One Bag Travel: Why I Ditched Maxpacking (for a Cotopaxi Allpa 35L)

[@TravellingBritishGuy]

If anyone want the simple spreadsheet I made: mega.nz/file/w5wgGbqL#xBY6UsrVXrH22nCOchODYpNkSOXyvEBrEG1frYTg8Lc

[@kamsable]

Wait, what?! 😮 It feels the same - travelling without a frying pan? I have got to try that! 😅

[@OMEDFOY]

Nice to see an actual one-bag video, that's not curated for aesthetics or image.

[@TravellingBritishGuy]

😂 yeah especially with this first attempt it was just important that it 'worked'

[@bloo_110]

I’m surprised you went for the older model of the Cotopaxi Allpa, the newer version to me seems like such a massive upgrade since it has an external water bottle holder, an extra quick access pocket, lighter weight and more comfortable straps from what I’ve heard. Regardless, it was so nice to see the perspective of someone who’s just getting into one bag travel (like me) so this was great insight. Thanks!

[@TravellingBritishGuy]

Thanks for the comment. I didn't realise I'd gone for the old one, I guess that was dictated by the colour I wanted. I do wear it sometimes when I'm out and about in Japan here but it's been fine, no problems at all. I don't feel I'm missing anything, and it did the job when flying to Japan too.

[@bloo_110]

@ In all honesty the biggest reason I’d get the new one is for the water bottle holder. I need to have my own bottle all the time, especially when traveling so that was a massive upgrade to persuade someone like me. But the Cotopaxi bags have been well loved for a long time and I’m glad you feel the same!

[@isleeptillnoon5256]

If you come across it on your travels, maybe consider investing in one of the Primus Campfire cook set pieces. I use it for camping, but it comes with packable handles that fold along the pot or pan. It does a decent enough job considering it's somewhat lighter than your at home SS pots and pans. The frypans are a lot better than the saucepans, less tendency to develop hot spots too quickly.

[@TravellingBritishGuy]

This sounds interesting, will Google. Thanks.

[@Oscarito_us]

cool video, thanks for sharing

[@faahim01]

There are some great ideas/inspiration in here. Think now I have a benchmark for what I'm aiming for. Could I please have the fancy bag listing spreadsheet? 🙏

[@TravellingBritishGuy]

It's pretty simple but I've uploaded it here: mega.nz/file/w5wgGbqL#xBY6UsrVXrH22nCOchODYpNkSOXyvEBrEG1frYTg8Lc

[@Ben_Poetic]

Love that Alpa 35. I took it to japan, mexico, and a few places in europe. Two of those trips were 3 weeks at a stretch! How long are your trips in japan? Do you do airbnb rentals there too? I'm just wondering if there are cheaper ways to do longer rentals

[@TravellingBritishGuy]

I'm planning on being here 6 months in total, but not in the same city. I do Airbnb only. I'm sure there are cheaper ways but I like the flexibility as I move around and I'm only on a tourist visa so contracts wouldn't work.

[@TheSchumack]

Would 35l cotopaxi fit to ryanair/wizzair carry on?

[@TravellingBritishGuy]

I certainly intend to try it at some point, although I'll never fly wizz air again. I haven't had any questions asked about my rucksack in a long time. Worst case scenario is you might have to pay a bit but I know a lot have got away with it.

[@salsa83]

I bought the Allpa 42L and am wondering if its too big for a 2 week trip to Japan?

[@TravellingBritishGuy]

It could well be, considering mine's 35L and I'm basically here indefinitely.

[@toecari]

That’s awesome. I was wondering how mush did it weigh fully packed?

[@TravellingBritishGuy]

I will try and do this one day. I haven't weighed it yet. I'd estimate 10-12kg.

[@kitty_s23456]

​@@TravellingBritishGuythat won't pass as carryon on budget airlines in Asia (Air Asia, Cebu Pacific, Tiger Airways, Vietjet, etc). Usually their limit is 7 kg for carryon. Congrats on 1 bag travel, though! I limit myself to 7 kg but I don't usually travel with a laptop.

