Packing to Live Out of a Backpack
I want to start off with the fact that I know I’m going to Australia, a country that has plenty of stores and options to buy what I need there. But, I really wanted to set myself up with the basics and ideally not spend a lot of my money on new items while I’m there, instead focus on new experiences.
To start off, I needed to find the backpacks. After A LOT of research, I settled on two:
Gregory Proxy 65L: The Proxy stood out with a separate shoe compartment and ActiveShield section to separate dirty/clean and wet/dry gear. I also love the move of outdoor companies for travel backpacks that open like a suitcase versus top-loading.
REI Ruckpack 28L: My day pack was TOUGH. When I first started looking, I thought I would like a larger pack with a detachable day pack. When I went to try bags on stores though I found I wanted more from my day back and carry on. I found this one through a recommendation of a friend, and I love it. Top requirements were a laptop compartment, hydration pack convertible, and pockets for organization. This also has a function for hooks and straps to be concealed, which makes for a smooth, urban look when I’m not hiking.
Other Bags/Organizers:
Purse
Packing Cubes
Dry Bags
Clothes…talk about stressful. I want to have options but I also don’t want to carry too much.
Jackets (2): Packable Down Jacket (LL Bean) , Packable Rain Jacket (North Face)
Mid-Layers (5): Full Zip Hoodie, Quarter Zip, Chambray, Flannel, and Long Cardigan
Pants/Leggings (4): Light Sweatpants (H&M), Black Camp Pants (LL Bean), 2 Pairs of Leggings - Long & Capri (Fabletics)
Shorts (4): Two everyday, two sport shorts
Casual Tops (9): Mix of Long Sleeve & Short Sleeve
T-Shirts (3): 2 T-Shirts (1 will be sleep), 1 Tank
Dresses (2)
Bathing Suits (2.5): 3 Tops, 2 Bottoms
Underwear (10), Bras (5), Socks (5)
Accessories: 1 Scarf, 2 Head Buffs
Shoes (4): Birkenstocks, Chacos, Merrell Shoes, Sorel Boots
Technology:
Laptop - MacBook Air 13 inch
Action Camera - Akaso V50 Pro
Phone - Unlocked, Apple X
Fitbit - Watch & Step Counter!
Chargers & Converters
Toiletries & Small First Aid/Health Kit
Miscellaneous
Platypus 1L Water Bottle, 2L Hydration Pack
Journal & Pens
Sleeping Bag
Microfiber Towel
Suitcase Locks
And that’s what I’ve got! We’ll see how everything holds up and what I need to buy along the way.