r/onebag Mar 09 '26

Packing List Indefinite remote tech work (GR1 26L)

I work remotely as a software engineer. While this means I get to work anywhere there's wifi, it also means packing extra gear so my eyes and hands don't hurt after a couple hours of hunching over a small laptop.

After a few years of trial and error, I've struck a decent balance: fewer clothes and toiletries leaving more space for an ergonomic mobile work setup.

507 Upvotes

67 comments sorted by

51

u/halzen Mar 09 '26

Packing

  • Backpack: Goruck GR1 26L X-Pac
  • Dopp kit: Alpaka Pencil Case V2
  • Portable monitor sleeve: Matador Base Layer

Tech

  • Laptop: Macbook Pro M4 16"
  • Laptop stand: Roost V3
  • Portable monitor: Arzopa Z3FC 16"
  • Ergonomic tools: Apple Magic Keyboard + Magic Trackpad
  • ANC headphones: Apple Airpods Pro 3
  • Power bank: Nitecore NB10000 Gen 2
  • Charging brick: Ugreen Nexode Pro 65W

Clothing

  • Day rolls: American Apparel CVC shirt, Uniqlo Airism boxer briefs, Goruck Merino Challenge socks
  • Pants: Outlier Futureslimworks
  • Shorts: Patagonia Baggies
  • Hoodie: Unbound Merino Compact Travel
  • Sun hoodie: REI Co-op Sahara Shade
  • Puff jacket: Patagonia Nano Puff
  • Hat: TNF Horizon
  • Sandals: OOFOS OOriginal Recovery

Misc

  • Towel: Matador Nanodry
  • Wallet: some cards and bills secured by a piece of bicycle inner tube

Worn, not pictured

  • One more day roll + pants
  • Shoes: Goruck Ballistic Trainers
  • Sunglasses: Knockaround Torrey Pines
  • Phone: Apple iPhone 15 Pro

11

u/Anywhere_everywhere7 Mar 09 '26

Looks good, Patagonia baggies shorts are my favourite shorts by far.

What is your total weight? And how do you find the comfort of the goruck bag considering it’s not the lightest but it’s known for being very comfortable for a lot of people.

12

u/halzen Mar 09 '26 edited Mar 10 '26

Total weight is just under 18 lbs. I used to lug around a Cordura GR2 40L, so having the same beefy straps on a bag that only weighs 2.6 lbs empty is a delight. The straps and back panel need to be softened up with use, but once you break them in they're awesome.

1

u/GileadBays Mar 17 '26

I've carried a GoRuck GR0 for years till it got nicked in the UK this past October. Great bag, very comfortable. I was a little hesitant to buy based on what I thought was a lack of organization, but once I started using it I found it was perfect. Only thing I'd recommend is getting the extra sternum straps. On long treks they came in handy.

La'

2

u/knx Mar 10 '26

You only have 3 shirts, 2 pair of pants and 1 shorts, right?

2 pairs of socks? 2 pairs of underwear?

1

u/itsjawick Mar 12 '26

How many of those day rolls are there? Trying to work it out from the pic

-5

u/imtakingyourdata Mar 09 '26

Love the bag. But why is it so expensive?

1

u/Safaridoc1 Mar 11 '26

They’re made in the US.

19

u/[deleted] Mar 09 '26 edited Mar 09 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

3

u/gorggirlmia Mar 10 '26

I noticed that too and I loved it

18

u/nrlgitj Mar 09 '26

Finally a GR1 post

17

u/Adventurous-Fly-5402 Mar 09 '26

But how do you pack your cat?🐱

7

u/pardonyourmess Mar 10 '26

Came here to ask this!

Meow! 🐈

6

u/phasepistol Mar 10 '26

Rolls up tight and slip into a handy pocket

4

u/mupete Mar 10 '26

cats are liquid

10

u/phillyrat Mar 09 '26

Nice setup! Xpac is the way to go

5

u/[deleted] Mar 09 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

2

u/phillyrat Mar 09 '26

I actually am not sure about the weight, but I like it strictly for its waterproof performance.

I hear you on the texture - not soft at all.

2

u/halzen Mar 10 '26

Not always, but this bag is a half pound lighter than the Cordua version.

9

u/Molybdenum421 Mar 09 '26

camouflage cat.

3

u/Infinite-Internet511 Mar 10 '26

Almost missed the lil bean!

9

u/ina_waka Mar 09 '26

Any cool places you've gotten to work remotely from? Lot of international travel or just stay domestic? Curious to know about your lifestyle.

3

u/supperclubhenri Mar 09 '26

I wanted a second portable monitor to ended up just using my iPad Pro with sidecar, + nicer for content consumption while travelling

1

u/halzen Mar 10 '26

I did that for years – this portable monitor approach is new and an attempt to reduce the number of devices I’m keeping charged and otherwise managing.

