Packing 101

 

Once upon a time, there was a 20-year-old girl from South Carolina dragging two GIGANTIC rolling suitcases, a carry-on size duffel bag and a backpack through Paddington Station in London. She was en route to study abroad in Northern England and constantly tripping over her luggage to the point where people felt bad for her and offered to help.

That girl might have been me. Ok, it was me.  I admit it.

I’ve come a long way since that day in Paddington Station and constantly try to pack light and smart. My current packing set up is based on my experience traveling over the last 15 years and tips I’ve learned from other travelers. In this post, I break down exactly what I packed for my current trip.

 

 

Purpose of the Trip

 

In order to know what to pack, you need to know the purpose of the trip and most importantly weather. You don’t need a bikini to hike Kilimanjaro.

In January, I left for a four-month trip to South America. Packing was tough because I had to pack for two seasons. I was on the list for a last-minute deal to Antarctica so I needed warm clothes. I also needed hiking boots for several hikes I planned to do in Colombia and Chile. Mostly, I just needed summer clothes.

Before I left for my trip, I photographed everything I packed. Keep in mind that I’m a photographer so I take roughly 30 pounds of camera gear including my laptop and hard drives. This means I can’t just take a hiking-style backpack because I’m too tiny to carry the gear and everything else on my back. (I weight 112 pounds.) The best solution I have found thus far is detailed below.

 

My Packing Philosophy

 

My packing philosophy is to only pack functional, useful items that I will use more than once on the trip. I’m also not a fashionista. I’m more of a beach bum who prefers tank tops and flip-flops. The clothes I pack are mostly for comfort and practical use so you won’t find any sexy travel clothes in this list. If I will only wear something once, I won’t take it. I make sure most of my clothes match so I can interchange my outfits. I “army roll” all of my clothes to fit in the clothes section of my suitcase. I pack things in small zippered bags for putting small items. Packing cubes work well for backpacking as well. This system below works well for me, which I hope helps you.

 

 

 

 

 

My Luggage

 

1. Osprey DayPack: This 36-liter daypack fits all of my camera gear and has a laptop sleeve. It’s the perfect size for carrying on a flight and fits well in the overhead bin. It doesn’t fit under the seat very well due to my laptop. (I love Osprey because they have a lifetime warranty. They’ve fixed and replaced my pack before. I highly recommend them. Amazing company.)
2. 22-inch Carry-On Size Suitcase: This holds all my clothes, shoes, toiletries and electronic chargers. I bought this from Target for $60. It’s a good carry-on size for the plane and fits in the overhead bin. I normally check it because I travel with a full-size sunscreen and contact solution when I travel. (These are EXPENSIVE abroad.) It’s also 360-spinner suitcase. Never buy a suitcase that doesn’t have 360 wheels.
3. Nike Duffel:I borrowed a similar gym bag from my nephew for a trip several years ago and loved it. It fits perfect under the seat on a plane. It holds Alfred, the globetrotting gnome, (I never check the gnome.), snacks (I am prone to hanger.), journal, a book to read and jackets. I bought this at JC Penney but since their website doesn’t work overseas, I added a link to the same one on Amazon. 

 

 

 

Camera Gear & Electronics 

Camera Body

I shoot with a Nikon D800 camera body, a full frame DSLR Camera. The D850 is out now but I don’t want to deal with the large file sizes. When mirrorless camera get to this level with low light images and continuous focusing I’ll switch to mirrorless, which would cut the weight of my gear in half.

Lenses

All of my lenses have fast apertures (f/2.8 or f/1.8) for shooting in low light. I was a music photographer for five years, which is why I have fast lenses. It comes in handy for travel and just about anything so I’ll never buy a lens that’s not f/2.8 in the future.)

• Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8: This is my go-to lens. It’s a standard wide angle.
• Nikon 70-200 mm f/2.8 VR: This is heavy so it doesn’t go places unless I know I’ll need it. I love shooting portraits with it. I’ll be using in the Galapagos a lot.
• Nikon 50 mm f/1.8: This is my lightest lens. Normally, I use it to shoot food or anything handheld in low light. It’s also my go-to for long hikes when I’m too lazy to carry the 24-70mm lens.

