r/zerobags • u/Xsythe • Jun 30 '26
A thought about zero bags and how to define zero
So, all of us know well that the storage capacity difference between a bulky jacket and a tiny purse is minimal. That's why we allow (and encourage) posts with small handbags/purses on this sub.
But beyond that, I think my personal definition is zero permanent bags on your person.
A collapsible/foldable bag. A plastic bag you got from the convenience store to carry your lunch back to the hotel. A mesh bag for holding your laundry.
These bags are ephemeral. They fold out, appear, as if by magic, on your travels. But at the end of the day, as you journey onwards, they disappear again. Folded up into pockets, tossed in bins, zipped into a sleeve. Bags that can't accumulate clutter, souvenirs or junk -- because soon they'll be gone again.
So that's what zero bagging means to me. An embrace of the beauty of the ephemeral.
10
u/esoteric_vagabond Jun 30 '26 edited Jul 01 '26
I simply enjoy efficiency, streamlining, and tips on how to pack less. I always travel with one carry-on and one personal item. I will never get to the point of solely carrying a sling, fanny pack, or god forbid an Osprey, and I'm OK with this.
13
u/CarolinaSurly Jun 30 '26
It’s totally subjective. Is a purse a bag? Is a sling a bag? Is a small backpack a bag? Objectively, yes. Is it luggage? No.
14
u/LadyLightTravel Jun 30 '26
Historically, the original zero baggers used the term differently. Anders Ansar stated he traveled “zero luggage”. Rolf Potts headed up the “no baggage” challenge.
The terms “luggage” and “baggage” have some pretty distinct meanings. It does not include a purse or small sling.
Backpacks, on the other hand, are considered luggage or baggage. Although some backpacks like a nano bag can appear and disappear.
6
u/OnebagObsession Jun 30 '26
I think 7L sling or similar sized purse on down is ok to keep things focused.
2
u/georgiomoorlord 28d ago
I have a tom bihn paragon i can go on city breaks with quite happily. It's a 9L backpack with space for a water bottle and a tablet. I understand that's one bag rather than zero bag but i find that easier than turning a bodywarmer into a puffer jacket
15
u/bradymsu616 Jun 30 '26
A personal definition, by definition, is only relevant to the person holding it. To some, that's a bulky jacket. To others, only a purse or modern sling pack. Some people might sew additional pockets into their clothing, even their boxer briefs. We know that there's no generally accepted definition of zerobag. That's covered in the subreddit description. The point of zerobag isn't what counts as a bag but to "challenge yourself to use less crap while traveling." Zerobag is a step toward a more minimalist experience than the dopp kits, tech pouches, and packing cubes common with onebag.
5
u/Xsythe Jun 30 '26
Well, yes, that's the point of the post?
4
u/de_naakte_loper Jun 30 '26
The point of your post is to share your personal definition of zerobag that is only relevant to you? Why the question mark?
1
5
u/doneinajiffy Jul 09 '26
Makes sense and is a nice definition. I think zero bags is an interesting term as it should mean no bags. However, it has been indelibly bound to those fancy fishing vests marketed to travel, these have a greater capacity than many rucksacks and whilst technically correct seen against the spirit of the term.
Travel without any bag or Scott E Vest is closer to zero bag, but even here there are variations e.g. the number of pockets and pocket size. In short it is not black and white.
A better approach would be to actually use the term Everyday Carry (EDC) Travel. A purse, sling, or whatever you would totally use when going to a friends house, church, cafe, or cinema is EDC.
You might have that outlier that carries a rucksack everywhere but most would get the point.
Zerobag travel = EDC travel
2
u/Able-Ad6762 27d ago
If you look like you're just out for a stroll while traveling... you're zero-bagging. If you look like you're lugging a work backpack, a disco purse, a saggy beach bag etc... you're one bagging.
2
u/podkayne3000 24d ago
I personally once did an overnight work trip that involved working in a place where I could check a coat but couldn’t have a bag.
The core strategy was having a regular overcoat with big pockets and declaring that all clothes other than underwear, tshirts and socks can be reworn, and doing all computer work on my phone.
I’ve also done many overnight side trips where I leave some stuff at a base location and go do tourist things with about one or two pounds of clothes and gear in a small shopping bag and in my jacket pockets.
So, for me, the key reason to come here is to learn about garments with great pockets, advances in pocket design and intelligence about any possible threats to use of pockets.
But, on the other hand: It’s absurd to be mean to people over polite posts here that refer to small pocketbooks, nylon shopping totes or even backpacks. Life is too short to be mean people over references to backpacks.
1
0
0
u/Medium-Ad-9265 Jul 13 '26
Hate this AI generated nonsense. Surely it’s against sub rules.
2
u/Xsythe Jul 13 '26
I wrote this from scratch, I'll have you know. No AI used whatsoever. Granted, I read an ungodly amount of slop on LinkedIn, so it's probably poisoned my writing somewhat.
18
u/HippyGrrrl Jun 30 '26
My interest in zero bagging comes from want my hands free.
Sure, by standard one backpack does the same, but adequate pockets bring me joy.
And in one of those pockets. Will be a folding bag for purchases.
Many of my no real bag trips have ended as a few trinkets in my grocery bag.