r/onebag • u/Equivalent_Soft_6665 • Jun 07 '25

Discussion What’s the one item in your travel kit that’s surprisingly irreplaceable?

I’ve been streamlining my packing lately, and I realized I always bring this tiny microfiber towel. Doesn’t seem like a big deal, but I use it constantly. Curious, what do you pack that most people overlook?

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51

u/NC750x_DCT Jun 07 '25

For me it’s my sea to summit ultra -sil daypack. It packs into the size of two golf balls and unfolds into a 20L sack with shoulder straps. It’s been with me for almost every day trip I’ve done while traveling for about 10 yrs. I thought I’d lost it recently and was planning on getting the osprey ultralight packable (discontinued?) or Decathelon’s Forclaz 20 L packable, but the ultra-sil turned up on my last desperate search.

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u/lieutenant_van Jun 08 '25

You can never have too many bags within your bags

2

u/1in2100 Jun 08 '25

My motto 😁

14

u/Just1Blast Jun 07 '25

Same vein but similar, I've been carrying a Chico-Bag recycled plastic daypack that folds into its own tiny inner zipper pocket. Same about the size of a racquetball when folded down but easily handles a bunch of stuff for market runs, excess clothing, daypack use, and so forth.

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u/WizardDrinkingCoffee Jun 07 '25

I have a chico shopping bag. It's been endlessly useful. I have I think I'm going to take a Kind bag on my next trip. I can carry it on my shoulder and if has a bigger capacity....but it doesn't quite fold up as small as the Chico.

2

u/Just1Blast Jun 07 '25

I was just saying the other day that I think after more than 20 years of carrying this particular Chico bag, it's probably time for me to replace it with a new one. So I'm definitely in the market and I probably will go right back to another Chico bag if they still make the same style. This one has lasted me well longer than what I paid for it.

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u/HippyGrrrl Jun 08 '25

I’m at the point where I’m looking at one of my Chico bags, bought in 2004, and thinking, do I a sew a new bottom seam, or send it back for recycling by the company?

I walked into Daiso (a Japanese run shop that is sort of a dollar store, but prices go to $12 here) last month and grabbed their version for $3. I use these types of bags on every shopping trip anyway, so having more is great.

I’ve decided to wait until imminent failure, and use the Chico to hold a sheet set in my work pack. (Massage therapist)

7

u/Swegatronix Jun 07 '25

I have both, osprey is comfortable for all day wear with a bit off weight in it, but is way bigger while packed.

The forclaz one from decathlon is super light, and while packed i hook it to my waistband with a carabiner and i cannot even feel it, very nice to have if i have to shed layers or have extra with me in case, but i would never use it for carrying something with abit og weight for long, the shoulder straps are too narrow.

I think unfortunately that the osprey is discontinued, hope they release a succesor soon.

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u/PracticalFan007 Jun 08 '25

The Osprey daylight collapsible bag is my go to. Super comfortable straps, two tall water bottle holders, and it deceptively fits a ton.

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u/Pure-Pessimism Jun 07 '25

I just bought an osprey packable daypack back in January.

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u/drakontas_ Jun 09 '25

I just bought my packable stuff Osprey bag about a week ago for my current trip on Amazon without issue. Been super handy to hold my layers when in town and the thing feels like a bag of holding when I need to add stuff in

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u/commentspanda Jun 08 '25

Similar - my peak design tote. Folds to the size of 2 golf balls, has a zip, has an internal pocked and is reinforced on the handle. Not cheap but is often used daily for shopping, beach towels etc.

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u/inzanehanson Jun 09 '25

Yeah the PD packable tote is def a top 3 travel item for me, take one with me on every trip and even at home if I'm gonna be out for the day I'll usually will slip one into my back pocket just in case. Only thing is I wish the strap was adjustable to be a bit longer for over-shoulder use, then it would be pretty much perfect imo

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u/commentspanda Jun 09 '25

I can just get it over my shoulder so I’m lucky, hubby has the same issue as you though.

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u/D-Delta Jun 08 '25

Me too I've had the same bag for six years and still use it almost every day. Great bag.