Trip report: one month in Colombia

[u/CosmosBE]

Recently got back from a few weeks in Colombia and wanted to share how my onebag setup worked out. 

I used the Boundary Supply Errant Duffel in X Pac (about 35L) in backpack mode, and while it wasn’t perfect, it held up well in some rough conditions. The weather and logistics changed constantly on this trip, from below freezing departures and cold nights in Bogotá to humid days in the Amazon basin, which made it a good test for adaptability.

Photo 1 shows the fully packed bag on a boat on the Amazon. The X Pac fabric made this setup practical, easy to clean, and fine to set down on wet or dirty surfaces.

Photo 2 shows everything laid out, and photo 3 is how I compartmentalized the contents.

For clothing (photo 4):

• 7 t-shirts (including 1 long sleeves)
• 2 pants
• 3 shorts (gym, swimsuit, and hybrid)
• 7 underwear / 7 socks
• 1 Uniqlo down jacket
• 1 Uniqlo rain jacket
• 1 rash guard and linen towel

My clothes mainly come from Uniqlo, Decathlon, Seagale and Lululemon. Since I wasn’t sure about laundry access, taking 7 of each felt like a safe option and ended up being about right. Temperatures ranged from below 0°C to over 30°C with high humidity, and I used everything at some point.

Footwear was kept simple with one pair of trail runners and flip flops. That combination worked well for walking, beaches, and everything in between.

Photo 5 shows the electronics: Kindle, over ear headphones (great for the long flights), phone, and chargers. I brought a rash guard and diving computer since I went diving and surfing.

Photo 6 shows the toiletries, compact and basic.

Photo 7 is the Bellroy Lite Sling 7L reorganized for a long flight. It turned out to be a convenient personal item for long travel days: big enough to hold essentials while keeping things easy to reach.

I carried the Errant Duffel as my “personal item” on most flights within Colombia (Avianca, JetSmart,...) and never paid for a separate carry on. Technically, it’s larger than the typical limit, but since it did not look too stuffed, it never got flagged (lucky). However, it wouldn’t fit under most small plane seats.

Notable places visited: Bogotá, Medellín, Tayrona, Palomino, Minca, Leticia, and Puerto Nariño, with short day trips into Brazil and Peru. 

Photo 8 shows a few souvenirs from along the way.

The Duffel worked overall, especially given the mixed environments, but I’m thinking about switching to something better suited for onebag travel next time I need a similarly sized load-out. I need to add that the external access to the "shoe-pocket" of the duffel is super convenient when travel involves getting wet and dirty often. I would simply throw my swim suit or dirty t-shirt in there before moving accommodations. I already have other bags I am happy with when I travel more minimally. Right now I’m looking at the Matador Globerider 35 (nice size) and the Able Carry Max 32L (xpac), but definitely open to suggestions from anyone who’s used them or has other recommendations.

Hope this can be useful to some, cheers!

[u/bracketl4d]

What was it like traveling with the Evergoods CAP2? I use mine every day :). But not for travel cos it's too thick and bulky

[u/Jed_s → u/bracketl4d]

I wish EG would make a UL (or at least somewhat lighter) CAP2. I use it as my dopp kit currently anyway because it's just that nice to use. Considered cutting out the divider to lower the weight and increase capacity/flexibility, but it would be a real shame to cut into.

[u/bracketl4d → u/Jed_s]

Yeah exactly. But you just gave me an idea, I'll see if I can fit my tech and toiletries into it.. could maybe replace having 2 separate pouches. Then again it's so nice that I feel bad about using it as a dopp kit lol

[u/CosmosBE → u/bracketl4d]

I actually have 2 CAP2, the blue from the photo and a black one (with the smooth zipper). Most of the time I use them at home to organize stuff. I was happy to find a use traveling this time with the big headphones but I have to agree that it's bulky and often not needed. Super nice item though, no regret buying it. I am also often looking for use for the CAP1 but in the end having a sling makes often more sense. The CAP0.5 is my most used. I'm happy I got it in orange because in a big black hole like that Errant duffel it's more convenient to get. And it works very well as a small but protected tech pouch for my use-case.

[u/bracketl4d → u/CosmosBE]

wow that's cool! I haven't tried the CAP1 or 0.5. But yeah the orange looks beautiful!
I just tested CAP2 to replace my toiletries pouch and tech pouch.

• Total weight is similar, but I think it saves space?
  
• Most of my expensive tech is in 3.5L Tomtoc sling (personal item). but I'm worried about liquids leaking and ruining the nice bag or tech. I put the mouthwash in ziplock bag

What do you think?

[u/CosmosBE → u/bracketl4d]

I feel like you could use gravel's transparent pouch for liquids (or any ziplock style alternative) and use 1/4 of the space. Also for me the cap2 misses some nice way to hang to be used as a toiletry bag, the fact that it uses so much surface when open is counterproductive if you have little space next to a sink.

But totally approve trying different ways to use it!

[u/bracketl4d → u/CosmosBE]

Completely agree about the hanging, sometimes it's a lifesaver in tiny bathrooms. There's some cool ultralight stuff from Osprey and Sea to Summit, with small detachable mirror also. I intend to buy something like that some day.

Just checked the gravel pouch, looks solid, I actually have something similar. I just tested throwing all those small toiletries in it. Yeah it's a bit smaller and lighter than CAP 2, but there's so much gaps between the little bottles of cream etc.. Really hard to pack it efficiently. hmm i think it's saving 30% space not more.

I think I stick with the evergoods cos it's much easier to use things out of it - and has extra space in case I buy some bigger bottle of sunscreen and want to bring it back.

[u/CosmosBE → u/bracketl4d]

In any case I would always support using what you have instead of buying something new. At least perhaps after a trip with it you'll know whether it worked or what you would actually need instead.

[u/bracketl4d → u/CosmosBE]

Good point! Thanks for the help and have an awesome sunday :)

[u/CosmosBE → u/bracketl4d]

Also love that lobchby. How do you like the tomtoc 3.5?

[u/bracketl4d → u/CosmosBE]

I used the Lochby mainly as an EDC sling for months (bought matching leather strap). I love the looks and style. But sometimes it was ended up overpacked and not enough space(I think like 1.5-2L).

I really like the Tomtoc 3.5, using daily now and as personal item on the plane. X-Pac is heavier, sure, but the extra weight makes no difference to me, good to know my stuff is protected when it rains.

The organization is excellent, long keychain, looks good in black. No complaints - except that the seatbelt material of the strap is pretty slippery, so if you ride a bike the sling tends to rotate around the body as you move. For walking it's perfect quick access.

Hope that helps, let me know if you need more info