A backpacker completed two months across Vietnam, Philippines, and Japan using only a 35L pack - and didn't miss a single thing. The detailed trip report reveals what's possible when you nail the art of packing light.
The Backpack That Changed Everything
Using a Pakt Aero 35L backpack weighing just 1kg (2.2 lbs), the traveler navigated sleeper buses, scooters, boat tours, domestic flights, and bullet trains without checking luggage once.
"With airlines being more strict and only allowing 7kg, this was the obvious choice," they explained in their r/backpacking trip report. The lightweight design meant everything from camera gear to a drone fit within airline weight limits.
The key insight: quick-access compartments eliminate the need to fully unpack during transit. Two main compartments meant essentials stayed accessible while clothes and camera equipment stayed secure against the back.
What Actually Fit in 35 Liters
The complete packing list included:
- Camera cube: Canon R7 camera with Sigma 16-300mm lens, DJI Mini 2 drone with controller and batteries, cables, SD card reader, and SSD - Clothing: 4 cotton t-shirts, 1 gym shirt, 1 merino shirt, long linen shirt, thermal layers, 2 long pants, 2 shorts, swim shorts, rain jacket, 7 underwear, 6 socks, microfiber beach towel - Extras: Diving mask and snorkel, lightweight umbrella, packable blanket, sink stopper, Anker 20W travel adapter
Everything organized into Peak Design packing cubes that "were truly amazing" for compression and organization.
The Philippines: Best Value for Money
While all three countries impressed, Philippines emerged as the clear favorite.
