I’ve never been one of those travelers who takes the equivalent of a steamer trunk with 18 pairs of shoes, but I do like a few options in my checked bag. In preparing for the Italian journey I’m on right now, I had to change my mindset and be okay with traveling light. Super light. Like one backpack weighing 20 pounds and a duffle (okay, and a tiny sling bag for hiking), both of which will be carryon.
It’s been stressful trying to boil everything down to just a few items, but you know what? It’s also been rather liberating. I don’t have to check any bags, and I can carry everything I have (though I will check the duffel in a locker while my friend and I are hiking).
What I Started With
You’ll have to watch my Facebook Live video to see my crap spread out. It looks like a lot, but it’s not, not really. Here’s what I’m taking:
In Backpack
Lightweight puffy jacket
Exofficio Insect Shielf buttonup
2 Brooks lightweight t-shirts
Northface capris (LOVE these!)
REI zip off pants/shorts
Yoga pants
3 pairs Exofficio quickdry underwear
3 pairs hiking socks
1 pair sock liners
Beanie
Gloves
Caribou Creek rain jacket
Rain cover
Scarf
3 bandanas
Hiking snacks
Camelbak for water
Microfiber towel
Sleep sheet (thanks to The Friendly Swede for giving it to me to try out)
Tablet
Phone
Camera
In Duffel
Exofficio dress
Flats
Capris
2 dressy shirts
Tank top
Candy for my German friend
Laptop
Toiletries (Divided Between the Two Bags)
Brush
Toothbrush/paste
Melatonin (to counter jetlag)
Aleve
Deodorant
Bar soap
Contacts
Face cleanser
Sunscreen
Lotion
Nail clippers & file
SPF powder
Primer
Serum
Lipgloss
SPF lip moisturizer
Eyeliner
Tampons & pads
That’s not so much, is it?? I may be tossing items out as I go along the trail!
The End Result
I was pretty happy with how well packing cubes and Ziplocs did to compress and organize my items. And the weight is manageable. Years ago when I did the traditional “backpacking through Europe” thing in my 20s, I had no clue how to pack light, or even what size backpack I needed. I nearly bowled over every time I stood up with the pack on! That won’t be a problem this time.
*Cat not included in packing plan
I look forward to the challenge of not only traveling light, but also hiking at high elevation for a week. By the time you read this, I will just be embarking on my weeklong hike. Stay tuned for updates when I get back.