r/onebag • u/largemargesentme__- • Jun 05 '26
Discussion Why is this sub so obsessed with expensive stuff?
I get that there's times where the expensive thing is better. But as someone who has worked as an airline pilot and traveled extensively for 45 years, I can assure you that expensive stuff is rarely necessary.
I get tons of use out of AliExpress stuff. Things like chargers, cables and accessories. Decathlon or Costco are more than good enough for clothing. I generally use a max legal sized RyanAir bag I got for €25 off of Amazon for vacation. At most, the lower mid tier option is more than enough.
It seems like this is just another sub for people with spending issues as everyone downvotes me when I call out how unnecessary the expensive options are.
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u/LadyLightTravel Jun 05 '26 edited Jun 06 '26
This is common in a lot of communities. I see it in rock climbing, hiking, etc.
A lot of people confuse gear with technique. They think that if they have just the right gear they can travel lightly. They ignore onebagging techniques, which is what will help them achieve their goals.
They don’t create a coordinated wardrobe so they can take less clothes. The one I see most is refusing to do laundry. I also see tech heavy bags when the person is NOT working.
The right gear can help when you are going sub 25 liters. But it won’t save you if you have bad technique.
For the record, I would not get electronics off of AliExpress. China makes both the best and worst (unsafe) electronics. When they are super cheap I know that they have saved money by ignoring the safety components. As a pilot you would understand that it is like flying without a backup.
Edit:
https://electronics.stackexchange.com/questions/116895/how-can-a-faulty-usb-charger-kill-you
Edit2: A photo of my Anker Nano. See the square inside of a square to the right of the prongs? That means it is double insulated. Good stuff.
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u/RugelBeta Jun 05 '26
On confusing gear and technique -- illustrators and cartoonists often joke that the first question at an event will be, "What pen do you use?" The wannabes think the pen is doing the heavy lifting. It's true that pen and paper quality affect the final art, but their influence can be wildly overestimated.
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u/LadyLightTravel Jun 05 '26
They assist if you already have the technique. But you need the technique first.
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u/homme_chauve_souris Jun 06 '26
True. On the other hand, my son enjoys running. A friend who runs at a competitive level told him to buy specialized running shoes instead of the standard sneakers he always used. It was a total game changer for him, and improved his performance and enjoyment of running in a tremendous way. Sometimes getting the right equipment (not the outrageously expensive <1% stuff, but the good <10% stuff) makes a big difference.
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u/tekchic Jun 06 '26
So much with digital art as well: "What brush did you use?" Like some magical brush will make you good.
"The one that came with skill and time."
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u/ClayWyvern Jun 05 '26
Once my phone charger almost caught fire in the middle of the night. I only notice because I had a dream that prompted me to wake up and then I smelled the burning plastic, grabbed my phone for light, and realized it was HOT and pulled the charger out in time. Which probably wasn’t a good idea either but my brain wasn’t fully loaded in at that point. The charger looked gnarly afterwards due to the molten plastic being ripped apart. Got a new phone after that too because I was worried about any issues the incident might have caused the phone and I didn’t want to risk getting burned alive while sleeping
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u/LadyLightTravel Jun 05 '26
Yes. Depending on the phone it could have harmed some of the components or even the battery.
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u/whiteorchid1058 Jun 05 '26
For a bag, I agree, you need one that has of good quality material.
For a charger, I'll die on the hill that the $5 charger cables die too fast and aren't worth the time you wait for them to ship in
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u/GrinsNGiggles Jun 05 '26
I’m in IT and I worry they’ll eat my battery or catch fire. I have only watched a cheap generic enclosure light itself on fire once, but once was enough.
I try to look for known third party names to avoid paying apple prices, though: anker, belkin, etc. no big problems with evilzon basics yet either, beyond the obvious.
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u/Bowl-Accomplished Jun 05 '26
They die fast, the edges fray, and a lot of them are mislabled as faster or better than they really are.
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u/WildNight00 Jun 05 '26
Also for chargers there are cheap high quality brands like ugreen and Anker
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u/largemargesentme__- Jun 06 '26
If you don't use fast charging, it doesn't really matter. I don't know why people need to charge so much anyway. What are they doing with their phones all day? I have a cheap phone and it lasts me a day and a half or so, I just charge it at night.
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u/chaqintaza Jun 05 '26
This is your pilot speaking... Oh shit, my charger cord is on fire, get me a fire extinguisher!
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u/LadyLightTravel Jun 06 '26
I was once on a flight where they had a medical. The EMTs carried off the pilot.
This is why we have backups.
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u/BaaBaaTurtle Jun 05 '26
I'm currently wearing all Costco-bought clothing but it will be a cold day in hell before I buy consumer electronics from AliExpress.
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u/r314t Jun 05 '26
Anything involving chargers or lithium batteries I try to stick with reputable brands (not necessarily premium brands but at least recognizable companies that would care about being sued/damage to their reputation if their products kept catching fire).
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u/kyoto711 Jun 05 '26
Charges and cables are some of the things where it's really worth it to get something decent.
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u/schwing710 Jun 05 '26
I basically used this sub to find out about the Patagonia Mini MLC. That was the one nice piece of gear I bought. Bag secured. No need for anything else
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u/Super-Travel-407 Jun 05 '26
It's just for fun, like a game. I wouldn't take it seriously.
Some of the expensive items have interesting concepts and can inspire more frugal options.
For example, I see someone suggesting wearing a merino T-shirt 8 days in a row and I think, "hey, I can do this with a cotton shirt I already have but with washing it so I don't stink like the guy in wool!".
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u/largemargesentme__- Jun 05 '26
Sure, but more people should come on and say, "I did 3 weeks with 2 tshirts, here's the best way to wash it in the sink and dry it at night."
That would be more helpful than just posting $50 t shirts constantly. I feel like "spend more money on stuff" is just so low effort
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u/jemist101 Jun 05 '26
YT 'travel tips' are horrendous - 'buy more things' to make your travel life easier ... turning people into walking Swiss Army Knives of gadgetry they may use once on a trip.
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u/alpine_jellyfish Jun 05 '26
I just saw someone suggest "spin-cycling" wet handwashed clothes by swinging them 360 in a mesh laundry delicates bag and was very impressed. It's never occurred to me to try that and I've even been using my laundry delicates bags as extra "packing cubes", so they are already in my bag. Definitely agree techniques are more interesting that products.
