One-bag traveling?

[MakingTheGrade]

I recently got frozen shoulder, which basically is a weird "illness" in which your shoulder capsule suddenly decides to lock up/fibrose, and time is the only cure. And by time, I'm talking on average 18 months. It basically means that I can't raise my right arm more than maybe 30 degrees, and definitely not over my head, but I have solo travel plans! Usually I travel with my Away carry on or a Osprey backpacking style carry on backpack, both of which require me to put them in the overhead.

So I went down a rabbit hole of looking up Personal item/under the seat travel backpacks that I could fit 5-6 days of clothes into for my March trip to Barcelona. I've always been a light packer by most standards, but now I'm deep into the world of "One Bag" travel which is all about optimizing, minimizing, and lightening!

And I am now obsessed with the idea of getting my travel kit/capsule dialed in so that I can do most vacations with just my new Peak Design 30L travel bookbag (and I've ordered the packing cubes too). Realistically I might actually take a few months off in Spring or Fall of 2026 to just explore europe so I have until then to really lock down how to pack for a long trip with just a bookbag and willingness to do laundry haha.

I thrifted this on ebay , but honestly having now gotten it and used it a few times for 3 day trips, I'd pay full price if I lost it.

Travel Backpack 45L | Peak Design Official Site

A versatile, durable, and beautiful carry-on travel backpack driven by a simple truth: no two trips are the same. Features top, side, front and rear acc...

www.peakdesign.com

Any other one-bag travel folks around here? This christmas as a gift ideas list for my inlaws I've just been sending them PackHacker's gift guide haha. I'll put it here too in case anyone has a travel-loving person they still need gifts for!

Ultimate Gear Gift Guide 2024 (EDC & Travel) | Pack Hacker

Not sure what to get the gear enthusiasts in your life? Lucky for you, we've put together the ultimate list of the best everyday & travel gear gift ideas that we’ve found so far.

packhacker.com

Would love to hear any travel tricks/hacks for lightening your travel load!

 

[empliau]

No useful advice, as I would travel with a steamer trunk if I could. My role model is someone I met in 1983, who declared "I travel like the Queen of Sheba."

Sympathies on the frozen shoulder - I had it 15 or 20 years ago. Thought it would never end, but finally it did. Physical therapy helps.

 

[Bianca201]

Husband is a big fan of one-bag travel, he uses a backpack from Aer and we just got the cubes to go inside it. He would pack so organized, rolling shirts and all that jazz, and then it would end up a hot unorganized mess in the bag pack. So the cubes will help with that. He only recently started bringing a personal item as well, a small electronics holder to fit his kindle and phone, tiny and fits under the seat easily.

I'm a no-check kind of girl, so I use a carry on (compact size) with compression cubes. I went with the Compact size because I wanted to fit in almost all the overhead spaces - my last carry on was a tight fit sometimes.

And I just bought a new tote bag for under seat, primarily for my laptop, kindle, water, etc.

One of my hobbies is backpacking, and once I started thinking about travel clothes in the same way - it became easier to pack less stuff. The reality is that as long as I have enough underwear and socks, and I pack low maintenance clothes that can mix and match - I don't need that many things. I used to be in the habit that if there was space, and I was having trouble deciding what to bring, pack everything. But I don't want to bring everything, so I'm working on streamlining my clothes. Like going on a multi-night backpacking trip. Same idea.

This is a work in progress, but as I was shopping for tote bags the other day - I got excited about the idea of fitting everything under my seat, and maybe eliminating the overhead carry on completely. But I'm not there yet.... yet. We have friends and family in warmer climates, do I really need to pack that much when I visit? Probably not. But this will take time to evolve.

I saw this in Wirecutter yesterday - https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/how-to-maximize-space-when-packing/

"Clothes are often the bulk of packing. There are many methods for narrowing down what you need, but personally, the best strategy I’ve found is laying out the clothes you want to pack, then trying to be honest about how much you need. Once you’ve narrowed it down to what you think is the barest possible packing list, toss out one or two more items. Yep, you heard me.

