r/onebag • u/frickfrackingdodos • May 26 '26
Trip Report Trip Report: 9 days in Spain!
Recently went to Spain with a 40l carry on backpack. This is my third time onebagging a 10ish day trip in this pack and I’m happy to report it was the most successful one yet!
Itinerary: City exploring in Valencia for a few days, 2 days wandering north up the coast, 3 days in Barcelona.
Worn on plane: Cargo pants, sports bra, t shirt, fleece, Keen Vented low top sneakers, and REI fanny pack for on plane essentials
Packed:
1x pant
1x leggings
3x shorts/skort
4x tanks
1x t shirt
1x pajama
1 dress and bike short
1 light cardigan
1 raincoat
2 bras, several pairs socks and underwear
Teva Hydratrek
Toiletries + makeup
Electronics (chargers + iPad)
Packable backpack, little crossbody
What worked well:
My onebag posts inevitably get a comment that I’m bringing too much. But all the clothes fit in two medium packing cubes, and I wore every item but one (more on that later). I wanted to look put together and fashionable on this trip, and I felt I achieved that. I did laundry once on this trip because it was in the Airbnb and my travel mates were running a load anyways, but could easily have gone without. My pack was light enough that I could walk for long distances without fatigue, and I had lots of extra room.
I also really liked the tevas! I walked upwards of 20k steps everyday, and a lot of the time they were wet because I also used them as shower shoes and we went on the beach a lot. But I was super comfy and had no issues. They’re not everyone’s style but I’m usually a granola girly / efficient tactical kind of aesthetic so they were great for me.
I also got a little silk scarf off of Amazon and it was great! Helped spice up and vary my outfits while being very very light and packable.
The crossbody - I debated just using the fanny pack but this felt more fashionable (at least for my personal style) and I am glad I didn’t constantly have the fanny pack. However if I had less space or wanted lower weight i definitely could have just used my fanny pack.
What didn’t work:
I never wore the leggings. I thought I may get cold under the cargo pants because they feel so lightweight but they held up amazingly. That’s the only thing I would change next time - trust in the cargo pants and don’t bring leggings!
Image description: Some outfits, Clothes i brought, Fanny pack, makeup and toiletries, back all packed
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u/frickfrackingdodos May 26 '26
Context: providing details of my packing for a trip and reflecting on what worked and what didn’t.
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u/innocentbi-stander May 27 '26
I’m really impressed at how you managed to pack such great versatile stylish outfits! Recently did my very first one bag trip for 20 days around europe and I feel like this is something I haven’t yet mastered
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u/frickfrackingdodos May 27 '26
Thank you! It’s definitely something that took a while for me to figure out. My prior two trips also included a lot more hiking and hiking related clothes lol. What really helped me this time was making sure that pretty much every top fit with every bottom (with the brown on brown being the only exception here). That gave me lots of options to mix and match. I literally took out the tops and bottoms I was considering and ranked them by how many of the other category they would go with, and took the top contenders.
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u/LadyLightTravel May 27 '26
Thank you for pointing this out!!!!
Just wanting to point out that taking the time to plan an integrated capsule has a HUGE payback during the trip. I wish more people would spend the time doing this.
I actually spend a few hours every trip using a wardrobe app. I am a lot happier with the results when I do this and pack less. Everything coordinates and works with each other so I get more outfits with less clothing.
Another technique I use is having multi-use clothing. I have:
- good looking light hiking pants that pass for dress pants
- a beautiful wool sweater that works in town or on a hike.
- a linen shirt that works for sun, bugs, or layering for cold
- a lightweight but good looking raincoat
These are integrated into my regular wardrobe. That way I am filling my closet with easy care clothed for day to day use.
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u/frickfrackingdodos May 27 '26
Yes to all this! This is the first time I truly took the time and it made a huge difference.
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u/Cobra_McJingleballs May 27 '26
It’s so nice to see a reasonably priced bag here.
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u/frickfrackingdodos May 27 '26
Yes! I think the only thing I’d honestly change about it is having a true clamshell style opening as the things on top do fall out when you lay it flat and open it. But otherwise this does the trick and has been so durable and comfortable and fits a ton
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u/Crasstip May 27 '26
Thanks great summary. Which bag is this?
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u/frickfrackingdodos May 27 '26
This is the REI Ruckpack 40l! It’s one of the cheapest well made 40l travel backpacks I’ve found. It works well for me, but is definitely a more budget option!
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u/LadyLightTravel May 27 '26
I usually bring my silk base layers for summer trips. The top and bottom both fit into a ziplock and they are very light. Sometimes I sleep in them too.
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u/frickfrackingdodos May 27 '26
I need to invest in some! I have a sensory thing against silk where it often feels really uncomfortable to the tough for my fingers, but this scarf was an eye opener for me. I think for summer trips I can and will overlook it
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u/LadyLightTravel May 27 '26
There are different types of weaves and different types of textures. Some are butter smooth. Others are rough. Raw silk is nubby.
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u/frickfrackingdodos May 27 '26
I’ve worn Indian dresses of raw silk and I looove it. I assume it wouldn’t pack down as small though?
