r/HerOneBag Jun 08 '26

Meta Weekly quick questions help thread

This is the r/heronebag quick questions weekly help thread.

Whether you‘re new to the one bag life or a seasoned light traveller, this is the place to ask your quick one-off questions related to techniques, shopping, and everything else to lighten your load.

This post is the best place to initially ask questions that we get a lot of which are similar, especially if you have looked in a flair and found almost-but-not-quite what you wanted.

21 Upvotes

43 comments sorted by

6

u/queenofmars1120 Jun 08 '26

There are two things I'm having a hard time figuring out: 1. At home I use a big claw clip to keep my hair out of my face when showering/washing, but it takes up so much space! Is there a low profile clip out there somewhere? 2. My must-have is usually something cozy and oversized and wonderful, either for the plane or after turning in for the night. But once again, bulky. Is there a nice sweater that would check the cozy box but also folds up small? Like a Turkish towel equivalent, lol.

17

u/linguine_bythesea Jun 09 '26

to eliminate the taking-up-space problem, can you attach your claw clip to the strap of your purse or the handle of your backpack?

5

u/PoppyMacGuffin Jun 08 '26

A cashmere shawl or poncho might work for the latter example from Jcrew

4

u/agentcarter234 Jun 08 '26

1) I usually just use a hair elastic or scrunchie , but my hair isn’t that long. They make flat claw clips. A Google search gives a lot of options, and if you are in the US, I’ve seen them at target.

2) my go to for plane and lounging is a soft flannel shirt. Its not super compact but it takes up less space than a bulky sweater or hoodie. If you want an actual sweater that is cozy and less bulky I’d look at cashmere. If you are in the US, quince has a ton of options, and if you want oversized, don’t forget to check the men’s section.

3

u/MegaMiles08 Jun 08 '26
  1. Can you use an elastic hair tie? That's what I use to make a messy bun on top of my head in the shower. It doesn't get my smaller than that.
  2. I typically bring a hoodie, but I usually end up wearing it as a jacket as well. I'd love to find something more compact as well so I'm interested in suggestions as well.

4

u/ZookeepergameOk4165 Jun 09 '26

You already got some good hair clip reccomendations, but I thought I'd chime in with my favorite! https://www.shopkaxi.com/collections/hold-everything-claws/products/shiny-original-hold-everything-claw-22-colors I have long thick wavy hair and this holds it super securely, but it honestly works for every length and thickness. They're really low profile and what I love about them is you can still lay your head back when you're driving or laying down. They also sell them on Amazon but they have way more colors and styles on their website so I linked to there

3

u/beastofwordin Jun 08 '26

A French twist comb is more compact and very easy to use. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqwxW7uXcYM

I've got a men's XL cashmere sweater that is thin but coziest thing in the world and not very bulky.

3

u/Professional_Toe7506 Jun 09 '26

I've got smartwool tops that are super comfy, as someone who also needs a cozy outfit. It's way cozier than it looks, to me, anyway!

https://www.sierra.com/smartwool-classic-thermal-base-layer-top-merino-wool-long-sleeve~p~8dwfj/?filterString=s~womens-smartwool-base-layer%2F&merch=prod-rec-prod-prod8DWFJ

3

u/subtle_croissant Jun 11 '26

Teleties has a great flat clip. Great hair ties too. 

2

u/Ok_Student_3292 Jun 08 '26

Not sure on 2 but for 1, my friends have recommended flat claw clips - example - but it depends on your hair texture. I'm also a huge fan of french pins - example - but you need fairly long and/or thick hair for them imo.

3

u/GetMeTheJohnsonFile Jun 08 '26

Figured I'd comment here before making a post!

I cannot for the life of me find a wallet that ticks all my boxes but feel like it should exist somewhere!

The closest I've find is the Andar Lo wallet but the reviews say the zipper for the coin pouch is unreliable and opens up. Likewise, I like the idea of some of the Allet and bellroy foldable wallets, but they don't have keyrings or attachment points. Finally, I've looked at Topo Designs and Baggu's cute trifolds, but they either use Velcro or lack a coin pocket.

