel bag, no doubt.

My biggest hangup with this bag is that duffels are inherently more awkward to carry than backpacks. Yes, it is possible to wear this duffel as a backpack, but I have serious doubts that it would be as comfortable to carry as most other options on this list. It doesn’t have load lifters, an internal frame, or side compression straps, after all. When you sling this duffel across your shoulder, its weight won’t be distributed entirely evenly, and the bag is bound to bump against your leg, back, or butt as you walk.

So, who would find the Peak Design Travel Duffel 35L useful? Well, if you’re among the minority of one bag travelers who do best with duffels over simple backpacks, it might be right up your alley. It’s my opinion, though, that this duffel would work best as a secondary bag to complement your more comfortable and less awkward minimalist backpack or rolling suitcase.

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Best Packable Daypack
Matador On-Grid Packable Backpack

MSRP: $65
Capacity: 16L
Weight: .5 lb | .21 kg
Main Material: 100D ROBIC Nylon
The Good:Very lightweight, packable, and comfortable to carry
The Not-So-Good: Thin nylon material, belongings can poke at your back

If you’re using your main travel backpack during your short day trips, you’re doing it wrong. That’s why I recommend bringing along the 16-liter Matador On-Grid Packable Backpack. It works great for quick and simple adventures when you only need to pack a handful of your travel essentials.

I currently own Matador’s Freerain 24 Packable Backpack but am getting ready to switch this pack since the On-Grid pack is more tech-friendly. Weighing only half a pound, this little daypack can compress into its own pouch and will stash away comfortably into the corner of your main bag. It’s made from entirely waterproof 100D ROBIC nylon, which will protect your precious contents from rain, spills, and splashes. It has a handy external front pocket for quick access to your gadgets and sports a simple laptop sleeve inside the main compartment.

Because it’s made from thin 100D nylon, you might feel this pack’s contents nudging you in the back as you wear it. To counteract this, stash your laptop or a lightweight foam pad at the back of the bag to create a nice flat surface. Other than that, I don’t see any downsides to this backpack. It’s simple, packable, and should do exactly what you ask of it.

I recommend the Matador On-Grid Packable Backpack to anyone looking for a simple, travel-friendly daypack for short trips into the city, day hikes, and any other quick adventures you can dream up. I’m excited to get my hands on one and look forward to putting some miles on it sooner rather than later.

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Best Packable Sling
Pacsafe Venturesafe X Anti-Theft Sling Pack

MSRP: $100
Capacity: 6L
Weight: 1.0 lb | .46 kg
Main Material: 200D Nylon Diamond Ripstop
The Good: Great anti-theft features, sleek
The Not-So-Good:Bulky for 6 liters, expensive

As wonderful as the 6-liter Venturesafe X Sling Pack is, I’m definitely not advocating it as your standalone travel bag. But I do think it would work well to securely carry your essentials during short trips into the city, day hikes, or as a personal item on an airplane.

Much like the Venturesafe EXP45 backpack, this stylish little sling is chock full of anti-theft features that are unmatched in the industry. From its slash-proof straps and fabric, to its Roobar locking system, to its RFID-safe blocking pockets, this beast will thwart thieves among the best of them. I’m not much of a sling guy myself, nor do I focus too much on anti-theft features, but I’m pretty impressed with how sleek, stylish, and secure this little sling is.

The Venturesafe X’s $100 price tag is bound to scare off some travelers, as there are plenty of more affordable (albeit not as secure) options on the market. While both feature-rich and impenetrable, this sling is a tad bulky for only holding 6 liters and isn’t nearly as packable as the more spacious 16-liter Matador On-Grid Daypack I reviewed above.

Those who want a slick-looking and comfortable sling that’ll keep their travel essentials secure should give the Pacsafe Venturesafe X some serious consideration. Of all the slings on the market, this little beast is as well-made and functional as they come and is versatile enough for countless travel scenarios.

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Essential Accessories for One Bag Travel

Your job as a one bag traveler isn’t entirely done once you get your hands on one of the best minimalist backpacks. You’ll need a few more pieces of quality gear to round that your packing kit of yours. These six simple accessories will do just that and could elevate your minimalist travel experience to the next level.