[@WorldWideWub]

Great video, dropped a sub.

[@TravellingBritishGuy]

Thanks 😃

[@wizerdjuice9589]

Does one bag travel mean no personal bag also?

[@TravellingBritishGuy]

Like a second small bag you could carry on the plane? I think most one baggers wouldn't'do that. But at least you'd still be avoiding the suitcase. And tbh I might add that at some point if my stuff builds up slightly.

[@bloo_110]

You could go the route of 1.5 bag travel, where you have a sling on your front while wearing your backpack as usual. A larger sling (>4L or so) should be able to hold your in flight essentials while your travel pack is in the overhead, and then you can use that sling as your daily pack when traveling (instead of lugging around your big 35L backpack). This is what I’m aiming to do, my 35L backpack purely for clothes, toiletries, laptop and other accessories while my sling will hold my iPad, Switch and any other bits I need for my flight

[@seemore247]

So airlines don't have a carry on limit? I thought it was 7kg but maybe they just don't check?

[@TravellingBritishGuy]

They do have a limit but I travel a lot and can't remember the last time anyone checked my rucksack. I'm willing to take the risk of paying a fee if they ever ask.

[@kitty_s23456]

@seemore - budget airlines in Asia do check the weight. Limit is usually 7 kg (a few are at 10 kg).

[@segawalker3302]

Cant do 1 bag cuz i like to bring things back from my travels that remind me of the trip. Mostly art work....

[@alicemoir6274]

Bet its dead nice living like a little snail

[@SilverfoxJB]

I have never used a lint roller in my life, what do you need that for? Also a frying pan! I am speechless. Serious question. Do you have special dietary needs, or do you just home cook to save money? I am getting so many mixed messages. You can afford to stay in AirBnB's, but you don't eat out? Do you cook local food when you travel or the same things you eat at home? Does your Laptop have a big hard drive? Because I could not get by without external SSDs. Also do you pay extra, I now live in Malaysia and Air Asia have a 7kg limit for hand luggage (unless you pay extra)

[@TravellingBritishGuy]

Don't overthink the lint roller 😂 I'm sure I could do without it, but I've found some washing machines while travelling leave your clothes very dusty. As for the pan, I'm travelling for months at a time and try to eat plant based as much as possible, yeah. It's cheaper and healthier. There's no way I'd want to eat out every day for months on end. I do cook with the local ingredients. My laptop has ok storage but I'm actually using online backup ATM.

[@SilverfoxJB]

@ Thank you for the reply. I would not like to depend on put putting my videos on the cloud, but each to their own. As for the food, now it’s clearer. Thank you.

[@low-key-gamer6117]

What was the total weight??

[@TravellingBritishGuy]

I've never weighed it. I'd estimate 10-12kg.

[@magixmagix]

If's funny that you have re bought half of the stuff have left behind. Also going one bag is easier for men then women. My next challenge is personal item bag only(around 16L).

[@TravellingBritishGuy]

Yes maybe true. I bet it's fun to see how small you can get it. With me being here for months at a time I can't go too miniscule.

[@bluesouth9090]

Why the B12 (and D)? Are you vegan?

[@TravellingBritishGuy]

Yes, as much as is reasonably possible while travelling.

[@sdnalyam]

The main problem with this and many other packs is you cant protect the back section. Only Osprey farpoint has a zipped flap that i know of. Have you made a video of your cost of living in Japan, ease of getting around etc. Do you speak Japanese?.

[@TravellingBritishGuy]

I speak Japanese, yes. I've made loads of videos of shopping trips. Planning to make one on general cost of living/doing Japan on a budget soon.

[@marcom2248]

You're traveling without a towel? So you're skipping interstellar traveling...😁

[@TravellingBritishGuy]

😂 does a microfibre towel count?