One bagging is the embodiment of minimalistic packing. Today, we’re diving into the wonderful world of one-bagging. So, what exactly is this magical concept? Well, think of it as the packing version of minimalism. It’s like Marie Kondo came along and sprinkled her decluttering magic on your travel suitcase!
When it comes to traveling, most adventurers tend to overpack. They want to be prepared for every possible scenario and cram every square inch the airline allows on board, and end up squeezing in some more checked luggage if they can afford it. It’s like they’re planning a world tour in a single trip!
But let me tell you a little secret: the essence of travel lies in the experiences, not the number of outfits you can squeeze into your bag. That’s where one bagging swoops in like a travel guru, guiding you toward a more enlightened way of packing.
One bagging is all about packing fewer but more practical things. It’s about embracing the art of simplicity and leaving behind the excess baggage—both literal and metaphorical. No more lugging around giant suitcases that could rival a sumo wrestler’s weight!
Why Consider One Bag Travel?
Well, let me break it down for you. First and foremost, it brings you a sense of freedom. When you travel with one bag, you’re unburdened by the weight of excessive stuff. You can breeze through airports, hop on and off trains, and wander the cobblestone streets effortlessly. It’s like being a nimble explorer, unencumbered by unnecessary baggage.
One bagging lets you be more organized as you have limited space to work with. You tend to become more mindful and cautious of what you pack. You become a packing ninja, carefully selecting items that can have multiple uses. You become a master of creativity with limited resources.
Oh, and let’s not forget about the time-saving aspect. Not having to wait around at baggage carousels or worrying about lost luggage lets you jump straight into adventure mode. No more frantic searches for that elusive pair of socks buried at the bottom of a massive suitcase. You’re all set to hit the ground running and make the most of your travel experiences.
But perhaps the best benefit of one-bagging is the mental clarity it brings. By letting go of material excess, you focus on what truly matters: the people you meet, the places you explore, and the memories you create. It’s like a minimalist mindset seeping into your travel philosophy, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in exploring the world.
OneBag Subreddit
Packing with only one bag requires some thought and planning, but it ultimately allows for a more enjoyable and stress-free travel experience. With the limited space available in your one bag, you’ll have to be mindful of every item you pack. This means prioritizing the essentials over unnecessary items that would just weigh you down.
A great place to start when creating your one-bag packing list is by going through sample packing lists. r/OneBag is one such resource that you can turn to for your one-bagging needs. OneBag is a subreddit on Reddit. It is a community of urban minimalists who are dedicated to the concept of carrying less stuff while traveling. It revolves around the idea of packing fewer items into a single bag to simplify transportation and prioritize the travel experience over logistical concerns.
To simplify your life, we have delved into the OneBag subreddit and curated comprehensive packing lists that cater to all your adventures and fulfill your every requirement. Let’s get into it!
OneBag Sample Packing list
OneBag presents a versatile sample packing list https://www.reddit.com/r/onebag/wiki/packing-lists/ that serves as a great starting point for your adventures. Feel free to personalize and tailor the list according to your unique style and preferences. It’s a fantastic foundation to kickstart your packing journey!
Consider the climate and activities you’ll encounter on your trip. For example, if you’re headed to a beachy destination, pack lightweight clothing such as breezy dresses and swimwear. If you plan to go hiking, include sturdy shoes and activewear. Additionally, opt for versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits without taking up too much space.
Sample packing list
- 1 bag: Choose any bag (here are my suggestions) that accommodates your belongings and suits your preferences.
- 3-5 pairs of underwear: Opt for quick-drying synthetic materials, ideal for hand washing.
- 3 pairs of socks: Consider quick-drying synthetic or lightweight wool for convenient hand washing.
- 1-2 bras: One bra can even serve as the top for a two-piece swimsuit.
- 3-5 shirts and t-shirts: Select casual/formal options based on your needs, and prioritize anti-wrinkle and quick-drying fabrics if possible.
- 1-2 pairs of pants: Include a casual pair and, if necessary, a formal pair or a versatile option that covers both requirements.
- 1 pair of shorts: Quick-drying shorts can also double as swim trunks.
- 1-2 pairs of shoes: Opt for a versatile and comfortable pair or consider one closed-toe pair along with a pair of sandals.
