The backpack I've worn around the world

One bag. A tonne of countries. If you only buy one piece of travel gear, make it a backpack that does everything, and for me that's been my BagSmart carry-on backpack. It's the bag in basically every photo of me at an airport, on a train, or hiking up to a viewpoint with my whole life on my back.

Why this is the one?

I went through a few bags before this. What sold me: it actually fits a full week's trip worth of packing cubes AND a laptop (or even 2), the straps stay comfy on a long travel day, there's a hidden back pocket for your passport and cards, RFID proof sections, lockable zippers for your laptop storage, and crucially it still slides under the seat as carry-on or in the overhead bins easily. No checked bag fees, ever.

What I pack in it as a carry-on

• 2x cameras
• 1x laptop
• 2x hard drives
• 1x kindle
• 1x passport
• 1x wallet
• 2x headphones
• 1x packing cube with an emergency outfit, underwear, jumper etc
• 1x pair of thongs
• 1x organizer with my tech cords and batteries
• 1x tripod and light
• 1x water bottle

What I pack for a quick weekend or week trip

• 2x packing cubes of clothes
• 1x skincare and makeup bag
• 1x laptop
• 2x cameras
• 2x hard drives
• 1x kindle
• 1x passport
• 1x wallet
• 2x headphones
• 1x pair of shoes (and I wear the other pair)
• 1x organizer with my tech cords and batteries
• 1x tripod and light
• 1x water bottle

PS, my full packing checklists are free if you want them.

Honest take?

It's not a fashion piece, it's practical, so if you want something aesthetically pleasing this isn't it. But for function, comfort, versatility and that no-checked-bag freedom, I haven't found better. Years of near-constant travel and mine is still going strong.

More of what's in my bag, plus every discount code, is on my links page. And if you want the trip itself sorted, my free guides have you covered.