The products I actually use in my one-bag setup. Tech, clothes, coffee, and more.
I try not to be too “optimal” about every single thing I carry. I just buy what I need and make it work. Some stuff is from Walmart, like my tank tops and sunglasses, others I did test out a few options like the folding keyboards.
The Bag
Osprey Farpoint 40
I have 2 of these. 1 is in storage in another state. I bought this one when I knew I was going to travel again. It was on sale for under $100, totally worth it.
Waterproof Backpack Rain Cover
Used this day 1 of travel when I got caught in the rain, was happy I had it.
Nanobag Sling – Ultralight 19L
Always in my daybag. It’s great for grocery shopping, especially in countries that don’t offer bags. When packed up it fits in the palm of your hand.
Tech & Electronics
13″ MacBook Air
Must-have. It’s a few years old at this point but going strong.
Google Pixel 8
Good phone, does the job.
iPad
I like reading magazines and articles on the ipad, as well as drawing with the Apple pencil in Procreate.
Kindle
Amazing! I can’t travel without it. It’s always in my daybag.
ProtoArc XK04 Foldable Compact Keyboard
because I lift up the laptop with a stand, I need a keyboard. I tested out a few folding keyboards and this one was the smallest I could comfortably use.
USB-C Compact Wired Mouse
I don’t trust bluetooth, wireless mice, so I always have a wired one. I can’t stand the trackpad on a laptop, so I always have a mouse and a random piece of leather as my mousepad.
Foldable Portable Laptop Stand
Great, tiny stand for raising up my laptop. I’ve gotten very used to moving the screen up to eye-level, and if I have to work with my neck down I can really feel the strain.
Anker Prime 67W GaN 3-Port Compact Charger
One brick replaces three. Charges the MacBook Air at full speed while simultaneously charging your phone and another device.
Anker Nano Travel Adapter – 5-Port Power Adapter
Works in over 150 countries and adds five ports so one wall outlet becomes a full charging station for your whole setup. Compact enough to always live in the top pocket of my bag.
Anker Prime 240W USB-C to USB-C Cable
A single cable that handles everything — laptop charging, fast phone charging, data transfer. The 240W rating means it’s future-proof, and Anker’s build quality means it won’t fray after three months.
Anker USB-C to USB-C Cable (6ft)
The longer cable for bedside charging, working from a couch, or when the outlet is across the room. Always have two cable lengths.
USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Adapter
So I can use my corded headphones with my Pixel 8.
Lightning to USB-C Adapter
Needed this for my iPad.
Micro USB to USB-C Adapter
Needed this for my Kindle.
Thin USB-C Portable Charger
Great backup battery. So slim you’ll barely notice you’re carrying it.
Clothes
Vuori Strato Tech Tee
Probably my favorite shirt I own. It looks like a nice fitted t-shirt. I own multiple in different colors but only brought my black ones.
ODODOS Men’s Performance T-Shirt
A more affordable performance tee that holds up well. Got this as a Vuori dupe, so far it’s held up.
Vuori Ponto Performance Pant
So comfy. These are my go-to airplane and relax pant. Look for them when they go on sale.
Prana Men’s Stretch Zion Field Pants
The outdoor alternative to the Ponto. More durable, more pockets, slightly more casual look. The stretch fabric means they never restrict movement, and they dry fast after getting caught in the rain (which happened my first day traveling).
Patagonia Baggies
Swim shorts, gym shorts, sleeping shorts, and casual shorts all in one. So light and dry so fast.
Men’s Full-Zip Hoodie
A lightweight full-zip that layers well under the down jacket and looks presentable on its own. Just needed a little something for places with chilly evenings and blasting A/C like the plane.
Montbell Superior Down Puffy with Hood
Montbell makes some of the lightest, warmest down jackets in the world. I got mine online from Japan, just had to measure myself and hope I picked the right size. It was even on clearance, got a great deal compared to the American site.
