How to Live out of a Backpack: Guide

One does not need a home full of things to live. Just like ancient times, all we need is what we can carry on our backs.
-Det V Cader

Long before I lived out of backpacks as a nomad, I lived out of suitcases and briefcases as an operative.

Since then my backpack has become my closet, survival kit and support system. So should yours.

This is how to live out of a backpack :

    Mindset

Your way of thinking of how life is lived should be changed, to be adaptive and location independent. All that you own and need will be in your immediate possession. You can only carry so much so your concept of what you think you need to live must be minimized with efficiency maximized. You don’t need a house to have a home or a bed to have a place to sleep.

    The Backpack

Just like your car and apartment when living at home, the backpack you choose will be just as important and vital for living out of it. Wherever you go, it will often follow and so it should be comfortable, reliable, versatile and just the right size. This will be your “everything”.

    Packing List

With the limited “real estate” of a backpack, every item should be needed while reducing unnecessary redundancies and packing multi-functional gear. For minimalists, 25 liters is ideal and for others a volume range of 35 – 50 liters, but never go over 60. View the tradecraft lifestyle kit shop for recommended items.

    Compartmentalize

Almost every item should be categorized and subcategorized into smaller internal bags / pouches / cubes, while strategically utilizing the backpack’s own built-in compartments. For example; clothing tops, clothing bottoms, underwear, gadgets, cords, toiletries, first-aid, documents, financials, tools etc.

    Care Packages

Before you start to live out of a backpack, prepare a care package for yourself of some of the items that’s hard to get while on the road. Such as medicine, brand name clothing, tech and custom gear. Then have someone mail the prepared box to you when you need it to your location. Useful for international travel.

    Seasonal Kits

If you’re going to be in the same general climate for a while, pack accordingly to make your overall kit seasonal. Meaning, mostly pack summer clothes if you’re in the tropics or warmer clothes if you’re going to go through a harsh winter. No need to pack clothes you won’t use. You can always buy something locally as needed.

    Self-Defense EDC

It doesn’t matter where you’re going or what CQC skillset you may possess, it’s always ideal to have some sort of locationally *legal device or tool for defensive purposes to equip on your person as everyday carry. However, it doesn’t necessarily have to be an actual weapon, but something that can just as effective.

    Moisture Management

Many parts of the world is inherently humid that can cause slow but definitive damage to electronics, passports and other gear. Not to mention prolonged inclement weather. Hardly an issue if back home but when everything you have is in your backpack, it may be. Strategically placing silica gel packets in your pack can counter such damage.

    Waterproofing

I don’t recommend a completely waterproof backpack to live out of it but having waterproof capabilities is useful. A mere plastic shopping bag or clean garbage bag can be used on-the-fly as an improvisational method by wrapping the contents of your pack. Just keep a plastic bag handy as a part of your packing list.

    “Drawers” System

This is a method of unpacking while keeping everything organized by using packing cubes. By removing each cube from the backpack and using them as if they were chest drawers. This is how to live out of a backpack with a slight benefit of living at home.

    Laundry

Don’t wait for a big pile of dirty clothes to go to the laundromat with, it’s not ideal when living out of a backpack and while on the move. Instead, wash just a couple of articles of clothing at a time as needed in the bathroom sink and let dry overnight in your accommodation.