” You’re an idiot,”? was the exact reaction I got from my mom when I told her that I would be packing ultra-light.
What do I mean when I say I’ll be packing ultra-light? Well I’m trading in my 65 litre Eagle Creek Explorer LT for a Futura 28 Day Pack
It’s not an original idea and it has been done successfully before. I first heard of this style of travel through a series of blog posts on Gadling called Life Nomadic. I was intrigued to the learn of author Tyan, who has been a huge proponent of this style of travel, having traveled this way for years.
I’ve always traveled light. On my first trip, my backpack weighed in at under 20lbs, fully loaded. I smirked every time another traveler would walk into my hostel wearing a 90L monster packed to the brim with whatever didn’t fit hanging off the side like a traveling salesman.
Scaling down my gear to a 28L pack may seem impossible but really it’s not, the golden rule is light, thin clothes and less of them. That coupled with upgrading my gear to the smallest option available will make it possible. For example, instead of taking a day pack I’ll be taking a Kiva Key Chain Pack
For my trip to Cuba, I used an even smaller bag as a test. Though I was staying in one place throughout the entire trip, it wasn’t a true test, but it did assure me that my plan was plausible.
But why would I want to put myself through the strain of having to do without?
Besides the obvious advantage of not hauling around the extra weight, I will enjoy several other benefits, mainly that I can take everything I own everywhere. I probably won’t always, but if I ever feel that my room isn’t secure then I won’t suffer when I take it with me. I will also be taking my pack on treks with me. In particular, if there is a trek that follows a point A to point B route, then usually guest houses will arrange for your bags to be sent to your destination.
Maybe it’s just my obsession with reading horror stories, but I don’t like the idea of parting with my only possessions on the continent for extended periods of time. By packing ultra-light, I won’t have to.
Considering I’ll be on approximately 11 flights in the next year, across multiple countries and carriers, packing this light will allow me to keep my possessions within arm’s reach at all times. If my bag were to get lost even for a few days it would be a monumental setback. Doesn’t skipping the baggage claim after a long flight sound like a little slice of heaven?
The most enticing reason for me to travel ultra-light is the sheer challenge. It will make me a more disciplined, and efficient traveler. Even when I want nothing more then the roomy comfort of me old bag, I will have no choice but to persevere.
Travel is all about pushing yourself and your comfort zones, and what better way is there to do that than by taking the road less traveled? Below is the video explaining how to pack ultra-light that inspired me to push myself.
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEygcTUX4sQ
About the Author:
Matthew is the author of 14 posts on Go Backpacking.
Matthew is a backpacker with a sense of adventure who will always be looking for the next story to share with his fellow travelers. When he isn't on the road or scheming to get away from it all he enjoys a odd mix of the outdoors, and technology.Twitter: http://twitter.com/backpackermatt Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mfalk/
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Categories: Features, Packing Tips & Lists, Planning, Pre-trip
Post tags: Asia, backpack, blogsherpa, gear, packing
21 Comments
Hey Matt, I bought the same Deuter Futura 28 pack after reading Tyan's posts too! :) It's a fantastic pack – very intelligently built. My only complaint was the frame that lets your back breathe also increases the profile size of the pack. So it doesn't lay down as nicely as it could while trying to cram it into a small space.
I also used a 32L pack for 6 weeks in central america and had no problem whatsoever. Hell, I even had space to spare. I am adding a small laptop to the mix, and going for longer on this upcoming trip, so I think I am going to cave and go with a larger pack. It makes me sad and nervous to have such a large pack though.
Will you be posting more details on your gear choices? Like what you finally end up fitting into the Deuter? Best of luck!
Traveling light is the way to go. Good luck with it! I packed for a year in New Zealand in my Gregory Baltoro 70L – and it's not even packed to the brim! With nothing hanging off the sides …
safe travels
I'm lost when it comes to describing backpacks in Liters, but at 10 kilos/20lbs, I was on the small end of the spectrum for sure.
I'd really like to try going ultra-light.
I'll have a couple more posts on packing before the trip, look for them closer to my departure date. I'll have a full rundown of my gear.
Scaling down is good, but you're gonna find because of the design of the bag you might still have to stow it. That bag won't fit in many compartments. I own an eBags Weekender and an REI Vagabond, both about 40-50L if packed full but I rarely do. With compression straps it's all flat against my back and close to my body for better mobility, and because they're more like carry-on bags they fit luggage compartments and looks smaller than they seem.
