Why I Refuse to Travel with Anything Larger Than 35 Liters
I once stood at an airport check-in counter, drenched in sweat and desperately trying to shift a few extra pounds from my suitcase into my already overstuffed carry-on. The line behind me grew restless. My face burned with embarrassment. And the kicker? I didn’t even wear half the clothes I packed on that trip. That was the moment I swore: never again.
The Allure of Bigger Bags
Let’s face it most of us think bigger is better. More space means more options, right? You can pack that “just in case” outfit, three pairs of shoes, and maybe even sneak in a pillow from home. It sounds practical, even comforting. But here’s the truth: the more space you have, the more unnecessary stuff you bring. It’s like our brains can’t resist filling a void.
I used to be that person. I’d pack half my wardrobe “just in case.” Guess what? Those “cases” never came. Instead, I lugged around a 50-pound suitcase that became my nemesis every time I had to haul it up a flight of stairs or cram it into a tiny European train compartment. Big bags give you choices, sure, but they also give you headaches.
The Case for 35 Liters: Why Less Is More
When I downsized to a 35-liter pack, it wasn’t just a shift in luggage it was a shift in mindset. Here’s why I’ll never go back:
1. Mobility Is Everything
Picture this: You’re navigating the cobblestone streets of Florence, trying to find your Airbnb. One hand drags a rolling suitcase that keeps snagging on every bump; the other clutches a map. Now imagine breezing past those same streets with a backpack snug on your shoulders, hands free to grab a gelato or snap a photo. Which version of you is having a better time?
Smaller bags force you to pack light, which means you’re not weighed down. You can move faster, more easily, and with way less stress. Whether it’s hopping on a crowded bus or running to catch a train, mobility is freedom and freedom is what travel is supposed to be about.
2. You Only Pack What Matters
Here’s the thing about a 35-liter bag: it’s brutally honest. You can’t cheat it. You have to make choices good ones. Do I really need four pairs of jeans? Nope. Will I survive with just two pairs of shoes? Absolutely. Packing light forces you to prioritize, and that clarity feels oddly liberating.
And honestly, how many times have you returned from a trip only to realize you didn’t touch half the stuff you packed? Smaller bags mean no “maybe I’ll wear this” items. It’s all about versatility. One pair of pants that works for both sightseeing and dinner. Shoes that can handle both walking tours and casual evenings out. The result? You actually use everything you bring.
3. You Save Money
Oversized luggage often comes with oversized costs. Airlines love to charge for checked bags sometimes more than the cost of your ticket if you’re flying budget. Plus, when you’re traveling light, you’re less likely to need taxis or luggage storage services. That 35-liter bag? It fits in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. No fees, no hassle.
4. It’s Better for Your Back (and Your Sanity)
Let’s talk practicality. Lugging around a massive suitcase isn’t just annoying it’s exhausting. Your body wasn’t designed to haul 50 pounds of stuff across uneven terrain or up and down stairs. A small, well-fitted backpack distributes weight evenly, saving your back and shoulders from unnecessary strain.
And then there’s the mental toll of keeping track of all that stuff. Big bags make you a magnet for overpacking anxiety: Did I leave something behind? Am I going to forget that tiny pouch in the hotel closet? With a smaller bag, you know exactly what you have and where it is. Less stuff, less stress.
But What About…?
I hear the skeptics already. “What if you’re traveling for a month?” “What about different climates?” “What if you’re going somewhere fancy and need to dress up?”
Here’s the thing: it’s all possible. I’ve done month-long trips with a 35-liter pack, including destinations with wildly different weather. Layering is your best friend. Base layers, a good jacket, and one versatile outfit for special occasions are all you need. Laundry? It’s everywhere. Most hotels, hostels, and Airbnbs have machines or you can hand wash in the sink. Problem solved.
And let’s not forget the joy of blending in. Smaller bags make you less of a target for scams or theft. Nothing screams “tourist” like struggling to drag a giant suitcase down a busy street.
Lessons from My Overpacking Days
I’ll admit, downsizing wasn’t easy at first. I had to unlearn years of overpacking habits. There were moments when I second-guessed myself like the time I left my rain jacket behind and got caught in a surprise downpour in Bangkok. But you know what? It wasn’t the end of the world. I bought a cheap poncho from a street vendor and moved on. Travel is about adapting, not controlling every variable.
And there’s something deeply satisfying about proving to yourself that you can thrive with less. It’s a quiet kind of confidence, knowing that you’re prepared for the journey without dragging your whole life along for the ride.
Are You Ready to Ditch the Suitcase?
So here’s my challenge to you: next time you travel, leave the big bag at home. Grab a 35-liter pack and see what happens. You’ll probably pack less than you think you need and you’ll probably love it. You might even find that traveling lighter helps you experience more. Because at the end of the day, isn’t that what travel is all about?
Go ahead, try it. What’s the worst that could happen? You’ll survive with fewer outfit options? You’ll buy something you forgot? Sounds like a small price to pay for freedom.
