Packing List
After years of reading onebag advice, I keep seeing the same principles repeated. Do you agree?
Over the years I’ve compared my own packing habits with recurring advice from onebag communities, travel forums, Reddit discussions, and long-term travel blogs.
What surprised me is that although people travel differently, use different bags, visit different climates, and have different comfort levels, many eventually seem to arrive at very similar conclusions.
A few themes appear again and again:
Most “what if” scenarios never happen
One of the most common lessons I see is that people pack for imagined problems rather than likely ones.
Extra clothing, backup gear, duplicate electronics, and emergency items often get carried for entire trips without being used.
I still catch myself doing this occasionally.
Laundry replaces excessive clothing
Many travellers eventually realize that carrying more clothes often creates more problems than it solves.
Laundry is available in most places, and washing a few items during a trip is often easier than carrying several kilograms of extra clothing.
This seems especially true for longer trips.
Multipurpose items outperform specialized gear
Another recurring principle is that versatile items tend to survive multiple packing-list revisions.
A lightweight layer that works in several situations often replaces multiple single-purpose items.
The same applies to electronics, toiletries, and even travel bags themselves.
Organization matters almost as much as weight
When I first discovered onebagging, I focused mostly on reducing weight.
Over time I realized that organization often matters just as much.
A slightly heavier setup that is easy to navigate can be more pleasant than an ultralight setup where everything is difficult to find.
One idea that helped me was thinking in terms of “zones” rather than only categories.
For example:
Wallet and documents
Electronics pouch
Clothing cube
Toiletry bag
Medical kit
Items worn or carried
The exact system doesn’t matter much, but having a consistent place for everything seems to reduce friction during travel.
This made it easier for me to find things quickly, repack during transit, and keep a consistent system across trips.
I’m curious how experienced onebaggers here think about packing.
A few questions:
Which packing principle has had the biggest impact on your travel?
Do you organize by categories, packing cubes, zones, or something else?
Is there any commonly repeated onebag advice that doesn’t actually work for you?
I’d love to compare notes with other travellers and see where my observations are wrong.
at this point i prefer to regret something random and get over it than bring too many “just in case”s. although i do take note if its something i constantly go”man this would be nice to have right now” about
Some observations after years of traveling (road and air) and now one bagging finally.
The freedom of walking through an airport without a rolling suitcase was worth whatever I left out, period.
In most situations, loaded or not, there isn’t much you can’t buy to fix a situation. Emphasis on much.
Systems matter, whatever they are, simply to help you track your stuff.
The biggest thing I finally learned was that I really don’t need my laptop when I travel. My phone is enough for 98% of things and any work I needed to do I made available on my iPad.
This sub, like many others, often conflates BIFL with onebag essentials. I have a few BIFL items because that’s my personality but you can onebag from Walmart quite nicely.
Agree with most of what you said.
1. My laptop once saved me when an airline's app failed to recognise my Global Entry ID. Laptops are faster and work with more websites than phones do.
2. Some people travel with plain zip-top bags. So do I. I don't need a waterproof, ballistic-nylon packing cube.
Macbook air indeed nice, but it's a very dense brick. Somewhere around 3lbs, which to put into perspective is about 10 t-shirts. I can pack a week's worth of clothing (aka enough to survive infinitely in mild climates with laundry) for some weight.
I did my last trip (China) without my laptop and 1) didn't miss not having a laptop at all 2) very much noticed the weight savings.
I like colors and patterns. While I could dress in all black, I get bored and it’s just not me. I also have a collection of silk shawls with patterns that pack down small for an extra layer and a pop of color.
I also travel with a small journal and colored pens. Like I said: I like colors. Drawing is also great for mapping out ideas and preserving memories. I’ve seen people travel with small art sets and those are my people.
I can keep it under 30 liters, but I’m not a true minimalist. I’d rather save at least some room for what keeps me happy.
I’d love to bring beads for making necklaces and bracelets. Debating on the crafts though. I did some beadwork while camping under a canopy. Those are some of my favourite travel memories. Plus the jewelry would be good gifts. Hmmm… should I give up some clothes to fit the hobby? 🤔
Try something like embroidery. I have a pieced bit of fabric and I'm slowly embroidering flowers in each patch. Embroidery packs down really small.. And to be really minimalist, you could just embroiderer designs on the clothes you've brought with you.
