(Part 2) Top products from r/onebag

A lot depends on the style you're looking for. I'll also say that security in a bag is a myth. There are things to discourage certain behavior, but ultimately a bag should never be seen as a secure container. (after all it can always be cut)

What I chose.

I traveled for about a month in Europe staying in hostels. Even though it was only a month I could have traveled for about a year (adding only a tablet) with the bag/things I brought.

Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack - $150 (Discontinued)

[Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack

• $160 (New Version)](https://smile.amazon.com/Osprey-Farpoint-40-Travel-Backpack/dp/B014EBM3KA/)
  
  I love this bag but it might not be the single best option for you. It's low profile, turns into a duffle bag (more about that later) and although it doesn't look like a school backpack, it doesn't standout like this either.
  
  The reason I love that it turns into a duffle bag is because theres a semi hidden velcro pocket in the bottom where the cover rolls into. This is a great place to sew or velcro a small zippered wallet or bag to store extra money or valuables. It's not secure as much as its hidden. This won't help you if they steal the whole bag, but it will help you if they just ransack the place and steal from the open compartments.
  
  
  Other Options
  
  There are a ton of other options. I suggest watching the VagaBrothers Video - How to Choose the BEST Travel BACKPACK | Pros & Cons Minimalist Backpack Review and Travel Tips: Packing Hacks, Tips & Essentials
  
  
  The F Stop bags look great, but are pretty pricy. Depending on what lenses you're bringing (18-55mm kit lens VS 70-200mm VR f2.8) it may or may not be worth it for size and configurability. I personally bought a Sony a6000 and left my big DSLR at home. That was actually a really good choice for the type of trip I did, but if I was going for a year (like you are) I understand needing the big camera. You might want to get camera/lens inserts like this (but not necessarily that one, I just clicked on the first one I saw on amazon) to store and protect those other lenses.
  
  Hope that helps.
  
  
  The following is copy and pasted from an email I sent to family friends traveling abroad. It gives links and ideas for things that help when traveling minimally.
  
  
  
  
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• 2 Mini cologne bottles - Well worth it if you are doing carry on only, or if you like to bring more than one scent with you. Depending on how much you use I find that a bottle filled up lasts about 1.5-2 weeks if you are using 2-3 sprays a day. http://smile.amazon.com/MagnaKoys%C2%AE-Perfume-Cologne-Sprayers-Overcaps/dp/B00UKHLBEW
  
  
• World power adapter - http://smile.amazon.com/elago%C2%AE-Tripshell-TRAVEL-ADAPTER-Built/dp/B005AF0C2G Awesome adapter. A lot nicer than the 50 mini adapters you have to piece together like legos.
  
  
• Power strip - https://smile.amazon.com/Monster-MP-OTG400-BK-Outlets/dp/B000F9YN2M I never used this. I wouldn't get it unless you knew you needed it. They are good ways to make friends at airports though, as plugs are always in high demand and few people will say no to letting you free up a plug or two.
  
  
• Battery pack - (updated version) https://smile.amazon.com/Anker-PowerCore-20100-Capacity-Technology/dp/B00X5RV14Y/ OR https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00Z9QVE4Q While there are cheaper and smaller ones, this is the perfect size and capacity if you are bringing a couple or more devices. This will charge a phone many times over. It's especially handy if you want to leave it charging in the hotel then bring it with you during the day after it's charged.
  
  
• Compressed charcoal deodorizers - http://smile.amazon.com/Moso-Natural-Purifying-Deodorizer-Eliminator/dp/B0099K6OVQ Great to throw in shoes or bags that start to get smelly. Useful in hostels.
  
  
• Microfiber towel - http://smile.amazon.com/Sunland-Microfiber-Compact-Sports-Towels/dp/B00MGGYZVG Very useful for hostels as most will charge you to use towels
  
  
• Tripod - http://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00D76RNLS/ paired with a phone mount (https://smile.amazon.com/AUKEY-Samsung-Smartphones-Adapter-Monopod/dp/B01LYN73TQ) this can be used to hold the phone on long flights. Really nice for watching movies on the plane or waiting for a train.
  
  
• Roll up 1L water bottles - http://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00BI9AM3C/ Great for airplanes (no longer need to buy water after TSA).
  
