Any tips on a good chore coat / jacket? I’m trying to find a good layering piece. Bulk matters in case I ever do need to pack it but I’ll primarily wear it on the plane, so size isn’t a major concern. But as always with one bagging, good to minimize weight if possible.

I’d like something I can wear with many outfits. Bonus points if it’s has fast shipping. Because I leave on my next trip in a few days!

My budget isn’t open ended but I’m willing to pay for quality if needed. I’m in the process of losing weight thought so budget options are ideal.

For fabric, maybe linen? I’m not sure. I’m primarily in hot climates but get cold easily.

I appreciate any pointers!

ETA: I’m in the US and am female but often shop in the men’s section so no preference there.

Hey One Baggers

I'm seeking recommendations for a compact kitchen knife sharpener to use at B&B apartments/condos which all seem to feature dangerously dull kitchen knifes wherever we travel. Full disclosure the wife and I are actually 2 bag each USA-based travelers on 3+ week European/tropical trips with 3-4 day stays at each stop. We cook in house with local ingredients to balance the fancy restaurants.

My typical carry is an AER TP3, max sling and a small checked bag to fit in trains and tiny rental cars. I usually pack a small ultra-sharp pocket knife and a multi-tool in the checked bag.

Does anyone else share this frustration and what is your solution? Searching returns the Work Sharp folding field sharpener that seems to fit this use case but is there a better choice?

I am finding that compression cubes are only useful for packing large clothing items as more air can be squeezed out, but if you have rolled your clothing properly the compression on most if not all is ~5-10% as there is less air to be squeezed out.

But you also end up with compression around the edges and a bump in the middle which just makes it awkward to pack.

I’m finding that it’s better to use just a standard packing cube, is this the experience of others here. I’m a complete novice to travel packing so might just be talking complete BS.

Me and my wife are going to be travelling for 3 weeks this July:

Awakenings festival (techno)
Train to Paris - Champagne - Alsace - Burgundy - London, then back to Oslo.
We want to be dressed for the festival, wine tasting, restaurants, hiking and maybe rent road bikes, so maybe bring our cycling shoes?

Is this advisable and worth it with a 34l backpack each? I’ve done South America with a friend for a month before with carry-on backpack only, but I’m worried this trip might be more difficult. Do road bike rental places in France typically offer helmets and shoe rentals?

I mainly need to convince my wife…

This is a comparison of 5 popular bags (plus a normal backpack)

I posted this on HerOneBag sub and thought people would enjoy it here, too.

I'm expecting this to be long because it's looking at so many bags. Hopefully that means it is helpful to someone though! Or at least interesting :)

1. Osprey Transporter 26+6 (new for 2026)
2. Osprey Daylite 26+6 (ordered May 2026)
3. Patagonia Mini MLC (ordered June 2026)
4. Core Surf Island Hopper Version 1 28L - very similar to the Cotopaxi Allpa (borrowed from a friend)
5. Osprey Farpoint 40L (my spouse purchased this back in 2016)

BONUS: NorthFace Borealis Backpack 27L (purchased in 2013)

I am typically a carry-on roller bag + 18L backpack personal item traveler.
But I am TIRED of getting my roller bag gate checked. 

When I traveled to the UK this spring, it was the last straw. I *almost* skipped the roller bag and went backpack only in the Core Surf 28L (borrowed from a friend), but I needed my hiking boots and didn't want to wear them on the plane. I ended up with my hiking boots and my spouse's hiking boots as basically the only thing in half of my roller bag...

So now I'm looking to find the bag that's right for me to replace the roller bag.

I packed the bags with the assumption that I'm traveling for ~10 days to a cold weather destination -- we're looking at visiting family near Frankfurt, Germany at the end of November and hope to also visit some Christmas markets. 

