The Bag and the lifestyle

"One Bag"

The first major trip of the year starts with Argentina! I've never travelled to South America before so I'm pretty excited to see land of Evita...I only cried at Madonna's performance, in the trailer. 

Clearly I get excited about fun vacations, no matter how long or short, in this case 10 days in Argentina, a vacation is a vacation. Your body knows it, your mind knows it. I've had staycations before where though I don't technically have to work, I feel guilty just lounging around the house, but a real vacation...an alcoholic beverage in one hand, and a camera in the other, can't beat that with a baseball bat! As fun as vacations may be I have one problem. I overpack!. I'm the guy that packs (neatly) literally an hour before I need to leave somewhere, doesn't matter if it's a weekend trip to LA or a two week excursion to Europe, I'm probably brining the same amount of clothing. My technique is simple, I'll throw everything I own in a bag (neatly) and run out the door.

On this trip to Argentina I resolve to solve that issue, because I refuse to...

                     A. Check a bag! (My bag's fly for free...on my lap!)

                     B. Haul around multiple pieces of luggage around Argentina. 

                     C. Take every piece of clothing I own by packing an hour before.

So I hit the internet looking for luggage solutions that would help me achieve this. Apparently this whole carry one bag where ever you go is sort of a lifestyle, perfected by those who backpack through Europe and other foreign countries and revered by...those who backpack through Europe and other foreign countries. Thank god for internet, every odd human tick has a space to thrive and grow. Here is the site, very useful it you're interested "One Bag". 

This whole notion started after I realized I pack way more than Eva ever does on trips, and she's a girl! and also this article. So for Christmas Eva bought me my very own One Bag, the Patagonia MLC (Maximum Legal Carryon), the one mentioned in the article (I know you didn't click, it's ok). Eva bought it for me under one condition, I get rid of all my other luggage, it was crap anyway so I was more than happy to oblige (2 awesome, not crap suitcases for sale $50 total, free if you follow the blog). After seeing the Patagonia bag in person and becoming emotionally attached to it, I was a little distressed that the One Bag site throughly dissed it. In the end I guess I'll pay for a cool looking bag from a brand I trust, and plus it's Patagonia! That's IN Argentina. 

We waited till first week ok January to actually order the bag, since it would most likely go on sale (15% off!!), I got it on the 17th and have been trying different ways of packing 6 or so days worth of clothing for my 10 day trip. Yes I will be using the laundry in Argentina! The goal is to lighten the load on my way back, I'll buy cheap underwear and t-shirts just for the trip, then dispose them on the way back, which should leave more room for souvenirs.  

Speaking of souvenirs, I won't be brining much if any back, that's one of the biggest downfalls of "One Bag" lifestyle. The pro's ship their souvenirs back but since the world really is flat now, I don't see the point of paying shipping, I'd rather just go to Amazon.com and get my authentic Argentinian doo-dad with free shipping. Ok so not everything will be available but unless it totally blows my socks off, I refuse to haul it around on my vacation and clutter the apartment...plus ALL my money will be spent towards eating world class beef! and drinking wine! 

So there you have it! my feet first dive into the "One Bag" travel world. It fits my Kindle, my towel...wow I'm Arthur Dent from Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy! ;)