Hey there, folks! Just got back from a killer three-week adventure in Colombia, exploring cities, going on day trips, and embarking on a four-day trek to Ciudad Perdida, also known as The Lost City. From late March to early April, I experienced a mix of weather, ranging from heavy rain to intense sun and humidity.
Now, I’ve been a bit of a lurker on r/onebag for a while, soaking up all the tips and tricks, but never really got around to posting. But hey, better late than never, right? So, here I am sharing my setup and the lessons I learned on my Colombian escapade.
Let me break it down for you real quick: my trusty bag was the Aer Travel Pack 2 Small (28L), which was an absolute champ. I also had the Fjällräven Skule Sling (6L), a major upgrade from my previous smaller Bellroy sling. This bad boy had enough space for essentials like a water bottle and a rain jacket.
My clothing game was on point with a mix of gym, casual, and swim hybrid shorts, along with a variety of t-shirts and pants. The key was packing light, so I kept it simple with minimal toiletries, a trusty towel, and some essential tech gear like my iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods.
What worked like a charm were my odor-resistant linen pieces, versatile black trail runners, and the handy Aer 2 travel bag. On the flip side, I realized I could ditch the beanie and bucket hat next time.
Colombia-specific lessons taught me the importance of strong insect repellent (DEET all the way), the struggle with humidity for drying clothes, and the necessity of earplugs for the vibrant nightlife.
Traveling with just one bag for years has been a game-changer, but this trip was extra special because my partner also joined in with a 35L carry-on. Together, we enjoyed the perks of no waiting at baggage claim, less stress about lost luggage, and cheaper flights.
Looking ahead, I’m considering adding a collapsible water bottle, an AirFly Pro for in-flight audio streaming, and maybe switching to solid soap and merino underwear for future travels.
In the end, my 28L setup struck the perfect balance between freedom, flexibility, and comfort, allowing me to snag some Colombian coffee souvenirs