Packing for Europe with Just One Bag (and Zero Sacrifices)

[@awaytogether]

Use Code "AWAYTOGETHER" for 10% off Unbound Merino: shrsl.com/4ews6

[@ropro9817]

But where is the discount code for Peak Design? 🤠 I hope you at least have an affiliate link!

[@chezellis]

I'm more amazed you did Europe in that one bag with zero sacrifices while also having an 18 month old child with you.

[@MaybeKristin]

I'm curious what the wife's bag looks like though 😆

[@awaytogether]

@@MaybeKristin My wife didn’t make a video this time but she packs like this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/anekknRqns6ieM0si=0S3z0stFY81eZZtu How we packed for our toddler here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXzMqKCEfZZ2m80si=pmQOC4MEjV1H1OrI

[@MaybeKristin]

@@awaytogether super impressive!! I’ll be watching Allie’s video another time or three for inspiration! 👏🏻

[@radboy707]

I always travel Europe with my carry on sized pack. I found that they have these amazing facilities in most every town. They are called Laundromats !

[@justaj2k]

I love your videos! They’ve been helpful in planning my first trip to Europe next year.

[@arestep]

Nik and Allie, it was great to run into you and the baby in Haarlem (Grote Kerk/St Bavo) a few weeks ago!! Keep posting the great content!!

[@awaytogether]

Likewise, Alan! What a great surprise. Nice to meet in real life! Hope you and your family had an amazing trip.

[@ursulasanabria8813]

We are going to Italy in September, going to try a lot of your tips, the big one traveling with just carry on. Love the videos! Thank you for all the information your guys provide.

[@kmcphotographytx6396]

I’m going back and watching a lot of your packing videos getting ready for our trip next month! So much good info.

[@susie9893]

Back in the day when I was really into photography, Peak Design would've been my go to. Nowadays I'm carrying as little as I can get away with, so this is too big for me. But I'm coming around more to 1 bag travel due to cheap "personal item only" flights in Europe. That's when you gotta be intentional

[@MiaHessMusic]

I like it when you do "unpolished" videos. Great video! That Peak bag looks great, but what anti-theft features does it have?? I would love to see how Allie packed for this trip??

[@awaytogether]

Thanks for watching! She didn’t make a vid this time but this is how she packs for Europe: kzbin.info/www/bejne/anekknRqns6ieM0si=0S3z0stFY81eZZtu

[@SkypackVacuumBackpack]

🙏Thanks for the detailed backpack packing plan! Traveling with only one bag is really efficient!

[@WhatAudryEats]

I loooove one bag travel! My proudest travel moment was taking a small purse and fitting 5 days worth of maternity outfits, a pair of sandals and a small toiletry zip lock bag 😂 now with toddlers I’ll have to have soo many bags I’m a nervous wreck lol

[@emc8244]

Love unbound merino but frustrated that they often are out of stock on too many things I'm checking out. But awsome you would able to pack that way traveling with a baby.

[@thomasdc2439]

I can recommend Philips OneBlade as an alternative for your trimmer. It is also small and you can buy new blades everywhere. They hold for a few months though.

[@Mamotrio]

Unbound Merino sounds amazing but I wish they were more size inclusive.

[@Zerobar78.]

Great video, now to figure out how to make most of this fit into my 35L backpack(I was nervous about getting one around 40L so I didn't push carry on size limit).....

[@susie9893]

If you're not doing a multi-climate trip then it's pretty easy. It's only when you have to pack for many climate changes that it gets truly challenging (not so much bcos of clothing but shoes - and they take up a lot more space than clothes)

[@ColinJeuring]

There’s no way this Peak Design bag is accepted as a personal item on European airlines. I also think the weight of your bag including camera equipment doesn’t comply to European airline weight restrictions. And the size and weight of your packed bag definitely don’t comply with European budget airline luggage restrictions. Lastly, traveling with your tripod in a carry on bag is quite risky. It could be considered a possible weapon that can be used to hit someone on board of the airplane. It’s up to airport safety staff to decide whether or not to allow the tripod in your carry-on bag. For this reason I always put my tripod in my checked luggage.

