/r/HerOneBag
Welcome to r/heronebag! We focus on one-bag and lightweight travel, and how to do it in style and comfort. While “her” is our origin, we’re a big tent: women, LGBTQ+ people, disabled people, and parents are central to our community. We value overlooked needs, like bringing skincare or extra comforts without judgment. Share your packing lists, gear reviews, and advice – let’s help each other travel lighter and smarter!
Welcome to r/HerOneBag! We’re all about one-bag carry-on travel – whether you’re already packing light, aiming to get there, or just looking for tips to travel with less. “Her” is inclusive here; it means making space for needs that often get overlooked, like bringing skincare or extra comforts without judgment. Share your packing lists, gear reviews, and advice on minimalist (or minimal-ish) travel, and let’s help each other travel lighter and smarter!
The full sub rules are here.
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/r/HerOneBag
Hi all
I wanted to thank you for your submissions to our wiki on the topic of budget Onebagging. There were lots of excellent suggestions.
I think a wiki article on solid toiletries would also help us. I know I have my favorites!
Would you be willing to share your favorites? I would also add one extra caveat:
Edit: this includes all waterless products, so includes powders too.
Thanks, and here’s to packing lighter!
Reminder: Pastes are considered liquids, so do not count for this post!!
Hi, I am all for reducing liquids and using solid substitutes but I have a difficulty with toothpaste. I have tried toothpaste tabs by Lush and I just don't like them. Regardless of the flavour they taste like bicarbonate to me and I don't feel they are doing a good job in keeping my teeth clean. Can anyone recommend to me some brand they like, please?
My wife and I often take weekend trips and I want to get her a nice single bag. I really like the bags that open up like a suitcase (completely fold open) such as the away weekender…. But I’d also like it to have a separate shoe compartment. Is there a bag like this on the market? It looks like the away weekender used to have one like this, but they took the shoe compartment away for some reason. Recommendations appreciated!!
Thanks to years of travelling by motorcycle one bagging shouldn't be too difficult for me but over the years I've crept into the realm of over packing just because I could. I returned to some old tricks and thanks to some new ones learned here had a successful 1 bag trip and still managed to overpack!
What I packed (and comments):
2 long sleeve merino t's, one in cream and one in black- basically lived in the black one
2 uniqlo heattech long sleeves one in grey and one in black- these were actually too hot, the weather was mild and the one day I wore the black one as a layer I ended up stripping out of it.
Tank top and Felina lounge pants for sleeping
Cole Haan packable trench coat with removable lining- this has been the perfect coat even down to freezing temps.
Uniqlo packable down liner (doubles as a jacket)- plus it has pockets, I threw this on several times when I was running out and didn't want to wear the trench coat. I could have gotten by without it but I was glad that I had it.
Cole Haan waterproof leather ankle boots, skechers slip ons- A last minute purchase and a lifesaver. The boots are truly waterproof and comfortable for walking all day. The skechers are primarily used as slippers or times when my feet need a break and I have walked all day in them without issue.
undies and socks
Kipling crossbody- I can keep a death grip on this at all times plus I can throw it in the wash when I get home.
Large Baggu- I carry this everywhere. Perfect size, sturdy and easy to carry.
umbrella- this was always tucked in the side slip pocket of my Kipling just in case.
Le Sport Sack packable duffle- to those that suggested locking the zippers, you are lifesavers. I did stuff this bag for the trip home and one of the (plastic) zipper tabs broke off. Since I had twist ties and a ribbon I was able to tie the zippers closed and the bag survived the trip through checked luggage land intact. Thankfully the zippers themselves are sturdier than the tabs.
Spider trousers with zipped pockets- the perfect substitute for when I didn't want to wear jeans.
Toiletries- I packed single use packettes for anything that I could and tossed them when I left.
Thermos of coffee- this is my indulgence for long flights and red eyes. I have a small Zojirushi that you can pour from without having to unscrew the whole top. I bring it to the airport empty and get a latte post security to fill it with. When breakfast is served on the plane I have delicious coffee at the perfect temperature for me. It just makes me feel more human when I land.
One the plane I wore jeans, a cotton long sleeve T, cashmere hoodie and a pair of leather Dunks. The hoodie was used for layering the entire trip, the Dunks were my main shoes for the airports and when the weather was dry. Also my large wool/silk scarf which doubles as a blanket and will even work as an extra layer when draped under my jacket.
I got really lucky with the weather, it was mild and I only had one day of rain. I walked pretty much everywhere, kept dry and warm and had no issues or incidents. If I was being picky I'd say that I could have skipped the two heattech tops and the packable down but they were still good to have, just in case of cold or spills. I would have missed them if I had needed them!
