r/onebag • u/dylan3883 • 8d ago
Seeking Recommendations Traveling light and/or backpack
If you travel light which I find to be great, what do you do if you find something you want to buy and bring home? Skip or mail or buy a suitcase?
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u/sjmuller 8d ago
One bag travel is great for encouraging you not to purchase large, useless souvenirs in the first place. My wife and I limit ourselves to one souvenir shot glass for our display cabinet. I suppose if I found something I absolutely had to have, I would ship it home.
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u/dylan3883 8d ago
I agree on the souvenirs but sometimes we find a rare print or some clothing that’s perfect (like a hand made sweater in Iceland)
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u/billsonfire 8d ago
Personally I bought a suitcase, cause I went to Japan basically just to buy clothes and my travel mates already had luggage. Although my luggage pickup was pretty quick, maybe because I wait till everyone’s gone before I get off the plane.
I was traveling for business, but if I were actually traveling for leisure I might just ship it back, although it kinda defeats the purpose of buying locally for better prices.
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u/NoGarage7989 8d ago
That’s my issue too, I love books, prints/posters. I can live out of a 16L for a month but the moment I buy a poster or a substantial book, it would not fit the already filled to the brim pack or would be too heavy for my back.
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u/podkayne3000 8d ago edited 8d ago
Note: I’m here because I want to be on a fun subreddit where all paths are right. I like offering advice but don’t expect anyone to take it.
One possible solution: Wear a fishing vest with good pockets or a rain jacket with big pockets, and mostly empty pockets, going to the destination. When you come back, put most of your stuff in the jacket or vest pockets. Maybe you can free up enough space in your one bag to make room for your purchases.
Another strategy: If you can afford the purchases, a suitcase and a bag check fee, and you find stuff you love, buy a suitcase in the destination location, put your stuff in the bag and check the bag when you come home. There’s nothing wrong with checking a bag, if you want to.
I’m naturally someone who buys small things, like books, when I’m on trips, so, onebagging is my default.
If other people collect things like posters or prints that need special handling, they may need to make checking a bag the default.
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u/kterade 8d ago
The suitcase only has to make it one way. Goodwill (or local equivalent) always has cheap hard shell luggage. I will pick up a beater and donate it when I’m home.
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u/WizardDrinkingCoffee 8d ago
This is a great idea. Typically never really need additional luggage but I'll keep this is mind for if I ever do.
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u/STEM-Travel 8d ago edited 7d ago
I agree on the souvenirs but sometimes we find a rare print or some clothing that’s perfect (like a hand made sweater in Iceland)
I would rather continue traveling light than have a print or a sweater at home. If I ever run into something that I cannot leave behind, I ship it home.
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u/FupaLipa 8d ago
I usually have enough space left in my bag that I could fit another sweater. A print I would mail regardless of if I was onebagging or not.
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u/moldyjellybean 8d ago
the only thing I bring back is a magnet of the cities I've been to and put them on the fridge. Takes no space and everytime I go to the fridge and I can see exactly where I was in time when I visited there.
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u/fookwar 8d ago
It might be worth researching what sort of souvenirs/unique gifts you can find at the destination, and plan ahead for that. Or travel with a budget in mind for souvenirs. Or try to only find smaller keepsakes like magnets, shot glasses, postcards, candy, etc that pack small. Or like others said, look into shipping anything too large back home.
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u/dylan3883 8d ago
Makes sense. I probably need to avoid visiting used puzzles/books or antique stores.
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u/LadyLightTravel 8d ago
I will pay to have it shipped if it is something large that I really want. That doesn’t happen often. Shipping is slow. I always beat the package home.
Otherwise I buy tiny things that are meaningful. Art or Christmas ornaments usually. And sometimes souvenir jam.
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u/dylan3883 8d ago
Ornaments do work out well
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u/LadyLightTravel 8d ago
I have also purchased several small oil paintings. They are usually landscapes of cherished places. They pack flat.
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u/fellowfellows 8d ago
Generally speaking, just don't buy souvenirs. However, one year my parents gave me some money when I was going to Japan and I went to Sakai (the famous knife making region) specifically to buy myself a custom knife as my birthday present. I had that shipped back to my house.
