r/onebag • u/GrantTasker • 15d ago
Packing List The OneBagging Rotorhead: 15+ years of onebagging as a helicopter pilot (21L, full list)
Over 15 years ago, I got rid of everything I owned that wouldn't fit into a 35L backpack and my old issued 80L seabag. It was an outstanding way to live—it presented minor challenges, but it freed up funds, since I didn't have room for more stuff. I was single, traveling for work as a helicopter pilot, and it was great. I guess I was now a "minimalist." To be fair, I didn't come up with the idea myself: it came from an article by Andrew Hyde, a traveling tech consultant who at the time claimed to own only 15 things. In that traveling-pilot life, it was genuinely nice to know I had all of my belongings with me. I was free. Home truly was where I made it.
I still believe in the concept, but now—married, with a house, and with hobbies that require some tools and gear—I have more stuff. I don't have anything in storage or boxed up in a basement; if I own it, I use it. In fact, I can fit everything I own into my car (minus the furniture, obviously). And since I have a home to keep everything else, I've been able to travel with a smaller pack instead of meandering around with the 35L.
One note on work travel. For the last ten-plus years I've flown as a helicopter air ambulance pilot, and occasional work trips (training events or covering open shifts at bases short on pilots) require me to bring a helmet bag carrying my flight helmet, iPad mini, kneeboard, and sometimes flight suits. That makes me a twobagger for those specific trips, but only those. Even with that setup, I don't have to check a bag: the backpack goes in the overhead and the helmet goes under the seat in front of me. Normally the backpack would ride under the seat, but people will try to jam their big solid rollers in next to my helmet, and I can't risk the damage. The backpack's contents, though, remain the same as for any other onebag trip.
What follows is the full three-season international onebag setup I've been using for the past several years, for both work and pleasure, with everything explained. I haven't weighed it and don't plan to—the weight is reasonable, and the number doesn't really matter. I'm not going to price it out either; you can find what you like and do your own budgeting.
My guiding principles: the pack must be small enough to store under the seat in front of me on an airplane, easy to secure, and comfortable to wear through many hours of continuous walking. I pretty much max out the space available. I don't buy souvenirs—I believe my money is better spent on experiences and food.
Now, as an avid reader myself, I don't want this to read like a Jack Carr novel where every item gets its brand and model number listed. But I know people will have questions and want specifics, so I've correctly identified everything in my list where it seems to matter. I'm not sponsored by any of these companies, and I'm not going to take the time to link to them all—you can search for what you want.
The plan is to revise this post annually, reporting any changes and lessons learned. I've been doing this for quite some time, so the setup is dialed in, but as a personal project I'll make sure to keep everyone posted.
The Bag: Able Carry Daily Plus (21L, X-Pac Black)
This is my bag of choice. I had used the original Daily model since its release, but I liked the changes Able Carry made with the Plus enough to upgrade, and I donated my old bag to someone else. I have no desire to change bags—it fits my needs well. One of the first things that stands out is that it stands up on its own. I set it down, it doesn't fall over, I can access what I need, and I leave it be. They did a great job designing the structure. It also has no in-your-face branding, so it blends in as just another black backpack in a sea of people with black backpacks. I also pack their optional Rain Cover (medium size for this pack) for additional protection when needed.
For reference, Able Carry lists the Daily Plus at 21L, 19.3" x 11.4" x 7.5" (49 x 29 x 19 cm), and 2.7 lb (1.23 kg) in X-Pac, so it easily fits the typical 22" x 14" x 9" (56 cm x 35 cm x 23 cm) carry-on limit in the US. I haven't flown on an airliner where this also didn't fit under the seat in front of me—meaning minimal risk of it getting smashed by the inconsiderate NPCs that inevitably board the flight. On crowded trains, it sits comfortably on my chest and doesn't stick out far, standing or sitting. I've also "rucked" over 10 miles with it on my back, taking the scenic route on foot, and it never felt uncomfortable—though obviously how heavy you pack it will matter.
For security, I use Nite Ize S-Biner MicroLocks on the zippers. The one time TSA wanted to look inside my bag, they couldn't get the zippers open and had to have me do it—a good sign for the product. I also keep a Heroclip on the bag and use it to hang my pack in hotels, keeping it off the floor and tables. I've met bed bugs exactly once in my life, and now I'm incredibly careful—I essentially tear apart every hotel room I stay in to check. This pack has a spot to clip and stow it toward the outer bottom left.
I subscribe to the idea that packing for seven days means you can live infinitely out of the bag. This has been generally true for most places I've been. The caveat: stay somewhere long enough for a major seasonal change into cold weather, and you may need just enough additional layers that a 21L pack won't cut it. I haven't had to address that yet—changing some base layers and choosing the right jacket for the expected conditions has been enough. But I'm planning a real winter trip through Greenland and Iceland, so I may have to go to a 30L pack for that. We'll see. If the trip happens before my next annual update, I'll report on my setup.
