Minimalist travel is all the rage these days. Whether you are heading for a weekend getaway or trying to tick off one of the major items on your Travel Bucket list, people are looking for ways to pack lighter and smarter. Perhaps this is due to all the extra fees that are being tacked on by airlines. Or maybe it is because carrying around tons of extra gear is getting harder as we get older. Either way, downsizing luggage into a minimalist travel backpack may be the answer we all need.

Briefly indulge us and let us paint a picture of when we failed with a luggage choice.

In April of 2017, we went on an epic adventure across Scotland, England, & Wales. We were pumped! But in typical fashion, we wanted to cut some costs and thus decided to pack all of our travel gear in one gigantic rolling suitcase. Boy was this a mistake. Don’t get us wrong, we saved some money on bag fees with the airlines. But this monster of a suitcase caused us more problems than it was worth. As we struggled to haul it around all of the places we visited and fought to fit it on different transports, we had a lightbulb moment. We need a better travel bag to fit the minimalist travel lifestyle we want.

Fast forward to 2020. As we’ve become more seasoned travelers, we have definitely improved the way we pack. But we have still been on the lookout for a great minimalist travel backpack. That is how we came to discover the one bag travel system by Journey System.

About the Journey System Minimalist Travel Backpack

The minimalist travel backpack is the creation of Tys Sniffen. Perhaps he was a boy scout in a former life, but for Tys, he has struggled between always being prepared and being unencumbered, especially when travelling. Like most people, Tys juggles the challenges of travel like wanting to look good while not having to carry his entire closet with him. Thus, he decided something had to change in the world of travel when it comes to packing.

That is when he hit his secret laboratory with a few crude sketches of what he wanted. He knew that he didn’t want to create another hiking backpack for the typical hostel type traveler. Nor did he want some cumbersome rolling bag that would break while rolling across the cobblestone roads of Europe. So, after some trial and error, he developed a minimalist travel bag that could fit any smart and efficient traveler. Thus, the Journey System minimalist backpack was created and made available worldwide.

Benefits of this one bag travel system

Tys was generous enough to let us try out his one bag travel system. But, we wondered, what makes the Journey System such a great minimalist backpack? Is it really an ideal minimalist backpack? Will it work for typical Gen X and Gen Y travelers wanting to tick off the many items on their bucket list?

Well, our honest answer is YES!

Essentially, the Journey System Minimalist Travel Bag is really 5 different bags in one. But don’t let the quantity of bags confuse you into thinking it is massive or bulky. Tys created these 5 different bags to fit perfectly into each other like snug Russian nesting dolls.

When you get your own One Bag Travel System from Journey Systems, you are actually receiving:

1. A carry-on sized travel pack
2. A smaller day pack knapsack
3. A hangable toiletries bag
4. A detachable hip pack that can be worn as a sling bag
5. A laptop bag for your computer, tablet, or accessories

The organization alone is amazing for anyone travelling for a weekend or several weeks around the globe. But let’s dive closer into some key features anyone looking for a minimalist backpack will love.

Whether it's a weekend getaway or you're ticking off an item on your Travel Bucket list, you might want to pack lighter and smarter. So, the Minimalist Travel Bag from Journey System is the one bag travel system you'll need!
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1) This One Bag Travel System is Tough

Travel can be tough not only on you but on your luggage too. That is why we always look for a travel bag that is strong and dependable while still being comfortable to maneuver no matter where we go. With these travel bags, you will easily find it covers all the bases of strength and durability while not stressing your body out.

For example, these bags are made with a 450D two tone finished nylon. Now, most people may not have a clue what that means. But to give you a better understanding, most adventure backpacks used for hiking and camping can commonly be found in the range of 450–600D nylon. So that means that even though this isn’t a bag you may take on the Appalachian Trail, it can handle anything you throw at it.

2) This One Bag Travel System is Light Weight

For most of us, one of the worst parts of travel is the insanity that occurs at airport baggage carousels.  Inevitably, you stand there for hours waiting for a heavy, overstuffed travel bag to finally come out. Then, when it finally does, you have to muster all the strength of Hercules to even lift it off the belt. Couple that with the idea of lugging your albatross in and out of planes, trains, or automobiles, and you will be praying for a shrink ray.

