As a minimalist traveler and long-term expat based in Asia, I only carry what I truly need. I slow travel for months at a time with a single carry-on backpack (always under 7kg to meet budget airline rules) and a compact sling bag for daily essentials. Every item I pack is lightweight, durable, and personally tested through years of real-world travel. This isn’t a generic packing list — it’s exactly what I wear, carry, and use every day while navigating busy cities, switching hotels, riding buses and trains, and exploring new places on foot. Whether you’re a digital nomad, backpacker, or just trying to pack lighter, here are my 25 best one bag travel accessories for 2025 — all available on Amazon.
Best Travel Gear To Use
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1. Osprey Daylite Travel Pack 35L
After years of one-bag travel, I switched to the Osprey Daylite 35L Travel Pack for its lightweight design, smart organization, and perfect size for carry-on travel. At just over 2 lbs, it’s incredibly comfortable to wear thanks to the breathable AirScape™ backpanel, and the suitcase-style clamshell opening makes packing and unpacking a breeze. It fits in most airline overhead bins, has a TSA-compliant laptop sleeve, and includes thoughtful features like lockable zippers, tuckaway backpack straps, and side water bottle pockets. I find 35L to be the sweet spot for minimalist, long-term travel — roomy enough to fit everything I need, without being bulky or heavy. As with all Osprey products, it comes with their lifetime warranty, and I’ve been a fan of their quality and durability for years. This is now the main backpack I use for all my slow travel adventures.
2. Bellroy Venture Ready Sling 2.5L
I use the Bellroy 2.5L Sling every single day when I’m on the move — whether I’m walking through airports, exploring cities, or riding public transit. It’s the perfect size for my passport, phone, wallet, mints, tissues, and other small essentials, without weighing me down or bulging awkwardly. This sling is incredibly comfortable to wear across the chest or back, and it stays secure while navigating crowded places. The zippered compartments and internal dividers keep everything organized and easy to access, while the sleek design fits right in whether I’m at a café or at airport security. If you’re looking for a minimalist travel sling that looks good and works hard, this is it.
3. Allett RFID Travel Wallet
I recently switched to the Allett Travel Wallet. This wallet is incredibly lightweight, slim, and travel-friendly, yet still holds everything I need: passport, credit cards, cash, and travel documents. Made from water-resistant, bluesign-certified ripstop nylon, it’s durable enough for humid, tropical climates and perfect for minimalist travel. The RFID-blocking tech adds peace of mind, and it even has a hidden pocket for sensitive documents. I love that it fits comfortably in my front pocket or sling without bulging. It also has space for a mini travel pen (sold separately), which is surprisingly handy for customs forms or quick notes. If you’re looking for a slim, secure, and ultra-functional passport wallet, this one hits all the right notes.
4. Compression Packing Cubes
Compression cubes are one of the best travel essentials for one bag travel — they help you organize your gear while saving serious space. The concept is simple: overpack the cube, press it down, zip the compression layer, and it shrinks into a compact block that fits neatly into your backpack. I personally use them to separate winter and summer clothes, and the smaller ones are perfect for underwear and socks. They’re also great for keeping dirty laundry isolated, so odors don’t mix with clean items. These cubes are lightweight, easy to pack and unpack, and make it much easier to stay organized.
5. Osprey Ultralight Zip Organizer
The Osprey Ultralight Zip Organizer is my go-to toiletry bag for long-term travel. It’s water-resistant, tear-resistant, and lightweight, yet surprisingly spacious. I use it to carry all my essentials — medications, beard shaver, lotion, Q-tips, nail clippers, tweezers, toothbrush, and toothpaste — and it still packs flat into my backpack. One of the best features is the built-in hook, which makes it easy to hang in shared bathrooms or small hostel sinks, keeping everything accessible and off wet surfaces. Whether you’re staying in guesthouses, hotels, or dorms, this bag keeps your grooming gear organized without adding bulk. Minimalist travelers will appreciate how light and efficient it is — it just works.
6. Braun All-in-One Style Series 5
I travel with the Braun Series 5 All-in-One Style Kit because it’s compact, lightweight, and gives me everything I need to keep a neat beard on the road — without paying for barbershops. It comes with grooming attachments including a beard trimmer, ear and nose trimmer, and precision detailing tools. The Precision Wheel offers 40 length settings, so I can dial in exactly how I want my beard to look. It’s small enough to fit into my toiletry bag and has enough battery life (up to 80 minutes cordless) to last weeks between charges. For minimalist travel grooming, this kit delivers serious value — and it’s already paid for itself multiple times over.
