I'm in my early 20s and just starting to explore the world, but I know there's so much about travel that you can only learn with experience. For those of you who’ve been traveling one-bag for decades, what are the lessons, hacks, or hard-earned wisdom you wish you knew when you were younger?

Hey all! I’m going backpacking through Europe for 3 months and will need a small crossbody bag.

I really like the size of the Uniqlo one, but it’s too plain for me! I love bags that have colour and ideally a metal chain (random I know, but if you think of Kate spade, Michael kors etc).

Are there any decent sized crossbody bags similar to Uniqlo, but with a stylish twist?

TIA! X

I'm on an endless quest for a day use backpack that could double as a 1.5 bag when I'm traveling by plane, and I'd love to finally find something I like. Right now I use canvas totes, and while I love their expandability, the lack of ergonomics is getting to me, and I don't like that stuff falls out of them if I set them down wrong. I posted a request similar to this on r/ManyBaggers but I've since revised some of my criteria, and I figured this community might have some good recommendations. If I find the right bag I could see myself taking it for short overnight trips, too, though it's more likely to be for day use

A few things to know: I'm 5'1" and can't comfortably wear a backpack that's taller than 17 inches so that's an immediate limiting factor. I was initially looking for a smaller volume, so that I could get away with a sling bag, but a) I want to fit more than can reasonably go in those styles, and b) I have scoliosis and realistically need the even weight distribution of a backpack. I have specific backpacks for outdoors activities, so I don't want or need this one to be too technical; but I also don't really love the ultra-modern sleek look of a lot of "urban" backpacks. Ideally this unicorn of a bag could do any activity well enough in a pinch, and mostly just be comfortable for me to carry my typical daytime items (1L water bottle, a couple notebooks, some art supplies, maybe an iPad mini, a jacket or sweater, snacks, emergency kit).

I have an older version of the Decathlon Arpenaz 10L, and I like it in some ways - outside mesh pockets, some organization but not too much. However, my version has cheap fabric that's getting beat up, and it's too small for what I realistically want to fit in it. I really want to like the Patagonia Atom Tote Backpack 20L - especially since it's the right size for my torso. But it's just a bit too cavernous in structure, and there's virtually no organization (the front pocket is a joke). On the flip side, I've considered the Bellroy Tokyo Totepack Compact 14L, but I worry it's too organized, plus it doesn't look like it would fit a 1L Nalgene very easily; and it's more expensive than I'd like to pay. Finally, I'm considering the Cotopaxi Tasra 16L, as I have an Allpa 35L from them that's my main travel bag, but I worry that this one's a bit too flimsy and would hurt to wear for a long day.

Am I asking for a product that's unrealistic? What bags like the ones I mentioned above have you tried, and why have you liked them or not liked them? I'd like to keep this under $100, but I don't mind finding a more expensive bag on eBay or Poshmark, if it's really going to work for me.

I’m going on around a month long road trip around the US, is this too much to fit in one bag?

Hey everyone,

I’ve been lurking in this sub for a while, and I mostly see one-week travel experiences, but I’m wondering: Is it realistically possible to OneBag for more than six weeks?

I’ll be traveling through Asia and Southeast Asia during the summer, so I don’t need heavy clothes. That’s not my biggest issue, though. Right now, I travel with a 65L Deuter backpack, and it’s always completely full. I know I can cut down on clothing, but my biggest problem is my toiletries and meds: 1. Toiletries & Liquids: My toiletry bag is massive—it takes up almost a quarter of my backpack. I need a lot of skincare and cosmetics, and the 100ml hand luggage rule makes it hard to pack everything. 2. Medication: I carry a lot of prescription meds (including antibiotics), and I don’t want to risk running out or needing to see a doctor while traveling. 3. Tech Gear: I always bring my laptop, charger, and accessories, and I’m not sure how to fit all of this efficiently.

I’m considering downsizing to a 45L backpack plus a small personal item, but I have no idea if that’s realistic given my needs. Have any of you OneBagged for a long trip with lots of toiletries, meds, and tech? How do you manage liquids, organize medications, and fit everything efficiently?

Would love to hear your experiences! Thanks!

Late February Fashion in Paris?