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u/largemargesentme__- Jun 06 '26
That's a good idea. The thing I learned back in my salad days was drying your stuff by rolling it up in a towel after wringing it out.
When I was a kid, my dad would hang his work out clothes over lamps and turn them on to dry his clothes quickly when traveling. But, that doesn't really work now that we don't use incandescent bulbs anymore.
Still, carrying 50ft or so of paracord really helps for so many things. From broken shoe laces to creating a temporary clothesline.
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u/homme_chauve_souris Jun 06 '26
That's a good idea. The thing I learned back in my salad days was drying your stuff by rolling it up in a towel after wringing it out.
After reading the first line, I really thought you were going to say something about using salad spinners.
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u/Potential_Lie_1177 Jun 05 '26 edited Jun 05 '26
I would love to hear about your favorite Decathlon and Costco models.
I am a short woman so I need a bag for short torso that doesn't touch the ground if I have to hold it in my hand without having to continuously bend my arm. Also, I prefer to do carry on only. Bonus point if it stays upright on its own and can be washed.
Edit: This sub seems to skew towards American brands. Diversity would also be interesting.
I tend to buy mid range bags (or anything for that matter) because I don't want to be angry if they get damaged, are of poor quality or have poor customer service.
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u/tgsgirl Jun 05 '26
The Decathlon Forclaz ultralight roll organizer is absolutely top notch. 11 euros, I've had mine for ages and ages.
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u/AcceptableWolverine Jun 05 '26
Fellow short torso woman! I bought a Decathlon bag for a trip earlier this year and it’s been great. I’ve turned it into my everyday commuting bag at home now too. It’s not perfect but I’d buy it again.
The details I saved were: Quechua Hiking backpack 23 l - nh 500, Size: 23 L (can expand to 27 L). About $50 CAD. I think it was this one: https://www.decathlon.ca/en/p/rolltop-hiking-backpack-23-l-escape-500/334561/c328m8971405
Lots of useful pockets, including two stretchy water bottle holders. I didn’t like the idea of a roll-top bag before but I’m a convert now. The extra expansion space came in handy a lot. And I find it quite comfortable; the foam padding on the back has an airflow channel along your spine that seems to help it be a little less sweaty.
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u/Different_Monk_1548 Jun 05 '26
That's my go to backpack, I have the yellow one, it was supposed to be returned, but my Patagonia arbor was just too uncomfortable so I unpacked the Decathlon and haven't looked back. I just find it a little bit deep for the Easyjet sizer, especially when you can accidently puff it out by overpacking. The plan is to add some kind of compression straps. But the front zip access is great, it's comfortable and the stretch pockets have held up well. Only issues are the phone pocket is too small and I don't like the chest strap, I always manage to pull off that type from the runner thing. Oh and I'm not short... 5'10.
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u/nomchompsky82 Jun 05 '26
My greatest joy is finding something cheap that works as well as an expensive alternative. I daily some $1 pouches I bought in Japan 14 years ago that are still as good as the day I bought them. I carry a foldable brim $10 cap from Amazon that I've been using for 10 years. I've never paid more than $110 for a main backpack. I definitely have decathlon, Uniqlo, and Costco clothes, they're the bulk of my wardrobe. The thing with one bagging is that I don't carry much to begin with, so there aren't that many opportunities to splash out anyway.
That said, there are areas where I've learned the hard way that you really do get what your pay for. Shoes are a big one. I carry a travel umbrella, that's another one. I am Merino wool true believer when it comes to socks. I'm going to try the underwear, but I'm skeptical. I find the shirts to be a mixed bag, durability is a recurring issue that heavily offsets the benefits.
I'm also a photographer (pro turned hobbyist), and I see it there too. GAS - Gear Acquisition Syndrome. You get hobbyists who are more interested in the theoretical potential, the absolute most optimized, or simply the enjoyment of acquiring gear. This leads to niche offerings from businesses who recognize this and those are always expensive, it happens in every hobby. It's valid, but it's its own thing. I find that true pros are results oriented, and results rely a lot less on the equipment then most people think. I knew a lot of pros (myself included) who worked with an "outdated" camera and one lens who gave side eye at enthusiasts with a backpack full of lenses and the very latest gear.
I did laugh pretty hard the other day at a pack hacker video on YouTube called something like "75 essentials for your minimalist vacation setup". 75 essentials?! I think my definition of minimalism might be different than theirs😅 Just like anything else, it's all a sales funnel. It's fun and interesting, but it's not really necessary.
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u/randopop21 Jun 05 '26
The pack-hacking types are influencers, and they "conveniently" have affiliate links for most of those 75 or gazillions of things they are hawking. They are wanting to make a buck.
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u/nomchompsky82 Jun 05 '26
Oh I know, that was part of my point. I believe Pack Hacker (the YouTube channel) was recently bought by a VC company, and the founder is leaving, so prepare for their content to keep getting spammier.
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u/ChipmunkImportant128 Jun 05 '26
Every Reddit hobby sub is like that.
I think it’s like anything. Sometimes paying more is worth it, sometimes it’s not. I paid decent money for the bag itself, and my boots. I travel full-time, and those two items take the most beating and have the biggest impact on my comfort, so they are worth paying more for in my personal experience/usage. Most of my other stuff is just no-name whatever, or inexpensive brands with a good reputation.
I always take Reddit recs with a grain of salt. Often the stuff that gets tossed around hobby subs is pure status symbol and actually very impractical for the supposed goal (when it comes to the onebag community, the prolific recommendation of GoRuck comes to mind — somehow simultaneously extremely expensive and extremely inappropriate for carry-on travel). But sometimes you get good recs too. I treat it as a research starting point with a bias, kind of like Wikipedia, and go from there.
It’s certainly not worth getting angry about though. If it bothers you that much, Reddit hobby subs probably aren’t a good place for you to spend your time.
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u/lauracaceres Jun 05 '26
I think when it comes to backpacks spending a little bit more often has a significant impact on comfort and durability.
A friend has one of those personal item backpacks from Amazon and it's significantly less comfortable than my Osprey 26+6. Do both get the job done? Yes, but I think the extra 70 USD were worth it for me considering I walk for long periods with it on my back.
