Looking for recommendations

[u/Hot-Individual4428]

Hi all. Last year I went on a 10 month solo trip through Southeast Asia. I didn't truly one bag, because I'm having the issue of my clothes not fitting. I'm a photographer/ videographer, so I carry cameras and gear, which limits my space significantly. Also, I carry my motorcycle helmet inside my bag during bus and train journeys.

Ideally, I want to be able to fit all of my gear into my 80L Simond waterproof duffel bag, which I found works the best for what I do. I typically carry everything in the 80L bag, and inside I keep a 40L bag for the short trips I go on. I typically have two hotel rooms so that I don't need to carry everything on overnight motorcycle excursions.

My major issue is that I am a very large man, 6'4" 260lbs (193cm 118kg) 31 years old. I also need to carry clothes for both hot and cold weather, because I change elevation so much.

My question is this: what clothes for big people will take up less space when packed? Ideally, I carry 4 shirts, sweatshirt, jacket, merino base layer,2 pants, 2 shorts, 4 socks, 4 underwear. Many people will say I have two many pants, but I need to be able to change out of wet muddy clothes into dry clean ones after motorcycle rides/ hiking.

I will take any recommendations, especially critical ones. thank you everyone.

[u/joeafarias]

I would suggest airsm jogger pants from Uniqlo. They look nice and They pack up really small. Same things with T-shirts and shorts. But for shirts if you want to be able to get multiple uses before washing, Marino wool shirts are good for that and still pack relatively small. Your jacket might be the biggest volume eater. A good quality puffer jacket can keep you plenty warm and can also pack up small.

[u/Hot-Individual4428 → u/joeafarias]

Thank you, I'll make a trip to Uniqlo to try them out. My jacket is an Eddie Bauer cirruslite hooded puffer, which does pack down to almost nothing, thankfully.

[u/SeattleHikeBike]

You are way outside the usual for Onebagging which concentrates on minimalist lightweight kits that are carry on maximum at most. Your camera gear is what it is but that doesn’t stop you from using onebag techniques for the rest of your trip.

It seems you are creating a problem by carrying your helmet inside your main bag. I’m 205 and wear mens XL tops and have no problem getting by with a 32 liter and a 6.5 liter crossbody bag. I have one bagged at 240lbs too.

I’ve done many trips with a 35mm film camera, three lenses, flash, meter and a brick of film in a person item and a 40 liter overhead bag.

You get a smaller kit by packing less, layering and seeking the lightest examples of everything in your kit.

I would get a military style helmet bag and hand carry it and get rid of the sweatshirt. If your 2x pants include what you wear on the plane, that’s no issue in my opinion.

[u/Hot-Individual4428 → u/SeattleHikeBike]

I would like to do this, but in my experience (especially in Asia) many airlines are really strict about what is carried onto a plane. Because I have so much tech, I can't also carry on the helmet when flying. If it has to be checked, I would prefer it be inside my duffel bag full of clothes.

[u/yolomacarolo]

Why not use those fisherman pants on top of your normal pants when riding the motorcycle? That's what my husband uses went the weather is not good. It will prevent your trousers from getting dirty and maybe save some space. About the clothes, what we do (my husband is not as big but he is big too) is using a lot of clothes together to keep warm, I mean multiple layers. If you want less layers and warmer clothers maybe get some wool?

[u/Hot-Individual4428 → u/yolomacarolo]

I've had various types of waterproof overpants over the years. Unfortunately, all of them come apart at the seams after about a month of rough use. To me, the cost of replacing them each month isn't negated by their effectiveness. It's a great idea, but I'm just too hard on them.

[u/yolomacarolo → u/Hot-Individual4428]

You might want to try the ones fishermen use. They are prepared for heavy duty! Buy a bigger size maybe if the trousers rip near the groin

[u/Specific_Corner_1816 → u/yolomacarolo]

Helly Hansen used to be the goto in the 1980s. I haven't commercial fished since then, so I don't know if the brand is still recommended.  

[u/BeautifulLighting3]

Gotta look at merino blend shirts instead of pure cotton, they pack way smaller and you can wear them more than once without them smelling like a locker room.

[u/Hot-Individual4428 → u/BeautifulLighting3]

Unfortunately, I've yet to find a merino shirt that doesn't irritate my skin. I deal with it for my base layer in extreme cold, however I cant justify the discomfort for daily wear.

[u/doctor850 → u/Hot-Individual4428]

Have you tried merino blends with a lower wool percentage, like the Icebreaker cool-lite stuff? Sometimes it's the pure wool that causes the itch. If that still doesn't work, look into Uniqlo Airism or similar synthetic tees. They pack tiny, dry fast, and won't irritate your skin at all.

[u/yolomacarolo]

Oh and about the helmet, would a mammut helmet holder help you gain space for more clothes since the helmet would be attached to the outside of the bag?

[u/Hot-Individual4428 → u/yolomacarolo]

In the first few months of my last trip, I had my helmet attached to the outside of my bag. I was told to separate them by 3 different airlines, which is why I switched to the 80L. It's just more convenient for long haul trips, which I end up doing almost weekly

[u/yolomacarolo → u/Hot-Individual4428]

I understand. Thank you for sharing in case anyone else needs this input.

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[u/Think_Acanthaceae251]

I've heard that packing cubes really help with maximizing space in bags like that, and they're great for keeping everything organized when you're on the move.

[u/Evening-Mirror6560]

focusing on thin synthetic fabrics that compress down easily helps a lot.