One bad week in Chiang Mai flipped my whole packing philosophy

I used to travel with just a 28L backpack, proud of how little I owned. Then last month my laptop died on a Tuesday, my favorite sandals snapped, and I caught a stomach bug that left me useless for three days. That week I spent $180 on replacements, a clinic visit, and delivery food because I had zero backups or comfort items. My minimalist setup saved me space but cost me time and money when things went sideways. Now I carry a 40L bag with a spare power bank, a basic med kit, and one pair of closed-toe shoes even in the tropics. It feels heavier, but the peace of mind is worth it. Has anyone else ditched ultra-light packing after a rough stretch on the road?

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shane_moore8713d ago

Did you catch that piece from that one travel blogger who did 100 days with a 20L bag and then had to cut a whole trip short after getting dengue? That story stuck with me because it was the exact same thing, she saved all this weight but then had zero ability to deal with real life. Honestly, I think there's this whole online crowd that treats packing like a competition instead of just, you know, being prepared for a normal Tuesday. Tbh, your $180 bad week sounds way cheaper than a ruined month or a hospital bill in a country where you don't speak the language. I'd take an extra kilo of meds and real shoes over being that guy who can't function when things go wrong.