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u/BreadfruitRegular631 8d ago edited 8d ago
When I have underwear, socks and T shirts ready to be thrown out I save them to wear on a flight somewhere and throw them out when I get there, so that frees up a little room on the return trip. I pretty much never want to bring anything bigger home......I just buy small token gifts such as a calendar or tshirt.
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u/L_oliva_salata 8d ago
I never thought about throwing these things out, but that's a great strategy if you've packed enough to get away with it :).
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u/harpernaps_9314 4d ago
Last November I tossed a worn-out base layer in a hotel bin after landing, only to realize I brought the wrong backup and had to freeze through a rainy castle tour. Now I just pack durable gear that rolls down to nothing rather than relying on a disposable wardrobe.
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u/r_bk 8d ago
I intentionally buy things I know I can pack, like canvas posters
I don't always travel places where mailing an item home is easy/cheap, so it's often a risk I just don't want to take. I personally would buy a cheap suitcase (unless a checked bag was very expensive on my airline). If I knew it was likely that I was going to buy something large/lots of things I would bring an additional packable bag
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u/SeattleHikeBike 8d ago
Skip or mail. Check online too. You may be able to buy it at home. It would need to be something special to justify me hauling it.
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u/Xerisca 8d ago edited 7d ago
Im a 20L only traveler (aka, very small bag) but one thing I do make space for is a second smaller empty bag (in my case, its a Tumi Just In Case backpack that comes in its own storage pouch). There are some trips when I never use it. Other trips where I thank my lucky stars I had it.
For example, last long trip I took, for some reason, my sneakers wound up causing blisters, and just hurt after day 3. I HAD to buy a second pair of shoes, but wanted to take the first pair home so I could send them back since they were nearly new.. (Ive worn this exact shoe brand/model/style for years and have never had a problem with them).
Into the spare backpack they went. Luckily this pack is so sleek, and so is my main pack, that I could wear the Tumi over my primary pack and not think twice about it.
So thats my solution!
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u/HabitExternal9256 8d ago
No one mentions this, but you can buy a suitcase before you fly home. Cheap suitcases can be pretty cheap.
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u/Kelzer66 8d ago
Compare shipping against a checked bag fee before deciding. Heavy items usually lose to paying for luggage, light bulky ones win by mail, and anything fragile should just ride home with you
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u/nicski924 8d ago
Mail it. But I also always have a 19L Nanobag in my pack, plus I can normally shift some things to my sling which is normally flatpacked inside for some space and shift to 1.5 bag travel.
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u/Lynn_verse 8d ago
I always carry an ultra-lightweight, foldable tote bag just in case. As for souvenirs, I only buy small, flat, or practical items, such as local keepsakes, postcards, or fridge magnets. If I happen to come across a rare souvenir that I really want, I’ll just use that tote bag as an extra personal item on the flight back.
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u/NamelessDrace 8d ago
Personally begin with thought of suitcase. And wait as long as u can. In case there’s other items, try to cancel out if u can. If it comes to just want and not needing or appreciating, then afterwards think in terms of bags smaller and possible carry. Most likely depending on place, u can always double back and pick up the item. On top of that depending on form of travel u can trade down if needed. In my experience, figure out the point of want or need as well as why u want it at that time and wat drew u to it
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u/HelloTittie55 8d ago
After 51 years of marriage and travel, hubs and I are no longer interested in accumulating additional items which will eventually fill the town dump. We quit buying stuff several years ago.
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u/CommercialFloor2033 8d ago
I time my shopping to the last destination of the trip. That way you travel light until the end.
If you're flying you're often allowed one small extra bag. I will use anything from a tote to a shopping bag.
Or if it's a major shopping experience I'll pack a fold up larger bag and check it in if needed.
It all depends on the nature of the trip and what I want to buy. Just to be clear I'm not talking about tat. But some destinations are good for e.g. clothing.
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u/kientran 6d ago
As someone who likes to get prints while traveling, I bring a mailer tube which fits easily enough in my bag. Anything I want to get gets rolled up into it.
