ONE BAG TO BANGKOK: A TRAVEL CHRONICLE
Bangkok, Thailand's vibrant heart, offers an array of experiences from bustling markets to serene temples. As a Bag Nerd by passion and a freelance photographer by profession, I’ve always been captivated by the art of packing light while staying fully equipped. My recent journey to the vibrant city of Bangkok for the second annual Thailand Carryology Collective Meet-up was the perfect opportunity to put my one-bag travel philosophy to the test. For a city that demands versatility in travel, this meant packing all my essentials into a single backpack, ensuring I remained mobile, organized, and ready for adventure. To accomplish this, I chose the ALPAKA Elements Travel Backpack in XPAC VX42, the ALPAKA Packing Cube Collection, the Vertex Tech Pouch in Multicam Black X50 XPAC, and the ALPAKA Toiletry Bag. Let me walk you through my packing process, showcasing the efficiency of these bags and pouches within the ALPAKA ecosystem.
THE BACKBONE: ELEMENTS TRAVEL BACKPACK
The Elements Travel Backpack proved to be an ideal companion for my 3-day Bangkok trip. Its 35-liter capacity struck the perfect balance between spaciousness and compactness. The sleek black exterior with a streamlined aesthetic allowed me to blend into the urban environment, while the X-Pac® technical laminate fabric kept my valuables dry in Bangkok's occasional rain showers.
PACKED TO PERFECTION
The clamshell opening of the main compartment reveals a large, bucket-like space, which I optimized using ALPAKA's Packing Cubes. For this short trip, I primarily used the Large Cube for clothing and undergarments.
The Elements Travel Backpack's organization features shone through. The front quick-access pocket held travel documents and chargers, while the admin panel offered various pockets for smaller gear. A dedicated laptop compartment safely housed my 16-inch MacBook Pro.
TECH COMMAND: VERTEX POUCH
The Vertex Pouch revolutionized my tech organization. Its self-standing design made it an excellent desk caddy during cafe work sessions. The front pocket housed cables and adapters, while the main compartment, with its magnetic flap and internal divider, kept larger items like headphones and smaller gadgets well-organized.
FRESH TO GO: TOILETRY BAG
The ALPAKA Toiletry Bag combined durability with style. AquaGuard zippers provided extra protection from splashes. Inside, an X-shaped divider allowed efficient separation of toiletries, while mesh and zippered compartments kept items organized and clean.
ON THE MOVE IN BANGKOK
Navigating Bangkok with the ALPAKA ecosystem was effortless. The Elements Travel Backpack provided comfort during long exploration days, while its sleek design suited both casual outings and formal settings. The Vertex Tech Pouch and Toiletry Bag ensured my gear and personal items were always organized and accessible, from bustling streets to serene temples.