Same problem as OP. I want to become a light-backpack traveler but find it really difficult to plan.
My parents were the type of travelers who would load up the entire house in 3 full suitcases for every 1 week vacation, and I find it difficult to resist the need to do the same. I've managed to limit myself to 3/4 suitcase when I'm traveling now but the anxiety of missing something keeps me up at night.
As in, how many underwear and socks should you bring? What if you don't find a laundromat in the area? What if you find yourself in a situation where you need a fancy shirt/pants/shoes? What if I want to bring stuff back?
As a result I always end up overpacking and taking clothes that I don't even use but the fear of not bringing enough still gets to me and makes me do it all over again
>Most of the time I just stay in one or two locations.
Suitcase unless you're getting there in a complicated overland journey.
I had to wait an hour at baggage arrival at both ends for my last trip so I'm definitely considering Osprey for future trips. But not having to slug around a 40L is definitely comfy tho.
I noticed that I really dislike backpacks for city trips because you'll have to bring a different day bag that gets in the way during travel whereas with a suitcase I can bring a messenger bag as a personal item.
Wouldn't want to drag around a suitcase for anything overland though.
>I noticed that I really dislike backpacks for city trips because you'll have to bring a different day bag that gets in the way during travel whereas with a suitcase I can bring a messenger bag as a personal item.
I used to feel this way too, but then I started buying cheap ($20) knock-off bags at my destination. They're everywhere in Asia, or in Chinatowns in most other regions. Buy whatever fake Adidas or Nike backpack/gym bag suits you, then throw it away at the end of your trip.
Anything you are likely to forget, you’ll be able to find.
Seriously, just bring clothes, toiletries and some tech and you’re set. What are you so worried you’ll forget?
Pack for a week, week and a half. 2 pairs of pants, 2 t-shirts, 4 pairs of socks, 4 boxers, a pair of shorts, a sweatshirt, a light air and rain proof jacket - all tightly rolled up. That's 3 set of clothes in total (the clothes you're wearing included) and like 3/4 of the main compartment of a 30l bag and leaves room for other stuff. Merino wool is anti-microbial and doesn't smell for weeks, so it's a good idea to bring some merino wool clothing.
Buy a pack of boxers and socks at the destination. Buy flip-flops for dirty showers. If you need more changes of clothes you bring more pants and remove some socks etc because they're cheap to buy. If you need to bring something home then throw some clothes away. Towels can be found in hotels or you could buy one because they're also cheap. You might spend a few extra hundred bucks this way but it's worth it for the extra comfort. Probably the most common mistake people do is stocking up on a ton of useless shit that can be bought at the destination for a couple of bucks. Like, skip a few drinks and buy some fresh clothes at the destination and enjoy not carrying around a 60l backpack or a suitcase.
There's special detergents for hand washing - search for travel/hand washing detergent packets/sheets/soap bar and buy at the destination. You can also wash them in a dry bag (don't waste money on a Scrubba Wash Bag, it's trash), which will work with any detergent - you basically just put clothes in the dry bag with warm but not hot water (enough to cover the clothes) and detergent, push the air out, seal it up, massage it until clothes are clean and then repeat with clean water (search YT for videos). You dry them on a Sea To Summit Clothesline or in a pinch by wringing them out then rolling them up in a towel and stepping on them. You can also use regular soap or shampoo in a pinch, they do the job but might require a few extra cycles.
>I've managed to limit myself to 3/4 suitcase when I'm traveling now but the anxiety of missing something keeps me up at night.
white people are fragile. they need to pack everything. they are not good at being discomforable. the rest of the world carry a small suitcase or small backpack. white people carry 50L backpacks to bangkok so they can walk around the night market.
Osprey Farpoint 55. Can be a carryon on Star Alliance and OneWorld flights.
>What if you find yourself in a situation where you need a fancy shirt/pants/shoes?
Like what? You're going to a masquerade ball? Just have a decent collared shirt.
>the anxiety of missing something keeps me up at night.
Just buy it wherever you're going you dingus.
This woman I was with had a suitcase in Costa Rica and was absolutely out of her element while we were moving around together.
It actually pissed me off the last time we moved seeing her drag the bag around with the gravel and rocks under it like a backhoe or some shit. Didn't help she had half of it full of cosmetics. Holy shit don't blame me for running from that.
Spanish colonial streets and wheeled luggage do not mix.
Pack for a week, week and a half. 2 pairs of pants, 2 t-shirts, 4 pairs of socks, 4 boxers, a pair of shorts, a sweatshirt, a light air and rain proof jacket - all tightly rolled up. That's 3 set of clothes in total (the clothes you're wearing included) and like 3/4 of the main compartment of a 30l bag and leaves room for other stuff. Merino wool is anti-microbial and doesn't smell for weeks, so it's a good idea to bring some merino wool clothing.
Buy a pack of boxers and socks at the destination. Buy flip-flops for dirty showers. If you need more changes of clothes you bring more pants and remove some socks etc because they're cheap to buy. If you need to bring something home then throw some clothes away. Towels can be found in hotels or you could buy one because they're also cheap. You might spend a few extra hundred bucks this way but it's worth it for the extra comfort. Probably the most common mistake people do is stocking up on a ton of useless shit that can be bought at the destination for a couple of bucks. Like, skip a few drinks and buy some fresh clothes at the destination and enjoy not carrying around a 60l backpack or a suitcase.