I saw this in instagram, took a screenshot and google lens came back with nothing.
Wondering if anyone knows. Even searching around for an ultra slim wheeled case came up dry for something this slim.
Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone! Curious to have a discussion about technology (and entertainment broadly)
I love seeing everyone’s packing setups, but one thing I notice that is a big issue for me is generally the amount of technology I bring with me. I don’t see this come up very often, is everyone getting by with just their phones and small earbuds??
For most short trips, I usually bring my phone, camera (either a micro four thirds camera, or film camera), headphones, and iPad mini (for entertainment, reading, etc., although I also often bring a physical book too…). Work trips, I have all of that plus a laptop, and then of course all the chargers that go along with that (although I’ve just purchased a smaller multiport charger that I think should be powerful enough to replace the bigger chargers down to one smaller charger!). Sometimes I even find myself debating over bringing a small keyboard, which is small and light on its own but with everything else it becomes an unwieldy and unnecessary amount of technology sometimes.
Obviously this all takes up a lot of space/weight! I’m finding it hard to compromise on this stuff. Being in Australia, almost everything is a long haul flight, so things like headphones and some kind of reading material are nonnegotiable. But I also tend to find I pack fewer clothes (and shoes especially!) to keep to 1 bag on short trips, and 1.5 bags on longer trips comfortably.
I’m curious to know if anyone else has this specific struggle and how you made yourself cut back!
Edit: I forgot to add my power bank and little earbuds to the list! And sometimes I bring a small book light, doubles as a little lamp, and uses the same cable as my slightly old power bank
Headed to New Zealand for the holidays to visit my sister in law! We’ll be spending 7 days on the North Island, mainly on the western coast. For the second half we are flying to the South Island and will be traveling in and around Christchurch.
Bringing a small backpack as my personal item along with a carry on roller. Trying to use as little space as possible so I have room to bring back gifts!
We have a lot of outdoor activities and excursions planned, including a few long hikes and tours on the water. There will be a few days spent in cities (Auckland, Christchurch) so wanted to pack a few casual options as well. Not sure if I need to bring anything nicer than a white tee and jeans with vans? We will likely go out to a few nicer dinners but I was hoping to avoid bringing a fourth pair of shoes 😬
Would love any and all feedback on my packing list. I’m mostly nervous about being prepared for the weather, a few of the hikes we have planned could get pretty chilly at the peak and I am also seeing a lot of rain in the forecast. I’m trying to remind myself that it is technically “spring/summer” there, but am still worried I’m not bringing enough warm clothing. Hoping someone can help reassure that I am on the right track or give me some suggestions for how to adjust this list!!
Running shorts Jean shorts Jeans Sweatpants Hiking pants Leggings x 2 T shirt x 2 Long-sleeve workout shirt Workout tank top Insulated pullover hoodie Black pullover sweater Black tee White tee Nicer/dressier blouse?? Sports bras x2 Bralette Nude bra Swimsuit Beanie Baseball cap Hiking boots Vans Birkenstsocks
If you had to put your bags into flair measuring baskets, did it feel like the size was what was mentioned on their website or smaller?
I wonder if old Refugio 28 l backpack would fit as personal item if not too stuffed.
Same about Allpa 35 or should I just get Allpa 28.
I checked all the numbers online, looking for real life examples.
If you used other bags, what worked for you?
I'm a bit nervous this isn't going to be thoughtful enough for it to stay alive, but I'm going to make my first attempt.
I'm a classic overpacker. Growing up car travelling that continued all the way up until last year, I only have a handful of travel that involved flying, and even at that, rental cars on the other end. As you can imagine, there hasn't been much restriction to my packing style.
I'm venturing on a three week trip coming up shortly. I'm flying into Porto, Portugal and taking a week to work my way south to Lisbon. I've always dreamed of traveling by train, so I am taking the train from Lisbon, across to Barcelona, then up through Zermatt to Belgium.
There's lots of travel after that as well, but for baggage, I plan on just a backpack, 40L under packed (if I can take away and lessons from lurking on here) and a shoulder bag for quick access items.
What is the storage like on trains? Do I have to worry about my bag going missing or do most cars have storage at your seat that you can lock your bag to? How do you keep your bag safe?
Also, thank you for all the lessons learned in here! I have already decided to ditch my usual jeans for a dress/tights focused pack to keep size down. I've also picked some accoms where I can wash everything at strategic spots.
I used to travel with laundry sheets to wash my things in the sink. Now that I know that laundry sheets contain polyvinyl alcohol--which is a soluble form of plastic--what is my best solution? There are no machines where I'm going (safari) and I won't carry liquid detergent. Thanks for any help.