But with the Journey System Minimalist Travel Bag you actually don’t have to be a bodybuilder to haul it around because the bag is so lightweight. Unpacked, this bag weighs only 3.75lbs (1.7kg) but even fully packed with a full water bottle, the weight averages about 17lb(7kg). So, unless you allow Eric to pack all of his chocolate “souvenirs” from The Schokoladenmuseum (Chocolate Museum) in Cologne, Germany, this bag will be easy to travel with.

3) This One Bag Travel System is Secure

Sadly, safety and security of your possessions are always a big concern when traveling anywhere. Travelers are constantly having to find ways protect their electronics, gear, money, and documents from pickpockets or thieves. But this need for security doesn’t mean you have to carry an extra bulky lock box, a complicated anti-theft device, or have a vicious mini dachshund to guard your gear. Instead, minimalist travelers will find at least 5 security features that will keep your gear safe including:

• Quick stash pockets in the straps
• Secret Passport sized pocket that presses flat against the wearer’s back
• A hidden interior stash pocket behind the interior zippered mesh pocket
• Secret Passport sized stash pocket within the Hip Pack
• Interlocking YKK zippers that can be locked at one central point

4) This One Bag Travel System is Intuitive

Perhaps one of the best parts of this one bag travel system is that it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure it out. When you go to pack your Journey System Travel Bag you will find it quite easy to understand or operate without explicit instruction. This is great not just for packing but for unpacking too.

There is nothing worse than getting to your destination and immediately needing something buried at the bottom of your suitcase. Tys developed a smartly designed travel bag that remains sleek and packed-with-features for any type of travel.

So, what makes this minimalist travel backpack so intuitive?

1. It’s really 5 different travel bags in 1: The best feature of this travel bag is that it is really 5 different bags in one system. When you receive your Journey System Travel Bag, you immediately see that it comes with a travel pack section, a day pack section, a hip pack section, a toiletries bag and a laptop sleeve. Now, normally, when a bag comes in parts like this, it can be a bit bulky or complicated. But this travel bag is designed for quick access to any of the different bags while still maintaining a sleek design.
2. Everything is easily accessible: As we have said before, there is nothing worse than getting to your destination only to need to grab something at the bottom of your overstuffed suitcase. That is why we love the clam shell opening feature of this travel bag. Whenever, you get to your location, you can easily open your Journey System Travel bag for complete access. That way, you can quickly grab whatever you need.
3. It is easy to unpack: When you arrive at your destination, you don’t want to spend hours unpacking. Even worse, is when you are going through TSA, and you need to remove certain items quickly. That is why we like how convenient this travel bag is to take apart. With the luggage straps for your clothes, snaps for your toiletries bag, and Velcro straps for your shoe bag, everything you pack will remain tightly secure. So, when you open your travel backpack, everything is accessible, including a removable laptop sleeve for when you arrive at TSA. Plus, with the mesh pockets inside, everything is visible, making it that much easier to find something. Even the toiletries bag is quick to remove and comes with handle so you can hang it from any hook or doorknob.
4. There are tons of pockets and storage bags: On top of the removable laptop bag and toiletries bag, you will find several other storage bags to keep all of your gear neatly and simply stored. From the drawstring shoe garage and small bag for tech accessories to multiple pockets, you have plenty of storage options. One of our favorite key features is that it also comes with 2 vacuum storage bags. These bags allow you to compress clothes and save space. My wife loves it because she can use them separate our dirty clothes.
5. You have day trip options: One of the best parts of this backpack is that it is truly a one bag travel system. No longer do you have to bring a suitcase and a knapsack and a hip pack. The Journey System Travel Bag comes with a built-in hip pack that can be worn as a sling bag or a fanny pack. This easily accessible bag has a key ring holder and a hidden pocket that can hold your valuables for touring anywhere. If you need something a little bigger, you can easily detach the day pack to carry your bigger items.
6. It is very comfortable: There is nothing worse than having a travel backpack dig into your shoulders or put your back out of sorts. However, unless you are carrying concrete blocks, you will find this one bag travel system really comfortable. That is because it has been reinforced first with a spine channel. But to add more comfort, Tys made sure to add back foam pads. Then, he added padded straps and a G-Hook Sternum strap to add more stability and comfort.

Where to get your Minimalist Travel Backpack

Currently, the best way to get the Journey System Minimalist Travel Bag is direct from Idea Mountain. Personally, we love ordering direct from them since it cuts out any middleman and any extra costs they add on. Plus, ordering direct typically has a smaller environmental impact.  This is because your backpack won’t need to be transported from the factory to a middleman storage facility. Thus, you reduce the impact of shipping by having it shipped straight to you.