- 1 mid-layer: Bring a sweater, lightweight fleece, or a puffy down jacket depending on your preferences.
- 1 jacket: Choose a casual/formal jacket as needed, and if required, opt for a packable rain shell.
- 1 small toiletry kit: Pack essentials such as a travel toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, small sunscreen, small soap, and a small first aid kit.
- 1 electronics kit: Don’t forget your phone, charger, earbuds, a universal adapter, and a small power bank.
- 1 everyday carry: Remember to pack your wallet, passport, versatile watch, pen, keys, and other necessary items.
Category-Wise Packing List
Another useful list I came across on the OneBag subreddit is A Guide on Preparing For Your First or Next Trip : r/onebag where the Redditor has grouped his needs into different “kits,” each focusing on specific areas.
The categories were broken down as below:
- Critical Items – Absolute essentials that should never leave your side.
- Clothes
- Toiletries & First Aid
- Electronics – For entertainment and charging necessities.
- Information – Copies of important documents.
- Flight Gear – Optional, but highly recommended
- Miscellaneous – Personal items that make your journey more enjoyable (Optional, depending on your preferences)
The objective behind these kits is to make it effortless for you and to ensure you have everything you need. Now, let’s delve into each category.
Critical Items
Stash them in the front pocket for quick access:
- Passport
- Wallet
- Phone
Clothes
Store these in a single packing cube, neatly tucked at the bottom of your bag:
- 3 Shirts (could be reduced to 2 or even 1)
- 2 Pairs of socks
- 2 Pairs of underwear
- Swim trunks
- 1 Pair of pants/shorts
- Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes
- Throwaway sandals packed next to the packing cube
Cold Weather (If applicable)
These items find a spot wherever they fit in the backpack:
- Packable Down Jacket
- Packable Parka
- Long Sleeve shirt
- Thin Sweater
- Beanie
Toiletries/First Aid
All toiletries and first aid items are packed in a dedicated toiletry kit:
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Sink Stopper
- Tweezers
- Small Mirror
- Chapstick
- Travel Trimmer
- Comb
- Deodorant
- Soap
- Wet Wipes
- Packtowl
- Scrub
- Q-Tip/Floss Pack
- First aid kit (including bandages, alcohol wipes, Neosporin, and various medicines such as Acetaminophen, Melatonin, Advil PM, Pepto, and Nyquil)
Electronics
These items are packed wherever they fit in the bag:
- PSP/Nintendo Switch
- iPad with loaded videos and books
- Travel Adapter
Use a portable hard drive case to store the following:
- Portable Charger
- Two micro USB cables
- Audio Splitter
- Wall adapter
- Micro USB to Lightning adapter
Information
Keep a folder containing copies of the following documents:
- Passport
- ID
- Debit/Credit cards
- Hotel/hostel/Airbnb confirmations
- Flight confirmations
Flight Gear
These items are packed wherever they fit in the bag:
- Inflatable Neck Pillow
- Eye Mask
- Earplugs (take these anyway)
Miscellaneous
You can use a clip for your water bottle and hang it off of a strap for quick access. Otherwise, these items are stored wherever they fit.
- Journal / Pens / Pencils
- Playing cards
- Water bottle
- Snacks! (Peach gummies and jerky if you like)
What Redditors had to say about this list
u/FlippinFlags “This a good list for those who want to pack for “what if”.. or make sure they have more than enough…To me personally, I am trying to get away from “what if” and even go in the direction of somewhat uncomfortable as I’ll have so little but also a lot more free than I am now at 21L.”
Packing lists for Women and Men
Below we have two more lists dedicated to men and women specifically. These lists have been compiled by a member of the OneBag community after going through 36 packing lists, so you better believe it covers all essentials.