Will be visiting Fort Collins for a week (for Christmas)! Have never been to Colorado.
*Plans: Not sure what our plans are yet, but likely will be walking around, hiking, dining out at restaurants, grab drinks, hanging out, etc)
*GOAL(s):
*Weather: -Average High: 40F -Average Low: 19F
*Packing List (so far):
What else you would recommend bringing?
*Also would love ANY recommendations for Dining/Bars, shops, things to do, etc.?
Thank you! :)
Hi everyone, I'll be studying abroad in Europe for about 5 months. There will also be a fair amount of local traveling. I'm looking for a backpack that fits as a personal item for most airlines. Something that would work with RyanAir and other budget airlines especially. I'm also flying United internationally. I've been looking at the Beis Expandable Backpack or the CalPak Terra 26L (Ik this one is a little big but was wondering if I could squeeze it into the sizers?) Any recs are appreciated!
Heading to Japan in a couple of months. Thinking of packing a small and lightweight selfie stick that doubles as a tripod for my iPhone 15. Want it to be compact and lightweight. Prefer to spend $20-30 max. Have you used one and liked it enough to recommend? I’m not sure how much I will use a selfie stick to get pics of my husband and I (I’m sort of self-conscious about using one since I never have before). A tripod would help with taking pics of us before we go out to dinner, etc. I’m comfortable using the timer on the phone photo app so I don’t necessarily need remote control capabilities. Thanks for sharing thoughts/suggestions.
I'm interested in Cadence's new toiletry bag, The Parcel, specifically because it acts as a tray you can reach into, and stand things up in, and is TSA compliant (and tougher than a ziploc). Another item is Parallelle's Small Traveler, a small bag that you can stand up items and organize in a way that makes sense to me (not TSA compliant, so would still need a clear bag, too). My current setup is a quart ziploc and the Sea to Summit small or large hanging bag, and I find I end up organizing all of my stuff on a counter or dresser top. Hanging bags have their benefits, but it's not my preferred workflow. I'd like to keep all of my stuff contained and easily accessible on counters. I know I may have to compromise in some way, but right now I'm just researching these two bags.
I've been looking for reviews that either aren't on their website or aren't otherwise overtly biased, and coming up blank. I'm not sure if that's because it's a new product, or they control reviews tightly. Has anyone used either and can provide feedback? I don't use a lot of makeup, but I do have enough of a routine that I'd like to get it more organized. I'm trying to balance weight/bulk increase with these new bags, and the mental health benefits of better organization.
ETA: travel is primarily in the Americas, UK, and Europe
Mostly visiting family, but I expect the whole range of activities from lounging around the house to holiday parties and from and from walking around all day to zoom meetings for work.
I realize the silver boots are somewhat unconventional, especially for New England, but I want at least one more “fancy” shoe that is still winter weather appropriate, and they are what I have.
If anyone sees an obvious oversight or mistake, please let me know!
Size 16-ish. Will be spending 2 weeks in 90 degree humid weather. My style is very casual. Not a fan of shorts, but dresses and skirts are okay. I don’t hate the heat, but I don’t like sweat stains and looking like a drowned rat. Hoping to find clothes/colors that minimize the noticeable sweat.
Hi! I'm 5'3 with a kind of pathetic frame lol.
I've read that the 35L can feel too large on women at around 5'5? I do think the 35L is able to put away a lot of stuff for it's size but I've only really seen more male dominated reviews so I'm unsure if my perception is a little off, and that a 28L would be more suitable? I'm just worried the 28L won't be able to tuck away all my (decanted) makeup and other toiletries (perhaps a dress too). I also really like the level of built in organisation within the Cotopaxi Allpa but if you have any recommendations for a bag that's just as good (potentially cheaper too) I'd love to read them :D.
edit: I plan on packing for 2 weeks
Thank you so much!!
At home I sleep with two fans on and they have this wonderfully deep sound. I'm trying to find that in a portable white noise machine but most I've seen have really trebley higher sounds. I'm looking some something that can have the bassy depth of sound my big box fan has. Does that exist?
Hey!!!!
I’ve got a trip coming up in literally 11 months’ time (lol) but I’m just so excited for it, I’m already consuming heaps of YouTube videos about travelling/onebagging/backpacking.
Does anyone have any fashion girlie travel influencers to recommend me? Whether that’s YouTube/TikTok/Instagram— I’m so keen to consume travel content, especially from fashion girlies since I’ll be trying to build a somewhat cute capsule wardrobe.
All I’ve found so far is @carbsmakeitokay on Instagram.
