What's in my Backpack
When Daniel and I started sharing our plans for travel, particularly the detail that we would be carrying everything on our backs while traveling from hostel to hotel to campsite to the homes of friends and family for nearly a year, we received a lot of interesting responses. Not the least of which was something like “how in the world are you fitting everything on your back…that would barely be enough space for my shoes!” Especially in different climates, narrowing down clothes, gear, all of those shoes, and the essentials for this type of travel certainly was not easy.
Daniel and I have already shipped a 20lb. package back to the US and additional weight in both Betty and Matt’s luggage after they visited. To be fair, 75% of it was camping gear that was essential in Iceland. We expected to need the camping gear at various points in our travels but after carrying it on our backs for only a few weeks, the benefit of camping when hiking, driving the countryside, or in a bind was far less than the literal pain of carrying it. Other than the gear, while deciding what to ship home, I felt a little like Katz in A Walk in the Woods, having the urge to throw everything out of my pack just a few miles in, not thinking about the utility or consequence.
This story seems like every female traveler’s essential post, but I’ve read A LOT of those, and to no surprise, we all have a different style and travel in a slightly different way.
Rather than list every item in my backpack or provide the most basic advice that neutral colors and performance fabrics are the way to go, layering is crucial, and a nice camera will be your best investment, here are the top unique and essential items in my pack:
1. Flat Compression Bags
There are a few different styles of compression bags for backpacking, but the flat bags fit well in my pack and don't wrinkle clothes to the point that it looks like I pulled my t-shirt from the bottom of the hamper.
2. Yoga Mat
After sleeping in a different bed every week, long bus rides, and hours of walking each day, a good stretch or peaceful hour on the mat is irreplaceable. Who wouldn’t want an outdoor practice next to the Grand Teton?!
Sunset yoga practice next to our campsite in Grand Teton National Park.
Stretching the limits of the recommended amount
3. Head & Neck Scarves
Tiny items that add nice color and cover up hair that hasn’t been washed in days!
4. Travel Wash Cloth
Dry in no time and makes you feel clean even when you're forced to shower in a shared hostel bathroom.
5. Bra Travel Case
I thought myself foolish when buying this to go backpacking, but it is fantastic! Saves great space by fitting bras, sports bras, and bathing suits without ruining them and keeps everything consolidated…just look how much it can fit!
6. Spotify offline “Sleep” playlist
When birds keep you awake at 2am while camping in Iceland, the people in your berth on the overnight train start snoring before your head hits the pillow, or you just need a little peace and quiet.
7. iPad with downloaded content for offline use
For another story, but Triposo, Hoopla, Podcasts, and NY Times Cooking are among my favorites!
8. A few items that just make you feel GOOD
Even if you don’t wear or use them often; it’s necessary to have some of your favorite things. For me, that’s an Eddie Bauer blazer [1] (anyone that knows me, knows that I love blazers, and I just couldn’t give it up for a whole year).
My travel-friendly blazer, comfortable for an afternoon in Copenhagen.
Packs are in the duffel bags and ready to go to London!
9. REI Travel Duffel that protects your pack during transit
Without these, I’m sure clips would be broken or some zipper on our packs would have conveniently opened during travel by now. It just makes sense.
My Nike tank was the perfect fit for an August day in Venice.
10. The most worn item of clothing so far? A black Nike tank
It layers well, I can exercise in it, and I won’t admit how far I have tested its “I can’t smell it, so it must still be clean” boundaries.
Perhaps I had to leave a few pairs of my favorite shoes at home, but to have your belongings for the better part of a year fit into a 60-liter pack gives you an ironic sense of freedom.
[1] This blazer was stolen when our car was broken into in San Francisco. A good amount of my clothes were taken, but this was the only item that I diligently searched to replace. Diligent meaning that we stopped at every shopping outlet from San Jose to Portland until I found the color and size. The lightweight performance fabric that barely wrinkles and is both casual and formal is simply perfect for travel. Backpacker’s WIN!