There's special detergents for hand washing - search for travel/hand washing detergent packets/sheets/soap bar and buy at the destination. You can also wash them in a dry bag (don't waste money on a Scrubba Wash Bag, it's trash), which will work with any detergent - you basically just put clothes in the dry bag with warm but not hot water (enough to cover the clothes) and detergent, push the air out, seal it up, massage it until clothes are clean and then repeat with clean water (search YT for videos). You dry them on a Sea To Summit Clothesline or in a pinch by wringing them out then rolling them up in a towel and stepping on them. You can also use regular soap or shampoo in a pinch, they do the job but might require a few extra cycles.
>handwashing
I tried that and getting shit to dry was a pain in the ass.
https://i.imgur.com/dYUEZbT.jpg
forgot the picture.
https://i.imgur.com/smaJrZl.jpg
white people pack like they're about to go homeless.
>Osprey Farpoint 55.
- Congrats, you've found the basic bitch normie backpack of choice. Search "40L backpack" on Youtube and I guarantee you the majority of the hits will be vapid bimbos who are too lazy/dumb to research and are travelling to Asia or Europe with your normie backpack.
- 55L is way more than you actually need. But the backpack isn't actually 55L though but 40L; there's a 15L removable daypack. If you want a daypack you're much better served getting say a Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L which can function as your travel bag, and, slim down to a daypack when need be (27L expandable to 33L). Or you can get a Nanobag that'll fit in your pocket or a Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Nano Daypack that'll fit in your backpack and weighs nothing.
- It's too big to be a carry-on on most international flights and the staff has seen your basic bitch bag a thousand times before and know its exact measurements by memory and know that they can charge you an extra fee or make you check it.
- You're paying a premium for a basic backpack with cheap materials, extra fees not included.
- Makes you look like a retarded victim.
>I tried that and getting shit to dry was a pain in the ass.
- You're going to have to handwash with your bag, first of all. It's a 40L, not a 55L.
- Are you 15? It's not difficult to dry your clothes. Just wring them out and roll them up in a towel and step on them. Sea to Summit also has an excellent clothesline that weighs nothing. It's not rocket science.
https://i.imgur.com/NKIQl2c.jpg
I take a 40L pack (fits in carry-on) + a side bag
Moving between accommodation it's easy enough to wear the pack and the satchel at the same time. Sure I probably look like a goober but not as bad as those dickheads running a 50L+ hiking back and whole ass schoolbag on their chest posted ITT.
The satchel can also be rolled up and put in the main pack if need be
pic related my pack
Miklat is the best pack in the world
>Miklat is the best pack in the world
It's so clearly not. Not even close.
I will never understand begpacker autism. Be an adult, go with a carry on sized suitcase which you will leave at your accommodation. >dirty clothes stored in a plastic bag for laundry and to keep the rest of your suitcase clean >everything else will remained ironed >don't have to make a mess of everything when you want to pull out something specific >if you decide you need a bagpack to get around for the day use a cheap, normal sized slim backpack that won't make you look autistic and works just as well for anything besides literally overnight camping innawoods >you can even bring the backpack as a personal item for free besides the suitcase
The reality is this: Carry on + normal backpack > land in destination > uber/taxi to accomodation > drop off suitcase and leave with what you need in backpack. The whole K2/Homeless getup people go for with these oversized bags are frankly ridiculous, stop larping as an explorer and grow up.
>The reality is this:
It depends on what type of travelling you're doing. If you like to switch hotels/airbnbs and travel to other citys or towns etc, then a suitcase isn't it. And if you're not lugging around your entire wardrobe, there are urban/business/tech style travel backpacks and duffelbags that doesn't make you look like a lost hiker.
>Congrats, you've found the basic bitch normie backpack of choice. Search "40L backpack" on Youtube and I guarantee you the majority of the hits will be vapid bimbos who are too lazy/dumb to research and are travelling to Asia or Europe with your normie backpack.
Oh noes I'm a normie bimbo. I picked a bag with a lot of good reviews. Could I have bought your obscure hipster bag instead and saved money if I spent more times googling? Maybe but I'm fine with my purchase.
>55L is way more than you actually need. But the backpack isn't actually 55L though but 40L; there's a 15L removable daypack.
I probably could have gone with a smaller bag but I wanted a bag that was just within most airline carryon regulations. . I don't have to stuff it to the gills, but if I'm picking shit up along the way its nice to have extra room. I know the Osprey Farpoint 55 is a 40 L bag with a zipoff 15L daypack.
>It's too big to be a carry-on on most international flights
No its not. The 40L bag meets One World and Star Alliance requirements for a carry on and the 15L works as my "under-the-seat item". I've taken it on multiple international flights with multiple airlines with no problems.
>You're paying a premium for a basic backpack with cheap materials, extra fees not included.
Fingers crossed, but it hasn't started to fall apart yet.
>Makes you look like a retarded victim.
No, being big goofy white guy makes me look a retarded victim. I don't walk down dark alleys with my bag anyways.
>Are you 15?
No I found even with the towels they gave me they were sometimes damp. Maybe it was because I was in Vietnam and it was more humid. I bought a clothesline and forgot to pack it. I'll give it another go next trip.
Why not both? I have this bag in the 45L and it's great, I pack it full of like 50lbs of shit and roll it most of the time, but it's surprisingly comfortable when I've had to use the straps. Real Travelers will all talk shit for using a backpack with wheels, but it's mostly because it's expensive and they've never used it.
idk i just get the biggest backpack that is allowed as a carry-on. extra luggage can cost as much as the flight ticket if you're flying in europe, so don't bother
This woman I was with had a suitcase in Costa Rica and was absolutely out of her element while we were moving around together.
It actually pissed me off the last time we moved seeing her drag the bag around with the gravel and rocks under it like a backhoe or some shit. Didn't help she had half of it full of cosmetics. Holy shit don't blame me for running from that.
