One-bag, carry-on, light travel tips, techniques, and gear

The readers of OBOW are on the cutting edge of travel technique and technology, so it’s only right that they should help shape the manifesto for an emerging travel trend. I am increasingly convinced that our preferred mode of travel should not be called light or one-bag, but should henceforth be referred to as ultralight. Having only one primary, unchecked bag (with or without personal item) is not light travel if the bag weighs 30 pounds. To my mind even a 22-pound bag does not represent ease - it’s lighter but it’s a chore to carry. So here are my draft ultralight travel maxims:

Ultralight travel is not for everyone.
Ultralight travel is not just traveling with one suitcase.
Ultralight travel means carrying 15 pounds or less.
Ultralight travel does not mean the traveler must look, smell, or feel bad.
Ultralight travel requires a certain amount of specialized gear and clothing.
Ultralight travel means the traveler must commit to doing a certain amount of sink laundry.
Ultralight travel means a traveler must make a conscious effort to minimize, miniaturize or eliminate electronic equipment.

I’ll flesh these out more later, but in the meantime I want your responses.

Update on March 18, 2009 by

Frank@OBOW

On the 15-pound issue: here’s an old post that links to a story of interest. There’s a apparently an orthopedic rule of thumb (spine?) that says you shouldn’t carry more than about 10 percent of your body weight on your shoulder. If you’ve got a great pack, weight 225, or are in exceptional shape then obviously you can carry more. Personal experience tells me 15 pounds is the comfort limit for most of us.