top of page
Koviyo Vertical Black.png
No Background.png

Why 2025 Is the Year of the One-Bag Traveller

May 29

3 min read

0

3

0

It’s official: the overpackers are out, and the one-bag travellers are in. Whether it’s fuelled by airline baggage fees, TikTok packing hacks, or the desire to live more freely, travellers in 2025 are ditching the 23kg suitcase and embracing the beauty of light, intentional travel.



One-bag travel isn’t just a niche trend for backpackers anymore—it’s a movement. One that’s gaining momentum across age groups, destinations, and budgets. And for good reason.


The Rise of One-Bag Culture

Minimalist travel has exploded in the past few years, with more people recognising that the less you carry, the more freedom you have. TikTok and YouTube are full of creators showing how they packed for a month in Europe with just a 30L backpack—and still looked stylish. Airlines are charging more for checked bags. And travellers are realising that lugging heavy suitcases across cobblestone streets and up narrow stairwells just isn’t the vibe anymore.


The shift is as practical as it is philosophical. Packing light means packing smart. It’s about choosing experiences over excess—and refusing to let your luggage weigh you down.


The Benefits of Going Light

  • No baggage fees: Breeze through airports with just a carry-on.

  • Less stress: No waiting at baggage carousels, no fear of lost luggage.

  • Faster travel:Hop between destinations without repacking an entire suitcase.

  • More mobility: Ideal for trains, hostels, walkable cities, and spontaneous changes.

  • Peace of mind: With less to lose, you worry less.


And then there’s the mental clarity. Travelling with fewer things often leads to a more focused, more present experience. You're not managing “stuff”—you’re living the moment.


Essentials for the One-Bag Life

Mastering the one-bag method doesn’t mean roughing it. It means packing smarter, not less:

  • Packing cubes: These transform your bag into a portable dresser.

  • Multi-use clothing: Neutral tones, layers, and fabrics like merino wool or quick-dry synthetics.

  • A compressible jacket:Warm but tiny when packed.

  • Tech kit: Compact chargers, adapters, and earbuds—all organised.

  • Travel toiletries: Refillable, minimalist, and TSA-ready.


Most one-baggers use a soft backpack or hybrid bag with a 30–40L capacity. It’s small enough to fit under the seat but big enough to hold what matters.


Top Bags for 2025 Travellers

  • Aer Travel Pack 3: Sleek, structured, and versatile.

  • Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus:Thoughtfully designed by an Aussie brand.

  • Peak Design Travel Backpack: Loved for its modular setup and durability.

  • Cotopaxi Allpa: Colourful, ethical, and made for rough handling.

  • Tropicfeel Shell: Expandable and eco-conscious.


These bags are built to last and made for movement—perfect companions for modern nomads.


Real Travellers, Real Light

A 27-year-old freelancer who spent three months between Lisbon, Split, and Istanbul with one 35L bag. A family of four who packed into two backpacks for a month in Japan. A retiree who walked the Camino de Santiago with just seven kilograms on her back.

One-bag travel is about freedom, not sacrifice. With the right mindset and a few clever tricks, it’s possible to travel lighter and live larger.


Sustainable and Satisfying

Packing light also means consuming less. You buy fewer souvenirs, reuse more outfits, and don’t need extra gear for every whim. It’s a more sustainable way to move through the world—one that respects both the planet and your back muscles.

And best of all? You learn what you actually need—and what you never did.


One Bag, Zero Regrets

In a world that often tells us to want more, there’s something quietly radical about choosing less. The one-bag traveller isn’t unprepared—they’re unburdened. They’re flexible, fast-moving, and full of stories.


You carry less, but experience more. Just don’t forget the non-negotiables—like travel insurance. It takes up zero space but covers a lot of ground.

Ready to lose the luggage—and gain the world?


Related Posts

Comments

Share Your ThoughtsBe the first to write a comment.
bottom of page