Japan Packing List: One Bag Travel Backpack, Cotopaxi Allpa 28L Travel Pack

[@KenshoQuest]

What will you pack for Japan? I appreciate the commissions I earn when you shop Cotopaxi through my affiliate link geni.us/CotopaxiAllpa28L

[@jmunnie00]

This was so incredibly thorough! I really appreciate the attention to detail in all of the videos on your channel. Just to add: Every hotel and apartment-hotel that I've stayed at in Japan offered free toiletries for the taking either in the room or at the front desk. They always had toothbrushes with toothpaste, and then some combination of razors, body towels (aka mesh disposable washcloths), foldable hair brushes (like the one you demo'd), etc. Sometimes they didn't have a specific kind of toiletry but at least always toothbrushes and toothpaste, so if you want to save space you could skip packing those items. They only exception was when I stayed at a hostel - in that place I had to request the toiletries at the front desk. Also, every place (except the hostel) had full size bottles of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and foaming face and hand wash. So again you might be willing to leave yours at home. About half of the places I stayed had lounge wear / pajamas / yukatas available for free in the room, so if you are close to Japanese size in your clothing you can probably get away with only packing one pair of pjs from home (which is what I did).

[@KenshoQuest]

Thanks for sharing! We've had similar experience with hotels providing quite a few toiletries. I'd say at the bare minimum to at least bring deodorant, as hotels don't provide it and stores aren't likely to carry the same selection.

[@JeshSesh]

I've never traveled before.. I'm going to Japan for 2 weeks with the 35L Allpa. Your video really helped me cut down on amount of clothing. Thanks

[@KenshoQuest]

You’re welcome! We have lots of videos here on Kensho Quest about traveling in Japan. Here’s our video on How to Plan a Japan Trip: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6DCgXl9bd2KjbMsi=eXWrX6a_0exLmiHs

[@ceciliebeck6499]

​@@JeshSesh adding, I'd bring disinfectant. And a foldable water bottle (fx from platapus) especially on long haul flight - and it can be filled in airports. Also if you end up having a bit too much, I usually have the totebag to stuff my puffer jacket, scarf ect. It goes on when boarding, but off in the airport (locked to bag with carabinas (bring them and extra lock) or if there's a mesh pocket. The tote serves as a pillow on the plane too either for my back or head. And it's easy access if I get cold. Lastly the cross is a must for me and it has to fit close to the body, as most comfortable, security and easy to grab. I have a foldable one, as well as a foldable tiny backpack from Decathlon. Safe travels and enjoy your trip✈️

[@missitatum9025]

Wow you got a lot in that smaller bag! Great video. I love that the packing cubes go the full width but only take up 1/3 of the side. Best Cotopaxi packing video I’ve seen. Thanks for sharing. Safe travels✈

[@KenshoQuest]

Thank you! I was pleasantly surprised with how much the 28L can fit. It holds almost as much as my small carry-on suitcase. And I really like the organization it provides. 🌸 Heidi

[@KristinaEverhardt]

thank you so much for including weights! so many packing videos are wonderful and would be even better if they told us the total weight of the packed bag

[@amady6]

I have the previous version of this without the water bottle pocket, but it’s one of the best things I have ever bought. It’s worth every penny to never check a bag. It’s easy to organize, everything fits, and if I can do laundry somewhere I could live out of it for months. I have very colorful version so there is no way to ever confuse it with someone else’s. Also, I am under 5 feet tall and it’s not too long or heavy for me to manage.

[@KenshoQuest]

Thanks for sharing your experience with the Cotopaxi Allpa!

[@jjyoung1252]

I was debating between the 28 and the 35. Ultimately decided on the 28 bc I wanted a smaller bag. This video is the perfect packing inspiration. Thank you!

[@KenshoQuest]

You’re welcome! I hope the 28L works out well for you.

[@TheKelly1925]

I've been traveling to Europe for over 25 years and I now just use the backpack about the same size as the one featured in this video This is the best what pack travel KZbin I have ever seen

[@KenshoQuest]

Thanks! What are the most important items you pack in your backpack?