Factors I Consider When Analyzing Minimalist Backpacks

I’m a helpless gear nerd, so I put an agonizing amount of thought and effort into analyzing the 15 minimalist backpacks and bags on this list. I take gear very seriously, and would never write up or recommend a bag without first taking into account the following six factors:

Comfort

Whether you’re racing through airports, navigating foreign sidewalks, or squeezing onto packed subways during rush hour, your backpack shouldn’t be a distraction as you get from point A to point B. That’s why I analyze the feel, fit, and ease-of-carry for each pack you’ll find in this post. Comfort matters and you should never sacrifice it.

Internal Storage

Internal storage volume is measured in liters (L), with one liter equal to the size of a cube that’s 4 x 4 inches. The backpacks on this list range from 30 to 46 liters, and should all fit the carry-on requirements for US-based airlines (as long as they aren’t overpacked).

Your task is to find the perfectly sized backpack for your style of one bag travel. Start by finding your sweet spot by mock packing your travel essentials in your current bag or a friend’s. Next, note the volume of the backpack, how comfortably your gear fits inside, and go from there.

Weight

The heavier your backpack gets, the more of a burden it’ll become when you’re traveling. Here’s some advice: keep your fully-packed backpack below 25 pounds (11 kilograms). Heavier loads will tug at your shoulders, strain your back, and become exhausting to lug around.

Material

If you’re spending a chunk of your hard-earned money on one of the best minimalist travel backpacks, it had better be well-made from high-quality materials. I don’t have time for cheap packs that will fray, tear, or come apart at the seams. Do you?

All packs I recommend (aside from the budget option) are constructed from high-end fabrics, reliable zippers, and strong thread. I want your pack to hold up to the harsh realities of travel, and I want it to hold up for a very long time.

Functionality

Are the backpack’s zippers in the right place? Is the laptop pocket easy to access? Are there handles on the bag everywhere there should be? Is the internal layout simple and travel-friendly? Does the pack have sufficient anti-theft features to deter criminals?

These are the questions engineers ask themselves when designing one bag travel backpacks, and they’re also the questions I ask myself when analyzing them. The backpacks I recommend must be thoughtfully designed and engineered with you, the traveler, in mind.

Price

Most of the packs on this list aren’t cheap, as most options fall between $150 and $400. The truth is, if you want a top-notch backpack for one bag travel, you’ll likely have to shell out a decent bit of cash.

These backpacks will last a long time, however, so a decent investment now should be rewarded with years of reliability, comfort, and functionality as you travel.

Carry-On Backpacks & Bags: Sizes and Rules

Domestic Airlines (US)

Though the exact dimensions vary slightly from airline to airline, the most common carry-on size for US domestic airlines is 22″ x 14″ x 9″. Weight limits for carry-ons exist for a select few airlines but are seldom enforced.

International Airlines

There’s no standard carry-on size for international travel, but the vast majority of international airlines allow bags that fit the dimensions of 21″ x 14″ x 9″ and below. Weight limits also exist and usually fall at 22 pounds (10 kilograms) and below.

The bags on this list should all fit within domestic and international guidelines, as long as they’re not hopelessly overpacked. If an airline gives you guff about the weight of your carry-on, simply move some items to a packable daypack to reduce weight and claim it as your personal item.

A Simple Minimalist Backpack Will Make All the Difference

Do I miss the days of sputtering around Europe in the dead of the summer while lugging around a backbreaking amount of my belongings? Definitely not. I wish I could go back in time, actually, and sit myself down and for a nice long chat.

I’d tell myself that my excessive possessions will keep making travel less enjoyable if I don’t change my ways. “Wherever you go next,” I’d say, “You’ll feel every ounce of your belongings as you carry them around.”

“Yes, travel gear matters, but only bring exactly what you need.” I’d say as I place a hand on my younger self’s shoulder. “Oh, and you should check out this blog post we wrote about the best minimalist backpacks for simple one bag travel. Maybe you’ll find something that can help you end this overpacked charade for once and for all.”

Last Updated on March 19, 2024