We always carry too much, prepare for too many eventualities. One bag could have been left behind. We are too afraid of unknowns to ignore them.
Departures > In Parting
People overpack because of timidity and fear of the unknown, both largely results of inexperience. I've written these pages to provide — in some measure — the benefits of a not inconsiderable amount of urban/rural and business/tourist travel experience. Naturally, my solutions will not be ideal, or even correct, for everyone. How will you know if your ultimate choices are good ones (preferably prior to that once-in-a-lifetime trip)? Fortunately, there's a simple and reliable test ...
Pack your chosen bag with the items you plan to take. Put on the shoes you plan to wear. Then take a one-hour walk around town, ideally including an ample assortment of stairs, poor walking surfaces, and the like. Stop for brief rests as necessary, but don't spend the hour in a café! If you're still happy at the end of your excursion, make your travel reservations.
And have a great trip!