[@MT-kr8cn]

I like packing the " minimum", the problem is when in Japan, one start shopping for the family, so one end up carrying medium suitcase😮

[@KenshoQuest]

I know the feeling!

[@supernatural9r406]

I arrived to japan 2 days ago. I love it

[@KenshoQuest]

Have fun!

[@godschoiceappiahadjei7450]

Please were you asked how much money you are holding at the airpprt when travelling?

[@adeki420]

This was a great video, thank you for the information!

[@KenshoQuest]

You're welcome! Are you heading to Japan soon?

[@adeki420]

@@KenshoQuest Yes, in a little over a month. This video helped me a lot with identifying what I didn’t need to pack and I think future me will be very grateful not having to carry nearly as much around. ☺️

[@adeki420]

​@@KenshoQuest Just got back from Japan, can't thank you enough for this video! Helped a lot with making sure I wasn't taking too much with me there, now I just need to work on not taking too many souvenirs back next time I visit 😅

[@KenshoQuest]

@@adeki420 Awesome! Thanks for letting us know. We always come back with way more than we take to Japan.

[@AnnieGill7]

Nice video! Smartly done. You explain everything. Loved it!

[@KenshoQuest]

Thank you! Are you packing for Japan?

[@secretninja247]

Wow I’m impressed! 9Kg with a laptop! Plus you could easily put some stuff in your pockets as in my experience airlines don’t include that in your hand luggage. I think I saw someone online once who really utilised this by getting I wanna say a fishmans jacket and putting her laptop in a big pocket on the back haha. But seriously I’m impressed and I appreciate you actually weighed it and tried to stay within the carry on weight limits for your destination. Edit: I need to get better at packing light. I wish I could have packed this light when I was in Australia for 2 years. The main issues is you have to pack for all the seasons and also I’m a ‘just in case’ kind of person so I tend to overpack 😂

[@DD654-jx9kl]

I have the previous version, and I love my Cotopaxi, is one of my favorite travel gear ❤

[@KenshoQuest]

It's a great bag!

[@korntron]

9 lb. with laptop impressive! My 35L Pakt starts at 5 lb. + 3 lb. laptop alone. Used zip locks to drop weight of organizer bags and still came in at 15 lb. Great vid. I will be rethinking my packing strategy.

[@KenshoQuest]

That was 9kg (20 lbs) with laptop. Looks like I forgot to put the conversion to pounds on the screen. Sorry for the confusion! I switched units between weighing the bag empty and weighing it packed.

[@elcee8]

OMG I literally just got this Cotopaxi backpack for my trip to Japan in November!

[@KenshoQuest]

Awesome! Have you tried test packing it yet?

[@elcee8]

@@KenshoQuest I actually used it for a one night stay cat sitting for a friend (that’s very easy I guess-no packing challenges there). i really love the clamshell opening. I love it just overall actually.

[@KenshoQuest]

@@elcee8 That's good to hear!

[@mayjones7790]

Thank you! Just in time!

[@azuradream]

Very informative, I love the video. Thanks for sharing!😍💕✨

[@KenshoQuest]

You're welcome! Are you packing backpack-only?

[@azuradream]

@@KenshoQuest yes. I love to be hands free when going on trips

[@SelfMadeThousandaire]

Amazingly detailed, thanks!

[@KenshoQuest]

You're welcome! Are you planning to pack backpack-only?

[@SelfMadeThousandaire]

@@KenshoQuest My son and I are visiting Japan for 8 days in November. I'd am trying to see if I could condense down to just a backpack. I'm ordering the one from your video.

[@KenshoQuest]

@@SelfMadeThousandaire Best of luck! Have a wonderful time in Japan.

[@pohyokelo]

I took a backpack and it came in at 7.1 kg. Air Asia did not allow even that as they only allow 7 kg for combined personal and cabin bag. So, for my trip to Taiwan, i downsized further to only 4.4 kg before my trip. So, to be safe, i can only purchase 2 more kg of souvenirs. Wish me luck! 🎉

[@KenshoQuest]

Wow! That's impressive! Have a good trip.

