A detailed trip report from Vietnam, Philippines, and Japan is challenging conventional wisdom about what you actually need for extended travel.
The traveler spent two months crossing three countries using only a 35-liter backpack - and not only did they survive, they thrived. According to their post on r/onebag, they "basically used everything I packed and didn't miss a single thing."
The journey covered nearly every form of transportation: sleeper buses in Vietnam, scooters and multi-day boat tours in the Philippines, and bullet trains in Japan. The 35L pack (a Pakt Aero) proved ideal for all of them.
What made it work? Smart organization and accessibility. The bag's quick-access pockets meant the traveler never needed to fully unpack during transit. Clothes and camera gear stayed in the back compartment closest to the body for weight distribution. A 6L sling bag on top held electronics, pillow, and other transit essentials.
Crucially, the bag weighs only 1 kilogram (about 2 pounds) empty - significant when airlines enforce strict 7kg carry-on limits. As the traveler noted, with airlines "being more strict and only allowing 7kg, this was the obvious choice."
This isn't just a lifestyle preference anymore - it's becoming an economic necessity. Airlines are tightening carry-on restrictions and charging more for checked baggage. A smaller pack means no checked bag fees, faster airport transit, and more flexibility with transportation.
The shift challenges the old backpacker assumption that longer trips require bigger bags. The opposite may be true: the longer you travel, the more you learn to pack less.
For travelers considering minimalist packing, the lessons are clear: Choose a lightweight bag with good organization. Use packing cubes. Bring clothes you can wash and wear repeatedly. Accept that you don't need as much as you think.