 

Miscellaneous

• Nikon SB 800 Flash: I never use this when I travel. It was in my camera back from a shoot the day before I left, and I forgot to take it out.
• Rodes Microphone: I thought I’d shoot video so I brought this but didn’t use it. I bought it years ago for a video project in Thailand.
• Holga: Medium format film camera. It shots square frames that I love! I use Kodak Portra 120 film ISO 400 and Ilford XP2 120 film ISO 400.
• Circular Polarizing filters: I have two polarizing filters. One that fits the 50mm and another that works for the other two lenses.

 

Hard drives

Two 5Tb Seagate Drives: One is used to backup my Mac and my photos. The other drive holds most of my archive of travel photos that I need access to when I travel for work. I have a 2TB drive that I use to backup the photos I shot on this trip. I’ll dump them on my larger drives when I get back to the States at the end of April.

 

MacBook Pro

I have the top of the line MacBook Pro Retina 15 inch. Every single spec is maxed out – RAM, processor, 1TB hard drvie. This is the model before the current retina’s that’s only has USB C ports. Those models had so many issues with no power and keyboards not responding that I wouldn’t go near one. There’s no Apple store near the places I usually travel so I don’t risk it with new model designs. They ALWAYS have issues that are fixed with the next model update in a year or two. They might have already fixed this issue but I haven’t researched it.

 

 

 

What Clothes Did I Pack?

 

 

 

Pants 

(Clockwise from top left)

 

1. Patagonia Capilene Thermals:These are the best thermals for cold weather. They got me through Kilimanjaro. They double as pjs and running pants.
2. Cropped Yoga Pants: These are for working out and flights. They are $20 from American Eagle, which is where I buy most of my clothes.
3. PrAna Hiking Pants:These are the greatest hiking pants in the world and perfect comfy pants for flights. They are very flattering and don’t look like ugly, boxy hiking pants. I get compliments on them all the time.
4. Skinny Jeans: Since it’s pretty cold at night some of the places I’m going, I packed these. I’ve worn them enough to justify bringing them. These are also from American Eagle. I won’t take them to Asia in the fall.
5. Long Yoga Pants: These are comfy pants for pjs but can be dressed up to go out. They are more comfortable than the thermals. Guess where they are from? American Eagle. (If anyone knows anyone at American Eagle, I’d be happy to work with them. Haha!)

 

 

 

Shorts

(Clockwise from top left)

 

1. Comfy Shorts: These are my pj shorts for warm places. Clearly, these are from American Eagle.
2. Patagonia Outdoor shorts:These are the best overall shorts for hiking, running and daily use. They dry really quick and have a loop in the pocket to attach keys. They are a little longer than my normal shorts but more functional.
3. Jean shorts:These are more practical for looking a bit cuter than my other shorts that all look like workout clothes. They match everything. If you can’t tell, I like short shorts. These are from Target.

 

 

 

Jackets 

(Clockwise from top left)

 

1. Marmot PreCip Jacket: This is a great, lightweight raincoat with zippered underarm vents, which make it great for hot weather. I use it as a top insulating layer for colder climates. They also have a great warranty.
2. Black Hoodie: I always take a basic black hoodie for warmth on flights or chilly nights. This one is from H&M for $20. (This is layered under the pink Marmot jacket in the photo.)
3. Basic Scarf: This is a cheap Target scarf. I never take my nice scarves traveling because they get destroyed.
4. Columbia Fleece: I totally found this at my parent’s house. My sister bought it for my nephew but he outgrew it. It’s a children’s large but fits me perfectly. It’s a great layer over my hoodie and under my raincoat for really cold places.

 

 

 

Shoes 

(Clockwise from top left)

 

1. Haviannas Flipflops:These are hands-down the cutest and most comfortable basic plastic flip-flops on the market. They double as shower shoes and beach attire.
2. Keen Terradora Hiking Boots: I’m hiking a bunch on this trip including The Lost City trek in Colombia so packing these is a must even though they take up too much space. (I always stuff things in my boots to save space like the jar of peanut butter and a rain cover in the photo.)
3. Toms: These are normally great for wearing in cold places with skinny jeans to dress up an outfit. I wore them a ton on my last South America trip but rarely wore them on this trip because it’s been too warm.
4. Nikes: I’m a runner so I can’t live without my running shoes. These also double as my go-to shoe for exploring and walking around the city for comfort. I always wear these on planes to save space in my luggage.
5. Flat Sandals: I always pack cheap flat sandals to dress up an outfit. These are an old pair from Target from at least three years ago. They are going in the trash after this trip.