7. Apple iPad Mini
The iPad Mini is the one device I never travel without. Lightweight but powerful, it strikes the perfect balance between portability and performance — making it ideal for slow travelers, digital nomads, or anyone packing light. I use it for everything: watching movies, reading Kindle books, browsing the web, checking email, and even doing creative work. For me, it replaces a laptop on the road. With all-day battery life, Apple Pencil support, and enough speed to multitask easily, the iPad Mini is the ultimate travel companion in a compact package.
8. Compact & Powerful Travel Charger
Keeping your devices charged on the road is essential, and the Anker PowerCore Slim 10,000mAh is my go-to portable charger. It’s compact, lightweight, and powerful enough to charge my iPhone twice or the iPad Mini over once on a single charge — perfect for long travel days or when power outlets are scarce. The two-way USB-C charging lets me recharge the power bank quickly while delivering fast, efficient charging to my devices. With its sleek design and advanced PowerIQ technology, this charger keeps me connected and powered up without adding bulk to my one-bag setup.
9. All-in-One Worldwide Travel Adapter
An essential for international travel, this All-in-One Universal Travel Adapter covers over 150 countries with built-in plugs for the US, UK, EU, and Australia. It includes dual USB ports and a USB-C port, allowing you to charge multiple devices at once — like your phone, tablet, or camera — from a single outlet. Compact and lightweight, it saves space and eliminates the need for multiple chargers. This is the only adapter I pack when slow traveling across borders — simple, versatile, and reliable.
10. Packable Travel Towel
Sea to Summit makes outstanding travel and outdoor gear, and their microfiber travel towel is no exception. Lightweight, compact, and fast-drying, it absorbs up to three times its weight in water and dries quickly — perfect for travelers who move often. Whether you’re staying in a basic Airbnb, camping, hitting the beach, or using a shared hostel bathroom, this towel is always handy. It rolls up into its own pouch and takes up minimal space in your bag, making it a no-brainer addition to your packing list.
11. Sleep Eye Mask
Many travelers overlook this item, but a good eye mask can make a huge difference — especially on long-haul flights, overnight trains, or bus rides. Blocking out cabin or street lights can be the key to actually falling asleep on the go. A quality mask offers full blackout coverage without pressing on your eyes, and it’s small enough to toss into your sling or backpack. For slow travelers trying to stay rested between destinations, this is one of those small items that pays off big.
12. Soundcore Anker P30i Wireless Earbuds
Reliable earbuds are a must for any traveler, and the Soundcore P30i by Anker deliver great sound without breaking the bank. These compact wireless earbuds feature active noise cancellation that reduces external noise by up to 42dB — perfect for planes, trains, or noisy cafes. The sound quality is impressive for the price, with deep bass and solid clarity, and the case doubles as a phone stand, which is a nice touch for watching videos hands-free.
13. Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Reusable Shopping/Laundry Bag
The Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Reusable Shopping Bag is one of those underrated travel essentials I didn’t realize I needed until I hit the road long term. With plastic bags becoming less common in many countries, having a reusable option is not just eco-friendly — it’s practical. This compact bag packs down into a tiny pouch but opens up to carry up to 6.5 gallons and 286 pounds, making it perfect for groceries, laundry, or beach gear. Made from durable, waterproof fabric, it’s incredibly lightweight and easy to stash in a backpack or sling for everyday use.
14. Compact Travel Umbrella
A compact travel umbrella is one of those underrated items that can save your day — literally. The last thing you want is to get caught in a sudden downpour without any cover. A small, lightweight umbrella with automatic open and close is ideal for travel, offering quick protection without taking up much space. It easily fits in your sling or daypack, making it perfect for unpredictable weather days when you’re out exploring.
15. Master Lock Combination Luggage Lock
Essential if you plan on staying at hostels. The TSA-Approved Master Travel Lock allows you ton set your own combination. Features a vinyl covered flexible braided steel arm, offering resistance to abuse from baggage handling equipment. TSA screeners can open, inspect and relock bags locked with a TSA-Accepted lock. If you do not use a TSA approved lock, they can cut your lock to check your baggage.
16. Compact Travel Flashlight
The Streamlight Stylus Pro LED Pen Light is a compact and powerful flashlight that’s ideal for minimalist travel. Small enough to fit in your pocket, it’s powered by two AAA batteries and features a tail cap switch with momentary or constant-on modes. Its sleek design includes a pocket clip for easy carry, while the surprisingly bright beam makes it perfect for walking at night—whether you’re on a beach, navigating dark streets, or dealing with power outages. A dependable tool that adds peace of mind to your travels.
