Beginners guide to ONE BAG TRAVEL 

What's your favorite one bag travel pack? 👇

The thumbnail had me thinking it was a pack hacker video 😆

man, you really took your editing game to the next level. love it!

EXCELLENT video! Really appreciate the amount of work that went into this. My default recommendation now for folks looking to get into one-bagging.

Great video and tips. 1) My bag is the REI Big Haul 40. When worn as a backpack, there are no zippers on the back facing people behind you. 2) I make, and keep, a packing list for every trip. It becomes a starting point for future trips to the same weather conditions.

The comment about slings went under the radar. I just recently brought a Minaal 3.0 Travel pack as my 1 bag on a 2 week cruise to the Mediterranean plus a few extra days in Rome w/ my wife. I was efficient. I brought a Bellroy Sling Mini (4L) with me (strapped cross body in front of me). It worked great while navigating the airport as everything important (money, documents, passport, phone, charger) was in front of and easily accessible. Plus when I was on the long flight (Portland -> Chicago -> Zurich -> Athens), it was MUCH easier having the sling bag hanging in front of me from the travel tray so all my necessary items for flight were there. Having a Bellroy Lite Sling (7L) would've been better so I could fit my iPad which I love having on long flights... but that's the only change I'd have made.

awesome video dude! Thanks

Wow, incredible vid! Really appreciate it, I've been really thinking about one packing, this really brought a lot of different perspectives to me! Thanks!

I've been one bagging for a couple of years and love it. I now travel everywhere with an Osprey Porter 30L bag. It's a duffel style bag with backpack straps and hip straps that can both be folded away. It also has compression straps on the bag itself. I do also have a slightly larger Osprey Farpoint 40L bag but find that I just fill it up and it becomes heavy. Now I prefer the 30L and am planning to downsize to a 25L wherever possible. Recently I tried my daughters 40L spinner luggage to see if I was missing out on the ease of wheeling luggage through the airport. But I hated having to get it through the airport. I really missed my backpack for ease of use. This really became evident when I took my Porter 30 on a trip from London to New York, Connecticut and Oklahoma with three buses, two trains, four airplanes and several taxis. The smallish backpack really made a difference on that trip. I find the keys to onnebagging are: 1) Build a capsule wardrobe so every thing goes with everything else. 2) If you have two versions of something then take the smaller, lighter version. 3) I have merino wool sweaters and hoodies (I will usually only take one) to keep the weight down. 4) I prefer very thin tshirts to keep weight down. I prefer pima cotton which is thinner and lighter than regular cotton. It also dries well. I do have a couple of merino tshirts but merino still prefer pima cotton. 5) I have a very lightweight pair of joggers for the hotel. 6) Everything charges from USB; laptop (if I take it), phone, tablet (if I take it), even my hair clippers which I use for both my face and head. I take a single USB multiport adapter which also has different "plugs" for each county (so don't have to take a separate international adapter). 7) I wear one pair of trousers and only take a spare pair. I rarely wear denim because it is heavy and takes too long to dry. So chino's are my preferred travel trousers unless I am going somewhere cold (then I can wear jeans with the lightweight joggers underneath). 8) If cold I take a packable down jacket which packs down to almost nothing. I take a thin packable waterproof jacket which again packs down to almost nothing. If it's really cold then I can put it over the down jacket as a wind barrier. 9) I take one pair of shoes; usually black leather sneakers because they will go with everything and, being leather, don't look like sneakers unless someone really pays attention. I tend to wear black leather Adidas Stan Smith's which are very minimalist and cheap. 10) I use packing cubes for my clothes and a small pouch for cables, charger, etc. 11) I take a packable backpack for use when I get to my destination so I don't need to use my 30L when shopping or visiting places. 12) I sometimes also take a small 6L sling. Typically this will have my tech gear inside (8" tablet , chargers, etc), as well as my cards, cash, boarding pass and passport, etc. I carry this to the airport in the main 30L bag but wear it on my front at the airport for easy access to passport etc. When on the plane I keep it with me for security and also because it has my tech gear in it for entertainment. 13) I don't take bulky headphones. Only earbuds. 14) I take a bar of soap rather than liquid soaps. This reduces my liquids through security and can also be used to wash clothes in a hotel sink. 15) I take a lightweight Osprey wash bag that can either zip up as one bag or be opened flat with compartments. Being able to lay flat means I can always find somewhere for it in my bag. It also has a hook so I can always find somewhere to hang it in a small hotel bathroom if there is little space by the sink.

