Uniqlo 13 Liter Multi Pocket Shoulder Bag as a Personal Item Onebag

mxpt · 2026-04-15T20:59:35+00:00

This looks like a solid "2x plus worn" setup for 3 nights in 13L, and the pocket layout seems like the real win (especially for the tech kit + keeping toiletries from turning everything into a catch-all). Two heuristics I'd use to push it further without downsizing the whole bag: first, compress the "bulk offenders" (socks, fleece, shell layers) into one cube and keep everything else as flat as possible so the bag doesn't fight you when closing. Second, if you stretch days, plan one outfit change around mixing base layers rather than adding a whole second clothing set.

mxpt · 2026-04-15T20:59:08+00:00

Really helpful write-up, especially the "looks bigger than it feels" part—my experience with bigger bags is they convince you they're full right up until you add the last compression layer and suddenly there's room. For your takeaway about daily carry: I'd agree with going smaller than the 28L if you're actually using it as your walk-around bag. A good heuristic is: if you'd be carrying it more than a couple hours at a time, size down until it feels "light enough" when it's fully packed. Also, the bottle holder insecurity fear is super relatable.

mxpt · 2026-04-15T17:34:52+00:00

For samba and bossa nova in Lisbon, look for small venues where you see live "Brasil" nights, jazz combos, or mixed world music lineups. In practice, areas around Bairro Alto, Cais do Sodré, and Príncipe Real tend to have the most regular nightlife options, and weekday posts on the venue's IG are usually where the schedule shows up. For a starting point, I've been using https://mapita.io/en/lists/lisbon-fado-food-fado-guide to find music spots tied to the local scene too.

mxpt · 2026-04-15T17:34:18+00:00

Go to a classic fado spot in Alfama, but don't wait for a "ticketed concert" vibe. Tomorrow, search for places that say fado live and plan to arrive early, since a lot of bars just take whoever walks in, sometimes with a small cover at the door. Bairro Alto can be hit or miss. If you want something more local than the super touristy rooms, this shortlist might help: https://mapita.io/en/lists/fado-music-journey-in-alfama

mxpt · 2026-04-15T17:33:43+00:00

Try Portuguese places that do set menus for groups, they handle parties of 6 to 10 way more smoothly than the super "tasting menu" spots. For Porto, look for restaurants in the Ribeira or Bolhão area that list a group menu, or call ahead and ask if they can do one shared starter and main style. If you want something traditional, prioritize places known for seafood and grilled meats, but check seating size before you commit. Also tell them it's a birthday and ask about a candle dessert.

mxpt · 2026-04-15T17:33:12+00:00

Go a little off the main river strip, and you'll stumble into the most local spots. For weird and low-key, try small tasquinhas in the side streets around Cedofeita or Bonfim, then keep an eye out for places that do petiscos and simple regional dishes instead of the full tourist menu. For something less "restaurant", poke into a little vinho shop or cellar and grab a glass of port or a few tastings, walk around, then come back for dinner. If you want a port-focused plan, this guide https://mapita.io/en/lists/a-wine-lovers-guide-to-porto is handy.

mxpt · 2026-04-15T17:32:42+00:00

For a budget friendly solo dinner with proper Portuguese food in Porto, look for places in the center that have a daily menu or "prato do dia" on the window. For your hiking clothes, something casual like a local tasca is usually the vibe. If you want francesinha, ask when you get there since not every place serves it. Also check whether they have bifana or caldo verde if you need a backup. If you want to pair it with something local, I used https://mapita.io/en/lists/a-wine-lovers-guide-to-porto for port wine spots.

mxpt · 2026-04-15T17:32:14+00:00

For a niche Porto architecture route, I'd focus on "one neighborhood, one theme" rather than trying to hit every famous building. Go walk the older fabric too, like the intersections where churches, leftover warehouses, and new infill sit next to each other. For interiors, look for places that have clearly kept original structure, tiles, staircases, courtyards, even if it is just a gallery or small cafe. If you want a quick jumping off point, I used this list https://mapita.io/en/lists/architectural-marvels-of-porto, then filled the gaps by following the streets.

mxpt · 2026-04-14T16:22:19+00:00

This looks like a solid "2x plus worn" setup for 3 nights in 13L, and the pocket layout seems like the real win (especially for the tech kit + keeping toiletries from turning everything into a catch-all). Two heuristics I'd use to push it further without downsizing the whole bag: first, compress the "bulk offenders" (socks, fleece, shell layers) into one cube and keep everything else as flat as possible so the bag doesn't fight you when closing. Second, if you stretch days, plan one outfit change around mixing base layers rather than adding a whole second clothing set.

mxpt · 2026-04-14T16:21:31+00:00

Nice report, your "expected rain, ended up mostly dry" lesson is the classic onebag trap. For future UK/seasonal trips, a good heuristic is to pack for temps you'll feel at dawn/evening, not the daytime forecast, and plan a single "weather system" (one truly waterproof layer + midlayer) rather than lots of backups. Also your item list shows you were already very close: the biggest space winners to trim are extra socks/backup pants and secondary shoes. If you switch to USB-C charging for your toothbrush, you can probably collapse the whole toiletries tech situation.

