Traveling Light: Tips from Reddit on How to Use Just One Bag

Hey, fellow overpackers! We understand your struggle, but there’s really no need to bring 20 pairs of underwear for a four-day getaway. Let’s be honest—many of us experience travel anxiety, which often leads to overstuffed suitcases and straining zippers. With rising fees and strict weight limits, maintaining an overpacking routine (which typically necessitates a checked bag) is questionable at best. The answer? Challenge yourself to travel with just a single bag, thanks to insights from r/OneBag.

In today's world, when faced with a challenge, many turn to the internet for solutions. And there’s no better platform for crowdsourcing answers than Reddit's vibrant communities. Travelers can explore numerous subreddits focused on travel, including r/DigitalNomad, r/TravelHacks, r/SoloTravel, r/Shoestring, and of course, r/OneBag, a community dedicated to the philosophy of carrying less. Gaining insights and learning from the experiences of seasoned travelers is essential, but mastering the art of gleaning useful tips without succumbing to excess luggage? Now, that’s priceless advice.

So venture out and embrace the freedom of light travel, and remember, leave your fears behind!

What does one-bag travel mean?

One-bag travel is quite straightforward: it involves taking just one bag with you. No checked luggage—only the single piece of baggage you carry onto the plane. What’s the advantage? There are numerous benefits to this travel style:

• Freedom: Packing just one bag liberates you, making it easier to explore your thrilling new surroundings.
  
• Peace of mind: Your luggage is less likely to get lost by the airline (or become misplaced by you) when you keep it in the overhead bin.
• Cost-effective: Say goodbye to checked bag fees.
• Time-saving: No more waiting around the baggage carousel. Simply step off the plane, skip the baggage area, and head straight to your accommodation with everything you need. Plus, lighter packing means quicker packing and unpacking.
• Safety: For solo travelers, having everything in one bag enhances security, making it simpler to keep track of your belongings.

Naturally, there is a minor downside to one-bag travel: since you’ll only have carry-on luggage, you must adhere to TSA regulations regarding liquids. So, if you're thinking of bringing back a bottle of wine or liquor as a souvenir, you might want to reconsider your plans when traveling light.

How can you travel with just one bag?

For those who often overpack, the notion of traveling with a single bag may seem utterly ridiculous. Yet, it simply requires some smart planning.

Certainly, not everyone will find it easy to take a monthlong European vacation with just a Fjällräven Kȧnken backpack. However, for those who master the art of traveling as lightly as possible, the benefits significantly outweigh the drawbacks.

Clothing tends to be the bulkiest item in anyone's luggage. While it’s not practical to pack just one outfit, you can minimize your load. Consider bringing fewer pairs of underwear and washing them in the hotel bathtub or using a wash bag. These biodegradable, pocket-sized detergent sheets simplify the task. Additionally, investing in a few pairs of merino wool socks or similar items is wise; the wool’s hydrophobic properties make it difficult for odors to cling, allowing you to wash them less frequently.

Wearing your largest items, like jackets or boots, on the plane is a smart strategy—they'll keep you warm in the chilly cabin. To maximize space in your bag, consider packing a few synthetic-fabric pieces that roll or fold more compactly (rolling is said to save more space than folding, but it’s a matter of preference). These fabrics also have superior moisture-wicking capabilities and dry quicker. For eco-friendly options, look into plant-based linens, Lyocell, rayon, bamboo, or viscose, which function similarly to synthetic materials while being kinder to the planet due to their lower contribution to microplastic pollution.

Since shoes can't be folded, we recommend wearing the pair you'll use during the flight. If you need an extra pair, consider packing compact slippers or sandals.

When it comes to toiletries, opt for solid versions of shampoo, lotion, conditioner, and soap. Brands like Lush offer a variety of bar products, and New Zealand’s Ethique (completely plastic-free) and vegan-friendly Obia are also excellent choices. Solid bars not only pack efficiently but also won’t risk leaking in your bag. Instead of bringing every toiletry you might need, just pack the essentials and buy anything extra at a local pharmacy when you arrive. You might even discover a favorite new Italian toothpaste.

Electronics can complicate packing, so consider investing in lightweight laptops and tablets if you’ll be on the go frequently. A multiport adapter lets you carry one charger for all your devices. As you pack, reflect on whether you truly need that piece of tech. Is your handheld gaming system essential, or should you focus on immersing yourself in the local culture instead?

Choosing the right luggage for one-bag travel

While the internet is full of advice, the choice of luggage for one-bag travel is ultimately up to you.

To simplify the process, according to r/OneBag, first determine your approach: Do you prefer to “choose a bag and adapt your packing list to fit, or do you want to box up your finalized packing list and measure its dimensions to find a matching bag?”

Regardless of your choice, there are a few factors to think about when selecting a single bag. Do you have a preferred style: a backpack, duffle bag, or suitcase? If you lean toward a suitcase, is having four wheels more important to you than two? Would you rather have a soft or hard shell? No matter what type of bag you decide on, take into account the airlines you usually fly with. Do they enforce strict baggage regulations, or are they more lenient with weight limits?

Here are some bag options that Redditors frequently recommend:

Duffle Bags

The Allpa 70L Duffel Bag from Cotopaxi and Patagonia’s Black Hole Duffel Bag (available in 40L, 55L, 70L, and 100L sizes) are consistent favorites among users. These durable bags are crafted from weather-resistant, recycled materials and can be carried by hand or worn like a backpack, with straps that can be stowed away or removed as needed.

Backpacks

As you browse the subreddit, you'll find that backpacks are the top choice for one-bag travelers, with a plethora of options available. A frequently mentioned favorite is the Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus, which complies with carry-on regulations, features a removable sternum strap and a stowable waist belt to relieve shoulder strain, and includes internal compression straps to minimize bulk. Other popular choices are the Osprey Farpoint and Fairview series of travel packs and the 40L Tortuga Backpack. For those interested in a hybrid roller/backpack, the wheeled versions of these bags also receive positive reviews. For a smaller option, Redditors recommend Cotopaxi’s Allpa 35L Travel Pack, which is lightweight and equipped with a full-wrap zipper, similar to a suitcase, or the 30L variant of Tortuga’s bag.

Hybrid Backpack/Suitcase

The Baboon to the Moon collection of Go-Bags offers a diverse selection of colors and sizes. Both the Small and Mini versions meet TSA carry-on standards, while the Big model is better suited for local trips that don't involve flying. The Go-Bag can be worn as a backpack or carried like a duffel.

Suitcases

Members of r/OneBag tend to be less enthusiastic about suitcases—wheels add weight and make them cumbersome in crowded areas or on cobblestones. However, if they had to choose one, it would likely be the Briggs & Riley Compact Carry-On Spinner or Away’s The Carry-On. Both options comply with the carry-on size limits of most airlines and come with lifetime limited warranties.

One-Bag Travel Hacks

• Utilize packing and compression cubes: These organizational bags help you keep your clothes separate from your chargers (or, more importantly, your clean and dirty underwear). They’re especially useful for easily retrieving specific items without having to empty your bag in search of something like your tweezers. Compression bags also help condense items into more manageable sizes—they won’t reduce weight, but they will maximize space.

• Select a rectangular bag: Since compression cubes are typically rectangular, using a bag of the same shape will enhance packing efficiency.

• Attach a carabiner: Clipping a carabiner to the outside of your bag can be quite handy; it can carry an extra pair of shoes, a water bottle, a hat, or even a jacket—though that might be pushing it a bit...

Ultimately, keep in mind that you don’t need to prepare for every possible scenario. Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean you’ll transform into someone completely different; pack what you’ll actually use—and nothing beyond that.