Please comment your recommendations 🙏 Thanks in advance!
My biggest space taker in my quart sized bag is my contact solution travel sized container. I don't dare decant this for sterile reasons.
I want to try buying contact solution at my destination for my next trip. My one concern is finding a brand similar to what I currently use because I have tried brands before that didn't moisturize my contacts enough.
I currently use opti-free pure moisture. What is a good equivalent in the UK? Or should I just take the travel size bottle from the US to be safe? I hate how big the travel sized bottles are because I don't even use 1/4 of the bottle for a week long trip.
I'm on the hunt for a large-ish tote with a trolley sleeve for my suitcase that will fit as my personal item for airline travel. I travel weekly and have a carryon suitcase that I love, but my backpack just doesn't seem to have enough room for all my other stuff. Stuff I need to fit inside includes a small purse, 15" laptop and charger, mouse, book, 24oz. Hydro flask water bottle, puffy jacket folded up, and other small misc stuff.
I don't have a price limitation, and would prefer something attractive. I've been eying the Tumi large east west tote, but can't find any reviews on it.
Goal: No or low buy, pack what I already have in my closet instead of buying new outfits for the trip.
After reading everyone’s advice on (my last post)[https://www.reddit.com/r/HerOneBag/s/KufrstrH4Y ], I updated my packing list.
Bottoms: The pants are crepe fabric and the shorts are linen blend. I have worn these pants all year round in western Canada. Though, I plan to bring 1 skirt with a stretchy waistband for when I get bloated. I am not a dress person but may switch the skirt to a cotton black maxi dress with built in bra from Uniqlo.
Tops/Jackets: 100% cotton tees; the black button down shirt is the same fabric as the pants. My rain coat is quite light. The cardigan is a mesh version from Uniqlo.
Accessories: reversible belt, one hat, and 1 pair so sunglasses, not in picture is a nylon foldable tote and cushion socks.
Shoes: Birkenstock Boston (I don’t like open-toe shoes) and Hoka Bondi 8 that I plan to spray them with Carbon Pro. Wore the Bondi and did over 20k steps in my previous trip; they were great. Hate the look but function before fashion as I know feet pain can ruin my vacation.
Backpack: Mystery Ranch 32L. The color is ugly but I got it on clearance. Did a 1-week test run trip with it and fit nicely under the seat.
I still have several months before my trip but it is fun to think about what to pack. Plus, your comments help me improve my packing and travel light!
How difficult (or easy) do you find the task of putting all liquids in a single quart bag when flying cary on only?
Just back from a 2 week holidays in South Korea. When we landed we encountered the biggest snowfall in Nov for 117 years! We didn't expect snow but had packed to be prepared. My 4year old and I aced lightweight winter packing (technically it was a 2.5 bag trip which will be explained later), and wanted to share as there are so many 'what to pack for winter in SK" reddit enquires so I figured I'd spend some time to hope it would help someone else.
_________________________________________
Packing list. Items with an *were bought secondhand at op shops and fb. Lots of good gear here but done cheap.
CLOTHES
The key to our minimalist packing came down to 3 things; we knew we could always pick up more clothes from a store if needed (we didn't end up needing to), we could almost always wash&dry overnight in our airbnb, and we packed to be warm using layers.
SHOES
Was umming an ahhing but decided we needed snowproof shoes. My son wore hightop Keens* and I used some old Scarpas*. Currently pregnant so I threw in a pair of Literide croc sandals for the plane. They were a godsend, and just passable with socks (probably only in SK!).
BAGS
Here in lies the adaptive system. On the way we carried our clothes in a thrifted small carry-on wheely suitcase. The clothes were packed into packing cubes and the puffers and ski pants were stored in STS ultrasil compression bags. I carried an almost empty Osprey Kresta 40*. The lid became our toiletries/medicine bag and the body of the bag only held snacks for the plane.
On the way home I carried all our clothes in the Osprey and our suitcase was completely filled with gifts (books, cosmetics, clothes, toys).
As our general daily carry my son carried the Osprey cinch with our water bottles, powerbank, a small sketchbook and pencils and tape, headphones and snacks, a card game, camera and some small toy cars.
TECH
OVERALL VIBE
We were warm enough for -10c to + 9c and our stuff was light enough for me to carry solo if need be. Carry-on weight to Korea 13kg (inc lunch, snacks and water), on the way back 21kgs. Yes, while it's not true 'one bag' but for a solo pregnant mumma with a 4 year old dependant I think we did ok.
I see all of your posts about putting toiletries and makeup into smaller containers and I've looked up a lot of the recommended containers which look great. Hair products I can easily squeeze into a smaller bottle (been doing a version of this for years) but how do you transfer things like creams and (good grief) deodorant! I would make a disastrous mess and lose half my product!