Women OneBag Packing List
The baseline packing list for a woman is:
- A backpack – Any backpack you prefer
- A day bag – Timbuk2 Rift Tote
- A packing cube – Amazon Basics
- A jacket – Mochoose ultralight down
- Shoes – Doc Martens Santanita
- Two pair of trousers – Athleta Altitude and Target jeans
- One pair of tights or leggings – Uniqlo
- Heattech leggings
- One pair of shorts – Patagonia Quandary
- A sweater or hoodie – Uniqlo Merino
- A dress – H&M linen blend
- A shirt – Icebreaker Merino
- A tee shirt – Uniqlo Airism
- Five underwear – Icebreaker Siren Hipkini
- Two bras – Icebreaker Siren
- Four socks – Darn Tough Vertex
- Toothbrush – Muji folding toothbrush
- Toothpaste – Tom’s Toothpaste
- Soap – Dr. Bronner’s bar
- Shampoo – Lush shampoo bar
- Deodorant – Native
- Feminine hygiene products
- Phone – iPhone SE (unlocked)
- Phone charger and USB wall plug
- Earphones or headphones – Bose QuietComfort II
- Wallet – Loksak pouch
Men OneBag Packing List
This list has been compiled based on 63 lists. The baseline packing list for a man is:
- Any carry-on backpack you prefer and a day bag
- Two Eagle Creek packing cubes
- Arc’teryx Atom LT jacket
- Adidas NMD R1 sneakers
- Two trousers – Lululemon ABC and Outlier Futureworks
- Outlier New Way shorts
- Patagonia capilene shirt
- Three Uniqlo Airism tee shirts
- Four Uniqlo Airism boxer briefs
- Three pairs of Darn Tough tactical socks
- Airpods pro
- Anker PowerCore portable charger
- Muji folding toothbrush
- Dent Tabs toothpaste
What Redditors had to say about this list
u/NewtonPrep “This post should be highlighted for all newbies moving forward. Thank you for sifting through the commentaries and distilling it down to the popular essentials for the one-bag community.”
Best Carry-on Backpacks for One-bagging
Now that we have covered the basics and the most practical items that you can pack, let’s move on to an equally important aspect: choosing the best carry-on backpacks for packing all of the above. The right backpack can make a world of difference in terms of comfort, organization, and overall travel experience. When it comes to size, the most commonly used sizes are anywhere between 30L-45L. Here are some top recommendations to consider:
1. Nomatic Travel Bag 30L
Check Out the Nomatic 30L Travel bag
When it comes to one-bag travel, the Nomatic Travel Bag 30L stands out as a top contender in the world of backpacks. This remarkable backpack has earned its reputation as one of the best travel backpack brands available today, and it certainly lives up to the hype. With its thoughtfully designed features and exceptional functionality, the Nomatic Travel Bag is a must-have companion for any traveler.
What sets the Nomatic Travel Bag apart is its meticulous organization system. It boasts a range of specific compartments and pockets that cater to different needs. For instance, there are dedicated compartments for toiletries, allowing you to keep them separate from your clothes and electronics. This means no more digging through your entire bag in search of that elusive toothbrush or charger. Everything has its designated place, making it incredibly easy to find what you need when you need it.
Another standout feature is its compliance with carry-on regulations. The Nomatic Travel Bag has been meticulously designed to meet the size restrictions imposed by airlines, ensuring that you can effortlessly navigate through airports without worrying about checking in your bag. This not only saves you time and money but also provides peace of mind knowing that your belongings are always within reach.
In terms of quality, the Nomatic Travel Bag is second to none. It is crafted from durable materials that can withstand the rigors of travel, ensuring that it remains in excellent condition even after countless journeys. The attention to detail and craftsmanship are evident in every aspect of the backpack, from the reinforced stitching to the sturdy zippers. This backpack is built to last, making it a worthwhile investment for any avid traveler.
Innovation is at the core of the Nomatic Travel Bag. Its creators have gone above and beyond to incorporate ingenious features that enhance functionality. From its easy access pockets to its convenient strap system, this backpack has been designed with the traveler in mind. It’s not just a bag; it’s a companion that simplifies your journey and elevates your travel experience.
All in all, the Nomatic Travel Bag 30L is an exceptional backpack that ticks all the boxes for one-bag travel. Its ample space, intelligent organization, compliance with carry-on regulations, and exceptional quality make it a standout choice for adventurers seeking a reliable and functional backpack. With the Nomatic Travel Bag by your side, you’ll be ready to conquer the world, one destination at a time.