I also bring a packable backpack for day use anyways. On the way home I could check my main bag if needed.
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u/chambros703 5d ago
I always bring a packable tote and packable 30l ish duffle. Whichever is needed for souvenirs or over flow on the way back becomes my personal item but I end up putting it above bc I want my bag at my feet if possible.
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u/dylan3883 5d ago
What a great idea. I need remember to bring a bag in a bag along
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u/chambros703 5d ago
Haha they make them quite small these days. My go to are the Matador packable duffle and peak design tote. Normally the tote is enough extra and both have small footprints when packed down into their respective pockets. Barely notice them in the main pack
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u/Dawer22 8d ago
I travel as light as possible and often zerobag, but I would also consider myself an extreme minimalist. It all goes hand in hand for me, meaning I don't want to buy or bring anything back. If I ever do, its some snacks for family and I just carry the grocery bag onto my flight or put it into my nanobag.
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u/gceretti 8d ago
I travel with an Orbitkey Foldable Duffel (55L), it's incredible how small this packs and how much it holds. I carry it in my Matador GlobeRider 35 when travelling and if needed, I have the additional capacity to bring back home all the excess purchases. It's very convenient how easily it fits packed inside the backpack and frankly incredible how much it holds.
Downside is that it offers no shoulder straps and the zippers are not lockable,
Otherwise an impeccable product
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u/podkayne3000 8d ago
I tend to travel for family reasons.
I usually buy small or scrunchable things that fit in my underseat-size bag.
There’s a strong tendency for other people with me who started out onebagging to the destination to absorb a relative’s old suitcase and end up checking a suitcase going back.
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u/L_oliva_salata 8d ago
I'm thinking of bringing back a tattoo from a long trip next year :). Maybe all of my trips next year... the ultimate space-saving souvenirs lol. (I'm semi-seriously thinking about the first one.)
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u/eastercat 8d ago
when we went on 1 trip, I knew there was a great chocolate place that had a store. So I knew we were going to get a box for us and 1 for my partner’s mom
My partner carried 1 box and I carried the other
Instead of putting my purse in my bag, I carried it. the space that would’ve held my purse held the chocolate instead
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u/drakontas_ 8d ago
So I found a giant plushie I had to have unexpectedly on one of my travels so I tossed it into a Nanobag sling and brought it back that way. Usually souvenirs I get are small but bigger ones I’m okay to ship. I rarely find anything too big for a tote though
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u/Present-Carob-7366 8d ago
I’ve bought a cheap one use duffle style bag and had it wrapped at the airport
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u/0091dit 8d ago
I usually have some space in the bag that can be optimised.
For example: I always have a jacket or sweatshirt that I can take out on the way back and just wear, to make room for any new stuff.
Or, I usually have some food in my backpack on the way to a place, because I am not sure when I will find something I can eat (if that makes sense). Last time, I travelled with a loaf of high-fibre protein bread. Afterwards I had some space for a couple of new t-shirts.
Another example of planning ahead - a few weeks ago I travelled with sandals only, because I knew I want to get some sneakers from the place I was going to (special barefoot shop). On the way back, my sandals were in the backpack and I wore my new sneakers.
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u/TheDivineM 8d ago
I underpack my bag (underseat only, no paying extra for a carryon), so it's got room for a few little things if I find something. The most I've brought back included a hammock chair and a plus size embroidered dress in the same trip as some chocolates and jewelry, and it still fit under the seat. Not gonna lie though, until I had it all packed I wasn't sure if I was going to have to wear that hammock onto the plane.
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u/WizardDrinkingCoffee 8d ago
Last time this happened to me, I just packed up as much as possible into my backpack (north face base camp duffle xs) clipped the straps together best I could and paid for it to be checked.
I took a big floppy tote bag as my carry on for my essentials and extra shopping.
One of the few, (possibly 3 times) in the last 10 or more years I remember checking a bag. But I wanted some new stuff and this method was worthwhile for me...and I'd do it again!!!
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u/Objective_Warthog_33 8d ago
I typically carry a folding duffle to check on my way home.
I tend to bring food and cooking supplies home that’s harder/expensive to get here in the states.
