Traveling the world can be an incredibly enriching experience, and the way you pack can significantly impact your journey. Imagine navigating bustling city streets, hopping on and off trains, or trekking through scenic landscapes with ease and freedom. This is the reality of backpack travel. For over a decade, I’ve embraced the backpack-only travel lifestyle for international adventures, and I can tell you, it’s a game-changer. The affordability (say goodbye to baggage fees!), the convenience (no more struggling with滚轮 suitcases on uneven paths), and the sheer sense of minimalist accomplishment – it’s all part of the appeal.
If this resonates with you, welcome to the world of backpack travel! My own journey started as an ILP volunteer abroad, where frequent weekend getaways and scheduled vacations meant living out of a backpack for extended periods. Whether you’re embarking on a similar volunteer experience or planning your own independent adventure, mastering the art of packing efficiently into a single backpack is essential. This guide is designed to help you conquer the challenge, specifically focusing on how to make a 60L backpack your perfect travel companion.
My experience includes living and traveling across Asia and Europe for two semesters as an ILP volunteer (an experience I highly recommend!).
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Backpacks offer unparalleled freedom and flexibility when traveling. However, the thought of condensing everything you need into one bag, especially a 60L backpack, can seem daunting. Is it even possible to fit everything? The answer is a resounding yes! And I’m here to share all the insider tips and tricks I’ve learned over years of traveling with just a backpack.
Full disclosure: This post contains affiliate links to my favorite travel gear. This means if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Rest assured, I only recommend products I genuinely use and love.
Choosing the Ideal 60L Travel Backpack
What to Look For in a 60L Backpack
When it comes to choosing a 60L backpack for your travels, durability and capacity are key. A 60L backpack offers a generous amount of space, making it suitable for longer trips or for travelers who prefer to pack a wider range of items. While I personally often opt for slightly smaller bags for lighter travel, a 60L backpack provides versatility and room to accommodate various travel styles and destinations.
Durability: Your backpack will be your constant companion, exposed to various weather conditions and the rigors of travel. Look for backpacks made from durable, water-resistant materials like ripstop nylon or canvas. Reinforced stitching and robust zippers are also crucial for longevity.
Comfort and Support: Even with efficient packing, a 60L backpack can become heavy. Prioritize comfort by choosing a backpack with excellent support features. Key elements to consider include:
- Padded Shoulder Straps: Wide, padded shoulder straps distribute weight evenly and prevent digging into your shoulders.
- Sternum Strap: This strap connects the shoulder straps across your chest, further improving weight distribution and stability.
- Hip Belt: A well-padded hip belt transfers a significant portion of the backpack’s weight from your shoulders to your hips, reducing strain on your back. Look for hip belts with pockets for easy access to small items.
- Adjustable Torso Length: Many high-quality backpacks offer adjustable torso lengths to ensure a customized and comfortable fit, regardless of your body type.
Organization and Accessibility: A well-organized backpack makes packing and accessing your belongings much easier. Consider these features:
- Multiple Compartments: Separate compartments help organize different types of items (clothes, toiletries, electronics, etc.) and prevent everything from becoming a jumbled mess.
- External Pockets: Easy-access external pockets are ideal for water bottles, umbrellas, maps, and other items you need to grab quickly.
- Internal Compression Straps: These straps help compress the contents of your backpack, maximizing space and preventing items from shifting during transit.
- Suitcase-Style Opening: Some 60L backpacks open like a suitcase, providing full access to the main compartment and making packing and unpacking much more convenient than traditional top-loading backpacks.
Additional Features to Consider:
- Water Resistance/Waterproof Cover: Protect your belongings from rain and moisture. Some backpacks have built-in waterproof covers, while others are made from water-resistant materials.
- Anti-theft Features: Look for backpacks with lockable zippers, hidden pockets, and slash-proof materials for added security, especially when traveling in crowded areas.
- Carry-on Compatibility: While 60L backpacks are generally larger, some are designed to meet carry-on size restrictions for certain airlines when not fully packed. Check airline regulations before your trip.
60L Backpack Suggestions
While personal preferences vary, several reputable brands offer excellent 60L travel backpacks. Exploring brands like Osprey, Deuter, Tortuga, and Peak Design can lead you to find a backpack that aligns with your specific needs and budget. Reading reviews and comparing features will help you make an informed decision. While I often use my Cotopaxi Allpa (which is 35L), for longer trips or those requiring more gear, a 60L backpack from these brands would be a fantastic choice.
Packing Your Clothes for 60L Backpack Travel
Essential Clothing Choices for Efficient Packing
The key to successful backpack travel, especially with a 60L backpack, is packing strategically. Even with the extra space a 60L bag provides compared to smaller backpacks, mindful packing is crucial to avoid overpacking and maintain maneuverability.
