By packing lightweight and quality gear with multiple uses, you can greatly reduce the weight and volume of your travel backpack. The end goal in switching to an ultralight style of travel is to pack all of your clothing and gear into a carry-on-size bag without sacrificing anything in terms of functionality, comfort, fashion, or preparedness. One thing I want to clear up is the fact that traveling ultralight isn’t about doing without. It’s about packing in a smart and strategic manner. This ultralight travel packing list is designed to help you achieve that.
Over the past 12 years, I’ve spent about 1/3 of my life on the road. During that time, I’ve developed an efficient and ultralight packing system. In this guide, I will share my experience.
In this guide, I outline every piece of gear that you need to pack and its uses. I will indicate which items are optional and which you’ll want to pack. I’ll talk about some of the best materials and types of clothing to pack. This guide also contains info on camping gear.
Table of Contents
- Clothes
- Backpack or Suitcase
- Toiletries
- Electronics
- Camping Gear
- Additional Travel Gear
- Travel Documents
- Items to Leave at Home
- Final Thoughts
What Does Ultralight Packing Mean for Travelers?
For hikers, ultralight traditionally means keeping your base weight below 10 pounds (about 4.5 kilos). For travel, we generally need a bit more gear. Mostly clothing. Most airlines allow up to a 22 pound (10 kilos) bags as a carry-on. The bag must measure less than 45 linear inches (115 centimeters). Our goal is to fit within those limits.
Benefits of Ultralight Travel
- No checked bag fees- You save $20-$50 per flight by carrying your bag on rather than checking it.
- Lower likelihood of losing your luggage- Airlines lose checked bags all the time. Air Canada lost my backpack on my first solo trip abroad. I learned my lesson. Now I only pack a carry-on (and I will never fly Air Canada again.)
- Lower likelihood of theft- You can carry your backpack where you can see it at all times. For example, on your lap, above your seat, or at your feet on the flight, bus, or train. You don’t have to store it in a luggage compartment where the risk of theft increases.
- Damage to your belongings is less likely- Baggage handlers are notoriously hard on bags. I cringed while watching African baggage handlers roughly lash my large backpack on top of buses. Now that I travel ultralight, I’m the only one to touch my bag.
- Reduced transit times- You don’t need to arrive at the airport as early to check your bag. There is no need to wait around the baggage claim after your flight. You can get on the bus early and score a good seat rather than waiting for the baggage handler to load your pack.
- You can walk further- I like to walk between the bus or train station and my hotel or hostel. Mainly to save money. Walking is a lot easier and more pleasant with a 20 pound backpack than with a 40 pound backpack.
- You blend in more- With a small backpack, you might be able to blend in with the locals. You don’t automatically look like a tourist. This lowers your likelihood of being targeted by scammers and criminals.
- It’s healthier- Heavy backpacks put a lot of stress on your back, knees, shoulders, and neck. Keep your joints healthy by carrying less weight. Your body will thank you for it in the long run.
Packing Clothes for Ultralight Travel
In this section, I outline each item of travel clothing that you’ll want to pack for lightweight travel and its use. I also provide style and fabric suggestions. I’ll also suggest a few optional items and give some tips to further cut down on weight. Exactly which items you pack depends on the climate of your destination and the types of activities that you plan to participate in.
When selecting the clothes that you want to wear during your trip, look for items with the following characteristics:
- Comfortable- This is the most important factor. Choose travel clothes that allow you to make a full range of motion and feel nice against your skin.
- Quick-drying- Because you’ll be packing so few travel clothes, you’ll have to wash them often. Chances are, you’ll also be sweating a lot. You want items that dry quickly. I recommend avoiding cotton. I generally prefer synthetics like polyester. Merino wool is another good quick-drying fabric if you prefer natural fibers.
- Multi-use- Make sure you can wear all of your shirts and pants mixed together. Try not to pack one shirt that only goes with a specific pair of pants, for example. Choose clothes that can be worn in a variety of social situations and weather conditions. Avoid anything too formal or casual.
- High-tech fabrics- These are generally used for athletic and outdoor clothing. They are durable, pack down small, and dry quickly. Nylon and polyester are good choices.
- Reasonably fashionable- This is a personal preference. I feel like I’m treated better when I’m dressed reasonably well than when I look like a dirtbag traveler. Some people don’t care how they look.
