Slide Descriptions:

Slide #1- Garments (From left to right)

1. Leather Sandal (Reformation Eden Platform Flip Flop)

2. Linen pant (Eileen Fisher Organic Linen Drawstring Wide Leg Pants)

3. Linen blouse (Eileen Fisher Short Sleeve Organic Linen Button-Up Shirt)

4. Bandana (Free people cotton scarf)

5. Cardigan (Vince Cashmere & Silk Rib Cardigan)

6. Silk skirt (Reformation Carolina Lace Trim Silk Midi Skirt)

7. Satin dress (Free People In The Dark Mini)

8. Camisole (Skin Pima Cotton)

Slide #2- Stuff (From left to right)

1. Binoculars

2. Tech pouch

3. Toiletries pouch

4. Water bottle

5. Sun glasses

6. Wallet

7. Jewelry pouch

8. AirTag bag charm

9. Journal

Slide #3- Toiletry Bag Contents (From left to right)

1. Tooth brush & paste

2. Deodorant & perfume

3. Multi purpose balm & face oil

4. Soap

5. Kabuki brush

6. Bracelet

7. Cream bronzer

8. Mascara

9. Eye liner & sharpener

Slide #4- Tech pouch contents From left to right

1. Binoculars

2. Power bank

3. Power bank charger

4. Wire head phone

5. Phone charger

6. **Need to add** plug converter

Slide #5- Storage

-Shows where I will store my passport, journal, & sunglasses. Inside pocket of bag.

-Where I will clip the AirTag bag charm, and pen keychain.

Slide #6

My traveling outfit & packed bag. On travel days, when I don't have a place to off load some of my clothes I will wear the ultimate layering outfit. Travel day outfit includes- linen pants, cami, linen blouse, cardigan, banana as scarf or head band, French hair pin, bracelet & anklet. these are my bulkiest items, so if they are on my person it will lighten the load of my purse. Even though all items can technically fit in my bag even while wearing the skimpiest of outfits I have packed. I don't like my bags to be full to the brim. It's just not good feng shui to me.

Slide #7

Inside look at the packed bag

Packing List:

Garments:

- [x] Silk skirt (Reformation Carolina Lace Trim Silk Midi Skirt)

- [x] Cashmere cardigan (Vince Cashmere & Silk Rib Cardigan)

- [x] Camisole (Skin Pima Cotton)

- [x] Satin dress (Free People In The Dark Mini)

- [x] Panties (Hanky Panky Breathe Assorted 3-Pack G-String Thongs —pink, tan, black)

- [x] Scarf (Free people cotton scarf)

- [x] Tiny Bikini

- [x] Linen pant (Eileen Fisher Organic Linen Drawstring Wide Leg Pants)

- [x] Leather Sandal (Reformation Eden Platform Flip Flop)

- [x] Linen blouse (Eileen Fisher Short Sleeve Organic Linen Button-Up Shirt)

Attaché:

- [x] Lingerie Drawstring garment bag (Victoria's Secret)

- [x] Tech bag (Aloha Collection mini pouch)

- [x] Makeup bag (MAISON de SABRE Small Leather Flaire Pouch)

- [x] Tiffany Jewelry Pouch

- [x] Chained Wallet —doubles as wristlet (COACH Refined Leather Card Case)

- [x] Bag (AllSaints Luna Suede Shoulder Bag)

Accoutrements:

- [x] Elastic anklet that can double as a hair band

- [x] Bracelet (Return to Tiffany® Heart Tag Bracelet in Silver with a Diamond)

- [x] Airtag charm (MAISON de SABRÉ The SABREMOJI Fruit Charm) I

Toiletries:

- [x] Comb (The Potion Studio Mini Comb)

- [x] Tooth Brush & Paste

- [x] Deodorant cream—*decanted* (Booda Organics Booda Butter cream deodorant)

- [x] Perfume (Jo Malone London English Pear & Sweet Pea Cologne 0.3oz)

- [x] Face oil—decanted (Summer Solace Tallow Emanations Deeply Nourishing Profound Face Oil)

- [x] Hair Oil (RōZ Santa Lucia Styling Oil 0.17oz)

- [x] French Hair Pin (MACHETE Wavy French Hair Pin)

- [x] Eye Liner & Sharpener (RMS Beauty Straight Line Kohl Eye Pencil in Plum Definition)

- [x] Multi Purpose Balm (Summer Solace Tallow Cacao Rose Cuticle, Lip, and Brow Tallow Balm -Regenerative Tallow 0.25oz)

- [x] Bronzer (RMS Beauty Buriti Bronzer)

- [x] Mini Mascara

- [x] Kabuki Brush (Hermès Le Voyageur - Brush)

Gadgets:

- [ ] Electrical plug converter?

- [x] Air tag

- [x] Power cords (iPhone charger, power bank charger

- [x] Power bank

- [x] Wired Headphones (one less thing to charge, and less EMF's to the brain)

- [x] Phone— used for audio books, kindle app, research, guide, accommodations, etc. NO SOCIAL MEDIA

Sundries:

- [x] Soap—used to hand launder clothes, body wash, shampoo, etc. (Dr. Bronner's UNSCENTED PURE-CASTILE MAGIC SOAP 2oz)

- [x] Mini pen (souvenir from my travels)

- [x] Pocket binoculars

- [x] Sunglasses (Ray-Ban Small Original 55mm Aviator Sunglasses)

- [x] Water bottle (Memobottle A7 memobottle - Stainless Steel 8oz)

- [x] Pocket Journal (Bluebonnet The Companion Pocket Notebook)

- [x] Passport

Wishlist Extras:

- [ ] Book Bag Charm (COACH Sense And Sensibility By Jane Austen)

- [ ] Ear plugs?