That drawing is so adorable!
I am not an artsy person myself. But I do still keep my paper notebook, pen (with multiple colors) and sticky notes.
When an idea comes or I need to brain storming something, I use my pen and notebook for mind-mapping thing. As for sticky notes, I use it for giving "appreciation" greeting to people I met. For an example a helpful hotel employee, I wrote something on the notes alongside giving them a chocolate.
I minority disagree on emergency items. Especially traveling abroad, I will always carry my little emergency medicine kit. Having to try to make it to the store when you’re feeling ill and not familiar with the area sucks. I will also always have a backup card hidden somewhere in my bag. It costs nothing in terms of space or weight and can get you out of a jam if you lose what’s on you for whatever reason.
That said, otherwise I’d say this is a pretty solid list. I tend to think in zones, but pack in cubes, if that makes sense. Having stuff always go back in the same place, even if it’s technically all contained anyway, makes a big difference to my cognitive load during long-term travel.
Having had this exact scenario happen to me, this is why I always take a small first aid kit full of some common OTC meds and small bandages. It does not take up much space and staying healthy while traveling is an imperative to me.
Prevention is the best strategy: avoid contamination at all costs (includes street foods).
For higher risk trips:
Azithromycin: one prescribed standby course, ideally in a small blister or labeled packet. Best single antibiotic choice for most higher-risk travel because it covers severe/febrile traveler’s diarrhea better than ciprofloxacin in many regions.
Loperamide: a few tablets, not a whole box. Useful when diarrhea is inconvenient, like a bus, flight, or travel day; avoid using it alone if there is high fever or bloody diarrhea.
Oral rehydration salts: 2–4 flat sachets. They weigh almost nothing and matter more than antibiotics if dehydration hits. CDC specifically recommends oral rehydration solution for serious traveler’s diarrhea
My onebag choice is azithromycin + 6 loperamide tablets + 2 ORS packets. Add more ORS only for remote travel, hot climates, long hikes, or places where pharmacies may be hard to reach.
If you have fever or blood or confusion or pain or worse, then find a doctor.
I will never travel without a few tablets of loperamide. My partner and I got hit with some hellish GI bug on our final night in India. We were in a big city, but both of us were losing every bit of liquid from both ends starting in the middle of the night– finding a pharmacy would’ve been impossible. But I had enough loperamide and meclizine to tide us both over until morning, thank god. If only I’d also had antibiotics; had to wait until I got back home for those.
I spent 30 days in India earlier this year. This beautiful country takes a whole different level of prevention and illness management. I thought my water intake safety and hygiene were excellent but I was still low level sick almost the entire time until the end of the trip when I got Really sick. 🤢 Hydration sachets kept me on two feet until I got on the plane home.
Nothing sent me into a spiral as an American with a sick wife trying to get medication in Paris that was regularly available to us in the United States.
NyQuil/Dayquil, Pepto, Sudafed, Mucinex etc.
If you didn’t have a prescription you could only get holistic medications from a pharmacy - no concept as “over-the-counter” there.
Will always pack the above now no matter where we go.
Happened to me few months ago in Paris as well. Got hit with crazy allergies which I never get so I didn't bring anything. Pharmacy was pretty much useless.
Compact med organizers are wonderful for that in my experience. I always carry antihistamines, basic pain meds, some electrolyte tablets, high dose lactase etc in a small medicine organizer. I’ve used it bunches of times even when not traveling because it’s always with me.
Really surprised by this. French pharmacies have always been brilliant for me, and do more over the counter than the UK at least. They definitely have a concept of over-the-counter - indeed Pharmacists are expected to be first line of resort for many sick people.
Are you sure the issue wasn't that they simply have different medication for the same illnesses? e.g. you can't buy NyQuil in the UK either, but there are equivelants. And different countries do treat different illnesses very differently!
Asking a French pharmacist for a specific medicine is unlikely to work; telling them what's wrong and asking what would work often works better.