Pants
Even if you’re traveling in a hot climate, you need to pack at least one pair of long pants. They protect your legs from the sun during the day and mosquitoes during the evening. You also need long pants for sightseeing in some countries. For example, many religious sites like temples and mosques require that you cover your legs. Many bars and restaurants also require that you wear long pants. In some countries, you should wear long pants at all times out of respect for the local culture.
You’ll also want to pack shorts. Even while traveling in a cold climate. Shorts are great for lounging around in. When choosing a pair of shorts, the most important thing is to make sure they have pockets. You want to be able to carry cash, your phone, and hotel room key with you.
I recommend you look for a pair with a pocket that zips closed. This prevents your phone or wallet from falling out during physical activities and helps to stop pickpockets.
The pants you should pack for minimalist travel include:
1 Pair of Jeans
A nice dark pair of jeans is extremely versatile. You can wear them for sightseeing. They can also work for your going-out pants. They are accepted pretty much everywhere in the world outside of formal occasions. Jeans are also pretty warm which comes in handy if you’re traveling during a cold season.
Some ultralight travelers will disagree with packing a pair of jeans because they are very heavy and bulky. They also take forever to dry. Personally, I always miss having my jeans if I don’t pack them. This is one luxury item that I bring.
1 Pair of Long Pants: Hiking Pants or Travel Pants
These are your daily wear pants. Hiking or travel pants are durable, lightweight, comfortable, and quick-drying. They also allow for a good range of motion. Choose a pair that is made of a synthetic material such as ripstop nylon. You’ll be wearing these a lot so you want them to last.
I like the prAna Stretch Zion Pant. I have been traveling with a pair of these for the past year and they are holding up really well. They still look new.
Space saving tip: To save more space, consider choosing a pair of convertible hiking or travel pants that zips off into shorts. If you really want to travel ultralight, you can just pack one pair of pants and use them as shorts as well. Personally, I don’t like convertible pants because I think they look a bit goofy but they are convenient.
1 Pair of Shorts
Choose whatever style you like. I pack a pair of hiking shorts. They are durable and dry quickly if they get wet. They also allow for a good range of motion.
Some travelers prefer cargo shorts. These are handy because they have large pockets. Basketball shorts are another option. They dry quickly but don’t have secure pockets.
1 Pair of Swimming Shorts
Try to choose a pair that can pass off as regular shorts as well. That way, you can wear them around while sightseeing as well as to the beach and pool. While traveling in tropical or beach destinations, I end up wearing my swim shorts more than my regular shorts.
Tip: If you don’t plan to swim often, don’t pack swim shorts. You can always swim in your regular shorts or underwear. Alternatively, you could just pack swimming shorts and use them as your daily wear shorts. Of course, you could also buy a cheap pair of swimming shorts at your destination if you need them.
2-4 Pair of Underwear
You can get by just fine with 2 pair if you’re serious about going ultralight. Wash one and let it dry while wearing the other.
I like to pack 4 pair so I don’t have to wash as often. I wash my underwear in the sink and then hang them somewhere to dry.
The nice thing about underwear is that you can buy them anywhere in the world. When they wear out, just throw them out and buy some fresh pairs.
Pack whatever style you prefer. I like boxer briefs. They provide more support than boxers and don’t look goofy like briefs. Remember, people will probably see you in your underwear if you’re staying in hostels. You’ll be changing your clothes in the dorm and sleeping. Choose a style that you won’t be embarrassed to be seen in.
When it comes to material, avoid cotton. It’s soft and comfortable but takes forever to dry. Go with Merino wool or synthetic underwear instead. After you wash them, they’ll be dry in just a few hours.
Shirts
Shirts are kind of a personal preference thing. Some guys prefer shirts with collars. Some prefer long sleeves. Others only wear t-shirts. I recommend you pack 2-4 shirts in total. Make sure at least one shirt has long sleeves and one has a collar.
1-3 T-Shirts
These are lightweight, easy to pack, and go with everything. They’re also so cheap that they’re practically disposable.
I like to pack 2 T-shirts and buy a couple at my destination. They make excellent souvenirs. When they wear out, I just throw them away and buy another one.
Polyester athletic t-shirts work great due to their sweat-wicking capabilities and quick-drying properties. They are also very durable.
Merino wool T-shirts also work well. You can wear them multiple times thanks to their odor-resistance qualities. They are also sweat-wicking and quick-drying. In addition, they also stay cool in the summer and provide warmth in the winter.
