Hey there fellow onebaggers! I’ve been part of this awesome community for a while now, and I’m excited to share my first-ever packing list with you all. So, I’m gearing up for a trip across Eastern Europe, focusing on Bulgaria and Serbia. My go-to bag for this adventure is the NH500 Escape 23L – in my opinion, it’s hands down the best onebag option available. I’ve had this gem for over two years, taken it on numerous trips, and it’s simply unbeatable for the price and features it offers.
Initially, I had my sights set on bringing along my Matador SEG28 for this journey. I purchased it a few months back but hadn’t had the chance to put it to the test until now. However, as I began packing, it became apparent that the Matador just wasn’t the right fit for me. While the quality and materials are top-notch, the compartment system felt somewhat awkward in practical use. When fully packed, there was hardly any room left for my bulky laptop in the designated compartment. It was a bit of a letdown considering the hefty price tag, but hopefully, I can sell it off and recoup some of the cash.
So, here’s a rundown of what I’m packing for my upcoming trip:
# 🧳 Packing
– **NH500 Escape 23L** – my trusty companion, as mentioned earlier. I’ve added a budget carabiner from AliExpress and a couple of Nite Ize S-Biners on the zipper pulls. In the bottle pockets, I stash a Decathlon bag rain cover on one side and a compact umbrella on the other.
– **Alpaka Flight Sling 2L** – a must-have on all my travels. Inside, you’ll find my Herschel card holder, Anker Zolo power bank, USB-C cable, and passport. This sling has been a lifesaver during my previous Europe jaunts, especially when I got caught in heavy rain without an umbrella – everything inside stayed dry as a bone.
– **Packing cubes** – I rely on two small ones from Decathlon. They may be basic, but boy, are they handy!
# 👕 Clothes
– 6 t-shirts (5 affordable cotton ones from AliExpress + 1 Lululemon quick-dry tee)
– 1 flannel shirt (tucked under the cubes)
– 2 pairs of Lulule