I used to be a The North Face Base Camp Duffel advocate because of the anti-robbery aesthetics and can be worn as backpacks, but they're kind of a pain to pack and carry and with the new weekender travel backpacks it doesn't make much sense anymore, imo.
There's some interesting hybrid stuff out though:
If I can find a hybrid duffel with backpack straps when I'm done with my current bag, I'll probably get one. They're by far the best if you wanna avoid looking like a tourist.
>But you are a tourist.
Yeh, but you don't necessarily wanna look like one because it attracts all types of unwanted attention ranging from pesky beggars, street vendors, prostitutes, drug dealers, losers handing you flyers for their fucking bar or spa or whatever; to outright robbers and pickpockets.
Let's try a hypothetical.
You're a scammer/robber/serial killer/serial rapist/corrupt cop/beggar/street vendor/prostitute/pickpocket/whatever. You're looking for a victim at the airport/train station/taxi spot/around the city and what do you know, you spot four lonely people all wearing different attire and bags. You will pick one to rob/kill/rape/plant drugs on/whatever thing that makes you feel like a G-O-D. Who will you target and why?
Person 1:
- Carries a big duffel bag.
- Wears a casual shirt and jeans.
Person 2:
- Carries a 35L urban style backpack.
- Wears urban attire.
Person 3:
- Has two rolling suitcases.
- Dressed like your average tourist.
Person 4:
- Carries a big, scruffy 60L hiking backpack.
- Wears boots and hiking clothes.
Person 1 could be anyone. Just some random guy or girl going to the gym or the beach.
Person 2 could also be anyone. Just some student with a tech bag and maybe a laptop. If it's a tourist he/she is a minimalist so is probably just carrying clothes.
Person 3 is a tourist but probably has a cab waiting and will go straight from point A to point B and stash all of his/her valuables. The window to rob this person or whatever is very small.
Person 4 is the lick. Likely has a ton of expensive, brand new hiking gear and tech. Likely has a couple of thousands of dollars in the bag "just in case". Likely is open to talk to you and follow you because he/she "wants the real local experience". Likely to take public transport and roam around the city with all his/her shit so you can stalk and wait for an opportunity.
Like, there are ways to minimize the risk. Why act like a victim?
I have been living out of a suitcase for seven months and it is literally falling apart. I would love to get a backpack but I have some fragile stuff I don't want to get broken
A top-loader hiking backpack sucks because it's a nightmare to organize and you get dirty/wet clothes on top and clean clothes plus other stuff at the bottom and then you have to unpack everything and stuff it all back in. On top of that it gets tangled on everything when you're taking public transportation or flying. Perhaps worst, is that if you're travelling in the 3rd world thieves will identify you as a stereotypical backpacker which usually means you have travel funds and gadgets for 2-3 months rather than 1-2 weeks and that there's a good chance you're carrying some of it from hostel to hostel, rather than keeping it locked away in a hotel safe.
Suitcases suck for all the reasons why you're considering a backpack. They're ok for one-stop travel but if you're planing to move locations they're a pain in the ass.
Best option is clamshell hybrid aka a weekender or carry-on backpack. They can be carried like backpacks but the straps can also be tucked away and it can be carried as a duffelbag or a suitcase and it has the organization of a suitcase so you can neatly pack all your clothes in packing tubes. They usually also as the name implies can be carried on a plane and look urban so appear more like a daypack than an outright backpack.
Some examples:
You can also find a variety on Amazon if you search for weekender backpack and carry-on backpack. I have this Amazon branded weekender and it has
served me well for probably more than two years of travel time now and was like $60-$70 when I bought it:
A Nanobag fits in your pocket and can be used as a daypack instead of carrying around plastic bags or a small backpack:
>Best option is clamshell hybrid aka a weekender or carry-on backpack. They can be carried like backpacks but the straps can also be tucked away and it can be carried as a duffelbag or a suitcase and it has the organization of a suitcase so you can neatly pack all your clothes in packing tubes. They usually also as the name implies can be carried on a plane and look urban so appear more like a daypack than an outright backpack.
For longer trips, there has to be a line between something that can pass for a daypack and something that's actually usable. You can get a good sized backpack that looks pretty sleek, opens along the wide edge, and is even waterproof. It won't pass for a daypack but you can use it to carry a week or more worth of clothes and still meet the carry-on requirements for a plane. I've traveled a couple of times as light as
Pack for a week, week and a half. 2 pairs of pants, 2 t-shirts, 4 pairs of socks, 4 boxers, a pair of shorts, a sweatshirt, a light air and rain proof jacket - all tightly rolled up. That's 3 set of clothes in total (the clothes you're wearing included) and like 3/4 of the main compartment of a 30l bag and leaves room for other stuff. Merino wool is anti-microbial and doesn't smell for weeks, so it's a good idea to bring some merino wool clothing.
Buy a pack of boxers and socks at the destination. Buy flip-flops for dirty showers. If you need more changes of clothes you bring more pants and remove some socks etc because they're cheap to buy. If you need to bring something home then throw some clothes away. Towels can be found in hotels or you could buy one because they're also cheap. You might spend a few extra hundred bucks this way but it's worth it for the extra comfort. Probably the most common mistake people do is stocking up on a ton of useless shit that can be bought at the destination for a couple of bucks. Like, skip a few drinks and buy some fresh clothes at the destination and enjoy not carrying around a 60l backpack or a suitcase.