If you’re prone to overpacking and could use external structure, limit yourself intentionally: Pick a small carry-on bag or travel backpack and stick with it.

And if you’re the list-making type, you could try using a template like the 5,4,3,2,1 method as a framework to get you started, which suggests the following for a weeklong trip:

five pairs of socks and five pairs of underwear
four tops
three bottoms
two pairs of shoes
one hat and accessory

Other experts recommend a ratio method of 3:1—three tops for every bottom you pack."

 

[newtojewels]

Hopefully your shoulder gets better quickly!

I checked a bag for my 18-day trip trekking in Nepal but other than that I haven't checked a bag as an adult packing for myself. Part of that is the kinds of trips I tend to go on (casual! without children!) and my low toiletry needs (I have fine/thin and oily hair so I don't need handfuls of conditioner and I typically just airdry or blowdry without product. I buy sunscreen on arrival because 3 ounces won't last me a whole trip and it would be ridiculous to check a bag just for sunscreen).

I agree with the advice to really think through what you actually need and then reduce from there. If you didn't use an item on one trip, really think hard before bringing it again.

I spent around 3 weeks last summer in Monaco, Cannes, Copenhagen, and Bulgaria. For clothes I had:

• a swimsuit
• two linen button-downs
• a cashmere sweater
• a sleeveless jumpsuit
• a sleeveless dress
• 4 tanks/tees, one used for sleeping
• one pair of comfy stretchy denim-look pants that feel like leggings
• a pair of pajama shorts
• a pair of athleisure pants that I could also use as pajamas or a coverup
• two bras, a ton of underwear, and a few pairs of socks
• a pair of heels, a pair of ballet flats, a pair of flip-flops, and a pair of cute but hiking-friendly sneakers
• a cashmere shawl
• one small cross-body purse

If I hadn't been in so many climates with so many different activities I obviously could have narrowed it down more, but I needed to accommodate going to a ballet in Copenhagen and nice restaurants in Monaco, hiking in Bulgaria, lots of swimming/beach time, and temperatures ranging from 50F to 90F. All of the colors went with each other so I could wear the dress alone or with the shawl and heels for dinner and then throw a linen button-down over it and wear ballet flats for lunch. I did laundry partway through by hand in hotel bathrooms. And to be clear, with my toiletries and electronics it wasn't one bag: it was an overhead bag + personal item (small backpack), but I didn't need to check anything, felt appropriately dessed for all of the activities, and used everything I brought several times, so I call it a win.

 

[MakingTheGrade]

Yeah I’ve usually been good about not overpacking clothes as I’ve never been that stylish haha. Though the one bag world seems obsessed with merino wool clothes. I guess they’re light and dry fast and breathable?

They’re definitely pricey so I just ordered some on sale tops to test them out and see if they’re worth the hype compared to the polyester stuff you can find at any Columbia or Eddie Bauer type store.

Yeah my new 30L bookbag should fit under the seat. I guess if I’m wrong I’ll have to ask a flight attendant to put my bag up! So far I love this new bag though, even for short weekend trips. It’s just comfortable to carry and looks nicer than a school style book bag.

I actually don’t ever wear heels so that saves me packing space!

I thrifted an Ovcio featherlight cashmere scarf from eBay that was new in box because I love the utility of scarves but most of my cashmere ones are huge. So far I’m impressed with how insanely light it is but still warm. Not worth the retail price for me though I think.

 

[newtojewels]

Yeah I’ve usually been good about not overpacking clothes as I’ve never been that stylish haha. Though the one bag world seems obsessed with merino wool clothes. I guess they’re light and dry fast and breathable?

They’re definitely pricey so I just ordered some on sale tops to test them out and see if they’re worth the hype compared to the polyester stuff you can find at any Columbia or Eddie Bauer type store.

