5 Reasons Why I Switched to a Minimalist Backpack

I used to love bags with lots of pockets both inside and outside of them. I always had this idea that I was going to stay organized and have everything I needed on me at all times. It was a nice thought but I found it was too hard to keep putting everything back in each spot after I used it when I was on the go. I remember sitting in airports and coffee shops digging through pockets of my bag trying to find what I needed and never finding it because I would give up. I switched to a more simple backpack and haven’t gone back!

Here are 5 reasons I switched to a minimalist backpack:

Too many pockets meant I brought too much unnecessary stuff and my bag was getting heavier and heavier. I ended up with shoulder pain and didn’t realize until I switched to a lighter, simpler bag that it was due to an overstuffed, heavy bag.

With all my pockets in my bag, I found I could never find what I needed because I’d forget which pocket I had what in, and then I’d put it in the wrong pocket after I did use it. I really only needed a couple of pockets to contain a few things.

Travel became easier as I could get my laptop out without unzipping it from a separate pouch inside my bag to put through metal detectors at the airport.

I became more efficient with work when I discovered I had everything I needed and could get it out when I needed it. I remember giving up taking notes one time because I couldn’t find a pen but now I had a few kept nicely in a pocket with a notepad and a few other small office supplies.

I found that I wasn’t replacing my bag as often because my simple backpack was never going to go out of style. It has a classic design and nothing specific that would be outdated.

What is your must-have with a backpack?