65L is definitely too big, carry-on size is best, but you need to pay further attention to dimensions and not just carrying capacity. I have a hard time believing that bag fits the standard 22″ x 14″ x 9″ compartment.
Actually, my mistake, it seems the grey/red bag is not the one you're planning on using.
10 kg is the carry-on limit for most low cost airlines, so it's definitely what you should be aiming for.
Looks like the males have weighed in – as a female, I just don't think I could do it in 28 liters. I took 52L on my RTW and I while there is some stuff I wouldn't have taken again…28 flabbergasts me ;-) I like the video..but again, I'd love to see how a woman does it in 28!
Ladies, traveling light is NOT just for the guys! I'm currently on a RTW trip and for the past 11 months (5 more to go) I have been perfectly happy–and well stocked!–with my 35 liter pack. I don't use a daybag either, just a small wristlet and sometimes a plastic grocery bag if I carry water/beach blanket/umbrella/etc. If you don't believe me, check out my packing list at http://www.sabenandlin.com/details/gear/lins-pa… . As a matter of fact, my next trip will see me carrying even less because you really just don't need much! Happy travels! :)
Hey Andy – yes, that was my goal, and my Gregory Chaos pack lets me get away with carry-on when packed right. The problem I ran into with my RTW trip – I was unwilling to throw away all my liquid and gel toiletries and medications before each flight. It was less about the cost of replacing them and had more to do with the difficulty you can sometimes have finding what you want in the pharmacies and markets of foreign countries. Luckily, my pack always arrived at the same time I did!
I agree in theory to packing super light, but in practice, I still have trouble letting go of certain items. I think I could better do it if I were going to a specific region, like SE Asia, where it is warm and inexpensive to buy extra items as you go.
On the plus side, it's severely limit my souvenir buying habits!
Hi Lindsey – thanks for chiming in! I love what you did with the detailed gear list. A great resource for future travelers.
Will be interesting to see your final list. Don't see how I could fit all my stuff into 28l
Will be interesting to see your final list. Don't see how I could fit all my stuff into 28l
Regarding the video: Wow, more electronic chargers than expected. And a LOT of electronics. I am more surprised that its not just a netbook (for business), a camera + a phone charger. I know, they don't make electronics easy to pack because there is no universal cable system, but you get what I mean. Everything is reverting to USB and connecting to hand cranks or solar rechargers in new travel innovations/non-electric ready innovations.
The Kiva backpack, though, is awesome.
Kudos for getting all that in there!
Hi Matthew, great video.
I’m wondering, how do you use the kettlestack? You go to a local gym and use their weights?
We are packing for a year on the road: 8 months in Asia and 4 months in Europe. I am taking a 50 liter backpack, and my partner is taking a 65 (mine expands out to 70, but we are not expanding it). Her’s is not even close to fully packed. Not too ultra light, but not too shabby either.
I have to admit, the one bulky item I just couldn’t live without was my teaset. I have a travel kit that is smaller, but still bulky. Most of our destinations in Asia are tea-oriented, and not having a setup with me that I am familiar with makes it SUPER hard to judge new tea, and I don’t want to constantly buy and ditch tea sets. Since this trip is as much about learning the way of tea as it is travel, I had to bring it. Se la vie!!!!
If you’re super into tea tasting, then by all means, bring the tea set!
I’m planning on using an 18 L pack to go through SE Asia for approx 6 months. I pre packed it just for fun, and I was able to fit the following items with a little extra room.
2 tank tops, 2 t shirts, 1 light wt long sleeve shirt, 1 shorts, 1 capri pants, 1 pajamas, 4 underwear, 1 bra, 1 microfibre towel, 1 facecloth, 1 bathing suit, 1 sarong, 2 tubes of toothpaste, soap, travel size shampoo and conditioner, deodorant, toothbrush, floss, comb, guide book, calculator, calendar, small camera, sunscreen, and flipflops. I can pick up stuff as I run out for personal use. Clothes are cheap down there so I really don’t feel the need to drag my entire closet with me. Am I crazy?
Nope! Skimping on clothes is one of the best ways to lighten your load, though if you stop in one town or city for a prolonged period of time, you might start to feel a little self conscious about always wearing the same thing, at least I do.
21 Comments