The prospect of solo traveling can be quite alluring for the freedom it promises. Without the need to compromise or fit into a group’s schedule, travelers can immerse themselves more deeply into the environment of each place they visit. Every decision is a personal one, offering richer opportunities for self-reflection and more intimate encounters with diverse cultures.

This allure is magnified when one chooses to travel light—both figuratively and literally. Enter the 20-liter backpack, a compact companion often relegated to day trips or short hikes. For the uninitiated, the thought of packing all one’s belongings into such a limited space might seem daunting. But with thoughtful planning and a flexible mindset, this modest bag can become a symbol of a more conscious and liberating way to travel.

Want to take on the challenge of traveling extra-light on your next solo adventure? Follow the tips below and you’ll find you’re more than capable of fitting everything you need into just one 20L backpack:

1) Take Only the Essentials

True minimalist travellers will always be thinking about how to get the most possible use out of just a few essential items. By setting a hard limit on your packing space, you’ll compel yourself to reflect on what you truly need. When it comes to clothing, for instance, focus on versatility and functionality. If the climate at your destination is temperate enough, compact items like tank tops, leggings, and shorts will wear comfortably and fit in your bag easily. Go for neutral colours that you’ll have an easy time mixing and matching, and prioritize lightweight and quick-drying fabrics.

Toiletries are often the bane of many a traveler’s existence. Those bulky bottles and jars are not only heavy, but also prone to leaks. Besides choosing travel-sized toiletries, you might also consider transitioning to solid versions, which are eco-friendly and TSA-compliant. Solid shampoos, conditioners, and even lotions can last longer than their liquid counterparts.

As for documents, beyond the physical essentials like a passport or visa, consider digital backups. Cloud storage or a simple USB can house scanned copies of your most important papers, offering you an easy way to access these without the added weight or bulge. Keep your files on a multifunctional device like your smartphone and leave more specialized tech, like gaming handheld consoles and e-readers, at home.

2) Choose a Quality Bag

A reliable 20L backpack is an investment in comfort and peace of mind. Beyond mere aesthetics, travellers should look for bags with ergonomic designs. Proper lumbar support and adjustable straps can make a world of difference during long treks or layovers. You’ll also want a bag made of durable materials that can withstand the rigors of travel, ensuring that your belongings remain safe and dry.

You may also benefit from a bag that helps you keep your belongings well-organized. Multiple compartments and pockets, both internal and external, can make it easier for you to access your essentials. This way, you won’t need to deal with the stress of fumbling around in your bag during security checks or urgent situations and can simply reach into the right compartment for the item you need.

If you’re headed to a destination with an unpredictable climate, look for a bag with water-resistant or waterproof properties. While most backpacks come with a basic level of water resistance, those made with materials like ripstop nylon offer better protection. Some bags even come with detachable rain covers, providing an additional layer of defense during downpours.

3) Be Deliberately Organized When Packing

Efficient organization can spell the difference between effortlessly finding that charger or spending precious minutes (that sometimes feel like hours) rummaging through a messy backpack. For a truly hassle-free packing-experience, use packing cubes to organize your belongings. Designating separate cubes for specific types of item—like tops, bottoms, or underwear—makes it infinitely easier to locate items and repack. This method also compresses clothing, maximizing the available space in the backpack.

Beyond clothing, thinking vertically can be a game-changer. Rather than laying items flat, try storing them upright. This strategy can help you create a visual inventory of your belongings and reduce the need to unpack everything just to get one item. It will come in especially handy for the items you’ll have to use daily.

Lastly, consider the order in which you pack. Items you don’t need immediately, like a sleep mask or nightwear, can be at the bottom, while essentials like a water bottle or a face towel should be easily accessible.

4) Go Digital

The digital age grants travellers all sorts of user-friendly tools to make travel more streamlined and informed. Consider the space and weight savings when you replace physical maps, guidebooks, and language dictionaries with their digital counterparts. Mobile apps, for instance, have become invaluable travel companions. Whether it’s navigating a sprawling city using GPS, booking a last-minute hostel stay, or translating a menu in real-time, the convenience these tools offer is undeniable.

Digitalization also promises security in addition to matchless convenience. Having digital copies of critical documents stored securely in the cloud or in an encrypted USB means you have a backup if the worst happens. In addition, apps designed for traveler safety, which allow real-time location sharing with loved ones or provide alerts about local disturbances, can put you at ease while you’re on the road.

Having a sufficient arsenal of apps and files on you while you’re traveling with your 20L bag will make it seem like you’ve got everything important right at your fingertips—even if some of what you’re carrying with you is weightless.

5) Do Laundry and Buy Supplies Locally

One of the greatest misconceptions about big trips—i.e. cross-country or international adventures that are more than a few days long—is that you’ll always need to pack a huge wardrobe. In reality, laundry facilities are widespread and accessible in most parts of the world. Whether it’s a full-service laundromat in Paris or a basin and clothesline in a rural Thai homestay, you won’t lack for opportunities to clean your clothes on your travels. This approach should lighten your backpack and make you more than capable of getting by with just a few clothing mainstays.

Similarly, local markets and stores are treasure troves for replenishing supplies. From toiletries to snacks, buying locally gives travellers the opportunity to experience daily life as residents do. Take the opportunity to support the local economy of the place you’re visiting and perhaps discover a new favorite snack or beauty product. If you want to be sure about what’s available to you at your next stops, don’t hesitate to research online or look for social media content of fellow backpackers shopping for supplies in particular areas.

If all you’ve got is a 20L backpack, buy what you need as you go and trust that you’ll be able to find it when you reach your destination. Before long, you’ll be able to adapt to the rhythms of the place you’re in and enjoy a more genuine connection with its people.

The 20L backpack isn’t just any piece of luggage. It’s a handy one that will challenge you to reconsider what you really need while traveling, and as a result, it will invite a deeper engagement with the world you’re about to explore. Shedding the superfluous will leave you with what truly matters: unforgettable experiences and connections that transcend borders.