Rant: I spent $300 on a travel backpack and it was a total waste for weekend trips

I bought this fancy Osprey bag thinking it would be the ultimate budget move since it was supposed to last years. But after three trips last summer, I realized I was overpacking because of all the compartments. A simple $50 duffel from Target worked better and saved me baggage fees on budget airlines. Anyone else regret spending big on a travel bag?

2 comments

2 Comments

jones.grace5d ago

Oh you mean the $300 science experiment that turned your weekend getaway into a game of "where did I put my socks" across 14 different zippered pockets? Honestly those Osprey bags are designed for people who plan to hike the Appalachian Trail not folks trying to cram a hoodie and some snacks into a carry-on. Tbh I did the same thing with a fancy Patagonia bag and ended up just using it to hold my work supplies for deliveries because the compartments were perfect for organizing energy drinks and spare change. Ngl Target duffels are the real MVPs for budget travel, they don't make you feel like you're packing for a month-long expedition when you're just going to see your grandma for the weekend.

matthew_baker5d ago

Skip the bag itself and look at what it's doing to your brain. Those compartments train you to fill them, you know? Like a closet that somehow makes your clothes multiply. I noticed I started packing three pairs of shoes just because there were separate sleeves for them. A plain duffel forces you to be honest about what you actually need since there's nowhere to hide stuff.