Early next year I'm going to be taking my first international trip. I'll be traveling from Arkansas to Albania. I'll be there for an undetermined amount of time. At least three months, maybe 12. I have convinced myself I can do this with a 1.5 bag setup.

I'm currently looking at the TomToc Liteway 40L and TomToc 10L sling.

I don't mind spending more on a good bag setup and if I was going to be traveling more, I would. And I still will if these won't work for what I need. My plan now is to spend some time in Albania, then maybe around for some shorter 10-60 day stays elsewhere in Europe and use Georgia for resets when needed. So, not a ton of travel but more than I want to do with a checked bag on every trip.

The airlines I will likely be traveling for this first trip will be United and Lufthansa or Swiss.

This is my current packing list. I know the tech might seem overkill, but it is necessary for my work. I am sure I am missing a lot of things and that is why I'm posting. I need well-traveled advice.

10L Sling (Personal Item)

Tech:

13" MacBook Air M1
iPhone 17 Pro Max
AirPods
Anker MagGo 5K
Anker 20K Power Bank
6ft USB-C cable
Plug adapter

Documents & Personal:

Passport
Wallet (cards and cash)
30-day supply of medication
Small medical device pouch

40L Pack (Carry-On)

Tech:

Dell XPS 13
Dell XPS 13 charger
Anker desktop charger w/cable
Three 3ft USB-C cables
Two 3ft round Cat6 Ethernet cables
Apple Watch charger
Primary GL.iNet travel router
Backup GL.iNet travel router

Apparel & Outerwear:

5 t-shirts
2 pairs athletic shorts
2 pairs linen pants
2 pairs tech pants
5 pairs boxer briefs
5 pairs merino socks
Light merino hoodie
Packable down jacket
Packable rain shell
1 pair slides

Personal:

Small dopp kit with travel-sized basic necessities
Supplements (I'll take them if I have room, otherwise I'll leave them out)

My main questions are: What am I forgetting? Should I consider other bags? Will I be able to fit all of this or should I stop overthinking and just check a bag? Am I completely delusional?

I'm planning a trip. Marrakech city, then desert (Merzouga), one night in the desert. Trying to pack in one bag.

Problem: city is very hot in the day. Desert is very cold at night. Big difference. Not sure my list is good for both.

My list now:

merino shirt (base layer) for cold desert night small puffy jacket

for after sunset linen shirts for hot city days, or is there something better?

some people say merino is good for this too, but maybe too much for daytime buff (neck scarf) for sun and dust trail shoes, not boots, because of walking + sand dry bag for phone/electronics, because of sand

What should I add or remove?

For short sleeves I currently only own Icebreaker shirts. They stopped selling dark grey a couple years ago which is a problem now that I've worn through all of mine. Example dark grey shirt for reference.

Mainly looking for the blend and weight for summer, and as good as the Seagale in the link looks I don't want to spend $114 on a single shirt plus shipping from Europe.

I’m trying to understand what actually matters when choosing a backpack for one-bag travel.

A simple, lightweight pack sounds ideal, but a single large compartment seems like it could get annoying when you need something quickly.

More pockets would make smaller essentials easier to manage, although all those dividers and zippers add weight too.

Using separate pouches could solve that, but I’d rather not end up carrying a whole collection of organizers just to make the backpack usable.

For people who travel this way, which built-in features are genuinely worth the extra weight? Do you prefer a basic backpack with a couple of pouches, or one that already has useful organization?

Video report at B’s Garage Reviews on YT.

Took the Smart Alec on a five day trip to the Northeast and have had a great experience.

The ballistic material is fairly slick making sliding to/from seat a breeze compared to rougher cordura.

Top loading made accessing items in the seated position much easier than clamshell, zippers slide smoothly for one handed or awkward position access.

Handy Little Thing size 2 can dock on the exterior or ride in the main compartment as needs/ size dictates. Included carabiner attachment can be tricky at times, not quite as seamless as hoped but functional.

Overall between the bag and HLT I had 28 liters to work with which were not completely utilized. Smart Alec became the onsite day pack and did well in that role with ease of slinging to the front for side pocket access as needed.

Frame sheet may make this better as the bag will bow outward like a beach ball when getting full, that’s on order. Overall did not miss the clamshell style had used and it’s a much easier top loader to work with compared to the GORUCK M23 with the fiddly buckles and shroud.