[@dangermandave67]

I agree concerning the tripod. You can never predict when one of these security guys will decide to be an idiot. My wife had to surrender some telescoping trekking poles on a flight to Alaska, despite the fact that they would have bent like a wet noodle if you ever hit anyone with them. These days, I just wouldn't chance taking a tripod like that in cabin luggage.

[@tomstock9546]

The size and weight limits to fly inside in Europe for almost every carrier require you to stick with a 30lt bag. If you are exceeding 10kg (many 7-8 kg) they will snatch your bag at the gate and check it in. Fortunately at no additional charge (in most cases).

[@likeitis5662]

Correct

[@likeitis5662]

Every video is about merino wool 😂

[@thistoob]

​ Does this fall into a 20-21" carryon luggage or a duffel? @@tomstock9546

[@DavePilotCH47]

Unbound is very expensive. Anyone know of a more budget friendly option for merino wool clothes?

[@HOLLYHOCKFLOWERS]

I have a under seat sized bag and its wonderful. Wish i had got one 30 years ago! Off to Malaga with it on this coming Tuesday.

[@TruthinLove]

PLEASE compare the Peak Design backpack with Pakt's travel backpack.

[@jefflepere9024]

Geez! I need to stop watching your videos. Just about every episode I start to take actions in preparation for my trip to Spain (haven't traveled in forever so I have nothing). Already purchased my Monos Pro. But now that I see this backpack. . . in other words lots of good stuff. Appreciate learning from your experience.

[@GamerPro174]

The thumbnail got me excited then mad. Thought PD released the 45L in midnight finally 😭

[@abkieling]

Have you ever had to check-in your bag due to lack of space in the overhead compartments? I guess you would have to move your valuables to the packable day pack, right?

[@esyrorea6021]

Happened to me flying inter Europe last year. My bag was too heavy so I had to pull my day back. I also had a flight where a nice lady just let me through even though it was heavy. It depends on who checks it. In US they don’t check the weight

[@TheRichb688]

Going to Oahu for 8 days mid-August just a simple carry on for clothes and camera.

[@lowesmed5681]

Getting tired just thinking about the weight 😅 might be age or whatever but I am 100% roller-bag nowadays for most stuff and a smaller backpack for everyday/camera gear.

[@RyansTravelChannel]

I tried pre packing for a 7 night cruise to norway and Belgium in another 2 weeks in the farpoint 40, and i just couldnt do it. I blame having the wrong packing cubes and no idea what i was thinking, i ended up finding a samsonite carry on roller for 100 dollars cheaper then the backpack, so i just returned the bag and got the roller

[@susie9893]

I know this is practically unheard of these days but 🤯 you don't have to use packing cubes. I use small delicates laundry bags for undies, sox, thermals etc then just roll the rest of my clothing and find room. On a cruise this seems an even better alternative (vs backpacking like I do) cos you get to unpack once you get into your cabin (not usually viable when you're constantly on the move)

[@CaseyJPS]

Hi Nik. This is the exact bag I've been scoping out. Can you clarify two items for me? 1) You indicated there was no problem with it as a carryon but when I look at the dimensions it doesn;t appear to "fit" the interntional measurements for a carryon. 2) Do any of the straps enable it to be carried like a shoulder bag? Your videos are always well-done. TY

[@bryangarmon]

