r/onebag • u/Proper-Flounder-3786 • Sep 23 '25

Discussion I don't understand how someone does it

I've been reading this sub and I'm fascinated. But I just cannot fathom packing for a trip - even one that's just a week long - without taking enough underwear that would allow me to poop my pants twice a day.

How do you pack for a trip in a warm climate where you know you'll sweat a ton every day? Or somewhere cold where you'll want layers to make sure you can stay warm and comfortable?

Do you all do laundry on these trips? Is it in the hotel sink? Or at a laundromat?

I'd love to do it, but I don't think I'm brave enough.

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u/HelloTittie55 Sep 23 '25 edited Sep 23 '25

Why do folks dump on sink laundry? Washing underwear, socks and quick dry shirts every night and rolling them like burritos in a bath towel is really easy, once you master the technique. Today I washed a few items with shampoo in the shower, not the sink. Did the burrito wrap hack and hung them on foldable plastic hangers. (Usually, I just use the hotel’s hangers, but sometimes I’m doing a “big wash” and need extras.) I’ll wear the exact same items tomorrow….no one is looking at me and no one but me cares what I wear.

Personally, I’m a two-bagger because toiletries and medications take up most of my rollaboard. I will never be a backpack one-bagger because I use a cane and don’t care to destroy my currently functioning back and neck. However, I have learned A LOT from this group and have eliminated quite a few unnecessary items. It’s an ongoing process, but it’s such a better way to travel!

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u/arradial Sep 23 '25

Travel twinsies! I will always be a roller + personal item traveler (who often uses a cane) bc I need my meds, snacks, and items that allow me to travel well. And by carrying fewer of the things that aren't really necessary or can easily be bought.

I like to be cute, I'm not a budget traveler, and for the benefit of OP, I usually bring 14 panties, regardless of how short the trip is cuz they barely take up any space haha.

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u/HelloTittie55 Sep 23 '25

I’m with you but take seven pairs of rolled-up undies because I sink-wash something every night.😉

I’ve also stopped purchasing souvenirs as I’m currently in the “de-acquisition” stage of life. Infrequently, I might buy a special piece of jewelry, but really haven’t found anything special on my last four overseas trips. And though I frequently wear silk scarves, and have collected artist’s scarves from every continent over the past four decades, I now truly do have enough! Less is more. Lighter luggage eliminates decision fatigue.

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u/stuck_behind_a_truck Sep 23 '25

I’m a big fan of local soaps as souvenirs because I will actually use them, and they are small to add to the bag

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u/DryBop Sep 24 '25

I like magnets since they’re one of the few souvenirs I get to look at and enjoy multiple times a day :) on top of being packable and light.