My nightly routine includes browsing the new posts in some travel subreddits before bed. A lot of the information can be redundant over time but the takeaway for traveling with onebag is for it to constantly evolve. There is always a design that gets closer to your ideal carry. Some of my favorite travel subreddits (the search function is your best resource):
Most members are taking the time to refine their onebag carry-ons amidst being ‘grounded’ from travel indefinitely. Taking a cue, I made some tweaks to a few of my configurations (yes, you should have multiple) based on the plethora of suggestions. For this trip, I’ll be using a few items for the first time.
Here’s a look into my tentative Tulum packlist:
Backpack
Pakt Travel Backpack – First time use
I jumped on the Indiegogo campaign about 10 days before its closure. I’ll provide a review of this bag after the trip. There’s a lot of hesitation within the onebag community around this 30L bag. At 4.5 lbs/2.04 kg, it’s nearly 1/4 the allowance of most airlines. I had to make a few changes after receiving the bag in the mail.
Organization
Magictodoor Dual Sided Compression Packing Cubes
I always use packing cubes, even if it’s a short trip. Compression packaging cubes allow you to lower the height of the packing cube by zipping the edges together. You shouldn’t be packaging these beyond capacity anyway. I had a set of some cheap ones you can buy at a discount department store but they didn’t last long.
I tried my “best” to capture this. I’m not packing too much so but you get the idea here.
Clothing arrangement. 
Packed, middle still unzipped. 
Zipped and compressed.
Inside Line Equipment Flat Pack
These are high quality cordura pouches I use for miscellaneous organization. ILE is not far from my home so I can visit for a quick repair if needed.
Dopp/Toiletry Kit
Decathlon Foldable Ultralight Backpacking Toiletry Kit – First time use
Rolls up to the size of a pen case. I’ve recently adopted the practice of buying toiletries at my destination. Shout out to u/xWretchedWorldx for the show and tell.
Rolled open. 
You get the idea.
Since my toiletry kit is smaller I will pack these separately in the waterproof pocket of the Pakt bag:
Matador FlatPak Soap Bar Case – First time use
Bar soap lasts longer but may prove difficult to store if the container retains water. This material was their solution. A whole bar of Dr. Bronner’s fits without modification.
Matador FlatPak Toiletry Bottle – First time use
Only purchase travel sized toiletries in a pinch. It’s way cheaper to decant. I’m packing one FlatPak bottle filled with Dr. Bronner’s Liquid Soap for hand washing clothes. I previously used the dollar travel bottles you can get anywhere but they often leak, burst open after expanding on the flight (remember to check them after you land), or brittle with age.
Planned Pack list (most items, not all):
| Clothing | Misc | Worn on flight |
| 1 x swim shorts | iPad Mini | Vuori Ripstop Climber Pant |
| 1 x casual shorts | GoPro Hero 7 | Shirt |
| 2 x tank tops | P&S 35mm Camera | Long Sleeve |
| 2 x Uniqlo AIRism Cotton Shirts | Bluetooth Speaker | Underwear |
| 1 x button-up shirt | Matador DL16 Daypack | Socks |
| 5 x underwear | Book | Shoes |
| 3 x socks | Sunglasses | Hat |
| 1 x Teva Sandals | Extra batteries |
Note: use travel accessories that fit your needs. It’s easy to latch onto the hype of a bag or electronic peripheral. It takes a few trips to get into the groove of traveling minimally. Reddit and YouTube help drive my decisions. Quality over quantity doesn’t always work.
Approximate Weight: 16.17 lbs/ 7.35 kg. Not bad.
Avoid buying a luggage scale. Weigh yourself twice. Once with the packed bag, once without. Find the difference.
Remember that your goal is to avoid checking in a bag at all costs. Using onebag provides the best mobility in situations where you find yourself rushing to another gate if you booked a journey over multiple airlines or trying to link more than one mode of transportation. It also allows you a better sense of oversight and security of your belongings. In some situations this weight may be disqualified at the check in counter for carry on. Plan to distribute the overage weight to a personal item or wear an extra layer or two. Get creative.
Two things I try to do every trip:
- Wear Dark Colors
- Black, Navy Blue, etc. It’s easier to hide stains. Sometimes hand washing won’t get the entire stain out. After my first solo trip this became my normal wardrobe palette.
- Pack Multipurpose Items
- For summer trips, I usually pack a pair of tech shorts that I can use both for swimming and for casual use since they dry quickly. I’ll take both on this trip though.
I hope as a new solo traveler you leave this post gaining some insights. By no means am I an expert at this. I am learning as I go. Please feel to ask questions in the comments below.
graveyard shiftin 
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