Packing List:

HLT: noise cancelling headphones, ibuprofen, canned drink on occasion, power cords in ghost whale pouch attached to lanyard. Removed and attached to magazine pocket on airline seat

Peak design medium packing cube: hoodie, sun hoodie, rain jacket, x2 pair shorts

Peak design small packing cube: x3 rolled tshirts, x2 rolled gym shorts

Sea to summit stuff sack: underwear and socks

TB 3d organizer cube : toiletries

Admin pocket: keys, passport, sunglasses with case

Laptop compartment: iPad

Inner lid pockets: HLT shoulder strap, TB travel tray large, emergency Sudafed acquired on the road

I've got a 27ish liter bag packed for three weeks in Portugal next month and the whole plan only works if I wash shirts in the sink every second night. I know that's the standard answer here and the math checks out on paper, four shirts and two pairs of socks and I'm fine. I've never run it past a long weekend though, and I can already picture myself at 10pm deciding the shirt is good for one more day.

How long did the washing hold up before you started stretching it?

For example, I can wear 2 of these merino Icebreaker 200 gsm RealFleece Descender hoodies:

https://www.backcountry.com/icebreaker-merino-blend-200-realfleece-descender-ls-zip-hoodie-mens

Or I can wear 1 x merino Icebreaker 400 gsm RealFleee Grid hoodie:

https://www.rei.com/product/C09390/icebreaker-merino-400-realfleece-grid-blackridge-pullover-hoodie-mens

I'm thinking the layering option is more flexible as I can wear the individual 200 gsm hoodie in spring or autumn conditions. Or I can shed 1 of the hoodies mid-hike as I perspire a little bit more or if I need to cool down a bit. Also, in winter, I can wash the 2 x 200 gsm hoodies separately and they will dry faster compared to drying a 400 gsm hoodie.

The main question is: can layering 2 x 200 gsm hoodies have the same heating effectiveness of wearing 1 x 400 gsm hoodie in the winter?

I recently asked here about replacing my Farpoint daypack with a Daylite Plus and all that jazz. Then I realized, "Hey, why not go with just one bag?". So i bought the Daylite 26+6 to use instead for 4 day trips. I also bought some packing packing cubes for organization. I wanted to pack better than the mess I brought to Wisconsin Dells with no organization and a huge backpack [Farpoint 55].

So my trip is to New Orleans for Labor Day weekend. It's with me and mom for a family day. The only thing is that it's gonna be rainy so that's gonna be interesting. But in the trip report I'll add the details of the trip. Now on to the packing list.

Backpack: Daylite Plus 26+6

Outside bag: Rei Co-op Travel Kit - I put it outside because it's a "dirty" bag. I'm a germophobe ok?

Outside bag contents: Brondell portable bidet - That's why

Backpack contents:

- Eagle Creek Pack It Reveal Medium and Small

- Thule Compression Bag

-Sling Bag (For Boricua representation of course)

-Clothes for the day of travel

-Anker 20000 mah portable charger

- Sony WH-C520

-Clorox Wipes

-Wetones Antibacterial Wipes

Eagle Creek Pack It Reveal contents:

-Medium

- 3 T-shirts

- 1 short sleeve button up

- 1 T-shirt to sleep in

-Small

- 3 socks

- 3 boxers

Thule Compression Bag contents:

- 3 shorts

- 1 basketball shorts to sleep in

Sling Bag contents:

- 1 hand sanitizer

Clothes for the day of (I have one photo of it packed and the other of it not packed because of reasons):

- 1 pair of socks

- 1 boxer

- 1 T-shirt

- 1 Jean shorts

My plane is gonna be through United on Friday. I'm also planning to pack a cologne but I don't want to worry about TSA so I thought about buying it there. I do have one that's 3.3 fl oz. Also not pictured is a bar of Axe deodorant that I forgot about until now lol.

Oh, the toiletry bag will be looped through the two bottom fabric loops.

So this is my packing list and setup. What do you guys think? Anything I should change?

The bag is sorted, the clothes are sorted, and then the wash bag undoes all of it. I keep bringing full sizes of things because the travel versions run out mid trip. Interested in what people actually carry now, particularly where one product replaced two, and whether solid formats are worth the hassle at security.

Hi everyone, I’m curious how people deal with luggage when they travel out with just a carry-on but end up buying more stuff and needing extra space on the way home. Have you ever been in a situation where you wished your bag was bigger (or smaller)? What did you do? Checked a bag, bought a cheap suitcase, used a duffel?

I've been onebagging for about three years with a 30L and it's never been a problem on warm trips. I've got two and a half weeks in northern Europe coming up in November and my layers alone take up close to half the bag before anything else goes in. I know about merino, wearing the bulky stuff on the plane and packing a shell instead of a coat, I already do all of that, the puffy is still what breaks it.

What replaced the puffy in your November packing list?

I wash my shirts in the sink most nights and hang them over the shower rail. I had them dry by morning in Lisbon in August, but in Hanoi last month a couple were still damp at checkout and I ended up strapping them to the outside of my bag for the afternoon. I know about the towel roll trick and I do it every time, it just doesn't seem to be enough once the air is that wet.

How long does a merino tee take to dry for you in humidity like that?

