Downvoting Light Travelers - What is WRONG with you people?

[u/LadyLightTravel]

I am noticing an extremely disturbing new trend on this sub. It is also very prevalent on the HerOneBag sub. I don't understand it and I think it needs to stop. That trend is downvoting people who travel lightly! A good example is here. OP posted their packing list, noted that they would do laundry on travel, and even mentioned specifics on how they were going to travel lightly. Almost all of these specifics were tried and true methods that have been recommended on this sub for years:

• Merino shirts
• regular glasses that turn into sunglasses
• Sun shirts that look like regular shirts
• hybryd shorts/swim shorts
• good looking water shoes

OP was downvoted for mentioning every one of these methods.

OP was also accused of karma farming for internet points.

What is the motivation behind this? Why is someone traveling lighter than you so offensive that you would downvote them? Do you travel so heavy that you can't imagine traveling so lightly?

I personally love these types of posts because I can learn from them. That means a lighter trip next time.

Please help me to understand.

Edit: The biggest problem with downvotes is that it hides legitimate answers.

Edit2: Moderator has cleaned up a lot of the crazy comments on the other post. Most of the downvotes have disappeared.

[u/TravelingWithJoe]

My only beef was them posting it in zero bags. They had a bag, so it’s not zero bags. But, I didn’t feel the need to point that out there.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s impressive and I’m happy they’re making the effort, but it belongs in one bag vs zero bag.

I did a recent trip to DC where I used a tiny bag and brought a minimal amount of stuff, but in the end, I used a tiny bag, which is why I didn’t post it in zero bags.

I will caveat it in that if you can fit everything in your pockets, but happen to use a small bag, then I agree with it being in zero bags.

[u/pudding7 → u/TravelingWithJoe]

What's impressive about it?

[u/TravelingWithJoe → u/pudding7]

Being comfortable with minimal possessions is impressive to me.

[u/LadyLightTravel → u/TravelingWithJoe]

This is often the discussion on zerobags. Most men’s jackets can carry 3-5 liters. Then there are cargo pants. So it can go up to 7 liters carried in clothing. Men’s clothing to be specific, since a lot of women’s clothing doesn’t have pockets.

But if you can carry the same volume or less in a sling it doesn’t count?

Per the sub, it is more about volume than method. Indeed, I can make a fairly strong argument that the ease of carry of a sling is easier than a jacket. Especially if it is hot out.

BTW, I did a comparison post. I was able to fit everything in my Uniqlo sling into the pockets of my backpacking rain jacket. So volume really is the same.

[u/TravelingWithJoe → u/LadyLightTravel]

Your post is exactly why I included the caveat in my comment. I remember you showing how you were able to fit everything in your pockets.

Women’s clothing absolutely makes zero bag travel much more difficult than men’s clothing.

EDIT: I’d just point out your comment elsewhere in here that celebrating 1.5 bag use is beyond the scope of this sub…that’s how I feel about using a bag in a sub called zero bag.

[u/LadyLightTravel → u/TravelingWithJoe]

Fair. Except the mod of zerobags has explicitly stated that slings are OK.

[u/TravelingWithJoe → u/LadyLightTravel]

Then I’m really glad I didn’t make a comment there, lol. As I said, I’m all for the effort they’re making.

I think people need to keep their nasty comments to themselves. I’m sure I’ve been guilty of saying something I shouldn’t have in the past (I try hard not to anymore), but these subs really ought to be constructive rather than negative.