Great content. Thx

More videos like this! I dig calm, trustworthy Aaron.

Great starter video for one bag travel! I always recommend the Osprey Farpoint 40

Great video! I dig your playful camera angles and creative editing. 🎉

Great video. Will try the Boundary Supply Errant Pro for one bag travel on a short Business trip soon

I over packed the heck outta my last trip. What a huge hassle it was too (especially putting it all back together). Looking forward to my future able carry max bag (I'll find your link aaron). Good tips and cool cash belt. Thanks for yhe upload.

I laughed when you didn't let taav finish his sentence about his list of mistakes😂 it's like you have enough of him

Awesome information and I hope that it helps a few peeps out! I love how the OBT has exploded and that there are so many great options out there for people at all price points :)

That belt.... awesome 😎

Great video, Aaron! I use my Thule Aion bag for our month long travel to Switzerland (just in case my very large suitcase gets lost)! 😉

7:38 Jimmy Butler and Udonis Haslem jerseys. A man of Heat Culture.

G'day AR & Team. Favourite OTB is Cisco 28 Caribee. Did all the states in Australia including some island territories . Used the same pack doing Asia. Yeah man, take advantage of places where you spend overnight but always have on you toiletries & first aid. Totally agreed on some of your suggestions, especially a sling/packable pack. Wool will be the best but cotton & synthetics may be sufficient depending on destination & seasons. There will always be trade-offs but when the going gets tough, the tough gets going.! Now the Nomad Nation tube is getting interesting. You're stepping it up mate. Cheers from The Land Down Under.

I use the 40L TomToc Navigator A-82 for my road trips for 3-5 days. It has a huge main compartment and plenty of pockets and admin storage. The main compartment can be opened clamshell or on the side like a book. There are a few reviews of it on YT.

Would love to see a video about hidden pocket travel clothes and accessories. like that money belt. Great videos overall!

Love the haslem jersey

Can't wait to see your own bag design Aaron.

Matador Globerider 45 is what I took to South America for a month. I under packed it so I’d have room for a few souvenirs. Took a packable daypack that I used when I left my 45l in my hostel room or locker. It was more than durable enough and its shoulder straps and hip belt were stowable.

I think when I set out a couple years ago, I was carrying everything but the kitchen sink. Over time, I *vehemently* believe that I carry overall less than my travel buddy/roomie. Pared it down to nearly a science. A lot of it is discussed in your video. 1/3 of my stuff is tech gear, 1/3 clothes, 1/3 misc+ essentials (and bags in bags ie. sling). I'm not completely OBT, but I get checked bags for almost any domestic US commercial airline. Mostly do warmer climates, so it keeps the clothes weight down. Being bug food, I also carry additional stuff to ward those suckers off. I had an inkling you were from Florida. haha. Also kudos on the nicotine gum. :)

I am not sure how you haven't included the Osprey Farpoint or Porter. I also love the Fjällräven Split-Pack (not great for tech though). The cold winter gear is def necessary! Lived in Finland and Sweden for a long time and winter can be -35C; you NEED a parka or a top level puffy (Fjällräven, Norrona, Rab). Love your channel bro! Great editing! :)

