One Bag Gear Awards

One of my favorite things about journeys like this is the minimalism it forces. Or, if I’m being honest, that it enables — I’m pretty obsessed about traveling with a One Bag, and this was my first real chance to try out my new backpack for an extended period.

It’s really not about the bag, though; it’s about the endlessly-thought-out selection of gear within it. Traveling for 37 days (including Seattle & the Cruise) across different climates & terrains really put it to a good test, and, overall, my selection performed splendidly.

I though it’d be fun/ridiculous to give out some rewards based upon this, so let’s do it:

MVP → Matador Backpack

I knew this bag was going to be perfect for me, and it was: Fits a ton in it (but not too much!); easy to pack & unpack; and super comfortable when strapped in for long distances of walking. It’s by far the best bag I’ve ever owned.

Most Important → Sun Hoodie

Other than some days on the cruise, clouds & rain were non-existent on my journey. I despise the sun, but was forced to be in it so I could walk around and explore the towns I was stopping in. I couldn’t have done it without this magic hoodie, which somehow also kept me cool.

Best Last-Minute Addition → Polar Camel Water Bottle

I have about 42 water bottles, but our cruise travel agent gave us each one of these as a pre-departure gift. And it’s perfect: Insulated, but light; Fully leak-proof, but easy to open; Uses a spout-type dispenser (which I usually hate), but has a great mouthfeel. Plus it has a solid loop that makes it easy to carry and hook a carabiner to.

Best On-the-Road Addition → Missoula Paddleheads Bucket Hat

Again, the sun was incessant, my constant enemy, but my free new bucket hat became my constant companion in my battles against it. It provides more shade that my baseball hat, and kinda made me feel goofily cool.

Most Overrated → Merino Wool Clothing

Merino wool is one of the most popular One Bag traveler hacks to enable you to pack less & last longer. It breathes, doesn’t get stinky so you don’t have to wash it much, dries fast when you do, is soft, isn’t scratchy, fits well and, theoretically doesn’t make you hotter when it’s warm out like normal wool does. And that last part is a bunch of 🐴 💩. I’ve purchased & used a lot of merino clothing –shirts, socks, underwear, hoodies– but I just can’t stand it in the summer. It’s definitely makes me feel hotter, and it’s then that it becomes uncomfortable/scratchy to wear as well. Add to that that it’s super expensive & is kind of fragile (eg. holes), and I just don’t* think I’m going to buy any more of it that I’d wear in warm weather (eg. short sleeve t-shirts; underwear).

However, merino is kinda great when it’s not hot out, and it is really is nice to not have to wash it much. There’s lots of it in my One Bag, the socks I bought from Darn Tough are the best I’ve ever owned, and I love the henley & zip hoodie I bought from here, and am probably also going to buy a pull-over hoodie from there. So maybe don’t listen to my negativity on this one 🤷

Best Electronic Gadget → Bose Headphones

As I said, busses are definitely not the most quiet, so these headphones I’ve had for about eight years were a necessity. Plus, that other folks can see them (vs. AirPods) clearly signals “Please don’t bother or talk to me”.

BTW, who the F thinks it’s ok to watch movies on your phone with no headphones‽ And this isn’t just on the bus, it’s everywhere, it just becomes acutely loud on the bus.

Most In Need Of Replacement → North Face Raincoat

I’m thrifty, so for years have resisted dropping lots of $$$ on a fancy Gore-Tex raincoat. My cheapo North Face one has been always just-good-enough, so never felt the need to replace it. But I got absolutely drenched on the Juneau hike shown above, and my coat showed it wasn’t up to the task. Bye bye! (feels like I can now justify a purchase at the REI sale this weekend)

Lifetime Achievement Award → Green T-shirt I Bought @ Target For $7 About 20 Years Ago

It’s thin, keeps me cool in the heat, dries fast, fits well, and isn’t black. This was my workhorse shirt on this journey, but it’s clear that its nearing the end of its life, and I’m emotional about it.