Yeah my new 30L bookbag should fit under the seat. I guess if I’m wrong I’ll have to ask a flight attendant to put my bag up! So far I love this new bag though, even for short weekend trips. It’s just comfortable to carry and looks nicer than a school style book bag.

In addition to being light and drying fast and breathable, merino wool doesn't get as stinky as synthetics do if you aren't able to do laundry.

My ~30L backpack doesn't fit under the seat when it's totally full but it would if I didn't totally fill it. I did get in trouble once when using it as a "personal item" on one of the cheap tickets that doesn't allow carry-ons.

 

[Arcadian]

When I travel I have to carry so much "work stuff" that getting it down to a single bag would take a lot of work. basically its not feasible if more than a day trip.

I admire those who can do it though!

 

[MakingTheGrade]

In addition to being light and drying fast and breathable, merino wool doesn't get as stinky as synthetics do if you aren't able to do laundry.

My ~30L backpack doesn't fit under the seat when it's totally full but it would if I didn't totally fill it. I did get in trouble once when using it as a "personal item" on one of the cheap tickets that doesn't allow carry-ons.

Good to know! Yeah my pack is 27L unexpanded and most folks and video reviews say it’ll fit under the seat on budget airlines like Frontier. If I expand it it’s 33L but I doubt I will unless I’m coming home with lots of souvenirs. I wish I were taller, would make the book bags look smaller on me!

 

[MakingTheGrade]

No useful advice, as I would travel with a steamer trunk if I could. My role model is someone I met in 1983, who declared "I travel like the Queen of Sheba."

Sympathies on the frozen shoulder - I had it 15 or 20 years ago. Thought it would never end, but finally it did. Physical therapy helps.

Haha there’s no wrong way to travel!

Thanks for the sympathies. I can’t wait for it to be over. Thankfully I was more than happy to use it as an excuse to totally stop putting on makeup and just wearing sports bras since it’s my dominant shoulder. I actually get out the door faster these days despite it taking a little longer to get dressed! I miss putting my hair in a high ponytail though

 

[Austina]

People are always amazed at what I can get in to a carryon. I use the roll up vacuum bags. When we were away for 5 weeks, I took the first 8 days of clothes for our pre cruise London (cold weather) and 4 days Singapore ( hot weather) in my regulation cabin bag Samsonite roller.

 

[Lookinagain]

Well, I've almost always traveled with only one fairly small bag 4 wheeled bag (20" or 21") ) but I don't carry on for mainly one reason. If I have to change planes and have a fairly long layover, then I have to lug the bag around the connecting airport and I don't like that. But I use that size for trips of up to about 18-20 days. I've learned what I need and what I don't. I like to have one pair of jeans, one pair of black pants, and one pair of neutral stretchy joggers or yoga type pants. I stick to all neutral colors so everything can be worn with everything. Black, gray, white, beige, etc. I'll bring about 5 tee type shirts, one "nice" shirt, one cashmere or merino sweater, and sometimes either a little dress or skirt. A cashmere shawl to use as a wrap. A very light weight sleep shirt. For shoes, just a pair of walking type shoes and a pair of black flats. If I'm going to a beach type place I'll throw in a bathing suit and flip flops. I keep toiletries to a minimum and bring travel sizes. If I need more, I buy it there and leave it there. I wear the bulkiest stuff on the plane as I'm always cold when I fly anyway. I try to have the tops that I bring, be ones that I can wash out in the sink at the hotel and that will dry overnight. Same with underwear and sleepwear. Oh, and then I throw in a little folding duffel (by Matador) so that if I want to buy things while travelling I have a bit more packing space for the trip home if needed.

I only deviate from the one small bag when I travel in winter to the Christmas markets in Europe. Then I take one bag, but a 24" one to accommodate the heavier clothing needed.

 

[Matata]

Any other one-bag travel folks around here?

