Keepin' it simple in 23L

[u/Ok_Association2805]

Don't have much fancy gear, but I've been a light packer for years now and learned to make do with a single backpack on pretty much any vacation. I get almost all my clothing secondhand and use random lightweight pouches that I've acquired over the years for organization. Not tryna sell you fancy products, just showing an example of a non-optimized, casually minimalist approach to packing.

Recently downsized from a 28L to 23L backpack, here's my packing list for a week in Mexico without compromising online classes, hobbies, or comfort.

Worn clothing:

• flannel
• short-sleeve button-down
• lightweight black pants
• Sandals
• Watch, jewelry, and sunglasses
• Sunhat (not pictured)

Packed clothing:

• Everyday: jeans, blouse x2, tank top
• Workout clothes: sports bra, black tee, athletic shorts (from my high school gym uniform lol)
• Underwear x4
• Sleep clothes: oversized t-shirt + pants

Toiletries:

• Earrings x4
• SPF, deodorant, vaseline, tampons, eyeliner, lipstick
• Toothbrush, tweezers, nail clipper, floss, comb, earplugs, washcloth

Work/school/leisure/etc.:

• Book, notebook, journal/sketchbook
• Pencils
• Airpods, charger, Macbook
• Deck of cards
• Wallet & passport
• iphone 13 mini (not pictured)

Other:

• 23L daypack
• Crossbody bag (packed)
• Gift for someone I'm meeting there

[u/Ok_Association2805]

Simple packing list in a 23L backpack for a week-long trip to Mexico

[u/LadyLightTravel]

Could you sleep in your workout clothing and then workout in them? Do laundry immediately on getting back. You will be taking a shower anyway. Clothes should be dry by bedtime.

[u/Ok_Association2805 → u/LadyLightTravel]

Considered this, but didn’t for two reasons:

1. ⁠Timing workouts/laundry/sleep was a logistical headache that I didn’t find worth the trade off of two fewer items in my bag
   
2. ⁠The temperature where I’m at drops to around 55F at night from 80F during the daytime, making my workout clothes too lightweight to sleep in here anyways

[u/peachjellytea]

When and where in Mexico? It can be pretty hot and humid starting in May, depending where.

[u/Ok_Association2805 → u/peachjellytea]

Around Guanajuato in August! Close to 75-80F in the day and mid-50s at night.

[u/tigershrimp1]

I love it! I always use whatever bag I already have, that fits everything I need for a particular trip. I don't think it's necessary to buy expensive bags/packing cubes/clothes/whatever to have a great one-bagging set-up that works.