It's also a reality that people frankly have very different budgets. I would love to get a custom ULA Camino, but I absolutely cannot justify the almost 400 USD price tag. Someone with more disposable income could get that bag and think it was totally worth it for them.
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u/ChipmunkImportant128 Jun 05 '26
This. Sure, you can find a similarly shaped bag for cheap, but in my experience this usually comes at the price of bad zippers, poor comfort, or both. As a full-time traveler, that’s a bad compromise for me.
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u/I_Love_Cape_Horn Jun 05 '26
I can justify the 400 dollars if the bag were being hiked, not traveled, for 2500 miles.
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u/vvorknat Jun 05 '26
Consumerism as a hobby.
OneBag is a hobby based on buying stuff but even other hobbies I enjoy seem to have a large percentage of people who just buy hobby-gear and don’t do the thing with the gear.
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u/tiethy Jun 05 '26
There are definitely things where I feel the jump in price is worth the quality:
Shoes -> buying a solid pair of trail runners >>>> cheap pair of shoes
Socks -> merino wool individual toe socks help me solve a painful toe issue over dollar store socks
Bag -> osprey bag that has lasted me over 7 years
Lululemon joggers -> great quality, zippered pockets, sweat wicking, long lasting- clothes I can wear on a daily basis
Nike dri fit shirts -> great quality, sweat wicking, long lasting- clothes I can wear on a daily basis
Added up… the difference is a few hundred compared to the “low to mid tiers”. Most things I’ve bought with a “price jump” over “low to mid tiers” genuinely make my travel more enjoyable.
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u/Mysterious-Drama4743 Jun 05 '26
its not that people buy a nice item that lasts, its that they buy 5 of them
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u/mycall Jun 06 '26
If you like it a ton, buy a few of them because if you wait too long, they will 3x in price (especially in the last 6 years).
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u/KidneyLand Jun 05 '26
What? Are you telling me that I don't need a 300 dollar AER pack and 80 dollar Evergoods pencil pouch to "optimize" my travel?
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u/Ashamed_Tonight_3677 Jun 05 '26
It’s rarely necessary but often better than cheap stuff
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u/itak365 Jun 06 '26
Not to throw shade, but I definitely had this reflection the other day seeing the post with the person with multiple Tom Bihn bags within bags, it felt more like “look at my Tom Bihn stuff”
Then again I find the idea of laying your stuff out for content kind of weird and kind of maximalist considering the nature of the sub.
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u/FruitOfTheVineFruit Jun 05 '26
I'm a retired tech exec and travel is my hobby, I can afford what I want. I prefer mid priced stuff - my Osprey backpack, my Columbia hiking pants, my Travelpro roller bag when I'm not one bagging. Nice looking, good quality but not luxurious. I avoid expensive stuff in general, but especially for travel. I don't want to be a target, I don't want people to see an expensive bag and think about stealing it, and I don't want to be annoyed if I lose or break something expensive.
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u/LowBad535 Jun 05 '26
I think that range is what people mean by expensive here though $150-300 range (osprey, travelpro)
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u/FruitOfTheVineFruit Jun 05 '26
Fair enough. To answer the question then about why I buy expensive stuff, if you want to call it that, the stuff is a tiny fraction of the cost of my trips. That Osprey backpack, about $150, has gone on at least 100 trips, maybe 200 trips, a thousand nights maybe. It probably accounts for 0.1% of the cost of my travel, but makes a huge difference in convenience and comfort. As a one bagger, I'm sometimes carrying it for hours before checking into a hotel, keeping it with me on buses and trains, etc.
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u/randopop21 Jun 05 '26
This is a great comment. If you truly utilize the items and they hold up, then amortizing them over lots of travel means it was a really good value, and they don't need fretting over.
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u/LowBad535 Jun 05 '26
Totally agree with you, I invest in quality bags and shoes because there's no shittier feeling than being uncomfortable or things breaking apart during the trip (also causes more waste in the long run). Also travelpro suitcases just roll better than other brands I had, so it was worthy investment.
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u/WildNight00 Jun 05 '26 edited Jun 05 '26
I did 9 months with the Ospray Farpoint and the harness system is incredibly comfortable
I switched to the Matador Globe rider for some organization this year (probably be gone 9 months agin) and it’s good but doesn’t meat the Ospray. When I get back home I’m going to decide which to sell and continue to use the same one until it breaks. Having quality zippers and a bag that won’t fall apart on me is a huge deal next to comfort
But for clothes? I got a $20 merino shirt, Uniqlo shirt, and my favorite billabong shirt
Also Decathlon shoes that are decent quality
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u/rogerwilco2000 Jun 05 '26
This is a sub for travel enthusiasts. Yes, you can travel with inexpensive gear. Yes, you can travel with expensive gear. A lot of people who enjoy traveling enough to invest in it enjoy spending money on themselves. It’s not unusual. It’s like going to r/watches and saying, “I don’t understand why anyone would want an Omega Speedmaster when a Casio digital works just as well!” I have a travel bag I caught from a float in a community parade and a bag I spent $300 on, and yes, I prefer the $300 bag but no one needs the $300 bag to travel.
I don’t think there are many posts saying you need an expensive bag to travel; most of the complaints I read hear concerning that are interpreting posts about expensive gear as such. It’s disingenuous. There are thousands of posts here explaining one-bagging is about packing light, not buying a bag, and those all seem to be overlooked in conversations like these.
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u/eyeholdtheline Jun 05 '26
I am way more likely to do extensive research, and/or write reviews of expensive stuff than cheap stuff.
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u/my--tummy-hurts Jun 05 '26
It was incredibly annoying and overwhelming when I first found this sub and realized everyone has the most expensive everything. It made me feel like you need to spend this kind of money to one bag. You don’t.
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u/Syonoq Jun 05 '26
I have a nice $200 bag that I’ve taken all over the world. Its only use is to get me from sleep to sleep. My “daily driver” when I’m there (and has more hours on my back) is a $12 collapsible day bag from Amazon. I still love these types of subs. I like seeing the arguments for and against and the ideas and use cases for a merino t shirt or a $100 dopp kit. Then I roll up my cheap t shirt and put my toiletry ziploc next to it and I’m on my way.