- [ ] Makeup (Make Up For Ever HD Skin Face Essentials Longwear Full Face Cream Palette)

- [ ] Lipgloss (GLOSS BOMB UNIVERSAL LIP LUMINIZER mini 5.5mL)

- [ ] Crochet project

- [x] Pocket Journal (Bluebonnet The Companion Pocket Notebook)

Itinerary:

Museum art tours

Art classes

Day at the winery

Scenic train ride to next destination

Coffee shops

Private boat tour

Cooking class

Bike ride through wine country & shopping

Convertible car rental, coastal cruise

Confirmed locations: Napa Valley, California & Italy

Outfit combination:

Base outfits—

1. Linen pant + Camisole

2. Silk skirt + Camisole

3. Linen pant + Linen blouse

4. Silk skirt + Linen blouse

5. Linen pant + Bandana top

6. Silk skirt + Bandana top

7. Dress

8. Bikini (pool/beach)

Layering—

9. Linen pant + Camisole + Cardigan

10. Silk skirt + Camisole + Cardigan

11. Linen pant + Linen blouse + Cardigan

12. Silk skirt + Linen blouse + Cardigan

13. Linen pant + Cami + Linen blouse

14. Silk skirt + Camisole + Linen blouse

15. Linen pant + Bandana top + Cardigan

16. Silk skirt + Bandana top + Cardigan

17. Linen pant + Bandana top + Linen blouse

18. Silk skirt + Bandana top + Linen blouse

19. Dress + Cardigan

20. Dress + Linen blouse

21. Bikini + Linen blouse or Bandana sarong

22. Ultimate layering outfit: Linen pant + Cami + Linen blouse + Cardigan over shoulders + Bandana (Traveling Outfit)

**Bandana can be worn with every outfit/look combo as a shawl, scarf, ascot, headband, hat, bag charm or belt) for extra looks**

Commentary:

My why—

FREEDOM. Less stuff to me equals less noise, and more living. I feel so alive and capable when I am hands free and not weighed down by a heavy bag. I also have a wild imagination, and I like to pretend things.. maybe some of you can relate.

The Lowly Bandana—

just a square piece of fabric right? Wrong!! so much more than a piece of fabric. The options for this garment are expansive. This item may be my favorite of all. The versatility is admirable. It can be worn as a top (multiple ways I may add, shirt, bralette, halter, etc.) as a head covering, pirates bandana, 50's woman in a convertible, religious head covering for conservative countries, headband, farm girl, hair ornament in a braid or pony tail. It can be fashioned into a bag or knapsack of sorts, it can be used to wrap gifts or food. It can be used as an accessory on your bag by either tied hanging lose, or wrapped around the handle for more low profile looks, ties into a belt, worn as a scarf, shawl, sarong, ascot. You can use it to protect your hair style while you sleep. It can be used as a blind fold for sexy activities or a blind fold for nefarious activities. It can be fashioned into an arm sling, or a bandage for first aid. The bandana is a must have for any traveler, minimalist or not. I'm sure there are many more uses for the scarf. What can you think of?

Addressing the LIST—

Planning is so much of the fantasy for me, I really enjoy this part. Hand selecting each and every item for a purpose, and not "just because frivolous" is so symbolic to me. What people bring along with them on their journey's has always fascinated me, from real life, to the stories I read or the movies I watch, it leaves a lasting impression on me and inspires me all the time. So while this list and subsequent commentary on the topic seems unnecessarily thorough, it is my passion project... That said, I must admit the irony of how long this post is for how small the packing is.

Medication—

I recognize that some people cannot travel so light due to needing meds, glasses/contacts, etc. I am sympathetic to this fact.

Luxury items—

and no I don't mean "designer" items. Don't care about that. Only care about quality, and health. By luxury I mean the things I don't NEED. Ex: makeup, headphones, journal, binos. All of these are not necessary but they make my journey feel like me, and allow me to escape into my fantasy. Side tangent on journalling— this is deep escape for me. There have been many times in my life where my body is not free to roam, but my mind is and a journal helps to set my mind free. Of course I could journal on my phone, but I am yearning for a more analog life and an escape from the digital realm.

Multipurpose Advantage—

Many things are multiple purpose, I have the ability to go ultra skimpy in the clothes department, or completely covered and modest to include a head scarf (which we've already discussed its versatility)

The tallow balm can be used as lip balm, eye brow and hair pomade, skin wound ointment, leather moisturizer, etc.

Castle soap is so multi purpose, I can wash my body, hair, clothes & water bottle with it. My hair pin works extremely well at holding up my hair and can be filled into many different styles, it also doubles as self defense. My anklet can be worn as a bracelet or a hair band if for some reason I'm not feeling the French hair pin. My bag charm, not only totally adorable but also a means to carry my tracking device in case I were to lose my bag. My wallet has a chain on it which is nice for security, I can clip it to the inside of my bag, but it also can attach to itself and become a wristlet for times I want to go out to dinner and leave my purse in the hotel room.

Traveling with expensive jewelry—

An easy way to carry money in a compact way on your person, should you require it. This, and a credit card make feel safe, and like I have options for getting out of a bind. That said: I'm considering making some large purchases before I go.. tennis bracelet, watch, montblanc travel pen. Nothing too flashy, just quality.

I am WOMAN—

For once, women are at the advantage! We can carry a purse and not look out of place or suspicious. Whereas a man with a backpack or a purse cannot always do the same. Then there's the silk garments, they pack down so unbelievably tiny and are extremely light weight, not only that they are gorgeous and make me feel like a goddess.