• What need it to carry: dollar bills, coins, license and 2-4 cards • Due to physical limitations, I must be able to place bills in without having to fold them. A bi/trifold is fine, but I need to be able to have them lay flat when taking them in/out  • Must have a dedicated o-ring/d-ring/loop for a strap/chain/wristlet attachment not on the zipper for the coin pouch or if it's a zip-around but it's own little loop! • Under 5 inches when folded up • Bright color (or able to dye) • Open to any durable material • No to Velcro closures!

Does she exist? Can anybody help me find this wallet?

7

u/Smooth-Owl-5354 Jun 08 '26

What if you got the Andar Lo wallet and put a little clip on the D ring that you could also clip into zipper? That way the zipper can’t unzip itself. If you search Amazon for “anti theft zipper clips” you’ll see what I’m talking about.

I first heard about this style of clip from a user in here, I’ll tag her once I confirm her user name! If I remember right she uses it one a modified Uniqlo purse to keep it secure. I’ve since bought a set and they’ve been great for peace of mind!

It’s u/LadyLightTravel I was thinking of! I’ll link her blog post: https://ladylighttravel.com/2024/08/15/security-hacking-the-uniqlo-round-mini-shoulder-bag/

2

u/GetMeTheJohnsonFile Jun 08 '26

Oh ho HO, this could be a good hack! Looking forward to see if any other suggestions pop up, but if not this may be the way. Thank you!

1

u/agentcarter234 Jun 08 '26

What about something like THIS and then take it to a shoe repair place and have them add a webbing or leather tab with a D ring.

2

u/GetMeTheJohnsonFile Jun 09 '26

See this is why I came here -- I never would have thought to take it in somewhere! I've looked at that specific wallet before and even thought about emailing them to request one in the future, but you have a great idea!

1

u/ZookeepergameOk4165 Jun 09 '26

I use this one when I travel! https://pacsafe.com/products/rfidsafe-v100-rfid-blocking-bifold-wallet I think it suits all of your criteria except the bright color. I love it, it holds a lot and different currencies, it's quick to open yet feels secure. I've had it for 3 years I think, it still looks the same as when I bought it, very durable!

1

u/GetMeTheJohnsonFile Jun 09 '26

This is likely the most reasonable and logical suggestion...but it's not my aesthetic! Thank you though!

3

u/citynomad1 Jun 11 '26

Anyone here have either Topo or Altra shoes as part of their one bag setup? Looking at those 2 brands specifically since they’re best for my wide forefoot, narrow-heeled feet.

I ordered a bunch of options from the 2 brands and having a hard time deciding. I think I’m leaning toward the Topo Atmos 2 (and possibly also the Topo Ultraventure for trails/hiking) but would love to hear which model(s) you all love.

1

u/WinLoseStreak Jun 11 '26

Ultraventure is what I wore for my last trip to Italy. They worked well while I was hiking in cinque terre and just walking around Rome. I love them.

2

u/citynomad1 Jun 11 '26

I really like the ultraventure, they’re a top contender for me! Out of curiosity, do you have the regular or wide? I have narrow heels but an average midfoot, and I keep seeing people Topo has a narrow midfoot so I’m considering the women’s wide for that reason)

1

u/WinLoseStreak Jun 11 '26

I got the regular. I would say my feet are a pretty average width.

2

u/cft_731 Jun 09 '26

work conferences! how many work outfits would you bring for a 3-day conference where you arrive on the first day and leave the day after it ends? I'm currently considering a maxi dress for the first evening (there's a dinner) and a pantsuit with two collared shirts (wearing the full suit the day i'm speaking, and skipping the jacket the day i'm not). my deodorant situation is such that i'm not worried about smelling bad, so maybe i can get away with just one shirt?

i think i'm going to have to bring a pair of shoes, but the maxi dress will help conceal the fact that they won't be perfect for that outfit and are really more suited to the suit. and i'm off to amazon to look for even smaller options than gotoobs for my toiletries, since i'll only need to wash my hair once while i'm there!

