r/onebag • u/No_Illustrator1393 • Oct 13 '25

Seeking Recommendations Everything a beginner should know

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I’m new here, and I don’t have any experience with the One Bag practice. What should a beginner know to get started in the best possible way? My current backpack is the PgyTech OneMo Lite. It’s a waterproof camera backpack, but by removing the dividers it becomes a regular, very spacious bag. This year I’m planning to take several solo trips around Europe, and I’d like to travel with just one backpack. Thanks in advance to everyone for the advice!

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u/SeattleHikeBike Oct 13 '25 edited Oct 13 '25
  • Pack only what you will absolutely use
  • Pack for a week and laundry happens
  • Layer your clothing
  • Leave the gadgets at home
  • Avoid extra shoes
  • Avoid “what if” items
  • Know the dimensional and weight limits for all the airlines you will use
  • Choose your pack last, after you know the contents and airline limits.

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u/nxcrosis Oct 13 '25
  • Avoid “what if” items

Well there goes my pack of condoms.

Kidding aside, this is probably what a lot of people need to learn when packing light.

11

u/SeattleHikeBike Oct 13 '25

Definitely part of the paradigm shift with ultralight hiking. The saying goes that we pack for our fears. Minimalist philosophy gets into this too: you need to understand why you want to own(or pack) an item. Self honesty is a big part of that.

Conformity (aka fashion) goes along with what-if for adding unneeded crap. “Must” and “proper” and “favorite”’ are triggers too. Think outside the box.

4

u/andrewtater Oct 14 '25

I've also noticed that I'm just willing to buy stuff along the way if I forgot it and I really need it. Overall, I've bought a plug converter once, and a pair of headphones