My wife and I each carried this exact bag with us for our 21 day trip to France and Italy, having just returned a week ago. These were our only bags. I had this thing stuffed to the brim using packing cubes and found the shoulder straps are terribly uncomfortable when it's packed full. The entire stow-away straps and waist belt are just terrible and need to go. The rest of the bag is amazing and I love it, but the amount of times we both cursed the straps was a clear indication neither of us enjoyed carrying the bag due entirely to the straps. Since coming home I started experimenting and I think if we had been going for 14 days we could have eliminated some weight and that would have made a big difference to the overall comfort of the bag, but the straps are still way too thin and uncomfortable. I'm 6'1" and my wife is 5'8" and for my body the waist harness is completely useless. I would have rather it not even been included - we tried using it several times and it was just a total bust. I've been tempted to cut it out as it provides no value which is so annoying. I digress. Regarding your specific question, we had 3 instances where the bag did not quite fit overhead. The first was on our Air-france flight from Paris to Italy - because mine was so stuffed (not extended, just stuffed full) I was about a quarter of an inch from it fitting into the overhead bin. I was able to make it fit by pulling out a sweater that I had folded flat and that gave it just enough space to cram it overhead. My wife's bag was not as stuffed as mine and hers fit in that instance fine. The second "not-a-chance" fit was on a standard tour bus we took traveling between destinations. We took several Flixbus buses and the bags will not fit overhead in these buses so we had to store it under the bus in the general storage. It survived the trips without incident. We took several trains and I was surprised to find that on the Trentalia trains we took the bag fit fine overhead but on a couple of others it did not and we ended up having to put them in our laps. Regarding your section question - no there's no method to convert the straps to a shoulder bag type carry position. There are 3 handles that you can use to grip it so that you can attempt to carry it, but honestly they were as useless as the straps, with my hands killing me from trying to carry the thing in this manner. Since we got back everyone keeps asking what was our favorite and least favorite thing about the trip and the answer that keeps coming back up for us is that we liked this specific backpack the least due to how uncomfortable the straps are.

[@davidmarshall6409]

In the packs normal state it’s 35 litres. When you open the extender zips to put into its largest size it’s 45l.

[@CaseyJPS]

@@bryangarmon Awesome. TY very much for talking the time to respond--exceptionally helpful.

[@IntriguedLioness]

I haven't carried anything heavier than a convertible 40 L backpack in over a decade. To begin with you'll never have to check a bag and you'll never have to go to the carousel, straight out of the airport or Rail station. If you've ever wondered why you might get dirty looks in a tourist region like Europe and you're pulling a rolling bag that is the reason. The clunk clunk clunk of those bags drives the locals nuts, and will obviously wear out your arms before you even get to your destination. With a one bag convertible backback you can depart from the train station and stop by any cafes that calls out to you and enjoy and even take a little walking tour before you even go to your hotel. Having to LUG LUGgage and that's exactly what I call it, removes the joy of travel for me.

[@susie9893]

Yes, I always check out route options from train to hotel to see how walkable it is and if I can make it a scenic route if possible. 1 of the advantages of travelling light (although having a plan B in case of torrential rain isn't a bad idea I've learned)

[@samaruti9446]

Great video. Could you please provide more detail on the watch and phone charging pad? Thanks

[@Luis24AE]

Great video! I travel to Europe with the bag for the first time next week. I’m flying with Condor. I’m wondering if you had any issues with the size as a carry-on? Thanks.

[@cynthiaslebodnik6945]

Amazing packing bag. It sure holds a lot. My but is, what does your wife pack in? I struggled with packing a week's worth of clothes and miscellaneous items for a trip to London. I will be going to Wales in 2025 and I can only bring a carry-on suitcase, plus my backpack. Will work hard at sizing down my packing needs for that trip. Thank you for your realistic packing tips.

[@kendrickhardin]

Thanks for sharing! Do you have recommendations on travel strollers and traveling with them for a multi-country trip?

[@susie9893]

I'd recommend you look at Wolters World for some of the videos they do on travelling with kids in Europe (they've travelled and lived in Europe while raising their kids). Lots of good advice

[@paulmt5563]

I have travelled with this bag since it was launched (I bought it through Kickstarter). It has many features that I like. However during the last year I have been traveling more with low cost airlines in SE and east Asia and they are in many cases weighting the carry ons. And this bag is simply too heavy. I would normally pack it to around 9.5kg which is way over the 7Kg limit of most low cost airlines. So recently I acquired a UL backpack that weights only around 500g and my weight problem was instantly solved. Now I carry the same as before but total weight went down to around 7.5kg

[@susie9893]

Yup. 1 thing I like about Rick Steve's luggage is that they designed their backpack to be as light as possible while still durable. I hate this current trend of always having a laptop compartment in backpacks - I never take my laptop on holidays so that's just extra weight imo

[@npradeepkumar]

Thank you for the detailed video. I wish I could travel as light as you some time. Don't they have weight restrictions on Airline Carry-ons in Europe. I have seen it a lot in Asia.

[@ColinJeuring]

I live in Europe and call tell you that European airlines do have size and weight limits for carry-on and personal item luggage. Especially budget airlines are quite strict. But more and more full service airlines are also introducing more strict requirement regarding carry-on and personal item luggage.