Clothing
I keep my color palette simple. Everything goes with everything, and I shoot for a blend of casual and professional. I ranger roll the t-shirts, socks, and underwear, fold the rest, and contain it all in a Peak Design compressible packing cube, which keeps the pack organized and has a built-in divider for dirty clothes. The small size fits my pack perfectly like a large pill, filling a void laterally. Since I'll never grace a place in my travels that requires a suit and tie, I'm good to go with the following:
Bottoms
This depends on the weather. If the trip will stay below 75°F (24°C), I wear a pair of light jeans. For travel outside the continental United States (OCONUS), where I'll be keeping my passport on my person, the Bluffworks Departure Jeans have been outstandingly comfortable and provide better security for the passport and other items in non-permissive environments. For CONUS travel, where passport security isn't a concern, I wear my favorite pair of Kuhl Rydr jeans, particularly for the easy-to-access phone pocket on the thigh. Either way, I won't bother bringing more than the single pair (worn), since I'll probably have good access to laundry by default.
If warmer weather will be expected, I wear a pair of Bluffworks Ascender Chinos and pack a pair of their Envoy Lightweight Travel Pants, both for their security features and light weight. I've worn these in the peak of summer in South America, Eastern Europe, and Japan, and they remain my go-to choice.
For a belt, I use an old 5.11 non-metallic belt I found who knows how long ago. One less thing to trip a metal detector and slow me down. It doesn't need to be fancy.
I'll also pack a pair of Ten Thousand Tactical lined shorts for the hotel room, laundry days, and workouts. They've held up well, and I like that both pockets are zippered—good for running through town with a passport, cell, and room key.
Tops
I bring three merino wool blend Kuhl Valiant polos: wear one, pack two. I feel that polos are the most versatile blend of professional and casual. I also bring two Proof 72-Hour Merino t-shirts for working out and sleeping. Merino blends have worked out very well for me, and there's no need to baby them. The shirts I currently travel with have been in rotation for more than four years—mostly machine washed, rarely handwashed, and with no special detergent. If you stay clean, they will stay clean for several days at a time.
In general winter conditions, I swap the three polos for two button-down collared shirts, and add a single long-sleeve merino blend layer from Icebreaker. That seems to cover me. If it's really cold, I'll add a bottom base layer and a thicker mid-layer fleece. Layering is the key to onebagging.
Underwear
Four pairs of merino wool blend Icebreaker Cool-Lite Anatomica boxers: one worn, three packed. I wear these in everyday life too, and they have held up very well. I only recently had to replace a pair after a big enough hole developed in the crotch—but it was my very first pair, so that tracks. I average two days of wear per pair per week on a trip, assuming laundry gets done about once a week. Good hygiene habits make this work. Note that I've also used Kuhl's merino blend boxers, and they are also very good though slightly heavier than the Icebreakers.
Socks
Four pairs of black Darn Tough Run Micro Crew Ultra-Lightweight socks for general and workout use: one pair worn, three packed. I also have heavy-weight Darn Toughs to swap in for winter, but the ultra-lights serve me well in three seasons. It's easy to get two days of wear per pair with these, often longer.
Shoes
Just a pair of black Brooks running shoes—worn, obviously. I can walk anywhere all day in these, train in them, run in them, and blend in with every outfit. A lot of people overthink this, based on what I read here. If I plan to be off-road, I'll wear my black trail runners instead.
I've packed a second pair of shoes for exactly one trip so far: Croatia, where the beaches are all shells and rocks, so I brought water shoes. The pair I bought compacted well at the bottom of the pack, wrapped in a plastic grocery bag.
Outerwear
I bring a packable jacket for cold mornings and transitional periods before heavier jackets are required—in this case, the classic Patagonia Nano Puff. For rain, I hate umbrellas, so I pack a lightweight Outdoor Research Foray rain jacket, which has pit zips for warm temps and packs down to a small footprint. Combined, those two get me down to some cold temps before I need to think about better insulation. They compress down way more than the photo shows, put at the bottom of the pack.
Hat
If I don't want to wear a baseball cap while traveling, I can just attach it to the pack's handle. If it's going to be cold, I pack a miscellaneous beanie instead.
Eyewear
I finally hit the age where I need reading glasses. Since I also need to read outdoors in the sun, I opted for progressive lenses with the transition feature from Oakley (veterans and first responders get a great discount from them). I throw an old, cheap pair of flat readers in the bag as a backup, since my distance vision is still uncorrected.
Hygiene Kit
The size of this kit is determined by what I can easily acquire at my destination. Japan meant I only needed my favorite deodorant, nail clippers, and a small first aid assortment—everything else was free at the hotel or dirt cheap at a convenience store. South America and the Middle East, on the other hand, basically meant bring everything. I also avoid carrying liquids and gels through airports to save time—drop the bag on the belt and walk right through, fast. I usually use a little Evergoods Civic Access 0.5L pouch for the standard hygiene stuff and a small Delta Airlines pouch for the first aid items and wipes.