[@deg3363]

Thank YOU! Wonderful 😊

[@KenshoQuest]

You're welcome!

[@CKology]

Super well organise!

[@KenshoQuest]

Thank you! 😊

[@cresole]

How often do you have to do laundry with 3-4 sets of clothing? Do you do laundry for yourself only or with your husband's clothing? I am asking this to minimize my clothing while still able to do laundry weekly. Personally I have to have 7-8 pairs of sleep shirts and t shirts to be able to survive a week without laundry. Let me know your thoughts, thanks!

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi. We are a family of five, and I wash laundry twice a week when we bring 4 outfits each. I wash the whole family's laundry together. Most hotels and Ryokans in Japan provide yukata outfits, which can be worn as pajamas. We either stay in a vacation rental with a washing machine, use the hotel laundry room, or find a nearby Coin Laundry. 🌸 Heidi

[@cresole]

@@KenshoQuest Thanks for the detailed explanation! So the 4 outfits is combined with a partner to do laundry sooner than a week. Looks like I already reduced my clothes to a minimum as a single person😀

[@sandygarcia1563]

This is the best packing video I have seen to date.😺

[@KenshoQuest]

Thank you! Are you packing for Japan?

[@sandygarcia1563]

@@KenshoQuest Travelled to Japan back in January and absolutely loved it. Hoping to return again soon. Your video really stood out because it is "real packing" & also addressed the issue of weight (which hardly anybody else does). Well done!

[@Nikam98]

This is the first video of yours I’ve watched. I love it. Thank you so much for posting, I will be subscribing 😍🙌

[@KenshoQuest]

Welcome!

[@nadiawilliams4326]

That dress you are wearing when you model the umbrella, around 7:36, what is it? I really like it! Thanks.

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi. That's my favorite Ibex wool dress that I bought 7 years ago. Unfortunately, Ibex doesn't offer dresses any more. They used to have an awesome travel / lifestyle line. 🌸 Heidi

[@theBoringL]

I bought a 28L and felt like i didnt stuff nearly as many thjngs as you did in the video but zipping it up seemed like a real chore , not to mention the stress on the zippers. I felt like if the zippers were extended out just a quarter inch it would make closinf easier. Even if both sides were flush i found it hard to zip. Wound up buying a 35L tho i wish the smaller one worked lol

[@ChanSylvia]

Love this video! So detailed and you are so neat! ❤

[@KenshoQuest]

Thank you! Are you packing for Japan?

[@ChanSylvia]

@@KenshoQuest I'm packing for Thailand for my next trip. Considering the 28L allpa and your video is so useful!

[@KenshoQuest]

@@ChanSylvia Nice! We love Thailand. Have a wonderful trip.

[@tanyaraz]

Really great ideas! What credit card do you use that doesn’t incur currency exchange rate?

[@KenshoQuest]

We use the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, so that we also earn points to use towards flights.

[@ceciliebeck6499]

Great video! I'd be using compression packing cubes and I find the smaller ones are easily to fit then one big. And great too with the small pouches❤ Do you have any brand suggestions for waterproof and lightweight? I'd skip the umbrella and bring a pair of lightweight flip-flops/sandals for hostel especially. ​ Adding, I'd bring disinfectant. And a foldable water bottle (fx from platapus) especially on long haul flight - and it can be filled in airports. Also if you end up having a bit too much, I usually have the totebag to stuff my puffer jacket, scarf ect. It goes on when boarding, but off in the airport (locked to bag with carabinas (bring them and extra lock) or if there's a mesh pocket. The tote serves as a pillow on the plane too either for my back or head. And it's easy access if I get cold❄️ Lastly the cross body bag is a must for me and it has to fit close to the body, as most comfortable, security and easy to grab. I have a foldable one, as well as a foldable tiny backpack from Decathlon

[@KenshoQuest]

Thanks for sharing your packing strategies. The small pouches I used are Thirsties Simple Pouch and they are lined with waterproof TPU. Links in the description. 🌸 Heidi

[@FelipeZamoraJr]

Hello. I'm heading to japan soon. I was wondering, do you think this backpack is a good day pack to travel around town with?