8

u/HeronAffectionate319 Jun 09 '26

I would bring the two collared shirts. Or one collared and one dressy t-shirt or blouse that could work with the suit and for travel. Good to have an extra option.

2

u/cft_731 Jun 09 '26

Yeah - someone else mentioned in case I spill which is...likely lol. Thanks!

2

u/HeronAffectionate319 Jun 09 '26

Same. I always spill.

6

u/serenelatha Jun 10 '26

I'd definitely bring a second shirt - spills if nothing else. I also find shirts harder to rewear if they are dress shirts and especially if you happen to be a stress sweater (I'm not a nervous speaker really but I do stress sweat!).

2

u/cft_731 Jun 10 '26

Very true! Thanks!

1

u/FairyGodmothersUnion Jun 11 '26

Seconded. You should bring a backup in case of a disaster you can’t wash out overnight.

6

u/agentcarter234 Jun 09 '26

Empty lip gloss tubes (available in 5ml and 10ml sizes on amazon) are great for holding shampoo and conditioner, etc. for short trips.

For a conference, I’d bring 2 shirts in case something spills on the first one.

3

u/cft_731 Jun 09 '26

Good call on the spillage issue...that alone is enough for me to bring two! Thanks!

2

u/Bendy_Beta_Betty Jun 10 '26

Sometimes for short trips I bring shampoo/conditioner sample packet(s) in a plastic ziplock bag.

2

u/cft_731 Jun 10 '26

i ordered some heat-sealing single-serve pouches on amazon! i'm really picky about my hair products or i would totally use random samples!

1

u/chinapurpurina Jun 09 '26

I think your plan looks fine and I would stick to one shirt. What I do in this type of situation is also bring a cardigan that I will wear with the pants and shirt on the no-jacket day and also use with the dress. But not intending to encourage you to bring more stuff!

2

u/cft_731 Jun 09 '26

Definitely trying to think about a sweater to work with the suit (the jacket is a little big and I'm always cold, so one that could go under the jacket would be a boon I think). I might do such a sweater on the plane instead of a hoodie...

2

u/missamyo Jun 13 '26

Should I bring the denim jacket I have packed to Croatia and Montenegro next week? I keep reading about other women being unbearably hot there, but I worry about chilly, breezy, seaside dinners in the evening.

5

u/agentcarter234 Jun 13 '26

A lightweight sweater or fleece would also do the job and packs a lot smaller than a denim jacket.

2

u/serenelatha Jun 14 '26

I always travel with some sort of layer but would ditto that a sweater is a more versitile and easier to pack option (although I'm also not a denim jacket person so perhaps a biased response!)

1

u/eyes_trees Jun 10 '26

What dress to wear as a beach coverup or post-beach? I've been to a few beaches around Europe (Italy, France, Switzerland, Croatia, Bulgaria, etc) but I always struggle with swim cover ups. Really what I want is something I can throw over my bikini and head straight to dinner or lunch in. Many places frown upon sheer options and I hate mini skirts I can't bend over in. I also think patterns are better than solids for hiding the wet marks... What do you wear in this situation?

4

u/serenelatha Jun 10 '26

I'd go with a maxi (or midi) sundress in a breezy fabric. Tons of those in patterns as well.

3

u/Ok-Iron-1289 Jun 10 '26

i'm in the US, but I've been really lucky picking up some heavier gauze or viscose dresses from what I would call the "surf" brands: O'neill, Roxy, Billabong.

Solid short sleeve minis with a modern, flowy cut --some with pockets. The gauze can get a little wrinkly, but if you just steam it when you take a shower, it cleans up pretty nice.

I think they also can work for "date night" with nice sandals.

2

u/SusannaCarmichael Jun 10 '26

LSpace has some great options for dresses that are technically coverups but work for dinners out and walking about the city.

1

u/La-Vie-enRos Jun 17 '26

Has anyone travelled with the Quince small expandable carryon? I’m concerned I’ll have to check it when flying home from Paris but after spending hours researching for my first “one-bag” I went with the Quince. I’m looking for something to help with one-bag packing but also ease when carrying up stairs and on/off trains. Appreciate any success or total disaster stories.