There's special detergents for hand washing - search for travel/hand washing detergent packets/sheets/soap bar and buy at the destination. You can also wash them in a dry bag (don't waste money on a Scrubba Wash Bag, it's trash), which will work with any detergent - you basically just put clothes in the dry bag with warm but not hot water (enough to cover the clothes) and detergent, push the air out, seal it up, massage it until clothes are clean and then repeat with clean water (search YT for videos). You dry them on a Sea To Summit Clothesline or in a pinch by wringing them out then rolling them up in a towel and stepping on them. You can also use regular soap or shampoo in a pinch, they do the job but might require a few extra cycles.
, but I learned that I detest having to wash my clothes every two days. I'd rather wash them every week. When I use backpacks, I'm usually traveling for 1-2 months and moving around a lot. For short weekend trips, I'd use something smaller like you suggest.
Three sets of clothes and double that amount in socks and boxers will last you way longer than 1-2 days, unless you're saying that you need sixty sets to last you 1-2 months? Also like I wrote the point is that you can buy a lot of stuff at the location rather than bringing your entire wardrobe.
The bag holds more than two sets though, easily triple that without overstuffing the bag, but the main concern is weight because there's a lower 7 kg limit for carry-ons and the things I listed will put you at around 5 kg with a 1.5 kg backpack included. And if you go much heavier, not only do you lose the ability to avoid checking your bag, but you also lose that light weight feel and the options for briefcase and duffel carry plus might have to use hip straps and back load straps and maybe a firmer back frame etc, so when all is said and done you might as well bring a jingly hiker backpack mess or a cumbersome suitcase, which is what I'm trying to avoid.
I've got passive income so I spend the majority of the year traveling and I've arrived at my setup because the number one anchor that makes the experience less enjoyable is carrying too much stuff. I remember my first trip to the Caribbeans I brought a 60l full metal frame ballistic nylon military backpack which I at the time thought was going light because "not suitcase", but while it was reasonably comfortable for the 30+ kilos I carried, I never used my fucking alcohol stove or the plethora of carabineers or read any of the books and most of the clothes I wore, is stuff I bought at the destination. And that thing was so cumbersome that I didn't travel around as much as I did dragging that fucking thing from one hotel to another and setting up base camp like I was climbing mount Everest. It was a shitty travel experience mostly spent at bars in tourist traps. And it made me arrive at this point where I bring the absolute minimum. And it's just a far better way to travel.
>be white begpacker >pack like you're hiking mt everest >but you're really going to thailand >you stay in a hostel >you drop off your backpack and walk to the nearest western bar >you drink, you eat food >you walk back to your hostel
White people LARP like they're going camping but they don't.
white people pack like they're about to go homeless.
why do they do it, boys? i've never had a personal issue with one of these types and yet i inherently dislike them and it makes me a little angry to see them
What's a backpack that doesn't scream "I'm a white trash backpacker" but at the same time has lots of space and is comfy to carry around? I had a North Face Big Shot but it's completely worn out.
>But you are a tourist.
Yeh, but you don't necessarily wanna look like one because it attracts all types of unwanted attention ranging from pesky beggars, street vendors, prostitutes, drug dealers, losers handing you flyers for their fucking bar or spa or whatever; to outright robbers and pickpockets.
Let's try a hypothetical.
You're a scammer/robber/serial killer/serial rapist/corrupt cop/beggar/street vendor/prostitute/pickpocket/whatever. You're looking for a victim at the airport/train station/taxi spot/around the city and what do you know, you spot four lonely people all wearing different attire and bags. You will pick one to rob/kill/rape/plant drugs on/whatever thing that makes you feel like a G-O-D. Who will you target and why?
Person 1:
- Carries a big duffel bag.
- Wears a casual shirt and jeans.
Person 2:
- Carries a 35L urban style backpack.
- Wears urban attire.
Person 3:
- Has two rolling suitcases.
- Dressed like your average tourist.
Person 4:
- Carries a big, scruffy 60L hiking backpack.
- Wears boots and hiking clothes.
Person 1 could be anyone. Just some random guy or girl going to the gym or the beach.
Person 2 could also be anyone. Just some student with a tech bag and maybe a laptop. If it's a tourist he/she is a minimalist so is probably just carrying clothes.
Person 3 is a tourist but probably has a cab waiting and will go straight from point A to point B and stash all of his/her valuables. The window to rob this person or whatever is very small.
Person 4 is the lick. Likely has a ton of expensive, brand new hiking gear and tech. Likely has a couple of thousands of dollars in the bag "just in case". Likely is open to talk to you and follow you because he/she "wants the real local experience". Likely to take public transport and roam around the city with all his/her shit so you can stalk and wait for an opportunity.
Like, there are ways to minimize the risk. Why act like a victim?
Actual informed posts. Hope someone who's looking for a backpack and overall packing change sees this.
One thing I realized over the years is that with more litre capacity, you just end up bringing more shit you end up not needing that ultimately becomes deadweight. Buy shit at your destination that you forgot to pack and actually need. Also you only like 2 high quality + relatively quick drying shirts/pants+shorts/undies/socks
I actually am wondering what to do.
I have a 40l backpack, but I only need 2 changes when I travel.
On the airplane I'm allowed 1 7kg on the airplane and a 30kg in the hold. I'm not sure about what to bring on my vacation. Maybe only a small bag and buy a backpack there to fill with stuff. I'm going to a cheap place.
Moving between accommodation it's easy enough to wear the pack and the satchel at the same time. Sure I probably look like a goober but not as bad as those dickheads running a 50L+ hiking back and whole ass schoolbag on their chest posted ITT.
