Packing Evolution

2016:

Packing for Extended travel to multiple countries.

When I left the States in December 2016 for long term travel, I decided to go with a carry-on suitcase and my 19 liter backpack. I continue to use packing cubes (I just can’t imagine traveling without them. They are so good for organizing my bags).

Over the past 2+ years, I’ve went back and forth between backpack vs. suitcase as a main bag. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. Overall, the general ‘size’ of my bags remain pretty constant to the 2012 packing list. I’m currently about 12 kilo on the main bag and 7 kilo on the small backpack/day bag. I generally choose to check my larger bag – simply for convenience of not having to haul it around the airport.

My Packing List Changes

• 1 Yoga pant
• 1 Jean (everyone says not to pack them but I love my jeans)
• 1 Black pant
• 1 Capri
• 1 2 Short
• 2 Long-sleeve shirts
• 4 2 tanks
• 1 sweater
• 2 1 pair tights/to wear in colder weather
• 4 underwear
• 2 bras
• 4 Pair Socks
• Bathing Suit
• Two pair shoes
• Added:
  • 2 short sleeve shirts
  • 2 dresses
  • Compressible Rain Coat, Hat, Gloves

I tend to re-cycle most of my shirts and dresses. I love to thrift shop and finding a great store locally is a great bargain way to update my wardrobe.

My Electronics include:

• MacBook
• Seagate external hard drive (to backup docs, photo’s, etc.)
• Fuji AX-3 Camera – I downsized from a Nikon and couldn’t be happier with my choice.
• Google Fi / Pixel Phone (This is perhaps the #1 item/service that I love) Google Fi Service allows me to have instant service in almost any country. I hate searching for SIM cards so this is my favorite device. If you are interested, use my referral code and we both get $20 credit.

Other items that I’ve found I can’t travel without include:

• Multi-tool (I love my multi-tool and use it quite frequently.) This does mean that I have to check one bag.
• Universal adapter. I finally found one that I love. It includes 2 standard plugs and 2 USB ports. This works well so that I can plug everything into one outlet.

2012

In 2012, I downsized to an Ospry 32 (along with a 19 liter daypack). I had several short trips in addition to a lengthy South American trip. The trip in South America and subsequent trips to Mexico and Central America drastically varied in climate  Packing for temperatures anywhere from near zero in the Andes to 70+ in Mexico and Central America.

I was able to do quite well with the Ospry 32 + 19 liter daypack. My packing list included the following:

• 1 Yoga pant
• 1 Jean (everyone says not to pack them but I love my jeans)
• 1 Black pant
• 1 Capri
• 1 Short
• 2 Long-sleeve shirts
• 4 tanks
• 1 sweater
• 2 pair tights/to wear in colder weather
• 4 underwear
• 2 bras
• 4 Pair Socks
• Bathing Suit
• Two pair shoes

In addition to the above, I packed two Quarter cubes and a Half Cube

• One quarter cube with First Aid
• One with Toiletries
• Half cube that I am using for my Bath Kit which includes my quarter cube with Toiletries, my travel towel and a clothesline.

2008 – 2010

When I left on my first overseas adventure in 2008 to Vietnam, I searched long and hard for the right backpack.  I ended up with The REI brand Grand Tour 65 liter with detachable daypack.  

Here is my pack with two large packing cubes, two half cubes, daypack, shoes, sleeping bag, and detached daypack.  In addition, I took along a messenger bag for my electronics!!  

Whew!!  This thing weighed about 35lbs and was a bear!!

Prior to leaving for Italy, I decided to take the same pack, and downsized what I put inside; decreasing it to around 25lbs.  During my time in Germany with many short weekend trips; I downsized even more moving to a much smaller 48 Liter pack from Ospry. This pack worked out great except I hated the top loading feature.  Soon I downsized yet again with the Ospry 38 (still a top-loader).

What’s in Your Bag?

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