Hi! I’m traveling with my mom to Paris February 18-24 and I am getting mixed information about the weather. Where I live, we are wearing heavy winter coats, but recent posts I have seen in Paris, people are wearing those light, double breasted French coats. I saw someone wearing a trench coat. I’m not sure what to bring. Shoes? I usually wear tights and long sleeve dresses with boots during the winter. I’m not a big fan of jeans and boots.

Tall boots? Short boots? Loafers? Jeans? I’m not sure what to bring. I do have fleece-lined tights as well and we will be walking everywhere. Thank you!

We're talking hot and humid summer weather - southeast Asia, Tokyo, washington DC, hawaii, florida, etc! Something that's:

1. not low cut, strappy, or backless (sleeveless is okay) and below the knee
2. something you can walk around outside all day in before going to dinner
3. something that hides the sweat stains because #2
4. Something that dries FAST (so probably not cotton)

I just tried on the Uniqlo airism stretch dress and although I was hoping it would be the perfect solution, it fit me poorly in pretty much every dimension except length 😭 I have a travel dress I usually wear for this purpose, but have felt underdressed a few times, most recently at a fine dining place in Singapore.

Hi! I’ve been lurking on this sub for a while and with your help, recently successfully completed a four day trip that contained a plethora of unique outfit requirements. Thank you! I’m headed to Finland soon and would love your help critiquing my wardrobe for Finland a few notes:

• I will pack everything in my ULA Circuit bc I don’t want to lug a roller bag through snow. I will be checking this bag to bring home goodies for the family.
• In Lapland, the heavy snow wear will be provided by the lodge I’m staying in except for one day (checkout). I’m doing a reindeer farm tour for six hours that day, hence the addition of the ski pants. Alternatively, I could bring my Feathered Friends down pants that I use for backpacking.
• We are doing a few days of day and night outdoor oriented adventures, which is why I’m landing on two base layer fits.
• We have a few days of city activities, which I assume will be going to museums, restaurants, grabbing a cocktail, etc.
• I assume that I will be wearing my snow boots as my primary shoe, but I am bringing my Nikes for inside the lodge and hotels, fitness center (yes, I work out on vacation), and airplane. I’m having a hard time with this because I’ve never traveled without a nicer shoe/boot. My daily footwear are my black Blundstones. Am I overthinking this?

Any feedback is much appreciated. Kiitos!

I’m a recovering over packer. I do much better now, but I can’t talk myself out of bringing a small medicine kit. I’m talking ibuprofen, pepto chewables, Imodium, Benadryl, Dramamine, daily multivitamin gummies, melatonin gummies, and a couple prescription meds. I have those little pill baggies to just put a few pills in, but I’m (unreasonably?) nervous that I’m going to get flagged or “in trouble” somehow because none of them are in original containers. The gummies worry me most because I’m concerned they could be confused for weed gummies, which are not legal everywhere. At home we take 3 gummies per person per day, so it adds up to quite a few for a longer trip. I’ve been keeping the gummies in their original (huge!) container but it’s a major waste of space. Someone talk me down from this.

Hey all,

5ft1 (155cm) with a 42cm torso and 85cm waist.

Going to be working abroad in a New York Summer day camp for 10 weeks with weekends and evenings free and an additional week exploring Boston and Connecticut or NYC.

During camp I will be given 3 staff T-shirts and will be going to the laundromat every week to 10 days.

Looking for a travel backpack which can fit all of the packing list items which the camp have shared with me.

I am based in the UK and have been measured to a size XS torso.

Any recommendations for a travel backpack with waist belt and chest strap for an XS torso which has 50l main backpack with a 10l daypack?

If not, I can also go for just 50l backpack and take my foldable backpack for daypack as well.

I would love space to bring back souvenirs/snacks/treats back from USA for family/friends.

New Backpack

Hi. I’m currently looking for a backpack to replace my BÉIS Backpack. I really do enjoy it but it’s falling apart after about 1.5 years of casual travel. I’d like to take some of the features I love and upgrade.

Things I love: -Lay flat/ suitcase style opening

-Decent amount of storage (not too many pockets and more than one main compartment.)

-minimal/sleek design (not a huge fan of the tactile design)

-Internal compression strap

Must haves:

-Carry on or personal item size (prefer <35L) -Suitcase (or similar) opening -Minimal design/nice looking -trolley pass through -compression straps/mesh section divider

Nice to haves: -Chest strap -water bottle holder -no more than $250

Bags I’ve Considered:

-Osprey 26+6: bought it and eh. Don’t really like the look and really don’t like how the laptop compartment isn’t separate -will most likely return.

