There are lots of websites dedicated to minimalist and one-bag travel, but is traveling with literally one bag truly possible and necessary? I suppose anything is always possible. You are able to pack your wallet, your phone, your fingers, a bottle of Dr. Bronners soap, and a clean pair of underwear and off you go.
But is that realistic? Probably not.
- An extreme example is Rolf Potts who discusses going with only his ScotteVest Tropical Jacket quite extreme in my opinion. He simply stuffs a number of essentials in to the multi-pocketed jacket and heads out of the door. It might be very freeing I believe, but not really the way most of us want to travel.
- A more realistic version is from Brooke at Her Packing List in which she traveled for 3 weeks with only a 12-liter cross-body bag. But interestingly enough, she did take a small second bag to serve like a day bag. So already we're at two bags, truthfully speaking.
- We have seen those backpackers within the airport using what seems to be a whole chest of drawers shackled by their back. Okay, so technically that would be one-bag travel however when the bag is how big a twin bed, does that net you anything over coping with two reasonable size bags?
Overall, I do think that true one-bag travel is possible but let's be authentic about this. To really net the benefits of that sentiment, the bag should apt to be a manageable size. It will also depend on the trip's purpose. Vacations are probably easier than a business trip because you are wearing more casual clothes and may pull off fewer electronics. I'll stick with a handbag plus a carry-on suitcase.
