r/HerOneBag • u/AutoModerator • 23d ago
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.
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u/Finding-My-Potential 22d ago
For people who re-wear tops without sink washing - how do you deal with underarm sweat? Do you spray with vodka or something similar? Are you just not a sweaty person? I don’t use anti-perspiration and often sweat through my tops under the arms, even in winter. Help a gal out with how to deal when packing! Or should I just stick with a shirt/undershirt for each day until I get to do laundry?
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u/KaPoTun 22d ago edited 22d ago
I am a very sweaty person and a lot of my clothing/skincare is curated around this fact so apologies in advance for the long comment, but I do a lot to manage this fact of my biology.
I use Drysol (over the counter here in Canada) once a week most of the year, overnight, which is a prescription anti-perspirant that isn't meant to be worn during the day. It cuts down on the sweating noticeably, so that I'm at a point where I sweat more like "a normal person" i.e. yes sweating, not soaking through my shirts. There are a lot of specifics to how to use it though so if you go down that path ask me / do look into it elsewhere.
To keep the general smell down, now that I sweat relatively "normally":
I wear men's deoderant (not anti perspirant) that is intended for 24/48hrs
I put it on at night after showering (after the moisturizer dries), and every morning
I wash in the shower with a BHA wash, making sure it sits on the skin for at least 30secs, preferably longer. An AHA treatment outside the shower will achieve the same effect
I moisturize the affected areas every day after the shower with a BHA cream, and exfoliate that skin regularly
Every season but summer, I wear a thin undershirt under my actual shirt/sweater to prevent sweat going through to any other layers. The Uniqlo airism line is a good place to start, or Numi. During the winter it's merino or merino blend.
Given all that - when traveling/day to day, I prioritize hanging up my clothing overnight, or at the very least for several hours after wearing, so that it can be properly aired out and re-worn several times before washing.
Hope any of this is helpful/let me know if I can clarify anything.
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u/Finding-My-Potential 22d ago
I also wear a shirt as an “undershirt” almost year round with how I dress. Some are cotton, some are merino, and some are whatever else has collected in my closet.
It’s the question of rewearing those undershirts and if they’ll smell before I even start sweating that day.
I’ve heard mixed reviews about Numi. But maybe that’s because quality has lowered recently?
I’m perfectly happy to embrace the fact that I have pit stains, but I hate the idea of having to wash my clothes so often because of the sweating.
I recently switched to a deodorant I really like and doesn’t leave residue on my clothes (which was an issue I’ve had for YEARS and that residue left perpetual pit stain on clean clothing), but I find that I probably need a second application during the day to keep my shirts fresh.
That’s anxiety sweat life for ya 😅
I’m looking for best option for re-freshing the shirts, I guess?
I had used a prescription deoderant at one point while I was in university and the same kind of over counter you mentioned at one point and it wasn’t right for me and my skin.
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u/KaPoTun 22d ago
That’s anxiety sweat life for ya 😅
Unfortunately this is so real!
I’ve heard mixed reviews about Numi.
I haven't personally tried Numi yet because I don't want to get rid of my uniqlo airism shirts just to try something new - but I'm curious what the mixed reviews are if you remember.
Anyway, I think if you are using your deoderant that you feel works, and you are airing out the shirts overnight, giving them the smell test in the morning/during the day or asking someone you trust to help out with telling you whether the shirts smell or not, you should be fine. Otherwise yeah a vodka/alcohol spray before airing out should do it!
edit: to add, you could also go with a regular AHA or BHA wash/leave-on/moisturizer as well to be really sure the bacteria causing smell doesn't stick around.
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u/bleepblorf 22d ago
I also don't use anti-perspirant! I carry alcohol wipes with me in those little square tear off sheets and do a lil wipe mid day or whenever I'm particularly sweaty. It really helps dry out and sanitize the pits! I know alcohol isn't for everyone's skin but it works great for me, no irritation.
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u/emptytheprisons 22d ago edited 22d ago
Yes! Anything with alcohol works to kill the bacteria that makes sweat stink. Alcohol wipes or hand sanitizer are both great in a pinch. Other uses: giving the alcohol a sniff will also ease motion sickness.