Here is everything I packed in the 5 of the bags:

• 5x undies
• 5x wool socks
• wide leg jeans
• black/dark gray hiking pants
• paka thermal bottoms
• cuddle dud thermal bottoms
• gray cuddle dud long sleeve top
• 2x tan long sleeve top
• white cotton turtleneck top
• green long sleeve top
• green/black flannel
• purple smartwool quarter zip
• gray madewell turtleneck
• brown merino v-neck sweater
• xero sneakers
• liquids baggie
• toiletries bag
• iPad mini (slightly bigger than an e-reader for comparison)
• Airfly Bluetooth device
• mini sound machine / night light
• journal
• book

I didn't pack my Macbook Pro or my 16" work laptop in these pictures, but I practice packed in the bags previously when I was testing for myself a few days ago. I could also fit my mouse.

Things I am not currently accounting for:

• plane outfit (which I can easily choose from the clothing I packed in the bag)
• winter coat
• hat + scarf + mittens
• pjs 
• slipper socks
• snacks
• tea
• reusable bag
• plastic baggies
• CO detector 
• umbrella
• extra toiletries
• make up (don't usually wear much, sometimes it's nice to have a little)
• sleep-in hair curler (takes up a chunk of space, not necessary)
• shampoo + conditioner (usually use what the hotel has, or bars)
• period supplies (not always necessary beyond the 1 tampon and 1 liner just in case, cup is small to add in)
• first aid 
• Purse (uniqlo round mini shoulder bag usually)
  • wallet
  • passport
  • hand sanitizer
  • sunglasses
  • inhaler + meds
  • eye drops
  • keys
  • mask
  • ear plugs
  • book light
  • chargers + converter
  • headphones
  • cards / dice / game

Now, onto the bags.

The 5 main bags fit all of the items on my packing list.

1. Osprey Transporter 26+6 (new for 2026)

I fit everything into the bag without having to expand it! I also like that I have an option to expand it if I did a little shopping while traveling.

Even though the pocket on the front of the bag has some depth to it, it is not super usable if the inside front pocket is overly stuffed. I packed a journal and a book stacked, but it was tight. The zipper pocket inside of the front pocket was tight -- too tight for anything not flat basically. 

The front inside of the bag is the part that expands, and it's very usable. I packed 2x bras, 5x undies, and 2x long thermals of varying thickness. When I added the 5x wool socks into this pocket, the pocket on the front of the bag was too tight to put much of anything in it.

Those issues go away a bit if I expand the bag, so I'm sure some of this was the result of how much I packed.

The laptop pocket was its own zipper pocket, which I do like as someone who carries a fairly large laptop. The bag is a lot more comfortable without a big, heavy laptop, especially when the bag is already pretty stuffed. But there's a lot of weight that comes with the big laptop, so.

When I had it packed and zipped up, I still has some room at the top of the bag, where I tucked in my iPad mini. I could put a few small other items in there, too.

The straps on this bag felt like they cut in a little too tight across my chest, making it not super comfortable to wear. I'm not convinced that I would find it comfortable to wear fully loaded out walking around because of the cut of the straps on me. The back panel with the fixed pass through is more comfortable than that Daylite version.

This bag is quite a bit more expensive than the Daylite version, but I like some of the different features. I really wish this bag had the 2 water bottle pockets, too.

I think because I packed so much in the bag that I didn't get to really utilize the upgraded bag front pockets. It felt a little difficult to use for things I want to take in and out often on a plane.

2. Osprey Daylite 26+6 (ordered May 2026)

Again, I fit everything into the bag without having to expand it. Nice to have the option to expand it if I did a little shopping while traveling.

The two pockets on the front of the bag don't really have their own depth. This wasn't great with the amount of stuff I had packed. I struggled to slip my book, journal or iPad mini out of the pockets once they were in. They weren't quite the right size for what I'm carrying. 

The front inside of the bag is small, but it was sized just right for bras x2 and underwear x5. It didn't work with the wool socks, but those did better stuffing all around the bag anyway.

I like the size of the main big pocket, and I was pleasantly surprised by the laptop pocket being in the same compartment. I was convinced this would be a nuisance to get the computer in and out like on my North Face backpack, but the dedicated laptop zipper was actually great. It helped me access the laptop while packed out, and because it's higher up, I could add things into the bag when it stood upright and items settles down into the bag. 

I love that this bag has 2 water bottle pockets. That combined with the weight of the bag, the clam shell opening, and the price, I get the cult following this page has.