Got a bit of funk in the pits of your $80 t shirt, that's not coming out with all of the approved merino care directions?

We'll skip the long discussion about the technical reasons why the various merino soaps or dry cleaning (wool and princes rescue idea) failed at a chemical level per the underlying issue, here's the fix.

Dawn free and clear, or Palmolive pure and clear - unscented. Yes, dish detergent.

Soak the pits in warm water.

Apply 1/8 tsp straight to the pits and massage in for a minute.

Let sit for 5 minutes.

Rinse a LOT to fully remove soap.

Launder the rest as you normally would.

That rescued 10 shirts that I'd about given up on.

$1 of dish soap in a small purell bottle is a new permanent addition to my one bag.

Hopefully this helps someone!

(Lots of great thoughts in the below - pits hair is short, use Harp syndet soap which is amazing, and weleda spray - I don't have very stinky pits, until it gets embedded in a merino shirt after 10 wears, then it snowballs. So - this is the rescue for someone that has their hygiene and pit microbiome work under control)

Hi all, replacing my old fleece. Which one is warmer? A patagonia r2 techface or the fjallraven keb hoody?

I run cold and mainly looking for something to keep me warm on walks. Will be in 40F/4C and will layer if it drops lower than that. Love the look of these 2, but welcome to suggestions. Just want something warm and slim so that i can throw a puffy over it if need be.Nothing lofty though, with dogs, I need something pet friendly because I cant get away from dog hair on my fleece lol.

Thanks!

I’m trying to make a basic packing list that works for most trips, then just swap a few things depending on the weather and trip length.

The charging pouch is where it always falls apart. I usually end up with a power bank, a USB-C cable and an Apple Watch charger.

Has anyone found a setup that actually removes one cable instead of just moving the clutter around?

I had a pair of Smart Wool merino joggers that i’ve worn completely into the ground over the last 10 years or so. They don’t seem to make these anymore. I liked that they were loose fitting and had pockets.

I’m a fan of 100% wool but could be convinced otherwise.

What merino joggers do you like? why?

Trying to pack a little lighter this time, so this is basically all the tech I'm bringing: my iphone, earbuds, one cable, and a SnapGo Air for backup power.

I used to bring multiple chargers and cables just in case and barely used half of them. This feels much more manageable, but I’m still wondering if I’m being too optimistic with only one cable lol.

Hi All.

My partner and I are going primarily SEA for six months but starting in Japan in October and Melbourne in March so needing some element of layering and warmer clothes as well. I’m wanting to get it to fit in an osprey daylite 26+6 (ideally not expanded so I keep as carryon on but have room for snacks etc between flights).

My planned pack list is:

Sling bag (concept global sling max)

Swim shorts
Trousers x2
Shorts x2
T-shirts x3 (synthetic)
Shirt (linen)
Polo shirt (merino)
Long sleeve top/UV hoodie
Socks x4
Boxers x6
Salomon trainers
Teva sandal
Light windbreaker jacket
Rab nexus lightweight fleece
Baseball cap
Dry bag (5L and a 10L, will be using the 10L for washing clothes)
S-biners
Hero clip mini
Collapsable water bottle
Packing cube for organisation
Padlock

Daykit-
Sun cream
Hand soap/hand santizer
First aid kit
Nitecore 10000 Power bank
Earbuds
Insect repellant/DEET
Small pack of tissues/toilet paper (just in case I get caught out)
Buff
Sunglasses

Toiletry kit-
Microfibres towel
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Shampoo bar
Bar of soap
Matador soap bag for each^
Travel deterrgent
Deodorant
Door lock
Door stop alarm

Sleep/travel kit-
Charger + data blocker
Universal travel Adapter
Eye mask
Ear plugs

First aid kit
Paracetamol
Ibuprofen
Antihistamines
Travel sickness meds
Imodium
Electrolytes/diaoralite
Plasters
Blister plasters

Small Torch

Passport
Documents (visas, insurance etc)

Planning on taking two strips of each medication with me for starters knowing I should be able to get more if I need. Just some for starters so have access immediately to hand.

Any recommendations? Does that list need trimming down further or is it already quite minimal

Do we think I’m being unrealistic to think I can pack everything into the daylite and it’ll likely be too heavy anyway for the common 7kg carry on limit?

Many thanks in advance

I've been running a 35L for a couple years now, mostly warm-climate trips, and it's worked great. Took it to somewhere actually cold for the first time and my packing list just didn't hold up, I ended up wearing half my bag on travel days to make it fit. Feels like there's a real ceiling on how much cold weather a bag this size can handle.

What finally got you past that wall?

just did 2 weeks in aussie with fair amount of mountains and hiking, and only 3d later im headed to vietnam for another 12 days! looking for some packing advice.

ive tried to pack as minimally as possible by not bringing my laptop and reducing the amount of clothes im bringing, especially because i intend to go there to shop for more stuff like waterproof jackets and pants.