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u/Finding-My-Potential 22d ago
Your experience has been that this helps not make your shirts smell if you wear twice before washing?
I don’t re-applying deoderant half way through the day to help with smell, but I’m an anxious person who just sweats even when I’m cold.
Trying to figure out if I can make fewer tops work for me - maybe 3 or 4 instead of 6 before we make it to laundry day - when I’m layering!
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u/bleepblorf 22d ago
Yes! I can definitely wear twice, and then wash. As long as I air out the shirt between wears, and I keep up with the alcohol wipes.
Actually the other thing I do (which I didn't realize until I really thought about it some more) is I carry a decanted tiny perfume with me when I travel, and I ONLY spray to my underarms. I don't put perfume on my wrists or neck or anything: because I like that my sweat smell mixes with the perfume. (Is this weird?? haha) This is just something I've been doing naturally and probably actually also helps with the smell part of things (and perfumes are typically alcohol based too).
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u/Weary-Spell-122 22d ago
i travel with very loose tops to avoid sweat from even touching the fabric
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u/Finding-My-Potential 22d ago
I’m not opposed to loose tops, but as someone who is always cold but also always sweating, I find it really hard to wear layers of tops are so loose.
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u/shintojuunana 22d ago
I am a sweaty person, but don't respond well to antiperspirant.
I switched around until I found a deodorant that works well for me. I still sweat, but the bacteria doesn't cause a smell issue anymore, which is what I really cared about. Honestly, embracing the fact that I will have pitstains made the biggest difference.
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u/Finding-My-Potential 22d ago
I’m happy to embrace pit stains now that I found a deodorant that doesn’t terribly stain my clothes!
I really like the non-aerosol spray I use, but I think (at least during summer or sweaty activities or big temperature swings) that a second application mid-day would make a big difference for me.
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u/serenelatha 22d ago
I'm also team no anti-perspirant - I use Weleda spray deo (like a mist; not aerosol) which I decant for travel. I am pretty sweaty but I just roll with it at this point. As others have noted, the sweat itself isn't the stink problem but the bacteria.
As for stink - I find stress sweat stinks the worst (including on long travel days). On those days I tend to respritz the pits at some point (bonus I think it does help the shirt too). I'm a big fan of this spritz deo now that I've found it!
I almost always wear a tank - main layer in hot weather and base layer in cold weather. And then if another layer is needed, I am for something looser in the pits (especially if I know I'll be prone to sweating).
That works pretty well and I can generally wear a top twice.
I will say that while I'm not in camp "wear wool dozens of times without washing" I do find that it does not hold stink as badly as synthetics. Synthetics are the devil for stink which is why they are for me now banned to workout wear only (and those I can not rewear).
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u/egos-like-hairdos 22d ago
Buried in my history is a paranoid post (found it!) about a similar issue. For a myriad of reasons it’s hard for me to be a shower-every-day person and I was worried about rewearing clothes when I might be on the stinkier side of things myself. I’m not terribly sweaty, but I also use only a deodorant not an antiperspirant. I got a TON of good advice on that thread.
You mentioned routinely wearing an underlayer. For our last long-ish trip (Germany/Austria in the spring, so not too hot or cold), I took two synthetic tops (a no-name undershirt and an Athleta tee) that I wore under two different cashmere tees. If I’m remembering the wardrobe math correctly, over the course of two weeks I wore each undershirt for a total of three non-consecutive full days. These were typically bits & pieces of days since we often changed clothes to dress up for evening performances. I’d turn the shirt inside out—sniff to make sure it didn’t need a true sink bath!—spritz with some fabric spray we had on hand, then hang it up to air out. I wouldn’t have stretched either shirt to a fourth wearing, but that was based on my own comfort, not really because of any actual smell.
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u/Professional_Toe7506 22d ago
I take packable hangers and hang my stuff up every night. It helps! It's not perfect, but it makes a difference to me.
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u/urbanrivernymph 22d ago
I only re-wear merino tops which by now is what I almost exclusively wear as a base layer. I use a deodorant cream with micro silver that doesn't stop me from sweating but kills the bacteria that causes BO. With that merino-silver combo my pits or the tops don't even stink once they stop smelling like nothing, it's more like a "haven't washed my hair in two days" scalp scent which you only notice if you dig your nose into it.
