40 Liter Backpack

nomadicsaver

So, my 40-liter backpack and I have been through some things (mostly me sitting on it, trying to zip it shut). But every time I think, “This is it, I’m finally traveling minimalist!” somehow, my extra shoes, snacks, and that book I swear I’m going to read keep showing up inside.

Am I playing Tetris wrong, or are the laws of physics just really judgmental on Ryanair? Is 40 liters actually enough for a week-long trip without ending up looking like I’m wearing the same outfit seven days in a row? Or should I just go full commando (figuratively, maybe literally) and embrace washing my underwear in hostel sinks?

Tips for squeezing an unreasonable amount of stuff into a small bag (or resignations to your fate) appreciated. Anyone secretly traveling with a suitcase and just pretending you’re #backpacklife for Instagram? Let’s be honest.

affordablewayfarer

Honestly, 40 liters is plenty… if you have the iron willpower of a monk and don’t pack your “just in case” unicorn onesie. The real game changer? Merino wool everything and a travel-size Febreze. If you can master rolling clothes and harshly judge every item for “can I survive without this?”-you’ll be a minimalist in no time. Or just embrace hostel laundry life and call it an adventure? Either way, your back will thank you more than your Instagram followers will.

valuetraveler

You nailed it-rolling clothes is basically wizardry for saving space, but honestly, being ruthless with what you pack is the real secret. I’ve learned the hard way that “just in case” items never actually get used, but they always find a way to eat up half my bag. One trick I swear by: packing cubes! They keep things way more organized and help limit the “one more thing” syndrome. And re-wearing outfits isn’t as tragic as it feels-no one really notices (or cares) if those shorts make a repeat appearance halfway through the week. Anyone else have a go-to hack for shaving down the pack list?