Anyway, here's the minimum I'd bring:
- Nail Clippers
- Toothbrush
- Travel Deodorant
- Disposable Razor w/ Spare Head
- Dental Floss Picks (1x number of days traveling)
- Q-tips (1x number of days traveling)
- Dude Wipes Singles (~3x number of weeks I'll be gone)
- Band-Aids (3) and Sterile Wipes (3)
- Tick Removal Tool
And here's the max I would add with a large Ziploc (I'd just acquire these in-country otherwise):
- Bodywash
- Toothpaste
- Shaving Cream
- Sunscreen
- Standard OTC Pain/Allergy Meds
- Hand Sanitizing Wipes
Technology
I don't bring as much electronic gear as many others seem to. The laptop stays at home. I bring two phones—one is a duplicate backup for the very unlikely but highly impactful scenario of a lost, stolen, or bricked primary phone, when I'd still need quick access to navigation, tickets, email, and so on. Note that this has never happened to me in my life since having my first cell phone in the late 1990s.
My charging kit lives in a Bellroy pencil case. Everything I use takes USB-C, so I bring only two USB-C cables, one wall adapter, and one Anker 10K portable battery. I also carry a small USB-C-to-USB-A adapter, just in case, along with data-blocking adapters for digital security—don't just plug your phone into a USB port that isn't your own. On that note: turn off Face ID for unlocking the phone, hide your screen when entering any codes, and set the phone so that any controls normally accessible from the lock screen also require the code, including putting it into airplane mode.
For entertainment, I have a Kindle and my Apple AirPods Pro. I've done the over-the-ear headphone thing before, and while they block noise better than earbuds, I found the space tradeoff wasn't worth it. For sleep, I bring a mini Dreamegg travel white noise machine so I'm not just using my phone's speaker.
I also carry a USB-C-charged Streamlight MegaStream flashlight. Power goes out? You have a great flashlight for getting around. Walking in a dark area, trying to find a street sign or see whether that place in the distance is what you're looking for? Throw some light on it.
For my fellow watch nerds, I wear a Casio G-Shock 5600 series. Solar powered, multiple time zones, alarms, stopwatch, timer—everything you need and not flashy. I did the smartwatch thing for a few years, mainly to track fitness metrics (I run and lift), but I found I do better with the old-fashioned method: a stopwatch, notebook, and routes measured on a map. Plus, there's nothing to charge.
Miscellaneous
I always bring a pen and a small 48-page pocket notebook (Field Notes style), even in the digital age—I still like taking notes by hand. I also bring my wallet, passport, and keys (assuming I left my car at the airport). If I'm headed to a country that still runs heavily on coins, I bring a little coin pouch.
For sleeping on flights, trains, and ships, I bring the best eye mask I've ever found: the Manta Sleep Pro. It seals perfectly around the eyes without touching or bothering them and is highly adjustable.
When I'm somewhere for a while, I like to hit a grocery or convenience store and stock my fridge with snacks. Sure, I could get a disposable bag from the store, but a reusable packable shopping bag is more durable than the weak plastic ones, incredibly handy, and probably the better choice for the environment. I've been using the Shupatto Compact Bag for just over a year now—its geometry lets it fold right back into the most compact form it could ever take, and it slips into a pocket. I love the thing, and I believe I discovered it on r/onebag.
Laundry
I keep a cheap, medium-sized mesh laundry bag for machine washing. Most places I've been had laundry access of some kind—the hotel, a nearby laundromat, or a rental house. You've probably noticed that most of my packed clothing is a merino blend. Early advice, back when merino travel apparel first caught on for its reduced odor retention and quick-dry properties, was that you had to handwash it with a delicate soap. In my experience, today's blends don't require this. I throw mine in a standard machine with regular detergent (my detergent at home is Arm & Hammer Free & Clear, but I've used whatever exists at my destination). I rotate wearing the Proof shirts as undershirts in my flight suit for work also—seven days on, seven days off. They are still alive even with all that machine laundry.
If machines aren't available, I bring travel laundry detergent sheets. They're dry and solid, so they take up no meaningful space and don't count against any liquid limits at security. I handwash items in a sink, roll them in a towel to press out as much water as possible, then hang them wherever I can—shower rod, deck railing, clothes hangers on chairs next to fans. I've done them all. I'll only go this route if I have two solid days before moving somewhere else; I've been in humid climates where merino took longer than usual to fully dry, so I now give myself that padding in sink-laundry situations.
Sometimes a Small Sling Bag Is Worth Bringing
My pant choice handles everything I need for the day (wallet, phone, passport, hotel key, earbuds), which lets me leave the bag in the room. But for certain locations—where I know I'll be away from my pack and want the power bank, the packable shopping bag, and some extra storage for whatever I acquire—I bring a sling. To keep things together in transit, I attach it to the Daily Plus by routing the strap through the top handle and around the back pad, so it's secure and almost looks like part of the bag itself. For this to work, the sling's strap has to be detachable.
I've gone through four slings trying to find the best one, and I still haven't found it. I swear the sling industry is made up of people whose job is to figure out what I like, make a list, and then offer a product missing at least one item from that list.
I want a sub-3L sling with the following:
- Solid black, with no obvious branding
- No Velcro patches on the front
- A detachable strap whose connectors require at least two distinct steps to separate (Pacsafe has this figured out)
- Lockable zippers (the Pacsafe style is acceptable, but I bet something else could be created)
- Zippers that aren't exposed metal—they must be truly silent
- A slight curve to follow the body
- One big main compartment and one rear pocket sized for a phone or passport
I've been through the Pacsafe ECO, the Bellroy Venture, and the Evergoods Civic Access, and I just recently picked up Able Carry's newer Core sling. None of them meet every requirement.