Lots of things you missed Aaron. 1) How much clothing you carry depends on where you're going and how the weather is going to affect you. If it's hot and humid, and you sweat a lot, you might want to throw in a couple of clothes extra. 2) on the clothing front, get some of those wrinkle free Tees if you can, Post wash, they are good to go once they dry. (if you're using the laundry service at a hotel, check the rates and time they take to do it). 3) If you're shooting with a DSLR, you can have it in a separate bag. Most airlines will not count a camera bag as a secondary bag (though on super full flights, they might ask you to check in your backpack and carry your camera bag as the cabin bag) 4) Don't forget to throw in a tracker in your single backpack, Even if you're going to carry it. I got the Aer City pack pro and it's fantastic, though it's a bit heavy. 5) Check your bag's weight before you go to the airport. I have the 16 inch MacBook Pro, and it's heavy as hell. I end up carrying my older MacBook Pro from 2015 to transfer images etc, contemplating buying a MacBook Air M1 for it 6) There are quite a few Quick dry clothing available, do check it out if available in your area. Lighter material clothing is good if you want to travel with 1 bag. 7) toothpaste and shampoo and hand soap tablets are available on amazon. Carry them, in case an airbnb or hostel has some issue. 8) I usually don't carry tents n all, but I always carry a portable water filter like Sawyer mini or Hydroblu. Water is one thing that will make you sick quickly. 9) When you have just 1 bag, carry one of those really small packing totes as well. They fold into fitting your pocket, but just in case the airline wants you to check in your bag, you might want to take out some essentials from it. Like medicine etc. 10) when you pack, take everything you want to take, then start discarding items based on wright and how much space it takes up. Like I usually have stuff for literally 60-70 later bag, then I start discarding items. Usually nothing from my toiletry bag, because that's comfort. 11) For hot and humid climates, carry those compressed towels. You can always discard it once it's used. 12) some people might have to even consider how big they are. I weigh 200 lbs and yes, my clothes will be larger and more bulky. I have to consider that as well. If I'm flying through major airports on my trip, I just check in all the clothes and keep my backpack very light. There's lots to consider for these one backpack trips, Ideally one should start with a weekend trip and see if it suits them. One backpack trips are not for everyone.

I'm also planning on doing a one bag living life where all I own except for furnitures would fit in one bag, therefore I could travel anywhere in the world pretty easily. I'm saving up money to buy Peak Design Travel 30L backpack, kinda concerned about the straps but at least it will limit me to stay within 7kg. I'm definitely invested with the Peak Design because of their customer service and actually real lifetime warranty.

a hero we dont deserve, but here it is :) thanks I'm buying bit "Premium" bag for ryanair 3 day travel backpacks

looking fly af aaron! Love the Idea and went to japan for 4 weeks with aer travel backpack 3 but needed extra *space to bring home souveniers so had to buy (geez) a suit case (Lojel M). I especially have problems with all my photography gear fitting into one backpack, any insights? Keep up and cheers!

My Dad could pack a postage stamp so I come to it naturally. My bag of choice is the OG2 from Lo & Sons plus a Nouvelle crossbody I pack in the side pocket for EDC. I follow the 4 point packing system: Clothing, Toiletries, Tech and Documentation. Each category gets its own packing cube or pouch. I grab my water bottle and my bento box lunch and I’m out the door.

My favorite is my hybrid hiking pants. Just unzip the lower part then you have a cargo short pants. Zip the lower part then its a long pants.

I’ve been one bag traveling for over 10 years with my Osprey Farpoint 50 which has been the best bag I’ve ever owned! 👍🏽

Aaron, my main two issues are shoes and cpap. don’t think Air Force ones are going to cut it at high end restaurants. I need a nicer pair of shoes, causal every day shoes and trainers. The last two I can usually combine, but those dressier shoes take up space. Bought a travel cpap, pricey!

Great video! Could you do a one-bag travel video specifically for women?

Literally exploding 😮

Hmmm, my suggestion is use a carry-on suitcase if the backpack is too heavy. You can definitely choose our brand, tenacious trunks with the next level organization.

Your travel blog is good but one thing I see in almost all of these videos is with the items you share would never pass the weight limit when flying outside of the USA. So if you travel US airlines which don't weigh your carryon that works but outside of that it will not even with how you have become very minimalistic