 

 

 

 

Tops 

(Clockwise from top left)

 

1. Patagonia Capliene Thermal Zip-Neck: This is the single greatest thermal topl. I love it and total recommend it.
2. Running Tank: I always pack one lightweight, quickdrying workout tank. This is from Target.
3. Basic Tanks: I always pack a couple of basic tanks that can be wore separately or as layers. The grey tank is my layering tank. The black one is a cute going out shirt. These both are from Macy’s.
4. Basic Tees: I’m obsessed with these basic Arizona brand V-neck tees from JC Penney. They are cheap and come in multiple colors. I packed 8 number of shirts including a Goonies (greatest movie of all time) t-shirt for sleeping. (Again, JC Penney’s blocks people located overseas from even LOADING their webpage or I’d have included a link to the basic t-shirts.)
5. Columbia Silverridge SPF/Wicking Shirt: This is my go-to hiking shirt. It’s wicking and has sun protection. It saves my skin and keeps me cool.

 

 

 

Going Out

You should always pack at least one cute outfit for going out. Make it something simple that you feel good in. I always bring a basic cardigan to go with it that can go with other outfits if it’s cold. This is an old black dress from American Eagle.

 

 

 

 

 

Accessories

 

1. Camo Hat: I bought this thing at a Target in Vegas back in 2006. It’s been across the world. It’s my travel hat. You’ll see it in tons of photos.
2. Bikini: You always need a swimsuit. Pack one that’s cute but functional. This is from American Eagle.
3. Tall lightweight socks: I always back a couple pairs of these $1 socks from Walmart. They are super comfy for flights and sleeping compared to hiking socks. I always wear them with my Toms or Nikes if it’s really cold. This is the ONLY thing I buy from Walmart ever.
4. Hiking socks: I have five pairs because I’m doing a five day hike in Colombia. They are great for cold places as well but aren’t as comfy as my $1 Walmart socks. These are the one’s I’m wearing in the bottom of the photo.
5. Wicking Ankel Socks: These Swiftwick wicking/compression socks are my favorite running socks and great for walking around.
6. REI Sahara Hat: I look ridiculous in this hat but it’s makes me look younger since it shields my face from the sun. Plus, it means I’m not applying sunscreen nearly as much. It’s a great practical investment for hiking.

 

 

 

Random Things

(Clockwise from top left)

 

1. Shoe Bags: These might just be the single best thing I pack. I put multiple pairs of shoes in one bag usually. It keeps my suitcase a lot cleaner. These are from Diso (the Japanese dollar store). If you don’t live near one (There’s one in Dallas!), then I check out these from Amazon.
2. Sawyer Mini Water Filter: This simple water filter saves me so much money. I never buy bottled water when I travel. Instead, I filter it with this and have a Klean Kateen stainless steal water bottle. I’ve even used it to filter the sink water at the airport in Mexico.
3. Sturdy Combination Lock: Since I stay in hostels, I have to lock my gear up in lockers many times so I travel with this sturdy combination lock. It’s heavier than a suitcase lock but smaller than an old school combination lock.
4. Resistance Exercise Band: I wanted to try these out to see if they helped me stay in shape while I travel. They are cheap and come in different resistnac elvels. It’s been okay so far. I also have other resistance bands not pictured but haven’t used them as much as I’d hoped.
5. Nuun Electrolytes: If you are hiking or going anywhere hot, these tablets are a must. They only have one gram of sugar and taste great! I prefer the lemon lime flavor.
6. Playing Cards: The ultimate travel essential that I always buy from the Dollar store.
7. Baggu Reusable Shopping Bag: Baggu makes sturdy and cute shopping bags that can hold up to 50 pounds. This is one of the most helpful things I packed. I use it as a beach bag, shopping bag, shower bag, etc. Plus, it has llamas on it.
8. Sleeping Bag Liner: I LOVE this thing. It’s great for anytime you are renting a sleeping bag or sleeping anywhere rustic. I find that it helps keep bugs off me.
9. Toe Warmers: I can’t live without these for cold places. I line my suitcase with them for my potential Antarctica trip, which never happened.
10. Rain Pants: These are crucial for hiking in various conditions. They were a lifesaver in Iceland and Kilimanjaro. I have a $20 pair from Academy Sports. 
11. Full-size Quick Dry Towel: This towel is the best. It’s big enough to wrap around my entire body and dries quickly. I also travel with a hand-towel sized quick-drying towel but find this to be more function. I use it as a beach towel as well.