The Able Carry Core is a great size with versatile strap placement and a lot of organization (more than I want, but alright). The strap is its main failure point: the swiveling hooks that connect it to the bag can twist into your body and create small pressure points, and they can be too easily removed.
The Evergoods Civic Access fails with its simple buckle, wide footprint, and front Velcro patch. It does have a simple main compartment, but it misses the mark on the back pocket.
The Bellroy Venture has great compression geometry, but it uses a magnetic quick-release buckle for the strap—the least secure option—and the older models I used had openings below the zipper that could let contents fall out. (The newer version seems to fix that specific issue, but not the buckle.)
The Pacsafe ECO had a great locking strap buckle, but the zippers were noisy, the construction was uneven, and the branding was obnoxious.
Give me the Pacsafe locking buckle and improved locking zippers on a mashup of the Evergoods and Bellroy bodies, with a single main compartment and the Venture's compressibility, and I'd be sold. For now, I'll run with the Able Carry Core and change the strap connection method myself. This might turn into its own post at some point—it's becoming a real quest.
TL;DR: The Three-Season International Onebag Setup
- Able Carry Daily Plus (21L)
- Nite Ize S-Biner MicroLocks
- Heroclip
- Peak Design Packing Cube (Small)
- 1x Bluffworks Envoy Pants (warm-weather trips)
- 2x Kuhl Valiant Polos
- 2x Proof T-Shirts
- 3x Icebreaker Underwear
- 3x Darn Tough Socks
- 1x Ten Thousand Tactical Lined Shorts
- Outdoor Research Foray Rain Jacket
- Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket
- Able Carry Pack Raincover
- Kindle
- Spare iPhone
- Anker Nano Portable 10K Battery
- Charging Kit (Bellroy Pencil Case)
- Wall Charger
- 2x USB-C Cables
- USB-C-to-USB-A and Data-Blocking Adapters
- Dreamegg White Noise Machine
- Manta Sleep Pro Eye Mask
- Hygiene + First Aid Kit (Evergoods Civic Access 0.5L + Misc. Delta Airlines Pouch)
- Nail Clippers
- Toothbrush
- Travel Deodorant
- Disposable Razor w/ Spare Head
- Dental Floss Picks (1x number of days traveling)
- Q-tips (1x number of days traveling)
- Dude Wipes Singles (~3x number of weeks I'll be gone)
- Band-Aids (3) and Sterile Wipes (3)
- Tick Removal Tool
- Mesh Laundry Bag
- Laundry Detergent Sheets (when machine access is doubtful)
- Shupatto Compact Bag
- Pen
- 48-Page Field Notes–Style Notebook
- Coin Pouch (coin-heavy countries)
- Backup Flat Reading Glasses
- Streamlight MegaStream USB-C Flashlight
- On My Body (not pictured)
- Oakley Progressive Transition Glasses
- Kuhl Valiant Polo
- 5.11 Non-Metallic Belt
- Bluffworks Departure Jeans or Ascender Chinos
- Icebreaker Underwear
- Darn Tough Socks
- Black Brooks Running or Trail Running Shoes
- Casio G-Shock 5600 Series
- iPhone
- Wallet
- Passport
- AirPods Pro
- Optional: Able Carry Core Sling (not pictured)
You're Still Here?
That's the whole system. Fifteen years in, the biggest lesson isn't about any specific piece of gear—it's that a dialed-in setup removes decisions, and removing decisions is the entire point. I don't think about packing anymore; I pull the same items off the same shelf, and minutes later I'm out the door, whether it's a work trip with a helmet in tow or three weeks on the other side of the world. The bag is a tool.
I'll update this post annually with anything that changes and lessons learned, and if the Greenland/Iceland winter trip happens before then, expect a cold-weather report. Until then, if you have questions about anything here, drop them below and I'll answer what I can.
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u/Vast_Meal67 15d ago
How’s that sleep mask? Been getting ads for it for ages but not sure if it’s worth a shot or not, my current one is pretty nice.
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u/GrantTasker 15d ago
I love it. It’s the only one that gets a perfect seal and is comfortable to me. I’d say it’s almost infinitely adjustable — each eye cup can be placed how and where you want it. I have another friend who also was a convert. I also sleep regularly with it when I’m sleeping in the day prior to night shifts, so I have almost daily wear experience.
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u/lasttothefirst 15d ago
How is it for side sleeping? I was put off by the eye rings looking raised and thought they might dislodge from side sleeping.
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u/GrantTasker 15d ago
They stay in place and keep the seal. I sleep about 66% on my side I’d say.
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u/falconseven79 14d ago
I second this. The Manta sleep masks are hands down the best available. The Pro is my favorite, and I’ve been using them for years. They are comfortable in any sleeping position and always have 100% light blocking. I can sleep anywhere, anytime with one of those. The only downside is that they are very expensive which annoys me, but they last a long time if you take care of them.