1. do i still need an umbrella if im getting a waterproof jacket?
2. do i need more/less clothes? my socks and undies are disposable but also washable. im intending to do laundry but its my first time doing hostels so im unsure
3. im assuming hostels dont provide soap/towels, so is 1 microfibre towel enough? i can bring some disposable towels too

i usually stay in hotels and airbnbs so its my firstime fully backpacking, and first time going solo, would appreciate all advice! also going on the hagiang loop, and was considering bring another 15-20L ish backpack, not sure if i should.

edit: ⁠what else am i missing besides a hardshell jacket? not just for this trip, but for any future trips anywhere.

Solo travelling for 36 days 23rd September - 29th October, itinerary is below.

Kathmandu 23rd - 29th Sept

Hanoi + Ninh Binh 30th Sept - 8th Oct

Beijing 8th - 14th Oct

Xi'an 14th - 18th

Emeishan + Leshan 18th - 21st this is where I have a problem

Chengdu 21st - 25th

Chongqing 25th - 29th

Hand luggage only. Expecting rain. One pair of shoes and one hoodie which i'll wear on the plane + throughout. Shoes are Salomon xt6 GTX

I only have one REAL hike, which is Shivapuri in Nepal, but the peak is still 10-13 degrees and I'll be roasting. Mount Emei is the problem. Not hiking, but averages 0-5 degrees PLUS bitter wind, and I'm not hiking so won't be warm at all.

I currently don't own a packable down/primaloft jacket OR a waterproof jacket (unbelievable I know) and I'm trying to understand what I should prioritise as I don't want to spend more money than necessary or take up unnecessary space.

I have two long sleeves, some vests for Hanoi, a few pairs of trousers and maybe 2 tshirts.

Anybody who has done a similar itinerary, what layer is more appropriate, and insulated jacket and then maybe a cheap poncho over the top, or just layering the hoodie with a REAL waterproof shell?

Hello everyone.

I would like to express my happiness with my decision to buy the Peak Design 45L 4 years ago.

This bag, for me, is literally an "all-you-can-pack" bag, and I think if I planned to pack for a whole month - with laundering, for sure - I would need another bag.

Here's my last European trip pack list with it:

• 7 x T-shirts
• 4 x shorts
• 3 x sweatpants
• 5 x boxers
• 3 x undershirts
• 3 x pairs of socks
• 4 x Gonex compression packing cubes
• 1 x Bagail compression small packing cube
• 2 x chargers
• 4 x stainless steel padlocks
• 1 x 30000mah power bank
• 1 x packable daily backpack
• 1 x slipper
• 1 x thick hat
• 1 x scarf
• 1 x Praying Rug
• 1 x Gloves
• 1 x umbrella
• 1 x Coldest water 750ml insulated bottle
• 1 x microfiber Towel
• 1 x Sleep eye mask
• 1x bag scale
• 1 x earblugs
• 2 x hair combs
• 1x hair cream
• 1 x bottle of perfume
• 1 x box for toothbrush، toothpaste and deodorant
  
• 2 x water-resistant covers

Feel free to ask me any questions

Best regards.

I'm (26F) doing 5-6 days each in Dublin, Galway, Edinburgh, London, Porto, Lisbon, Seville, Barcelona, Versailles, Nice, Venice, Rome, Athens, Thessaloniki, Budapest, Prague, Vienna.

Some advice on packing would be great! As you can see, there will be a lot of variation in climate. I'm planning to pack enough clothes for 7-10 days and do my laundry since I'm staying in hostels. I won't be hiking at all, it'll be mostly urban commuting, visiting museums, and archaeological sites. Also, I run pretty hot and I'm Canadian (wore a fall jacket through the Canadian winter one time because I didn't like how bulky it was) so I'm not too scared of the fall/winter weather. My bag is the bagsmart 37L expandable travel backpack.

Here's a list

- 3 t-shirts

- 4 long sleeves

- 2 pairs of jeans (blue and black)

- 1 pair of trousers

- 2 skirts

- 1 pair of sweatpants

- 2 sleep shorts

- 2 sweaters

- 1 hoodie

- 1 cardigan OR 1 button up shirt

- leather jacket with puffer lining inside

- fall wool coat (not sure about this, might be too heavy)

- rain jacket

- sneakers

- blundstones

- flip-flops

- quick drying thin towel

- daypack (haven't decided on one)

I'm worried this might be too much. I'm not taking anything else except a tiny makeup bag, my phone, chargers, e-reader, and a digital camera. I want to leave enough space for collecting knickknacks and souvenirs and also maybe do some Christmas shopping for my family.

Let me know what you guys think!