Versatility is Your Best Friend: Choose clothing items that are versatile, lightweight, and quick-drying. Neutral colors allow for mixing and matching, creating multiple outfits from a limited wardrobe.
My Clothing Packing List (Adaptable for a 60L Backpack):
Keep in mind this is adaptable, and for a 60L backpack, you might adjust quantities slightly based on trip length and activities.
- Tops (5-8): Choose a mix of t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, and a lightweight blouse or button-down shirt. Opt for moisture-wicking fabrics for comfort in various climates.
- Bottoms (2-3): Pack versatile bottoms like travel pants, jeans (if needed for colder climates), leggings, or shorts/skirts depending on your destination and activities. Consider convertible pants that zip off into shorts for added versatility.
- Dress/Skirt (1-2): A lightweight dress or skirt can be dressed up or down and takes up minimal space.
- Outerwear (1-2): A lightweight, packable rain jacket is essential. Depending on your destination’s climate, consider a fleece jacket, a light sweater, or a packable down jacket for extra warmth. For colder destinations and with a 60L capacity, a warmer coat becomes more feasible without exceeding space limits.
- Underwear & Socks: Pack enough for 7-10 days and plan to do laundry if needed. Choose quick-drying materials.
- Sleepwear: Pack lightweight pajamas or a comfortable sleep shirt.
What to Wear While Traveling: Maximize space in your backpack by wearing your bulkiest and heaviest items on travel days. This typically includes:
- Heaviest Shoes/Boots: Wear your hiking boots or tennis shoes.
- Pants or Leggings: Opt for comfortable travel pants or leggings.
- Heaviest Layer: Wear your jacket or sweatshirt, or tie it around your waist if it’s not needed at the moment.
Shoe Strategy for Backpacking
Even with a 60L backpack, shoes can take up significant space. Limit yourself to a maximum of two or three pairs, carefully chosen for versatility and comfort.
Recommended Shoe Combinations:
- Option 1 (Warm Weather): Comfortable walking shoes/sneakers + sandals (Tevas, Birkenstocks, or similar).
- Option 2 (Mixed Weather): Comfortable walking shoes/sneakers + waterproof boots (lightweight hiking boots or waterproof Chelsea boots) + sandals.
- Option 3 (Cold Weather): Waterproof boots + comfortable walking shoes/sneakers (wear boots while traveling to save space).
Consider these excellent travel shoe options when making your choices. I usually travel with my tennis shoes and Tevas or Birkenstocks, finding this combination sufficient for most trips, and easily manageable even with a smaller backpack. With a 60L pack, you have more flexibility to add a third pair if truly needed for specific activities.
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Master Packing Techniques for Your 60L Backpack
Packing Cubes: Your Organization Allies
Packing cubes are indispensable for organized backpack travel, regardless of your backpack size. They are particularly helpful with a larger 60L backpack to prevent items from getting lost in the extra space and to further compress your clothing.
My go-to packing cubes from Amazon are a travel essential.
How to Use Packing Cubes Effectively:
- Categorize Clothing: Group similar items together in separate cubes (e.g., tops in one cube, bottoms in another, underwear and socks in a smaller cube).
- Compress and Organize: Packing cubes compress your clothes, saving space and keeping your backpack tidy.
- Easy Access: Cubes make it easy to find specific items without unpacking your entire backpack.
- Maximize Space: Use packing cubes to fill every nook and cranny of your 60L backpack efficiently.
Example Packing for a 10-Day Trip in a 60L Backpack (Adapting the Original List for a 60L Capacity):
This is an example, and with a 60L pack, you could comfortably adjust quantities or add a few extra items if needed, while still maintaining a manageable pack.
- 3 Dresses
- 3 Pairs of Shorts
- 2 Pairs of Pants
- 7 Pairs of Socks
- 12 Pairs of Underwear (adjust based on laundry plans)
- 10 T-Shirts
- 1 Pullover or Fleece Jacket
- 1 Rain Jacket (potentially a warmer jacket depending on destination)
- Sandals (or two pairs of shoes if space allows in the 60L pack)
- Toiletries (full-sized if preferred with 60L capacity, or travel-sized for lighter packing)
- Passport
- Small Daypack (Fjallraven Kanken or similar, for day trips)
- Wallet
- Adapter + Phone Charger
- Camera
Packing Strategy:
- Fold or Roll Clothes: Experiment with folding or rolling your clothes to see which method saves more space and minimizes wrinkles. The KonMari method is excellent for folding t-shirts and shorts.
- Packing Cubes First: Pack your clothing into packing cubes before placing them in your backpack.