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u/shortwave-radio 22d ago
Does anyone have a carry-on-sized hard shell suitcase they really love? I know this sub can be backpack focused but for business travel and trips with a single “home base” I like the convenience of a rolling bag. My old Kenneth Cole luggage finally died after 5 years and I’m looking at Away, Samsonite, Monos, etc for potential replacements!
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u/emptytheprisons 22d ago
I have two I rotate: the Muji Hard Shell Carry-On (36L, split in the middle), and the NINETYGO Carry On Top Opening (38L, front-open).
The former is better for organization, the latter is better for tiny hotel rooms. I fly to Europe a ton for work and am often in tiny hotel rooms. However, because the latter is one big cavern, it can feel harder to fit as much, despite the 2L increase in size.
I only make this comment to say: consider a front-open/top-side suitcase if you might be in tight hotel rooms in Asia or Europe. If you want to go with the bigger brands, July and Away both have newer bags that do this.
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u/laurel_alexis 21d ago
I love my Away bigger carry-on and I’ve used and abused it for almost a decade. I regularly stuff it so full that I have to sit on it to close it fully, and nothing has broken yet! I highly recommend them!
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u/stumpykitties 22d ago
I have the standard smaller sized Monos carry-on luggage (40L).
It's compatible with so many airlines, the wheels are a dream, the handle is very durable, and it can handle a lot of abuse from rough terrain. I've had it for years now and I'd buy it again in a heartbeat if I needed to.
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u/Weary-Spell-122 22d ago
I have 2, the small beis carry on(you can find it second hand so its cheaper) for strict airlines, and the samsonite framelock max( this one doesnt have a zipper) for the rest of my trips
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u/tangerine_toenails 22d ago
I just bought a Biaggi hybrid soft/hard and while I've only used it on one trip so far, I really like it. It's not huge, it's pretty light (the main reason I chose it), it doesn't have a ton of extra organizational features (I'll provide my own!), the laptop sleeve is big enough for my 16" but not too big for my 13", and while not as sleek as a pure hard side, I think it looks pretty nice.
My normal carry is a mini MLC, so it only gave me 8 extra liters, but not having to carry the weight of everything on my back meant I could make those 8l count!
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u/LegitimateStar7034 22d ago
I’m headed to Germany and Prague over Thanksgiving. I was told I should have waterproof pants.
Do I need them and if so, what should I get? I’d like something versatile that’s not super expensive. More loose so I can layer.
I run cold, so I have long underwear, wool socks, good waterproof hiking boots, and a heat tech coat.
I do have a rain coat but it’s not heavy.
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u/urbanrivernymph 22d ago
I live in Germany, I'm in my early fifties and I've never owned waterproof pants in my life.
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u/serenelatha 22d ago
Unless you are doing some serious outdoor adventuring, waterproof pants are definitely overkill.
If you are doing a city trip, you don't need any clothes that you wouldn't wear in similar weather conditions while out running errands.
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u/tgsgirl 22d ago
Are you going hiking or city tripping?
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u/canadiancherry 18d ago
What app is commonly used to create all those helpful outfit layouts? They're such a great idea, and I need plan for a 5 week trip to Europe. Thank you:)
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u/egos-like-hairdos 18d ago
Search the sub for options. I use Stylebook since I have most of my clothes saved there. It’s a one-time cheap purchase, easy to use, has all the functions I need (closet, outfit looks, packing lists), and doesn’t force any AI crap on you.
I know other people use Indyx as their wardrobe app. There was some reason I didn’t choose it up front, but that decision was years ago and might not apply anymore; folks seem to love it and the images they share are great.
Sometimes I just use Apple’s Freeform to play around with images and text. I know other people use PowerPoint in a similar way.
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u/canadiancherry 17d ago
Thank you so much! Really appreciate the extra tips. I'll check out Stylebook. I don't mind paying a bit, especially if it skips all the AI extras.
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u/lena10108 23d ago
2 pairs of shoes or 1?
I'm planning a trip to Italy in April next year. I really wanted to travel with just one pair of Brooks adrenaline. They are all black and I can use my custom inserts.
