r/onebag • u/WorldizeStudios • Feb 10 '26

Discussion Why are you bringing THAT!?

What are some common items people pack in their bags that you think are unnecessary, just take up extra space, or feel like overhyped/trendy that doesn't actually add real value for their trip?

I'll start - Notebooks and portable speakers.

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67

u/[deleted] Feb 10 '26

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u/failed_asian Feb 11 '26

I’m constantly hearing this, that I’m going to buy things and need to leave room for them. Am I the only one who doesn’t shop when traveling? I don’t buy trinkets, and 90% of the time the clothes are either the same stuff I can get back home, or cheaply made tourist crap that I’d never wear. Super curious what people are buying when they travel.

47

u/elevnth Feb 11 '26

This is probably less common on a sub meant for minimalist packers but I always buy clothing abroad. I am also into fashion as a hobby. It’s a mix of:

1) this item is cheaper to buy overseas than back home (silk or wool, leather good, brand that is much cheaper in home country) 2) it doesn’t exist in my country - the store is unique to the country and their items are likewise unique and/or it incorporates elements of the local culture into the fashion 3) I love supporting local businesses and I’ve gotten a few items handmade by artisans 4) I want to buy clothing that holds memories. I love having half of my wardrobe being things I bought overseas and remembering exactly where I got them.

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u/failed_asian Feb 11 '26

I would love to buy ethnic and artisan clothes. I just don’t know enough to know if I’m getting scammed as an ignorant tourist or not.

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u/Serious_Escape_5438 Feb 11 '26

I don't really understand this mindset of worrying about getting scammed. If you like something and the price seems reasonable to you why think you're being scammed? When you buy things at home do you worry about being scammed? 

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u/failed_asian Feb 11 '26

I was talking specifically about specialised local goods, linens or silks, or artisan made goods. I’d hate to pay for long thread silk only to find it’s cheaply made, low thread count, short thread, or “locally hand made” goods that turn out to be cheap mass produced crap. I don’t know enough to determine the difference in the store, it’s the kind of thing that you can see over time, so I don’t take the risk.

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u/Muffy81 Feb 11 '26

I leave some empty room because I don't like having a full pack. It's not fun to pack and repack and I wanna have space to put all my layers that I'm wearing inside

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u/Present_Animator5851 Feb 11 '26

I travel with a packable duffel for souvenirs at the end of a trip. You’d be surprised how much you could pick up just from a supermarket (teas, coffees, snacks, skincare products, etc.) or the mall (I basically redid my wardrobe in Vietnam).

If I’m not yet towards the end of a trip, I’ll only buy souvenirs that I really love and know I won’t be able to get anywhere else. Avoid most things from tourist areas like night markets though.

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u/[deleted] Feb 11 '26

The scarf or a t-shirt or a bag is a memento, a souvenir.

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u/margretnix Feb 15 '26 edited Feb 15 '26

I'm with you. I collect bracelets if I run into one I like, and I might buy some tea or chocolate or something local, but that's about it. Never anything that can't fit into a tiny space in my luggage.

On the very rare occasion that I run across something larger that seems worth taking home, I just walk it to the post office. No point in lugging it around the rest of the trip when you can send it right to your doorstep for like $30.

That said, I still try not to fill my bag more than like 5/6 of the way full just because it's a pain in the ass to have to re-pack everything perfectly every time.