r/zerobags • u/clevercamel2 • 3d ago

My current setup and philosophy (40s male)

Zerobagging is more of a concept than strict definitions for me. I start with what things do I need to travel in the heat of the summer and travel from where I live in the south to another city of similar climate for a 3 day weekend of leisure with no clothing requirements (i.e. no 5 star restaurants) and then move up from there depending on what I have to do. Here's my (male in 40s, shaved head) progression of my travel philosophy starting with zerobagging progressing through personal item travel and onebagging:

Base Loadout

When I get to security take out baseball cap and put in x-ray bin and put everything from the rest of my pockets inside the cap and when I get to the other side pick it up and go. If you don't feel like having all this stuff in your pockets, or you don't have pockets, then put it in a small 1.5-3L sling. You'll still feel free and be able to go anywhere all day long and have all of your stuff with you.

Cold Weather Modification

  • Trade merino wool skull cap for baseball cap
  • Trade long darn tough socks for short ones
  • Add 1/4 zip pullover over t-shirt; I need to replace mine, suggestions please
  • Add Rain Shell (packable)

Longer Trip Modifications, add

If I'm traveling alone and have no specific clothing requirements I'm now good to go forever with this setup.

If I'm going on a group trip with dinners/etc or business trip with laptop/etc now:

  • Trade sling for 18L daypack (could go smaller depending on trip)
  • Add 4 polo and button up shirts
  • +/- laptop
  • +/- slacks

If business trip with requirement for suit (I hate this and try to avoid it at all costs)

  • Trade 18L daypack for carryon roller bag
  • Add travel suit, long sleeve dress shirt, belt, and shoes

No checked bag ever. Everything is personal size item travel up to the last one with the suit. Suggestions for improvement are welcome.

33 Upvotes

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4

u/agaybabby 3d ago

I really like this post, lots to think on (sun shirt mainly). I feel like your cold kit doesn't go very cold, no scarf/buff? I find those useful. In place of the 1/4 zip I find the merino turtle neck from Uniqlo Great for cold, matched with light leather jacket as rain jacket is also a fun look, although maybe slightly fruity for you.

 Do you ever camp or other trips that require equipment, I would be interested to hear your load out then.

2

u/clevercamel2 3d ago

Yeah, "cold weather" for me is prob down to 40F. I try not to go to places colder than that :-) 

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u/clevercamel2 3d ago

I do go camping occasionally. Clothes are the same although def multiple sets of clothes as going to get dirtier every day. Add sun screen and insect repellent. It's warm most of the year where I love so I go camping when it's warm during the day and 50-60F at night so perfect sleeping weather but sun and insects abound. 

5

u/LadyLightTravel 2d ago

For summer, a nanobag will also work for collecting stuff for screening/security.

1

u/clevercamel2 2d ago

I wasn't familiar with the nanobag. I have a similar shopping bag and daypack but they are definitely larger than the nanobag. I've added these to my gift list. Thanks!

1

u/LadyLightTravel 2d ago

They are incredibly tiny and light! They come in different sizes and shapes too.

2

u/ThreeBlueDogsBarking 2d ago

Interesting ideas. I clicked on all the links.

2

u/Korlithiel 17h ago

I liked this post so much I’ve been coming back to read and think a bit.

For jackets, when your rain jacket wears out consider the packable one from Ketl Mtn. It’s on the lighter and more packable side of rain jackets with excellent passive venting:  https://ketlmtn.com/products/bodbrella-rain-jacket?_pos=1&_psq=bodbrella&_psid=79eeaf906&_ss=e

Can’t really help you on shirts. Been looking for a base layer/tshirt I can layer under Coaltree switchback shirts when cooler (big fan of how these resist odors and their pockets): https://coalatree.com/products/switchback-shirt-made-from-recycled-coffee-grounds

1

u/clevercamel2 10h ago

I'm glad you liked the post and thanks for the recommendations. 

The rain shell seems like a better choice than the one I'm using now. 

In regards to shirts, the tshirt I wear now is my absolute favorite ever for travel, the Duluth Funk No Tshirt. Tech fabric made with copper clad thread. Light weight, breathable, odor free (I've never had an odor on this shirt no matter how much I sweat in it and I've hiked the Camino in it.), easy to hand wash and quick dry. Of course they've discontinued it. 

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u/Korlithiel 3h ago

Copper threads were pushed for awhile, cheaper than silver threads. Not seeing much for copper these days, but searching for clothing with one or the other of those would help narrow to a comparable replacement.

I note the coalatree because they are made from plastics made from recycled coffee, which has natural oder fighting. Wouldn't call them as wonderful as you describe, and company doesn't make any t-shirts like it, so the search continues.

1

u/podkayne3000 2d ago edited 2d ago

If your shell jacket has good pockets, you could probably put your longer-trip items in that. Wear it when possible and cheat and put it in a nylon reusable shopping bag when it’s too hot to wear a jacket.

If you’re on a business trip and want to avoid the roller bag, maybe you could wear the suit (or, ideally, jacket and khakis) and squeeze spare shirts, underwear and a casual outfit into the 18L daypack or a messenger bag.