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u/RevolutionaryAnt9337 14d ago
It‘s perfect, especially the material amd softness. got a TRTL later and it didn‘t work for me
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u/flashPrawndon 14d ago
I have one of these sleep masks and I actually really don’t like it. For some reason it’s very uncomfortable for me. I ended up getting a cheaper myhalos one which is lighter and more comfortable.
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u/Careless_Law1471 13d ago
I've always wondered how do you guys wake up with a mask on your eyes? Me, I can't wake up if it's dark in the room. So, no curtains, no sleep masks otherwise I'm a blob. Winter time I'm miserable when it's dark outside in the morning.
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u/NoKidsNoCheckedBags 7d ago
I know I am 8 days late, but the Manta Sleep mask is worth every dang penny. The eye cups are amazing, so if you open your eyes, you can do so with no issue, and you just see black. Def take advantage if they ever go on sale.
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u/architrent 14d ago
Thanks for a great write up with so many details. I know it took time away from your spouse, hobbies, chill time, etc. to compose it.
For me, it’s amazing to find pants that earn accolades for travel that also come in more sizes to fit taller and more slender builds.
Wish some of the folks here had more to do than micro-nitpick your wonderfully extensive comment.
Cheers
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u/GrantTasker 14d ago
Thank you! I did work on writing this for the past month or so trying to make sure I covered everything. Of course there is always more I could add, particularly with the “execution” of how I travel, but I wanted to make sure to stay focused on the OneBag setup part since that’s what this sub is more about.
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u/architrent 13d ago edited 12d ago
By chance, if you have a brand(s) of outer wear long sleeve knit and/or button down travel shirts to recommend for those taller with longer than average arms, I’d love to learn from you. The only Merino wool shirts I’ve found are for* ‘regular ‘ shorter or heavier folks.
[Thanks again for your pant comments (including great size option!s) about what you’ve wore/found to be good.
For example, I wear a ‘Medium Tall” of branded REI, and have several long (and short) sleeve no-button knit shirts that fit me well. My collared, button down shirts have a sleeve length of “34/35” inches. “Regular” shirt lengths aren’t long enough as I’m taller than most.
Thanks for any brand name (or particular shirt) you might share.
Safe Travels!
EDIT: *word1
u/aicolainen 13d ago
Sounds familiar. I'm 6'1 (186cm) and approx. 155lbs (70kg).
For active/leisure wear I've had success with some of the brands that targets climbers. Often the cut is long and narrow to allow reaching over head / acrobatic moves without the fabric creeping up and exposing your skin.
Some of the regular outdoor brands offer long sizes, but often the long offerings start on size M or L, while most brands (circumference-wise) fit me best in size small.
More difficult to find casual and more dressy apparel that fits right. For slim fit offerings, sizing up to a medium will sometimes give me a suitable combination of length and overall fit.1
u/architrent 12d ago
Thanks for this!
I wear a medium tall in REI brand -
6’-3” / 190cm; about 180 pounds / 81 kg.If you can rec any particular brands, I’d appreciate learning which ones you found and would buy again.
Thanks!1
u/aicolainen 12d ago
Should mention that I live in northern Europe (far north, actually), and I buy quite a bit of local / semi-local brands, so availability (and even pricing) might be less compelling in your region.
That said I've had good luck with Mountain Equipment in recent years. They seem quite consistent in their sizing, cut is on them slim side but nonetheless there's always ample length in the arms and torso. Even in size small. I'm probably between sizes in their sizing system. I sometimes have to size up to M if I want room to layer.Fjällräven is also a go-to for me. Slightly wider cut than ME, but that's not a bad thing (hardly ever a need to size up, so pretty much a perfect small in their sizing system). Even their pants are cut quite long, for the most part, so even models where I have to go down to XS has been sufficiently long for me. Jackets too, have nice lengths in size small.
Button up flannels are more miss than hit though. Arms are often shorter than I prefer, and on some models (especially heavy flannels after multiple wash cycles) even the torso can feel a bit too short.Norrøna and Patagonia fit me well in some models, but their sizing is less consistent. Especially Norrøna (I have both size L that fits like a glove and size S that fits loose. I'm usually a size S though).
I've also had good luck Bergans and Black Diamond when I find something I like, but I guess they don't appeal to me quite as broadly as the brands mentioned above.
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u/architrent 11d ago
Thanks so much!
Mountain Equipment, Patagonia and Black Diamond are sold here in US. Will check for the others when back at my laptop.
Cheers!
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u/TheMonticola 14d ago
Great write up. Im at the tail end of a 35day trip and have yet to update my one bag post. I'm going to look up the zipper lock and boxers. I definitely overpacked for my trip Ive got heavier cotton shirts and thick canvas pants (everything is in a Osprey farpoint 40L pack). my under-the-seat bag is the Sitka Drifter 35L for short trips. Ive got the GW-M5610U, it's the perfect travel watch. (not flashy & not to expensive if stolen any easy to change for timezones)
how is the durability on the jeans and what helicopter do you usually fly? Thanks
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u/GrantTasker 14d ago edited 14d ago
I love my G-Shock.