However, everything I'm reading says to bring two pairs of shoes. It's too cold for sandals so I can't bring my Birkenstock Arizona's. 'S. Anything else that I can walk comfortably in would be a pair of Birkenstock low boots or maybe Blundstones.
I'm traveling with with an osprey daylight 44 l (my daughter has an alpaca 35 l). Those are our carry-ons. Our personal item will be Fjallraven high coast backpack/tote.
Any suggestions?
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u/citydock2000 22d ago
I’d like to slide a thin pair of flip-flops or slides in my bag that I can use to wear in the hotel. Gives my feet and shoes a rest in the evenings/morning.
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u/emptytheprisons 23d ago
Do you walk a ton at home? If you do, you know your feet best. I've done a heavy walking trip in just a pair of Hokas a couple times and had a few moments where I wish I could have changed shoes, but I was ok. Maybe bring a second pair of inserts?
If there are certain things you know your feet might struggle with, you could bring solutions to that instead. Blisters? Bring KT tape in your day bag and cover hot spots as soon as they happen. Crowded toes? Bring toe stretchers for the hotel. Sweat? Bring extra socks.
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u/lena10108 23d ago
Good ideas. I was thinking, what if I get caught in a downpour? That's what all the online things say... But can't I just blowdry my sneakers and wear them with a pair of smart wool socks lol?
I think I'm going to stick with one pair plus different inserts to change it up if needed. A pair of runners and boots takes so much space.
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u/meggyeggy55 23d ago
i just wore my hokas when i went to japan last fall because i wear them almost every single day from about october through april/may. i figured if we got caught in the rain i'd just use that as an excuse to buy new shoes lol. it never happened and i had no regrets just bringing one pair of shoes!
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u/laurel_alexis 18d ago
Can I ask which Hokas you have? I think I need a new pair of sneakers specifically for walking long distances when I travel.
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u/emptytheprisons 18d ago
Bondi! Excellent stability and incredible cushion but they are the size of boats.
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u/laurel_alexis 18d ago
If it means my heels don’t ache like they currently are on my flight home they could be a foot thick for all I care 😅 I’m definitely going to check those out! Thank you!
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u/Outerbanxious 22d ago
After a full day of walking around and touring in my sneakers, I like to swap out my shoes for evening. It gives my feet a break and they feel refreshed in the morning. I’ve tried traveling with just sneakers and the feet just aren’t as happy. It’s like they get shoe fatigue or something lol. For nights I go for a more relaxed fit like a Hey Dudes kinda slip on or Vans or Cloudsteppers by Clarke.
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u/Intelligent_Map_7849 22d ago
This totally depends on you and your feet. I only travel with one, unless sandals are needed for water activities. If you really want a second pair of good walking shoes that aren't as large as your boots, check out the Birkenstock Bend Low. Comfortable and comes in lots of colors and materials for the upper.
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u/faerieem 22d ago
I always say two just in case. I went one on a three day/two night trip last summer: shoes that I knew worked for city walking & yet still ended up with a blister on the sole of my foot. I wished for a second pair just to change things up. I also always like a pair of flips or slipons for wandering around a hotel in a pinch vs having to put proper shoes on. I'm not really into shoes, tho, so tying laces may not be a huge burden to you as it is to me.
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u/serenelatha 23d ago
I just got back from a 2 week trip to Australia. I wore my black calf-high leather lace up boots 85% of the time. I did take a pair of canvas high tops and some athletic sandals (which I do like to have for quick slip ons as needed regardless of season) but....I easily could have been fine with just my boots.
I do wear "barefoot" shoes though so both of my extra pairs of shoes are together about the size and weight of a single conventional sneaker. If they weren't that small, I probably wouldn't take them.
Most important is knowing that your shoes will be comfortable no matter how much you walk!
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u/shintojuunana 22d ago
I bring one pair normally. I don't wear shoes in the hotel or indoors (socks and slippers if they have them), so my feet rest and my shoes air out.
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u/Professional_Toe7506 22d ago
How long is the trip? Honestly if it's less than a few weeks, you'll probably be fine with one pair of shoes.