Another added bonus when you order your One Bag Travel System from Idea Mountain, is that Tys and his team can then offer a 100% guarantee on nearly every aspect of the Journey for at least 5 years. The only thing they don’t give a guarantee on is the 2 bonus vacuum compression bags. However, you can replace yours for $3 each + shipping at any time!

Then to boot, Tys would also like to help you on your next bucket list travel adventure. So, he is offering an additional 10% off your Journey System Minimalist Travel Bag, when you enter the promo code: Bucket List Project.

If you’d like to learn more about getting your own Journey System Minimalist Travel Backpack, click here!

So what do you think?

As you can see, we love our Journey System Minimalist Travel Bag and think you will too. But everyone travels a little differently and definitely packs differently. So, what key features of the Journey System Minimalist Travel Bag do you love? Is there any part of this bag that you feel is the really important when you travel? What else do you look for when shopping for a one bag travel system? Let us know in the comments below!

Don’t forget to Pin A Minimalist Travel Backpack to your Favorite Bucket List Board!

Disclosure: The Bucket List Project was given a Journey System Minimalist Travel Bag to review. With that said, All opinions in “A Minimalist Travel Backpack” are our own. Also, this post may contain affiliate links. Using the links doesn’t cost you any extra, and it helps keep the site free, fun, and community supported! Eric & Darcee will never recommend a product that we don’t genuinely believe in, actually use ourselves, have researched, and trust. Please see the disclosure policy for more information.

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These days, it feels like there’s always some kind of imminent disaster waiting to displace us from our homes. Whether it’s a natural threat such as a hurricane, an economic disaster or even a terrorist threat, there’s always something waiting around the corner to make our lives harder. Unfortunately, there’s not much we can do about this other than to be prepared for it. This is why bug out bags are now incredibly popular all around the world.

To help convince you to put together your own bug out bag, we’ve compiled a list of 5 compelling reasons to own one.

1) Bug out bags prepare for any situation where you’ll be displaced

One of the great things about a bug out bag is that it’s designed to be grabbed and then you’re off. You can leave everything else behind because you’ll have enough essentials to last you a while. You can look at a printable hurricane supply list to help you prepare for adverse weather conditions, you can store dried foods, a list of phone numbers or even a bag with important documents to help identify you. Whatever the situation is, a bug out bag helps you prepare for everything.

There’s always something waiting around the corner to make our lives harder. That's why we’ve compiled a list of 5 compelling reasons to own a bug out bag! #BugOutBag #BePrepared #TravelSafety
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2) Bug out bags give you crucial time to get to safety

If there’s a sudden warning for evacuation then every second counts. Whether it’s to get our of the city on time, to reach loved ones as quickly as possible or even to escape the path of a storm, having more time to react could save lives. All you need to do is grab your favorite minimalist travel bag, alert your family and then get in the car.

3) Bug out bags can also be used when forced to stay at home

Having extra supplies and survival goods around the house is never a bad idea. While the intended use of a bug out bag is fleeing from home, there’s nothing wrong with using a bug-out bag at home when you’re running low on supplies or unable to leave your home.

4) Bug out bags are a simple and cheap investment

You can put together a rather complete bug out bag for very little money. You can use things that you already have around the house, such as ziplock bags for storage or a large rucksack as the main bag. It’s cheap enough that you can make one for every family member so that should you need to leave your home, everyone in your family has their own bag which means extra supplies to keep you going.

5) You’ll learn what’s essential

Bug out bags contain only the most important essentials to survive on the road. With this information in mind, you can apply it to many other things such as packing for holidays or camping trips. Once you know what the essentials are, you’ll know what to prioritize in the future and how to get the most out of your bug out bag.

So as you can see, a bug out bag can be a very valuable item to own. Whether you want to be prepared for medical emergencies while travelling or you live in a rather tumultuous weather zone, these bags can be important to survival. However, everyone packs their bags differently according to their own needs. So what’s in your bug out bag or emergency kit? Is there something that is a must have if you have to leave your home in an emergency? Let us know in the comments below!

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While you may think back to your days camping as a kid and remember an eye-boggling array of poles, hooks and string, a stove and a guitar, nowadays camping has become a much more lucrative and commercial business. Whereas once upon a time, you could pull up in a never ending amount of weird and wonderful places, pitch up a tent and sleep under the stars, this is now becoming more difficult as more business savvy enterprises have begun to charge people for the privilege. However, camping is still as fun and liberating as it was when you were a child.

