Inside my Packing Hell

Posted on 21. Sep, 2010 by Steph in Trip Planning

I’ve never been a big fan of packing: my natural indecisiveness can turn picking which pair of flip-flops to bring into a life or death decision. Packing for this trip is like the Boss level of packing challenges because:

It’s for an ENTIRE YEAR. An entire year full of variety, events and weather.
I have to carry every single thing I bring around on my back. And I am weak. And lazy.

It’s a tricky set of parameters that requires a whole different way of looking at clothing and possessions. In the past month I have morphed from a person who owns 25 purses and 45 dresses (and still, somehow, has nothing to wear) to someone with the clothing options of a well-shod homeless person. Essentially, a backpacker.

Banished to Goodwill

About 75% of my wardrobe went off to goodwill and into friend’s closets. A few things I’m keeping for the unknown future. A very few things I’m taking with me.

But how to choose?

The contents of my backpack:

Technology

This part was easy enough. I’ll need my new net-book (an Asus EEE), an external hard drive to keep up with my blog and document my trip. Same with my little Canon Elph point’n'shoot with extra battery and memory. The iPod touch is for entertainment and navigating the streets of foreign cities. The cute little bag holds the cords that make everything go.

Shoes

This is how hard packing is for me: for the past two days straight I’ve been agonizing over whether three pairs of shoes is TOO MANY SHOES. But I’m keeping them: one pair of sturdy walking shoes, on pair of REALLY comfy flats, and one pair of awesome flip-flops.

Clothing

The bane of my existence. I’ve made lists, edited the, gone shopping, made new lists. Bought things, returned them, crossed things off the lists, and I STILL have this nagging feeling that I’m bringing too much clothing.

But it’s not all that much really: I’m down now to six tops, two pairs of pants (one pair that rolls up into capris), shorts, a skirt and a maxi dress that can be dressed up or down. There’s two swimsuits (I see a lot of beaches in my future), a long sleeve shirt, and a light jacket for when it’s chilly. Underwear, socks and that’s really it. A few pieces of statement jewelry will help me to not look like a total slob ALL the time.

Is it too little or too much? Ugh I don’t care. At this point I’d rather go naked than make another change.

Miscellaneous

The random little things that make life easier. A multipurpose scarf, a bandana, an eye mask and a pack towel. The yellow and black bag is a silk sleep sack, the green is a tiny fold out shopping bag. Tiny flashlight, tiny sharpie (I love tiny things) and business cards. Lots of business cards to impress all those randos I meet on the road.

The luggage

And this is where it all goes. I love my REI Venus 65L backpack, it got me all around Europe. That plus a slim Keen laptop/ day pack and a cute little hip purse should hold everything nicely. At least I hope so, I’m packing it all up tonight.

So that’s pretty much it- aside from some toiletries and a first aid kit. Every piece has been weighed and weighted and debated in it’s justification for existence.

I think that packing is so hard for me because even though I’m heading out into the unknown, this is one thing that I can control. I really want to set myself up to be comfortable. By now I think I’m as ready as I’ll ever be. Time to put my packing skills to the test.