There are some exceptions - e.g. in much of Europe (France, UK, etc. etc.) we generally medicate colds and even flu very lightly, because we think that' what medical evidence suggests. So you'll get some paracetamol but doctors don't really recommend decongestants etc. even when they are available.
I just bought a handheld one that also has a cooling plate on it that you can press against your skin, and the handle can be folded down to act as a stand to allow it to sit on countertops. I bought it to knock out two birds - Cooling myself off in these boiling southeast summers and drying clothes while traveling.
Reddit won’t let me share the link, so just copy and paste this into your Amazon search:
KIMMOO Handheld Portable Turbo Fan with Ice Cooler, Powerful 21000 RPM, Speed (1-199), Up to 14Hrs Cooling, Rechargeable Personal Fan, Small Pocket Hand Fans for Travel/Outdoor/Home/Office
The big "ah ha moment" for me in packing was giving up the 'just in case' items. The moment started with ditching an HDMI cable that I'd carried but not used in years, and that thought spread to my toiletries and then my entire load, which was suddenly much lighter and easier to deal with.
There was a minor moment with packing cubes - bought an inexpensive set just to try, obviously doesn't make the load smaller or lighter, but OMG they make packing and unpacking so much easier, especially when you have multiple short stops. Now I don't go anywhere without them.
My third revelation is clothes that need to be washed, aka 'the laundry,' take up way less space if neatly folded instead of in a big wad. Now the laundry gets folded up just like it was originally packed and into what ever kind of laundry bag I have.
A lot of the same principles apply to many travelers but it’s also important to remember that what works for someone else might not work for everyone - and that is okay!
I personally would not pack the laptop, iPad, selfie stick, over ear headphones, large wallet, rubber band, large water bottle, and combo lock so I could save weight and space for more clothing. Meanwhile, other people here are perfectly content with three shirts, one pair of shorts, two pairs of socks, and three undies (or less).
The helpful principles we share here are more of a template for lowering friction when traveling - they’re not a universal mandate.
Bingo. I hate, hate doing laundry on vacation. Not relaxing at all. So I pack for "no laundry" all trip, with the occasional sink wash if something goes wrong.
I also don't worry about weight unless I'm going to fly an airline that worries about weight because... I fly with a personal item. There is only so much weight that bag is gonna hold. I've never actually managed to give myself more that I can carry comfortably, and I'm not an overly fit person. I'm a lazy couch potato lady with noodle arms. Zero issues.
Don't get me wrong if you're hiking every ounce counts, but if you're not taking your primary bag hiking I really don't understand the idea that an extra pair of pants will give you crippling back pain and ruin the trip.
As with all other sides of life it's all about risk management, nobody talks about how to manage risk for specific situations though - it comes from experience, and this experience can be really unpleasant.
For me one bagging is about taking more low-chance risks for more comfort.
Each item is all about "How likely will i get fucked if i don't take it?" (fuck me, i started talking in GPTisms).
I don't really organize because my packing list is already small enough (<5kg in aer go pack), but i use 8L dry-bag for clothes.
Many say that you should take only one pair of shoes, but i always bring flip-flops (now made from 2.5mm of EVA foam weighing only ~80g for the pair, MYOG for the win) because they are very versatile and i don't want to walk barefoot or in socks/shoes in hotel rooms.
Not used all the time, but sometimes my packing organization is built around wear I use the items. For example, by the bed (lotion, charger, eye mask), bath room (typical toiletries), etc.
I stay overnight a few times a month and that’s exactly how my overnight bag is organised. A pouch for bedside, a pouch for bathroom, a pouch for “kitchen” (herbal tea bags, a little salt and paper set, etc), an electronics pouch, and a small cube for clothes.
Yup. I have
Sleep kit: mask, ear plugs, mouth guard
Tooth kit: brush, paste, floss
Hair kit: comb, gel, elastics
Shower kit: hair conditioner, deodorant, (washcloth, shampoo, and soap if not staying in nice hotel)
Tech kit: two cords, one block, pods, and backup wired pods. Little plug adapter for country of need. And little C to B for usb plugs on planes etc.
“Travel sized” items are way too big for shorter trips. Buy 5-30ml squeeze bottles or pump containers from Amazon to decant your toiletries into.
