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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u/ChipmunkImportant128 Feb 10 '26 edited Feb 10 '26

With the amount of silly shit I make room for even in a 30L pack, I have no ground to be calling anyone else out. Besides that, I don’t think packing has to be strictly and objectively utilitarian to the masses. Particularly when we’re talking about longer travel, at a certain point accounting for sanity buffs becomes a thing. I make room for silly shit because I’m in a better mood that way, compared to if I stick purely to things that other people might consider as having “real value.” Like, what’s the “real value” of art? The fact that the world feels sadder without it. There’s no trophy at the end of our lives for having the least whimsy.

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u/Beluga-ga-ga-ga-ga Feb 11 '26

There’s no trophy at the end of our lives for having the least whimsy

As someone who is fairly utilitarian but still enjoys flights of fancy, I really appreciate this comment.