Forget backpacking. Embrace lightpacking. Leave your heavy 60-70L travel backpack home and switch to 20-30L light backpack. Less is more.
Chose your backpack wisely. After all, it will be your most stable travel companion. Hence it is better to love it.
How small is small? For most trips, a 20-30L light backpack is more than enough. If you think you need more space, review your packing list. You only need 79 items (or less).
5 Trendy Light Backpacks
Patagonia Arbor
Volume: 26L
Weight: 618g (1lb 5.8oz)
Laptop Pocket: Yes
Colors: 12 combinations
Price: ~60EUR (check on Amazon)
In addition to a fantastic retro look, this backpack fits a 17″ laptop and incorporates an improved anatomical design to maximize shoulder comfort.
Patagonia Toromiro
Volume: 22L
Weight: 467g (1lb 0.5oz)
Laptop Pocket: Yes
Colors: 9 combinations
Price: ~60EUR (check on Amazon)
Smaller than its larger brother above, this 22L smart pack is deliciously fresh and will feel great if you decide to pack really light. Packing in a 22L bag might be tough for the beginner minimal traveler yet its smaller size ensures blending in. Fantastic for shorter city trips and hotter regions such as Central America or South East Asia.
Jansport Hatchet
Volume: 22L
Weight: 600g (1lb 6oz)
Laptop Pocket: Yes
Colors: 6 combinations
Price: ~83EUR (check on Amazon)
Jansport is a leading backpack manufacturer known for its iconic Jansport original bag. The 22L Hatchet fits a camel bag, laptop, and all your electronics on its organizer pocket. Small, but good for the experienced traveler or shorter trips.
Herschel Little America
Volume: 25L
Weight: N/A
Laptop Pocket: Yes
Colors: 50+ combinations
Price: ~79EUR (check on Amazon)
Well, spotting young students carrying a Herschel has become the hallmark of hipster neighborhoods. But do not get fooled by the appearances, it is a great light backpack and its 25L will fit everything you need, including your travel guide.
Vans Clamber
Volume: 26.5L
Weight: N/A
Laptop Pocket: Yes
Colors: only in Vans black
Price: ~54EUR (check on Amazon)
Black and beautiful, this Vans is a great minimal pack inspired by retro climbing backpacks. It surely does not look like a backpacker’s choice, and hence it is even more recommended. Its wide major compartment incorporates a laptop pocket and multiple inside bags.
Takeaways
Traveling light is a completely different experience. You’ll never look back. Forget about those huge backpacks you see on your Facebook feed and hostels buddies, and switch to a small pack. Voila!
If you are new to traveling light, have a look at the 79 items you need to carry – and leave the rest home.
What is your favorite backpack?