The satchel can also be rolled up and put in the main pack if need be
Yeah that's not terrible in terms of aesthetics but it can't be mistaken for a tech bag or an urban pack so you will still have a target on your back for scammers, robbers etc.
Also don't envy the process of unpacking half the bag and emptying your compression bag or whatever just to get your shorts or pants that are stuffed away at the bottom. Or to dig out your dry bag with the power bank or charger. Or to find the pen that has somehow disappeared in the black hole.
It makes sense to carry a hiking backpack on a hike because you want maximum durability with the minimum amount of seams etc and don't want to deal with dirt and grime in a bunch of zippers, but for travel they absolutely suck and you will at some point find yourself on the street or on the airport unpacking your entire backpack on the ground/floor just so you can find that thing you need.
I will never understand begpacker autism. Be an adult, go with a carry on sized suitcase which you will leave at your accommodation. >dirty clothes stored in a plastic bag for laundry and to keep the rest of your suitcase clean >everything else will remained ironed >don't have to make a mess of everything when you want to pull out something specific >if you decide you need a bagpack to get around for the day use a cheap, normal sized slim backpack that won't make you look autistic and works just as well for anything besides literally overnight camping innawoods >you can even bring the backpack as a personal item for free besides the suitcase
The reality is this: Carry on + normal backpack > land in destination > uber/taxi to accomodation > drop off suitcase and leave with what you need in backpack. The whole K2/Homeless getup people go for with these oversized bags are frankly ridiculous, stop larping as an explorer and grow up.
I'm wanting a good quality travel bag that's gonna last a lifetime. 1K isn't a lot of money for something that lasts 10, 20 yrs but I'm not sure if LV pegase is that good quality anymore or if it's more just for hypebeast chinko
I really really need a new small tough day carry bag.
Something that can hold a snack, a small water bottle, my iPad, nose wipes, and any small tourist items I buy. Basicly a purse that doesn’t look like a purse.
I had one that was perfect, I mean perfect, for 20 years but the side pockets finally rippped
Where are you going and what will you be doing there?
Most of the time I just stay in one or two locations.
>Most of the time I just stay in one or two locations.
Suitcase unless you're getting there in a complicated overland journey.
Same problem as OP. I want to become a light-backpack traveler but find it really difficult to plan.
My parents were the type of travelers who would load up the entire house in 3 full suitcases for every 1 week vacation, and I find it difficult to resist the need to do the same. I've managed to limit myself to 3/4 suitcase when I'm traveling now but the anxiety of missing something keeps me up at night.
As in, how many underwear and socks should you bring? What if you don't find a laundromat in the area? What if you find yourself in a situation where you need a fancy shirt/pants/shoes? What if I want to bring stuff back?
As a result I always end up overpacking and taking clothes that I don't even use but the fear of not bringing enough still gets to me and makes me do it all over again
I had to wait an hour at baggage arrival at both ends for my last trip so I'm definitely considering Osprey for future trips. But not having to slug around a 40L is definitely comfy tho.
I noticed that I really dislike backpacks for city trips because you'll have to bring a different day bag that gets in the way during travel whereas with a suitcase I can bring a messenger bag as a personal item.
Wouldn't want to drag around a suitcase for anything overland though.
>I noticed that I really dislike backpacks for city trips because you'll have to bring a different day bag that gets in the way during travel whereas with a suitcase I can bring a messenger bag as a personal item.
I used to feel this way too, but then I started buying cheap ($20) knock-off bags at my destination. They're everywhere in Asia, or in Chinatowns in most other regions. Buy whatever fake Adidas or Nike backpack/gym bag suits you, then throw it away at the end of your trip.
Anything you are likely to forget, you’ll be able to find.
Seriously, just bring clothes, toiletries and some tech and you’re set. What are you so worried you’ll forget?
Pack for a week, week and a half. 2 pairs of pants, 2 t-shirts, 4 pairs of socks, 4 boxers, a pair of shorts, a sweatshirt, a light air and rain proof jacket - all tightly rolled up. That's 3 set of clothes in total (the clothes you're wearing included) and like 3/4 of the main compartment of a 30l bag and leaves room for other stuff. Merino wool is anti-microbial and doesn't smell for weeks, so it's a good idea to bring some merino wool clothing.
Buy a pack of boxers and socks at the destination. Buy flip-flops for dirty showers. If you need more changes of clothes you bring more pants and remove some socks etc because they're cheap to buy. If you need to bring something home then throw some clothes away. Towels can be found in hotels or you could buy one because they're also cheap. You might spend a few extra hundred bucks this way but it's worth it for the extra comfort. Probably the most common mistake people do is stocking up on a ton of useless shit that can be bought at the destination for a couple of bucks. Like, skip a few drinks and buy some fresh clothes at the destination and enjoy not carrying around a 60l backpack or a suitcase.
There's special detergents for hand washing - search for travel/hand washing detergent packets/sheets/soap bar and buy at the destination. You can also wash them in a dry bag (don't waste money on a Scrubba Wash Bag, it's trash), which will work with any detergent - you basically just put clothes in the dry bag with warm but not hot water (enough to cover the clothes) and detergent, push the air out, seal it up, massage it until clothes are clean and then repeat with clean water (search YT for videos). You dry them on a Sea To Summit Clothesline or in a pinch by wringing them out then rolling them up in a towel and stepping on them. You can also use regular soap or shampoo in a pinch, they do the job but might require a few extra cycles.
>I've managed to limit myself to 3/4 suitcase when I'm traveling now but the anxiety of missing something keeps me up at night.
white people are fragile. they need to pack everything. they are not good at being discomforable. the rest of the world carry a small suitcase or small backpack. white people carry 50L backpacks to bangkok so they can walk around the night market.