In fact, all the clothes I packed I am extremely comfortable in. I feel free in them, and I feel like I have many options and combinations with only 7 pieces of fabric (not counting undergarments or swimwear)

Free the nip! I will be going braless, another expression of freedom, and a rejection of social constructs. Bonus: I feel more luxurious and high end without one. I can always use my bandana or bikini top as a "bra" to tie them down and do more activities, like bike/horse riding, etc.

The water bottle—cures my anxious attachment with water, even though it's small 8oz, it's comforting to have & I can refill it regularly

The Adventure—

Starting the journey with at least 6 days in Napa Valley, California as a test run. I want to field test my items. 6 days is a lot for a test run, but the reason I chose this is because 3 days is no problem, I have enough clothing for 3 days, my hair will last for 3 days, etc. what I really want to test is how things feel after having to wash my hair and hand launder my garments, and hang dry them. 6 days also allows me to test out multiple outfit combinations and if I feel like the capsule is working IRL and not just in the mirror of my closet. Once my 6 days is up, I will have a reset to be able to make any necessary adjustments before taking off for Italy, with no return flight booked as of yet! The reason I chose Napa, is because it has a similar feel to me as Italy in regards to the social class, climate and activities as the places I'll be visiting in Italy. If I'm still comfortable in Napa by day 6 I think I will weather just fine in Italy.

While traveling between destinations, when I won't be able to leave some of my clothes at a hotel or lodging accommodation then I will wear my ultimate layering outfit,

Notes:

Feminine hygiene products: My thoughts for now are to purchase what I need where I am. Or I'm considering brining my menstrual cup although I've recently been getting away from it, as I'm unsure the consequences it will have on my cervix.

Souvenirs: I will allow myself to purchase 1 key chain/bag charm if I see something that appeals, as for larger pieces of art or good wine, I may ship back home if they really appeal

Pajamas: sleeping nude

Satin Dress: I am on a journey of natural fibers ONLY, but I haven't found the perfect silk dress yet. So this will have to do for now.

There was a lot of controversy over my zero bag claim on my Portland trip. The claim was that it wasn’t zero-bagging because I used my every-day-carry purse and didn’t wear my travel gear on my body.

To assuage these critics, I now bring you Part 2. I took the ENTIRE contents of my Uniqlo bag and put them in the pockets of my rain jacket. This proves that I can zero bag by manly-man definition. Please note that I am not using my cargo pants in any way.

Also note that this is a regular backpacking rain jacket. It is not a specialized travel jacket with lots of extra pockets like the one used in Rolf Potts “No Bags” challenge. Yet I got everything in my jacket without using my cargo pants.

This brings me to the reason for this post. it is the insistence on worn-in-pockets manly-man method as the only way to zero bag. This insistence has a greater focus on carry style instead of weight and volume. Yet we know from our own travels that weight and volume are the critical parts of our packing budgets! Manly-man pockets method takes the focus off the important on to the trivial.

We also focus on “ease of carry”, which a small purse absolutely accomplishes. Having done both ways, I will take the purse. YMMV and all that.

I’ll be honest. I found the insistence on doing it the manly-man way to be misogyny. Especially when so much of women’s clothing (designed by men) has little to no pockets.

The most ridiculous thing I saw is gatekeeping by men who have never gone through the gates themselves. Many of them have slings larger than the 4 liter purse I used for my trip! The irony is not lost on me. I hope others will also reconsider this particular way of thinking.

Anyway, here is proof that I still meet the criteria - even manly-man style.

Remember, zerobagging is really about weight, volume, and ease of carry.

Everything I took with me to Brussels for 3 days and 2 nights all in my jacket and pants pockets. My jacket has 5 zip pockets so everything could still be secure. I wore a merino wool t-shirt and washed my pants and socks at night using the provided soap in the hotel room and thankfully my hotel had a heater so they were dry in the morning. Really cool experience going through security and getting on a plane with no bag. Also attempted to take zero liquids but the lip balm and solid fragrance technically still counts for airport security. I took toothpaste tablets which were in the Vaseline tin.

Overall, a really fun experience and definitely doable again as long as you have soap and a heater to wash and dry your clothes. The merino wool is definitely handy as someone who sweats a lot and it did not smell at all in the morning.

The trip:
Not the most exciting trip but a trip nonetheless... I drove 3 hours away to my mum's place for a podiatrist appointment. I intended for it to be an overnight trip but there was the potential to stay an extra night if I didn't feel like driving back the next day. The daytime temperature was about 17-19 degrees C with the evenings being around 8 degrees C and minimal chance of rain. Aside from my appointment my only other activities were sitting around the house and popping out to the shops.

The handbag:. Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag

What I packed:.

• Rx sunglasses in a black slip case

• Uniqlo t-shirt

• 1 pair of underwear

• 1 pair of socks

• Oofos flip flops

• toothbrush

• black gel eyeliner

• 20ml bottle of moisturiser

• Deonatulle Soft Stone deodorant stick

• Zojirushi insulated water bottle

• card wallet

• car alarm remote (keys not pictured as it's not a good idea to post photos of them online)

• NZ power adapter

• Ugreen GaN charger with two USB-C ports

• USB-C to USB-C cable

• Soundcore by Anker R50i bluetooth earphones

• smartphone

What I wore:

• Rx glasses

• hairtie

• necklace

• 1 x hoodie

• 1 x t-shirt

• 1 x wireless bra

• 1 x undies

• 1 x sweatpants that look like jeans

• 1 x socks

• 1 x trail runners

While I'm happy doing a handbag-only trip I thought I'd see how much I could stuff into my hoodie pocket to see if I could truly zerobag -- just my water bottle and giant flip flops couldn't fit. If I owned cargo pants and didn't have an injured foot/was happy wearing outside shoes inside, then I easily could've zerobagged it.