-Cotopaxi Allpa 20 or 28L: heard it was very uncomfortable (not sure if more than BÉIS or not) I’m leaning towards this being my first choice rn

-CALPAK Terra 26L: initially my first choice, but Ive heard of some quality issues and it has a few too many pockets for me (not a dealbreaker though)

-Patagonia MLC mini: couldn’t find in store near me and online design leaves much to be desired tbh (again not a dealbreaker but I’m more inclined towards other options atm)

-Tropicfeel: i really like the design and modular aspect, but I’ve seen concerns about the quality not equaling the price.

If anyone has any tips that’d be great cause i have a few trips coming up that I’d like to use this bag for (x posted in r/onebag)

My husband and I will be flying Aer Lingus economy for a trans-Atlantic flight with a regional connection, and their maximum limit is 18.5”. His current bag is 21” including the wheels, and I would rather avoid the stress of worrying about the bag being gate checked. His bag is quite low profile and it doesn’t usually attract attention and the other dimensions are fine, but being rigid it’s not going to fit in an 18.5” sizer, and I’d rather not break the wheels off trying.

His birthday is coming up so I thought a bag that would fit within those limits would make a nice gift. However, he’s pretty picky and likes classic lines and colors, so anything soft-sided is probably out as well as anything with obvious logos. A backpack is not an option as he’s pretty wedded to the roller board concept - and I admit I’ve stuck my backpack on it using my luggage sleeve more than once ;)

Looking around it appears that the options are rather limited. His birthday is coming up soon, so something that can be delivered to the US within a reasonable time frame is important. I like the looks of the Béis Mini but not the available color options.

Thanks in advance for any help. Any personal stories about how strict Aer Lingus might be would also be greatly appreciated.

Hi Fellow One Baggers! I am new (at nearly 50yo) to this one bag thing. I am a chronic over-packer, even on the daily - think tote bags with 7 different lip shades, pens, meds, feminine hygiene products, snacks, water bottle(s)… I don’t ever want to be unprepared LOL

SO… I am going to Oahu for 7 days for a pretty low-key girls trip. I have been before so I know we will be pretty casual the whole time and I am trying to pack accordingly. I’m steeling myself bc I know I will panic at the last minute and want to add more.

I’m including a photo of all I am bringing (minus my kindle and my 32oz narrow-mouth Nalgene bottle. Here’s the breakdown… Cotopaxi Allpa 35: One white tank top One white t-shirt One pinky/orange shirtdress One imbodhi hannah jumpsuit One light weight white long sleeve button down Gingham beach dress Navy bandeau bathing suit Red on shoulder bathing suit Baseball cap Hooded sun shirt White athletic t-shirt Blue athletic tank Back athletic shorts Green Patagonia baggies Patagonia convertible travel tote Pajamas Stager-type bag with toiletries 4 Pairs socks 5 pairs underwear (am bringing detergent sheets and will hand wash as needed) 1 extra branwyn merino wool bra Chaco sandals Rainbow flip flops Small bag with charging cables First aid kit Headlamp Emergency blanket Plastic bags

Baggu medium crescent: Kindle Water bottle Wallet Makeup/facial sunscreen (I’m picky about what I use on my face) Small hairbrush Gum Chapstick Hand cream Portable charger

How am I doing? Anything you would ditch?

Hoping for advice/encouragement. Pre- kid I always packed light and did lots of extended travel (>3m) with 30L carry on only.

Traveling when my kid was a baby was a nightmare, I would have my 2 changes of clothes in the bottom of the bag and the rest would be filled with diapers and baby supplies even for a short weekend trip, not including stroller, car seat, etc.

We just did a week trip with 3yo that I needed 2 60L bags to pack and I'm just fed up with it all. Was there an age where things got better? Any advice? The main culprits this trip was snorkel gear + pfds.

Hi, looking for a stylish tennis shoe that I could use for the following:

• General travel (first trip is in Europe in Feb)
• With black pants at conference
• strength training at hotel, if needed

I have these Ecco soft 7 but not sure they look good in this color for conference. Any other suggestions of shoes similar

I’ve been highly sensitive to wool being itchy my whole life. (An allergist told my mom I was allergic to the world as a child - assuming that’s part of the cause!). Years ago, I made the transition to wool-blend socks (darn tough, icebreaker, Smartwool) and love them. I’d like to find a super-non-itchy wool shirt or two - ideally more of a casual every day style, not a more athletic one.