- Heaviest Items at the Bottom: Place heavier packing cubes and items (like shoes or denser clothing cubes) at the bottom of your backpack, closest to your back. This improves weight distribution and makes carrying your pack more comfortable.
- Fill in Gaps: Use smaller items like socks, underwear, and toiletries to fill in any gaps and maximize space utilization within your packing cubes and backpack compartments.
Teach English abroad with ILP
Packing Your 60L Backpack Step-by-Step:
If your 60L backpack opens like a suitcase (panel-loading), packing is even easier. If it’s a traditional top-loading backpack, packing cubes become even more crucial for organization.
- Bottom Layer: Place your heaviest packing cube(s) at the bottom.
- Middle Layers: Add your remaining clothing cubes and larger items.
- Top Layer/Pockets: Place lighter items, toiletries, and frequently accessed items in the top compartment or external pockets.
- Outer Pockets: Utilize outer pockets for water bottles, umbrellas, snacks, and items you need readily available.
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Security and Accessibility:
- Valuables Inside: Keep passport, wallet, phone, and camera in secure inner pockets or close to your body.
- Easy-Access Items Outer Pockets: Store items like snacks, water bottle, maps, and hand sanitizer in easily accessible outer pockets.
- Anti-theft Features: Utilize any anti-theft features your backpack may have, such as lockable zippers or hidden compartments, especially in crowded areas.
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More Packing Tips for 60L Backpack Travel
- Rolling vs. Folding: Experiment with both rolling and folding clothes to see which method works best for different items and saves more space.
- KonMari Method: The KonMari folding method is excellent for organizing and maximizing space for t-shirts, shorts, and underwear. Check out KonMari folding techniques on YouTube.
- Weight Distribution: Always place heavier items at the bottom and closer to your back for comfortable carrying.
- Utilize All Space: Fill every nook and cranny, including stuffing socks inside shoes or using small pouches for toiletries.
Toiletries and Travel Essentials in Your 60L Backpack
Toiletries:
With a 60L backpack, you have more flexibility regarding toiletries. You can opt for travel-sized toiletries to save space and weight, or, if you prefer, bring slightly larger or even full-sized versions of your essential items.
Consider purchasing travel-sized bottles for shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion. However, with a 60L backpack, you might choose to bring your regular sizes if space allows and you prefer your usual products.
Minimizing Toiletries:
- Multi-purpose Products: Opt for multi-purpose products like 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner or solid shampoo bars.
- Sample Sizes: Collect sample-sized toiletries from hotels or beauty stores for travel.
- Shared Toiletries: If traveling with a companion, consider sharing toiletries to reduce redundancy.
- Contact Lens Cases: Use empty contact lens cases for small amounts of liquid foundation or lotions.
- Accommodation Amenities: Check if your accommodation provides shampoo, conditioner, and body wash to reduce what you need to pack.
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Handy Extras and What to Leave Behind When Backpacking
Must-Have Extras for Backpack Travel
- Combination Lock: Essential for hostel stays to secure your belongings in lockers. Get travel locks on Amazon.
- Converter/Adapter: Essential for charging electronics in countries with different electrical outlets. Find converters and adapters here.
- Hand Sanitizer, Wipes, and Tissues: Indispensable for hygiene on the go, especially on public transport and in public restrooms. Travel tissue packets are very handy.
- Deck of Cards: A great source of entertainment during travel delays or downtime.
- Reusable Water Bottle (Collapsible): While the original article advises against bringing a water bottle due to tap water concerns in some regions, a collapsible, reusable water bottle is an environmentally conscious choice. You can refill it where potable water is available and reduce plastic waste. Consider water purification tablets or a filter bottle for areas with questionable water quality.
Items to Leave at Home
- Laptop (Unless Absolutely Necessary): Smartphones are often sufficient for basic communication and navigation while traveling. Hostels and internet cafes offer computer access if needed. If you are working remotely, then a lightweight laptop might be essential, and a 60L backpack can certainly accommodate it.
- Heavy Journal: Opt for digital journaling on your phone or tablet to save space and weight.
- Excessive Toiletries and Makeup: Streamline your beauty routine and bring only essential items in travel sizes (or full sizes if your 60L pack allows and you prefer).
Don’t Forget a Small Day Bag
Even when traveling with a 60L backpack, a smaller day bag is essential for daily excursions once you reach your destination. You won’t want to carry your large backpack everywhere.
The Fjallraven Kanken is an excellent, packable daypack option. It folds down compactly and is perfect for carrying essentials like water bottle, camera, wallet, phone, and snacks during day trips.
Alternatively, a small crossbody bag or a lightweight tote bag can also serve as a day bag. Choose a day bag that suits your style and needs, ensuring it’s comfortable to carry and large enough for your daily essentials.
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More Backpacking Tips for Your Adventures
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