Hello! How are you?
Last night, Aliza, Jude, and I met at a diner1 for dinner. It quickly became clear Jude was exhausted, so we decamped to Aliza’s house, put him to bed, and ended up cozy on the couch, chatting. It wasn’t the evening we’d planned but it was the one we’d needed (I include Jude in this, lol.)
If you’re new, here’s where you can learn more about us, some of our favorite essays from the archive, and what you’ll get when you subscribe.
I used to show up for weekend trips with a bulging suitcase that I’d have to sit on to zip. Anything longer than three days? I was taking multiple bags. My mantra was, you never know what you’ll want to wear.2
Then Sam and I started planning a month-long trip to Japan, and I realized carting three heavy bags to seven cities, on trains and boats and subways and taxis, would be nothing short of miserable. So I set myself a formidable challenge: pack everything I needed in a single backpack.
After a lot of research and prep, that’s exactly what I did.
When we landed in Tokyo, we breezed past baggage claim, making us some of the first people in line at Customs and ultimately shortening a 90-minute deplaning ordeal to 15. Unpacking and repacking at each hotel was a snap — in contrast to previous trips, where I needed to set aside time the night before to stuff everything back in my many suitcases. And I didn’t bring a single item that languished in those suitcases; everything was worn multiple times.
Since that trip, I’ve become an enthusiastic one-bag packer.
So, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned, the things I don’t travel without, and my recommended warm/cold weather packing lists.
Figure out your five general activities, then pack things that will work for 2+ categories
Here's an excerpt from the list I made for the Japan trip. You can see the leggings barely made the cut (and honestly, I wouldn’t pack them again); most items had four or more use cases.
To make this exercise easier, here are some categories to start with:
Walking around
Going to museums
Shopping
Exploring
Being active
Biking
Hiking
Doing yoga
Running
Eating
Chilling
Traveling
Going out
Seeing live music
Dancing
Clubbing
Once you’ve mapped out your categories, assign clothes to each one. (This is also helpful for making sure you’re not disproportionately packing for one or two activity types.)
Use a three- or four-toned color palette
This might seem obvious, but I didn’t always do it. Pick four main colors and (to the best of your ability) only pack things in those colors. Mixing and matching becomes effortless; plus, you can typically stretch each item further.
A common misconception is that your colors need to be boring and monochromatic. If you love all black, fantastic — but you could also make one color yellow! or pink! or turquoise! Having more colorful options can make you less like a #travelhacker. I usually pick one or two bolder colors (for Berlin, it was reddish orange) and three neutral ones (black, tan, and white).
Try everything on before you go
I’m always tempted to throw all my stuff into my bag and skip this part. When I begrudgingly try everything on, I remember why I do it: there’s inevitably at least one item that doesn’t look, feel, or fit how I’d envisioned. It’s worth 10 extra minutes during the packing process to avoid bringing something that I’ll never end up wearing.
Bring “eight-hour items” (and only eight-hour items)
An eight-hour item is anything you can wear for eight (plus!) hours without once fantasizing about ripping it off. When I’m bringing just one bag, every item needs to be an eight-hour one.
A recent example of this rule in action: I had a vision of wearing these jeans in Tokyo — they’re adorable and work well for multiple activities — but they’re also non-stretch, which means I typically end up changing out of them after a meal. When you’re traveling, you don’t have that option. Instead, I brought a pair of Madewell jeans I can wear all day without issue.
Choose the right bag
I did a ton of carry-on bag research on the One Bag subreddit (the ultimate source of one-bagging tips, if you want to go deeper). Ultimately, I bought a Tom Bihn backpack — almost universally lauded for its thoughtful design and Mary Poppins-esque capacity. Before you click the link, I’ll warn you: it’s $320.
However, compared to the price of an Away suitcase (which it would replace!) or multiple checked bag fees… it’s not so bad. At least, that’s how I justified it. :)
And for me, it’s been very much worth the price. I’ve brought it on 10-plus trips, from quick ones to the Cape to the multi-week stints in Japan and Europe. It fits an unbelievable amount, and the pockets/compartments help me stay organized. Because it’s designed so well, I can wear it for long stretches of time without murdering my back.
I do recommend a backpack over a duffel or a rolling suitcase, as it’s much easier to maneuver around. But gear, or lack thereof, shouldn’t be a one-bagging obstacle. If you want to dip your toes in before committing to a $320 backpack (fair), try the rest of these tips with your typical suitcase.
Packing cubes are pretty divisive: some people swear by them, while others say they take up more space. I like them for multi-destination trips because I can divide my clothes into types (tops, bottoms/dresses, and underwear) and then, once I reach the hotel or Airbnb, quickly throw them into the closet or bureau.
Again, not having packing cubes shouldn’t stop you. If you do want to invest in some, I have and would recommend this set from Eagle Creek.
If you like to shop (guilty), leave room in your bag.