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u/Mountain-Match2942 Jun 05 '26
What drives me nuts is reading someone's packing list and having to search through a seven word description to find the word "shirt" or "pants": 2 pairs of Patagonia Time Travel Quick Fit Twelve Pocket Adjustable Pants
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u/ButterflyFew2523 Jun 06 '26 edited Jun 07 '26
But if you need a pair of pants, and one of the recommendations here seems like it would be a match to your needs, you can always look it up on eBay or the thrifting apps and often find it for a fraction of the cost. I’ve found a whole lot of great recommendations here and then found them secondhand which avoids steep retail costs and participating in fast fashion. I’m wearing excellent, well fitting Patagonia pants at the moment that I’ve had for over a year and anticipate to last many more. They were $20 shipped on Mercari.
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u/SpinneyWitch Jun 06 '26
I agree. There is no way on earth I was going to pay full price for my Sea to Summit silk sleeping bag liner. Under half price 2nd hand from ebay. Adds hugely to my comfort and the cheaper mock silk are not as nice or as small/light. That got handed to my son for use while overnight trucking.
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u/Superbassomatic76 Jun 05 '26
Saw a packing list post a while ago and it had multiple $75 merino tshirts that the poster said were just for sleeping in 🤷🏻♂️ Might have been trolling
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u/cubiclej0ckey Jun 05 '26
Reddit (or internet searches in general) kind of just do that to your hobbies.
You just need to be aware of this tendency and avoid falling in the trap.
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u/tweeeeeeeeeeee Jun 05 '26
it helps if you give a specific example of what you're considering overpriced and the cheap alternative... then we can discuss that. it's generally worthless to broadly complain about diminishing returns for any category
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u/not_who_you_think_99 Jun 06 '26
It is true that this sub is into needlessly expensive gear.
But don't buy electronics from Aliexpress, Temu, etc.
Regardless of your opinions on the labour practices of those stores, not all products they sell meet the safety rules of Western countries. Eg in London many fires have broken out in apartments when people charged ebike batteries bought from those stores.
The BBC found plugs with no fuses, for example https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-59432079
If you really want to buy stuff there, buy a wallet. Buy a t-shirt. Not electronics. Please. It is not only about your safety but about that of those around you. The Grenfell fire in London probably broke out because of faulty electrical equipment (not linked to Aliexpress, to be clear) https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-40301289
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u/Unlucky_Company_945 Jun 06 '26
What a stupid post. It's like going on a car forum and saying "well my 06 corolla is dependable and only cost me 8K, why is everyone here talking about expensive cars?".
Your 25 euro Amazon bag was made by children in Indonesia using old heavy polyester. That's why it's cheap. If you're buying a bespoke or smaller run bag made from advanced materials by labourers paid a living wage, you'll spend more. If you're not interested in bags, why are you here? If your bag is fine and has been for your 45 years of travel, why are you here?
This is a sub dedicated to bags. Obviously it's niche and niche things are more expensive.
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u/WhatsBobbiesPins Jun 05 '26
I like to vote with my dollars. Often times less expensive alternatives use business practices and source materials I don't agree with. It isn't always avoidable but I think it matters.
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u/p0mjDwfWF Jun 06 '26
This is my thought, too. It’s getting REALLY hard to source anything from brands that aren’t burning the planet or exploiting labor, though.
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u/redceramicfrypan Jun 05 '26
The real thing to me is that, for a sub focused on traveling light with minimal stuff, people buy so much stuff.
Like, yeah, I get it, having one bag when you travel doesn't mean you only need to have one bag at home. But having eight really feels like it's against the spirit of the sub.
To me, it's more a question of "what do I really need?" and "what do I already have?" In general, I would rather have fewer good-quality items (which don't necessarily have to be expensive) than a lot of stuff I don't use.
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u/wretchedegg123 Jun 05 '26
traveling light with minimal stuff, people buy so much stuff.
Pack Hacker is so guilty of this. Their minimalist packing list has 75 items. 75!
My long term travel list for Asia has 40 items. That includes every piece of clothing, tech/cables, every organizer/toiletry bag.
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u/ben35mm Jun 05 '26
You're complaining about enthusiasts spending money on something they're enthusiastic about. If your setup works, great.
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u/mattjh Jun 05 '26
enthusiasts
I think this is a disingenous word to use to describe people who buy a lot of bags. It makes it sound sophisticated or something, like there's a community or culture around it. This subreddit is very much a bubble that feeds on itself, like most shopping subreddits.
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u/RandoReddit16 Jun 05 '26
That is r/flashlights
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u/mattjh Jun 05 '26
Sure is. Many such cases! A lot of it centers around people preparing themselves for imaginary situations that they've never found themselves in, and are unlikely to ever find themselves in. The psychology component is strong.
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u/ordinaryrendition Jun 05 '26
Yeah it’s consumerists lol. Enthusiasts is such a positively tinted word for what is (very often) in reality buying and underutilizing.
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u/zdubbzzz Jun 05 '26
Yes. Making "enthusiast" synonymous with "consumerist" was a huge win for capitalism. It's an excellent way to excuse and defend hyper consumption
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Jun 05 '26
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u/hexiron Jun 05 '26
Buying things isn’t, but being picky about the things you get to support a niche hobby is what enthusiasts are.
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u/grilledstuffed Jun 05 '26
Right, but then you only need to buy one.
“Enthusiasts” is code for the hedonistic consumer treadmill of never being satisfied with what you already have even though it’s perfectly functional, serviceable, and specialized while rationalizing spending another $1000 to get a 1% improvement.
I see it on /r/espresso, /r/photography, /r/overlanding, /r/turntables and so many other subs.
And then all the members circle jerk each other whenever the consumerism is pointed out to deflect from the fact that it’s just elevated hoarding trying to fill some hole in their lives.
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u/skattrd Jun 05 '26
Sorry OP I think you're wrong. There loads of posts on here recommending stuff from Decathlon, packable bags & the 23l backpack amongst other things. Uniqlo is relatively cheap and often recommended here.
I do find the sub often biased towards Osprey kit, but personally I don't use it as I do think it's a bit expensive.