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi. It’s much bigger than I like for a daypack. I prefer 15L or smaller for a day bag. Especially on the crowded trains, you’ll probably need to move the backpack to your front or hold it by your feet. It can get really crowded at train stations and on trains. It’s easy to bump into someone if you’re wearing a big bag. 🌸 Heidi

[@FelipeZamoraJr]

@@KenshoQuest Great, thank you very much for the information. i appreciate it!

[@thisiswilson]

We have the same foldout bag :)

[@KenshoQuest]

It's my favorite!

[@AMaupin2]

Look into titanium water bottles instead of stainless steel--much lighter weight.

[@KenshoQuest]

Thanks for the suggestion! I'm hoping to buy a Snow Peak water bottle once we're in Japan.

[@floagudelo184]

Helpful video. Would this backpack fit in the storage area under the airplane seat?

[@KenshoQuest]

I haven't taken it on a flight yet, but I think it would fit under the seat in front of me on many airplanes. The dimensions of the 28L are 19in x 12in x 9in (48 x 30 x 23cm).

[@4-E19CheukFungCaydenYU]

but what is the back pack called

[@KenshoQuest]

Cotopaxi Allpa 28L Travel Pack

[@LisaFuller-ve1fu]

Can you share what your cross body bag is? It looks very cute!

[@KenshoQuest]

Thanks. It’s the Aoyama purse by Lo & Sons. I had it packed in a Shupatto bag. I talked about the purse in this other video about packing light for Japan: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXisnmmGZcabiJYsi=wq2YE7YUTaLMLYpB 🌸 Heidi

[@LisaFuller-ve1fu]

Ah the patterned shuppato bag was what I was looking at- those bags are so cute! Off to buy one 😉 ​@@KenshoQuest

[@KenshoQuest]

@@LisaFuller-ve1fu The Shupatto bags are super useful. I have all the sizes! That was a small size.

[@girlmamareviews]

Loved your video! Where did you get that fold up shopping bag? It’s a good idea and very cute

[@KenshoQuest]

It's a Shupatto bag! I bought a bunch in Japan at Don Quijote and Bic Camera. They are also on Amazon: amzn.to/4cX8eRV 🌸 Heidi

[@Kushal-v8b]

Thanks for sharing

[@jbowerdel]

Where can I get the powder shampoo and body wash?

[@KenshoQuest]

It's available on Amazon (affiliate link): amzn.to/3TodU0y or through their website www.thepowdershampoo.com/. They are based in Singapore.

[@Taylormayd]

Love the video, thanks for sharing! Where did you get your little lightweight pouches from to hold your toiletries, etc? I often only find stiff make up and toiletry bags but am looking for lightweight packing pouches as you've shown.

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi! The small little pouches are the Simple Pouch by Thirsties. They are available here: www.greenmountaindiapers.com/collections/thirsties/products/thirsties-simple-pouch The pouch I put my main toiletries in is the Wet/Dry Travel Bag by Planet Wise (9.5"x5"). I don't think they make it anymore. Unfortunately, a lot of USA manufacturers have been pushed out of the marketplace. I also have the Flat Pouch and Toiletries Pouch by Canvelle. Here's my affiliate link: geni.us/canvelle and you can save 15% with KENSHOQUEST15 🌸 Heidi

[@petitcoeur-q6r]

Very helpful - will you be doing a winter edition?

[@KenshoQuest]

Here are the clothes I packed for our most recent winter trip to Hokkaido Japan: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4e8nKuOi7Gkiqc And our video on what to pack and wear for each season in Tokyo: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKiXlGp8d9-ka7s

[@petitcoeur-q6r]

@@KenshoQuest thanks 🙂

[@borg386]

Is a 1.5 ounce bottle of baby powder allowed in our carry on? Thanks for any answers!

[@KenshoQuest]

Yes, if you're flying from the USA that's fine. Only powders greater than 12 ounces are subject to additional screening.