What worked:
Because I was staying with my mum I could borrow pretty much everything; toothpaste, floss, towel, reusable shopping bags etc.

I'm fortunate to have straight hair with medium texture that I just need to run my fingers through to look presentable.

When I'm packing light I sleep in my bra and underwear. My bra is one of those Uniqlo Airism wireless bras that is basically a crop top so super comfortable.

I usually wouldn't take two pairs of shoes but, as the podiatrist appointment suggests, I've been having issues with my feet which means I needed to bring indoor flip flops to wear around the house.

What didn't work:
I unexpectedly had car troubles on the drive over and ended up staying for 2 nights and 2 days and really wished I had my laptop by the end of it.

The deodorant I took had previously irritated me after prolonged use. As it turns out, using it for just one day also irritated me. I'll take deodorant cream next time.

Final words:
While I regularly onebag on my overseas trips, my domestic travel always sees me packing my kitchen sink because I like having options, especially with my 4-year old in tow. Since this was a solo trip I thought I'd try and push myself out of my comfort zone and it worked out great!

Passport, usb-c cable, car-keys, earpods, 36 W usb-pd charger, tootbrush and my toiletry kit.

I’m not saying it’s the best way to zero bag, but it’s certainly one technique. lol

This is my packing list for a summer .5 bag trip where temps are higher than 70F/21C. This loadout works easily for an overnight trip (no sink washing required!) and could be extended for up to 4 days or so with sink washing.

Bag: REI Ruckpack Waist Pack 3L. This unassuming and affordable random REI sling has become my endgame .5 bag for regular onebag travel, and is also perfect for this type of trip. Sadly it's discontinued :(

Packed

• iPhone

• Freitag cardholder (fits up to 5 cards): I use ApplePay on my Apple Watch and rarely need to take out my actual wallet. My daily driver wallet is bigger and holds more, but for this type of trip, this cardholder works well. Contains license, x2 credit cards, x1 debit card, $20 cash

• Mini electronics kit in small ziplock bag. This combo charges my iPhone, AirPods, watch, and battery

  • 4-in-1 USB cable. No longer sold but similar ones are available

  • Anker Nano 30W charger. The fast charging is great

  • Apple Watch cable. Bane of my existence because of the size but I have yet to find a third party Apple Watch charger that charges as efficiently

• 5000mAh battery

• Apple AirPods

• Mini toiletry kit in small ziplock bag (can last about 4 days)

  • Decanted face lotion, toothpaste, and gel deodorant in small Muji containers

  • Toothbrush head for an old electric toothbrush that I don't use anymore. I was going to saw off the handle of a regular toothbrush but I couldn't find my saw :)

• Zip pouch with liners/pads/tampons

• Lip balm with SPF

• Foldable hairbrush. My hair is super long so unfortunately a necessity, would much rather bring a small foldable comb

• Nanobag Sling. Best reusable compact bag ever, so small and light. Perfect for carrying whatever I buy on the trip, groceries, my midlayer if I get too hot and take it off, etc.

• Extra clothes in cinch bag (reused packaging from some recent purchase)

  • x1 Patagonia merino wool ankle socks

  • x1 Lululemon Invisiwear underwear

  • x1 Lululemon ultralight waist-length running t-shirt. These t-shirts are great, they are the lightest I've found! Similar to some of the Uniqlo Airism variants

• Essentials pouch. So perfect for a .5 trip since it already has my daily use items like hand sanitizer, sunscreen, and first-aid supplies

• MYOG universal water bottle holder. Can also be used to cinch my midlayer to the bag when I take it off, and clip my hat if I don't want to wear it

Worn

• Lululemon ultralight waist-length running t-shirt

• Patagonia Baggies. Sometimes I swap these out for lightweight nylon pants if I don't feel like wearing shorts

• Uniqlo Ultra Stretch AIRism UV Protection Full-Zip Hoodie. Gives some warmth when it's chilly indoors and also provides sun protection

• Uniqlo UV Protection 2Way Stretch Cap

• Icebreaker merino wool bralette

• Patagonia merino wool ankle socks

• Lululemon Invisiwear underwear

• x2 hair elastics

• Hoka One One Clifton sneakers. This has been my oneshoe for like...5 years, I have repurchased them 4 times and I also run in them

• Optional (not shown): lightweight umbrella that can be clipped to the bag via carabiner. I would bring this over a rain jacket if there was a lot of rain on the forecast

FAQs

• Shampoo, conditioner, and soap are provided at the accommodation(s)

• All items of clothing (including shorts and hoodie) can dry overnight

• The second t-shirt is used as a PJ shirt (but can also be worn)

• Yes the toothbrush is over the top but you know the drill

• Yes I like all black. You can do it with colors if you want, but I don't want to

• The thing on the yellow zip pouch is a Haniwa figure

I am heading out on a cruise soon to the Mexican Rivera and fit all my essentials into a 3L fanny pack. I have done quite a few similar trips in the past and love the freedom it provides. Given that I am accustom to bringing the bare minimum, there is nothing missing from this list as far as nice to have items. Any more clothes would mean bigger loads of laundry which ends up being more cumbersome to me than just washing a couple of items daily. Happy to answer any questions or cover more of the specifics.