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Tags: equipment

53 Responses to “Inside my Packing Hell”

Ash
21. Sep, 2010
I would seriously consider putting in a pair of rubber thongs (Havaianas style) for when you are in grotty hostel showers and the like
Good luck- I am struggling enough packing for a month in North America!!
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- Steph
  21. Sep, 2010
  Thanks for the tip!
  Reply to this comment
Alouise
21. Sep, 2010
I give packpackers a lot of credit, I’ve never had to pack for more than 2 weeks of travel. And if you find youself in *insert country name here* thinking ‘I never should have brought this, I don’t use/wear it’ you can always give it to a locally charity (after making sure it’s clean). Don’t stress too much, I think you’re doing an awesome job. Bon voyage.
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conrad
21. Sep, 2010
Ah, relax, it’s just stuff.
My useless moto: Bring little, buy what you really miss on the road. In fact, I rarely found myself shopping…
Anyway, have fun.
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Kelsey
21. Sep, 2010
If you need something on your trip, buy it where you need it. If you take something and you never use it, give it to someone who will. It all works out.
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Michael Tyson
21. Sep, 2010
So you probably don’t want to hear any packing recommendations right about now… but I couldn’t help but notice you’ve packed a pair of jeans… I’m just gonna go ahead and put my two cents in even though it will probably make you want to punch me in the face at this point.
Don’t bring the jeans! They’re a bitch to hand wash, take a gazillion billion years to dry and are seriously heavy. My partner packed a pair of semi-formal polyester pants instead – they’re (her words) casual enough to wear every day and dressy enough to wear out to dinner), they’re easy to hand wash and they dry fast.
Another woman to woman note from my partner:
Hi Steph! (Katherine here) I noticed you’re packing a lot of singlet tops. Unless you’re only planning on traveling in western countries I’d recommend not taking any singlet tops (they’re a bit on the risque side in too many parts of the world (apparently our shoulders and upper arms are very sexy), which renders them completely useless in entire countries! Instead, I packed 3 t-shirts, 2 long-sleeved shirts and 2 short-sleeved blouses/tops. Although, in hindsight I should’ve only packed the 3 t-shirts (as Mike’s pointed out, you can buy more really cheaply if you decide you need to, but more to the point, you’ll probably find clothes along the way you want to buy and if you’re anything like me most of them will be tops! I brought a sarong so I could’ve just wrapped that around me to make myself decent for the no-flesh-allowed holy places).
Finally, I’d pack a warm jumper/jacket rather than a light one – quality warm clothes are expensive and sequestered in outdoorsy stores that always prove to be elusive in foreign countries when you need them – a light jacket you can pick up cheap at any random market or shop if you decide you need it.
Other than that I think you’ve done pretty well! In fact, I think you’re packing less than we did. I might take this opportunity for a little confession to make you feel better… I packed 4 (yes 4!) pairs of shoes (that’s one more pair than Katherine) – hiking boots, teva sandals, thongs (that’s flip-flops to you – don’t get any funny ideas) and sneakers. Phew, it’s good to have that little shame nugget off my chest
Katherine again – I *Love* your birdy pouch Gorgeous.
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- Steph
  22. Sep, 2010
  Thanks Mike and Katherine. I’m mainly planning ahead for the next three months at this point- the majority of that time will be in Australia, so I’m feeling pretty okay about the tank tops. I can always load up on more shirts once I get to bangkok in January.
  I’m sticking exclusively to warm climates, so I’m hoping the light jacket will be all I need- but again I guess time will tell!
  Reply to this comment
  - Ash
    22. Sep, 2010
    Tank tops, bikinis, shorts and thongs (flip-flops) (also commonly known as Hav’s or pluggers) are practically the Australian national uniform in Summer (hell, for most of the year!)….you will be fine here!
    Reply to this comment
Andrea
21. Sep, 2010
Yay!! You are leaving so soon!! thanks for all the clothes
Good luck on your travels and remember we are all SO SO PROUD OF YOU!
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- Steph
  22. Sep, 2010
  haha I hope you enjoy wearing my closet!
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Andi
21. Sep, 2010
I can’t imagine packing for a year. I would have a nervous breakdown I think haha. Best wishes!!!!!!!!!
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Amanda
21. Sep, 2010
Thinking about packing for a year gives me a headache. So kudos to you! It looks like you’ve done a good job so far. I’ve never gone anywhere for a year as a backpacker (I had a hell of a time packing for 5 months of study abroad), so I don’t have any practical tips. All I can say is, good luck!
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- Steph
  22. Sep, 2010
  Yeah packing for study abroad was tough, but I brought two suitcases to London, so I have a lot more stuff than I do now. really hard!
  Reply to this comment
Emily
21. Sep, 2010
Oh man. Like Alouise, my longest trips have been just over two weeks, and I still have trouble packing for that! I can’t imagine packing for a year. But I think you are spot-on with your shoe choices–they all look comfortable and give you a range of variety for various terrain. A pair of black flats can dress anything up, but can still be casual. And you can’t go wrong with a sturdy pair of tennis shoes and flip flops. Good job at pairing things down–I know it was hard! I’m a shoe and dress whore, so I would have such a hard time. I would probably also be bad about accumulating new things while traveling, though I suppose you can always ship things home…