I have two Ministry of Supply wool blend tanks, but they’re really low wool content (I think 14%?), and some days I’m fine in them but other times even they are really itchy on me.

If you find wool very itchy, have you found any brands that work for you for clothes for travel? Would love your recs! Or should I just stick to my Patagonia Cool Capilene? 😂

For context: prepping for a RTW trip. Basically a life-long carry-on person already, so comfortable packing light. Aiming to plan our itinerary based on chasing some degree of temperate weather, so need things that are good for hear more than good for cold. Currently live in small-town Tanzania but will be back in the US for two weeks this summer before the trip - so I’ll be buying some things to have waiting on me, but can’t buy/try/return as easily as usual. Or I’ll be in Ireland this spring, so could try any brands carried there!

I can say with certainty this is my favorite place here on Reddit.

I see many posts of bags under the seat and I have tried this with no issues, almost all my bags can fit under the seat in front of me. The thing is I travel coach and sometimes I get the dreaded middle seat.

And even I’m not a giant (I’m 5’9”/ 175 cm tall) after the second hr into a long flight or so, my knees start to hurt, I need to be able to stretch my legs so I stand up and walk in the aisles but sometimes it’s not possible.

I was wondering how tall ladies manage to stretch their legs if they place their bag under the seat. The last long flight I took (12 hr) I checked my backpack and it was a game changer. Thanks.

Hello! Looking for advice for my upcoming trip in May. I will be doing the Camino de Santiago Frances route to the Camino Finisterre (about 35-45 days hiking through Spain, staying in hostels for pilgrims). After my Camino, I am planning on backpacking through some European countries, staying in hostels and mostly traveling by train as much as possible. I have not finalized my route yet, and may add in more countries as well. I booked a one-way flight, and do not have any time constraints at the moment. I know for sure that I will be hitting some towns in Spain and Italy. I will also be going to a smaller Greek island, and going to Amsterdam. Ideally, this is a budget trip. I want to pack many things into this trip so that I can experience the most while traveling. This is my tentative packing list, mostly with gear I already own. Looking for feedback on it! I am planning on carrying everything with me on the Camino, but still need to have items for the trip afterwards. I am planning on hiking a lot after the Camino, but still want outfit options so that I can look cute on a regular day. If anyone has cute outfit options that are lightweight and versatile for hiking/movement/being a tourist, I am interested! I'm not entirely trying to look like an American by wearing athleisure everywhere. I am also interested in pack recommendations for a trip specifically like mine, with carrying everything on my back for miles each day. And for compression packing cubes, if anyone has some holy grails! Thank you :)

Hey all! My best friend and I are going on a trip to Europe in March. We'll be stopping in three countries, and riding a lot of trains while over there. The trip organizer has requested that everyone bring only a backpack, and we've somewhat figured out how to pack for that, but are looking for a good backpack option. Preferably, something under $60, and without front pockets because it definitely needs to be anti theft as we'll be carrying everything around with us most of the time. If we were bigger travelers we'd spend a little more but we're not haha.

I am going to Italy in late June. I’m from a cooler climate and I don’t have much travel experience in really hot climate so I don’t know what would be the best choice of underwear in hot weather. I’m especially looking for bras that don’t show too much under summer clothes, and would be as comfortable as possible, aka be bearable when sweating and not adding extra heat. In summer at home I usually avoid wearing a bra altogether whenever possible, but I’m not comfortable doing that on this trip. I have small breasts so I mainly need a bra for covering, not for support.

If you have tips for underpants that are especially good in hot climate, or some other recommendations I haven’t thought of asking, those are very welcome too.

I'm staying in Christchurch and driving around the south island, hiking, exploring, swimming, and working a bit (including one professional presentation) for 3 weeks and leaving in just 5 days! I'll have the opportunity to do laundry 2 times while traveling. I'd love feedback on my packing list and the attached images. Here are the clothes (toiletries and other things in the attachment)... What can I leave behind? What am I missing?

