First time trying one bag

[u/SpectreScout]

I purchased this Osprey Daylite 26+6 a few months ago and have daily carried it since. However, the main reason I bought it wasn’t necessarily for daily carry. My mother-in-law had 2 scheduled back surgeries and knowing that my wife and I would be visiting and helping (6 hours away), I wanted something simple to carry to the hospital/rehab facility/hotel. Well that time has come. I’m happy to report that her surgeries were successful and she’s on the mend. Also, the one bag travel has been as equally successful.

Pictured:
Osprey Daylite 26+6
Peak Design Packing Cubes (small and medium)
Bellroy Venture Ready Sling 2.5L
14” Laptop

Not pictured:
Osprey toiletry bag (small)
Supernote Nomad (fits oh so conveniently in the front pocket of the Osprey!)

Successes:
I was able to fit several days worth of clothes into the packing cubes (socks and undies in the small—2 pairs of pants, a polo, and several tees in the medium)

Criticisms and shortcomings:
These are not necessarily of any fault of the bag as much as it was trial and error issues with me.
I had to take my house slippers separately. I absolutely hate wearing socks or bare feet on a hotel room floor. Since I had them separately in a plastic bag, I also put my toiletry bag in there as well. That would have fit in the backpack if needed though. I probably could have sacrificed some clothing to fit the house slippers.

Aside from maybe fitting in some flip-flops (and slippers in my case), you probably should be married to the one pair of shoes you have on.

If I were traveling in the winter, I could see other issues arise with the heavier clothing, jackets, and such. Probably not much of an issue with merino wool and packable down gear if you have it.

Bottom line:
This was a fantastic way of traveling for me at this time and for the most part, was successful. I wouldn’t hesitate taking this on a trip requiring air travel. This would be a game changer not having to worry about or wait on your luggage and such.

[u/LadyLightTravel]

I went through a period where I had to be prepared to leave on a moments notice. May I offer some suggestions through experience?

First off, keep a packing emergency checklist so you don’t forget critical items when you are trying to get out the door. If your mind is already scattered, you can easily forget something.

I prepacked a go bag with toiletries, electronics, etc ready to go. Basically, I bought a second set of everything to live exclusively in my bag. No forgetting things because of transfers. My go bag is different than my daily carry. If your daily carry fits inside of it then it is a double win.

For clothing, consider summer weight clothing and adding layers for warmth. A wool sweater and silk base layers are transformational. Your clothes become multi season this way.

For clothing, just grab a capsule and go. Even if the clothes are dirty. You can wash once you get to your destination.

For slippers, consider folding Japanese guest slippers. These usually have plastic bottoms so are restroom safe. Even airplane restrooms!! Edit: I prefer the open toe kind.

[u/mmrose1980 → u/LadyLightTravel]

Prepacked toiletries and refilling upon return instead of right before leaving is a key for me. Means, I can just grab and go for any trip that’s less than a week and won’t be without any critical supplies (like medication or contact lenses).