[@joycer7]

Omg thank you for this video! 😊 extremely helpful! I was going to use this as a personal item along with my carry on luggage. Is that possibly not a good idea due to how big it is and potentially how heavy it can get?

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi. Now that I've tried packing it, I realize it's pretty close in size to a carry-on bag. If you pack both bags full, they will likely be way over 10kg (22 lbs) total. If the airline staff weighs your bags they'll probably ask you to check in the carry-on suitcase. But, they also might not weigh your bags...

[@joycer7]

Sounds good, thank you! I’ll just pack as if I’m checking in my carry on luggage. 😊 just in case.

[@blakepatton9747]

Great descriptions in the video! I spent two weeks in Japan this summer. Would this bag fit under seat? I am looking for a great personal item option.

[@KenshoQuest]

I think it would fit under the seat on most airplanes, but I haven't tried it yet.

[@sris.5699]

2 weeks in Japan?? I will bring 22-inch suitcase 😆

[@Clemenz01]

Did you say JAL has a 10kg carry on weight limit?

[@KenshoQuest]

Yes, 10kg (carry-on plus personal item) per person for JAL. www.jal.co.jp/jp/en/inter/baggage/inflight/

[@godschoiceappiahadjei7450]

Good job . Pleasse when travelling do ask for how much money you are holding at hand at the airport?

[@KenshoQuest]

I'm sorry, what is your question? If you bring 1 million Yen or more into Japan, you must declare it to Customs. Rather than brining Yen with us to Japan, I withdraw 50,000 Yen from the ATM at the airport. Here is our separate video about money and payments in Japan: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h3y7aZKDqNqMfLc

[@DaniloA]

Is it really a 28L backpack? It does look like it's bigger. Too bad it's extremely expensive in my country or I'd get one.

[@KenshoQuest]

Yes, this is the 28L version. It also comes in 35L and 42L versions.

[@MaraMara89]

I also think it is too expensive, even though it looks great. I recently bought Quechua NH Escape 500 23 l for 1/4 of the price. For me it is big enough to pack for few days (and for longer trips I would either take suitcase or would do the laundry). It is slightly too big for free "personal item" in European airlines, but as far as I know it pass as personal item (and I know few people who already flew with it). There is also 32l, but for me backpack in that size is useless :P

[@davi75668]

Zipair has a 7kg limit

[@KenshoQuest]

I show both 7kg and 9kg versions in the video. Once I add my laptop it pushes it over 7kg.

[@udayshome1793]

Your prescription glasses, which brand are they?

[@KenshoQuest]

My prescription glasses are by OWNDAYS, which is a Tokyo-based brand. There are many store locations in Japan and Asia.

[@sct4040]

I can’t carry all that weight on me, will topple over 😂😂😂.

[@KenshoQuest]

Me either! That's why I put the backpack on top of the suitcase. 😅

[@AtmosJourney]

Very informative packing video. At 10kg with your laptop you would have a challenge to board Asia’s notorious low cost flight because the weight limit is 7kg only. Thanks for sharing 😊

[@KenshoQuest]

Luckily I’m packing for Japan, and both Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways allow 10kg carry-on per person. It’s been years since we flew AirAsia. To pack within 7kg I’d start with a lighter backpack and consider switching to a lighter laptop. Otherwise, I’d have to sacrifice too many other items.

[@AtmosJourney]

@@KenshoQuest absolutely right. There’s always pro and con for a one bag travel lifestyle. If we decides to choose lightweight travel, then we must be willing to make sacrifices for minimum items we bring along in our travels.

[@NikkiCN]

❤❤❤

[@ellyloves748]

I suppose you not bringing anything back from Japan then!

[@KenshoQuest]

It’s easy to buy a suitcase in Japan to bring home souvenirs, or even check-in a box on the way back.

[@erikavelazquez1835]

I don't like that they reversed the zippers of the compartments!

[@evechatelet9003]

I definitely don’t want to dress like you!!😂

[@gwarlow]

I definitely don’t want to leave comments like you. 😂