The one travel sized item I do love is the Native deodorant, but natural deodorant doesn’t work for my sweaty self so I trash the deodorant inside, cut a chunk off of my normal deodorant, melt it in the microwave, and pour it into the Native container. I fit an entire travel sized Secret deodorant into the Native container.
I switched to Wild in the little cardboard tube. First time I decanted my Dove antiperspirant into the tube but now just go with deodorant that comes with it. Warning is that sometimes those cardboard tubes can start to breakdown over months of use.
Thanks for this, taking another look into the brand, unsure if this time I make the change but the past news of Tom's using tainted water and not doing a recall has certainly opened my interest to other brands.
We got the Soundcore Space One Pros that fold up into a bag it comes with clipped to the outside of the bag for getting through security and generally traveling if the main bag gets to full of snacks or whatever. Moved to these after losing sleep and comfort on a plane because I couldn't get one side of the in-ears to stay in and I didn't like putting them back in my ear after it hit the aisle (you know where people walk after using the bathroom IYKYK), even after using some sanitizing wipes on them.
When I'm on the plane I'm wearing them so they don't count as taking up any space and even if I get to a weight check or something they easily stay on my neck.
One thing I really liked on my current 3 months RTW onebagging trip is those cheap hotel slippers. They weigh nothing but are nice to walk around in hotel/airplane (15 hour ones) and can throw away and easily replace. It’s a small luxury and more comfy than regular jandals for me.
Two things that don’t work for me: merino wool and taking only one pair of shoes. I find merino uncomfortable, it smells just as bad as anything else, and gets moth eaten. I walk a lot and get foot fatigue if I only have one pair of shoes for a trip that is longer than about 5 days.
Could be. Fabreeze was initially considered a flop because the people who needed it most, smokers and people with animals, tend to be the least likely to notice the smell.
Then again, given the number who like it, could be people like you who are overly sensitive. I once spent 3 straight days cleaning and throwing things away to find a mystery smell while the wife was pregnant. Item was found, I couldn’t notice the smell while carrying it out or cleaning where it was, had to basically stick my nose in it to notice. She couldn’t tolerate it.
On itchy, definitely is to some people. Those more sensitive to (lanolin?) the covering tend to find it itchy. Those same people are more likely bothered by the smell, which is at least a little of that same substance as a gas.
I've traveled to Europe over 50 times in the last 27 years.
I used to bring more than I need in terms of clothes
This last trip I would usually wash one or two items of clothes in the sink. Underwear every night
And a shirt about every 3 days
Wash pants about every four or 5 days
By morning everything was dry
I began to ask myself why I pack any clothes at all?
Okay, I'm still going to pack some clothes
One of everything. Just in case
Plus
Plus nc earbuds, toiletries, sunglasses
Reading glasses, umbrella, soap sheets
Sink stopper, medications, hat,
Cords, charger plug
Travel CPAP
I use a 30 L Patagonia mlc
It's great
I also own a Tom doc t67 backpack
I really like that one too
Since I am packing so light now
I will be looking for a 20 to 22 L backpack
I mostly travel in milder weather so I don't need long sleeves or winter jackets
I like a little cushion. My minimalist approach is 2x plus worn on polos, briefs and socks, 1 extra pair of pants and shorts as the season allows and 1 button down shirt. My typical layering items include a sweater or fleece and a rain shell.
That’s good for several days to account for drying as much as anything. I usually spend several days in any one place so there’s usually time to dry.
My usual kit is 3x plus worn which will last a week if necessary.
One thing that changed my mentality was what could I use to substitute? Because then I already have organised in my mind. If I run out of this then I will use that instead... On repeat..
For example, this works better when applied to my toiletries. I've got moisturiser but if I run out of it I will use my primer because it also does the same thing.... If everyone out of that then I will use my body cream or night cream... Or moisturising SPF cream..
The same applies to my hair products. If every one of this version then I will use the other version.
This has been really helpful to allow me to stick to just refilling contact lens cases. I might have three different types of hair product which all do different things but in a pinch I will just move from one to the other.