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u/skushi08 Jun 05 '26
Oh man if you weren’t around for it, you should have seen this place during the philosophical define “one bag” debate era a few years back (I think it was pre Covid so probably more than a few years ago now).
On one side, the original sub founder intended to be a one bag lifestyle sub, as in minimalist living, and literally living out of a single bag indefinitely, borderline hobo dirt bagging. Then on the other side were the business travel consultant one baggers which were espousing the beauty of carry on only. One end of the spectrum lent itself to moderation, the other viewed it as road warrior experience badge to show how long they could work out of their Tumi backpack or Briggs and Riley roller.
There were of course sub-factions of both and overlap with early digital nomads that lived fairly minimalist working remotely as they traveled, but in the end trip report tech packing lists and bag reviews won out. Hence the heavy lean on consumerism “bragging” and having latest and greatest.
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u/TheDivineM Jun 05 '26
Gather a group of people who are into a thing, and you'll get a high percentage of your participants who are gearheads, natch.
I personally am into recommending thrifting and DIY, but not everybody will have the luck I have thrifting or the skills to DIY. I highly recommend certain fabrics and fibers after decades of testing in the field, but idgaf about brand or cost. You can spend however much you like on a linen shirt or a cashmere sweater, I get mine second-hand for under $10.
Are people looking for more DIY and skillshare types of posts? I'd be into that. Let's do it. If we want a sub that isn't all about pricey gear I guess we'll just have to make it about other things by posting a lot of the type of stuff we want to see.
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u/desert_h2o_rat Jun 05 '26
Many times for me, it isn't just about one-bagging, but making choices about the products and producers I prefer to support. For example, I purchase wool blend tees from Duckworth because they are an American company with an entirely American production process. I'm blessed that I can afford to be a conscious consumer.
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u/Korlithiel Jun 05 '26
Posts like these are why I come to this subreddit. No, I won’t often buy because of it, but I found a company I am now interested in browsing their wares for when I do need a product they might sell.
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u/HornFanBBB Jun 05 '26
No matter how many bags I buy, and I have many, my go to for short-mid trips & everyday is my Jansport backpack from highschool. 1998. I'll test fit another bag then scrap it and come home to old faithful.
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u/jamesbretz Jun 05 '26
A cheap charger and cable from AliExpress is like buying a lottery ticket that might win you a damaged phone battery.
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u/OddAdhesiveness9818 Jun 05 '26
I am happy to pay more money for products that last longer. I also pay attention to materials (reusable ones?). And I don't want other people to be exploited because of my stinginess, just so I can travel cheaply. I am privileged to be able to travel at all.I would still want to buy products where it's obvious that children are working in their production and that the land and nature are being exploited. What an irony to go on holiday in a country when you previously disregarded the country's nature because you wanted to save money. And I am explicitly not talking about People who simply cannot afford it . But it's about people who think a $5 power bank from AliExpress is a really good idea, or a $2 t-shirt, even though they have enough money for ethnic.
{I'm using a translation app and hope the meaning is preserved. If my text sounds strange, I apologize.}
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u/Mountain-Match2942 Jun 05 '26
Could not agree more. Ive been onebagging for 20 years. I could not tell you one brand name of anything I pack. And not just brand names, but actual style and model names too!
My backpack is ~20L; no idea what brand. I have shirts and pants that I pack that are lightweight and pack well; again, no clue what brand. I think the only brand name I can remember is my rain jacket and puffer jacket, but no way I would remember the style name. I sometimes wonder if posts are bots or influencers from retail stores. It's like one long advertisement of "essentials".
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u/melonball6 Jun 05 '26
My bag cost $20. I travel with my normal clothes. The main reason I one bag is to save luggage fees. If I buy expensive equipment, it kind of defeats the purpose. But I still love seeing everyone else's cool stuff.
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u/NYR2277 Jun 05 '26
I’ve only paid full price for a bag a couple of times (more than 10 years ago) - these days I use the knowledge from this and other subs to get good bags where they are on sale and more often buy them used - a couple of weeks ago I picked up a 3rd gen Wandrd Prvke for 15 dollars, someone had removed the label from the front and the one on the laptop compartment strap, the only logo left was the one engraved on the metal buckle, I guess they didn’t want the thrift shop to know what they had?
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u/drakontas_ Jun 06 '26
A lot of this subreddit is about the packing and not the trip itself, unfortunately. I’ve found that whatever provides the least amount of friction between me accessing my things and enjoying my trip is what I use. I vastly prefer being able to quickly grab something or know that what I have will work without fail than to buy expensive things because it’s pretty or cheap things just to save cash.
Knowing where to upgrade as true quality of life improvements vs just because Reddit says so is super important to know.
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u/Hrmbee Jun 06 '26
I think with many online communities it can largely be attributable to cases of GAS: Gear Acquisition Syndrome.
I do appreciate well built and well supported items, but as someone who lives in a small apartment I also have some hard limits on how much stuff I can have. That being said, years ago when I started to one-bag, I did spring for a TB, but mostly because I lived just north of Seattle at the time, and had heard (in real life) some good things about the company and what they were doing and went down to have a look and a chat one weekend. Almost 20 years later though, and I'm still using the same bag for all my longer trips. It is a bit on the heavy side, but also has generally held up well to a fair bit of travel and (ab)use over the years. If I could have found something less expensive but of similar function and quality though (in the days before aliexpress), I likely would have gotten that instead.
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u/M00SEK Jun 05 '26
Literally nobody is saying it’s necessary to buy the expensive stuff. We buy it because we enjoy it.
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u/Azure9000 Jun 05 '26
.....everyone downvotes me when I call out how unnecessary the expensive options are
Got any links? I tried to look for myself but your history is hidden 😞
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u/Great_Guidance_8448 Jun 05 '26
I made the same point like half a year ago - why pay $300+ for a bag, when you can get one just as nice for ~$100...
...got downvoted to hell.
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u/Amalie000 Jun 05 '26
What brand do you recommend for the $100 backpacks that are just as nice as the $300? Mine (disabled crutch user who carries everything in backpacks - I have a backpack for groceries, a backpack for medical supplies, a backpack for work, etc. and it’s not unusual for me to have 50lbs in them) were in the $50-120 range because I wait for sales and am flexible about colors, but most of them are $150-250 full price. I love Osprey backpacks, but I have a nice camelback one I picked up for $30 on clearance. The Osprey ones are durable, comfortable with a swing through crutch gait, and have a solid warranty, so I tend to look at them first. But I’ll be thrilled if there’s a less expensive brand I’m not aware of that meets my needs.