I always travel with one bag typically using the Rick Steves convertible carryon backpack and mesh packing cubes. I also take clothes that are fast drying, non wrinkling, and easy to wash in a bathroom sink if I don't want to take time to find a laundromat.

I take only casual clothes: 2 pair slacks, 5 tops, 7 days of undies/socks, and an extra pair of shoes. Plenty of room left for toiletries. I figure if I forget something I can always buy it at my destination so I don't worry now like I used to when I first started traveling.

 

[MakingTheGrade]

Well, I've almost always traveled with only one fairly small bag 4 wheeled bag (20" or 21") ) but I don't carry on for mainly one reason. If I have to change planes and have a fairly long layover, then I have to lug the bag around the connecting airport and I don't like that. But I use that size for trips of up to about 18-20 days. I've learned what I need and what I don't. I like to have one pair of jeans, one pair of black pants, and one pair of neutral stretchy joggers or yoga type pants. I stick to all neutral colors so everything can be worn with everything. Black, gray, white, beige, etc. I'll bring about 5 tee type shirts, one "nice" shirt, one cashmere or merino sweater, and sometimes either a little dress or skirt. A cashmere shawl to use as a wrap. A very light weight sleep shirt. For shoes, just a pair of walking type shoes and a pair of black flats. If I'm going to a beach type place I'll throw in a bathing suit and flip flops. I keep toiletries to a minimum and bring travel sizes. If I need more, I buy it there and leave it there. I wear the bulkiest stuff on the plane as I'm always cold when I fly anyway. I try to have the tops that I bring, be ones that I can wash out in the sink at the hotel and that will dry overnight. Same with underwear and sleepwear. Oh, and then I throw in a little folding duffel (by Matador) so that if I want to buy things while travelling I have a bit more packing space for the trip home if needed.

I only deviate from the one small bag when I travel in winter to the Christmas markets in Europe. Then I take one bag, but a 24" one to accommodate the heavier clothing needed.

Hahah I have the opposite pet peeve, I’d rather carry my luggage with me at a connecting airport than risk losing it. Have run into that situation enough times to find the inconvenience of touting my stuff at a stop over to be worth it. I’m not above paying for lounge access if I need to kill some hours during a connection.

Do merino sweaters try quickly? Somehow the idea of a quickly drying sweater seems paradoxical to me haha.

 

[Lookinagain]

Hahah I have the opposite pet peeve, I’d rather carry my luggage with me at a connecting airport than risk losing it. Have run into that situation enough times to find the inconvenience of touting my stuff at a stop over to be worth it. I’m not above paying for lounge access if I need to kill some hours during a connection.

Do merino sweaters try quickly? Somehow the idea of a quickly drying sweater seems paradoxical to me haha.

Oh, I don't wash the sweaters. I think you could probably wash the merino "shirts" (not sweaters) and they would probably dry overnight, or close to it, but I've never tried on a trip.

I traveled a lot over many years, so have lounge access, but I like to poke around the shops at the airports which is why I don't want to have a suitcase with me. I've had my luggage now show up before. It's never been for more than a day or two. I generally run out and buy a new top and a pair of underwear. Use the hotel toiletries. Or sometimes just put a tee shirt and underwear in a ziploc baggie in my purse for the plane ride, just in case. I've had so many travel upsets over the years, from getting stuck because of airline strikes, a volcano, a friend not making it to meet me until the 3rd city on the trip, etc. that I just take it in stride.

 

[MissGotRocks]

Probably not a one bag person! I had a frozen shoulder a few years ago. I had two cortisone injections and was finally good as new! I was told that changing hormones could be the root cause, but I also had spurs that the muscle snagged on per x-ray. I hope you don’t have to suffer this any longer than necessary!

 

[Dreamer_D]

When I was 23 I went to Europe for a 7 week solo trip and I just took a carry on sized roller bag. I don’t like backpacks, it’s just not my vibe. It was fine except for shoes! Hard to fit what you really need I found.