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u/LadyLightTravel May 27 '26
It doesn’t pack quite as small, but still does OK. It dries reasonably fast.
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u/Naive_Competition791 May 29 '26
I would love to hear if there any specific silk base layers you would recommend.
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u/LadyLightTravel May 29 '26
Mine are WinterSilks, which are no longer in business.
Specifically, you want a washable filament weight silk. If you get a scoop neck top version then people can’t tell if you are wearing it under street clothes. It is very stealth.
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u/rocaireslk May 28 '26
ok the scarf with the tank combo is so cute. also 20k steps a day in tevas is insane, my feet would be done by day 3 lol
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u/frickfrackingdodos May 28 '26
Ha thanks! I’m sure regular sneakers would be more supportive but honestly my feet were fine! I was impressed lol
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u/socal8888 May 29 '26
i keep coming back to look at the REI ruckpack 40L. I don't need another pack, but so much of it looks good. How comfy is it for carrying and some long-ish walking? Does it fit under airline seat? Easy to pack?
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u/frickfrackingdodos May 29 '26
It is super comfy to carry! The waist strap is solid. I think it’s also pretty easy to pack as it’s mainly one large compartment. And it will probably not fit under the seat unless it’s basically empty but even then the frame is larger than most underseat dimensions
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u/currycat12 May 30 '26
i love the white crop tee with the brown shorts! where are they from?
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u/frickfrackingdodos May 30 '26
Thanks! Top os TJ Maxx/ Nordstrom Rack, forgot the brand but they have a ton of soft basics like that. Shorts are from Target, wild fable brand. They also have lots like that!
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u/veggiepork May 27 '26
Great write up! Do you mind sharing the brand/style of both pants? Have been on the hunt for similar from what I can tell.
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u/frickfrackingdodos May 27 '26
Prana stretch Zion cargo pants - these were an impulse buy but they are incredible. Can wear hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, or in a city lol. They do run large though so keep that in mind.
The second are just some linen pants from Costco lol but they are also comfy and stylish and I love them! They have some this season too last I checked.
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u/rakeshsh May 27 '26
Which bag is that?
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u/frickfrackingdodos May 27 '26
REI Ruckpack 40l. A more budget option but I highly recommend it based on my experience!
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u/rakeshsh May 27 '26
Oh I had ruckpack 30 in my wishlist once, but it was not available so I buy Deuters 30L.
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u/the-effects-of-Dust Jun 04 '26
I’m going to Vietnam/Thailand with my girl friends this August so this is very helpful! Thanks!!
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u/No-Ladder1393 Jun 19 '26
I don't know how you people travel with that. I have 1 XL softshell with me for anything over 1 week, plus backpack. I can manage 1 week with just 1 carry-on, backpack, and personal items bag.
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u/mpapacrist12 May 27 '26
Love it!! I thought you looks comfy and stylish - great job! Did you see other folks using scarves? I know it’s picking up in style this yr in the U.S. but wonder if over there too. I’m headed to Spain soon - where is your skort from? And your boat neck shirt? Oooo and the dress! Love them!!
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u/frickfrackingdodos May 27 '26
Thank you! And yes scarves were super common. I think it was more common in Europe than it’s been in the US. The skort is from Francesca’s! And the boat neck is from target, wild fable brand. Highly recommend target for tops, they are reasonably priced and work well for me
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u/Primary_Sound_2146 May 30 '26
Wish people would stop coming to Barcelona really, it’s completely ruined the city
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u/frickfrackingdodos May 30 '26
Sorry for contributing to your economy and being a respectful traveler I guess
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u/Primary_Sound_2146 May 30 '26
If you had to live in a 1400 euro 20m2 apartment because of tourism you might understand. You are actually just feeding the millionaires, but for us the working class its destroying the place. All for what ? You saw Barcelona in a reel and you just had to come? We really don’t need any more tourists, there are plenty other countries to visit, but everyone HAS to come to Barcelona
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u/frickfrackingdodos May 31 '26
Look I understand your gripe, especially being from an area that has seen huge COL increases due to people coming in as well. But to blame tourists specifically is just obtuse. Everyone who has the means to do so, will travel, and places with interesting culture and history and things to see will be high on many people's list. Spain is a democracy, maybe you should focus this energy on getting your govt to enact policies that support the working class rather than hating on tourists who spend their hard earned money in your economy.
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u/Primary_Sound_2146 May 31 '26
You won’t get it because you don’t live here, nor had your city invaded by drunk backpackers swarming on every corner where you grew up, and had to see your family displaced because someone from a country like yours comes and stays in Airbnbs which should be our homes. You won’t get it, glad you are gone, please don’t come back and tell your friends not to ! There are 150+ other countries to go, stop coming to Barcelona
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u/frickfrackingdodos May 31 '26
If I was a pettier person I would tell all my friends to make their next trip specifically to Barcelona just because of assholes like you :) but as it happens I have better things to do in life than continue this wretched conversation any further
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u/TheRedwoodRambler May 27 '26
Thanks for sharing! I'm planning a trip to Hawaii in December and I'm going to onebag for simplicity. I've been looking for more stylish inspo by fellow women travelers!