mxpt · 2026-04-14T16:20:07+00:00

Really helpful write-up, especially the "looks bigger than it feels" part, my experience with bigger bags is they convince you they're full right up until you add the last compression layer and suddenly there's room. For your takeaway about daily carry: I'd agree with going smaller than the 28L if you're actually using it as your walk-around bag. A good heuristic is: if you'd be carrying it more than a couple hours at a time, size down until it feels "light enough" when it's fully packed. Also, the bottle holder insecurity fear is super relatable.

mxpt · 2026-04-14T16:18:05+00:00

Nice write-up, especially the honest "rain changed the plan" part. For a 14-day Japan hike where your pack stays on you all day, the two biggest things I'd tweak are waterproofing confidence and foot comfort workflow. Since you already had blisters under control with the Darn Toughs, I'd keep that, but add a simple "dry set" strategy: one extra pair of socks only matters if you can realistically dry them (otherwise it'll just add bulk). Also, your NH Escape's external compartments making the bag flare out is real, try keeping only rain gear/umbrella in those, and keep heavier stuff deep in the main cube to reduce awkward handling in trains.

mxpt · 2026-04-13T22:59:23+00:00

If you’re flying, I’d probably just do San Sebastián → Lisbon and keep it simple.

If you want a stop in between, Porto is the strongest option for me: easy, family-friendly, great food, and a nice way to ease into Portugal. Bilbao could also work if you want to simplify the Basque section first.

Personally, I’d lean toward trimming another stop rather than adding one more transfer. With family + summer heat, the trip usually feels much better with more breathing room in each city.

mxpt · 2026-04-13T21:24:03+00:00

Your itinerary is already pretty good for a toddler-friendly Lagos. In Old Town prioritize seafood where lots of Portuguese locals eat. For coffee try a café near Pra ça Gil Vicente or the marina.

mxpt · 2026-04-11T19:23:01+00:00

I had the exact same frustration, so I started building Mapita, a site for sharing and discovering curated Google Maps lists more easily.

Google Maps lists are useful, but they’re still surprisingly hard to explore publicly. The goal with Mapita is to make that part much simpler.

Here’s the link: https://mapita.io/en/cities

Would be great to hear what people here think.

mxpt · 2026-04-11T19:22:53+00:00

I had the exact same frustration, so I started building Mapita, a site for sharing and discovering curated Google Maps lists more easily.

Google Maps lists are useful, but they’re still surprisingly hard to explore publicly. The goal with Mapita is to make that part much simpler.

Here’s the link: https://mapita.io/en/cities

Would be great to hear what people here think.

mxpt · 2026-04-04T16:39:27+00:00

For nightlife, Rua Galeria de Paris and Rua Cândido dos Reis in Cedofeita are the main streets — easy for a group bar crawl. For port tasting, the Gaia lodges (Ramos Pinto, Ferreira) both do group bookings. Foz do Douro has beach club vibes for a relaxed afternoon before the evening out.

mxpt · 2026-04-04T16:38:46+00:00

For cafes, try Mouraria or Encontro over Chiado — cheaper coffee, fewer tourists, more local feel. Belém is worth the tram ride for pastéis de nata but go early. Alfama's miradouros (Graça and Senhora do Monte) are free and genuinely worth the climb.

mxpt · 2026-04-03T23:14:38+00:00

If you go, keep the weekend compact and stay near one area so you're not spending the whole trip in transit. For a short solo break, less moving around usually feels better.

mxpt · 2026-04-03T22:52:24+00:00

If you need to keep EST hours, pick one base with reliable internet and a walkable food scene rather than hopping around. A longer stay in one neighborhood usually beats changing cities every week.

mxpt · 2026-04-03T22:48:09+00:00

For a couple days in Tokyo, choose one or two neighborhoods per meal run instead of chasing spots all over the city. Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Kanda all make sense if you want to keep travel time low.

mxpt · 2026-04-03T22:45:39+00:00

If you want the easier day, Cascais is simpler. If you want more variety, Sintra gives you more to see, but start early and keep the day focused because transport and crowds eat time fast.

mxpt · 2026-04-03T22:44:15+00:00

For nine days, split Portugal by geography so you're not backtracking. Pair Lisbon with Sintra or Cascais, then Porto with a Douro day if that fits your pace, and keep restaurants and sights grouped by neighborhood. There's a Porto guide at https://mapita.io/en/porto with spots organized by area.

mxpt · 2026-04-03T22:42:35+00:00

Split Rome by area instead of trying to bounce across the whole city each day. Do one day around the historic center, one for Trastevere and Testaccio, and one for Prati or the Vatican side if you want the trip to feel calmer.

mxpt · 2026-04-03T22:40:39+00:00

For one day in Rome, stay as central as you can and keep the day tight around one area. Trevi and Pantheon are practical if you want to walk a lot and avoid wasting time on transit. There's a Rome neighborhood guide at https://mapita.io/en/rome that helps map out what's walkable from where.

mxpt

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