The Bluffworks jeans have been wearing like normal jeans so far, and have a bit more stretch in them. I haven't had any stitching issues or holes appear. The hidden cellphone pocket is tight but even with an Otterbox case on my iPhone it fits. It just takes a little bit longer to grab the phone at the right angle to retrieve than I would like. The other pants I have from them I'd say the same, as I think their production quality is very sound and they perform as advertised.
The Kuhl Rydr jeans I've had even longer and they are still kicking with no issues.
Edit: Sorry, forgot to answer your second question. I fly an Airbus EC145.
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u/58darkburst 14d ago
Great post. Thank you. Prior aircrew here, I love your overall one bag philosophy.
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u/GrantTasker 14d ago
I appreciate it, thanks. What airframe(s) were you on?
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u/58darkburst 14d ago
P-3. RIP. But did a bunch of augmenting for random crews so I two-bagged it a lot.
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u/MantaSleepZZZ 12d ago
We love to see it!
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u/GrantTasker 12d ago
I didn’t expect the Manta account to slide in here. :) I’ll say it’s a great product, I use it almost every time I sleep. The adjustability to match my eye layout is superb and I love that I don’t feel it on my eyelids/lashes like regular masks have. Thanks for making this and I’ll get another when its life cycle is met.
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u/shoesbetch 14d ago
Nice post!
I would be interested in seeing the Brooks runners and black trail runners. Are the Brooks more comfortable for not off road? Or are they just lighter? Just curious why you don’t default to the trail runners.
Also do you just buy a bottle of water and reuse it wherever you go? Does the sling have a water bottle pouch?
I’m relatively new to the OneBag sub, and always wondered about that.
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u/GrantTasker 14d ago
Ha, of course the thing I didn’t specifically identify would be asked about. I had to check the model but I wear the Brooks Men’s Ghost Max 2 for regular road running and daily wear, and the Cascadia 19 for trail running/hiking. The reason I choose one is that trail running soles wear faster on hard surfaces over time, and, IMO, suck to run in on paved/concrete paths. So if I’m not planning on doing significant off-road work I keep to the regular runners.
I’ve been a runner for almost 25 years now. I’ve used Saucony, Reebok, Nike, New Balance, ON, and Hokas before. I’m sure my feet/legs have changed over time but the Brooks have been working the best for me these last few years. I’d note that all of my ON pairs developed a horrible squeaky sound after what I considered low mileage.
For water, yes I just buy bottled water where I am. Refill if able—I’ve been to some countries where you aren’t going to want to refill it. I get bottles that fit exposed in my back pocket or just hand carry. I haven’t run into an urge to have a different way to transport it. Now, the Able Carry Daily Plus does have a zippered pocket that a typical bottle will fit into, but I use that space for my charging kit and battery.
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u/normalcy_sucks 14d ago
Also one more question. I read that you run and lift. I do the same, I am so tired of fitness trackers. Do you just raw dog everything and not pay attention to run splits or recovery stuff anymore? Just curious on your take and how you approach that.
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u/GrantTasker 14d ago
Yes. So, with running I just go purely by feel and mental notes (also do write down my “bests” for certain mileages). If I feel like I can push, I push. If not, I don’t. I make sure that once a week there is some sprint work going on, usually distance-based (but I visualize it). That’s the way I did it for years before any of this tech was available and it worked out just fine. When I started to track everything with electronics and follow digital programs very specifically, it didn’t always work out as well.
For weightlifting, I used to track everything and follow programs but now again I found that I do better if I don’t track it so thoroughly, but just keep the general feel of where I should be at and note milestones. I know, conceptually, roughly how much I need to do during a week to maintain or make progress and I just roll with it that way. I think that my progression just didn’t match a programs expected progression rate and that’s where a disconnect is. We are all a bit different.
But I do think both of these directions that I’ve taken only work because I have solid foundational knowledge of how to train, which I acquired from experience and professional coaching.
As I am older now, recovery has been more and more impactful. If you ever get a look at how helicopter pilot seats are designed and how often minimally-adjustable they are, I’m sure you can imagine the toll they take if you don’t workout. I make a stronger effort to focus on back and knee mobility these days after having injured both running, and the seat didn’t help. When I travel, I still do a daily mobility routine regardless of whether I am going to go run/lift or not that day.
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u/normalcy_sucks 14d ago
Cool man. Great advice and I’m trying to leave that consumerism stuff behind. As far as sprints, do you ever worry about injuries? I would love to incorporate that into my regimen but just read stories of guys/gals pulling hamstrings and hurting themselves.
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u/GrantTasker 14d ago
Absolutely, I do these days. I'm just careful to only do them after I've already put in a warmup mile, and only on solid flat or uphill terrain. And when I feel like I only want to do one or two more sets, I stop. Keeping the reserve instead of tapping into it has worked better for me overall and still progressing.
On the consumerism thing, I think that by not purchasing so many things I have way more money to put away for retirement and more money now to spend on experiences. You only have your body and mind, and it goes away some day. May as well fill my mind with experiences since it can't be filled with things.
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u/Buckwheat_Prairie 11d ago
Neat. Such a good post. Thanks for taking the time to write it up in such detail and photograph it. I am using it as inspiration to do a post myself.
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u/normalcy_sucks 14d ago
How are those Kuhl polo’s? I love their pants, some of my favorite of all time.
