One bag to rule them all: a minimalist’s guide to glamping

In the quiet realm of Brook Cottage, nestled between ancient hills and the whisper of water, there arose a new kind of quest. Not for gold, nor glory, nor rings of unimaginable power - but for simplicity.

Legends spoke of wanderers who travelled with just one bag. No heaving packs. No overstuffed trunks. Just the essentials: a warm jumper, sturdy shoes, a journal for starlit thoughts, and a flame of curiosity that never faded.

It was said that those who packed light were granted more than ease — they found something rarer. Time slowed. The lake shimmered with story. Owls whispered secrets through the trees. And in the hush of night, by the crackling fire, they remembered what it meant to be free.

One bag to carry. One life to live. One journey to begin....

From tea bags to travel bags

Of course, when I first mentioned “one-bagging” to friends, they assumed I meant tea. And while one bag per brew might be a sacred ritual in its own right, this kind of one-bagging is something else entirely: packing lightly for a richer travel experience.

Minimalist travel, and particularly one-bag glamping, isn’t just about convenience. It’s about feeling at ease in your surroundings, making space for spontaneity, and letting your adventure unfold with less friction and more wonder.

At Brook Cottage Shepherd Huts, this ethos comes to life: simplicity pairs effortlessly with comfort, and guests need only bring what sparks joy.

Why less really is more

Packing light isn't about restriction - it's about intention. With fewer possessions to manage, you have more freedom to engage with your surroundings. There’s no rummaging, no decisions overloaded by clutter. Just the essentials, chosen with care, so you can be fully present to experience life at its best.

Our glamping experience makes this effortless. Bedding? Provided. Cooking equipment? Ready for you. Soap and shampoo? Stocked. And if you’ve forgotten anything, no need to worry - while our retreat is wonderfully secluded, we’re just ten minutes from local shops and cafés, so if there’s something you really need, you’ll be able to find it easily.

Minimalist, not basic

Minimalism isn’t about sacrificing comfort, it’s more the art of choosing wisely. At Brook Cottage, the essentials are elevated: luxury bedding to sink into after a day’s wander, log fires for cosy evenings, and electric heaters that keep the chill at bay without compromising the rustic charm.

When it comes to food, guests often delight in travelling light. Instead of stocking up on provisions, they explore nearby restaurants and local gems—effortless dining that turns meals into moments, leaving more time to relax and unwind.

Stillness, made simple

Travelling light makes space for the small, magical details that often go unseen. Instead of hauling suitcases, or rummaging trying to find something which has inevitably made its way right to the bottom of your bag, you notice more. A kingfisher’s flash across the lake. The babble of the brook that hugs the western boundary of our retreat. A clear night sky that invites you to sit under the stars with nothing on your mind but the stillness around you and the occasional hoot of an owl.

How to pack for a one-bag glamping getaway

• Layered clothing for changeable Welsh weather

• Comfortable walking shoes for countryside adventures

• A good book or journal to savour quiet moments by the fire.

• Personal comforts - a warm jumper, your favourite tea, little luxuries that lift without cluttering

• A relaxed mindset because - in the end - it’s not about what you pack, but what you experience.

Travel lighter. Live deeper.

Ready to experience freedom, comfort, and simplicity in one beautiful bundle? Book your stay at Brook Cottage Shepherd Huts and bring your curiosity, your sense of adventure, and just one bag—because when you pack less, you make room for more: more connection, more wonder and more memories.