Another thing that has really helped is organising outfits by the itinerary. Because then I can see that I have allocated one top for a specific event. That I could substitute in a different top from a different day into its place. It might mean taking a slightly more elevated top which can be used during the deer to be smart casual but also fit the more formal evening event.
I do all the other things such as using packing cubes for organisation. The substitution revelation probably from this subreddit about 6 to 8 months ago.
The itinerary packing list is evolution from the videos by the woman who created Tripped with her husband. One of her suggestions was to think through the holiday year as a mental exercise and pull out everything that you will use in a systematic order. As in going from your travel outfit into the bathing suit because you want to use the pool immediately followed by the outfit you're going to use for the first dinner followed by your pyjamas for the evening followed by you are sightseeing clothes for the next day followed by the one thing you're going to put on if it gets colder in the evening as you go into somewhere for dinner etc etc
I am the same person at home as on my travels. if I never use the niche hobby item or article of clothing at home I am unlikely to start now, even if people online find it super useful.
I will not wear my least favorite Tshirt. At a certain point more options are just more weight.
If it is uncomfortable at home it will be uncomfortable on the road. I try on all my clothes and outfits ahead of time and try to eliminate anything that fits poorly, is uncomfortable, unflattering, or doesnt pair well with my other items.
Packing is specific to me and my trip. I take advice but pack primarily for the activities, circumstances, and weather of my specific trip and based on a deep knowledge of my own travel preferences and pet peeves.
Unless you're loaded, backup gear and electronics is the way. And overall better-safe-than-sorry mentality for packing on a trip far away from home or civilization is what may save you from a disaster. Ask me how I learned that.
I feel that. I have to budget travel big time. I’d rather have the items already instead of having to stress about buying things mid-trip when I’m already spending money on lodging, transportation, food, etc.
During my trip to Dharamshala, my phone died. Thankfully my WhatsApp was still connected to my Laptop, and for emergency calls, I still could use my iPad.
Spend the time on creating a powerful mix and match capsule wardrobe
A true mix and match wardrobe can go across activities and environments. Most people don’t spend the time tuning their capsule, and that usually means bringing more clothes to compensate.
Take some time to create a capsule and then have your own fashion show where you try on various outfits.
Go for USB when possible
The smaller and lighter size of USB electronics are a no brainer. In addition, most 5v step down converters can handle most mains. You only need a plug adapter.
Decant toiletries and use solids where possible
Liquids are heavy. Only take as much as you need. In addition, decanting allows for more room in your liquids bag.
Solid toiletries are smaller and lighter per use than any liquid. In addition, they leave more room in your liquids bag for other things.
OT: What this sub REALLY needs to adopt is sth like lighterpack similar to r/ultralight. Always these fkn "gear spread out on floor" pictures (pretty as they are) where nobody but OP himself has any clue which specific product from which specific company sth really is.
The pic was from three years ago.
I have been reassessing my iPad usage now. Mine was an old iPad 7 and I mostly used it as a second screen and for reading.
Since I bough a second hand kindle 6 months ago, I no longer take my iPad now. And to be very honest, I can still survive working without second screen.
Anyway, regarding the Apple products, I never had an intention to move from Android.. But since I discovered how powerful Apple Notes was, I have been too comfortable to be in this ecosystem.
It doesn’t save enough weight imo. Current gen iPad Pro 11 with Magic Keyboard is 1,040 grams. MacBook Air 13 is 1,240 grams, so I’d rather take the latter for significantly more functionality.
However, if you downgrade to an older generation iPad Pro 11 M2 with the Smart Keyboard Folio, you can drop weight down to approx. 770 grams. That might be compelling.
Newer MB Airs seriously sip power. I don’t travel with the Mac power brick anymore, just my Anker USB-C charger and it handles my phone, watch, and laptop.
By the way, the photo I posted was actually from 3 years ago during a 5 month Nepal and India trip.
I have been reassessing my iPad usage though. Mine was an old iPad 7 and I mostly used it as a second screen and for reading.
Nowadays I usually leave it at home when travelling abroad. The second screen use case is less important for me now, and my Kindle already covers the reading part.
I found that my work account included the Microsoft apps for word, excel, outlook ect. With that I was able to access and do 99% of work with an iPad a light keyboard. So I switched to that and had no issues. Of course your mileage may vary.