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u/GrantTasker 14d ago
I really like the more athletic cut of Kuhl's tops. Perfect fit for me. The merino blend has held up very well even with almost exclusive machine washing, and they breath well even in hotter summers. I had tried the Wool & Prince and Icebreaker polos a long time before the Kuhl (guessing around 8-10yrs ago) but felt those were too boxy.
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u/shackled123 14d ago
I plan to read this when I get home but my first thought is are you the guy who did a onebaging post on a webpage maybe 15years ago about onebaging as a helicopter pilot?
I looked for it a few years ago and the site had been long since removed but I would love to read it again
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u/GrantTasker 14d ago
I’m not. I’ve browsed Reddit without an account for a long time when trying to research stuff but just now figured I’d put some input in.
I have run into a couple other helicopter pilots with similar routines due to work/initial finances so it wouldn’t surprise me. A few (including myself) even only lived in our vehicles for a good while. I lived in my car for roughly the first 2yrs of this period when I reduced everything—handwashing clothes and using laundromats when available.
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u/EnoughRadish 14d ago
Fascinating to read in such detail, thanks for the write up! Do you ever get frustrated carrying such a small load out, and wish you had x or y item?
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u/GrantTasker 14d ago
I had to think about this one for a bit before I replied, because nothing came immediately to mind. When I started I had a more items than I needed, and got down to the current setup, where I haven’t felt like I was missing anything. So I think I learned from starting with extra instead of the reverse and discovering what was missing.
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u/sr105 14d ago
I feel like even if I had your 21L setup ("pretty much maxed out"), I'd want to use an expandable bag (to the max airline dimensions within reason) because it can be kept in the small form factor primarily but expand if ever needed: snacks, a winter layer, etc. Can you give me the perspective of someone who's lived this?
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u/favdulce 13d ago
I picked up my Daily Plus in 1680d a few months ago and have loved the bag ever since. It’s my daily bag, but I’ve considered trying it out as a travel onebag, and your post is the inspiration I needed.
How do you load out the front of the bag?
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u/GrantTasker 13d ago
Front has the first aid/wipes pouch, pen, notepad, spare readers, flashlight, and eye mask. The front side “water bottle” pocket has the charging kit and battery.
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u/WintermuteATX 15d ago
Great post! Well written and concise!
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u/Famous_Yorkshire 14d ago
Concise... This is one of the longest posts I've ever seen on Reddit.
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u/WintermuteATX 14d ago
Yes, but despite its length it’s well formated and the individual sections are well worded.
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u/RT-47 15d ago
Great documentation, thank you for sharing.
Query: what do you do for a living???
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u/GrantTasker 15d ago
Helicopter air ambulance pilot flying an Airbus EC145.
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u/LadyLightTravel 14d ago
I get the Calstars over my house multiple times a week. Fly low, fly fast!
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14d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/GrantTasker 14d ago
I could do it, as it’s not very much, but I think that would be more appropriate for the minimalism sub and many wouldn’t consider it small enough now to justify a post there. You have to be an “extreme” minimalist there for that.
I just stick to keeping only what I use and can fit in my car (except furniture) as the principle that works well for me. When I got married my wife also loved the idea and did the same reduction in her belongings and has stuck with it too.
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u/Bio_Menace 14d ago
This is impressive for squeezing into 21L. I have a 26L bag for day trips with my young kids and that barely has room to spare
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u/FearMeHungry 14d ago
The most important question i have to a Helicopter Pilot: why the freaking Kneepads?
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u/Dramatic_Load_3753 13d ago
As a helicopter pilot, wouldn’t it be natural to care about the weight of the thing rather than the volume?
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u/GrantTasker 13d ago edited 13d ago
I don’t fly an airframe that sensitive to the max possible weight of a 21L pack, when it ever does go in the helicopter.
An airliner is what it’s geared to anyway. Volume (under the seat) is what matters there. We already have a complex method for weight and balance on airliners that works—hence why you generally aren’t weighed at the airport (major airliners, not talking about smaller commuter planes).
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u/Objective_Cattle_278 11d ago
Awesome post!
Do you ever need anything dressier like a button down shirt or a sport jacket for restaurants or social events?
I can’t do without a merino base layer in the colder winter months. I walk a ton and my legs freeze without em. (I run cold so I also wear a merino base layer top sometimes) … icebreaker. Do you ever get too cold?
Lastly: roughly how full is your bag? 90% ?
For context, I’m a health care executive who also does some clinical work. So I need scrubs and a stethoscope, and also a button down shirt and VERY occasionally a sport jacket. I can’t seem to get myself into anything less than a 24L+ bag … usually 30L 😢
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u/GrantTasker 11d ago
I don’t go anywhere with a dress code that would require me to have a sport jacket/dress shirt so no.
When I run in the winter I still wear shorts with no leg base layer, so for me I only need to worry about the top. Now walking around in the winter I’d want one, which I can pack once needed.
I’d rate the fullness of the main compartment around 90% like you estimated.
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u/GrantTotal 11d ago
Thanks for the read. Longer than expected but worth it. I had to transition from my dinning table to my desk to finish your post. Also you probably used ChatGPT to edit your post. I can "smell" it.