Worn:

Minus 33 Merino Tee

Yamatochi Button down

Kuiu Peloton Quarter zip

686 Everywhere Pants Featherlight

Wide Open Socks

David Archy Briefs

Xero Aqua X Sport

Packed:

David Archy Briefs

ZPacks Trail short

Coala Hat

Toiletry Kit:

Toothbrush

Toothpaste

Deodorant

Q Tip

Flossers

Cologne

Sun Screen

Repair Kit:

Lighter

Snag Nab-It

Needle

Thread

Shrink Tube

Med Kit:

Advil/Tylenol Combo

Allergy

Imodium

Electrolyte

Multivitamin

Dramamine

Sea bands

Misc:

Hand Sanitizer

Microfiber Cloth

Backup Cards/G-Codes/Cash/ID

Sunscreen

Passport

Wallet

Packable Tote

Electronics:

20W Brick

5FT USB C

USB C to A adapter

Power bank

Short cable

I originally posted this to the onebag sub but was encouraged to share this here.

For personal reasons, I choose to carry my daily essentials in my pockets instead of in a sling or small backpack. In order for that to work, I've had to create a micro-kit of essentials that's small and light enough to be unnoticeable as well as comfortable to carry on the body.

The result is this particular pouch containing the things I often use in-transit and throughout the day:

1. 5000mAh power bank

2. Short USB-C cable

3. Micro fiber towel

4. Writing pen

5. Measuring ruler

6. Breath mints

7. Lip balm

8. Castile soap

9. A smaller pouch

Inside the smaller pouch are even smaller items:

1. Wireless earbud

2. Nail clipper

3. Pain killers

4. USB adapters

5. Micro carabiners

6. SIM ejector pin

I'm particularly fond of the nail clipper, which I use for cutting tags, opening packages, and other light-duty cutting jobs. I used to carry micro scissors from a Swiss Card for years until it was confiscated. Meanwhile, the nail clipper has yet to be flagged for secondary inspection. Heck, it's also tiny and ultralight at just 8 grams.

When I'm not using the pouch, I store it in the hidden pocket of my pants, where I also keep a water bottle. The position of the pocket allows me to walk, stand, or sit without feeling any bulk. And due to the roomy fit of the pants, there's hardly any sign of the things inside.

To clarify, I still travel with a bag, but it contains things mainly for the accomodation like toiletries, an electronic charger, and a change of clothes. The things featured here are some of what I use when going around the destination during the day.

A few people have asked me how, as a zero bagger, do I carry and keep secure my passport?

Well, as you can see in the photo, I've had a zippered pocket sewn into all of my boxers. In this pocket lives my passport, emergency cash and an emergency credit card, in a waterproof pouch.

I can (and do) confidently swim with it.

The only time it's not physically on my person is when I'm showering. That's it.

I also carry two laminated copies of my passport in a much more easily accessible pocket, to use for hotel check ins etc. The physical passport only comes out when it is officially required.

What system/s do others use? Does anyone do similar to what I do?

Feedback? I always keep this in my everyday backpack. Partly to be prepared for anything, and partly to be able to be able to go anywhere on literally a minutes notice without packing anything.

I am working on reducing the size and weight of it.

But it does contain more than the bare essentials because it is also a "Merlin bag" that is intended to contain whatever I need when I need it in my daily life.

This is that it contains atm:

Powerbank and a short cable. Pen. Folding ruler. Miniature USB-C flashlight (O-light iR2). A carabiner. A ziploc bag. A piece of paper. A miniature deck of cards. Small ziplock with scissors (nail scissors, also usable for thread, white and black thread, 2 needles).

Cloth. Little bottle of lotion. Little bottle of soap. Little bottle of sunscreen. A couple of bandaids. A hair tie. A tiny container with 4 different meds. Massager. Glasses cloth. A pack of paper tissues. (Travel tooth brush gone atm) and travel size toothpaste. Deodorant.

3-in-1 eating utensil. Tiny salt and pepper packets. Chewing gum. Tiny container with trail mix. Tiny container with tea and a tea egg.

I am going to add: A pair of undies. A utility strap. And I always keep a small knitting project in my bag because it chills me to knit.

Wallet, phone, and keys not in the images.

Also posted in r/onebag and r/edc

First of all for the homeless I would give them a $30 walmart smartphone that has the gambling apps removed and that has some additional apps added like a compass, a wifi finder app, some instructional videos and so on.

Second of all I would include a xl long sleeve shirt or optionally a few women's sizes.

Thirdly I would include a pair of sweats. xl or a few womens sizes. for the xl one there would be velcrow up the leg to adjust the leg height, and a belt that can sinch down over a smaller waist as well as velcrow on the sleevs

I would include some basic clogs which do not require socks to wear and are easily washable by hand

I would include 1 warm blanket which one side is strongly water resistant and it would have string ties around it so it can be tied around like a cloak or like a sleeping bag.

I would include a foam sleeping pad with a note explaining that if the foam pad gets lost that it can be replaced with a cardboard one

I would include a re-usable water bottle.

I would indclude a package of sanitary napkins with a note explaining that napkins can be attained for free in some places

I would include a can of tuna with a note explaining how tuna is the easiest way to avoid starvation and is a good (last resort food). If you save your pennies you can afford tuna at the last momennt. i would also include a list of other extremely cheap foods like peanut butter and crackers for example that can be used as (last resort foods) for when there's little money and almost nothing ot eat.

I would include a package of vitamins and I would give a piece of paper explaining the benefits against malnutrition for taking vitamins and explaining the economics of them and how to get them.

I would include two shopping bags with instructions on how to use them as carrying bags, and clothes washing buckets, and sponge bath bags. I would explain how to make a pillow by putting shopping bags inside of each other. I would also unfortunately include how a shopping bag can be used as an emergency one use toilet. Some people would find that controversial but ultimately I've been homeless and I know the feeling of not having a toilet to use and having to use the ground, and I wish I had had garbage bags back then.

I would give them a wearable beach towel robe with a big front pocket, and this beach towel would be for drying clothing after hand washing.