  
• I packed all of my clothes into cubes and a flat packer. http://smile.amazon.com/Eagle-Creek-Pack-It-Starter-Set/dp/B00F9S84D8
  
  
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  Security:
  
  Since I was traveling alone, and in hostels, security was a slightly bigger deal for me. I carried my passport on my person or locked in my hostel (many had lockers or metal lock boxes).
  
  At all times I had a photo copy of my passport and everything in my wallet, some local currency, and a print out of all the embassies in the area. (Attached to this email.) I printed this double sided and had multiple copies with me.
  I told my mom, "At any time I want to be able to have everything stolen, but still have a way back home.” My credit card will do cash transfers internationally and also includes a continuous travel insurance package.
  
  I would highly suggest making three copies of your passport and all credit cards and other ID you are taking. One lives on your person when your passport is stored elsewhere (hotel, for example), one lives in your luggage (preferably hidden/tucked away), and one stays with a trusted friend or family member that will be in the States for the duration of your trip. If anything happens they will be able to assist with proving your identity to the State Department, thus speeding the process along. I suggest keeping some cash tucked in your passport (along with that embassy list), your copy of the passport in the luggage, and then the copy of the passport and embassy list in your wallet. At this point you have three possibilities of things to grab to prove your identity/pay for a cab/tell you where to go.
  
  While this may seem a little overboard, I find it doesn't take that long to set up and helps greatly should anything bad happen. Also consider registering with the State Department. This helps them track Americans abroad should anything happen, and also gives you alerts, should anything happen. https://step.state.gov/step/
  
  
  
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  Tech Tips
  
  I also used a service called Line2 to give me a US phone number to call from and receive calls to while I was away. I have T-Mobile that gives me included unlimited international data. As long as I had a 4g signal, I also had a phone I could make and receive calls on. Google Voice and Skype would also do this. Do be aware of how much international data costs. Wifi is easy to find, but I suggest using a VPN on your phone or laptop for any web surfing. And even with the VPN I would not suggest logging into any financial (bank, etc) while abroad unless you are on a trusted wifi network (aka, friends).
  
  For maps you can download parts of Google Maps by searching the city and clicking “Download." This should work on Android and iOS versions of Google Maps.
  
  

I've been looking for this too! I've made the switch to all USB electronics. I haven't found exactly a USB trimmer, but I have found a workaround. I ordered this Wahl Trimmer. It takes one AA battery, and it's very compact and lightweight. It trims reasonably well also, although it does take a little longer to get a neat trim. I will say it doesn't feel super sturdy, but it has held up well for about a year now with regular, weekly use. I did have to open it up once and adjust the motor when I dropped it in the sink by accident, but that was easy to do.

So that has worked as a pretty nice travel trimmer for me. Of course it isn't USB, but I found these EcoCell USB AA Batteries. They're just AA batteries that have a USB plug, so you can recharge them on a regular USB charger. Since the trimmer only takes one battery at a time, it's easy to keep a charged one in my bag and use the trimmer until the battery dies. Then I put in the new battery and charge the previous one so it's ready for later.

The setup has worked very well for me. And it's actually even better in a way, because I've noticed that these batteries give a more consistent power output. They don't make the motor slowly run out before dying, they seem to work at basically full power and then stop suddenly.

I think I found the same trimmer on Amazon UK here. I imagine you could try this with any trimmer that takes AA batteries though if you prefer a more robust model. I just liked how lightweight this one is. I'm not sure about getting the USB batteries in the UK though... Maybe you could try something like these?

I tried a few different ones include some mentioned here, but ultimately settled on Surpent USB Beard Trimmer. I shave the sides and back of my head completely (man bun on top like a weirdo) and it works great. The adjustable blade is such a nice design and the usb charge means no extra cables.

I'm going 1.5 years strong on this thing.

this travel sized Wahl is what i use. Nice and small. It doesn't work well with half used batteries, but I have some rechargeable Ikea AAs, and usually use it after full charge. I figure when i travel i'll just get new batteries wherever i happen to be. I just use it to trim down a bit, definitely not for a close shave.

At the risk of sounding like Wahl marketing, i also have their nose hair trimmer which is also really small and has a pretty solid metal body.

Both together take up very little space.

Hey!

