When I went to Europe for 10 days, I brought only two backpacks — and still had room for souvenirs. I used the Osprey Sojourn Porter 46 L backpack, and it completely changed how I travel.

If you’re thinking, I could never do that, that’s exactly what I thought too. But it worked. And now it’s my favorite way to travel.

Start with a Capsule Wardrobe

A capsule wardrobe makes all the difference. I limited my tops and bottoms, but made sure everything mixed and matched. That gave me plenty of outfit options without extra weight.

I even used ChatGPT to help plan it based on the time of year I would be there, which I’ll post below.

Key points:

• Choose light, thin layers you can mix and match

• Bring fewer pieces but more combinations

• Wash clothes mid-trip using a small travel clothesline

• Wear the bulkiest items when traveling

CAPSULE WARDROBE

Shoes

• 1 Comfortable sneakers

• 1 Supportive sandals

Accessories

• Scart
• Hat
• Compact cross-body bag

Compress Everything

I used:

• Two compression bags for clothing

• One empty spare for souvenirs

• A small electric air pump instead of the manual version

When packing, I lined clothes with the length and width of each bag to maximize every inch.

Why I Chose the Osprey Sojourn Porter 46 L Backpack

I wanted to fly carry-on only because I was traveling on TAP Air Portugal, which has strict luggage rules and a history of lost bags. I was also flying multiple airlines, so flexibility mattered.

Here’s why the Osprey Sojourn Porter 46 L backpack worked perfectly:

• No wheels or handles taking up space

• Comfortable straps and solid back support

• Structured body keeps contents in place

• Vacuum bags fit exactly at the base

• Meets most airline carry-on size limits

Even after adding souvenirs (two skirts, a pair of shoes, and a few small gifts), everything fit without needing to check a bag.

Travel Toiletries That Worked

I filled small reusable containers with my own products and discarded what I no longer needed along the way.

Essentials I packed:

• Mini brushes and combs

• Facial sunscreen stick (no liquid space used)

• Compact makeup: blush/eyeshadow combo, travel mascara, mini eyeliner, tinted chapstick

• Shampoo and conditioner bars (cut into smaller pieces)

Art Supplies and an Extra Bag

Along with my Osprey backpack, I brought:

• A pink “Just in Case” Tumi tote so I could shop for souvenirs and not be limited by my bags. I didn’t use it in the end because all my purchases fit in my backpack.

• A small case of art supplies for an art retreat in Portugal

• A collapsible water bottle to save space and bulk

Everything stayed organized, light, and easy to carry.

Why I’ll Keep Traveling Carry-On Only

Traveling with just carry-ons felt freeing. I walked off every plane ready to start exploring… no waiting, no lost luggage.

Benefits:

• Easier airport transfers

• Less weight to manage

• A clearer sense of what’s actually necessary

This trip taught me the difference between what I need and what’s luxury. The lighter I traveled, the lighter I felt.

My Packing Recommendations

• Create a capsule wardrobe

• Use compression or vacuum seal bags

• Choose light layers that wash and dry easily

• Bring a collapsible water bottle

• Travel with the Osprey Sojourn Porter 46 L backpack if you want structure, comfort, and flexibility

Traveling light gives you freedom, and once you experience that, it’s hard to go back.

P.S. You can see all my recommended travel items here and read my other travel blogs:
– Must-Have Extended Travel Essentials
– Favorite Travel Items for USA and International Trips: Part 2

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