by Kate Barba
I tend to be a “better safe than sorry” packer. Visiting family for a week? I pack at least nine outfits, ten pairs of underwear, two or or three pairs of shoes, plus a full shower set and med kit just in case. I take days thinking about it and spend hours supervising the kids. (In the past they have tried to pack stained and holey pants, large toys and games, and forgotten whole categories of clothing.) Pete comes home from work, throws a few things in his bag and is ready! He’s an “I’ll make it work” packer. If he forgets his toothbrush no worries because “I’m sure they have an extra, or I’ll just run to the store”. Two outfits is fine because they have a washing machine, right?
This year overpacking is a problem because we have to haul everything around all the time! But it is challenging planning for furnace hot Qatar in August, the Arctic Circle in wintertime, and rainy /steamy Southeast Asia in the spring. Then you have to consider modesty in religious areas, camping and hiking adventures everywhere, and the occasional nice dinner out. So how do you pack for all seasons, all activities, and all cultures? We’re going to do our best! Our basic strategy is layers, multi functional clothing, buy as we go, and a few key restocks from friends and family along the way (cheating).
Our available space and weight restrictions translate to bringing clothes for about a week made of lightweight, quick-dry, easy care materials. Pete formed this strategy based on lists and advice from many online sources who travel constantly. We plan to wear most things more than once, barring gelato mishaps and super sweaty days. Laundry will mostly be done in our airBnB or by a local laundry service in cities. For emergencies we have laundry detergent sheets for sink washing essentials, depending on where we are and how desperate we are.
(Favorite brands/stores in parentheses. Please note that these are our true opinions and choices. We have not been compensated by any brands mentioned).
Clothing
- 3-4 hiking pants or active leggings (PrAna, KUHL, Old Navy, Land’s End)
- 3 shorts/skorts – (Hawaii RipSkirt, Primary, Columbia, REI Sahara)
- 1-2 dresses – active sundresses (Title Nine) and/or longer skirt (Hawaii RipSkirt)
- 7 short sleeve tees
- 5 long sleeve tshirt/sun hoodies (REI Sahara and other Co-op brands, Champion, Primary)
- 7 short sleeve tees
- 7+ underwear, quick dry (Ex Officio and Hanes)
- 4-5 bras (Bluet, Knix, Puma)
- 7 socks
- 1 PJ/loungewear
- 1 sleep hat/mask
- 1-2 bathing suits
- 1 long sleeve rash guard (Lands End, Tuga)
- 1 goggles
- 1 workout/running shorts or pants
- 1 midweight base layer set
Outerwear
- 1 fleece jacket
- 1 down jacket
- 1 rain shell (REI, North Face, Columbia)
- 1 warm hat
- 1 pair gloves
- 1 sun hat
- 1 sunglasses
Shoes
- 1 lightweight trail shoe (Merrell, Asics, New Balance)
- 1 flip flop/thong (Teva)
- 1 smart casual shoe (JBU, Xtratuf)
We can’t claim to be packing minimalists, but we’ve cut way back on what we (I) usually bring! Each family member will have a carry-on size backpack that holds all their clothes and toiletries. We also each get a small day pack for tech, outerwear, and daily essentials. Finally, we will bring a large duffle to check for the overflow items like camp towels, the first aid kit, cameras, exercise gear, chargers, extra toiletries, laundry supplies, and school supplies. Our extra duffle will also likely carry seasonal clothes we aren’t actively using, like bathing suits in December and down jackets in Indonesia.
Stay tuned for Pete’s description of our non-clothing essentials and my list of toiletries…
Vivid Travelers 
4 responses to “Packing for the World”
Bonne chance et bon voyage!
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My least favorite prep. Kate takes after me. If we might need it, we should take it. 🤪
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So very freeing to pack light. As you travel, you will get a sense of what works and what does not. By the end of your travel adventure, you will be an expert on the subject. 😁
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I plan to do another post on what worked and what didn’t!
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