Why do this? The mobility benefits are clear: no checked baggage fees, no carousel waiting, no anxiety about lost luggage, no shoulder strain from heavy bags. You move through airports and train stations effortlessly. If you need to change plans instantly, you're ready.

But there's also an ideological satisfaction. In a consumer culture that constantly insists you need more—more options, more stuff, more preparation—proving you need almost nothing feels like winning a game most people don't realize they're playing.

The onebag community (r/onebag on Reddit) has evolved this philosophy into near-competitive territory. Travelers post weight reductions like athletes sharing personal bests. "Got under 6kg!" becomes a badge of honor.

This traveler concludes: "Felt really good about the minimal setup. Next trip I want to get under 6kg." Wait—they're already under 6kg at 5kg total. They must mean under 5kg. The chase never ends.

For practical travelers considering this approach, a few realities to consider:

Laundry becomes a nightly chore. If you're exhausted after a long day and just want to collapse in bed, the discipline of washing clothes immediately can feel burdensome. You don't have backup options—if you skip laundry, you wear dirty clothes tomorrow.

Weather surprises are challenging. Unexpected cold snaps, rain beyond what your light jacket handles, or temperature swings between cities force you to either suffer or purchase additional items (defeating the minimalism purpose).

Social/dressy occasions don't work. Two quick-dry outfits are fine for casual travel, but if you encounter situations requiring different attire—a nice restaurant, cultural site with dress codes, unexpected social events—you're stuck.

Photography limitations matter. If capturing high-quality photos or video is important to you, relying solely on phone cameras means accepting quality trade-offs.

But for travelers prioritizing mobility, simplicity, and the mental freedom of minimal possessions, extreme minimalism delivers. There's something profoundly liberating about knowing everything you need fits in a small bag.

As airlines crack down on carry-on sizes and weight limits tighten, ultra-light packing shifts from preference to necessity. Budget carriers already enforce strict limits. Full-service airlines are following. The ability to travel comfortably within 5-7kg becomes a valuable skill, not just a minimalist flex.

The minimalist packing movement also connects to broader lifestyle philosophies about consumption, sustainability, and intentionality. Every item you don't pack is an item you don't consume. Every piece of clothing you don't bring is laundry you don't create and transportation energy you don't use.

For most travelers, 5kg for 20 days is probably too extreme. But the principle applies at any scale: you need less than you think. Start with what you believe is minimal, then remove 30%. You'll probably be fine.

The Japan/South Korea/Taiwan route makes this easier—developed countries with reliable laundry options, consistent climates, and easy shopping if you truly need something. Attempting 5kg for 20 days in Mongolia in winter would be a different story.

But for urban Asia travel? It's doable. And for those who find satisfaction in testing their limits, it's proof that the best travel isn't about what you bring—it's about what you're willing to leave behind.