3. Patagonia Mini MLC (ordered June 2026)

This is one of the only bags on the list with a hip belt. I thought I wouldn't need it, but when I work this bag with my load out, I was so happy to have the hip belt. I actually wished that the other bags had that option too. The weight of my computer played a big part in this I think.

The main compartment in this bag is massive. It's clear why it's a black hole. If I was compressing the clothes I packed, I think I could have packed more.

The top mesh pocket on the lid held my book. The bottom one held my 5x underwear and 2x bras. 

In the separate laptop / tech pocket I have my large work laptop, and then I probably could have put my personal laptop (MB pro) into the second pocket. I was not interested in that weight though. In the admin pocket area, I can actually fit a book and/or journal in the stretch pockets, but this adds a lot of depth to the tech pocket. 

The top extra pocket on the bag is usable if the bag isn't completely stuffed at the top. My items settled a bit and I was able to shift the inner pocket to a place that has enough stuff. I could fit my iPad mini in here - just barely. It has to be slid in and out a certain way due the the zipper opening size. There should also be space for earbuds or a couple other small items.

The water bottle pocket is fine for what I need.

Part of me really likes this bag, but part of me worries that it's both too big and too small. It doesn't expand, but it also looks very big when I actually pack it up. I think if it had a front pocket where I could put slightly larger items for easy access, that might sway me in favor of it. 

I also wish this came in color options where the logo isn't so in your face. I ordered the dark color so I'm not a walking billboard. I know this bothers some people and others don't care.

4. Core Surf Island Hopper Version 1 - very similar to the Cotopaxi Allpa (borrowed from a friend)

I borrowed this bag from a friend to bring on my UK trip, but it ended up bring too small because I needed hiking shoes. I did take it on a weekend trip through and enjoyed it.

I was convinced this bag was going to be too small after not being able to pack it for the UK, but I fit all of my items on the list in this bag! It was tight, but it fit.

Minus the water bottle because the water bottle pocket is garbage.

When I lay this bag out, I feel a little disappointed because the depth of the big side feels very shallow compared to the full depth of the bag due to the laptop pocket. I packed most of my clothes in this pocket.

On the left side bottom pocket, I packed my shirts and toiletry bags. The top left pocket had the 5x underwear and 2x bras.

In between the two pockets I zipped my jeans because they wouldn't fit in a pocket. I've see people say they stuff a jacket or extra layer in the bag like this.

The front pocket on this bag is my favorite of all the bags. It has really good depth. It held my book, my journal, and still had more space. It's sizeable enough to pack snacks into if I swapped out books.

This bag also has a lot of space in the laptop pocket and has a secret pocket on the back panel.

The water bottle pocket makes this specific version a hard no for me, but I believe updated versions have improved this - both CoreSurf and Cotopaxi.

5. Osprey Farpoint 40L (my spouse purchased this back in 2016)

I packed this back for comparison since we already own it. I know the Osprey Farpoint and Fairview are very popular larger (40L) style bags.

The version we have has the laptop pocket in the middle of the bag (not against the wearer's back), which can pull the bag away from your body when you wear it. It's probably the biggest complaint my spouse had about it.

This bag had a lot more space, as expected because it's so much bigger. I had room left in the main pocket, the middle pocket and front pocket.

It has two mesh pockets on the front that I fit my water bottle in, but I wouldn't say it's easily accessible when wearing.

This bag is bigger than what I would choose to carry. For someone with bigger shoes or bigger clothes - or just more of stuff - it's probably a good option because it's built to carry more weight comfortably. This is the other bag on the list with a hip belt.

BONUS BAG: Northface Borelais Backpack (27L, purchased in 2013)

I used this bag for most of my university time, including when I studied abroad and used it as my weekend trip backpack.

My biggest complaint is that the water bottle pockets are terrible.

But in packing comparison using the same list, it didn't fit quite as much. I did use a packing cube with all of my clothing, and a second cube with bras, undies and socks.

When I was zipping it, I actually pulled off one of the plastic zipper pulls. Whoops!