Finally, i would give them some scissors to trim their hair, and a cheap electric travel shaver that charges off a phone charger.

finally I would give them a travel tooth brush and some floss

The total for this kit would be $60. It doesn't seem like much but it helps a homeless person with food instability, lack of an available bathroom, lack of a way to clean their own clothes or wash their own bodies, the lack of ability to shave, the lack of ability to brush their teeth, the lack of a backpack to carry things, a lack of basic bedding to sleep on, and the lack of a basic cellphone. A homeless person with this kit would be alot better off than without, because it teaches them how to survive on the street with alot more comfort than before without alot of money. It is designed for people who don't have an ID, who don't have a driver's license, and who have nowhere to go or stay.

I think this anti-homeless technology is really important in a time in history where our government is unable or unwilling ot house them. Thank you for your compassion and understanding. I hope I will not have to make a new subreddit just to post this.

Hi all, I just returned from a three day zero bag trip to Portland OR. I only used public transportation and tours to get around. I also stayed at a hostel instead of a hotel room.

I have done purse only trips before, but it is usually with a larger purse. This was my smallest and lightest trip yet.

If you haven’t been to Portland, I can definitely recommend it as a tourist destination.

You can see the full write up at: https://ladylighttravel.com/2025/09/13/zero-bagging-for-three-days-in-portland/.

I would be happy to answer any questions here!

Because some are looking for it, and to make it easier, here is my packing list for my 19-week mostly Europe and UK trip from the 1st of May to getting home on the 12th September:

Literally everything I will be carrying in my pockets for a 4 month, 30+ country trip. No backpack, no sling.

I've got a new phone just for travel that is rugged whilst also being thinner and lighter. My phone, 35W universal charger, tiny Jlab Jbuds Mini earbuds (just 26g with charging case and best-fitting earbuds I've ever owned) a USB C cable, and two adapters (one is so I can plug into USB C if A isn't available, and the other is a micro SD adapter - my backup travel docs will be on micro SD) is my entire tech kit.

My tech and toiletries kit bags are waterproof dyneema 6g pouches from UK company Tread Lite Gear.

My toiletries kit contains tooth powder, foldable compact toothbrush, solid paste deodorant, soap sheets, tiny nail clippers, mini emery board, washable bamboo and silicone ear cleaner bud, silicone swim earplugs (for either sleeping on the plane or when actually swimming), a small tin of kawakawa balm (acts as a soothing balm kind of like lavender when flying, but also has excellent healing properties), small soap sheets, a tiny sewing kit and spare shorts button and a Vicks vapo inhaler. Also - on purpose - zero liquids, so I can leave my toiletries intact in their tiny pouch. 😉

My cutlery kit consists of a folding titanium spork, collapsible straw and collapsible chopsticks in a dyneema 2.8g bag.

I'm an environmentalist, so having my own cutlery kit significantly reduces the amount of disposable straws/implements I use, and will also ensure I'm not taking any chances on cutlery being clean or not in those suspect - but delicious - eateries. My cutlery kit is an everyday carry for me anyway.

My water bottle is the bulkiest item to fit in a pocket by far, but has the best purifying filter I've found anywhere in the world; with my Pure Clear travel water bottle I can confidently drink water from any source, thereby completely cutting out the need for single-use water bottles as I travel around the world (also saving me money). The 500ml bottle is used for filling, drinking on the spot, then putting back in my pocket, without a need to carry a half-full water bottle.

There's already boxer briefs with pockets, but the very best travel boxer briefs (I've worn them for 15 years) are Ex Officio, so I've had a pocket specifically sewn into them for my passport and any emergency cash I might be carrying. I do this as a matter of habit; my passport is ALWAYS on me.

A side note on Ex Officio; they used to produce BRILLIANT travel clothes, but for whatever reason they significantly restricted where they would ship to, and I believe this led to a drastic decline in interest in their gear. Actually, I haven't even been able to buy the boxer briefs from the US for several years now, but thankfully I can order from other countries.

This company has shot itself in the foot; if they still produced their full range, I probably wouldn't need to look anywhere else for clothes. But for men and women, their underwear is second to none. More comfortable and FAR more durable than merino, with the same if not better antimicrobial properties, and is the ONLY company I'd confidently wear just one pair for months on end (because I've pretty much done it before). I just had to alter them to include a zipper pocket.

I wear contacts, so am bringing a pair of glasses and spare contacts, and I am bringing a tiny 24g Nanobag 19L, just so I can tie all of my belongings in it as I go through airport security, and for buying fruit etc in the market, although 99% of the time it will be just stuffed in a pocket.

My shorts and polo shirt are extremely quick dry as well, so I can literally wash my clothes in the shower with me, and they'll either dry quickly while I wear them (keeping me cool - BONUS!) or I can hang them in my room for a bit to dry (thankfully I don't stay in dorm rooms anymore). 😁 My grey shorts have multiple secured pockets (I've had zippers added to each pocket except the water bottle one), and don't look like tourist cargo shorts (they're actually fishing shorts), which I've combined with an elasticated, plastic-buckled belt to allow for any potential weight fluctuations.

I have a black quick-dry polo with a silver ferm embroidered on the front. Reason for black? Hides sweat, forgiving regarding spills, and looks tidy. Reason for a polo? A bit of added sun protection, and again, looks tidy.

The plan with my shorts and polo is to not scream "I'm an idiot tourist", although no one ever really blends in anyway.

