Hey guys! So, I’m gearing up for a 9-day adventure in Japan later this year, probably in December. I’m all about that minimalist travel life, so I’m looking at rocking a 25L backpack along with a 7L camera/EDC sling to keep things light and easy. The game plan is to hit up Tokyo and the Kanto region, with a possible detour to chilly Hokkaido for a few days. This will be my first winter experience, but I’ve got my layering strategy all mapped out. I’ll be sporting Uniqlo Heattech base layers under my regular clothes, topped with a cozy cotton sweater and a trusty Uniqlo Pufftech parka. Oh, and can’t forget the scarf or buff for that extra warmth!
Since I’m aiming to keep my mid and outer layers to a minimum, I’m packing enough base layers, undies, and socks to last me 3-4 days before hitting the laundromat. I’m pretty confident I can squeeze all this, plus my toiletries, into the 25L backpack. The camera sling will hold all my essential gear, so I’m good to go, right? Well, maybe. If the temperature drops more than expected, I can always hit up the Japanese stores for some extra layers. But here’s the kicker—I’m a bit worried that my 25L backpack might not have the space to accommodate the additional winter gear.
Just to give you a bit of background, I pulled off a successful 1.5 bag travel stint in Japan last October during the fall season. Back then, I rocked a 20L backpack paired with a 7L camera sling—a GR136 Northseeker 20L and a Wotancraft Pilot 7L, to be precise. So now I’m contemplating whether bumping up to a 25L backpack will do the trick for my upcoming winter escapade. Any thoughts or suggestions on how I can make this work without sacrificing comfort or convenience? Hit me up with your tips and tricks!