• 3 tank tops
• 3 t-shirts
• cashmere sweater
• tunic
• denim button down
• sweatshirt
• jeans
• shorts (for hiking and casual days)
• tights
• linen ankle length pants
• chacos
• dressy chacos
• flats (I have to give a professional presentation while there)
• casual sneakers
• running / hiking shoes
• denim tunic dress
• cotton knee-length dress
• glasses and sunglasses
• one belt
• baseball cap
• sun hat
• warm hat
• scarf
• windbreaker
• warmer waxed rain jacket
• yoga tights and top
• two running t-shirts
• two running shorts
• puffy
• puffy vest
• light hiking pants
• merino hiking shirt
• sunshirt
• running baseball cap
• Old white buttondown for another sun shirt (not pictured)

https://preview.redd.it/wwralm067ege1.png?width=970&format=png&auto=webp&s=f17badd3b34d2e380b9303a242de661f396c10c0

https://preview.redd.it/k1hin9c77ege1.png?width=996&format=png&auto=webp&s=efbb4baa23e6a97cf2c3cb27ba156d65d2ebfa17

https://preview.redd.it/at7lhwk87ege1.png?width=930&format=png&auto=webp&s=80e13d4352ec7b4f3f8d4094b9a081dd55aba566

https://preview.redd.it/1zj72xh97ege1.png?width=396&format=png&auto=webp&s=5e89d35635cfb99feafe8c1a48e826a0fe67325e

https://preview.redd.it/zrqdh0ra7ege1.png?width=342&format=png&auto=webp&s=abc5f128c7ddf05cca618e4b399719f9f3d8ecc5

https://preview.redd.it/dik7yv0ssdge1.jpg?width=2231&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f66a93ba9de60fe4530f913ba3e29d6ca8f8c7c4

Any recommendations on this packing list? I am travelling to Thailand (12days), Bali ( 7days) and New Zealand (10 days) in March. All the little flights I'm taking have the 7kg weight limit. My carry-on is a wheeled bag that weighs 2.7kg (I think I need the wheels vs backpack for my back). All the clothes are dry-wick or athletic material and as light as I could get them. The items below weigh just under 3kg.

I have:

• 4 T-shirts
• 2 Shorts
• 1 Skort
• 1 dress
• 2 Bathing Suits
• 1 Cover up
• 1 set of PJs
• 2 Pairs of Socks
• 1 Sports bra
• Underwear
• Sandals

I haven't figured out the toiletries yet. Not sure how much to pack for 1 month. I will wear a long sleeved merino wool shirt, light weight pants and sneakers during travel and plan on doing laundry as needed.

I have a really nice fancy The North Face 35L travel backpack that I prefer to use for trips, but for my upcoming flight, I can only bring a personal item or get charged $35 each way to check my bag. So instead, I packed my $20 school backpack from Amazon and turns out it works just fine! Sure, it's not a clamshell with dozens of pockets, but it fit a week's worth of clothes, a charger, some toiletries, and a small crossbody bag for everyday carry. I know the people here are optimizers, which is awesome, but for those of us without a high budget, just know that one bag travel is more than doable even with the cheapest, most worn generic backpack. Let me know in the comments if you want more details about what I was able to fit in here.

I am travelling to Melbourne, Sydney and the South Coast in mid March, which I understand is early autumn/fall.

As part of the trip, we plan to spend 4 nights on the South Coast where I plan to spend 2-4 hours most days walking the trails along the coast and in the national parks.

Will trail running shoes be helpful? My alternative is a basic pair of Adidas I prefer not to get dirty :)

Also, will I need a raincoat? I am concerned about the wind along the coast. We rented a house overlooking a lake with a beach a short walk away so the house may be breezy too. Currently I have a casual ultrathin UV windshirt.

Also debating a hoodie. I currently have a dressy sweater jacket not suitable for hiking.

I only have 7kg of baggage so definitely trying to pack light.

The Australia travels is also a 9 night portion of a bigger 2 month trip to UK (in winter) and Malaysia (tropical weather). Thankfully I can leave most of my luggage behind in Malaysia when I fly to Australia. Nevertheless, everything needs to do double duty.

Originally I was not planning to bring a raincoat OR a hoodie for the big trip and just rely on a dressy fall jacket and the dressy sweater jacket for the UK. I do have a light cardigan for Malaysia but was not planning to bring that to Australia.