[@stevecockburn9764]

Great video thanks. I am wondering re weight restrictions. Yours looks like it is around 10 kgs which possibly exceeds the limits and size restrictions. Any comments re this .

[@GoetheCronshaw]

HEY kislux I have been watching you for years and im so proud of where you have made it! I love you so much! Also thanks for making my day

[@wendygrier1582]

Do you have a code for the bag?

[@intravenousradio]

tell me about your altra shoes. ive been looking for a zero-drop shoe with no arch support. but altra started putting arches in a lot of their shoes. i bought some lems recently too and they claim to be barefoot shoes but they too have arch support. i just want a barefoot-style shoe that has a wide toe-box, zero drop and zero arch support. sorry thats my rant. please tell me if your altras have arch support or not and the name of the model

[@clairemckay9869]

Thanks for all the good info. I don't see the link for the men's walking shoes. Can you please resend?

[@awaytogether]

Lems Primal Zen Shoes: alnk.to/9T8GwT2 (affiliate link)

[@lifesfluff]

This bag vs Allpa 42L Travel Pack?

[@trevormiele3691]

Did you get the normal tshirt or the lightweight one?

[@johnbrilly8082]

Hi luv the content could you possible do some content about esim and what's app with regards to existing what's app number and new esim number and how to use etc I'm travelling from Australia and going to Europe next couple of weeks thanks in advance ❤

[@susie9893]

They have plenty of videos on esims - that's how I found this channel. (Or maybe they have articles, I can't remember; I do know that's how I found this channel). But I suggest doing your own research cos you'll probably find something that best suits the specific needs of your trip. That's been my experience anyway. I'll find a package that best suits the regions I'm going, length of trip + the amount of data I need then read reviews (or watch) to determine reliability and coverage. You may find yourself choosing an unpopular option (I did and worked well). So don't be afraid to consider all options. Just make sure you do your research

[@frorider007]

Great video! Very informative. I was thinking of buying a one bag carry. How would you compare the Tortuga pro 40L. / pakt 45 backpack vs the PD 45 backpack in this video?

[@susie9893]

Just remember that even a 40L bag isn't personal item for the cheap airlines in Europe (and many don't have a carry on option, or charge thru the nose for that). Make sure you buy a bag to fit all your flights (and don't forget weight restrictions)

[@syn3rgyz]

You mentioned drone battery, where does the drone go?

[@susie9893]

Personally I don't know why people bother taking drones to Europe (apart from the weight + space issues) what with the extreme usage restrictions they have. I'd recommend drone users research that extensively for the sites they plan to visit before they start trying to figure out how they intend to carry it (just bcos you can get it thru customs doesn't mean you can fly it *cough* useless paperweight)

[@mercedes6881]

Do you have a winter version?

[@awaytogether]

Closest we have at the moment is this one! kzbin.info/www/bejne/nX_Ef3qog8qGjKc

[@Grundewalt]

I echo those in the comments that are ..amazed. For one reason or another. Me,, amazed the author find so many plugs for equipement that are clearly out of reach of normal backpackers (those in need of some saving advice); Instead, infomercials after informercials, to the benefit of no other that...the influencer himself. What on earth ...400$ backpack. And I was thinking that samsonite are out of reach.

[@tanseerimpex3334]

Nice

[@lbunnygordon1133]

No towel at all?.

[@susie9893]

He did cover this in another video, but basically they don't believe in carrying stuff unless they know they will definitely need it. I agree with that but, I will say, carrying a scarf (sarong, Pashmina, whatever) is a great accessory cos multiple uses (including a towel if needed)

[@blue18404]

What country in Europe has the best health care? I am getting my passport soon but I need help in deciding what country to go for urgent medical care.

[@alexwaynemiller]

👀👀👀😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨

[@ExtraGuac007]

Great backpack, but I can't justify the $300+ price tag.

[@bingyingwuinuk4624]

It’s an excellent company; I love their lifetime warranty. I got a second-hand one, and recently, the zip waterproof cover started peeling off. I contacted them, and I got a new replacement without paying anything. They said I could give the old one to my friend or family members, but the old one cannot resell it. For me, it's like I spent $250 on two excellent backpacks.