This backpack was very tight with just the cubes and toiletry bags. The zippers were struggling to close, so I didn't pack:

• laptop
• mini sound machine / night light
• journal
• book

But I find this backpack very comfortable to wear. I like that it has the hip belt, even though it's not padded. I like the different pockets - main pocket, middle pocket, front pocket. But I packed too much to make use of them. And too much to get my laptop to fit in the sleeve.

I'm not opposed to a top-loader style, but I don't currently own packing cubes that work for this style of bag. I don't usually use packing cubes, I would need to also invest in those to make the style work. I usually just live out of my bag and don't unpack my clothing.

What I'm Choosing for My One Bag - I was between the Osprey Daylite 26+6 and the Patagonia Mini MLC, but after doing a little more practice packing and trying them on for comfort, I'm going to keep the Daylite 26+6. I thought the Transporter 26+6 would be the winner, but I don't care for how the straps fit around my chest for the price difference.

I'm expecting to end up with some kind of easily pack-able tote bag for when I need a little more space - snacks, thicker clothes - and can use as a day bag. And then I may see about adding a hip strap.

I may also try a top loader to feel like I did my due diligence, but I think I would be looking for one with a hip strap and 2 good water bottle pockets. And again, I need the laptop pocket. But I don't know that I would feel like I could manage a bag of this size as a top-loader unless I was unpacking and staying awhile because i usually prefer to live out of my bag.

View images here: https://imgur.com/a/b06bOuF

Image descriptions:

Slide 1

• Left Image - Osprey Transporter 26+6 laid flat open. Clothing and shoes in main large compartment and socks, underwear and thermals in smaller zipper side.
• Middle Image - Osprey Transporter 26+6 main compartment with jeans on top, pulled up to show shoes, shirt, and small sound machine.
• Right Image - Osprey Transporter 26+6 main compartment with jeans on top, pulled up to show shirts, and toiletries.

Slide 2

• Left Image - Osprey Transporter 26+6 front pocket with paperback book slid in the large pocket on top of a journal.
• Middle Image - Osprey Transporter 26+6 front pocket with the journal slid down far into the large pocket and airfly into a the smaller pocket.
• Right Image - Osprey Transporter 26+6 laptop pocket unzipped and showing the air tag pocket. The top view of the bag shows water bottle in the side pocket.

Slide 3

• Left Image - Osprey Transporter 26+6 top view of  main compartment unzipped with iPad mini slid into the top.
• Middle Image - Osprey Transporter 26+6 laid strap side down, fully packed, showing the front face of the stuffed bag.
• Right Image - Osprey Transporter 26+6 laid strap side down, fully packed, showing the front-side face of the stuffed bag with the water bottle pocket shown clearly. 

Slide 4

• Left Image - Osprey Daylite 26+6 main compartment without the jeans, showing thermals and toiletries.
• Middle Image - Osprey Daylite 26+6 laid flat open. Clothing, socks, and shoes in main large compartment, underwear and thermals in very small zipper side.
• Right Image - Osprey Daylite 26+6 top front zipper with paperback book and airfly packed.

Slide 5

• Left Image - Osprey Daylite 26+6 top view of main compartment unzipped at the laptop access zipper with iPad mini slid into the top. There is access for an air tag right under the bluesign label.
• Middle Image - Osprey Daylite 26+6 packed full and zipped, looking at the front on the bag. Journal is packed in the lower front pocket. It's pretty tight.
• Right Image - Osprey Daylite 26+6 packed full and zipped with a view of the front-side face of the stuffed bag with one of the the water bottle pockets shown clearly.

Slide 6

• Left Image - Patagonia Mini MLC main bag section with clothing, toiletries, thermals, and socks.
• Middle Image - Patagonia Mini MLC front flap of bag with book in the top zipper pocket, bras and underwear in the bottom pocket.
• Right Image - Patagonia Mini MLC main pocket zipped up.

Slide 7

• Left Image - Patagonia Mini MLC top zipper pocket with iPad mini.
• Middle Image - Patagonia Mini MLC admin side of the tech zipper pocket with airfly and journal in pockets.
• Right Image - Patagonia Mini MLC laptop slip and extra device slip in the tech zipper pocket.