 

 

 

 

Toiletries

 

I got this LL Bean toiletry bag with my monogramed initials when I graduated from high school back in 1999 and still use it to this day. I always take full-size toiletries for things that are either hard to find or expensive overseas: sunscreen, bug spray, contact solution, chemical free deodorant and fluoride-free toothpaste from Trader Joe’s.

Here’s a few of my favorite chemical-free and healthy products I pack:

1. BARE Republic Sunscreen: This is the best chemical-free sunscreen I’ve found. You can get it on Amazon or at Target. I use both the stick and the liquid form.
2. SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Face Lotion SPF 50 Tinted: I use this daily on my face. It’s not cheap, but I spend money on my skin.
3. REPEL Lemon Eucalyptus Natural Insect Repellent: I know DEET is good at repelling mosquitos, but it also melts plastic so it can’t be good for you. I always dry to buy the DEET-free repellent so my flipflops don’t melt.
4. Keychain size pepper spray: This isn’t a “healthy product” but it’s for safety. I keep this with me most of the time no matter where I am. I put it in my checked bag and get out it at the airport especially for late night tax rides. (I always go with the “safe” taxis but you can’t ever be too safe.) When you show up at the Moshi, Tanzania airport at 3 a.m. to find your ride isn’t there and you have to make other arrangements, it’s good to have this in your pocket just in case.

 

 

 

 

Other Things I Packed & DIDN’T PACK:

 

• Headlamp: The headlamp is the single greatest invention since the burrito. I always buy a cheap Energizer one because they always have a red light mode, which keeps the bugs away.  Bugs are attracted to white light.
• Underwear: 14 pairs of undies. This is probably too much. Okay, it is too much, but it means I never run out since I usually have to do laundry at least once or more every two weeks. Plus, laundry is expensive – $9-12 a load some places abroad!
• Socks: Seven pairs of ankle socks, three pairs of the Walmart socks mentioned above and five pairs of hiking socks. The five pairs of the ankle socks are Swiftwick wicking and compression socks.
• Bras: I packed five sports bras and one normal one. I’m all about comfort.
• Toiletries: I always pack too many shampoos and other toiletries. I somehow always manage to collect more on the trip as well. This is something I’m working on having less of in the future.
• Makeup: I brought very minimal makeup and rarely wear it except on nights out. Since I’m sweaty most of the time or spending a lot of the day in the sun, I have to keep putting on SPF. Since any type of sunscreen (including makeup with SPF) only lasts a couple hours, I have to keep putting reapplying. It annoys me to put if over makeup. Normally, I wear a tinted moisturizer with SPF 50 (SkinCeuticals) and reapply chemical-free SPF the rest of the day (Bare Essentials).
• Sunscreen, Contact Solution, Bug Spray, Tampons & Band-Aids: You should ALWAYS pack full-sizes of each becasue they are either expensive or hard to find abroad. I just had to pay $9 for a box of Band-Aids in Chile! Contact solution was $20 a bottle in Panama!
• Journal: I make it a point to write as much as possible when I travel. I always go with a classic Moleskin journal. 

 

 

What I Should Have Left At Home

 

 

Since the trip to Antarctica didn’t pan out, I was stuck carrying around a ton of winter clothes I didn’t need. I had to fly back to Texas for five days in early March for a freelance job and ditched the gear that was weighing me down.

Winter clothes: gloves, thermal tights, thermal zip-neck shirt, scarf, fleece, toe warmers and rain pants. I also left my protein powder and cough drops. I rarely use my external camera flash when I travel so I left it along with the sync cable and mic since I decided not to do any video on my DSLR on this trip. Leaving all of this behind really lightened my load. I took back a few more hiking shirts that I’d forgotten to pack, an additional dress and two extra pairs of hiking socks and a wet/dry bag for my camera for hiking, which I don’t know why I didn’t pack originally.

 

 Got Packing Questions? 

 

What questions do you have about packing? What do you normally pack that’s not on my list? Let me know in the comments below or shoot me an email: Anna (at) TravelLikeAnna.com

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COMING UP NEXT

 

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