I recommend you try to avoid cotton T-shirts for travel. They take too long to dry and get smelly quickly if they’re not washed often.
1 or 2 Long-Sleeved Shirts
Your long sleeve shirt will come in handy often. For example, you’ll need it while sightseeing in some conservative countries where you’re expected to cover up your arms. You will also want to wear it to keep the sun off during the day and the mosquitoes off during the evening. It will also work well for going out. A long sleeve shirt can also keep you warmer on a cool morning.
I recommend you carry one collared hiking or travel shirt. These are durable, comfortable, and don’t wrinkle too much. They also look pretty nice. I wear my travel shirt for going out sometimes. I have the ATG by Wrangler.
Also, consider packing a base layer shirt. These are great for adding warmth. They can also protect you from the bugs or sun. Merino wool is a great material for this type of shirt.
Sweaters and Jackets
No matter where you’re traveling, you need to pack some type of jacket to keep you warm. Even in hot countries, the weather can get cool. You’ll also need a waterproof jacket to protect you from the rain. The 3 best types of jackets to pack for travel include:
1 Sweater or Hoodie
You need a sweater or hoodie to throw on whenever you’re chilly. You’ll wear this on cold airplanes and buses when the AC is blasting. You’ll also need it in the mornings and evenings when the weather is cool.
You can go with whatever style and material you prefer. Some people like pullovers while others prefer zip-ups. Some like a sweater with a hood while others prefer hoodless. It’s up to you.
When it comes to material, I recommend you go with fleece. Fleece is ideal for travel in wet or humid climates because they dry quickly when wet. The biggest drawback to fleece is the fact that it doesn’t pack down very small. Wool is another good option. A Merino wool sweater wicks sweat and dries quickly. It is also odor resistant. You should avoid cotton hoodies because they take forever to dry when they get wet.
1 Down Jacket
A down jacket is a versatile piece of clothing. Down jackets pack down incredibly small, occupying less than a liter of space in your pack. They are also lightweight. Most weigh around 10 ounces. You won’t even notice it’s in your pack. Down also provides a good amount of warmth so they work well for travel in cold climates.
The main drawback is the fact that down doesn’t work when it gets wet. This means down isn’t ideal for wet or humid destinations. You have to keep it dry. If you’re traveling in a wet region, consider a jacket with synthetic fill instead.
For more info, check out my down vs fleece vs wool pros and cons list.
You don’t need both a sweater and a jacket for every trip. If you’re traveling to a hot region, you can get away with just packing a sweatshirt. For travel in a particularly cold climate, you’ll want to pack both a down jacket and fleece. When paired together with a long sleeve base layer, you can stay warm in temperatures well below freezing.
1 Rain Jacket or Poncho
You need to pack some type of protection while traveling. Even while visiting a sunny climate. You never know when it’s going to rain. You don’t want to miss out on a day of sightseeing just because it’s drizzling. The style that you chose is really a personal preference. You can choose either a rain jacket or a poncho.
A rain jacket can keep you relatively dry in even the heaviest storm. A rain jacket can also act as a windbreaker. If it’s cold or snowy, you can wear your rain jacket over your sweater or down jacket.
A poncho is a great choice if you want to save some space. Ponchos can keep your whole body dry including your legs. You can also use the poncho to cover your backpack to keep your belongings dry. This allows you to get away without a pack cover. Some ponchos can also double as a tarp that you can use for shelter or for a ground cover if you want to sit down on the ground. Ponchos are also affordable. You can buy a disposable poncho for $1 and keep it in your pack just in case.
I prefer packing a poncho over a rain jacket in most cases. They offer better protection and have multiple uses. The main drawback is the fact that they aren’t as fashionable. A rain jacket fits in better in the city
To help you decide which is best for your trip, check out my rain jacket vs poncho pros and cons list.
Footwear for Travel: Shoes and Sandals
While traveling, you will spend a lot of time on your feet. You walk around museums, temples, and historic sites. You may walk between your hostel and the train station. On average, I’d estimate that I walk 5-10 miles per day while traveling. Because of this, it’s important that you pack some comfortable, durable footwear.
