Packing: What I brought, what I should've brought and what I straight up miss
If you know me, you know that I love shopping. I've slowed myself down over the years and have only bought certain items that I can wear multiple ways or that I know can go the distance. After a decade or so figuring out the best vintage styles, I love layering something old (or colorful) with something basic.
On this trip though, I limited myself to a 65L backpack - which is considered big after I've researched backpacks for months leading up to our departure. Knowing that we wouldn't be moving to a new place too frequently (one a week at the most, but generally in a place for a couple of weeks to a month), I was okay with taking the Osprey Porter 65L. It's not the best pack for long haul hiking, as the waist strap really lacks decent padding, especially for a woman (aka someone with hips). The shoulder straps are a little better, but not anything like a true hiking pack would have. Where this won out against the other 5 styles I tested (Osprey Porter 45L, Osprey Farpoint 70L, Patagonia Black Hole Duffle 70L, my husband's Eagle Creek 55L and my old tried and true REI Travel 45L that had 15+ years and was falling apart) was the following:
Straps that stowaway, making this easy to check. I hate checking bags, but my husband was going to so I decided to as well. Tucking the straps away makes this bag way more friendly in the air cargo hold.
Fully opens akin to duffle style, not top loading. Top loading isn't for me. I know how play packing jenga and it works best when I can see it all by unzipping my pack. Â
Compression straps to secure the load and make it as compact as possible. Luckily I haven't had to max my straps out yet! This also ties into the sturdy sides this pack has and high denier fabric that holds up to rough and tumble transport.Â
Separate, front compartment. This is where I pack my need to grab stuff and flat items. The Farpoint Patagonia and Eagle didn't have this and I've learned over the years, this is something that helps me pack. My REI bag had this (as did the smaller Porter) and I found myself always digging things out, like a clothing line, lock, book etc Â
65L was something I knew was pushing it, but by not packing it to the brim I like to think that I currently am carrying around 55-60L. I also justified this size because I have packed my house away into a storage unit and what I have on my back is what I will have until we return to that storage unit. Sure - we left a small box back home with a couple of clothing items, shoes and a jacket if we need to swap out, but what I packed is what I will be carrying with me for a year or so. Which is probably one of the toughest fashion thing I've done. I miss my colorful wardrobe! My cowboy boots, vintage dresses and shirts, black highwaisted jeans, Etnies walking shoes, other bras, sweatpants, belts and a small backpack - but taking these items would add so much weight that I would have to carry. Â
So, what did I bring then? 4 months into our trip, are these items fulfilling why I brought them? Have I encountered any issues with these Kristen neutrals? Check it out below. Oh, and people around the world really don't care about your fashion habits or if you're wearing makeup. Obviously I don't go out looking like a slob, wearing sweats, slippers and unkempt hair, but you would be surprised just how much you are dressing up for yourself ;-).Â
Jeans: Blue Jeans Mini Bootcut Paige Premium, Gray Skinny Jeans from DSTLD
Pants: Black Ponte Knit by Jolt
Shorts: Black Athletic by Zella, Medium Length Black Cutoffs by Jolt Â
Leggings: Black Zella Reversible Live In, Uniqlo Heatknit (for layering & winter), Lightweight Sleep Style from Lululemon
Jackets: Patagonia R3 Hi-Loft Fleece Hoody, The North Face Permaloft Liner (goes to my Snow 3 in 1, that I'll get the outer part later in the year when a friend visits)
Grey Miike Snow Graphic Crewneck Sweatshirt by Alternative Apparel
LS Shirts: White Button Down Shirt by BDG, Vintage Plaid Flannel, Navy Crew Heathered by American Apparel, Grey Sweater with sleeve slashes
Sweaters: Navy 3/4 Sleeve Cardigan, Black LS Cardigan
Tees: Gap Black V-neck, Gap White V-neck, Gap Navy V-neck, Sirens Song Grey Crew, Rogue  Ales Yellow Graphic Tee
Tanks: Hanes White Undertank, Cream Burnout Elongated, Grey WSU Tank (gotta represent the Cougs!)Â , Black Sheer Elongated
Dresses: Black Cotton/Silk T-shirt Dress by Alternative Apparel, Black & White Cowlneck LS DressÂ
Socks: 7 Pairs, mix of crew, athletic no show and compression (thanks to my MIL)Â
Undergarments: 7 underwear (Patagonia and ExOfficio have a bonus of quick drying), 2 regular bras (black and tan), 2 sports bras and 1 pair of black tights.Â
One piece swimsuit from ModCloth
Shoes: Teva Sandals (Floatlite), Adidas Gazelle, Merrell Shiloh Lace up Boots, Calvin Klein Ballet Slippers (super lightweight and packable), Baffen Compressable/Packable Slippers (makes me feel a little more at home)Â
Compression Bags by REI. Hands down these have helped me pack 100%.
Scarf - From previous trip to Turkey
Beanie - Classic Black Neff
USA Headband - sweet going away presents from my coworker to help show my pride during the Olympics
Face:Â YSL Skin Ink Foundation (Built in sunscreen!), Shiseido Sunscreen, Oil of Olay Sensitive Skin Moisterizer, 3 Mascaras, 3 long lasting eye shadow, 2 NARS Multiples (works on eyes, lips and cheeks), 5 lipsticks, face masks, facewash. Retinol spot treatment. Also brought along my Clairsonic because no matter what I was my face with it gets the grime out.Â
Drugstore Stuff: Antacid, Headache medicine, cold medicine, Super Lysine+ (take if feeling under the weather), Qtips, Deodorant/Anti-Persperant
Nail Polish Strips - was apart of club before I left and got a ton of styles to wear and burn through!
Hairbrush & hair ties/Bobby pins
Quick Dry Towel by PackTowels
40 Blinks Eye Mask by Bucky
Pillow Soft  Ear Plugs by Mack Pillow
Unlocked Phone Samsung Galaxy S6
Tablet Samsung Galaxy Tab S2
LUXA2-10000mAh-Compact-Portable-External Powerbank
Journal from Poppin and Bic Crystal Pen
Yes, the above list is extensive and there are things I could do without. But 95% of what I've brought has been used. I've found that it's tricky to pack for all seasons, as we started during the summer and will be in Europe throughout the winter, then to SE Asia - so all seasons are necessary. I've had a pair of shorts rip, worn my Gazelle's to the breaking point (they really aren't meant for light hiking or 5+ mile walks). I wish I would've brought a belt and a swapped my shoes for my Etines Scouts. So I've currently gained an additional pair of shoes, a pair of Keen Marshall's that I treated myself to via Amazon as a birthday present. I've picked up a cool student designed tee in Edinburgh and a handmade leather bag in Greece. But for the most part my trip is about the experiences, food, drink and of course the company of my dear husband. I will most likely be mailing myself a box back to lighten the load, or have a friend take it back when he comes out to visit. If you've long term traveled, let me know what your packing list was like! As I've learned it's much different to short term traveling.Â
Ps I'll add pics when I pack again in a few daysÂ
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