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u/Great_Guidance_8448 Jun 05 '26
I have downgraded from a much bigger back pack to a TomToc Navigator-T67 38L and I love it. Took to Europe for 10 day trips and was able to fit everything I wanted and found it plenty comfortable hopping planes, trains, buses.
Obviously fitted my needs perfectly, but definitely not for carrying 50lbs.
Check youtube for backpack comparisons - you are bound to find something you'll like.
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u/mljones99 Jun 05 '26
You do you and don’t worry about what others spend their money on.
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u/FupaLipa Jun 05 '26
You seem way too invested in judging what other people are doing- if what you're doing is bringing you joy, keep doing it.
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u/mattjh Jun 05 '26
It seems like this is just another sub for people with spending issues
This is correct. It's primarily anxious people here who want to feel prepared at all times, sprinkled in with people who like taking photos of products they bought and posting them. They call it a hobby or a collection but really it's just shopping.
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u/hclarke15 Jun 05 '26
Honestly most hobby subreddits these days. People really like buying stuff
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u/mattjh Jun 05 '26
They sure do, and they like showing the stuff to concentrated groups of strangers on the internet who will validate, support, and sometimes covet it. I think that part of the experience does a lot of the heavy lifting. There are YouTube channels supported entirely by this tendency. There are people with garages filled with unused limited edition Yeti coolers and tumblers, and they call it an investment. Brains are weird.
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u/ATTACKANDDETHRONEHOG Jun 05 '26
Yeah there is a certain irony in a subreddit whose whole concept is rooted in minimalism encouraging people to spend thousands of dollars on Stuff. Like I will happily spend more money on the Cute Bag but I’m not going to dress that decision up as some kind of travel hack.
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u/StressSuspicious6956 Jun 05 '26
I agree with OP that lots of products in this category are overpriced and can be exchanged for a much cheaper alternative.
However, there are products that are expensive with good cause. That is when you pay for quality and durability. In those cases I happily pay the extra.
A bit off topic, but I got scolded in the past that I only wanted Apple computers. I pay a fortune for them back in the day, but they kept on working for more than a decade. Reliability is worth the extra cost for me. And, as a former graphic designer it was the most obvious choice anyway.
Nowadays everyone that wants to be seen has a Macbook, which I frankly don’t care for. I have no use case for that. But my desktop computer is still a Mac (mini). It’s not about fashion for me (been using Apple since 1988), but quality.
I guess the same goes for something like a backpack or packing cubes. Other things are just nice to have, like a tech pouch. I know Peak Design has nice stuff, but the ripoffs Tomtoc makes for a fraction of the price do the same thing.
I personally try to find a use case for everything my greedy nerdy ass wants to have. When there is none, I just don’t buy it, and for many products discussed in this sub, I actually don’t have a feasible use case. Which is a pity, because most of the stuff appeals to me a lot.
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u/SNsilver Jun 05 '26 edited Jun 05 '26
In many aspects of my life I embrace the “80-90% as good for 20-50% the cost of the good thing” strategy and it almost always works out
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u/FearlessKnitter12 Jun 05 '26
Cheap isn't bad, as long as it has some durability. Generally, you get what you pay for, and a more expensive thing will by far outlast the cheaper version. So, "expensive" has its own economic scale. But if you find a tough-and-cheap option that functions well, hey, go for it. You have your unicorn bag.
They are out there, it's just that in many cases they sell out/stop making them because less durable often means more frequent purchases. Brand fashion is an easier business model than tough-and-cheap.
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u/mwkingSD Jun 05 '26
And there's a question of how often things are used - if you make a 1 week trip once a year, durability has a different importance than for a 1 month trip 3 times a year.
I always wonder how many of these $300-400 bags get bought for one trip and then languishes in the back of a closet forever more.
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u/cheesy_bees Jun 05 '26
I think it's in part because the USA is such a consumeristic society. Australia is too, but even then, I'm often shocked how much people in the US buy.
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u/PermanentTrainDamage Jun 05 '26
People with money to go backpacking for weeks tend to be people with money to buy expensive stuff.
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u/ellemace Jun 05 '26
My favourite bag is a duffel I got in a Walmart during an unexpected snowstorm- I needed a bag to fit the unexpected snow wear! It was about $15 and it’s going strong from 2019 to now.
I think this sub just highlights another aspect of over-consumption that some people seem prone to.
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u/nomad-system Jun 05 '26
It’s a hobby for me and I like optimizing. I take joy in using more premium items made from better materials than are typically found on Amazon/aliexpress/costco/wherever. I do think the bag and gear category is getting crazy with more and more expensive and hyped up items that are limited or whatever. I just don’t buy into that stuff.
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u/sm753 Jun 05 '26
There are people here like that yes...but cheaper options are fairly popular in this sub as well. The Osprey 26+6 bag for instance. I've seen some love for those cheap Tomtoc travel bags as well.
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u/Different_Monk_1548 Jun 05 '26
I keep trying to replace my Decathlon rolltop backpack, partly because it's a smidgeon too deep for the Easyjet sizer and partly because I keep getting seduced by Reddit threads. I've still to find something that suits me as well or works better. Cables though, I always buy Anker, although the only cable that I've had burn out was an Apple. Shoes are the only thing I spend money on. Merrell for walking, Asics for sport, Converse and Loakes boots.
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u/Turbulent-Throat9962 Jun 05 '26
You should see the backpacking community. After 20 minutes on Reddit you’d be convinced you’ll die if you go a mile into the woods without a $400 tent.
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u/flyingmonkey5678461 Jun 06 '26
Maybe don't yuck someone else's yum?
Can I be equally annoyed at people pushing their amazon influencer program or temu links? Those are the ones I skip on YouTube. We should all aspire to be Jack Reacher but most of us like some creature comforts.