Footwear is one area of your travel wardrobe where you shouldn’t cheap out. You can buy cheap shirts and pants anywhere on Earth. Finding quality footwear can be a challenge in some parts of the world. Particularly if you have big feet as I do. Sometimes large sizes aren’t available. Sometimes finding genuine name-brand shoes can be a problem. There are a lot of cheap knock-offs out there. I recommend you buy a new pair of shoes before your trip. Here are the shoes and socks that you should pack:
1 Pair of Shoes
Shoes are bulky and heavy. Try to limit yourself to one pair. While shopping for a pair of travel shoes, choose a pair that can do it all. Ideally, you want to be able to wear the same shoes for sightseeing in the city and doing some light hiking. Your shoes need to be supportive and comfortable. Fashion is another consideration. It’s nice to be able to wear your shoes to a bar or restaurant in the evening and not look too out of place.
I like trail running shoes for travel. They offer excellent durability because they are built for use on hiking trails. They are also comfortable because they are designed for walking long distances. Another nice feature is the tread. It could save you from slipping or falling down on a wet floor or icy road. In addition, they look like regular sneakers. They arent big clunky boots. Try to find a pair with a simple, low-key design.
If you don’t plan to do any hiking, regular running shoes also work well. In the past, I always traveled with Converse Chuck Taylors because they are fashionable. I found that I just couldn’t put in the miles that I wanted to. My feet always hurt at the end of the day. I would get blisters as well. I ended up switching to running shoes or trail runners. Now I can walk as far as I like without any foot pain.
1 Pair of Sandals
Regardless of the climate of your destination, you should always pack a pair of sandals. They have many uses. Sandals are great for wearing around your hotel or for short trips to the store. You can also wear them in the shower. Sandals can protect your feet from bacteria. You can also wear them to the pool or beach. They protect your feet from hot sand or cuts from debris. They are quick to put on and comfortable for lounging around in. The style you choose is up to you.
Many travelers wear flip flops. You can buy a pair for just a couple of dollars anywhere in the world. They pack down small and last quite a while.
I used to do this, but I have since changed my ways. The problem with flip flops is that they aren’t good for walking long distances. The flat soles don’t provide support. They can also rub your feet wrong and start hurting after a few miles. They can also slip off causing injury.
These days, I prefer to pack a quality pair of hiking sandals with straps. I wear them almost as much as my shoes so I need a comfortable, supportive pair. I wear Chacos Z2 Classic Sport Sandals. They have thick, supportive soles and they stay on your feet well. The only drawback is that they are a bit bulkier and heavier than flip flops.
Tip: Switch off between your shoes and sandals to give your feet a break. This helps to prevent blisters and allows your feet to air out which prevents athletes foot. Take care of your feet while traveling.
3-5 Pair of Socks
I like to pack 4 pairs so I don’t have to do laundry too often. You can get away with just 2 pair if you are serious about going ultralight. Wash one pair and let it dry while wearing the other.
You can wear whatever style and length you prefer. I like to pack a mix of sock heights. I pack a couple of pairs of no-show socks to wear with shorts. In addition, I also pack a pair of standard white mid-calf-length sweat socks. I also pack a pair of hiking socks.
The nice thing about socks is that you can buy them anywhere in the world. When they wear out, just throw them away and buy some fresh ones.
If you are traveling in a cold climate or plan to do any hiking, I recommend you pack a nice thick pair of wool socks. They wick away sweat to help keep your feet cool and dry in the summer. They also keep your feet warm in the winter.
Additional Travel Clothing and Accessories
After packing your basic day-to-day clothes, consider anything else you like to wear. Most of the following items are optional.
Hat
Hats come in handy often. They protect your skin from the sun. They keep your head warm in the winter. Hats keep the rain off your face. They also prevent your hair from blowing around in the wind.
You can pack whichever style of hat you prefer. If I’m traveling to a warm destination, I pack a baseball cap. If you want more protection from the sun, you can pack a large sun hat. In cold destinations, I pack a warm knit cap.
Hats also make for excellent souvenirs. Consider waiting until you reach your destination to buy one. Hats are available everywhere and they’re cheap.
Umbrella
If you don’t like wearing rain jackets or ponchos, you could simply pack an umbrella. It won’t keep you as dry but it works just fine.
Umbrellas are great for traveling in cities. Rain jackets are better for hiking and other outdoor activities. The weight is more or less the same. If I have space, I pack a small travel umbrella with me.
Rain Pants
If you’re traveling to a destination with a rainy climate, you may want to bring some rain pants to pair with your rain jacket. Alternatively, you could just wear some quick-drying pants when it rains. Or, you could pack a poncho which acts as a ring jacket and pants.
