Alright, so after much agonizing and back-and-forth, I’ve finally settled on my decision. Option 1 it is. I’ve made up my mind to give it a shot with my trusty 35L gym bag for the main trip, along with a newly acquired 22L daypack that’s lightweight and easy to pack for my daily excursions. I can finally breathe a sigh of relief and hit the hay.
Let me give you the lowdown on my situation. I’m gearing up for my very first international adventure, which is not only my maiden flight but also my initial solo journey and my longest expedition yet. And hopefully, this marks the beginning of many more escapades to come. Now, I consider myself a minimalist and a seasoned one-bagger, familiar with traveling light for road trips by car and train, as well as rugged backcountry camping expeditions on a shoestring budget. Not to mention the countless day hikes I’ve tackled with my reliable 6L trail running vest. However, I’ve always kept my urban and wilderness travels separate – never mixing the two worlds. The stars aligned, and I found myself in need of a new everyday backpack, which seemed like the perfect opportunity to snag something more travel-friendly.
I’ve been knee-deep in bag research and mental gymnastics for the past four days, teetering on the edge of never wanting to step out of my house again and pretending backpacks don’t exist. When I travel, I prefer setting up a home base and exploring the vicinity. Approaching forty, dealing with a cranky shoulder, and some arthritis in my hips and knees, I’m no stranger to taking it easy. I’m in decent shape, but I’ve learned to heed my body’s signals. I don’t haul a laptop or tablet along, just sticking to my phone, smartwatch, fitness tracker, and earbuds. For my upcoming trip, I’ve got a week planned across three different locales, mixing urban sightseeing with day hikes. I opt for more upscale accommodations but rely on walking, trains, and buses to get around.
Now, the million-dollar question – which one-bagging strategy should I adopt? Scenario 1 involves a roomier carry-on bag in the 35L-40L range paired with a smaller daypack for hikes and exploring. This setup offers more outfit choices, less laundry, and the freedom to use regular clothes without the need for specialized gear. However