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Very few items are universally packed, and choosing the right travel clothes will have a far greater impact on your pack size. Still, when it comes to tools, at a high level, one-bag travelers pack 1) tools for laundry, 2) tools for packing, 3) daily carry items, and 4) tech accessories for working effectively.
Please note, that almost everything on this list is arguably unnecessary, and as a nod to minimalist travelers, I've added a "free" option at the end of each list.
Where possible, I've listed the most popular items according to Reddit users for each category, or a few options where it makes sense; for everything else, I've added a link to the top-rated product on Amazon - these are non-commissioned, non-affiliated links - just adding them so you can quickly find what you're looking for.
Laundry Tools
Many one-baggers pack one of the following items for hand-washing clothes; even if you have no intention of hand-washing your clothes, if you're traveling for more than two weeks, you'll appreciate having the option.
Portable Wash Bag - the Scrubba is the de facto standard
Waterproof Dry Bag -
Rubber Sink Stopper -
Portable Wash Basin -
FREE - Grocery store or laundry bags - easy, readily available, and effectively free
For a deep dive into the pros and cons of the above tools, check out Hand-Washing and Drying Clothes While Traveling.
Drying Clothes
Long-term travelers often pack some combination of the below, usually one cord, maybe a few hangers, and clips (universally useful).
You'll never know what your options will be for hang-drying clothes until you check-in, so having 2 to 3 methods on hand is useful.
Twisted Bungee Cord -
Packable Clothesline -
Paracord (Generic) -
Portable/Inflatable Hangers -
Clips and Hooks - Hero Clip
FREE - Lay your clothes on a towel on your bed - you'll always have your bed, but I wouldn't make this a habit, since moisture draws
For a deep dive into the pros and cons of the above tools, check out Hand-Washing and Drying Clothes While Traveling.
Packing Tools
Most, if not all one-bag travelers have some method for compressing their packs, the options are packing cubes, vacuum-sealed bags, dry bags, or as previously mentioned, using your wash bag as a vacuum bag. Choose one of the following methods.
Packing Cubes - easy, inexpensive, and available everywhere
Compression Packing Cubes - good space savings
Scrubba Wash Bag - great space savings, but may be too bulky for some
Waterproof Dry Bags - great space savings, bulky if using PVC material
Vacuum-Sealed Airtight Bags - maximum space savings, thin and lightweight
Plastic Bags (1L) - partially air-tight (will expand after packing), free and easy
FREE - No bags - easy (just roll), no space savings, no extra items to lose
For a deep dive on packing cubes and the various options, check out Packing Cubes for One-Bag Travel.
Daily Carry Items
Most one-bag travelers are technically two-bag travelers, their primary carry-on and a second, smaller personal item; the personal item is usually one of the following.
Packable Day Bag - Matador
Hiking Pack or Camelback - many options
Chest Sling or Waist Pack -
Packable Tote Bag -
Hidden Pocket Travel Belt -
Portable Keychain (or Pocket) Flash Light -
Collapsible Water Bottle -
Tech Accessories
Phone and Headphones
Burner Phone - less obvious but incredibly useful; a cheap, backup burner phone with a local SIM card can be used for nights out, and offers peace of mind should anything happen to your primary phone.
International Travel Adapter - useful everywhere, and universally available.
Portable Power Bank -
Laptop and Laptop Accessories - highly variable by person, we recommend leaving all the extras at home.
Pocket Phone Stand -
Sleep Accessories
Sleep mask and earplugs - hostels and hotels will have a wide range of ambient light and street noise, a sleep mask and earplugs are arguably a must-have for consistent, healthy sleep.
Headlamp, mini flashlight, or book lamp -
Extras
Passport Protector - simple, slim profile waterproof passport holder
RFID-protected wallet: To securely hold passports, cards, and cash.
Padlock: To secure luggage and valuables in hostel lockers.
Booklight - for reading in lowlight conditions
Overpacked and Overrated
Some travelers swear by these items, others find them excessive; here's a list of commonly packed items that aren't necessary and why.
Headlamp: For reading in bed or exploring dark areas.
Travel towel: Quick-drying and compact.
Portable speaker: For music and entertainment.
Travel umbrella: Compact and lightweight for unexpected rain.
eBook reader: For carrying multiple books without the weight.
First-aid kit: For minor injuries and ailments.
Multi-tool: For various small repairs and tasks.
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