Clothes and Accessories for Going Out
Everyone wants to look good while going out on the town. Unfortunately, packing a set of nice dress clothes just for going out doesn’t fit the ultralight packing philosophy. Packing ultralight requires that you pack items that have multiple uses. There isn’t really room for a suit.
Luckily, there is a solution. By packing strategically, you can bring a decent pair of clothes to go out in. Pack one collared long-sleeve travel shirt in a solid color. Gray or blue work well. This can pass as a dress shirt if you choose the right style. Also, pack a nice pair of dark blue or black jeans or travel pants. Choose shoes that look more casual than athletic. Try to go with solid black shoes.
You won’t be the most stylish person there but this outfit will look reasonable in almost every bar, club, and restaurant. The idea is to pack multi-use items. All of these items can also be worn day-to-day. If you pack smart, you can dress well enough to get into most clubs and attend most non-formal events.
If you need to pack formal clothing, it will be difficult to pack light. It’s possible to pack dress shoes and a suit as well as all of your normal clothes in a carry-on bag but you will need to leave some other things behind.
A Note About Jewelry
Jewelry is a target for theft. I recommend you leave your diamonds and gold at home with the exception of one item. A watch is a nice piece of travel gear to pack. Look for a cheap one that shows the date and includes an alarm.
I like the Casio Sport Watch. It’s inexpensive, durable, and includes a lot of useful functions for travelers. You can read my full review of the watch here.
Packing for Ultralight Travel in a Cold Climate
If you’re traveling during the winter or visiting a cold destination, you need to be prepared. In addition to the above gear, you’ll need to pack a few extra items to keep you warm. Some items can be swapped out with their hot weather counterparts to cut down on weight. Luckily, with high tech, modern fabrics it is possible to pack ultralight for four-season travel and still stick to a carry-on bag.
The best way to achieve this is to layer your clothes to stay warm. Traditionally, you want to wear three layers. A base layer wicks sweat to help you stay warm. A middle layer traps heat. The outer layer protects you from the elements. Here’s what you should pack:
Base Layer
Thermal underwear or long underwear make for an ideal cold-weather base layer. They wick sweat away from your body and trap heat to help keep you warm in cold climates. Thermal underwear also pack down small and weigh very little.
If you only expect mildly chilly temperatures, you can get away with a base layer shirt only. If you expect extreme cold, you’ll want bottoms as well.
Several materials are available. Many travelers like merino wool. Some prefer synthetics. There are benefits and drawbacks of each in terms of durability, comfort, and odor control.
Middle Layer
You’ll wear your mid layer between your base layer and outer layer. A sweatshirt, fleece jacket, or wool sweater works great as a middle layer.
Alternatively, you can also use your puffy jacket as a middle layer. For more warmth, you can pair a puffy jacket with a hoodie or sweater.
Outer Layer
This layer protects you from the wind and rain. Which outer layer you pack really depends on the climate of your destination.
For extremely cold climates, you’ll want to pack a parka to wear for your outer layer. These are waterproof, windproof, and extremely warm. Unfortunately, they are also heavy and bulky. If you’re traveling ultralight, you’ll probably have to carry your parka as your personal item while flying.
For cold but dry climates you can use your puffy down jacket as an outer layer in addition to a sweatshirt or fleece middle layer. This helps you save weight because the only additional piece of gear you need to pack is a warm middle layer.
For cold but wet climates, you can wear your rain jacket as an outer layer over your puffer jacket or fleece. This will keep you dry on rainy or snowy days.
Footwear for Cold Weather
You need to keep your feet warm and dry while traveling in a cold climate. There are a few ways to achieve this.
Most importantly, you should wear warm socks. Pack a thick pair of wool socks or wear two pairs of socks to keep your toes warm. This is the most ultralight solution.
If you plan to spend a lot of time walking in the snow, you’ll probably want some sort of waterproof boots. Unfortunately, these are heavy. Choose a pair that you can use as your only pair of shoes to help cut down on weight.
Gaiters can also help keep your feet warm. These seal the top of your footwear to prevent snow and water from entering. Gaiters are a lightweight solution. The only drawback is the fact that you need to pair them with waterproof shoes or your feet will get wet as snow melts around them.
Accessories: Hat, Gloves, Scarf, etc.
For travel in a cold climate, exchange your baseball cap for a warm knit hat. Also, pack a warm pair of gloves or mittens. I like neoprene gloves because they are lightweight, waterproof, and pack down pretty small. Knit gloves work well if you don’t expect wet conditions.