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- Steph
  22. Sep, 2010
  I’m just mentally bribing myself with all the cute cheap sundresses i can buy on the road!
  Reply to this comment
Dave
21. Sep, 2010
Unlike Michael Tyson, I regret not bringing (or hell buying) jeans on my RTW trip. The extra warmth would’ve been much appreciated at times, such as when I landed in Europe during the dead of winter. Even when I bought long johns to wear under my North Face pants, it was drafty. Also, I spent a lot of time in big cities, and a pair of jeans would’ve been more fitting for nights out partying.
Are you only bringing one SD card? Even if you plan to back-up regularly, I’d recommend an extra. I found them to be cheapest in the USA, so it’ll save you time comparison-shopping down the road to get it now (because let’s face it, we’re all stingy on the road!).
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- adam
  21. Sep, 2010
  yep. bring jeans. theyr’e good to have and i wouldn’t give ‘em up for anything!
  Reply to this comment
  - Steph
    22. Sep, 2010
    Thanks Dave and Adam. I know people are really divided on whether to bring jeans backpacking or not. I’m a city girl and I think that the jeans will come in handy. If not- I’ll just get rid of them!
    Reply to this comment
    - Steph
      22. Sep, 2010
      Oh and Dave, I’ve got two extra SD cards- should be pretty set on memory!
      Reply to this comment
Kirsty
21. Sep, 2010
Ya packing is a bitch. I make up for it by staying for longer than expected in places.. partly because I can’t be arsed to pack again!
Over the years you’d think I’d have some sort of system in place but I still always end up with clothes I don’t wear and clothes I wear too much and end up wanting to burn. Then if I find some really useful, versatile item of clothing, that’s usually the one I spill red wine on. *sigh*
Good luck! You’ll probably find that the contents of your bag will change as you travel. Hopefully, unlike me, packing will get easier for you the more trips you take.
Reply to this comment
- Steph
  22. Sep, 2010
  Thanks! Everything is all packed now- but it’s the packing and repacking i’m dreading. Will be interesting to see what actually makes it back home with me though.
  Reply to this comment
Audrey
21. Sep, 2010
I’d say you’ve done a pretty good job pairing it down! I’d second Katherine regarding tank tops/singlet tops. In many parts of the world exposing shoulders is a no-no and you’re not allowed in temples or other sights like that. I’d take a couple with you and then buy t-shirts on the road. You’re headed to Asia, right? You’ll have more than ample opportunity to buy fun t-shirts there.
As for the flip-flops, I’d also go for a plastic pair that you can wear into showers. Again, if you’re in Asia you can pick this up super cheap (I’m still wearing my $8 fake Tevas from Bangkok 2+ years ago).
And, whatever you forget, you can pick up on the road! Bon voyage!
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- Steph
  22. Sep, 2010
  Thanks Audrey! I’m definitely planning on being able to pick up some cheap replacement duds in SE asia.
  Reply to this comment
Allison
21. Sep, 2010
Wow. You’re pile of things to take for a year is about what I normally end up taking for a week…. I always over-pack!
Good luck!!
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Michael
21. Sep, 2010
I don’t see cake or lasagna in this picture. Don’t forget to pack these.
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Christine
22. Sep, 2010
Well done! I’m trying to figure out if I can manage with my backpack or if I want to take my suitcase for my last jaunt around France–it’s tough because they’re so darn stylish here! I’m very impressed with your choices–and big scarves like that can double as a beach towel Best of luck!
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Luke
22. Sep, 2010
Hahaha, fair play to you! There is absolutely no way in hell I could fit a fraction of that stuff into a suitcase.
I always have to get my mom to do my packing for me… Even when I travelled around SE Asia, I had to get a friend to pack my clothes for me, when it came to re-packing at various intervals during my trip, I was at an utter loss…
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Tina
22. Sep, 2010
Good luck with the packing it always seems difficult, you have some great suggestions so far. About all I can add is to dress in layers and peel them off during the day, put them back on when it gets cooler at night.
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aelle
22. Sep, 2010
You’ll be fine! When I moved to Japan for a year, on top of the contents of my backpack, I had a 20kg box full of clothes shipped… which never made it. And I never missed it. I wouldn’t have known what to do with most of it anyway, because being on my feet all the time I lost a ton of weight!
I don’t see which one your light jacket is – I always travel with a big fleece zip-up sweater, even in the summer. Not the sexiest thing, but damn useful if you plan on sleeping in that over- air conditionned night bus.
What do you wear at night? (that’s the ONE thing I systematically forget!!) I picked up a couple of beautiful sarongs in Malaysia that are very multipurpose – from sleeping in if you share a room, to wearing around your waist, to lying on at the beach (less bulky than a towel) to doubling as a bedsheet in sketchy places.
But like everyone said, you’ll figure out really quickly what’s useful and what’s not, and you can pick anything on the road (well… expect jeans and bras in East Asia if you are of standard western size. Be warned). And you’ll also figure out quickly how to live out of your pack and re-pack it efficiently every time!
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- Steph