[@awaytogether]

It's not a small investment for sure

[@RK-um9tu]

Another KZbinR talking about PACKING camera gear that NO ONE takes on trips....

[@chigirl111]

I’m not a youtuber and take camera gear with me 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@karenkinsey3336]

Maybe YOU don’t, but many do.

[@RK-um9tu]

@@chigirl111 Ok, what is your point? That .000001 percent of travels take camera gear?

[@RK-um9tu]

@@karenkinsey3336 .000001 percent of travelers isn't many. Also, an iPhone doesn't count as camera gear...

[@chigirl111]

@@RK-um9tu I said my point. It was super clear. You seem really angry about this topic 😶‍🌫️ Like maybe take a breath and remember how beautiful this life is and how lucky we are to be living it. I think you’ll feel better after 🙂

[@jackeddemon]

The 45 is a winner. Love it. Wished it came in XPAC

[@dpaola]

I did 3 weeks (27 days) in Europe - Porto, Lisbon, Paris in Aug 2022 with my Peak Design 40L as well... best purchase I've made of travel gear, no doubt!!!

[@teologen]

So you travelled in “Europe” (by visiting three very similar cities with similar climates).

[@amycampbell8827]

Put down the keyboard sir! Haha

[@katherineandini5962]

Currently packing for a 2-week trip in southern Spain, with just a personal item & a backpack for the overhead compartment. For this trip I definitely need a shoulder bag that I can bring to a conference 😅 Tried 1-bag travel last year to Denmark & Slovenia, it was indeed so much fun! Glad you & your family enjoyed your trip in Belgium & the Netherlands!

[@IntriguedLioness]

Enjoy your trip! I always hit Malaga in lieu of Marbella and if you've never been to Mijas swing by, that's a great town too!

[@michaelvm2404]

Nice video, very informative, thanks a lot. One question: I saw that in one of your videos you were using the Sea to Summit Power Packer as your tech pouch, did you recently switched it to this one? If that is the case, could you explain why?

[@kessas.489]

8:35 I have socks from a danish company, which you can wear them 3 days in a row...

[@syndicateofnoise]

Quick question about your process using the Osprey toiletry bag. Do you separate your liquids ahead of the trip and then consolidate them in your toiletry bag after you arrive?

[@rosemariedeschenes7013]

We recently visited Belgium and Germany. I packed Unbound Merino shirts and pants with Darn tough socks. Was able to travel with an international size carry on and 18L backpack. So thankful didn’t need to do laundry other than washing underwear in the sink. The merino wool bra came in handy as well. So thankful didn’t have to deal with baggage claim.

[@Rydal1]

sir is this better than the backpack duffle?

[@ShaneRobinsonArtist]

Thanks so much for this! I have several Peak Design Daily Messengers, a backpack, and so many of their field pouches and straps. I was one of the original Daily Messenger investors on their very first Kickstarter. Amazing quality products! One question… Where does the drone pack?

[@IntriguedLioness]

My vlogging gear used to be a simple Canon PowerShot but I still knew Peak Design from living in San Francisco from their Kickstarter days. I still travel with the the backpack and even the duffle depending on the type of trip. The PD medium packing cube is my go-to for nearly every trip even though I have an entire arsenal from Thule to Patagonia!

[@teologen]

What does “Europe” mean?

[@elinaqiu9409]

Nice

[@Medsas]

main complaint people have about this bag is lack of comfort because of the thin straps. glad it worked out for you!

[@obidamnkenobi]

Nice packing. But that bag is $300, and 4.5 pounds! Yikes. Way to over-designed IMO. Prefer something much simpler and lighter. and cheaper..

[@tlalves1]

i liked, but for buying for Brazil, i think i cant buy it.

[@steveseal9427]

Hey Nik. Can you convince your sponsors, Unbound Merlin, to get better set-up for UK. They are expensive for shipping and then returns is a nightmare. So sadly, no UM products for me 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@martylewis360]

Great video. Love the suggestion on Merino wool. We took a month in Europe in April and YES I wore the same socks 4 days in a row. No smell & dry. Merino shirts & underwear are great also. Thanks for your suggestions before we left.