If you expect extreme cold, you might also consider packing a scarf to keep your neck warm. Also, consider packing a balaclava or ski mask to keep your face warm.
All of this stuff can get pretty bulky. If you’re unsure if you’ll need a particularly accessory, wait until you arrive at your destination and buy it there.
How to Keep Your Lower Body Warm
To keep your legs warm, use the same layering method used to keep your upper body warm. For example:
- Base layer- Thermal underwear. These trap your body heat and wick sweat.
- Middle layer- Jeans or travel pants. These trap heat to keep you warm.
- Outer layer- Rain pants. These keep you dry and protect you from the wind.
If you are traveling to an extremely cold destination, consider packing some down pants. These pack down small, weigh very little, and provide a lot of warmth.
If you’re planning to spend a lot of time in the snow, pack a pair of snow pants. These are bulky but they will keep you warm and dry.
Packing Ultralight While Being Prepared for Cold Weather
It’s difficult to stay ultralight when you need to pack for cold weather. There are a few ways to avoid overpacking and still stay warm.
Layering is key. Choose pieces that can be worn together for added warmth, but also work well on their own in different temperatures. Down is perfect for packing light. It’s warm, lightweight, and packs down compactly. Remember, down doesn’t perform well when it gets wet. It’s also important to have a waterproof layer.
Also, remove any warm weather items that you won’t need in a cold climate- You don’t need warm weather clothing for a ski trip. For example, you could eliminate your shorts and swimsuit. Leave out the T-shirts to make room for warmer shirts. This saves you some space in your pack for warmer gear.
Remember, if you’re not warm enough, you can always buy more clothes at your destination. The people who live there need to keep warm too. Any cold weather gear that you may need is available locally. Sometimes this is cheaper.
If you save $100 on checked bag fees by traveling with a carry-on, use part of that money to buy yourself a hat and gloves at your destination. You can give them away or donate them to someone before you leave or keep them as souvenirs.
A Note about Fashion While Traveling Ultralight
Everyone wants to look good. While selecting clothing to pack for your trip, put some thought into how you’ll look. Pack neutral colored items that all match each other. You don’t want to pack a shirt that you can only wear with one pair of pants, for example.
Also, try to pack one outfit that you can go out in. You’re not going to get into any high-end nightclubs in your ultralight travel clothes. You do, however, want to be able to get into a nice bar that has a basic dress code. This means, always pack at least one pair of long pants, closed-toe shoes, and a shirt with a collar.
Even if you couldn’t care less about fashion, it is still something to consider while packing. You don’t want to miss out on an experience just because you didn’t pack the right clothes. For example, while visiting Bangkok, I went to a sky bar with a couple of friends from the hostel. Their dress code required that you wear long pants. Any long pants were acceptable. One of my buddies didn’t pack any. He ended up waiting in the lobby and missing out on the spectacular view because he hadn’t packed properly.
Choosing a Backpack or Suitcase for Ultralight Travel
Your backpack or suitcase is one of your most important pieces of travel gear. It needs to be comfortable, lightweight, and the proper size for carry-on use. In this section, I’ll outline exactly what you should look for in an ultralight travel backpack or suitcase.
Luggage Size
Your backpack or suitcase needs to fit within the airline’s carry-on size requirements. These vary from one airline to another.
The most common size limit for a carry-on is 19 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches. In most cases, your carry on must be smaller than 45 linear inches (115 centimeters). If it’s any larger, it may not fit in the overhead bin on smaller planes. The length is the most important measurement. If your bag is too long, it won’t fit. For backpacks, 40-45 liters is a good size. Most fit within the carry-on limits. Some airlines have stricter limits than others.
In my experience, check-in agents won’t measure your backpack unless it’s obviously too large. In fact, I’ve only had my backpack measured once. It was packed completely full and just looked massive. I was asked to place my bag in one of those metal cages to measure. It measured a few inches too long. Luckily, they let it slide as the flight wasn’t full.
Luggage Weight
While shopping for a travel backpack or suitcase, look for a model that is lightweight. That generally means less than 2 pounds (around 1 kilo).
You need a lightweight piece of luggage because the total weight of your bag is limited by the airline carry-on allowance. Most airlines only allow you to carry on 22 pounds (around 10 kg). Some airlines only allow you to carry-on 18 pounds (8 kg