  22. Sep, 2010
  Thanks Aelle! I am bringing a pair of cotton shorts to sleep in, and the tank tops can also double as sleep wear. I may cave and buy some sweatpants on the road- I do LOVE sweatpants.
  I am hoping to get a sarong somewhere in Asia to double as a beach towel.
  The jacket is that green thing, it’s not as thin as maybe thin implies. I’m also bringing a cardigan that I can layer underneath it, an a rain jacket that folds up really small, so hopefully I should be set, considering I’m only going warm places.
  Reply to this comment
Jenny
22. Sep, 2010
Don’t worry. You’ll soon find out what works and what doesn’t. It’s different for everyone. One thing I do recommend bringing is a head lamp. It’s good for hands free searching in the dark… which you’ll do lots of in hostels and camping situations. I used mine daily. They are $5-$15 at the store.
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Sarah
22. Sep, 2010
Ahh packing! So unbelievably exciting (because you’re about to go) and yet so very frustrating! However many times I do it I will ,without a doubt, pack more than I need and take things that don’t get worn enough to justify being carried.
The thing to remember above all else is that for the vast majority of places you can buy anything to forget to bring with you. And in many cases, it’ll be cheaper than it would have been at home.
I’d question how often you’ll wear the flat black shoes though… in hot countries you’ll live in flip flops unless walking somewhere. I’ll be surprised if they see much other than the bottom of your bag! Either way, try not to panic too much!
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- Steph
  27. Sep, 2010
  Thanks. The flats are for nights out when tennis shoes or flip flops won’t cut it. They might not make it all the way to SE Asia but should come in handy this fall!
  Reply to this comment
Nicolette
22. Sep, 2010
Thanks for the flashbacks – I see some familiar items (the silk sleep sack is still my fav item)! Fortunately you always have the most important thing with you – your sense of adventure!
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Jaime
23. Sep, 2010
OMG reading this just got me too excited!!! I cant wait for my departure date but for now its about you!!! CONGRATS SO FREAKING MUCH!!! I am so excited for you… and I LOVE reading packing list it just so interesting to see how everyone is so different!
Good Luck~
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- Steph
  27. Sep, 2010
  This will be you sooner than you know!
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Vi
23. Sep, 2010
It is always a challenge to pack everything you need for full year. Especially if you not staying in one place and moving around. Otherwise you could buy most of stuff on your way.
Good luck
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Nina
29. Sep, 2010
Just chanced upon your blog and it is amazing that you are travelling all around the world. Are you passing through India by any chance?
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- Steph
  29. Sep, 2010
  Not planning on visiting India this time around- but who knows!
  Reply to this comment
Gillian
17. Oct, 2010
Believe me, you won’t miss any of the stuff you don’t pack. I found it freeing to only have 3 shirts, two pants and a dress to choose from…I often, okay…always, wore the same clothes for days on end. I loved that I didn’t have to worry about being matchy, matchy or that someone might have seen my ‘outfit’ (if you could call what I wore and ‘outfit’). Good luck…and have fun!!
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- Steph
  18. Oct, 2010
  yeah, one month in and I’m already sick of everything i own! it is very freeing though.
  Reply to this comment
Heather
01. Nov, 2010
While you’re in Oz you can pick up cheap clothing at SES if you want — got some long-sleeved shirts ($5) and tank tops ($3 each) there! I started light and had to buy some more things here along the way
I know we haven’t been following each other but would love to meet up when you get to Sydney!
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- Steph
  02. Nov, 2010
  Thanks for the tip! I will be in Sydney around Christmas time.
  Reply to this comment
Julia
02. Mar, 2011
Great post. It’s always interesting to see what different people pack based on tips they’ve gathered from other people, blogs and personal experience. But you have to get to a point where you think “sod it, if i’ve forgotten something I’ll just have to do without or buy it while I’m there!” otherwise it drives you mad!
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- Steph
  06. Mar, 2011
  Yup, as long as you’ve got your passport and wallet, the rest is just “stuff”
  Reply to this comment
Jessica
10. Apr, 2011
I am currently in the library ‘studying’ for an exam I have tomorrow, but I just can’t stop reading your blog! In about 20 days I’m going off to Europe for 3 months of backpacking, my first trip ever. Your site has been an inspiration and really quite helpful!
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- Steph
  17. Apr, 2011
  How exciting! Enjoy Europe- it’s an amazing palce.
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Andrew
29. Jun, 2011
Hey Steph,
Great advice. Just wondering how did the ipod touch help your navigate through the foreign streets? where you using an app? Google Maps?
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Jodi
19. Jul, 2011
As a girl, deciding to pack minimal clothing is easier said than done. I’m now realizing that myself. I’m happy to see all of the comments encouraging people to pack jeans! I will definitely bring a pair on my next trip.
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Nikky
25. Nov, 2011
Great job at packing! I’m also travelling to Australia and Asia for a year so i will definitively be using some of your tips:)
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