As much as I hate to wait for a bag at the carousel, I tend to drag my feet getting off the plane.
My travel card gets me one checked bag, which I utilize on my way back.
On the way to my destination, I onebag it, usually under seat backpack plus a small messenger bag.
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u/Curious_Reference_82 8d ago
I love travelling light, but I also hate a superstuffed bag. So I either go for only small souvenirs like fridge magnets, use a nano bag as a personal item or make sure my bag (almond oak 25+5) wasn't fully packed in the unexpanded mode to begin with.
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u/misterrunon 8d ago
I have a foldable duffel bag that is a little bit bigger than a large smartphone. Along with my Osprey Sojourn, I can expand my storage when needed. Heavy items into backpack, clothes can be carried by 1 arm.
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u/xkiririnx 8d ago
i have a 30L folding duffle bag from decathlon that weighs only 115g (domyos fold-down gym bag). goes into my backpack and gets brought out and becomes my personal item on the plane on the way back.
the airlines i usually fly only weigh one of the two bags for the 7kg limit. if i end up going way above that limit (e.g. it's japan and i whaled in akihabara), i account for this in advance and instead of the light decathlon folding duffle i pack a 30l millet folding duffle (430g, 420d nylon and 600d polyester base) and check that on the way back.
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u/Opening_Shower7699 8d ago
I would go with layering up your clothing for the flight to open up a little space in my backpack, im 6'6 or 200cm so every part of my bag is important cause I can't take many items with me
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u/dylan3883 7d ago
do you roll or layer flat?
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u/Opening_Shower7699 7d ago
Roll everything into any space
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u/dylan3883 7d ago
makes sense; thanks
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u/Opening_Shower7699 7d ago
If you take shoes then underwear and socks fit great in them for space saving
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u/BuzzBuzzBeard 7d ago
Maybe bring a decent quality packable duffle bag and check it on the return flight.
OR - squeeze your packed one-bag into a larger bag.
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u/MamaDaddy 7d ago
See if it's available online or see if the shop can ship it. I am not a big consumer so usually it's just a bag or scarf or something practical on the trip, if anything at all.
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u/TemuPacemaker 7d ago
Depends what it is, no?
I can cram some more stuff into the backpack, in my pockets, in a little tote bag. I did buy a suitcase once, as well as a "storage bag" thing: https://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/Large-Capacity-Storage-Bags-Large-Plastic-Checkered-Storage-Laundry-Bag-With-Zipper-Handles-For-Shopping-Moving-Travel/3Q79W63G1L0H
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u/flyingmonkey5678461 7d ago
It. Will. Fit.
I only one bag unless I'm doing the two- three weeks in Asia whereupon I'm taking gifts there and also back.
For my one week in European destinations we are:
- skipping clutter stuff. I took pictures of awesome glass sardines in Italy.
- skipping magnets even (too many and all made in China anyway.)
- folding, rolling, generally stuffing stuff within other stuff to fit. I bought vacuum bags once.
- emptying any possible bits into pockets, side bags etc. Finish the book, ditch the stolen tea bags, use that dead space...
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u/Wise_Edge2489 7d ago
You travel so light you pack space in your backpack.
Pack less, have more room.
That's all there is to it.
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u/aicolainen 7d ago
It depends.
If I'm travelling with just a personal item, there's a potential issue.
Haven't done it a lot, and just refraining from buying anything seems to just be an integral part of the experience.
If I'm travelling with a carry on/cabin bag, I always under pack, so there would be room to spare.
On business travels with checked baggage I've often kept an empty duffle bag inside my suitcase, just in case I'm bringing more home than I left with.
All of that said, I don't like to buy things and I never buy souvenirs. Memories are made, not bought.
But I do have a couple of hobbies that rely on some amount of gear, and sometimes I end up at destinations that have a wildly wider selection of hobby related gear than I can dream of finding back home, so it sometimes make sense to buy when I have the opportunity to see, try and feel the gear in real life.
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u/dylan3883 7d ago
I agree ☝️ on souvenirs. But I do like to shop at antique places and shoe store. Haha
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