I followed a suggestion I saw in here about decanting gel deodorant. I don’t like to touch it with my fingers to put it on so the little silicone face spatula was genius. I went from a bigger container that took up a ton of space to something that holds probably 3+ weeks worth when full. There are smaller containers I could have used but I’d still rather have a smidge extra than go wanting.
Hello, I am going to Greece for about 3 weeks and will be doing some studying there. I am looking for a mid-size purse that will hopefully fit an 11inch iPad Pro. I bought a medium nylon Baguu But ultimately did not like this style. What are some crushable bags/ easily packable and not bulky to put into a backpack.
I've searched many threads without any luck so I'm posting in hopes someone else has already solved my pillow problem. I travel via air about 12-15 times a year. I am super susceptible to tension headaches so the right pillow can make or break a trip for me. Also, I am short (5'2") and airplane seats really mess up my neck. I'm on the hunt for a pillow that will support my neck on a flight and can also be used as a hotel pillow - back/side sleeper. Right now I use a Coop pillow in the hotel but it would be amazing to find something I can also use on the plane instead of buying a separate pillow for flying.
Hi! I recently made a post trip report on my trip to Japan and had so much fun putting it together! I mentioned on there that I would be going to India soon, and I decided to make a similar visual list to see if anyone can offer feedback. I just took my Japan clothing post and swapped out some things.
I am going for a family wedding! The wedding starts 3 days after I land and takes places across four events which requires four separate outfits, so figuring this trip out with a one bag is difficult, but I am determined!! And then I'll be staying for another 8 days to see the Golden Triangle (Jaipur, Agra, Delhi) with some other family members.
Questions
I do also have scarves/shawls that go with the wedding outfits that I can use throughout the trip, I just don't have good photos yet to add to my image. Here are the listings that include better photos: Mehndi, Haldi. You may be able to tell that the Mehndi top in my image is verrry poorly edited from the model's photo; I got a bit obsessive about trying to show the top without the shawl covering the shoulder 😅 I haven't been able to take my own photos yet because the outfits are all at a tailor.
While the outfits are at the tailor, I've been trying to simulate the volume of them with thick tshirts and comparable pants. I am somehow magically able to fit both western dresses (so much flowy, bulky fabric!! but I just don't have any other wedding appropriate dresses that are not more revealing), two bulky tshirts, and two other pairs of flowy pants into a small Peak Design compression cube! It works, but it looks so stuffed that I am worried it'll somehow burst, so once I get the actual outfits back from the tailor I will try packing it again and moving things around a bit. All of my other clothes comfortably fit in a medium PD cube before I even take out whatever I end up wearing on the plane, so I can probably move things over to it. Those two travel cubes take up the main compartment of my PD travel backpack, and then my toiletries, electronics, and other random things should all fit in the front pocket. That all will mostly be the same as what I brought to Japan, minus some things I don't think I will need, plus medication (malaria pills and azithromycin).
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EDIT/UPDATE: For the rest of the trip after the wedding, I'll be doing a private Golden Triangle tour with some of my family. We will fly from the city where the wedding it to Jaipur, stay for a few nights, then drive in a large passenger van to Agra for a few nights, then drive to Delhi. We will have a driver/escort the whole time and it will be a pretty structured schedule of seeing touristy areas and shopping markets in each city. It's not exactly what I'd plan if I were doing the trip on my own, but it's all with family in their 60s-70s besides my sister and I (mid 20s, early 30s), and will be a fun way still to see a lot!
I should definitely also mention - I am bringing a packable duffel so that it is possible to expand from one bagging after the wedding since we will be going to several shopping markets. So I am not quite purely one bagging, but I'd like to do so for the flight to Delhi, the domestic flight from Delhi to the wedding, then the domestic flight to Jaipur, then have the ability to use the duffel about 5-6 days into the ~12 day trip (sort of 12 but with 25 hours of flying on either end it's more like 10 days). If i figure out mailing the wedding clothes back before my flight to Jaipur, then I'll have even more space and time before I'd need the duffel.
I got the clothes back from the tailor and they definitely all fit with the two gowns in my small packing cube! Wrinkles are definitely a concern, so I decided to pack them all in there for a full day before making this update, and they are generally ok! Some light wrinkles on the green pants but I think with some steamy showers and maybe a wrinkle release spray after I land they will be fine for the wedding. I have them all hanging now and will just pack them before I leave, then I will have a full two days after arriving before I need to wear any of them so I'll have time to figure out de-wrinkling.