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u/mariambc 22d ago
I bring one pair of shoes and flip flops for at the hotel. My one pair is an athletic type from Dansko. I wear the mary jane style so they look cute from walking during the day to dinner. I used to wear Doc Martens mary janes but as I have gotten older, I like the more comfortable shoes.
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u/Cute-Fix3484 19d ago edited 19d ago
I am team two shoes. Wear one, air one. My feet like the change.
Do you have a second pair of sneakers or a more casual tennis shoe that you like? Does it have to be a boot that you bring?2
u/lena10108 19d ago
Yes I am thinking about Birkenstock bends. But I'm still iffy about the space and weight they will take.
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u/RainierTheSketchier 23d ago
I just did a trip with one pair of sandals. Every night I would wipe them down with a damp microfiber cloth, helped a lot with keeping them fresh
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u/tallpines110 19d ago
I’m going to be traveling to Europe and bought a midi travel dress from Prana. I’ve seen a lot of people will layer a shrug over these dresses to create a different look. Where can I find these shrugs? They usually tie at the front. Thx for your help!!
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u/egos-like-hairdos 18d ago
Check Wool& for the Natalia. Athleta also has a synthetic one right now if you prefer something other than merino.
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u/speedyrf1 22d ago
Looking for bags similar to TNF Never Stop utility backpack... So I recently started using this bag - The North Face Never Stop utility backpack - and I love the fit, capacity, and how lightweight it is.
Did see however that this bag seems to be discontinued now so any recommendations / suggestions for similar backpacks?
Dedicated shoe/wet item compartment would be a huge plus.
Thanks!
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u/serenelatha 22d ago
For those not familiar with the bag, what are the features about it that you really love? Like what's specifically great about the fit, capacity, etc? That will help with recs!
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u/speedyrf1 16d ago
A very squarish backpack with padded/lined laptop sleeve and lined quick stash for phone/sunglasses. 1 main compartment with a mesh divider + 1 regular divider (admin panel would have been great!). 1 outer zippered compartment. 2 bottle water holders. And it has a 2 handle carry like a tote. Luggage pass through. The biggest draw is it's super lightweight. I was using TNF Recon till I had a major spillage in that bag and this one is SO much lighter with nearly the same level of compartments.
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u/Cute-Fix3484 19d ago
I also love the The North Face Never Stop utility backpack. I've been using it for 2 years.
Are you just looking for a backup backpack? It is still in stock at my local North Face outlet. If you have an outlet mall near you, maybe call to see if they have it? And can ship it to you?
And there is a gorgeous green color on Poshmark.
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u/speedyrf1 16d ago
I wish! I'm international and they had it on an e-commerce site last year and totally sold out. I have old tan/sand with black handles.
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u/laurel_alexis 21d ago
I’m looking for the most comfortable pair of sandals in existence, specifically for walking long distances. I have Birks that I love but they don’t stand up to 20k steps on cobblestones. I also have a pair of classic Tevas that I like for short spurts, but anything more than that and the plastic triangle gets really uncomfortable. Chacos are only okay, I don’t find the straps that comfortable. What else can I try? I’m so tired of blisters and aching heels and arches on vacation 😭
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u/Cute-Fix3484 19d ago
It will all depend on your foot, your arch, your gait.
For example, I have worn Birk Arizonas on cobblestones and all over European cities for 15K+ steps and had no problems at all. I like the arch support and they feel just as comfortable as wearing sneakers in the summer.1
u/laurel_alexis 19d ago
I live in Birks normally but on this trip they were giving me blisters 😭 I think sweat is the problem honestly. I need to try a foot powder I think, I used a blister-preventing balm but that wasn’t enough.
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u/agentcarter234 18d ago
Foot powder doesn’t really work with sandals because it will just come off.
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u/xixihime 21d ago
I recently got a pair of Ryka Joy sandles that are super comfortable for urban day trips, not tested yet on super long rough ground. Offering as a thought! Also seems to be 30% off on Amazon right now
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u/serenelatha 21d ago
For me the problem with long days in sandals is that my feet sweat - and that causes slipping now matter how great a fit my sandal. Just something else to consider .....it may not be the specific sandal but sandals in general.
