How to Travel with Just a Backpack for 10 Days
The Art of Packing Light Without Feeling Like You Forgot Your Life at Home
💭 First, Let’s Get Real
You don’t need more stuff to enjoy your trip. You need less friction.
Packing light isn’t about deprivation — it’s about freedom.
No baggage drop queues. No lost luggage anxiety. No dragging suitcases over cobblestones or through metro turnstiles.
Just you, your backpack, and a city to get lost in.
This guide will show you how to actually pull off 10 days with a backpack — whether you're hopping trains through Europe, flying low-cost, or doing a spontaneous coastal road trip.
✍️ Noah · June 24, 2025
🎒 Step 1: Choose the Right Backpack
Not all backpacks are created equal.
You’re looking for a carry-on-sized, lightweight bag with smart compartments and comfortable support.
✅ What to Look For:
Capacity: 35–45L (cabin-friendly but roomy)
Front-loading (clamshell) style: for easy access
Padded hip and shoulder straps: essential for walking longer distances
Water-resistant fabric or rain cover included
Laptop sleeve: if you're working or want to stay connected
💡 Top Pick Example: Osprey Farpoint 40 or CabinZero Classic 44L
👕 Step 2: Pack for Days, Not Outfits
The golden rule? You don’t need 10 outfits for 10 days.
Here’s a travel-tested capsule packing list that works for most weather-friendly destinations:
🧼 Clothing:
3x T-shirts or breathable tops
1x tank or sleeveless
2x bottoms (e.g. 1 pair of shorts, 1 lightweight pants/skirt)
1x layer (light hoodie or button-up shirt)
1x compact rain jacket
4x underwear (you’ll wash some!)
3x socks
1x swimsuit
1x foldable hat or cap
1x sleepwear
👟 Footwear:
1x all-day walking shoes (trainers or sneakers)
1x light sandals or flip flops (optional but nice)
🎒 Packing tip: Use packing cubes or roll clothes to save space + keep it organized.
🧴 Step 3: Keep Toiletries Tiny & Tactical
No one needs a full-size shampoo bottle in their bag. You’re not moving out.
🧳 What to Bring:
Travel-sized toothpaste + toothbrush
Solid shampoo or refillable bottle
Razor
Sunscreen (travel size or refillable)
Lip balm with SPF
Tiny deodorant stick
Painkillers & any prescriptions
Small nail clipper
Microfiber towel (packs small, dries fast)
✈️ Bonus: Store your liquids in a clear zip pouch to avoid airport drama.
📱 Step 4: Slim Down Your Tech
Tech takes up weight and mental space. Bring only what you’ll actually use.
📲 Must-haves:
Phone + charging cable
Power bank
Universal adapter
Lightweight headphones
Kindle or 1 small book (optional)
💻 Skip:
Laptop (unless you’re working)
Bulky chargers
Bluetooth speakers
External hard drives (you won’t use them)
💡 Step 5: Learn to Do Laundry On the Go
This is the real hack to surviving with fewer clothes.
Options:
Sink wash with travel detergent or soap
Use hotel/hostel laundry service
Find local laundromats (often cheaper than you think)
🧼 Pack a small laundry bag — you’ll thank yourself.
✈️ Step 6: Travel Smarter with These Extras
These items are light, small, and make life on the road way easier.
Foldable tote bag or compact backpack (day use)
Reusable water bottle
Collapsible reusable bag (for groceries, beach days)
Lock for hostel lockers or storage
Passport copies + digital backups
Earplugs + sleep mask (yes, always)
Basic cutlery or spork (surprisingly useful)
🙅♀️ Step 7: What to Leave Behind (For Real)
“Just in case” clothes (if you have to say that, don’t pack it)
More than 2 pairs of shoes
Full-size toiletries
Heavy camera gear
Jewelry or valuables
Anything you haven’t used on your last trip
✨ Minimalist mindset: Everything you pack should earn its place.
🎯 TL;DR: 10-Day Backpack Packing Summary
🎒 Essentials: 3 tops, 2 bottoms, 1 layer / Power bank, adapters / Tiny toiletries / Passport + phone
💡 Smart Tips: Do laundry mid-trip / Use packing cubes / Use hostel laundry or sink / Bring reusable tote
❌ Skip It: 10 outfits for 10 days / Heavy shoes / Full makeup kits / “What if?” items
🚶♀️ Final Thought: Less Luggage, More Life
When you carry less, you notice more.
You move faster. You sleep better. You don’t sweat over what to wear.
You experience places as they are, not through the fog of overpacking and forgotten chargers.
And most importantly — you prove to yourself you don’t need much to feel free.
So go ahead. Try the 10-day backpack trip. You might never check a bag again.
✍️ This blog was written by Noah.