My Hoka Infini Hike TC sandals are ridiculously comfortable, and of course can be worn anywhere. No need for socks, no worrying about getting my feet wet. Sure, there may be high-end restaurants where I can't get in, but the best food isn't in those restaurants anyway. 😉 I'm not typically a sandals guy; I prefer trail runners or Crocs (yeah, I'm a Crocs guy - thanks in large part to my stint in an operating theatre). But these particular sandals are absolute game-changers! Oh, and the soles are REPLACEABLE, so a more ethical product also. Whilst in the colder countries I'll buy a pair of socks then get rid of those afterwards.

My trusty G-Shock watch will handle anything I throw at it, and of course, no need to charge it, so the Garmin smart watch can stay at home (and frankly may get retired soon anyway).

After extensive "research", the phone I've gotten for travel is the Motorola Thinkphone 25. Thin, light, high water and dust rating, mil spec, competent performer, decent cameras. But if it gets lost or stolen, it's a $600 phone, not my $2K flagship I use as a tour guide.

The Motorola seems to hit that sweet spot; specs, performance and price. Who knows? If the cameras are decent ENOUGH, this phone may actually replace my Oppo Find X8 Pro.

I'm taking foldable sunglasses. At night, fold them up and slip them in a pocket.

So there you have it.Total travel weight in my pockets 615g.

For 4 1/2 months of travel through 30+ countries. 😁

Obviously, the single most important thing is keeping my passport secure and dry, and the Sulgear pouch is PERFECT. My passport lives in my boxer shorts pocket permanently. I've swam in the ocean for two hours with it, no problem.

Anyway, that's where I'm currently at. 😊

No, I'm not taking any over layers. I'll rent/buy at an op shop and donate back if I do need them.

I have tested every item and system extensively.

Yes, I can literally walk into the ocean and swim with everything on me. This is due to what my items are packed in.

TLDR:

Wearing: Ex Officio boxers, modified, QUICK dry Black QUICK dry polo Grey QUICK dry fishing shorts, modified Elastic belt Hiking sandals G Shock watch Folding sunglasses

Carrying: Mini toiletries kit Mini tech kit Motorola Thinkphone 25 Mini utensils kit Glasses, spare contacts Collapsible water bottle Passport, spare card, emergency cash Wallet with everyday cash and card

Total of everything carried combined weighs 615g.

I can confidently swim with everything I'm wearing and everything still in my pockets.

Well, I figured now was a good time to give an update.

So far I've been traveling zerobag (also zero jacket, trousers or spare clothes at all) for 5 weeks.

It's gone incredibly well!

I wash my clothes daily, and they dry rapidly. Everything fits in my pockets still. I've swapped out my chopsticks for a better sewing kit than the one I had (split my shorts at the crotch seam).

I've also added one souvenir/item of clothing; I bought a Longyearbyen cap when I was in Svalbard.

Speaking of which, many of you thought I'd struggle in the cold in Iceland, Norway and Svalbard in particular. I'm just now on the ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn, and throughout Scandinavia and Scotland I didn't need to buy a jumper, jacket, gloves etc. Even for -6C in Iceland.

I have absolutely breezed through every airport and border crossing, with one minor exception. Arriving in Iceland I got asked why I had no bags. I explained myself and was away within a few minutes.

As I drift down though the Baltics and into Eastern Europe, for the next three weeks I'll still be zerobagging. However, I have left one identical set of clothes with a friend, who will bring them for my next phase of travel, traveling with her.

Given we have proper accommodation every night and it's going to be hot in southern Europe, Turkey and Morocco, I figured having two sets of clothes (wear one, wash one) will be best, so I'll have a very small personal item sized bag for phase 2 of my four and a half month trip.

So there you have it. Happily zerobagged across Scandinavia, including -6C in Iceland and walking back to my accommodation at 2am whilst snowing in Svalbard.

Some people's concerns about hygiene are unfounded; I wash every day and wash my clothes daily also.

If I'm in a hotel I hang them up, if I'm on the move I just put my clothes back on wet and they're dry within an hour.

My dry paste deodorant is exceptional; I wish I could remember the name to share it with you, and my tooth powder is lasting for ages.

So yes, it CAN be done, and is phenomenally freeing!

I suspect in a few weeks when I have the one small bag with a change of clothes to carry I'm going to find it annoying. 😁

*With Photos*

I posted awhile ago about a big trip I'm doing across Europe, starting in a couple of weeks, where I listed what I'm taking. Finally, here's the photos.

Wallet (small cuben fiber pouch): Licence, one (expired) Visa card, AA (roadside assistance) card, blood donor card (not in photo), small amount of cash (NZ cash as an example).

Toiletries (small cuben fiber pouch): Solid deodorant, tooth powder, kawakawa balm, mini nail clippers, mini emery board, bamboo and silicon ear cleaning bud, Vicks inhaler, spare button for my shorts.

Tech (EXPAC Ultra 200 dyneema pouch): Jlab Jbud Mini earbuds in a cuben fiber pouch, micro SD to USB-C adapter, USB-A to USB-C adapter, micro SD (back up important documents), swim earbuds, several pairs of earplugs (in case someone has to share a room with my snoring), universal charger and mini USB C charging cable, mini sewing kit, folding toothbrush (fits better here than in my toiletries kit).

Utensils (EXPAC Ultra 200 dyneema pouch): folding titanium spork, collapsible titanium chopsticks, collapsible aluminium straw and cleaner, packet of sheet soap, Nanobag Sling (for groceries and to put my belongings in only while transiting the airport), 1 metre magnified charging cable (the corresponding charging points add water resistance to my phone and earbuds).

Glasses (cuben fiber pouch): I usually wear contact lenses. Spare pair of glasses, 12 pair of contact lenses.

Water Bottle: 500ml Pure Clear foldable(ish) water bottle with purification filter. Each filter is good for two months; a friend in Europe has a spare for me halfway through my trip.