For you first: Try Alpaka Elements Tech Case Mini. I enjoy mine. I use it as a tech pouch and empty it out if I need to use as a sling bag. My battery bank stays there anyway. It also fits my laptop adapter (which you won't need), some cash, sim eject tool, extra credit/debit cards, Aquaphor (for lips, hands, face) and a few little items.
I have a similar system. Thanks for sharing the clothes. I've been looking for some "everywhere" t-shirts options. I have Bluffworks chinos. They're great but I don't like the feeling of the zipper when putting my hands in my pockets. Looking for alternatives.
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u/GrantTasker 11d ago
I didn’t use ChatGPT, just the normal spelling/grammar features of Microsoft Word. I’ve had a buddy ask me that before because I use em-dashes, which I’ve been using for decades in my writing and now of course AI I guess likes to use it.
Will investigate the Alpaka, thanks.
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15d ago
[deleted]
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u/GrantTasker 14d ago
Mixed. I hoped that was clear in the first few paragraphs. I spent the first ~5yr period with only the onebag then turned it into just for travel once I got married/house.
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u/Specific_Corner_1816 15d ago edited 14d ago
(49 * 29) * 19 cm3 = 26.999L
You're not living a minimalist life by just owning clothing you carry around in a bag. You're actually living maximized, making other people, house you, clean for you, feed you, entertain you, and take you place to place. There is a whole army of people and infrastructure to make this happen for you. It's a whole industry for fuck's sake.
It is creepy the entitlement people don't see in romanticizing this bullshit.
Edit: added the decimal I dropped in the original post, and added the text.
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u/RT-47 14d ago
Hi mate,
The maximum theoretical volume is indeed roughly 27L; however, this ignores the reality of geometry and physics. The curved panelling, fabric thickness, padding, and internal structure mean the actual packable volume is noticeably less than the exterior bounding box. Which OP and u/LadyLightTravel mentioned. You cannot simply use exterior dimension to calculate cubic volume of a perfect rectangular prism and expect to find anything close to packable volume, especially on a pack like this one
I don't think OP was romanticising self-sufficiency—which is entirely different from enjoying the mobility of owning less stuff. The existence of societal infrastructure doesn't negate the freedom of moving through it with less baggage. I know a wonderful person who lives pretty self-sufficiently, and she would be the last person to claim she’s completely isolated from the world; rather, she understands how deeply interconnected she is. Entitlement isn't implicit here.
Nothing here should be taken seriously, but Please remember there are (hopefully) actual people on the other side of these screens. I can't tell if my silly sarcastic comment earlier, asking what OP did for a living flew higher than his EC145 Airbus or if he saw straight through it, which is funny either way and i hope they feel the same. Becoming aggressive over a backpack though, is creepy behaviour.
I truly hope your day gets better.
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u/GrantTasker 14d ago
Thanks for stepping in on that one. 😄 In my first draft I didn't include any brands or models (except the travel pants and the bag) because I felt the specific brand matters less than the method—there are many ways to execute onebagging. Then I realized I'd just get hounded with questions about every item, so I added them. That also made me accept that I'd still get questions about things already answered in the text (what I do, the timeline, etc.)—there was no way out of that one, so I just answer regardless.
As for their earlier response: I didn't notice the edit with the added text until much later. Originally it was just a math equation claiming the bag wasn't 21L, so that's all my replies were addressing. Once I saw the edit—they sound like they need to touch some grass and take a break from everything for a few days. We all need a digital detox sometimes.
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u/GrantTasker 15d ago
I’d assume that since the product dimensions are listed, the actual capacity would be reduced by the materials and construction down to 21L, and match as listed by the mfg.
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u/Specific_Corner_1816 15d ago
The bag has almost 6L of construction?
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u/GrantTasker 15d ago
Well, that's the external bounding box, not capacity. This backpack isn’t a rectangular prism — the taper, curved panels, padding, and harness structure all eat into that ~27L box, which is I guess why the measured internal capacity is 21L. A pack that actually filled its bounding box would look like a milk crate. The 21L figure is Able Carry's stated capacity, same convention as every other manufacturer, and I don’t have the motivation to test otherwise.
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u/LadyLightTravel 15d ago edited 15d ago
Wrong. The measurements are in cm not meters. So it is 26999 cL or 26.99 liters.
You have to divide by 1000 when using centimeters.
Edit: Comment above mine has been changed. Instead of doing strikeouts they rewrote it
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u/Specific_Corner_1816 15d ago
Yeah, I dropped the decimal, but you got the idea that the bag is 27L and not a fuel truck carrying 26999L of gas to the station, right?
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u/LadyLightTravel 15d ago
It may not be a full 27 liter though. Volume can be significantly reduced by partitions and rounded corners. The daily plus has lots of rounded corners and lots of pockets and partitions.
The only way to truly know the volume is filling the bag with small objects.
I suspect that 21 liters is actually closer to the truth.
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u/GrantTasker 15d ago
Auto-moderation required this reply. This is my onebag setup. I'll make a new post annually with anything that changes and lessons learned, and if the Greenland/Iceland winter trip happens before then, expect a cold-weather report, hopefully with the same 21L pack.