You've clearly never seen africans travelling
>discomforable
Good morning sir.
Osprey Farpoint 55. Can be a carryon on Star Alliance and OneWorld flights.
>What if you find yourself in a situation where you need a fancy shirt/pants/shoes?
Like what? You're going to a masquerade ball? Just have a decent collared shirt.
>the anxiety of missing something keeps me up at night.
Just buy it wherever you're going you dingus.
Spanish colonial streets and wheeled luggage do not mix.
>handwashing
I tried that and getting shit to dry was a pain in the ass.
Not this jeet again.
>Osprey Farpoint 55.
- Congrats, you've found the basic bitch normie backpack of choice. Search "40L backpack" on Youtube and I guarantee you the majority of the hits will be vapid bimbos who are too lazy/dumb to research and are travelling to Asia or Europe with your normie backpack.
- 55L is way more than you actually need. But the backpack isn't actually 55L though but 40L; there's a 15L removable daypack. If you want a daypack you're much better served getting say a Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L which can function as your travel bag, and, slim down to a daypack when need be (27L expandable to 33L). Or you can get a Nanobag that'll fit in your pocket or a Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Nano Daypack that'll fit in your backpack and weighs nothing.
- It's too big to be a carry-on on most international flights and the staff has seen your basic bitch bag a thousand times before and know its exact measurements by memory and know that they can charge you an extra fee or make you check it.
- You're paying a premium for a basic backpack with cheap materials, extra fees not included.
- Makes you look like a retarded victim.
>I tried that and getting shit to dry was a pain in the ass.
- You're going to have to handwash with your bag, first of all. It's a 40L, not a 55L.
- Are you 15? It's not difficult to dry your clothes. Just wring them out and roll them up in a towel and step on them. Sea to Summit also has an excellent clothesline that weighs nothing. It's not rocket science.
>Miklat is the best pack in the world
It's so clearly not. Not even close.
>The reality is this:
It depends on what type of travelling you're doing. If you like to switch hotels/airbnbs and travel to other citys or towns etc, then a suitcase isn't it. And if you're not lugging around your entire wardrobe, there are urban/business/tech style travel backpacks and duffelbags that doesn't make you look like a lost hiker.
>Congrats, you've found the basic bitch normie backpack of choice. Search "40L backpack" on Youtube and I guarantee you the majority of the hits will be vapid bimbos who are too lazy/dumb to research and are travelling to Asia or Europe with your normie backpack.
Oh noes I'm a normie bimbo. I picked a bag with a lot of good reviews. Could I have bought your obscure hipster bag instead and saved money if I spent more times googling? Maybe but I'm fine with my purchase.
>55L is way more than you actually need. But the backpack isn't actually 55L though but 40L; there's a 15L removable daypack.
I probably could have gone with a smaller bag but I wanted a bag that was just within most airline carryon regulations. . I don't have to stuff it to the gills, but if I'm picking shit up along the way its nice to have extra room. I know the Osprey Farpoint 55 is a 40 L bag with a zipoff 15L daypack.
>It's too big to be a carry-on on most international flights
No its not. The 40L bag meets One World and Star Alliance requirements for a carry on and the 15L works as my "under-the-seat item". I've taken it on multiple international flights with multiple airlines with no problems.
>You're paying a premium for a basic backpack with cheap materials, extra fees not included.
Fingers crossed, but it hasn't started to fall apart yet.
>Makes you look like a retarded victim.
No, being big goofy white guy makes me look a retarded victim. I don't walk down dark alleys with my bag anyways.
>Are you 15?
No I found even with the towels they gave me they were sometimes damp. Maybe it was because I was in Vietnam and it was more humid. I bought a clothesline and forgot to pack it. I'll give it another go next trip.
Why not both? I have this bag in the 45L and it's great, I pack it full of like 50lbs of shit and roll it most of the time, but it's surprisingly comfortable when I've had to use the straps. Real Travelers will all talk shit for using a backpack with wheels, but it's mostly because it's expensive and they've never used it.
idk i just get the biggest backpack that is allowed as a carry-on. extra luggage can cost as much as the flight ticket if you're flying in europe, so don't bother
Foreclaz travel 500
Way slicker
Bags are for women, real men buy what they need when they land.
>real men waste money and time
No thats a woman thing sorry lady
The only waste of money is keeping you on this Earth.
This woman I was with had a suitcase in Costa Rica and was absolutely out of her element while we were moving around together.
It actually pissed me off the last time we moved seeing her drag the bag around with the gravel and rocks under it like a backhoe or some shit. Didn't help she had half of it full of cosmetics. Holy shit don't blame me for running from that.
Dufflebag Chads WW@?
I used to be a The North Face Base Camp Duffel advocate because of the anti-robbery aesthetics and can be worn as backpacks, but they're kind of a pain to pack and carry and with the new weekender travel backpacks it doesn't make much sense anymore, imo.
There's some interesting hybrid stuff out though:
If I can find a hybrid duffel with backpack straps when I'm done with my current bag, I'll probably get one. They're by far the best if you wanna avoid looking like a tourist.
>avoid looking like a tourist
But you are a tourist.
>But you are a tourist.
Yeh, but you don't necessarily wanna look like one because it attracts all types of unwanted attention ranging from pesky beggars, street vendors, prostitutes, drug dealers, losers handing you flyers for their fucking bar or spa or whatever; to outright robbers and pickpockets.
Let's try a hypothetical.