Phone (cuben fiber pouch): Motorola ThinkPhone 25. This is the best phone for traveling I could find, when weighing up weight, robustness, water resistance, cost.

Passport (SUL Gear pouch inside another ziplock bag): Passport, physical Wise Card, emergency Visa credit card, emergency cash (Euro and Pounds).

ALL of this fits in the pockets of my shorts, and I'm comfortable swimming fully dressed with everything in my pockets.

Shorts: Quick-dry fishing shorts I've had zippers sewn into all of the pockets (except the front right water bottle pocket). Elasticised belt to account for any fluxuations in size/weight while traveling. In the photo, all items are in the pockets. Sure, the water bottle is a little bulky, but everything else is distributed evenly on my lower body.

Shirt: Quick-dry black polo shirt, no pockets.

Boxer Shorts: Quick-dry Ex-Officio boxer shorts, zippered pocket sewn in for passport so it is always secure.

Shoes: Quick-dry Hoka Mach 6s with elasticed laces. Pair of ultra thin (dries quickly) no-show socks. Got them soaking wet today, an hour after taking them off they're already dry (both shoes and socks).

I have utensils so I don't ever have to use disposable ones, and a water bottle so that I don't have buy plastic bottles of water, and the purifier I trust to purify almost any water source.

Literally the only other things with me are my watch, sunglasses, international driver's permit and laminated photo copies of my passport and licence (not shown).

And that's it. Literally everything I'm wearing and carrying for four months. I VERY rarely get cold; if I do need a jumper/jacket, I'll buy a cheap one from an op shop and donate it back as soon as I don't need it. I can either A) wash my clothes in the evening and they'll be dry within an hour or two, or at a pinch can even wear and wash them in the shower, and they'll dry on my body in about the same time. I've tested all of this, none of it is new. No, I don't stink; I shower every day and wash my clothes at least every second day.

I consider my set up waterproof. A couple of the pouches aren't 100% waterproof, but what's in them either can get wet or is in a separate bag to waterproof them. I am completely comfortable swimming fully clothed with everything listed here in my pockets.

And just for those who haven't read my previous posts; why I choose to zero bag.

1. It's INCREDIBLY freeing! I have nothing holding me back. I can change plans literally in an instant, whether that's an unexpected opportunity or an emergency.

2. Breezy airport/flying experience. Not fighting for overhead bin space. Not having cramped legs with something shoved under my seat. Not waiting for checked luggage. No liquids carried at all, so no having to deal with that. Slip on/off shoes, so even if I need to remove them, no problemo. Elasticed belt with plastic buckle, no metal in my clothes; no having to half-undress for security. Even scrutiny over not carrying a bag is a simple and quick conversation. And zero last-minute fees for bags.

3. Security. With everything except my water bottle secured in a zippered pocket, and most importantly, my passport secured in a zippered pocket in my boxer shorts, I am a TERRIBLE target for opportunistic thieves. I can comfortably fall asleep on public transport and not worry about having a bag stolen, or even being pickpocketed. If I get accosted and they take my wallet, that's really no big deal. The card in it is a canceled one. Minimal cash carried. Even if they take everything in my pockets, I STILL have my passport, two cards and cash.

It's not for everyone. I am aware that given I don't need a jacket or trousers, I'm an anomoly. I acknowledge that women have other considerations to account for. By no means am I saying that this is THE way to travel, or that it's for you.

It's my set-up, and one I'm very comfortable with.

For those curious, a friend in Europe is holding for me one spare pair of shorts (after all, they ARE quite specialised), boxer shorts (same thing) and polo shirt, just in case I need them.

Most people think I'm weird for wanting to travel as close to Jack Reacher style as possible.

But you're my peeps!

I've got an upcoming 19-week trip for which I'm taking nothing but what fits in my pockets. 30-something countries, hot, cold, driving, trains, planes, organised tours.

Just what I'm wearing and what's in my pockets. 😊

Zero bagging is extreme. Anyone who doesn't acknowledge that is possibly lying to themself. Or a Tibetan monk.

One bagging is already very freeing. If you're a carry on only one-bagger, you understand the freedom that comes with that.

I just like to go one step further.

I like to have the peace of mind of falling asleep on a train full of people KNOWING that I won't be robbed.

Walking around a city knowing I don't have a bag to be targeted. Getting onto a plane last not caring that there's no overhead bin space, and knowing the airline isn't going to whack me with some hidden fee.

I want to know the precise location of each of my items in fully zippered pockets, and know that even if I was robbed under duress and my pockets emptied, they aren't likely to get my hidden passport, spare card and emergency cash.

I want to present the illusion that my valuables are in my hotel room, even though everything is on my person.

I want to have the freedom to simply not return to a hotel for whatever reason; such as a spontaneous opportunity or even an emergency arises. With everything on me, I can go wherever I want literally whenever I want without sacrificing a thing.

Furthermore I take zero liquids; no having to pull them out and present them a certain way. And everything on my person has been waterproofed, so if I want to go swimming I don't have to leave anything anywhere.

All of my meager belongings are with me all the time. Especially my passport, which is literally ALWAYS on my person, even at home. It's in its wee pocket right now.

I also have the freedom of knowing I can't be tempted to buy anything that isn't either consumable or replacing something I already have that has failed. I LOVE that about one bagging, and especially about zero bagging! 😁

Thinking about scenarios BEFORE traveling means I don't have to worry about them WHEN traveling.

Some see zero bagging as very restrictive. I personally see it as incredibly freeing and invigorating!

Significant thought has gone into every single item that I carry and wear. My thought process is to be independent, safe and mindful of the environment when traveling.

Maybe zero bagging isn't for you. Who knows though; just maybe it is. 😊