If you would like to know more about user experience, here is a great post by a Redditor who had the chance to test out the Nomatic Travel Bag 20/30L for a weekend trip Giving the Nomatic 20/30L a try this week…despite mixed reviews : r/onebag
What Redditors had to say about it
u/xtrubambinoxpr “I got both the Briggs-Riley medium, Large, & the nomadic to test them all out and hands down the NOmatic takes the cake. it just fits everything and was a good weekend bag when I needed it recently because of the expansion. I am going to be returning the others and am super happy with my purchase hands down.”
2. Tortuga Outbreaker
Check The Guaranteed Best Price
Despite the release of the newer Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L, V4 (which is intended to replace the Outbreaker), the Outbreaker remains a beloved choice among travelers. This backpack combines efficiency, modern design, and ample storage capacity, and is often accepted as a carry-on by most airlines. Therefore, it serves as an excellent option for digital nomads who desire to pack numerous items while still maintaining extra space.
The Outbreaker is available in two sizes: 35L and 45L. Although the 45L variant is the most popular and recommended by most travelers, those seeking to travel ultralight and have a comparatively small body size can opt for the 35L version. This backpack is highly regarded for its exceptional organizational features, making it a valuable asset for individuals who tend to carry a significant amount of gear.
It boasts three compartments in total, with the main compartment opening like a suitcase for easy access to all belongings. The main compartment offers ample space, making it ideal for world travelers who need to pack a substantial amount of clothing. Additionally, within the main compartment, six additional enclosed compartments provide further organization, ensuring that each item has its designated place.
The backpack’s suspension system is designed to perfection, allowing for effortless maneuvering through airports, while the comfortable and adjustable hip belt enhances overall comfort. In conclusion, the Tortuga Outbreaker Backpack is the ideal choice for anyone seeking maximum storage space within a carry-on, a sturdy suspension system, a waterproof design, and exceptional organizational features.
What Redditors had to say about it
u/sadisticoregonian “I had the 35L Outbreaker which served me incredibly well for 5 months in Southeast Asia! Comfortable over long walks and well built; held up to tons of abuse. I’m still happy with the bag to this day.”
3. Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
If you’re someone who needs a backpack with a bit more room to accommodate your travel needs, look no further than the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L. This backpack is perfect for those who like to travel light yet still need enough space to accommodate all their essentials.
What sets this backpack apart from others is its versatility. It’s not just limited to long trips but can also double as a weekend bag or even a daypack. So whether you’re going on a road trip, camping, or simply exploring new cities, the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L has got your back. This bag can be sized from 30L to 45L, so you are always carry-on compliant.
This backpack meets international max carry-on standards in the default 35L configuration.
Another standout aspect of the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is its organization system. Peak Design backpacks excel in organizational features, offering easy access from multiple points. The back access is convenient, resembling a suitcase, but not suitable for hiking or heavy camera gear. The rear opening allows efficient packing and dual-side access is useful for integrating camera cubes. The front section has a full-length zipper and can be removed for duffel bag use.
The backpack has abundant external handles for easy grabbing. The main compartment is accessible via a full zipper and has elastic loops for camera cubes. It includes a dedicated laptop sleeve and well-designed pockets for organization. The exterior features a quick stash pocket, a hidden side pocket, and a magnetic external pouch. The interior has four compartments, with mesh and nylon pockets. The expandable side pockets are durable and have a hidden zippered pocket.
So if you’re looking for a backpack that combines functionality, organization, and quality, look no further than the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L.
What Redditors had to say about it
u/HeyThatLooksCool “This has been my travel backpack for a few years now and I can’t see myself needing anything else. Love it.”
Takeaway
Not only does one-bagging simplify the logistics of traveling, but it also allows for a more immersive experience. When you’re not weighed down by excess luggage, you can easily explore new destinations on foot, hop on public transportation without worrying about maneuvering large suitcases, and even take spontaneous detours off the beaten path.
Of course, the art of one-bagging requires some planning and organization. You have to carefully consider what items are essential for your trip and what can be left behind. Investing in lightweight, versatile clothing and accessories can also help maximize space and minimize weight.
So, next time you’re gearing up for a trip, challenge yourself to embrace the simplicity of one-bagging. So go ahead, try one bagging on your next adventure, and see how light and free you can feel!
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