17. Ray-Ban Wayfarer Polarized Sunglasses
If you’re traveling to the beach or a tropical location, owning a good pair sunglasses will come in handy. These unisex Ray-Ban Sunglasses are polarized, reduce eye strain, and improve visibility during glaring light conditions. All Ray-Ban sunglasses are made from superior materials, are stylish, and durable. Also available for prescription ready and made from glass.
18. Citizen Eco-Drive Men’s Watches
A good watch is an essential piece of travel and backpacking gear. For reliability without the hassle of battery changes, a solar-powered option like the Citizen Eco-Drive is a smart choice. Using Japanese movement technology, it converts any light source into energy, keeping the watch continuously charged. Durable, accurate, and maintenance-free, it’s ideal for long-term travelers who want to keep track of time across time zones without worry.
19. Travel Food Utensils
The humangear GoBites Duo is a sleek, multi-functional spork that combines a spoon and fork into one lightweight, portable utensil — perfect for travel, camping, or backpacking. Durable and compact, it’s a reliable dining solution for eating on the go, whether you’re enjoying street food, takeout, or a picnic. A must-have for minimalist travelers who value practicality without sacrificing quality.
20. Sun Hat for Travel: Lightweight, Packable, and Protective
The North Face Horizon Breeze Brimmer Hat is a must-have for sun protection, especially when traveling in sunny, tropical regions like Asia. With its wide brim and breathable design, it offers excellent coverage while keeping you cool. Lightweight and packable, it’s easy to toss into your daypack, and the adjustable chin strap ensures it stays secure even in windy conditions. Whether you’re hiking, exploring cities, or lounging on the beach, this durable hat helps shield you from intense UV rays — making it a smart and stylish essential for any adventure.
21. Sea to Summit Travel Clothesline
The Sea to Summit Lite Line Clothesline is a clever, ultralight solution for drying clothes while traveling. Weighing just 1.3 ounces and packing into a tiny pouch, it’s perfect for minimalist travelers. The reflective cord extends up to 11.5 feet, with built-in tensioners and beads that secure clothing without the need for clothespins. Whether you’re staying in an Airbnb without a dryer, camping, or need to air-dry a quick sink wash, this compact clothesline is a practical and space-saving travel essential — especially when laundromats or drying racks aren’t available.
22. Anker Nano 45W Type C Charger
Compact, powerful, and ideal for minimalist travelers, the Anker Nano 45W USB-C Charger delivers fast, efficient charging in a size smaller than most credit card stacks. Despite its tiny footprint and foldable prongs, this charger packs enough power to fast-charge smartphones, tablets, and even lightweight laptops like the MacBook Air. With support for USB-C Power Delivery (PD), it’s a one-stop solution for keeping your devices charged on the go—eliminating the need to carry multiple bulky chargers. A true space-saver in any one-bag travel setup.
23. Apple AirTag
Never lose track of your travel essentials again with the Apple AirTag. This compact, lightweight tracker easily attaches to your luggage, backpack, keys, or wallet—giving you peace of mind wherever you roam. With seamless one-tap setup via your iPhone or iPad, the AirTag integrates into Apple’s Find My network, letting you locate lost items with precision, even if they’re miles away. Perfect for one-bag travelers and digital nomads, it’s a smart and simple way to stay connected to your belongings on the go.
24. Compression Socks (20–30 mmHg)
Long flights, layovers, and hours on your feet can take a toll—enter compression socks. Designed with 20–30 mmHg of graduated pressure, these socks help improve blood circulation, reduce swelling, and prevent leg fatigue during travel. Ideal for both men and women, they’re also a go-to choice for nurses, athletes, pregnant travelers, or anyone needing extra support. Lightweight, breathable, and stylish, they’re a must-have for staying comfortable and energized on the go.
25. Digital Luggage Scale
Avoid surprise baggage fees at the airport with this compact and reliable digital luggage scale. Featuring a sturdy hook, backlit LCD display, and an overweight warning function, it accurately measures up to 50kg—perfect for international travelers and one-bag backpackers alike. Lightweight and easy to pack, this handheld scale takes the guesswork out of packing and keeps you in control of your luggage weight wherever you go.
Conclusion: Travel Smarter with the Right Gear
In the end, successful minimalist travel comes down to choosing the right gear — items that are compact, versatile, and built to last. From lightweight electronics and packable towels to all-in-one grooming kits and portable chargers, the right accessories can dramatically improve your comfort and convenience on the road. These carefully selected essentials help you pack lighter, stay organized, and travel more efficiently, whether you’re exploring cities, staying in hostels, or venturing off the beaten path. Equip yourself with quality gear, and you’ll spend less time worrying about what you forgot — and more time enjoying the journey.