If you’re tempted to head out on a camping adventure, there’s no need to hot foot it onto a plane and scratch that wanderlust itch overseas. There are plenty of opportunities to head off in the car with your family to experience the joys and delights of the great outdoors. Camping is relatively cheap and can arm your offspring with an appreciation for the simpler side of life. While traversing halfway across the globe is still a life-affirming experience, sometimes there’s nothing better than getting closer to nature. Take a look at this ultimate camping adventure packing checklist to inspire your road trip plans.

Sometimes there's nothing better than getting closer to nature. Take a look at this ultimate camping adventure packing checklist to inspire your road trip plans. #Camping #CampingGuide #CampingGear #PackingChecklist
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The Tent

While tents used to take half a day to put up and secure, there is now a huge selection of pop up style tents. These may seem gimmicky; however they are made from the finest canvas to protect against the elements, they are well constructed and take a mere ten minutes to pitch up and secure. As a family, you could choose a couple of two-man tents or go for a more family orientated experience and sleep within the same canvas topped dwelling.

A decent tent in the twenty-first century can cost you as little as $80 and can come in all shapes and sizes. Remember to ensure that the tent you choose has a hard wearing groundsheet and has adequate wind and waterproof protection.

Sleeping Bags

Although you might not be planning on sleeping out in subzero temperatures, it doesn’t hurt to account for every eventuality. Some of the best sleeping bags on the market, like those reviewed at www.militarybackpackguide.com, now try to accommodate every climate and condition that you may find yourself in. If you are planning on camping out during the height of summer, many bags now come complete with an inbuilt mosquito net and antibacterial coatings. All you need to do is spray an extra bit of Deet just for insurance purposes to ensure a bite-free restful night’s sleep.

If it gets a little chilly when you are resting your weary bones, many sleeping bags now have adequate insulation to cope with temperatures well below zero. This means you don’t have to worry about the weather and can rest safe in the knowledge that you’ll be warm enough in your sleeping quarters.

Luggage

It’s not unusual to see families heading out for a camping trip with a mind-boggling array of mess cluttering up the rear of their car. Very little is packed and instead is thrown into the back of the vehicle. Don’t be one of those families and instead keep your equipment and luggage organized. If you head to www.worldtraveler.com, you’ll clearly see the benefits of a front loading set of luggage. Unlike backpacks that are often top loading, meaning you have to rifle through an array of clothes, underwear, gadgets and books before you arrive at the power pack at the bottom of your bag, a front loading bag will open like a suitcase and allow you immediate access to any item you need to lay your hands on. This saves a lot of time, hassle and stress, especially when you little darling is desperate for their favorite toy.

Food Stuff

It pays to get the majority of your food en route. This means that you will have the freshest ingredients and grub that will have the longest best before dates until they go off and become inedible. By taking a generator and a mini fridge, you’ll be able to keep meat and fish refrigerated without running the risk of any food poisoning ruining your trip.

As for the actual cooking, you need to ensure that you bring the stoves, gas and cooking utensils required. It’s a good idea to invest in a decent pot to cook up some hearty stews, maybe a frying pan for sausages in the morning and plenty of cutlery. You don’t want to waste space and pack needless items that you know you’ll never use, but at the same time, you don’t want to be caught short. Skewers for toasting marshmallows are a must as are matches. You don’t want to be going neanderthal trying to make fire out of a couple of twigs and some dry grass.

Going camping doesn’t always have to mean ‘roughing it’. While some people wouldn’t dream of taking unnecessary luxuries, others wouldn’t make a foray into the world of camping without them. If you love a decent glass of wine with your dinner, take a bottle or two. If you love nothing better than a hot Italian espresso first thing in the morning, why not take a portable coffee maker along for the ride?

First Aid

Don’t forget to pack a basic first aid kit. At the very least you should have painkillers, antiseptic wipes, insect repellent, sun cream, gauze, bandages and band-aids. While you can’t account for every eventuality, you know that if the kids are out climbing trees, swimming in the lake or having a whale of a time exploring the forest trails, a minor accident could occur. If in doubt, get yourself to the local hospital but having a simple first aid kit should keep everyone safe from harm.

Heading out on a family road trip and embarking on a camping adventure can be huge amounts of fun. Relatively cheap and giving you plenty of quality time together, you will be able to create memories that will last a lifetime when on your foray into the world of camping.