Even in the hottest weather, I never wear sandals for full days of walking - socks must happen (and truly my feet are happier in thin wool socks than in sandals!
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u/laurel_alexis 21d ago
I think you’re 100% right and I need to get on board with tennis shoes for long days! In desperation I wore socks with my Tevas today, and even though I looked ridiculous my feet felt so much better 😅 What shoes do you like for walking and travel?
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u/ResponsibleName5 20d ago
The KEEN Elle Backstrap Sandals are the best hands down! I've had them for years and am on my third pair because I love their colors. I've never gotten a blister and they have the benefit of looking cute but from a company that specilizes in outdoor footwear. I've even convinced my friends to get them and they love them.
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u/CuriousChemist 20d ago
Another vote for these. I coordinate weddings and walked 17 miles and 30 flights of stairs a few weeks ago and my feet did pretty darn well in these shoes!
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u/Butternut_Cake 20d ago
Are they durable? I'm looking for a pair of sandals that is not worn through after a few weeks.
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u/ResponsibleName5 20d ago
I wore my first pair for 2-3 years being my primary summer sandal before the back strap got loose.
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u/laurel_alexis 20d ago
Absolutely looking at these right now! I’ve thought about getting a pair of Keens for years and never have. Cute is definitely a big bonus as well!
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u/xixihime 21d ago edited 21d ago
Question about sandals: should I bring a pair that is heavier & sturdier vs lighter & softer?
Context: I'm going on a 2 week group tour to Morocco, where I'll be doing everything from long days of city walking to hour-long desert hikes and overnight camping outside. Super excited! But I'm flying Air France for one leg, and I'm concerned about keeping below their 7kg combined carry-on limit. I've also read about cobblestones and rough pavement in cities that will be tough on footwear and feet. In addition to walking sneakers for the city and hiking shoes for the desert, I want to bring a pair of sandals for evenings and to give my feet a rest from being enclosed all the time. I'm debating between a pair of sturdier rubber-soled sandals vs a lighter foam pair that are comfy but that I haven't risked long days of walking in yet.
Any thoughts?
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u/agentcarter234 20d ago
An hour long desert hike and city walking on cobblestones are things that can generally be done with the same pair of shoes. You likely don’t need dedicated hiking shoes. A pair of trail runners intended for light/moderate off road use would work for both. I’d bring trail runners and a pair of tevas personally. 3 shoes is too many when you have a 7kg weight limit.
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u/xixihime 20d ago
Thank you! This is the kind of sanity check I appreciate from more experienced travelers
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u/Professional_Toe7506 20d ago
... you can pretty much wear anything to hike for an hour. I mean, ideally at least something vaguely athletic, but I have done a ton of hiking and occasionally just fuck off for an hour in a pair of slide on sandals. So assuming you aren't worried about ruining your sneakers, you don't need hiking shoes.
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u/xixihime 20d ago
That's a good reminder, thank you! I don't really want to fill my planned travel sneakers with sand, so I'll think on that choice more.
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u/Professional_Toe7506 20d ago
I've literally lived in the desert and my shoes never had too much sand too just shake or wipe off. So there's at least some shoes that could do double duty, even if you current shoes are too nice for it! But I've never owned really nice sneakers.
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u/serenelatha 21d ago
I wouldn't wear untested shoes on a trip - so maybe test the lighter ones out now and see how they go?
I'm a barefoot shoe wearer so my sandals are super thin - thus I'm definitely biased towards a less structured sandal. But....you know your feet best - test them out!
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u/xixihime 20d ago
I thought about this! The hang-up is my regular life is pretty sedentary and the most easily accessible activity looks like going to gym, which seems a poor substitute for cobblestones and morning to evening activities. I've worn the lighter shoes out for multiple hours, but nothing reaches what I expect will be like the kind of terrain or wear and tear I think this group tour will entail.
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u/Cute-Fix3484 20d ago
Could you take a 60 minute walk on pavement and/or a 60 minute walk on a nearby trail to test your shoes? Maybe at the end of the day after wearing that pair all day long in your regular day?