You're a scammer/robber/serial killer/serial rapist/corrupt cop/beggar/street vendor/prostitute/pickpocket/whatever. You're looking for a victim at the airport/train station/taxi spot/around the city and what do you know, you spot four lonely people all wearing different attire and bags. You will pick one to rob/kill/rape/plant drugs on/whatever thing that makes you feel like a G-O-D. Who will you target and why?
Person 1:
- Carries a big duffel bag.
- Wears a casual shirt and jeans.
Person 2:
- Carries a 35L urban style backpack.
- Wears urban attire.
Person 3:
- Has two rolling suitcases.
- Dressed like your average tourist.
Person 4:
- Carries a big, scruffy 60L hiking backpack.
- Wears boots and hiking clothes.
Person 1 could be anyone. Just some random guy or girl going to the gym or the beach.
Person 2 could also be anyone. Just some student with a tech bag and maybe a laptop. If it's a tourist he/she is a minimalist so is probably just carrying clothes.
Person 3 is a tourist but probably has a cab waiting and will go straight from point A to point B and stash all of his/her valuables. The window to rob this person or whatever is very small.
Person 4 is the lick. Likely has a ton of expensive, brand new hiking gear and tech. Likely has a couple of thousands of dollars in the bag "just in case". Likely is open to talk to you and follow you because he/she "wants the real local experience". Likely to take public transport and roam around the city with all his/her shit so you can stalk and wait for an opportunity.
Like, there are ways to minimize the risk. Why act like a victim?
Hello there
Hell yeah. I use a $6 duffel bag I got from goodwill and a hiking day pack. Perfect combo. Feels good to mog everyone in the hostel too
Combo it with a crossbody sling for day trips.
Based.
I have been living out of a suitcase for seven months and it is literally falling apart. I would love to get a backpack but I have some fragile stuff I don't want to get broken
Both suck.
A top-loader hiking backpack sucks because it's a nightmare to organize and you get dirty/wet clothes on top and clean clothes plus other stuff at the bottom and then you have to unpack everything and stuff it all back in. On top of that it gets tangled on everything when you're taking public transportation or flying. Perhaps worst, is that if you're travelling in the 3rd world thieves will identify you as a stereotypical backpacker which usually means you have travel funds and gadgets for 2-3 months rather than 1-2 weeks and that there's a good chance you're carrying some of it from hostel to hostel, rather than keeping it locked away in a hotel safe.
Suitcases suck for all the reasons why you're considering a backpack. They're ok for one-stop travel but if you're planing to move locations they're a pain in the ass.
Best option is clamshell hybrid aka a weekender or carry-on backpack. They can be carried like backpacks but the straps can also be tucked away and it can be carried as a duffelbag or a suitcase and it has the organization of a suitcase so you can neatly pack all your clothes in packing tubes. They usually also as the name implies can be carried on a plane and look urban so appear more like a daypack than an outright backpack.
Some examples:
You can also find a variety on Amazon if you search for weekender backpack and carry-on backpack. I have this Amazon branded weekender and it has
served me well for probably more than two years of travel time now and was like $60-$70 when I bought it:
A Nanobag fits in your pocket and can be used as a daypack instead of carrying around plastic bags or a small backpack:
>Best option is clamshell hybrid aka a weekender or carry-on backpack. They can be carried like backpacks but the straps can also be tucked away and it can be carried as a duffelbag or a suitcase and it has the organization of a suitcase so you can neatly pack all your clothes in packing tubes. They usually also as the name implies can be carried on a plane and look urban so appear more like a daypack than an outright backpack.
For longer trips, there has to be a line between something that can pass for a daypack and something that's actually usable. You can get a good sized backpack that looks pretty sleek, opens along the wide edge, and is even waterproof. It won't pass for a daypack but you can use it to carry a week or more worth of clothes and still meet the carry-on requirements for a plane. I've traveled a couple of times as light as
, but I learned that I detest having to wash my clothes every two days. I'd rather wash them every week. When I use backpacks, I'm usually traveling for 1-2 months and moving around a lot. For short weekend trips, I'd use something smaller like you suggest.
Three sets of clothes and double that amount in socks and boxers will last you way longer than 1-2 days, unless you're saying that you need sixty sets to last you 1-2 months? Also like I wrote the point is that you can buy a lot of stuff at the location rather than bringing your entire wardrobe.
The bag holds more than two sets though, easily triple that without overstuffing the bag, but the main concern is weight because there's a lower 7 kg limit for carry-ons and the things I listed will put you at around 5 kg with a 1.5 kg backpack included. And if you go much heavier, not only do you lose the ability to avoid checking your bag, but you also lose that light weight feel and the options for briefcase and duffel carry plus might have to use hip straps and back load straps and maybe a firmer back frame etc, so when all is said and done you might as well bring a jingly hiker backpack mess or a cumbersome suitcase, which is what I'm trying to avoid.
I've got passive income so I spend the majority of the year traveling and I've arrived at my setup because the number one anchor that makes the experience less enjoyable is carrying too much stuff. I remember my first trip to the Caribbeans I brought a 60l full metal frame ballistic nylon military backpack which I at the time thought was going light because "not suitcase", but while it was reasonably comfortable for the 30+ kilos I carried, I never used my fucking alcohol stove or the plethora of carabineers or read any of the books and most of the clothes I wore, is stuff I bought at the destination. And that thing was so cumbersome that I didn't travel around as much as I did dragging that fucking thing from one hotel to another and setting up base camp like I was climbing mount Everest. It was a shitty travel experience mostly spent at bars in tourist traps. And it made me arrive at this point where I bring the absolute minimum. And it's just a far better way to travel.
