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January 4, 2026 • 6 min read

One Bag, Three Weeks: What I Actually Pack

Everything I need fits under an airplane seat. Here's the list.

I used to travel with a massive suitcase. Two weeks in Europe meant checked bags, baggage fees, and the constant low-level anxiety of "where is my stuff."

Then I missed a connection in Frankfurt. My bag went to Rome. I went to Prague. Spent three days with what I was wearing.

Turns out I didn't need most of what I'd packed.

Why Bother Packing Light?

Beyond avoiding the Frankfurt situation:

  • You move faster. No baggage claim. No waiting. Walk off the plane and go.
  • You're more flexible. Decide to take a bus instead of a train. Take a different hostel. No luggage logistics.
  • Less to lose. I've left bags on trains. It happens. Smaller bag = smaller problem.
  • Hostels are easier. No elevator? No problem. Crammed dorm? Your bag fits.

The Actual List (3 Weeks, Any Season)

Clothes

  • 4 t-shirts (one slightly nicer for evenings)
  • 1 long-sleeve shirt
  • 1 lightweight jacket (water-resistant if possible)
  • 2 shorts
  • 1 pants
  • 5 underwear (merino if you're fancy)
  • 3 socks (again, merino)
  • 1 walking shoes (the ones you wear on the plane)
  • 1 flip-flops
  • 1 swimsuit

That's it. You'll do laundry once a week. Hostels have machines. It costs €3.

Toiletries

  • Toothbrush + small toothpaste
  • Deodorant
  • Small shampoo/body wash (or solid bar)
  • Sunscreen
  • Medications you need
  • Microfiber towel

Tech

  • Phone + charger
  • Power bank (10,000mAh is enough)
  • Universal adapter
  • Headphones

The Non-Negotiables

  • Passport
  • Credit/debit cards
  • Earplugs + eye mask (hostel survival kit)
  • Small padlock (for hostel lockers)

What I Stopped Bringing

  • "Just in case" items. If I need it, I can buy it there.
  • Multiple pairs of shoes. One good pair + flip-flops covers everything.
  • A laptop. Phone handles everything unless I'm working.
  • Books. Kindle or swap at hostels.
  • Full-size anything. Travel sizes or buy on arrival.
  • Clothes I "might" want. I won't. Neither will you.

The Bag

30-40 liters. That's the sweet spot.

  • Fits under airplane seat or in overhead bin
  • Opens like a suitcase, not a top-loader
  • Comfortable straps (you'll wear it a lot)

Popular options: Osprey Farpoint 40, Peak Design Travel, Patagonia Black Hole 32L. Or whatever fits you. The brand doesn't matter.

Laundry Strategy

Once a week. Options:

  • Hostel machines. €3-5. Usually available.
  • Laundromats. Everywhere.
  • Sink wash. Quick-dry clothes can dry overnight. Useful in a pinch.

The First Trip Is Scary

You'll feel underprepared. You'll think you forgot something important.

By day three, you won't notice. By trip end, you'll wonder why you ever traveled differently.

Polo helps you figure out what you're actually doing—so you know what to pack. Hiking? Beach? City stuff? Then you know.