Why My $5 Thrifted Backpack Beat Every Fancy Travel Bag

Travel & Hospitality Travel Gear
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1

chaos_queen98

Alright, y’all. I snagged a $5 backpack from Goodwill to see if it could handle a month in Europe. Spoiler: IT DID. Who needs those $$$ designer bags??? :smirking_face:

2

genZglobetrotter

Wait, how did it hold up against the elements tho? I need deets, sis, like rain, dirt, wine spills? :cloud_with_rain::wine_glass:

3

chaos_queen98

Rain, check. :cloud_with_rain: Dirt, double check. Wine spill was a close call in Italy but managed with a quick swish in the hostel sink, lol. :sweat_smile:

4

thriftlord_21

Bro, thrift shop bags are GOATed. I once found a Jansport from the 90s. That thing survived Southeast Asia a whole summer. :flexed_biceps:

5

crocpunk_88

But can your thrifted bag fit a pair of Crocs AND a week’s worth of socks? That’s the true test. :joy:

6

chaos_queen98

Challenge accepted. Packed Crocs, socks, AND a portable charger. Go big or go home, right? :joy:

7

wanderlust_wizard

All about that sustainability! Thrift is the way, folks. Save $$$ and the planet. :globe_showing_europe_africa::green_heart: #EcoWarriors

8

travel_meme_lord

Imagine spending $300 on a backpack just to flex in the airport when you can pull up like a legend with a thrifted gem. :joy:

9

minimalist_mike

Lowkey thinking of downsizing my life to a single backpack. Any tips on what NOT to pack? :eyes:

10

chaos_queen98

DON’T pack full-size anything. Get travel sizes or empty bottles you can refill. Saves space and headache. :wink:

11

studentstravels

Backpack wins are budget wins. What about unexpected pros/cons? Need to know before I ditch my suitcase. :backpack:

12

chaos_queen98

Pro: Easy to blend in. Con: Sore shoulders if you don’t pack smart. But that’s part of the adventure, right? :joy:

13

trendsetter_tina

Real question, does the thrifted bag come in aesthetic colors? Asking for those airport IG posts. :camera_with_flash:

14

chaos_queen98

Mine’s a fire retro orange! But thrift’s like a mystery box, girl. You never know what you’re gonna get! :artist_palette:

15

vibes_vic

Thrifted bags = stories. Imagine the adventures they’ve been on before you. It’s like carrying travel karma with you! :sparkles:

16

traveltech_kid

But how do they handle tech gear? I’m talking laptop protection, charging cables, etc. Can’t have my gadgets getting wrecked. :laptop::high_voltage:

17

chaos_queen98

Laptops need a sleeve, for sure. I DIY’d one from an old hoodie. RIP to my fav sweater but worth it. :joy:

18

budgetboss_b

Thrifting is the cheat code to life. Saving $$$ here means more $$ for coffee in Paris. :hot_beverage::france:

19

eco_crafter

Anyone ever upcycle their thrift gear after? I’m thinking of turning mine into a new bag when it’s too beat up. :hammer_and_wrench:

20

chaos_queen98

That’s genius! Make a new bag or a patchwork quilt of your travel memories. :heart_eyes: Who’s down for a craft sesh?