>not just a normal school backpack
Everyone thinks you look like a complete dork bro. A suitcase is fine i guess but unwieldy
Is a 30L bag enough for a 4day/3night trip?
Small tiny backpack.
Think of what a white begpacker in Asia. How much do they pack? Then do the exact opposite of them.
>be white begpacker
>pack like you're hiking mt everest
>but you're really going to thailand
>you stay in a hostel
>you drop off your backpack and walk to the nearest western bar
>you drink, you eat food
>you walk back to your hostel
White people LARP like they're going camping but they don't.
forgot the picture.
why do they do it, boys? i've never had a personal issue with one of these types and yet i inherently dislike them and it makes me a little angry to see them
white people pack like they're about to go homeless.
What's a backpack that doesn't scream "I'm a white trash backpacker" but at the same time has lots of space and is comfy to carry around? I had a North Face Big Shot but it's completely worn out.
https://www.minaal.com/products/carry-on-bag-3
https://www.peakdesign.com/products/travel-backpack-30l?variant=39599894757453
https://bellroy.com/products/transit-backpack?color=black&material=nylon
https://www.aersf.com/travel-pack-3-xpac-black
https://www.aersf.com/travel-pack-3-gray
https://www.aersf.com/travel-pack-3-black
https://paktbags.com/products/the-pakt-travel-backpack?variant=34631236223138
https://www.tombihn.com/products/techonaut-30?variant=42044992159933
https://en.heimplanet.com/products/taschen-transit_line-travel-pack-34-black
https://ablecarry.com/products/max?variant=32104084078705
https://huckberry.com/store/goruck/category/p/62576-gr1-1000d-slick-26l
https://www.tortugabackpacks.com/products/travel-backpack-30l?variant=39864592433223
https://www.eaglecreek.com/products/tour-travel-pack-40l-sm
Actual informed posts. Hope someone who's looking for a backpack and overall packing change sees this.
One thing I realized over the years is that with more litre capacity, you just end up bringing more shit you end up not needing that ultimately becomes deadweight. Buy shit at your destination that you forgot to pack and actually need. Also you only like 2 high quality + relatively quick drying shirts/pants+shorts/undies/socks
They always look unhappy for half the day.
These are the people you see snapping at each other at dinner or the train
I actually am wondering what to do.
I have a 40l backpack, but I only need 2 changes when I travel.
On the airplane I'm allowed 1 7kg on the airplane and a 30kg in the hold. I'm not sure about what to bring on my vacation. Maybe only a small bag and buy a backpack there to fill with stuff. I'm going to a cheap place.
I take a 40L pack (fits in carry-on) + a side bag
Moving between accommodation it's easy enough to wear the pack and the satchel at the same time. Sure I probably look like a goober but not as bad as those dickheads running a 50L+ hiking back and whole ass schoolbag on their chest posted ITT.
The satchel can also be rolled up and put in the main pack if need be
pic related my pack
Yeah that's not terrible in terms of aesthetics but it can't be mistaken for a tech bag or an urban pack so you will still have a target on your back for scammers, robbers etc.
Also don't envy the process of unpacking half the bag and emptying your compression bag or whatever just to get your shorts or pants that are stuffed away at the bottom. Or to dig out your dry bag with the power bank or charger. Or to find the pen that has somehow disappeared in the black hole.
It makes sense to carry a hiking backpack on a hike because you want maximum durability with the minimum amount of seams etc and don't want to deal with dirt and grime in a bunch of zippers, but for travel they absolutely suck and you will at some point find yourself on the street or on the airport unpacking your entire backpack on the ground/floor just so you can find that thing you need.
Miklat is the best pack in the world
I will never understand begpacker autism. Be an adult, go with a carry on sized suitcase which you will leave at your accommodation.
>dirty clothes stored in a plastic bag for laundry and to keep the rest of your suitcase clean
>everything else will remained ironed
>don't have to make a mess of everything when you want to pull out something specific
>if you decide you need a bagpack to get around for the day use a cheap, normal sized slim backpack that won't make you look autistic and works just as well for anything besides literally overnight camping innawoods
>you can even bring the backpack as a personal item for free besides the suitcase
The reality is this: Carry on + normal backpack > land in destination > uber/taxi to accomodation > drop off suitcase and leave with what you need in backpack. The whole K2/Homeless getup people go for with these oversized bags are frankly ridiculous, stop larping as an explorer and grow up.
Hello nagger apes, should I use pegase 55 for flying or is it too normie core? shill me the thinkpad of luggage
>using a Louis Vuitton for travel
Your type will be the first against the wall when the revolution comes. Nobody should have that much money
Lmao that's not that much money bro chill
The one numbers you should be upset about are my dubs
I'm wanting a good quality travel bag that's gonna last a lifetime. 1K isn't a lot of money for something that lasts 10, 20 yrs but I'm not sure if LV pegase is that good quality anymore or if it's more just for hypebeast chinko
You are nuerich dumb trash if you think any bag that gets thrown around airport luggage hulls and conveyor belts is going to last 20 years
u mad?
You’re just a child. Even quality zippers don’t last that long, when under pack stress
you appear to be under stress
I really really need a new small tough day carry bag.
Something that can hold a snack, a small water bottle, my iPad, nose wipes, and any small tourist items I buy. Basicly a purse that doesn’t look like a purse.
I had one that was perfect, I mean perfect, for 20 years but the side pockets finally rippped
That’s on the hands free carryalll/utility strap?
not gonna lie bruv if I saw someone wearing this I would avoid social contact with them
My virginity remains intact!
Somehow they made something worse than a fanny pack