In an old comment of yours also replying to a laundry sink bag, you mentioned the things you'd change for the future. In that, these two items were listed:

Sea To Summit Lite Line Clothesline https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000T28X4E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_.5gaBbA0RBH9B

Paracord Planet Mil-Spec Commercial Grade 550lb Type III Nylon Paracord 25 feet Turquoise https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ACL4NRI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Z-gaBbFG2WD08

My question is what's the paracord for? At first I thought it was to switch out your old clothes line method, but then I saw the sea to Summit one. Also how is the Dr. Bronner soap treating you? Is it a nice peppermint smell? Does it clean your clothes well?

I did this on my last trip and it worked better than anything else I've tried in the past. These little pill bags were surprisingly strong and sealed well, and they took up almost no space. Absolutely recommend.

Anker!

Anker PowerCore 20100mAh because they are so so cheap and reliable!

or

Anker PowerCore+ 20100mAh if you have an item that needs more amperage. USB-C phones or Nintendo Switch, something that wants a little more oomf. Not that more exp.

We own two of each for our camper. We live on these things for a long trips. They're also under regulation size for all flights. Both not too bad for (mens) jeans or a jacket pocket for their capacity, kinda bulky but you aren't going to get slimmer for that size. Definitely comfortable to throw in your backpack for a hike. Durable so far (2 years of many many camping trips and flights home)

Anker are really good. I have the 20,000mAh USB-C power delivery ones. It's a lot more reasonably priced and is just small enough to be pocket sized (if a bit heavy). Get two of them instead.

I have 4 lined up for my vandweller weekends away and holiday/home visit flights and they are excellent and going strong a year later.

I use them for Nintendo Switch (probably closest in power requirements as your lappy), 2x Samsung S8, pico projector, interior lights, bluetooth speaker.

I just picked up a Suprent beard trimmer. It charges with micro USB and is pretty light. I don’t need a clean shave, so I’m gonna use its edger to shave my neck. I tried that for the first time today and it works fine. Results in something that looks like a day’s growth. Haven’t tested it as a trimmer yet.

When I'm not around a washing machine, I hand wash yesterday's socks, underwear, and t-shirt arm pits. I find my stuff needs a washing machine after 3-4 hand washings.

If I'm feeling lazy, and there's no consequences to taking a longer shower, I'll shower with my underwear/socks on, then at the end take them off and give them a final scrub. Doesn't work as well...but did I mention lazy?

I carry this clothesline https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000T28X4E, this sink stopper https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G99DMVU, and most importantly, Dr. Bronners soap! It does a good job of deodorizing, and I only have to put in a few drops in each "load" of hand laundry.

Someone in another post commented recommending the Suprent beard trimmer and I love it for one-bagging because it has one attachment that's adjustable and it's micro-USB rechargeable.

SUPRENT Beard Trimmer with Safety Lock, Body Groomer with 7 Built-in Adjustable Precise Lengths, Portable Travel Bag & USB Charging https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FBJYC1D/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_J5wgDbCNMXVZG

The plan is to do laundry weekly. I also got a killer clothes line that takes up little room and weighs nothing. here

The scrubs is more just Incase. I don’t wanna trust a service to not stick our wool in a dryer and sometimes it’s not easy to fill a sink. We bought this cleaner called “Soak.” The reviews are really good. I’ll have to update. At this point I don’t plan on doing laundry daily. I like to take one day out of the week and relax, cook some good food, and catch up on some Stranger Things.

Thanks, the upcoming Ankers look promising. I'll have to keep an eye out for them. I'd probably skip the one with the A ports to save some money, as I already own the tiny Aukey charger and would use it for any misc devices that need it.

Like this? 100% Natural Turkish Cotton Peshtemal Towels Pestemal Towel Thin Travel Camping Bath Sauna Beach Gym Pool Blanket Fouta Towels Absorbent Easy Care Mint https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0158T20Q4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_t.jxCb2B8WR8F

It took me ages of research to find new releases for items like this. Here's the Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074C2VZ2T/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I've been loving the charger so far. Incredibly quick.

yup, someone referred me to these and I use them every time I travel.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001XOIY0/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

have never had an issue - I travel with a few Xanax for flights, other perscriptions and nothing


edit: this is my Dopp kit: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EOF23CK/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 a bunch of them fit perfectly on one of the shallow side zips

I quit using shampoo, and even Dr. Bonners. Almost every country sells little packages of detergent, usually formulated for that area. I bring one of those Tupperware type containers (my sandwich on the jet), and keep the detergent in the plastic container for the duration of my trip.