Don’t forget to Pin it to your favorite Bucket List Board!

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We all know the travel fanatics, you might even be one yourself. They can’t go long without planning their next trip, and however long they go away for it never seems to be enough. There are loads of great experiences that can be gained from travelling, seeing new places, and navigating new cultures. All these experiences are unique, and no one else will experience the  same place in quite the same way as you. This is why so many people decide to pack their bags and go hunt out another adventure.

Wherever you are planning on going in the world, or whatever you are planning on doing, there are some things that all travel fanatics just need to have. Having all the right gear can make a lot of difference to your trip, and can make things run a lot smoother, especially if you find yourself in tough spot. Whether you, or a loved one is a travel fanatic, you will for sure need the right gear before you embark on your trip. Only when you are suited and booted, can you go chasing them horizons. Read on to see what every travel fanatic needs to have a great trip, you never know, you might find something that could really make a difference to your trip. Here’s some essentials of what you need, to make a list and listen up for what you might be missing out on.

The Bucket List Project shares some essential gear that Every Travel Fanatic Needs. #travelgear #travel #BackpackingGear #travelfanatic
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The Backpack

This is at the top of the list because this marks you out from the summer holiday goers, that go around the airport in their uncomfortable shoes, their carry on suitcases rattling behind them. The backpack means that you mean business, and that your going to be doing more than going straight from the cab, to the hotel, to the pool, and eventually to the bar. You will first of all need a large backpack, your main backpack, to carry all your gear. This will get you over any terrain, any incline, and back again with no worries. The size of it really depends on how long you are going for, and if you need to carry anything like climbing equipment around with you. The size should fit your needs, so if your going for a long weekend trip, there’s no need to invest  in a  huge one. You can always wash your clothes multiple times wherever you go, so there’s no need to carry lots of things with you.

As well as the main backpack you will also need a smaller one, when your larger one is back at the base. This can be easily folded up into your larger one, when you are moving cities, or moving all your stuff to a new location. The smaller one you can throw over your shoulder, and carry all your essentials about town quite easily. Something with zips will do fine, no finicky buckles or straps is necessary. When your in a new place you want your things to be secure, while your exploring and discovering new things.

Walking Boots

If you are a travel fanatic then you will probably be on your feet a lot This could be just waiting at airport, traversing a dry savanna, or scaling a muddy slope in the Lake District. Wherever your feet decide to take you, you will need comfortable reliable shoes to do so. For more ideas you can check out best gifts for campers. If you are  not going to be doing too much walking in strange terrain, then a comfortable shoe that’s supportive and has a good sole would be fine for getting from A to B. If you have a bit more walking in mind it’s worth investing in some walking shoes.

Walking shoes come in all shapes and sizes, and you really have to try them on to know if they are right for you. This might mean going into your local outdoors shop to have a look at their collection, or you can look online too. Many online stores let you exchange sizes and try different brands, so you can still try before you buy, but obviously this will take far more time.  If your local store doesn’t stock a huge variety of shoes, try having a look online to see if anything takes your fancy.

One of the main differences between walking shoes, is the height of the ankle support. There is no real need to get the extra high ankle support (which comes up to half way up your calf), unless you are embarking on an arctic expedition. For most people it’s a decision between the low ankle support and mid height one. The later is most popular if you are planning on walking some distance, although others find more flexibility and movement with less ankle support. Have a think about what terrain you will be walking on, and the distance you will be travelling before you make your decision.

Making sure you boots are made from a durable material, and is a breathable material too, is also a good thing to look out for. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to get a good pair, although the higher end might last a little longer. If this is your first pair, don’t feel pressured to buy the most expensive ones in the shop.

Finding the right walking or hiking boots are essential to every travel fanatic's needs. Check out all of our other recommendations. #travelgear #travel #BackpackingGear #hikingboots #walkingboots #caminodesantiago
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A Raincoat

The worst thing is travelling somewhere and forgetting to pack a raincoat, even if it’s somewhere warm, it is still unpleasant getting wet through. Remember to check if it’s rainy season, or if the area is prone to flooding or showers. Dry places cans till get cold at night, so make sure you have something to wear at night as well.

Here are just a few ideas to get you started with your travelling equipment. Having some backpacks, boots to walk in, and something to keep the rain of you is a great place to start. There is a lot of choice and variety for these on the market, so hopefully this will help you decide what is best for you.

Don’t forget to Pin this to your Bucket List Board!

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