[@Max_Bu12]

Did PD update the straps? It’s subjective but most people who have this or the 35l aren’t too happy with the shoulder straps and lack of padding…

[@stearshetfield]

Yes the color of the kislux is beautiful and it is a great decision, maybe one day they will add feet and straps. It would be nice to have a bigger bag during the colder months when we have to store gloves, beanies, scarves, etc…

[@christinacarter100]

Please do a full review of Belgium and Netherlands! We have family who just moved there and they need lots of info! Love you guys!

[@andrewenis]

I love seeing another Altra lover. AND this backpack is now on my shopping list!

[@CindySimpson-h8o]

Thank you so much for this helpful video!

[@royhall9069]

One combination of gear I have not notiiced being addressed is, "Rolling Suitcase (International Travel Size) paired with small comfortable Backpack that will fit under the airline seat in front of me". Can you recommend a combination of those two items you think might be good for a 3 week trip to Germany, Switzerland, and France? Thanks!

[@awaytogether]

This is how my wife and I packed for 6 months of full-time travel back in the day. We used the Monos Carry On Plus (technically too large for international) and each had personal item sized backpacks (I used a Peak Design 20L backpack, she used one by everlane). I like the Monos Carry On or Level8 Carry On for hardsided, and the Briggs&Riley ZDX International Carry On for softsided luggage. I've got links for all of these, and can get you a discount on the LEVEL8. They are affiliate links, no pressure from me. - MONOS: shrsl.com/47dbp - LEVEL8: bit.ly/level8carryon (Use code "awaytogether" for an extra 10% off your order) - BRIGGS&RILEY: bit.ly/briggsZDXcarryon - Peak Design 20L backpack: peak-design.pxf.io/q4AbQn Videos where I explain various pieces of this: - Everything we packed for full-time travel: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXjQioyCpNF3a6M - Breakdowns of Hardside bags: kzbin.info/www/bejne/goHKXotqdt-MfLs - Breakdowns of Softside bags: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJ2Zl4urjM2nmcU - A 'dated' but useful Europe Packing video where I explain this two bag strategy: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKC2aYCblsqcnKs

[@wendygrier1582]

Just bought an Osprey sojourner 46 for 20 days in Italy. Wish I'd seen this before!. Are the zippers lockable?

[@bryangarmon]

Yes the zippers can be folded to the inside and connected in a way that prevents them from being accessed from the outside so they are lockable.

[@geepismyname]

Some of your links don't work. Might wanna check them

[@awaytogether]

Thanks for the heads up - fixed!

[@shadow.overland]

Just tried to place an order for the PD 30L Travel Backpack and their automated system almost immediately canceled the order after it was placed and given an order number. "Your order was rejected by our automated risk management software. We use advanced screening software to detect orders that are fraudulent or have a high chargeback risk. This system is completely automated and we are currently unable to override it." Congratulations PD! You just lost a customer.

[@awaytogether]

Wow sorry that's no fun

[@susie9893]

I've had similar experiences with other travel gear I've wanted to purchase. Very frustrating

[@timandshutravel]

The bag is 4.5 lbs empty!

[@eladbari]

Can't imagine carrying it without a decent hip belt. Looks a tad harsh on the shoulders.

[@timandshutravel]

@@eladbari Yep, and with a 7kg limit on a lot of airlines you have 1/3 of the limit just in the bag.

[@IntriguedLioness]

​@@eladbariI've traveled the world with this bag and it's actually very comfortable. I was skeptical in the beginning because of the design of the shoulder straps there are no load lifters but I don't load lifters on this bag!

[@IntriguedLioness]

Consummate travelers like myself have more than just one bag for one bag travel and I've traveled with this bag but never in regions where I'm going to be taking Ryanair or any other budget airline. At the other end of the spectrum from this bag my favorite lightweight carry-on is Cabin Zero because it literally weighs practically nothing and is fantastic especially for summer clothes. For winter I have to go a little bigger. This bag is fantastic when you do not need to weigh your bags!

[@user-oy7nr4dk7x]

​@@IntriguedLioness You nailed it. If you know an airline will weigh your bag, they will check this bag because it likely will be over their weight limits. I have the 30L version and run into the same issues. If you are packing it out heavy like him, you might want to spare your back the sweat and load and just get a roller bag.