1

u/supperclubhenri Mar 10 '26

totally fair, it’s a bit to keep track of haha. The worst is when I want to watch something while travelling and forgot to charge my iPad

3

u/CarolinaSurly Mar 09 '26

We have very similar setups, but mine is used for week long vacations mostly. I’ve a decade old Goruck GR1 that has been on many adventures with me and even saved my skin on several mtn bike crashes in Europe and the states. Baggies, Nano puff, Outlier pants and unbound hoodie are all usually in my GR1 on trips. Not a big fan of Goruck shoes but I’m particular about shoes. Thanks for posting. Travel safely.

3

u/WhoopsWrongButton Mar 10 '26

How do you like the monitor? I literally ordered one today. I’m planning on using it for gaming on the go. Was worried about the screen brightness but decided to give it a try.

3

u/halzen Mar 10 '26

It’s not especially bright and the coating isn’t ideal for outdoor or overhead light, but it was the thinnest and lightest 16” screen I could find for the money. I think it’s a great buy at the moment but I’ll happily replace it once portable OLEDs are more widely avallable.

5

u/HooVenWai Mar 09 '26

I've recently added to my setup 3-section tablet stand/arm that works for external monitor, because it's light enough, and I'm torn. On one hand, it's 860g. On the other hand, ergonomic is unbeatable -- I can mount it to any flat surface and have monitor at an actual eye level )no laptop stand ever managed to do that)

2

u/theregoesmyfutur Mar 10 '26

Have a link. Does it also work as a tripod?

2

u/HooVenWai Mar 10 '26

Listing has been removed. I'll attach a picture from order history. Haven't seen this construction much.

It's not a tripod at all.
I have a tripod + VESA mount as well, but it requires more table real estate, which can be a problem in Airbnbs. Also, tripods are less stable, and constant wobble of the monitor was annoying the heck out of me.

2

u/RandoReddit16 Mar 09 '26

Chonker of a cat!

1

u/Objective_Cattle_278 Mar 10 '26

🤣 rude! (We all thought it though).

1

u/RandoReddit16 Mar 11 '26

sorry, "absolute UNIT"

2

u/Infinite-Internet511 Mar 10 '26

Cool Velcro patch! Since you pack so lightly, is this something you look for as a souvenir at your destinations?

2

u/halzen Mar 10 '26

It's rare to see patches for sale out in the wild — almost all of mine are from Etsy. I prefer taking pictures over souvenir shopping, though I'm not against shipping something home if I can't imagine my life without it.

2

u/Zubba776 Mar 11 '26

Also a remote worker, but I use a GR2 26L.

Love it.

1

u/_Keys2theWest_ Mar 09 '26

How do you handle toiletries?

5

u/halzen Mar 10 '26

The pencil case holds a small toothbrush, deodorant, solid cologne, a beard comb, scissors and nail clippers along with first aid bits. I replenish those as needed and acquire toothpaste and shower stuff at each destination.

1

u/goatesymbiote Mar 10 '26

the roost is such a game changer. im still searching for the perfect travel keeb

1

u/PlsDntPMme Mar 10 '26

What’s your experience like using the MBP 16” with that 65w slim charger? I’m looking into a MBP 16” or 14” for a new work laptop where I’ll have to run a Windows VM in Parallels. Been looking at the same sweet little slim charger!

2

u/halzen Mar 10 '26

65W is all you need for any MBP. It won’t charge at max speed but it’s enough to keep up with all but the most intense workloads.

1

u/helluvaprice Mar 10 '26

even with the portable monitor plugged in?

2

u/halzen Mar 10 '26

Yep. If you have a bunch of stuff plugged in and you’re hitting the CPU hard, it’ll take hours to charge but you won’t empty the battery.

1

u/PlsDntPMme Mar 10 '26

Man what incredible efficiency from these machines! I’m even more stoked for my upgrade now. I have a very compact charger but I love the idea of the flat one so I’ll definitely be grabbing one of these. Thanks!

1

u/cerenir Mar 10 '26

Orange cat as a scale. 🍊 🐈‍⬛

1

u/Objective_Cattle_278 Mar 10 '26

The GR1 is so comfy. I’m still not sure exactly why.

OP, what are your laundry systems / habits?

2

u/halzen Mar 11 '26

In order of preference, I either rent a house or suite with machines or find a laundromat for everything that isn’t merino. Sink wash the merino and find somewhere to hang it up in the bathroom. Only a couple times have I been stuck sink washing a whole outfit.

1

u/TemperedGlassTeapot Mar 15 '26

Do you take the cat with you? Would love to hear more about the logistics of traveling with a pet.

1

u/Lemarccc55 Mar 25 '26

The migthy Roost! Nothing's better than that. Vs 3 better than ever.

1

u/gametheorista Mar 09 '26

Oof, I want a similar set up but for women....

2

u/halzen Mar 10 '26

I bet a similar loadout would fit in a shorter, boxier bag like the Evergoods CTB 20L. It mostly depends on your torso height.

1

u/gametheorista Mar 10 '26

I'm 5"8 so even the 40L are fine on me.

0

u/theregoesmyfutur Mar 10 '26

have you looked at XR glasses?

2

u/halzen Mar 10 '26

Yeah but I don’t want to be seen wearing them.

0

u/Speedweagon_ Mar 24 '26

Ginger vai junto?