For me I can stretch a 20L bag for 2+ weeks if I need to. I ranger roll all my clothes so I can pack a ton of clothes in a small space and I travel extremely light and don’t really buy anything while I’m abroad. I have a 2 week trip back to Scotland next year with a friend and I’m 100% doing one bag, and that bag will probably be my new Eberle stock bandit which is a 14L bag and my ALPAKA utility case as a sling for my tech essentials. I do laundry when I travel and all my clothes are earth tones that work together no matter how I pair them and I bring one weeks worth of underwear, socks, and shirts. And I bring one spare pair of pants. Shoes are waterproof hiking shoes so I’m good no matter what and solid shampoo bar and small bar of soap is all I need as I can grab a cheap toothbrush and toothpaste when I get to my destination. One bag is so liberating as you don’t have to wait for anything, if you want to leave you just go and it’s so much less stressful if a flight gets canceled or delayed, no more lost luggage. Nice video man 👍

Hey, great video! I am planning to check out more. Quick question for you regarding gear in your video. What type of pen pouch do you have on your moleskin notebook?

You should check the Rolling Square cable, very practical, resistant, high speed transfer, been using it for 2 years and it’s flawless

Love the idea of one bag travel myself, but I need to check a bag because I need to travel with liquids. It's a bummer, but travelling minimally is great even if I have to check the bag. A minor inconvenience, at least to me.

No one really talked about necessary stuff that takes up space like medical items/equipment/medicines that take up a good chunk of that already tight space. The other thing is people often want to charge everything all at one time. If you stagger your charging, you can carry less cabling etc. Also, if using a multiport USB charger, get a few really short cables since they don't need to be 6 feet. Edit: My one bag stuff is mainly business stuff, so I'm using the Knack Series 1 medium. Usually gets what I need for those things.

backpack + small carryon spinner for me. electronics + camera are too heavy to also pack clothing

Thanks for the video! What's the reasoning behind 3 shorts (plus a pair of jeans/pants?). Given that there were 3 t-shirts and 3 undershirts that seems to be a bit much for a minimalist (2 should suffice?). Also missed swimming trunks on the list 😊.

i only use one bag travel if i have to travel for work within the same country (cambodia). if i fly to thailand or vietnam 2 or 3 days it depends on how you travel. i always want to travel light as possible but never happen cause family or friends want something unless i just go without telling anyone.

The pixelation at the mention of hardcore! 😂😂😂

I have been using the multi cables for a couple years now, and believe me i am not easy on them. They have withstood the test of time and hard wear. Really no reason to worry about them.

I only travel with 1 or max 2 bag. When I travel for more than a week I use my atd1 supply 21 to 55l I'm prepared for all with this bag. But in the other case I try to travel for my weekend with a personal item of a low cost like easy jet or ryanair, and I use alot of different bag like a modern dyafarer backpack goruck gr2 26l or the gr1 21l . Travel with only one bag it the most affordable way for travel for me . Lot of company charge alot on the luggage or for the carry on bag .

I packed for a week long hunting trip in Argentina in a 35 liter backpack. I never travel with a suitcase. Now i only fly with personal item size.

Can you please review the Alexxander Designs Neo Backpack

All I have to say is that whatever backpack you are designing better be the absolute best backpack ever made.

Hi there. Attempting to buy a travel bag as a gift for someone and have fallen down a rabbit hole of information. I know his plan to travel around South East Asia. Mostly by motorbike. A phone and possibly a tablet or laptop is the most he would be taking with him as far as tech goes. Ive managed to narrow the list down to Aer 3(I worry the front organization pocket wouldnt be useful for him) Peak Design Cotopaxi Allpa 42L If you had to choose one for a first time traveler. What would be your choice?

im asian so we have to have 2 big check in suit cases per person. we go back to mainland and fill it up with souvenirs and food to bring back to the U>S>

Cotopaxi Allpa 42L. Good for a weekend. Good for >month. One bag for all trips.

I always pack to much. All the other videos I watched where interesting, but did not help. I think your approach of not just showing what you pack but talking more about the mindset or the "why" spoke to me. Will do next time when I am on a city trip. By the way: My shirts always wrinkle as hell. Is this solved with merino wool, too? Or do you have any other tips?

Do you think the Nomatic Travel Pack v2 would be a suited choice? Its good for edc, work, and 5-10 day pack travel. But is it too heavy?

Aer Travel Pack 3 + Aer Travel Sling 2 FTW

How do you buy souvenirs? Where on earth do you keep all the trinkets you buy???

