Gear Packing Life

    The Ultimate 'One Bag' Packing List (2025 Edition)

    There are two types of travelers: those who check a bag, and those who are free.

    Okay, that’s a bit dramatic. But once you switch to One Bag Travel (carry-on only), you will never go back. No more waiting at baggage claim. No more lost luggage anxiety. No more dragging a 20kg monster up five flights of stairs in a Lisbon apartment building with no elevator.

    Here is the no-fluff, battle-tested packing list for 2025.

    The Golden Rule: 7 Days of Clothes

    You do not need to pack for “what if.” You pack for one week. You can do laundry everywhere in the world.

    The Gear

    1. The Bag: 40L Travel Backpack (e.g., Osprey Farpoint 40 or Aer Travel Pack 3). Front-loading is non-negotiable.
    2. The Tech Pouch: Keep your cables organized. If your cables are a mess, your life is a mess.
    3. Packing Cubes: These are magic. They compress your clothes and keep your dirty socks away from your clean shirts.

    The Wardrobe (Unisex Baseline)

    • 5 T-shirts: Merino wool is worth the hype. It doesn’t smell even after 3 wears.
    • 2 Shorts / Skirts: One athletic, one casual.
    • 1 Pair of Jeans/Chinos: Wear these on the plane to save space.
    • 1 Hoodie / Light Jacket: Planes are cold. Airports are cold.
    • 7 Pairs of Underwear: ExOfficio or Uniqlo Airism. Quick-drying is key.
    • 1 Pair of Sneakers: Comfortable enough to walk 10km in.
    • 1 Pair of Sandals/Flip-flops: For the shower or the beach.

    The Tech

    • Laptop: The lighter, the better. MacBook Air is the gold standard.
    • Laptop Stand: The Roost Stand or similar. Save your neck.
    • Noise Canceling Headphones: Essential for focus in loud cafes.
    • Universal Travel Adapter: Get one with multiple USB-C ports so you can charge everything at once.
    • Power Bank: 10,000mAh is the sweet spot between weight and power.

    What NOT to Pack

    • Towel: Every hostel and Airbnb has one. If not, buy a cheap one there.
    • Hairdryer: Too bulky, voltage issues.
    • “Just in case” fancy outfit: You will wear it once. It’s not worth the weight.

    The Philosophy

    Packing light isn’t about deprivation. It’s about removing the friction between you and the experience. When your bag is light, you are agile. You can say “yes” to a spontaneous weekend trip without worrying about your luggage.

    Pack less. Live more.

    Perthho