This is one of the hardest strategies to implement; when you’re already bringing a curated wardrobe, it’s tempting to fill every square inch of your bag. However, I’ve learned that sets me up for failure when I see something amazing I have to bring home with me — and don’t have room.3
For my last few trips, I’ve left space for a few souvenirs. My bag is comfortably full by the time I head home.
The items I pack over and over again:
These are so lightweight and comfortable while, thanks to the tapered leg and looser fit, fairly stylish. I usually wear them on the plane, for big walking days, or even to bed if I’m cold.
They are on the expensive side; for a cheaper option, I have these Uniqlo joggers in three colors and sometimes bring them instead.
Quince is my favorite place to buy basics — the quality is so good for the price! This long sleeve was an all-star during my Japan trip. I wore it over an imitation Skims dress (also Quince, but not as recommendable if you’re short like me; it dragged on the ground a bit), with the Explorer pants, and tucked into jeans. Apparently merino wool is “smell resistant,” which explains how I could wear this for so many days without washing it…
Freda Salvador Eda D'Orsay Sneaker
I am obsessed with these sneakers. They’re the only kind I’ve EVER found that you can walk miles in and look cute with dresses and skirts. I have both the cotton and calf leather; for the number of times I’ve worn them, the price is actually pretty reasonable.
This sweater comes in the most gorgeous colors and is super versatile — you can wear it open as a cardigan or buttoned up and flipped around. I have a light blue color that’s not available anymore and am tempted to get the Dark Spruce.
FOTN Jocelyn let me borrow this sweatshirt one night and I never gave it back. It’s so cozy and fits perfectly (a little oversized if you get your usual size). There are so many colors, too, and it’s the ideal lighter layer.
Another top that’s extremely versatile and season-agnostic. On trips to warm places, I’ll wear it open over a tank top or dress, or buttoned-up tucked into shorts; for chillier destinations, I’ll layer it underneath sweaters, jackets, etc.
I’m so bummed this sold out, because it’s the GOAT of my packing list. I take this everywhere — it is the ideal size for taking on the go, so light I almost forget about it, and works for dive bars, beach days, bike rides, and everything in between.
There’s a used one on Poshmark for $30 that someone should snap up. And I’ve heard good things about Lululemon’s belt bags, although I can’t vouch for them myself.
My general packing list:
Warm weather:
2 pairs of shoes (usually the Freda Salvador sneakers linked above and ballet flats or sandals)
1 bottom/dress for every 3 days (so if I’ll be gone for a week, I bring 3 bottoms and/or dresses)
1 shirt for every 2 days (1 week = 4 shirts)
1-2 jackets/overshirts (ideally ones I can wear both unbuttoned over something else and buttoned)
1 smaller bag (if I’m going to a city, the Madewell camera bag; for a resort or beach trip, I’ll take a straw bag like this one)
1 sweatshirt
1 swimsuit
Underwear, socks, jewelry, etc.
Cold weather:
2 pairs of shoes (Converse and these platform Chelsea boots, which I’ll wear on the plane since they’re so heavy)
1 pair of pants for every 3 days
1 shirt for every 3 days (fewer shirts than for a warm weather trip because they’re typically covered up by other clothes)
1 sweater for every 3 days
1 coat
2 scarves
2 beanies
Underwear, wool socks, jewelry, etc.
Bonus Tips from Aliza… Packing with a Baby!
Create a shared packing list with your partner. Sam and I swear by the Microsoft To-Do app. This allows us to add items to the list throughout the week as we think of them, and then check items off in real-time when they go in the car or bag.4
Packing cubes are worth it. I typically pack for Jude and myself in the same rolling suitcase. I use packing cubes to separate our clothes and other essentials (crib sheet, burp cloths, travel sound machine, etc). When traveling with a baby, setting up a sleep and diaper station is always our first priority upon arrival, so this makes it super easy.
Not traveling by car? Order diapers and wipes to your final destination. These bulky items aren’t worth squeezing into a suitcase. Just bring enough so that you’re covered for the flight.
FOTN Holloway said it best: it takes more time to pack less. In my opinion, it’s some of the best time you can spend — having one bag makes every trip better. Hope these tips are helpful, and if there are any you swear by, tell us in the comments.
And, ICYMI: the most popular link from Monday was Heartstopper, a British coming-of-age that’s one of my favorite shows ever. I got a bunch of messages from people who had already seen it (and loved it) and those who were starting it (and loving it).
Deluxe Town Diner in Watertown, if you’re curious. Aliza recommends the gluten free pancakes — with chocolate chips!
As a packing mantra, this is not a good one.
I’m not proud to say I usually sneak stuff into Sam’s bag, and then, when he finds it during the unpacking process, yell “stooooowawaaaay!” He is less amused than me.
That being said, be kind to yourself. I don’t think there’s been a single vacation since Jude joined the family that we haven’t forgotten something that felt critical at the time: the Ollie swaddle, a high chair, etc. Part of the beauty of travel is getting creative!
+1 on the Tom Bihn rec! (Plus packing cubes.) I have an Aeronaut and it’s the best travel splurge I ever made. 🙌
Dan and I ate at that diner with Sam! Need to go back with the rest of the fam!