Extreme Minimalist Packing: How I Lived Out of a 10L Backpack for 6 Months

Ultra-Light Travel: How to Pack a 10L Backpack for Long-Term Adventures

When I first told people I was going to travel for six months with just a 10-liter backpack, most thought I was joking. How could I possibly fit everything I needed for half a year in a bag the size of a daypack? But after years of hauling around bulky luggage and paying for unnecessary baggage fees, I was ready for a change. I wanted to see if I could embrace the minimalist lifestyle fully—and spoiler alert, I did. Not only did I survive, but I thrived, learning that the less you carry, the more freedom you actually have. Packing ultra-light taught me to prioritize experiences over things, and I discovered a new kind of travel that felt liberating and adventurous. If you've ever thought about shedding the excess weight (literally and figuratively), let me show you how I did it—and how you can, too—with just the essentials.

Why Minimalism?

I started my minimalist journey out of necessity. After hopping from country to country and spending too much time (and money) checking oversized bags, I realized that less could be more. Plus, the more stuff I carried, the less I felt connected to the places I was visiting. I was so focused on lugging my belongings that I missed out on belonging to the moment.

Enter the idea: Could I live out of just a 10-liter backpack? That’s about the size of a daypack for hiking, the kind you’d bring for a short walk in the woods, not a six-month journey across countries. But I love a good challenge, so I decided to go for it.

The Backpack

First things first: the bag. My trusty companion was a small 10-liter, water-resistant backpack with one large compartment and a few inner pockets. Think something like a school bag, but even more compact. Every square inch was going to count, so I went for durability and comfort. It fit perfectly under airplane seats and doubled as a pillow on long bus rides.

What's Inside?

The art of minimalist packing is all about versatility. Everything I packed had to serve more than one purpose, and if it didn’t? It didn’t come. Here’s what I managed to fit into my little 10L bag:

1. Clothing (Yes, really!)

• 3 shirts: Lightweight, quick-dry, neutral colors. One could be dressed up, two were casual.
• 2 pairs of pants: One pair of leggings and one pair of lightweight convertible pants that could be zipped into shorts.
• 1 pair of shoes: All-purpose, sturdy sneakers that could survive hikes, long walks, and casual outings.
• 5 pairs of underwear & 2 pairs of socks: Quick-dry materials are life when you’re washing your clothes in a sink.
• 1 light jacket: Preferably waterproof and foldable.
• 1 sarong: Multipurpose! Use it as a blanket, scarf, beach towel, or makeshift curtain.

2. Toiletries

• Solid shampoo & conditioner: These take up no space, last forever, and won't spill in your bag.
• Mini toothbrush & toothpaste: I went for eco-friendly bamboo ones.
• Deodorant & sunscreen: Small and travel-friendly sizes.
• Multipurpose soap: Works for body, laundry, and dishes if you need it to.
• Mini first-aid kit: Bandaids, antiseptic cream, and painkillers for the road.

3. Electronics

• Phone & charger: My lifeline for maps, tickets, and entertainment.
• E-reader: I can’t live without books, and this allowed me to carry an entire library with me.
• Universal adapter: Essential for bouncing between countries with different outlets.

4. Extras

• Foldable tote bag: For grocery shopping, beach trips, or extra storage when needed.
• Notebook & pen: I’m old-school and love jotting down thoughts or sketches on the go.
• Lock: Handy for securing lockers at hostels or public luggage storage.

Traveler’s Tips for Minimalist Packing

1. Choose Versatile Clothing

The key is to bring clothes that can be mixed and matched. Stick to neutral tones and lightweight, wrinkle-resistant fabrics. Quick-drying clothes are a game-changer if you’re hand-washing. And don’t be afraid to re-wear things! No one’s judging.

2. Master the Art of Rolling Clothes

I swear by rolling clothes instead of folding them. It saves a ton of space and keeps everything more organized. Trust me—every inch counts when you’re packing light.

3. Don’t Skimp on Comfort

One of the mistakes people make when packing light is forgetting about comfort. I made sure my shoes were comfortable and my clothes were soft but durable. If something is going to bother you, leave it behind. You don’t have room for discomfort in a 10-liter world.

4. Laundry on the Go

I washed my clothes every few days, either in hostel sinks or with local laundry services (which are super cheap in many countries). If you’re traveling for more than a week, this is a must-do. I packed a small amount of powdered detergent in a resealable bag, and my quick-dry clothes made the whole process easier.

5. Maximize Your Toiletries

To save space, swap out liquid toiletries for solids. Solid shampoo bars are a game-changer. They last forever and take up next to no room. I also found solid toothpaste tabs that were super convenient.

6. Local Markets Are Your Best Friend

Forgot something? Need a little extra? Chances are you’ll find it at a local market. I bought extra toiletries, snacks, and even a beanie on the road, depending on the climate. You don’t need to pack everything—trust that most places you visit will have what you need.

7. Embrace Rewearing

The reality is, you’ll be rewearing clothes. And guess what? It’s fine. It’s actually freeing to have fewer choices and to spend less time worrying about what to wear. Plus, you’ll be in new places where no one knows or cares what you wore yesterday.

The Benefits of Minimalist Travel

Once I got used to living out of my 10L backpack, it was like a weight had been lifted—literally. I was never burdened by heavy luggage, which gave me the freedom to move quickly, take spontaneous trips, and navigate cities with ease. Airports became a breeze, and I saved money by avoiding checked baggage fees.

Minimalism also gave me a deeper sense of connection to the places I was visiting. Without the distraction of too many belongings, I was able to fully engage with my surroundings, meet locals, and immerse myself in new experiences.

Extreme minimalist packing isn’t just about traveling light—it’s about traveling free. Free from the burden of "stuff" and the pressure to always have more. For six months, I thrived with just the essentials, and I can honestly say it was one of the most liberating experiences of my life. If you’re thinking about giving minimalism a try, start small. You might just find that less truly is more.

Stay tuned for more insider tips and adventures from my travels at Woke Waves Magazine!

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