Final Packing List

August 23, 2019 /

Today I took my three plastic tubs full of keepsakes, house essentials, and international clothing to Mom & Dad’s for safekeeping. I don’t move out for a few more days, but it’ll be a two trip process anyway. With the ferry, it’s best to break any two-trip problem into a two-day problem.

I got home, did my online work for the day, and then sat down with my actual travel backpack to do a final test pack. It went really well! Everything fits perfectly, I didn’t undershoot OR overshoot my list. If anything, I’d like to have a tiny bit more wiggle room for souvenirs, but I’ll make do.

This is in the 35 litre Tortuga Outbreaker, which is a bit pricey but totally worth the investment. From top to bottom, left to right, here’s what I’m bringing with me.

Note: I just realized I forgot to put my water bottle in the photo – so this, plus a water bottle! Derp.

  • Large clothing bag – 2 pants, 2 skirts, 2 dresses, 1 pair of leggings
  • Medium clothing bag – 5 shirts, 5 scrunchies
  • Small clothing bag – underwear, socks, swimsuit
  • Beanie
  • Wrap
  • Bathroom & First Aid bag
  • Comb
  • Deodorant
  • Makeup kit – 2 lipsticks, 1 shadow pallete, 2 brushes, 1 eyeliner, 1 brow liner
  • Electronic cords bag
  • Money belt
  • 2 packs tampons
  • Passport
  • Wallet
  • Tripod
  • Camera
  • Universal travel adapter
  • Travel towel
  • Sink stopper
  • CPR mouth-to-mouth mask
  • Compact razor
  • Sunglasses
  • Doorstop
  • Fake credit cards
  • Journal
  • Pen
  • Capo
  • Headlamp
  • Travel locks
  • Small headphones
  • Raincoat
  • Mac power cord
  • MacBook Air
  • Sound-cancelling headphones & hard drive
  • Compact day bag

That’s it!

My Keens arrived in the mail – the only shoes I’ll be bringing. I’d love to pick up a security cable for my bag as well, but other than that, we’re all set. I’ll be carrying my fiddle as well, in the hopes that I get the spark and start enjoying playing it again. I can’t just stop playing after all these years.

If I find out that I’ve forgotten a key piece of gear, you’ll hear about it when I’m stuck somewhere. Ha!

So, how did I do?

7 Comments

  • Eartha

    August 23, 2019 at 10:18 am

    Great job! All of your longtime readers are rooting for you! If you choose a security cable, I’d be interested to know which one, if you have time to post.

  • EdventureGirl

    August 23, 2019 at 12:05 pm

    Thanks! I’m walking downtown today to check out security cables and hopefully open an emergency checking account – having a third bank card is always smart. I’ve had a question about the doorstopper I thought I’d answer here as well:

    Why carry a doorstop?

    It gives me peace of mind. I’m traveling solo, and if I’m staying in a hostel or Airbnb somewhere unfamiliar, having a doorstop makes it difficult for someone to get in without making some noise and waking me up. Several of my friends have had experiences with strangers walking into their rooms – not with bad intentions, but it’s still scary in the moment – and this is a way to easily deter the drunk guy who has the wrong room or the dude who somehow has the same key to your room (happened to a friend).

    • EdventureGirl

      August 23, 2019 at 3:52 pm

      Thank you! I always seem to find guitars in different places, and then wish I had a pick and capo. Ha! Not more than the basics in my first aid kit – bandages, gauze, antiseptic, pain meds. I’m not going anywhere off the beaten path enough to need more than that.