Greetings, travellers! Welcome to the world of minimalist travel, where less is more, and the journey is the true goal. At Packing Panic , your ultimate source for lightweight travel gear, we are excited to guide you through the latest trends in one-bag travel .

In this edition, we are unveiling the journey of a onebagger who is also a paramedic in his month-long deployment service to 5 weeks of one bag set up for Bali and Malaysia trip. Join us as we explore on discussion on the best city for morning life, and gained useful tips on cleaning your clothes during travelling.

Whether you are a one-bag traveller, a digital nomad, or an ultralight enthusiast, the adventure commences here. Relish the journey!

Overview

Onebag for Month Long Deployments as a FEMA Paramedic

One bag travel is essential for FEMA paramedics who must be prepared to live out of their ambulances for up to 4 weeks at a time when deployed to disaster zones. The initiator shared his efficient packing list for these month-long deployments, utilizing a 32L backpack to organize his EMS uniform items, basic toiletries, Nintendo Switch, and tools like trauma shears. Fellow responders provided additional tips like bringing ziploc bags to further compartmentalize items, packing extra socks, and having simple “time waster” items like a slingshot or harmonica to help pass long stretches of downtime.

The challenging living conditions of these deployments were discussed, with affirmation that paramedics really do need to be self-sufficient in their ambulances for extended periods if lodging cannot be secured. Some expressed skepticism initially, but the initiator clarified that while hotel rooms or cots may sometimes be provided, the expectation is they come prepared to survive out of their vehicle trunk for weeks if necessary. Overall, the thread provided a fascinating look at the specialized one bag packing requirements for these emergency responders. A key takeaway is the importance of being able to live extremely minimally out of just a backpack during extended deployments to disaster areas. Check out the full discussion on this link: Onebag for Month Long Deployments as a FEMA Paramedic .

5 weeks in Bali and Malaysia

The poster shared his packing list for a 5-week trip to Bali, Nusa Penida, Gili T, and Malaysia, including 1 week for work and time with friends/honeymoon. Despite self-admittedly over-packing a bit, he managed to fit everything into a 30L backpack along with a small day bag attachment. The packing lineup included a good mix of clothing items like shirts, shorts, swimsuits, as well as tech gear like a laptop, camera, drone, and accessories.

Some comments questioned whether so many clothing items were truly needed, suggesting doing laundry more frequently could allow packing even lighter. Others provided specific tips like being wary of stricter carry-on weight limits for budget airlines in the region. He explained that he didn’t mind a bit of extra weight and wanted some nicer outfit options for work events and dinners out. Helpful location-specific advice was also shared, like checking out the dog shelter in Langkawi.

A key takeaway is that versatile, multi-purpose clothing that can crossover for different activities enables packing lighter while still having enough outfits. Additionally, being willing to do very frequent laundry, even just rinsing out items regularly, can drastically cut down on how many clothing items are needed for longer trips. With some straightforward adjustments, it seems the packing list could be streamlined further. View the full conversation via the linked source: 5 weeks in Bali and Malayisa .

12 days in France with one bag each

The poster and her boyfriend used two different one bag travel packs for their 12-day trip to France - she had the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L backpack while he used an Osprey Farpoint 40L. She also carried a 10L Eddie Bauer packable sling bag for personal items needed on the plane.

There was some good comparison made between the two main bags. The Allpa 35L was noted as being able to fit more despite its slightly smaller stated volume compared to the Farpoint 40L. However, the Farpoint had a better system for tucking away the shoulder straps to use it like a suitcase, whereas the Allpa’s straps tended to dangle unless wearing it as a backpack.

A key takeaway is the importance of analyzing the specific features of one bag travel packs beyond just the stated capacity volume. Factors like strap management systems, back panel ventilation, and how easily the pack can convert between backpack and suitcase mode make a big difference in daily use. Creating a detailed packing list tailored to the trip length and activities can also help determine which bag capacity and features will be the best fit. Our product catalog features the Farpoint 40L , that is a practical choice for a unversal one bag backpack. Moreover, for original discussion, can be accessed here: 12 days in France with one bag each .

Best city for morning life

One reddit user No_Top338 was surprised by the buzzing early morning activity on the beach in Da Nang, Vietnam, with the beach and boardwalk packed with people by 6am. This prompted a engaging discussion about other cities around the world that have a vibrant “morning life.”