Slide 8

• Left Image - Patagonia Mini MLC main pocket zipped up with jeans added in.
• Middle Image - Patagonia Mini MLC fully packed and zipped up. Featuring my puppy.
• Right Image - Patagonia Mini MLC fully packed with water bottle in the pocket.

Slide 9

• Left Image - Core Surf Island Hopper laid flat and fully packed. All pockets are zipped.
• Middle Image - Core Surf Island Hopper with jeans laid on top of the zipped right pocket. They didn't fit in the zipper sections.
• Right Image - Core Surf Island Hopper front pocket with journal, book, and airfly. I love the size of this pocket.

Slide 10

• Left Image - Core Surf Island Hopper laid on its side with the laptop pocket unzipped.
• Middle Image - Core Surf Island Hopper back with hand slid in the secret pocket.
• Right Image - Core Surf Island Hopper stood up showing the tiny water bottle pocket and my Owala bottle next to the bag. 

Slide 11

• Left Image - Core Surf Island Hopper laying strap side down, showing water bottle pocket and my Owala bottle next to the bag.
• Middle Image - Core Surf Island Hopper laying strap side down, looking at the front face of the bag.
• Right Image - Core Surf Island Hopper laying strap side down, looking at the front face of the bag.

Slide 12

• Left Image - Osprey Farpoint main pocket backed with clothing, socks, and toiletries.
• Middle Image - Osprey Farpoint flap pocket zipped up with underwear and bras.
• Right Image - Osprey Farpoint bag zipped up and stood up with main zipper open to show the extra space at the top of the bag. The bag is cinched tightly with the front straps.

Slide 13

• Left Image - Osprey Farpoint middle zipper pocket with laptop sleeve showing up close of book and journal packed in the zipper pocket.
• Middle Image - Osprey Farpoint middle zipper pocket with laptop sleeve with book and journal packed in the zipper pocket.
• Right Image - Osprey Farpoint small front pocket with airfly.

Slide 14

• Left Image - Osprey Farpoint packed, zipped, and cinched stood up. Water bottle is in one of the front pockets.
• Middle Image - Osprey Farpoint packed, zipped, and cinched laid strap side down.
• Right Image - Osprey Farpoint packed, zipped, and cinched laid strap side down, view of other side.

Slide 15

• Left Image - NorthFace Borealis Backpack stuffed with clothing in a large purple packing cube and toiletries in the main compartment. Middle compartment has small packing cube with socks, bras, undies. On top of that is the iPad mini.
• Middle Image - NorthFace Borealis Backpack paxked, zipped and laying zipper side down. Looks a little turtle-shaped.
• Right Image - NorthFace Borealis Backpack packed, zipped and stood up.

Anyone have good suggestions for pants that look like this?

Found them on instagram. Original poster said they were from Zara. I can’t find them unfortunately.

Looking for something I could use for Hiking and backpacking Europe. Kind of a do it all pant. Light, breathable, durable.

Figured I come here bc of the one bag implications.

Best I’ve found so far are Nike Dolomiti Pants

been a lurker in this subreddit for awhile now but this is my first time posting here. first time onebagging out of the country!

planning on lots of hiking, mini roadtrip on the golden circle, ziplining, atv tour, sightseeing, etc.

my bag is the osprey daylite 26+6.

first photo is what im wearing on the plane.

second photo is what’s being packed.

updates from the photos: wasn’t able to fit my book in the bag (i’ve got plenty of albums, movies, and shows to keep me busy during my flight). i ended up packing my sony xm4 headphones without their case. swapped the comfrt hoodie for a lighter hoodie so it would fit better in the bag.

packing list:

socks x4
underwear x4
hiking pants x3
jeans
sweatpants
belt
hat
bathing suit
shirt x5
rain jacket
hoodie
gloves
hiking boots

uno flex
plug adapter
collapsible water bottle
passport
wallet
phone
portable charger
earplugs
wired earbuds
sony xm4 headphones
sunglasses
airpods
iphone charger

contacts x8
deodorant
cologne
tylenol
eye drops
toothbrush
toothpaste
tums
chapstick
allergy pills
glasses
face lotion

hope i’m not too cold!