After my last post a week ago, I decided to try the Grand Army (M) Backpack. Here are some of my thoughts after trying it for a couple of Days:

• The weight is correct with 2.8 Lb it’s heavier than the Battalion 24H backpack from RFF. It also feels a little bit more solid since the RFF it’s flimsy as there’s only one layer of Cordura, The Grand Army has a red interior which I think it’s made from regular Nylon also the Ballistic Cordura on the exterior Contributes to this feeling.
• Hardware: All hardware is signed by YKK, there are all #5 Zippers 3 of them Aqua-guard, and the one from the main compartment is regular I think. Also, the strap buckles and the sternum hook are signed by YKK. It seems to be good hardware but I would like to see at least #8 Zippers. They run as smoothly as they can be considering the PU layer.
• Fabric. Everything feels great, after all, it is Cordura Nylon. However, I’m not convinced about the material they used for the mesh pockets, as it’s thin it doesn’t …

Greetings!

I’m currently considering purchasing this Border NYC Voyager Weekender bag for $175. Before I do, I’m interested in knowing if any of you have suggestions for better bags at that price or less.

https://www.jcrew.com/p/mens/categories/accessories/bags/travel-bags/boarding-pass-nyc-voyager-weekender-bag/L4800?display=standard&fit=Classic&color_name=grey&colorProductCode=L4800

I’m mostly looking for something to take on weekend getaways (two nights). I’d like it to fit toiletries, a couple casual outfits, something nicer to go out in, and a pair of shoes.

Also, I fly a lot for work, often on small regional planes, and currently use a roller bag that I check. Most of my trips are 4 nights and I’m considering downsizing my luggage to something I can carry on.

I’d like it to be stylish. I’m a fan of both leather and canvas. A nice fully leather bag probably isn’t doable in this price range so I’m looking at …

We are moving to new apartment and would like to design a “backpack closet” in a way it would be modular with for example hooks or other stuff so i can adopt backpack size or current carry i prefer. In this closet there will be only my current edc stuff .. all other travel bags will be stored elsewhere.

For example i was thinking to have something like Packhacker have in their videos as background except this needs to be implemented in closet.

Thanks for tips and help!

I am looking for an all daypack/hiking pack. Everytime I feel like I have decided, I end up changing my mind. I wanted something initially waterproof but that means giving up a lot of pockets or having a roll top which I do not like. Then I wanted one that has an integrated rain cover and waist belts that are easy to stow or clip out the way for occasional every day use, but that is a hard combo it seems. If I could get another compartment aside from just a main and a small easy grab one, it would be nice.

Anyway, I am looking at the Osprey Talon 22 although it is missing some of these features. It seems highly rated and recommended. I have thought about the Stratos as well. JMT makes a bag that checks off a few boxes, but the quality seems meh.

Any suggestions? I have looked at Marmot, Deuter, North Face, and many others. I have read so many “best packs of 2021” that I can’t even keep it all together in my head.

Haha….. Help?

I’ve recently become a big fan of Mystery Ranch after traveling with their 55L Mission Duffel for a couple years. I’m now looking for a daypack that can work well as a carry-on, but also work on the trail. I’m considering the Urban Assault (UA 21), Urban Assault (UA 24), and even the 2 Day Assault Pack (2DAP). I don’t think I need the capacity of the 2DAP, but really like the extra organization offered like the more flexible external water bottle pockets and the extra lid pocket. I also like the side access for the laptop, although that feature isn’t necessary. I am not a big fan of all the molle webbing on the 2DAP and don’t expect to be needing to use it.

Does anyone have experience with these bags? Did you consider the same alternatives? If so, why did you choose the one you did? Have you been happy with that choice and/or would you choose one of the other models?

I am pretty set on getting something from this brand, so not really looking for …

All of my person clothes fit into my one-bag, a Patagonia Arbor 20L. In 2016 I watched a video in which a woman challenges the viewer to live 30 days out of just one bag. I took the challenge and loved it so much it surprised me. I have been decluttering and optimizing my possessions ever since. Today, I sent off the last piece of hobby gear that hd hovering around unused for years. And in the moment I achieved an inner peace. They all fit with room for basic toiletries, a packing cube of under things and a sleeping bag liner. So proud of myself! I know we mostly focus on travel in this sub, but it was always a lifestyle goal for me too. The trips helped to discover what’s actually useful versus what’s just nice to have. Cheers!

Hi all, I saw a post the other day saying they wished more people posted a breakdown of their one bag post trip of what worked and what didn’t. So I thought I’d post mine from my recent 12 day trip to Malta and Gozo from the UK. A quick note, this was a pretty warm weather country so it is designed around warm climates. Hopefully this helps some people.

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Bag

• Tom Bihn Synik 22 - Great bag, love the size of it. Amazing for daybag usage and fits in low cost carrier limits. Only issue I came into was when I was moving between the main island and Gozo. I packed my flight clothes, the sun cream and aloe vera I’d bought and the water I’d purchased And the bag got pretty tight. It all fit but looked a but bulgy. Overall the pack weighed 6.4kg which was nice for my back.

Worn Clothes

• Mountain Warehouse Merino Wool ¹⁄₄ Zip - Simple jumper to keep me warm on the plane. Rolls up small and keeps me warm.
• Kathmandu long sleeve merino wool t-shirt - I like this top as it is …

Men’s

Women’s

I was at Target this week, and I found these athletic shirts that felt almost like incredibly soft, supima cotton. The inside material is even softer and more plush than the outside.

I almost didn’t even look at the fabric details, because they feel and look like exactly like cotton (none of that shiny, polyester look most athletic shirts have).

They are actually polyester with a bit of spandex.

Super light, breathable, and soft, with plenty of stretch to move with your body no matter what activity you’re doing.

Time will tell how durable they are, but they feel very high-quality. Every bit as high-quality as the Vuori Stratos Tech shirts I have (but a bit thicker, which might help with durability).

These are going to be my primary shirts for one-bagging for the rest of the year, at least. I’ll report back on how they do, but so far, they seem very, very promising. And the price is just crazy cheap for shirts like this.

Every week I need to pack things for 5 days, and currently I go with suitcase and in it: 5 shirts/socks/underwear, towel and some pants. I also carry 4-5 boxes of food in a small picnic cooler In addition, I carry a backpack with laptop, books, water bottle, chargers, etc

It’s very annoying to get around like this by public transport, do you have any tips on how to pack smarter?

Thanks!