"Do not pack your fears."--an unknown, but wise, pilgrim
Fears, indeed.
I'm looking at my pile of "essentials" and wondering how they will fit in my nifty Gregory Jade 38 backpack. I've been very aware of the need to pack light from the get-go and have tried to follow every bit of advice regarding keeping the final weight to 10% of my body weight. (Hence, the freedom from having to lose the perpetual five pounds--finally, those pounds are paying off!)
I've never been among the world's smart packers. I'm the worst at the "what if" scenarios, when it comes to filling a suitcase. I always bring too much, including "discoveries" in drawers and closets that I haven't worn in years, but suddenly decide might be perfect for wherever it is that I'm going. I also might need an extra shirt/sweater/coat or pair of jeans/shoes. Maybe even two or three. Hair products, cosmetics, and a full bag of just-in-case items: cortisone, Neosporin, Tylenol, Immodium, tourniquet--okay, I'm kidding about the tourniquet. But I am the medical go-to girl on any trip.
Last Sunday, I decided it was time to face the challenge. I gathered everything on the list and began to weigh each item. Not to bore you, but here are a few examples--weights are in ounces:
- Pink nylon jacket 5.5
- Zip-leg pants 9.4
- Microfiber towel 2.9
- Rain pants 6.8
- Paring knife 0.6
- Stretchy gloves 1.1
- Safety pins 0.7
You get the idea. It adds up quickly. I organized in zip-lock bags. Started and restarted a dozen times. Took things out, and started yet again.
In the end:
Rain gear: poncho, rain pants
Cold weather: wool headband, gloves, hooded fleece, silk long underwear
Everyday: nylon pants and a v-neck microfiber shirt (two sets: wear one, wash one)
Socks: 3 Smartwool PhD/3 REI silk liners (wear one, wash one+ extra for rain)
Underwear: 3 ExOfficio rapid-dry (wear one, wash one+ spare)
Darkness/Safety: Black Diamond head lamp, teeny flashlight/magnifying glass, whistle
Toiletries: Baby shampoo travel size--body, hair, clothes; toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, sunblock
Shower: Microfiber towel and washcloth
First Aid: Blister care, Band-Aids, Neosporin, Cortisone, Vaseline, duct tape, scissors
Food: Fork-Spoon combo, paring knife, two tiny pouches of peanut butter
Electronics: Outlet converter, Apple chargers, camera charger
"Needs": Toilet paper, hand sanitizer, clothesline, safety pins, lip balm
Footwear: Crocs and one cute pair of socks
In the front pack that converts to a shoulder bag: Journal, guidebook, camera, iPod, iPhone, money
In the hidden waist pack: Passport, credit cards, itinerary
WOW! I did it! And---get ready--I came in at 13.5 pounds! Under the goal weight. High five!
All I have to do is go back and take out a couple more pounds...need to account for water and snacks. Oops! And the super-duper sleeping bag that my son is lending me--he used it in his Afghanistan deployment. Very lightweight, but it's still 14 ounces.
But...I am almost there!
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