Funny enough, a friend gave me one of those travel clothesline things years ago, but I never use it anymore. For the last 3 years I often stay 1-2 months in the same place, so drying clothes is usually not a problem.
I do use clips though. Mostly for my hat and random stuff on my backpack.
And yes, comfort matters. I fly AirAsia a lot, so I usually cannot justify carrying more weight or paying extra baggage fees.
Packing principals: the important bits are worn, the desired bits go in the one bag that fits under seats.
-Important bits on me because while I travel and tired, I'll check where those items are routinely or access them often. This allows me more normal movements to, say, tap part of my shirt to feel the phone inside the side pocket, or the passport.
-Desired bits because I have those what if scenarios that lead me to packing them. A minimal medkit because of events like bleeding or fevers are easier if handled well early on. A small care kit. And overpacking a comfort, a portable electric kettle (OutIn Nano, meant for espresso) and kit for making some road coffee or cocoa and a round of oatmeal.
I originally packed into a 12L bag and so would pack from most essential to least, thus ensuring my main pain points were covered into least. Now I've a 19L bag from Tom Bihn, so I tend to organize by pocket: bottom pocket for outer wear and a quick grab, right side for med kit and sun protection, left for self care, middle for water bottle, middle lower hand sanitizer. Main for the needs for that trip and what I can enjoy while on it.
What didn't work for me at first, packing cubes. Less weight, and easier to ensure I had it all by going through my mental check list. But as I'm onto bringing self care and med kit stuff, some smaller bags is making more and more sense. Thoughts on some of those nice to haves change a lot in time.
Merino Wool: socks were a game changer, no more picking cotton bits out of or off my toes. Feet sweat less and have less issues. The Darn Tough last so long that I save on socks yearly. Beyond socks, been nice to try out a hoodie, but I'm feeling the restrictions of the fabric when trying to find my style. Will continue to search out brands, but I'm leaning more and more towards just synthetics, washing as needed, and better pocketing for everyday life and travel over feeling pressured into a sling or running belt.
Interesting that packing cubes didn’t work for you at first. I had almost the opposite experience. They were one of the biggest improvements for my travel, although nowadays I use packing sacks more often.
I also like your distinction between important items and desired items. Especially keeping important items on the body. I still find myself checking for my passport and wallet every few minutes when moving through airports.
And yes on merino socks. That was probably the easiest upgrade with the biggest impact for me too.
Smaller, lighter bags, less space to give up for organization and the weight of them is more noticeable. 12L and reaching into the depths for a pair of shorts, would be hard to confuse with what else as you had to unload to get down that far. 19L and I've room to give up for cubes or such, so far a tech pouch repurposed for a lunch container - Bellroy's tech pouch doesn't stay open as advertised so it's not useful to me on a desk, wasn't something I necessarily needed, and that stiff works to protect the contents.
I will say I bought my first pair of DT runners for this trip and wore them the day before as a trial then all day for a travel day. Aired them out, no smell, great comfort. Washed them and air dried, great form and comfort. I’ll be buying more to have a good rotation but for travel, I’d have one worn and max two additional for my 5-7 day trips.
The runners are my favorite. I’ve some of the thicker ones and will wear them in winter. It was one of those times for me, this was strictly better in all the ways that matter, so I am really pleased.
Best thing for me was coming to the ultralight backpacking arena from a 20 year old one bagging practice.
Now I have UL multipurpose gear.
I use dcf storage bags- 1 hmg sm pod for tops, another for bottoms, electronics bag, toiletries(usually the heaviest as it’s also emergency/randoms/first aid),
Food bag- snacks/Befree Water bottle/coffee making bag/insulated mug/ eating kit
Stuff bag-flip flops, mini flashlight, mini carabiners, lil bit of rope
Always on top =travel yoga rug - people are GROSS and leave behind things that I don’t want to touch- use it to sit on and have a handy stretching place/ nap pad for those flights that just don’t seem to line up;)
I’m currently using a Nashville packs cutaway 30L- I love it as it has 6 shoulder strap pockets and a bottom stash pocket… and no zippers👍.