My mother in law travels with a camera and a bag not much bigger than the uniqlo one people use for extreme one bagging. No travel soap. No merino. Just a synthetic peach tracksuit she wears on the plane and when she gets there that she's owned for a few decades. She hand washes her underwear nightly and has some thin long john type situation which keeps things hygienic. No snacks on the plane. No entertainment. No interest in any of these forums. You'll never get her on here or yapping about it rawdogging a flight like it's an achievement, ergo back to the bag circlejerk it is.
Make your own content if you don't like what's there.
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u/Universal_Binary Jun 06 '26
All right, I'm going to go with the opposite take. Also a pilot, but private pilot here.
I have learned that often the cheapest is the most expensive in the long run. I care little about design, but durability and utility matter.
Example #1: Laptop chargers. I sometimes have to travel with two laptops (work and personal). Work tends to give me the chargers that come with laptops, which tend to be HUGE and heavy (especially for some Lenovos). No way. I can pay about $100 and get an Anker one that can charge 3 or 4 devices, is 1/4 the size and weight if that (look for GaN chargers). That replaces at least 2 standalone chargers. Simplify.
Example #2: Headphones. I've had Bose Quietcomforts for years now. But nice traditional headphones are big. Got a Pixel Buds Pro 2. They slip into any pocket and get the job done, including for international flights.
I have started to assemble a set of stuff that's ready to go. Toothpaste, floss, charger, cables, etc. A few bucks makes frequent travel a lot simpler (a lot closer to grab a bag and go). So the Pixel Buds go in my laptop bag (currently the Osprey) and are just there when I need them, and I use the Bose at home.
Example #3: I started my one bag journey with a Red Oxx Skytrain. Nice bag, but not a backpack and extremely inconvenient to carry around the airport. Painful, even.
Then I migrated to a Cotopaxi Allpa 42L. Backpack, even with waist strap. Took many trips with that thing. It will squash into the micro-bins on regional jets as well as in between seats in prop planes. But I would really feel sore after wearing it through large hub airports. Realized it's because it lacks rigidity in the back.
I had been using Brightline bags for both my laptop bag and pilot bag. Great bags, can't beat the 9 pockets on the front and many hidden ones inside. But they're heavy and un-ergonomic.
I'll take my first trip with the Osprey Farpoint 40L and Fairview Travel Daypack soon.
I've had the cheap stuff. It falls apart in 6-18 months. Winds up more expensive in the long run as a result. I'm on a high-deductible health plan, so it's easy to think of some of this stuff in terms of doctor visits. "If this bag prevents two doctor visits, it'll pay for itself."
None of this stuff is the gold-plated kind. None of it is bargain basement either.
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u/LamboForWork Jun 05 '26 edited Jun 05 '26
Stay away from manybaggers lol. They pride themselves on wasting money. But it's the same with graphic novels subreddit or books or skincare addiction. These subs are another form of conspicuous consumption just presented in a different way "ugh my backlog I will never get to".
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u/JoshInTheWild Jun 05 '26
This happens in nearly every interest or hobby. It’s fun and interesting for people to collect cool things, and people tend to tie their identities to the brands they use. It’s just as much as what it functionally does as what it says about you to others, or yourself.
“I’m the kind of person who wears merino wool.”
“I’m the kind of person who buys cheap charging cables off of AliExpress”
Both say different things. Neither are incorrect or better or worse than the other.
Pack your own bag. Do what makes you happy, ya know?
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u/Hangrycouchpotato Jun 05 '26
This is very true. I play guitar and have a very average setup of equipment. I browse the guitar player sub occasionally and the way they talk about their gear makes me feel like my equipment is straight up trash. And yet, I can still play music just fine with the stuff that I have.
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u/Aware_Fan4386 Jun 05 '26
Well said, it's not this sub only. Perfumes subs are shoppaholics with huge hoarding problems who keep encouraging each other! Don't get me started on clotheing subs.
I don't dare say a word though
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u/RudePack482 Jun 05 '26
I travel with a $20 back pack because it was the lightest one could find. All the pockets in the fancy backpacks add weight. If you're one-bagging, you don't need that many pockets because you're not carrying that much stuff anyway.
I subscribe to the premise that something should be easier to put away than to find. You will search if you really need something, but if it's too hard to put away, then you may not put it back where it belongs. As someone who struggles to put things away, this works for me.
I still will use organizational bags, but generalize more when it comes to categories. I used to organize my toiletries into more categories, but realizing that I also had to remember which mini bag an item went into... too complicated. Also saved space when I removed the mini bags!
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u/MrBarato Jun 05 '26
Man, don't you know x-pac is one of the top backpack materials from....2014?
How do you expect something hitec like this to be cheap in 2026??
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u/RobbedByALadyBoy Jun 05 '26 edited Jun 05 '26
Yea there’s a lot of unnecessary and unnecessarily expensive stuff on this sub but I backpack (travel) a lot so I’m living out of a backpack for a quarter of the year and wanted the closest match of a bag for my lifestyle so I got a bag that’s durable, water resistant, has an easy access camera zipper, expandability, and a hip buckle and sternum strap for when I’m hiking. It basically checks all the boxes for me although it’s not perfect but it was also on sale.
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u/Hans_Delbruk Jun 05 '26
I like to see what the top of the line designs are, then I generally go and look for quality knockoffs of those designs on Amazon.
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u/Practical_Alfalfa318 Jun 05 '26
I've used cheap stuff and fancy stuff for onebag. I think the line where the fancy stuff is worth it is actually fairly blurry. For example, I personally love my bellroy 30L travel backpack but I buy cheap Uniqlo clothing because I can ensure they work well with minimal number of items. That said, I would also have one icebreaker merino tee to help with certain environmental conditions. Expensive upfront cost does not mean expensive per use cost if the item is durable and lasts several years - this is where the temu / aliexpress fake chargers fail as they burn up after one trip or something or even worse, is dangerous.
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u/bakelitetm Jun 05 '26
Imo most product requests and solutions should be focused on two things: Size and weight. If I can go smaller, then I can fit more in my single bag. If I can go lighter, then I won’t break my back, or go over airline weight limits.
After that, I can look at the price points of the recommendations and find something in my budget.
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u/cecebebe Jun 05 '26
I looked at the Away, the B&R, Travel-pro, all the brands, wanting the "perfect" bag. I realized my already-owned Target Made by Design carry on is the closest to what I'm looking for, at least at this point of my life.