Real detergent does a great job. Bring a flat rubber sink stopper to give yourself a little puddle of water to work with. Rinse with the shower, squeezing, rinsing, squeezing, etc until it looks clean. https://smile.amazon.com/Danco-Inc-Suction-Stopper-White/dp/B00G99DMVU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1482805130&sr=8-2&keywords=flat+rubber+sink+stopper

Hang the clothes in the shower until there is no more dripping, and then hang them on the line of cord you brought. If you can leave the windows open, or dry outside, all the better...

I generally take nylon, lightweight wool, and other quick-drying clothing - so I can wash at night, and they will be dry in the morning. If something is not completely dry, it's usually ok because it will be dry after an hour wearing it.

My current laptop is the Huawei Matebook X. I use and Aukey power adapter (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074C2VZ2T) and battery pack (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07JK63TSJ). The battery pack can actually charge the laptop. The power adapter can charge both the laptop and battery pack. I have one long usb-c to usb-c cable and one short one (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DNSYH7R) that each do USB 3.1 speeds. It's great having a usb-c setup like this. Super light and lots of charging options.

I mean, just for a 60w charger Ravpower has one 30 percent lighter and the classic choice is the Innergie, which is nearly half the weight of your pick.

Instead of the 100g dual port charger, there are a few directions one could go. Two of these saves 20 percent of the weight while giving you two 18w PD ports. If you don't need two 18w ports, you can sub in one of these to save another 10 percent. If you don't really need power delivery (which you really might not, most non-laptops don't pull more than 12w unless the battery is very low) you can just take one of these and save half your weight. Hell, if you really want to make the most of 100g, I'd just take two of these and know that any tablet or phone I have will charge extremely fast and have a backup for my main charger in case of failure.

Both Ravpower and Aukey have longer warranties than Anker, and I've had great experiences dealing with both of them. I don't really think Anker is competitive at all in the lightweight charger landscape.

One question: did you consider charging your devices off your laptop while it's charging?

This is my current work bag. It has a mesh bottle pouch on the side, compression straps, a padded laptop compartment, but my favorite part is the wire handle on top. I also have a red one I use as an overnight/weekender bag when I travel. I got mine at Costco a few years ago <$40 IIRC.

I've got the Manfrotto Pixi and it's pretty nice

Manfrotto MTPIXI-B PIXI Mini... https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00D76RNLS?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I use the UL Osprey Toiletry Bag. I absolutely love it. found here

​

Also tip. I use the Lush Toothy Tabs instead of tooth paste for traveling. It really nice not to have to worry about paste getting into everything.

Couldn't find any juice but had the headlamp for when I did early morning drone shots and visiting Herculaneum (looked deeper into caves). I already had it an its small so I threw it in. No knife, TSA approved multi-tool which we used a couple of times mostly for scissors. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0058RX9NU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1.
Weird Sandals?? Pretty normal for me and used this 95% of the time to walk/hike. Both straps on the back broke pulling the sandals on so Keen gave me credit and buying these guys http://www.keenfootwear.com/p/W-VERSAGO.html

I've tried the Mogics Bagel, but ended up selling it. It was still pretty heavy and bulky. If your needs are just a laptop + a phone charger, then it is overkill.

Here's my current set up:

• Hug-A-Plug 2 outlet adapter
  
• A regular cheapo travel adapter for US plugs
  
• Laptop charger (240V compatible)
  
• AUKEY USB Wall Charger, (240V compatible)
  
  The bulk of the weight/space is taken up by the laptop charger, which is a requirement anyways.
  

These were reommended by an article I read early on. First I ordered them and made surr my stuff would fit, then I bought a bag that would fit them!


Eagle Creek Pack-It Cube Set Packing Organizer, Black, Set of 3 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F9S85CS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_vsiTDbFSP6MNG

I have a Skross since ages, works well and very sturdy. https://www.amazon.com/Skross-Travel-Adapter-2-pole-Charger/dp/B00E4GF2TU

​

Before that I had a similar looking one but much cheaper, generic brand, you could feel it was much more fagile and poorly built. Tt burnt in South Africa when I plugged it into the wall lol. https://www.amazon.com/Adapter-Worldwide-Universal-Adaptor-Charging/dp/B01DJ140LQ

When I bought a container to put my shampoo bar in it came in a pack of three. I have been using one as a very small snack container usually filled with almonds and I find myself happy to have a cheap snack as opposed to shelling out a few bucks.

