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The original was posted on /r/onebag by /u/GSVDramaticEffect on 2025-10-04 10:38:28+00:00.
Back from Japan (which was amazing). Thanks for everyone's feedback on my original packing post - it really helped. I used pretty much everything I brought and had a great time, but still with some learning along the way. Here is my trip report and original packing post:
Pre-departure changes: Based on feedback from the sub I left behind my merino wool sweater and my rain jacket and instead took an extra activewear t-shirt. All turned out to be good steers so thank you.
The bag: The Osprey 26+6 worked very well for this trip. Comfortable to wear and very compact. I was surprised how much I could fit in and the expanding section works well as a compression element too if you fill the back with the open, then zip it up after it's shut. Highly recommend.
Stuff I did/didn't use: Tbh I pretty much used everything I brought. Even the light blazer, which had some doubters ;), came in really handy. Having a light long sleeve option helped with the heat and gave an option for dressing up when going out to dinner. Also just feels nice. The one thing I didn't use at all (other than wearing to the airport on the way) was my regular day jacket. It was thicker than the blazer and so because of the heat in Japan it never came out of the bag. Definitely could have left that behind, especially as it's quite bulky even when rolled up.
Stuff I bought: I got a good UV umbrella when I arrived and it turned out to be my MVP. It didn't rain at all while I was there but the relief from the heat, especially walking round cities, was great. I was part of a tour group for some of the trip and got some odd looks from my fellow travellers when I took it out the first time but honestly it was a godsend. Many of them were sweating through their shirts while I was generally pretty comfortable most of the time. The old adage holds true, when in Japan, do as the Japanese. I also bought a couple of extra pairs of underwear and another t-shirt from Uniqlo, although that was more because they were half the price than at home than actually needing them.
Stuff I should have brought: We spent two days doing the Shimanami Kaido cycling route on rented bikes and while the ride wasn't especially challenging I probably should have brought some padded cycling shorts. Although I ride a lot at home being on a different saddle was quite tough going on the behind by the end. Also, while I had my sling-bag as a day bag, because of the heat and the need to carry bottles of water I could have done with something a bit bigger. A tote or small day pack like the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil would have been better.
Other stuff to note: I did two big loads of laundry and a couple of extra sink washes for underwear and active wear on the hiking days and that all worked well. Almost every hotel we stayed in had some kind of laundry service so that turned out to be all very easy. We used a luggage forwarding and storage services too on the hiking/cycling days so on them I was generally only carrying the sling. Also, while in the end I could have got away without bringing the 2nd pair of shoes it was useful to be able to switch them up. All in all it was a great trip made all the more satisfying when I saw others lugging their big cases around while I was super light and free. And I even read all the books ;)