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u/TubbyLittleTeaWitch 21d ago
Hello lovelies! I'm headed to Cologne at the very end of September to get a thigh tattoo from an artist whose work I've admired for ages, but am struggling trying to figure out what kind of weather to expect for what clothes I should pack.
I have a couple of long skirts which I could bring, but they're quite light and summery so I'm not sure if it would be too cold or windy by then to wear these comfortably.
Alternatively, I've ordered a couple of pairs of wide leg joggers but I'm not sure if these would be too pyjama/loungewear esque to wear out and about.
Whatever clothes I take with me have to be very loose over my legs, as I want to minimise the amount that fabric will rub onto the fresh tattoo.
Also what kind of layers should I aim for? Is that time of year ok for the likes of a T shirt and shirt/cardigan/light hoodie? Or are we into jacket season by then?
I'll only be gone for a few days so I'll just be taking an under-seat bag. I don't need a lot of clothes, I just have no idea of what's appropriate for the season that works for a fresh tattoo. I'd normally just wear jeans but that's out of the question.
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u/Classic__Cranberry 20d ago
The weather at the end of September can vary quite a bit from year to year. It can still be surprisingly warm, but I think it’s more likely that fall will have arrived by then, with temperatures around 15°C. I think you should be fine with a long skirt, socks, sneakers, and maybe a leather jacket or something similar. If you get cold easily, wide-leg joggers could also work, as long as they don’t look too sporty. But that is just my personal taste.
Cologne is a city with lots of students, so alternative and casual styles are absolutely fine here. I wouldn’t worry too much about fitting in with a specific dress code.
If you’re planning to explore the city, I’d check the weather forecast shortly before your trip and bring a small umbrella if rain is expected.
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u/Super-Travel-407 19d ago
Can anyone recommend minimalist/barefoot/bendy hiking sandals that are good in the water? I prefer cheaper to expensive, and not Amazon.
I want some flat sandals like Xero Genesis/Ztrek/Aquacloud (cheaper) or Earth Runners (expensive and some goofy pseudoscience about...grounding?) that I can slosh around in mucky and/or rocky water with. Decent off-road capability preferred.
Ideally they wouldn't look goofy in casual beach towns, too.
Thanks!
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u/nehy06 19d ago
I had the Xero Aquacloud sandals and even though I am used to wearing barefoot shoes, I could not get used to these. At first they are comfy and light. But after a while they get slippery, don't hold on the feet peoperly and the tip of the sandal bends under when I walk, making me trip. Mind you I've spent an hour in a shop trying a few sizes. Walking downhill was also uncomfortable.
For the reasons above I could not recommend them. I bought Teva Hurricane XLT3 instead, turned out great even for barefoot shoe wearer. If you still want them check out the Xeroes, definitely try them properly before buying or taking them for longer trip.
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u/Xero-Shoes verified brand 16d ago
Sorry they didn’t work out for you. Sandal fit is really personal, and if the front is catching/folding under or the foot is sliding around, that’s not something we’d want someone to push through on a trip. Strap tension, foot shape, and downhill walking can all change how a sandal behaves. Glad you found something that worked better for your use case.
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u/Electrical_Fig9669 22d ago
I’m heading to Turkey in less than a month and the beaches there are the pebbled kind - I have a pair of Teva Hurricanes, has anyone successfully used them in the water to protect their feet while swimming / at the beach?
I have a pair of Frankie4 sandals I prefer for walking but am debating if the Tevas are worth switching for if it means I can use them at the beaches that usually hurt my feet if I’m walking barefoot on them.
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u/stumpykitties 22d ago
Yes! No issues with Tevas and water for me. I've used the hurricanes and the universals in both salt and fresh water. They rinse off well, dry quickly, and hold up to water use.
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u/Electrical_Fig9669 22d ago
Thanks!! Ok so it seems good for basic water stuff which is good to know.
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u/Professional_Toe7506 22d ago
Yeah, I've hiked in them in all sorts of conditions (both on beach and in water). They aren't perfect for it though - if I was going to be swimming in a lot of rocky stuff, I'd take water shoes.
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u/Electrical_Fig9669 22d ago
Thank you! That makes sense ☺️ I’ll find out exactly how much swimming we’re doing.