Here is the container I was talking about

Thanks! I notice there are two styles, the Starter and Specter set. Did you use either of these?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F9S85CS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t.YszbKWM24HZ

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007NZVY32/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_mgZszbJ1HTYPY

It's a towel woven flat rather than made of terry, so it packs small and dries quickly. The good ones are made of very soft long-fiber cotton. I have one made of soft linen. https://www.amazon.com/Natural-Turkish-Peshtemal-Pestemal-Absorbent/dp/B0158T20Q4

Companies that make peshtemal towels often also make matching bath/spa robes.

Some good tips here: http://regevelya.com/taking-money-abroad/. I'd also look into a belt loop wallet https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I5IWC1E.

These types of toiletry bags exist, I have one Osprey roll bag.

Obviously improvements can always be made. I would add Shaving gel or oil, aftershave/cologne (solid might be the smallest and lightest), deodorant (I use crystal deodorants, which are small and last forever).

I like Turkish peshtemal towels. One tip is to wash and dry them several times before you will actually use them, as they are not very absorbent out of the package and become softer and more absorbent over time.

I'm pretty adverse to logos, which is what turned me off the HikePro bag. I ended up going for the Amazon packable 25L daypack. It's solid black and has a lot of the same features. Currently just over $10 too.

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B00E4GF2TU/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1497867608&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=skross&dpPl=1&dpID=31jgQWcZ2YL&ref=plSrch

Something made by Skross.
We use the earthed versions for work in our satellite flyaway kits, I bought my own like linked.

They just work, no need to buy an power supply with a specific plug, sometimes I just don't have the time and need power locally straight away. They've never let me down

I meant to type "packable bookbag"

$15 on amazon :)

I’ve never liked these. They really make you stand out as a target. People tend to wear them outside their clothes where it’s easy to use a knife to cut the cord and run. If you’re intent on having a pouch and wear pants, these work better: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I5IWC1E/

But really, for a phone, you just put it in your front pocket, put your hand on it in high crime areas, and stare down anyone who looks suspicious.

Your budget is probably not realistic. The Anker PowerCore+ 20100 charges and discharges via USB C, has two additional USB A ports for other devices, and offers 20100mAh. I had and loved that power bank until an improperly closed water bottle led to its early demise.

It's $70 USD, or about twice your budget.

Closer to your budget would be a Mophie Powerstation Plus Mini with USB C. It even has a little built-in cable. I got one of those because it's pocketable. It works, but it doesn't ensure days of travel the way the Anker CorePower+ 20100 monster does.

But 10+mAh, USB C PD, and decent quality on your budget? You won't find it.

Here is the mobile version of your link

I've been using the High Sierra Elite for 8 years for exactly this purpose.

After 8 years, looking at it right now, I can't find a single fray, tear, or break. Pics

Reversible shirts! http://www.amazon.com/Merrell-Mens-Highgate-Reversible-Shirt/dp/B00DPJGRFA

Lush Shampoo Bar + Lush Conditioner Bar (Sugar Daddy-O) with GoTubb Medium. Alternative to Lush Shampoo and Conditioner Bars are the ones from Basin.

I found these two from Wahl, but I can't understand if they are the same product or different. They looks different, but same name:

Wahl Pocket 01

Wahl Pocket 02

Leatherman PS

https://www.amazon.com/Leatherman-Style-PS-Multi-Tool-Black/dp/B0058RX9NU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486276573&sr=8-1&keywords=tsa+leatherman

Perhaps the Thule Covert DSLR Rolltop Backpack?https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JXECZSE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_m3rNxbQ8NDNXF

There are a ton out there! Not sure what you're looking for, but here are a couple to start with that have a similar aesthetic IMO: Minaal Carry-on 2.0, Travel Pack by AER, Thule Covert DSLR Bag, The Fitzroy by Mission Workshop

Leatherman has one without a blade that is TSA approved but very limited in tools. I brought it with me everywhere but Thailand wanted me to check it in so I tossed it.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0058RX9NU/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486184629&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=tsa+approved+leatherman&dpPl=1&dpID=41M01p2aAJL&ref=plSrch