Darn Tough Socks
Merino wool, made in Vermont, backed by an unconditional lifetime guarantee. They regulate temperature, resist odor, and last for years. Worth every penny of the premium. I know some people on BIFL complain about darn tough but I’ve never had an issue.
Paka Socks & Underwear
Paka uses alpaca fiber, which is softer than merino, naturally odor-resistant, and temperature-regulating. Their socks and underwear are genuinely some of the most comfortable I’ve worn.
ExOfficio Underwear
The classic travel underwear recommendation, and it holds up. Quick-dry, lightweight, and comfortable enough for long travel days. I carry a mix of ExOfficio and Paka.
Chums Surfshorts Wallet
A slim, lightweight wallet with a zipper closure that fits in a front pocket. Wanted the zipper if I had cash or coins.
Carhartt Hat
A simple hat.
Laundry & Packing
Scrubba Wash Bag
A wash bag with a flexible washboard built into the inside. I tried using a dry bag and it was fine. But the scrubba just makes it a bit easier with the valve to let out air and the washboard part.
Laundry Detergent Sheets
Pre-measured, paper-thin sheets that dissolve completely in water. Zero liquid to spill in your bag, zero plastic packaging, and they work well with the Scrubba. Take up almost no space. I keep 20 or so in a small zip-lock. I pre-cut them.
Sea to Summit Lite Line Travel Clothesline
Stretch it between two hooks, a tree, or a shower curtain rod and hang everything to dry overnight.
Montbell Quickdry Sport Towel
Montbell’s microfiber travel towel is compact, fast-drying, and genuinely soft. I have it just in case a hotel or airbnb doesn’t have towels. Also good for the beach.
Compression Packing Cubes
I got a set of compression cubes, just random ones online. They work fine. It’s really just to keep everything organized. I only use 2 of them. One for clothes, the other for underwear.
Matador FlatPak Soap Case
Everyone knows about these. Useful for a reason. I have it just in case the place I’m staying doesn’t offer soap.
Matador Freefly 16 Packable Daypack
A 16L daypack that compresses down. I use it SO much. I need to have a bag for walking around town.
Footwear
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25
My primary walking shoe. Took me a while to find the right shoes. I tried Hokas after having a pair of Clifton 9s. I tried the Clifton 10s and they were awful and bulky. I went to REI a few times to check the used shoes and found these Brooks for just $60.
Teva Men’s Sandals
The only sandal worth carrying. Comfortable enough to walk miles in, durable enough to wear for years, and they dry instantly. I strap them to the outside of my backpack.
Food & Drink
Collapsible Pour Over Coffee Dripper
If you’re particular about your coffee this collapsible dripper weighs almost nothing and makes genuinely excellent coffee anywhere you can get hot water.
Sea to Summit Collapsible Stainless Steel Camp Mug
Collapsible, stainless steel, 16 ounces. It’s the mug I use for my pour over coffee setup.
Mini Scale
I use this scale to weigh my coffee grounds and water. It’s super tiny so barely notice it’s in the bag.
Miscellaneous Essentials
Cell Phone Pouch
A durable, molle-compatible pouch for your phone. Better than keeping it loose in a pocket or the bottom of a bag. Attaches to bag straps or belt loops. I mainly use it for going through security to put my phone and passport.
Zippered Toddler Pillowcase
This sounds odd but hear me out. It weighs nothing, packs flat. I bring it to stuff clothes in and use it as my pillow. I couldn’t bring my custom pillow from home, so this is the next best thing. Standard pillows are just too bulky.
Portable Handheld Fan
This one is USB C rechargeable and not heavy. Was unsure if I’d use it enough to justify bringing it but I used it my first week traveling during some hot days in Greece.
Fiskars Compact Travel Sewing Kit
Really wanted this for the TSA compliant folding scissors. I used this kit my first week, having to sew a rip on my daybag.
Micron Pens Variety Pack
I have these, a few pencils, an eraser, sharpener and journal to draw in when I’m at cafes.
If you’re building your first one-bag setup, start with the bag (duh), a good pair of pants and shoes, and your work setup. Everything else can come later.
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