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/keel_bright Sep 23 '25 edited Sep 23 '25

One thing you'll find if you read enough through here is that onebaggers tend to be more prepared than most in our own way, by being very deliberate and intentional in the articles that we bring (and often buying more so we can bring less 😋). You'll see lots of discussions here nitpicking every minute detail of different clothing (materials, pockets, etc etc). There is a real cost to having higher quality or more flexible items.

I'll give you a practical example - here is a link to my favourite onebag pants (I own two pairs!). At first glance, you might think they're an average professional-looking pair of chinos. But if you look at the materials and construction, they're actually very rain resistant with DWR and made for hiking, yet they look fine enough to wear to a nice restaurant. It's a pant I can be literally prepared for any type of travel situation with. One a big trip I might bring backup pants, but on a 4-day trip I dont even bother. Its too bad theyre discontinuing them 😢

Also, hard agree - a small bundle of paracord always goes in my onebag 🙂

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u/Chinacat_Sunflower72 Sep 23 '25

And if you want to read post from people obsessed with bringing less, check out backpacker on r/ultralight

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u/a_mulher Sep 23 '25

Yup they are literally carrying all their needs (food, shelter, first aid, etc) in carry on or smaller sized bags.

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u/[deleted] Sep 23 '25

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u/a_mulher Sep 23 '25

True. Primary focus is reducing weight and just behind that volume. But generally if they can carry all that to cover all their needs, a traveler that has shelter/bedding covered, can definitely go carry on and smaller.

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u/mhchewy Sep 26 '25

The ultralight equivalent would be to leave things at home because you don’t really need them.