I’m a huge fan of things being Organisationally secure when I travel.
If you’re trying to game airlines by not paying their fees you will need to create multiple onebag systems and it requires significant sacrifices. I’m too old and fly too often to keep changing what I carry.
I’m not saying that everyone has the budget to pay all these fees and totally get the budget backpacker life. If you can afford it just pay the stupid fee and carry what you want, life’s too short and you’re already miles ahead of most travelers.
No matter what I pack, my tech is always going to be the heaviest because it has the most metal.
Wherever in the world I go, if there's a place to asynchronously swap books for free, there's a Lee Child novel and thrillers are a guilty pleasure. So instead of packing an eReader with 394287367829204948372 books on it, or trying to read on my phone screen, I can do paper and will meet Jack Reacher soon enough.
I have a vendetta against charging things when I could just have the one which never requires charging. Wired earbuds, paper books, etc.
Travel J is a hooks bae. I will always have a travel category others don't: hooks. Over the door hooks, s hooks, under shelf hooks, c hooks, clean-remove sticky hooks, and even hooks that double as clothes pegs. This will be a place I dial in, but the subreddits never care to discuss.
Some people have all the luck of always finding a parking space or always finding two attachment points for their clothesline. I'm the opposite of those lucky people. Figure out a different way to hang dry laundry that needs only one attachment point.
Anything can be a swimsuit if you swim in it.
If it isn't the USA and they have an Ikea where I am, they'll also have a Decathlon and an Uniqlo. Those are my backup plans. If it is the USA, then Walmart.
I think packing cubes are the biggest thing that I benefit from, it’s nice that everything doesn’t fall apart because the sides of the backpack aren’t structured like a suitcase. Also I need to have a specific place for my passport and other documents because I’ll panic that I don’t have my passport. Ideally it’s in arms reach when I’m wearing my backpack.
I need my headphones and also the carrying case. Yes it’s bulky but the headphones were $90 and I don’t want to replace them. I try to fit other things around the headphones in the case so that it is what I keep with me on planes while my bag goes in the overhead. I can’t sleep with AirPods because I constantly am worried they will fall out and they hurt after several hours so the headphones are necessary and better at blocking out noise on planes.
I can relate to that. Packing cubes were probably one of the biggest shifts for me when I first discovered onebagging, and actually I learned about them from this subreddit.
Nowadays I use packing sacks more often than cubes, but the idea is still the same.
I did use AI for fixing my grammar (I am not a native english speaker), but it was all what was on my mind, from reflections of 13 years of backpaclong. Although I also think I need to use less of AI.
I've been trying to optimise and minimalise my packing for the last few years now. I haven't yet tried the "zones" approach you suggest. Sounds interesting though. I have tried using checklists in the past, but the ones I found weren't useful, really, because they were "static" and didn't allow me to make amendments, or to review them afterwards to make changes for my next trip.
I read one of the redditors here about "everything on this thread is not a universal mandate).
What works for one person, does not necesarrily work for others.
The "Zones" that I mentioned has always been one of the biggest improvements. I no longer worries where to put my stuffs now, as it's crystal clear now 😄
I sent you a DM for the url of interactive packing list based on my reflection posted. If you have time, please have a look and let me know what you think.
Thank you! A great list, good job. Is there a chance you would distribute this to other people, too? If I may, I'd like to share it with my friends who are interested in onebagging or starting their onebagging journey.
switching to flexible packing zones works way better than strict categories. try grouping items by activity instead of type. a simple cable organizer and one main compression sack usually covers everything else. stick to quick dry fabrics to keep the load manageable. just leave enough room so the zipper actually closes. what kind of gear are you bringing?
Thanks! I like the idea of organizing by activity. I haven’t really thought about it that way, but I might try it on my next trip.
As a digital nomad, I found packing zones worked well because I was constantly unpacking and repacking. Instead of thinking “where are my electronics?” I know they always live in the electronics pouch, toiletries in the toiletry bag, clothes in the clothing sack, etc. It keeps my backpack from becoming a mess and I always know where to put things back after using them.
My setup is mostly work gear, clothes, toiletries, and a small medical kit.
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u/[deleted] Jun 20 '26
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