I recently got back from a 4 day trip to Colorado and I tried to travel with just a backpack. You are probably thinking that 4 days on a backpack isn't a problem. It isn't unless you try to pack in all you digital extras like a 15' laptop, an iPad, 2 mobile phones w/all the necessary adapters and accessories, and Bose headphones with it's own special case. Throw in an extra pair of sandals, two days of clothes, and that bag is pretty full.
In the past, I would always over pack and I tried to pack lighter for this trip because I was traveling by myself (no kids). It was a good experience and will definitely have to cut back on the digital accessories in the future. Also. I could have done without the sandals or that extra days worth of clothes.
I think a mini laptop or just an iPad along with a mobile phone will be enough. I'm a software developer and I like to take my tools with me but the smaller I can make them the better.
I really like the idea of traveling light because when you travel you really feel the baggage you are taking with you. It slows you down, tires you out, and can make your trip more stressful. This can also be the same at home. The more things that you have that you don't really need to be happy just becomes extra baggage that can slow your life down.
