One-Bag Travel Glossary: 23 Terms Explained
The words that show up in one-bag travel specs, reviews and how-to guides, explained without jargon. Open any term for the full explanation and what to look for when buying.
- 3-1-1 rule
- The US TSA carry-on liquids limit: containers of 3.4 oz or 100 ml or less, all fitting in one quart-sized bag per passenger.
- Read more about 3-1-1 ruleRelated: Best Travel-Size Bottles and Liquid Containers for One-Bag Travel
- Base weight
- The weight of a packed bag excluding consumables like food, water, and toiletries that get used up during a trip.
- Read more about base weight
- Capsule wardrobe
- A small set of clothing items chosen to mix and match into many outfits, reducing how much needs to be packed.
- Read more about capsule wardrobe
- Carry-on
- The main bag you bring into the airplane cabin and stow overhead, sized to each airline's own carry-on limits.
- Read more about carry-onRelated: Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks for One-Bag Travel
- Clamshell opening
- A backpack design that unzips fully flat on one side like a suitcase, instead of loading only from a narrow top opening.
- Read more about clamshell opening
- Compression sack
- A stuff sack with straps or a valve that squeezes soft items like clothing or a jacket down to a smaller size.
- Read more about compression sack
- Daypack
- A small, lightweight packable bag used for day trips and sightseeing, often stored inside a main carry-on backpack.
- Read more about daypack
- Dopp kit
- A small pouch or hanging bag used to organize toiletries like a razor, toothbrush, and skincare items while traveling.
- Read more about dopp kit
- GaN charger
- A phone or laptop charger built with gallium nitride components, allowing higher power in a smaller, cooler case.
- Read more about gan chargerRelated: Best GaN Travel Chargers for One-Bag Travel
- Linear inches
- The sum of a bag's length, width and height, used by some airlines to set a single combined size limit.
- Read more about linear inches
- Litres (bag volume)
- The measurement of how much a bag can hold, with most one-bag travelers using a bag in the 30 to 45 litre range.
- Read more about litres (bag volume)
- Load lifters
- The straps connecting the top of a backpack's shoulder straps to its frame, used to pull weight closer to your back.
- Read more about load lifters
- Merino wool
- A fine, soft wool fiber that resists odour and regulates temperature, popular for travel clothing worn several days between washes.
- Read more about merino woolRelated: Best Merino Wool Travel Clothing for One-Bag Travel
- One-bag travel
- Traveling with only one carry-on sized bag as your entire luggage, skipping checked bags and often a separate personal item too.
- Read more about one-bag travel
- Packing cube
- A zippered fabric organizer used to group clothing inside a bag, keeping items compressed and easy to find.
- Read more about packing cubeRelated: Best Packing Cubes and Compression Sacks for One-Bag Travel
- Personal item
- A smaller second bag, such as a tote or sling, that must fit under the seat in front of you on most airlines.
- Read more about personal itemRelated: Best Personal Item Bags and Slings for One-Bag Travel
- Power bank watt-hours
- The battery capacity rating airlines use to decide whether a power bank is allowed in carry-on luggage.
- Read more about power bank watt-hoursRelated: Best Slim Power Banks for Flights and One-Bag Travel
- RFID blocking
- Material woven into a wallet or sleeve that blocks the radio signal used by contactless cards, aimed at preventing skimming.
- Read more about rfid blockingRelated: Best RFID Travel Wallets
- Ripstop nylon
- A woven fabric with a reinforced grid pattern that stops small tears from spreading, common in lightweight travel bags.
- Read more about ripstop nylon
- Sink laundry
- Hand-washing clothes in a hotel or hostel sink using soap sheets or travel detergent to keep a small wardrobe wearable.
- Read more about sink laundryRelated: Best Travel Laundry Detergent Sheets
- Torso length
- The measurement from the base of your neck to your hip bones, used to size a backpack's frame for a comfortable fit.
- Read more about torso length
- Travel plug adapter
- A device that lets a plug from one country's electrical socket fit into the different-shaped sockets used in another country.
- Read more about travel plug adapter
- TSA lock
- A luggage lock with a keyhole that airport security in the US can open with a master key without cutting it off.
- Read more about tsa lock