Several coastal cities in Australia like Sydney were mentioned by other users, with people taking advantage of the cooler morning hours before the heat of the day sets in. Other places like Singapore, Hawaii, Rio de Janeiro, Italy, and various beach towns were cited for their early morning energy of people exercising, socializing at cafes, or just enjoying the morning ambiance.

Southeast Asian cities with lively wet markets and street food stalls were also highlighted, like Shanghai, where parks fill up with people doing tai chi and buying breakfast from vendors before work and school. Even some non-coastal cities like Vienna were noted for feeling more alive in the early morning hours.

A key takeaway is that morning culture tends to thrive in places with hot climates, where it’s most comfortable to be outdoors early, as well as areas with strong exercise/healthy lifestyle values. The unique mix of Da Nang’s beach setting, tropical weather, and local customs around socializing and being active first thing in the morning culminates in those distinctively vibrant 6am scenes. For morning people, finding these urban morning life hotpots around the world can greatly enhance the travel experience. The complete exchange can be found at Best city for morning life .

Practical Tips in cleaning merino wool

Maintaining merino wool clothing can be a challenge, especially when it comes to stubborn body oil stains. The poster shared a successful method for tackling these tough stains using a simple mixture of baking soda and warm water. They described their process: dissolving a tablespoon of baking soda in warm water, soaking the garment, agitating it gently for five minutes, allowing it to sit for a couple of hours, then rinsing thoroughly before a regular wash. The user included before-and-after photos, showing a significant improvement in the appearance of their base layers. They also noted that this method was more effective than using regular detergent, Nikwax Wool Wash, or distilled white vinegar. Despite some concerns about minor dye loss, they found no damage to the wool fibers, which reassured others looking for a reliable cleaning solution.

Community members responded enthusiastically, sharing their own tips and experiences. One user recommended ox gall soap as another effective option for oil stains, while others discussed the best practices for washing merino wool, such as using gentle cycles and cold water. The conversation highlighted the diverse approaches people take based on their unique needs and preferences. Some participants noted that different washing machines and their specific settings could make a significant difference in garment care. This exchange of information underscored the value of experimenting with various methods to find the most effective and gentle way to clean merino wool.

The discussion emphasized the importance of maintaining high-performance clothing to extend its lifespan and reduce environmental impact. By exploring simple, cost-effective solutions like baking soda, users can keep their merino wool garments looking and performing their best. This not only helps preserve the investment in quality clothing but also supports sustainable practices by minimizing waste. The collective wisdom shared in the community serves as a reminder that sometimes, traditional cleaning methods can be just as effective, if not more so, than modern products, and trying different techniques can yield the best results for one’s specific situation. If you are also a big fan of merino wool clothes, you can explore it the options in our catalogue . Moreover, read the full discussion at Effectiveness of Baking Soda in Cleaning Merino Wool .

Hoods vs no hoods discussion

When it comes to traveling, the debate over hoodie garments is surprisingly polarizing. On one side, hoodies are cherished for their versatility, offering a built-in hat for unpredictable weather, a cozy layer for warmth, and a sense of comfort on the go. Many travellers find them indispensable, appreciating how they can seamlessly transition from casual to practical in various climates. The ability to quickly pull up the hood for extra warmth or protection from rain makes hoodies a favorite among those who prioritize convenience and adaptability.

However, not everyone shares this enthusiasm. For some travellers, hoods are seen as cumbersome and redundant, particularly when multiple layers include hoods, leading to bulkiness and discomfort. These individuals prefer using separate headwear like beanies or hats for more control and a streamlined look. They often seek jackets without hoods or those with stowable options to minimize excess fabric and maintain a clean silhouette.

Opinions on hoodies for travel vary widely. While some find them essential for convenience and warmth, others view them as unnecessary and cumbersome. If you dislike hoods, consider alternatives like hoodless jackets or those with stowable hoods, and think about modifying existing garments to better suit your travel needs and preferences. Dig into the details of this topic at Hood vs no hood discussion .

Want some more?

Travelling with a minimalist approach, whether through one bagging, ultralight backpacking, or as a digital nomad, offers a unique set of challenges and rewards. The insights from these Reddit discussions provide valuable guidance for optimizing your travel experience, from packing strategies to choosing the right destinations. Embrace the journey with an open mind and a well-packed bag, and you’ll discover the true freedom of minimalist travel.

As you set off on your journey, may you enjoy both safety and the thrill of discovery! Don’t forget to explore our store for convenient travel gear and various other essentials. Share your tales of minimalist travel and connect with fellow adventurers in our public forum or reach out to us directly through our contact form .