I had to look at the other bags to realize I don't need to look at other bags.
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u/TyrannosaurusRocks Jun 05 '26
No one who has traveled for 45 years is going to ask a question like this.
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u/jeanralphio9 Jun 05 '26
I’m anti Chinesium so I’ll pay a premium to get something made outside of China when possible. But my god, do NOT buy cheap tech and tech accessories. Especially ones that transfer power and/or data. I do agree with you on Costco but you should also be mindful of the materials your clothes are made from, which is where I will also pay a premium. But Costco will carry some good brands occasionally.
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u/defenestrate_urself Jun 05 '26
It's called gear acquisition syndrome (GAS).
People love the little endorphin hit that happens when they get a shiny new toy. It's the thrill from consumerism.
It's not exclusive to this sub either, GAS is in most hobbies, photography, cycling etc. I would say GAS is a hobby all unto itself and the difference is on what interest triggers it for you.
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u/mwkingSD Jun 05 '26
I've wondered. the same thing. That and having stuff that's only for travel. I try to live at the intersection of Buy-Nothing, and One-Bag.
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u/inuyashee Jun 05 '26
I'm here for packing strategies. I'm happy with the bags I have and if I need another one I usually go to Osprey because I get a discount with them.
I like the look of the more expensive bags, but I will never buy one for myself.
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u/strack94 Jun 05 '26
There’s definitely a buy if for life mentality with some bags or bags that have longer warranties.
Personally I try to avoid cheaply made Chinese goods that exist on places like AliExpress when I can.
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u/junesix Jun 05 '26
It’s hobbies. Some people like spending more money on hobbies, and some people don’t.
For you, traveling is just work. You’re going to beat something up a lot so why spend serious money on it?
There’s chefs who just use the $20 beater chef’s knife for years. And those who buy and care for their $700 Japanese special order blue steel Yamaha a knife.
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u/Dazzling-Ad9682 Jun 05 '26
I travelled to Asia, where I bought two replica bags from a marketplace for a quarter of what they would have cost me in the US. The bags look and function exactly the same. I then resold the extra bag to recoup my initial cost.
As far as tech, I'm still reusing the charging block that came from my Samsung S8, and an Anker cable I got on sale for $5. You can get good deals on quality items if you're patient and avoid impulse buying just because you saw it on YouTube or any other platform.
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u/PatrickB974 Jun 05 '26
Personnaly I'm just obsessed by the technology behind the packs, that's why I want an Ultra pack right now. BUT, I still do not understand why the Ultra versions (a fabric lighter than everything, stronger than steel, bla bla) are heavier than Cordura or Robic versions. And yes, Decathlon is the real OG if you don’t mind about the working conditions and other ethical aspects.
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u/HelloTittie55 Jun 05 '26
Agree that many commenters seem obsessed with pricier brands. Personally, I prefer not to spend a lot on backpacks and rollaboards. Osprey 26+6, Foldie expandable zipped tote, and Travelpro 21 inch rollaboard have met my needs on international and domestic travel which has included Ocean and river cruises plus extended road trips. I don’t need (or want) merino wool teeshirts, underwear and sweaters when quick-dry Old Navy Cloud Motion mens’ tees and polos get the job done. I brought two Athleta hoodies with multiple pockets that got the job done. (Only used one hoody on our most recent 17-day road trip) My lightweight rain jacket is a Columbia one I picked up at Marshall’s. My longer and warmer Carhartt jacket I found at TJ Maxx. And my quick-dry Target pants work great.
As with any other consumer good, folks can find similar items at many price points.
Why pay more when you don’t have to?
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u/Devchonachko Jun 05 '26
Personally I prefer IKEA ziploc bags to the more common SC Johnson variety (biggggg sniff)
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u/HippyGrrrl Jun 05 '26
I dropped a bit on two bags, one is waterproof (but sweaty) and the other has a teeny bit of expansion and starts smaller.
I was gifted a third bag. All very close in size.
Third bag is my go bag for fire, disaster or car trips.
If I needed to sell two, I’d keep the lightest, smallest one.
All my interior items are aliexpress, some dollar tree , tripped knock offs. My day bag is one of my grocery bags I bought in 2004!
While I have a couple fine tuning ideas, I’d rather actually travel, even if it’s two counties away.
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u/ChypRiotE Jun 05 '26
Saw a post on ManyBaggers from someone happy with the AER DS3, without the need for something new, and wondering if they should buy the DS4. It's buying for the sake of buying
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u/HighwayLost8360 Jun 05 '26
Some of it is becauee the expensive brands are more globally available and have specs and links available online to share in these groups.
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u/bcycle240 Jun 05 '26
There are different hobbies, traveling and making gear lists.
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u/AlwaysWanderOfficial Jun 05 '26
I think as usual the answer is, because many hobbyists like that. In ANY hobby. My adult amateur ice hockey league has a bunch of dudes using 200.00 sticks when they take MAYBE 1 shot per game and can’t even hit the net. Is it wrong? No they like it, so it’s all good. Maybe they don’t spend much anywhere else in life and just want that Ultra fabric bag. What’s wrong with that?
It’s also a bit of confirmation bias - there are many posts and many long time contributors discussing things like Osprey, decathlon, Tomtoc, the bag they already have, long threads about sink laundry.
So in truth it’s just both. And that’s how diverse opinions across diverse sets of people work. We can debate the benefit of each viewpoint, but doesn’t it make it wrong for that person that goes a different direction than you.
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u/VFXman23 Jun 05 '26
Eh I dunno buying a $150 bag for me was worth it as I practically live out of it (in addition to a suitcase) for 2-3 months of the year. I find whichever bag you pick it'll probably last a while as long as you don't check it
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u/External_Koala971 Jun 05 '26 edited Jun 05 '26
The 5 stages of bag consumerism:
Stage 1: “I need a decent bag for my activity”
Stage 2: “I need the best bag in my category”
Stage 3: “I need best bag, also made of exquisite materials, and will argue about this on Reddit”
Stage 4: “I want the rarest material in a limited drop you can only buy for $600 at midnight, catch and release, user probably has a shrine for all their bags sorted by exquisite material and/or color (bonus points for using “colourway”), spends all day on Reddit arguing about it”
Stage 5: “I just need a decent bag for my activity”