Hi! I dreamt of being minimalist in a certain way since high school.
I have an interrogation about the feasibility of putting all my life inside one main backpack (checked like the FORCLAZ Travel 900 70+6).
I'm living in France for my Master's degree. But I have a plan of doing a gap year in Korea, doing mainly WWOOFing and language learning. And after graduation, to live in Japan and maybe South Korea again for a PhD.
I traveled twice to South Korea with a carry-on 40L backpack for a few weeks, but now it would be for my life: with all my diplomas (I won't throw them lmao I needa work), running gear, ...
For big, big items like a big winter coat, I have a plan of buying second-hand and then reselling it for free or something like this ~~
I'm considering buying a gravel bike (in Korea) tho. To do bikepacking in Korea, etc. (another goal). So I don't want to have a suitcase AND a bike to transport in case of relocating to other countries.
I'm quite confused right now. Do you think it's feasible? Do you have any tips, or feedback about the volume of the bag (too big, too small)?
(Also, it's my first Reddit post, maybe my message sounds weird)
Have you considered buying a bike once you move to Korea?
And how about digitising all of your diplomas?
Yes, I'll buy my bike in Korea!
And my diploma, paperwork, I'm not sure :/ I'll think about it, thanks!
For some visas you might need originals of documents so they can certify copies.
After living out of one bag for over three years and taking flights every month or sooner, I can tell, that it is indeed possible.
Asking for an advice on this subreddit, you should be aware that (even as stated by its description) is first and foremost about urban and travel. Not bikepacking and not taking your entire life to a new place. And this heavily biases advices and opinions you'll hear.
It is possible, has been done and is being done in the present, to live while doing daily sink laundry to limit amount of clothes you have, to compromise skin and hair care to eliminate liquids you carry, to forego fashion as a personal expression, to give up laptop for a phone, etc. etc. etc.
But if you're doing this not for a week, or two, or a month or half a year, it gets old. You will want comforts that are specific to you. You will question the line where previous benefits become detrimental. And your truth will be beyond what's accepted in this sub, which, like any other interest driven community, is an echo chamber. Remember this and don't be surprised when you'll stray away.
Thanks! Yes, I see that I'll have to test things and assess what is working for me or not.
You are aware that's a big backpack? Are you sure you would be comfortable bikepacking with it?
As for important paperwork - get a hard tube (or flat hardpack if you prefer). Then just pack as usual
Thanks for the hard tube advice. While bikepacking, I think I'll leave stuff in my apartment and use velcro bags (I won't take the big backpack with me like the photo)
A Canyon gravel bike is cheaper in South Korea, I just checked.
For me that’s the thing about 1 bag. Rather than paying xxx for luggage, you can put that money to buy Y when you get there.
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Even with 2 panniers, they don’t hold a lot of stuff
There likely is a group that specializes in bike travel. You likely don’t want a big coat for winter. Layering is your friend when it comes to biking
Thanks !
Check here as well: r/bikepacking.