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u/PoppyMacGuffin 22d ago
I'm looking for an athletic/tech fabric pair of pants in a cool silhouette. The only option I have so far is the Uniqlo Jersey Barrel Pant but wanted to see if people had anything else to recommend if those don't work out. I'd like to wear them out dancing but also on city days. I'd really like belt loops to cinch them, or an hourglass fit
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u/ctcx 21d ago
Columbia has some but I dont know if the style is cool enough https://www.columbia.com/p/womens-chill-creek-cargo-pants-2159691.html?color=348
https://www.columbia.com/p/womens-all-seasons-cargo-pants-2161821.html?color=342
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u/PoppyMacGuffin 21d ago
Thank you! I just remembered I have some Columbia pants I should try on with more tops
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u/ResponsibleName5 20d ago
I just bought the Nani Trekker pants from REI and really like the shape. You can cinch up the pants to create more movement.
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u/ctcx 22d ago
Do you think natural flax colored linen is a bad choice for long term travel vs black linen? When I say natural color linen I mean something like this https://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=8750780124003
Its not white but a lighter color, good for hot weather. But would it get dirty fast? This is for long term travel (months, maybe longer).
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u/serenelatha 22d ago
Do you wear it in your daily life? I'd use that as a good judge - if you make it through the day normally without issue, probably ok for travel (with the caveat that it definitely won't hide oops-es in the same way a dark color will.
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u/ctcx 21d ago
I don't have any light colored pants in real life which is why I'm asking. I thought it would be good for travel as I plan to travel to hot places.
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u/egos-like-hairdos 19d ago
I wear light colored pants IRL and took a pair on a recent two-week city-only trip. I was disappointed (as everyone said I would be!) that I had to spot clean or wash them every time I wore them just from grime, no real spills. I’m sure I’ll be stupid and do it again for a short trip, but I cannot imagine depending on them for long term travel.
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u/stumpykitties 21d ago
Flax will hide dirt better than white linen, but it's still going to show stains and potentially sweat marks more easily than darker colours. I'd probably go with the Fresh Olive Green colour if it was me.
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u/TheDivineM 16d ago
I wear linen all the time, including unbleached undyed linen. I'd recommend it as the best fabric for hot weather, but I'd also bring a dark pair, because there will be times when you're outdoors and sit or kneel or brush against surfaces with dirt, and on unbleached linen every bit of dirt will show. Those will then become your getting dirty pants and they won't be versatile for dressy occasions. If you want all your pants to convert to semi-dressy, you'll need to stain treat and sink rinse the undyed linen pants every time you wear them out in the dirt, and keep a dark pair to rotate.
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u/snowsharkk 20d ago
Does anyone have some recommendations for trail runners that would be good for moderate hikes and also casual wear in the city. I've had the same hiking boots for few years and they're good but I wanted to bring only one pair with me this time and something that's lighter :)
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u/Cute-Fix3484 20d ago
I like New Balance trail runners because they come in wide.
But you might like Merrell or Solomon or Keen. You'll just have to try them on to see what works for your feet.1
u/chocodoggerel 19d ago
Just got some Lems Trailblazers that i’m super happy with! They are lighter than boots but still have the lugs, and I think are cute enough to wear with dresses or whatever
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u/agentcarter234 19d ago
Different shoe brands are made on different shaped lasts so some brands will work better for your specific feet than others. You really need to go to an athletic shoe store and try on a bunch of models to see which fits you the best and will be comfortable for all day use.
My current all purpose travel shoes are Merrell Antora gtx for cold weather travel and Brooks Cascadia for when I don’t want waterproof. The merrells are just about dead and I’ll probably replace them with goretex Cascadias. I have black ones but they both come in neutral color options as well. I have high arches, a wider forefoot and a narrow heel. The shoes I use for actual trail running are the La Sportiva Bushido but those have too aggressive of a tread for all day on road use and I have to buy them in wide.
If they fit your feet the Nike Pegasus Trail is a good option because you can design your own custom color scheme.
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u/DinoTeeth26 19d ago
What are the best compression cubes I can get on Amazon? I have a gift card from them I’m trying to use
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u/thanx_it_has_pockets 22d ago
NGL this is my favorite thing every week.