Successfully traveling with just a single carry-on bag is an approach that grants freedom, saves both money and time, and completely eliminates the burden of heavy luggage, according to Away Together w/ Nik and Allie. This intentional strategy has been rigorously tested over more than ten years and dozens of trips, spanning destinations like Japan, Dubai, Mexico, Europe, and domestic travel. Away Together w/ Nik and Allie detail that while certain specifics may change from trip to trip, several core travel essentials must accompany the one-bag traveler everywhere.
The most crucial decision is the bag itself. A quality, durable bag is paramount, yet this does not require spending a fortune, as excellent options exist in the $100 to $300 range that typically feature quality materials and a warranty. The chosen bag must be carry-on compliant with the airlines flown and should include essential "quality of life features" such as a water bottle pocket and dedicated space for a laptop. Away Together w/ Nik and Allie recommend trying bags at home during long return windows before committing. Top recommendations for full-sized, 35 to 40-liter travel backpacks include the Air Travel Pack 3 for its "unbeatable quality to price ratio and usability", which is a consistent go-to. The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro is highlighted as the most comfortable backpack tested. For shaving down weight, the ULA Dragonfly is the top lightweight recommendation, while the TomTo bag is a "killer bag" priced under $100 for budget travelers. For those preferring suitcases, hard-sided options like the Broy Transit carry-on, or soft-sided options such as the Travel Pro Platinum Elite or Briggs and Riley ZDX International Carry-on are suggested. The incredibly lightweight and fairly priced Travel Pro Maxlite 5 is also praised. Regardless of the main bag, an Apple Air Tag or smart tracker is deemed essential to ensure the bag’s location is always known, particularly because airlines are "cracking down on carry-ons".
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The next secret weapon in this minimalist philosophy is a packable daypack. This small backpack folds into itself or lays flat, taking up almost no space, and provides a lightweight option upon arrival for activities like heading to a cafe with a laptop or visiting a grocery store. Winners in this category include the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil (for an ultra-light option), the Matador Refraction (for a more stylish and organized choice), and a durable, long-standing model from Osprey.
When packing clothing, which consumes the most space, versatility, layering, and fabric type are the primary concerns.
Clothes should be versatile enough for multiple scenarios—walking, relaxing, or dinner—and coordinate so that "basically any top could go with any bottom". Fabrics should be lightweight, quick-drying, and somewhat wrinkle-resistant. Merino wool is called a "secret weapon" because its natural properties make it antibacterial and antimicrobial, allowing pieces to be re-worn. Away Together w/ Nik and Allie anticipate at least three wears from a Merino shirt. A basic packing list, regardless of whether the trip lasts a week or a month, typically includes: one pair of pants (worn on the plane), one pair of shorts (unless in deep winter), four to five day-to-day shirts, five pairs of underwear, five pairs of Merino wool socks, a running shirt and shorts (the shorts can double as swim trunks), and some lounging clothes. All clothing should be organized using packing cubes for compartmentalization. Compression packing cubes, like those from Peak Design, are highly favored for durability, ease of use, and the provision of separate clean and dirty areas.
Since shoes are the heaviest and bulkiest items, travelers should start with a comfortable, versatile pair of walking shoes as daily drivers, wearing the largest pair on the plane. Lim's shoes (including the Primal Zens and the Courts) are highly recommended for their wide toe box and comfort. A quality, packable jacket is also essential. A lightweight, packable rain jacket is a year-round must-have, such as the one from Outdoor Research, praised for its balance of quality and packability, and which comes with a lifetime warranty. For cold weather, a packable down puffer, like those from Eddie Bauer, is both warm and compresses small. An essential "travel day upgrade" is a belt without metal, such as the elastic belts made by Arcade, which prevents setting off the metal detector.
For accessories and technology, a water-resistant toiletries pouch or do kit with a hook is recommended. Tech essentials start with a solid power bank, such as the super lightweight 5-ounce Night core, or the solid-state, puncture-resistant Cushu battery for safety due to airline lithium battery restrictions. International travelers require an adapter; the Epica universal adapter is affordable, reliable, and can charge up to six devices at once. The Moix’s Super Bagel, an adapter and extension cord combo, is handy for limited outlets. For sound, in-ear monitors (IEMs) are recommended as a smaller, lighter alternative to noise-canceling over-ear headphones, often blocking sound just as well. All small electronics should be contained in a compact tech pouch, such as those by Aer, which have a slim profile and fit well in the front panel of most backpacks.
For remote workers, a lightweight setup includes the Roost stand (to prevent neck pain), the Logitech MX Anywhere 3S mouse, and the Apple Magic Keyboard Mini. Miscellaneous essentials that Away Together w/ Nik and Allie "never regret having" include a water bottle (like the free sip by Owala, which avoids exploding mid-flight), a comfortable eye mask (like the Alaska Bear), a pen for customs forms, and extra Ziploc bags—one for important document copies and one with dryer sheets to keep the bag fresh. This curated setup facilitates a seamless one-bag travel experience.