Surprissed osprey farpoint is not here, personally thats tje ultimate travel backpack

2 lenses would never cut it for me precisely because I am not a pro and I don't just shoot 1 or 2 subjectss. I try to take body + 2 lenses when I travel and last time I did that it was a 14mm 1.8 prime + 50mm 1.4 prime. I wanted the challenge on landscape shots and a 50 is quite versatile but it's not a 35mm. Stepping back won't do and a 35mm is not a 50mm. A 3 lens setup with a 24-70 + 2x primes would work depending on the situation. 24-70 not going to cut it handheld at night and a tripod + head is much more heavier and cumbersome to carry than a prime. I think 24mm + 50mm or 35mm + 85mm is a good kit. Ultrawides are situational but you can plan to create those situations. I find tele lenses or macro/close up lenses the least versatile but also the most magical.

May someone know if there is a possibility to have any problems on the airplane with the mil-tec 40L bag? I am actually askink if someone has any experience with the specific bag and if they made him pay extra money? If someone knows something it would be really helpful

Question is cash - how are you carrying "large" amounts of cash in -- Japan? We are doing most of Japan and not just major cities. Concerned about using cards where we understand that Japan is still mostly a cash society for normal daily things like food and transportation. We are headed there in a few months and chose to bring 400k jpy with us to get started on a 4 week trip.

I have the able carry max, it is actually heavy, and have some deadspaces because it is made of such tough and thick material I then bought the 32l northface voyager and I honestly prefer this much more. It is durable but flexible hence it really does carry more. Another great one is the patagonia MLC. And finally for a smaller pack, I reocmmend moment MTW 21l. Minimalist pack with enough organization for your tech and a big horse shoe main compartment

Great video but saying all those recommended bags will "always fit under the seat in front of you" is kind of misleading. Always check airline dimensions as none of the recommended bags here will fit airlines in canada

❤

Nike Air Force 1 black on black on black.

Ebags Motherload so good I bought another. Any of your recommendations have a separate shoulder strap like mine?

Any thoughts on the Osprey Porter 46L?

Polaroid comment flew under the radar lol

No link for the belt?

Merino wool is not cheap in Malaysia... Haha

Rick Steves is the OG of one-bag travel. Check out his videos. It’s an awesome way to travel! And I learned it first from Rick Steves.

For cloth, Uniqlo airism T-shirt and underwear is some of the best budget pick. Quick dry , anti odour. Tested and proofed in my recent trip to eu for Camino and visiting.

I don't get it. Is travel baggage a lifestyle thing now? For me it depends on the duration/purpose of the trip. Weekend/overnight getaway = 1 small bag will do. 1 week up to 1 month = backpack + duffel. 1 month to 1 year = Daypack + hiking backpack + giant duffel.

Major informative! But do you EVER wear anything but t-shirts? 😎

Solgaard

My Peak Design 20L backpack and any random four wheel carry on soft side bag. One total bag just isn’t practical. You only need a suitcase if you are buying stuff and bringing it back.

Here is my take on 1 bag travel. One bag travel is only good if your staying for like 3 to 4 days with very minimal electronics and your staying in a hotel or somewhere near the city or it is convinient to buy essential things. Sadly if your a photographer/vlogger and wants to create quality content not the kind of style you will follow.

My friend, you may want another pass at blurring the name in the zoom call.

But if u pack less so u dont lose time with ur large bagage at the airport... And then u gotta do laundry.... Which costs time ...😅

its all nice and stuff but once you get back problems/ gotten older. its a wrapped

Why would TSA care about a bar of soap? ;-)

FFFF Frontier. The Dollar Store of airlines. Worst the Walmart.

Soft D at the end!!!

I want a bag that i can fit a 16 inch laptop, my steamdeck, my headphones and clothes n shit in.

"literally" exploding

One bag travel works great until you start adding cameragear and tech into the equation 😂

I wish people would stop with the Merino wool. There are plenty of alternatives that don't include animal exploitation to get the job done whilst traveling.

Next challenge: no bag travel

What!? F* Frontier. Their seats are so uncomfortable anyways.

Who fly frontier anyway.. ripoff