Commiseration about the frozen shoulder. My mom had it for a few years 20 years ago. It did eventually go away!

 

[MakingTheGrade]

I

Probably not a one bag person! I had a frozen shoulder a few years ago. I had two cortisone injections and was finally good as new! I was told that changing hormones could be the root cause, but I also had spurs that the muscle snagged on per x-ray. I hope you don’t have to suffer this any longer than necessary!

I had one cortisone shot that I think accelerated me from freezing to frozen and now I think I’m in the slow thaw so don’t feel too motivated to get another shot (it was expensive even with insurance!). I just need to be patient. I just hope my other shoulder doesn’t happen too!

Haha I wonder if this is a sign I’m hitting menopause. I’m not 40 yet so seems a bit early but who knows

 

[dk168]

Tried it once for a short trip, never again as it was so stressful.

Not just with the need to be really ruthless with packing only the minimum, also the need to make sure all sharps were taken out.

I did not like not being able to bring my small nail scissors and compact multitools as they were essential travel items in my book.

Compounded with difficulties in lifting my packed case up to the lockers on my own, I concluded it was not for me.

Each to their own and all that.

DK

 

[LilAlex]

I vote for a small wheelie-bag and ask a flight attendant for help as soon as you board -- because of your frozen shoulder. Or board early and ask for help -- that's why they have that option. It will be easy since it's not overstuffed or heavy. (I kinda don't like when folks need help with their ridiculously heavy "carry-on" bag that doesn't. quite. fit. )

We only travel with small carry-on bags now. Spouse was in Europe for three weeks with just a carryon. Some of our AirBnBs have washer/dryers and some don't. Merino is key. Lots of thin layers. Shoes are the killers -- my wife's are tiny but mine are like 1/4 of a suitcase per pair so I need to really streamline and strategize! We wear our bulkiest coats and (hiking) shoes on the plane. And even the nicest Michelin-starred restaurants no longer require a sport coat so I can get away with a thin, black Merino zip-front. I don't need to impress but I don't want to detract from anyone else's experience (see: concert T-shirt).

 

[monarch64]

Good to know! Yeah my pack is 27L unexpanded and most folks and video reviews say it’ll fit under the seat on budget airlines like Frontier. If I expand it it’s 33L but I doubt I will unless I’m coming home with lots of souvenirs. I wish I were taller, would make the book bags look smaller on me!

I love a Longchamp bag. You can shove them (reasonably) anywhere. I have had flight attendants upgrade me based on my bag because it’s so easy to stow.

 

[MissGotRocks]

I

I had one cortisone shot that I think accelerated me from freezing to frozen and now I think I’m in the slow thaw so don’t feel too motivated to get another shot (it was expensive even with insurance!). I just need to be patient. I just hope my other shoulder doesn’t happen too!

Haha I wonder if this is a sign I’m hitting menopause. I’m not 40 yet so seems a bit early but who knows

No, if you are not yet 40 I doubt that the hormonal reason is affecting you. My first shot worked and then the pain came back. After the second one though, it got better. I hope how soon this ends for you. It is painful and frustrating when you can't use your arm and shoulder the way you should be able to!

 

[ExplorePS]

Think I've been in the opposite boat... Packed enough items that fit into a hiking back pack and a carry-on long champ for easy access to things. This was for a trip to South America so having something to carry instead of roll on the ground was helpful to transition through the cities and places we were staying. Not recommended if you have the frozen shoulder of course (sorry and hope ya'll feel better).

Brought the minimal amount of items so it would be less heavy to carry and still ended up not wearing some of the "nicer" things brought. Almost every day we were doing some sort of hiking or sight-seeing that required running shoes so ended up re-wearing athletic type apparel (Patagonia type pull overs etc...). I don't have it figured out as all the pictures do show us wearing the same clothes over and over again! However, it was helpful to have something that could dry quickly after rewashing. I suppose it depends on where you are traveling and the type of activity but certainly favor something on the back.