I didn’t think I could keep dwindling down my travel packing list, but my recent 2 week northeastern roadtrip was my most simplified yet. There is a big difference when you are moving around every night vs. hanging out at a resort for an extended stay.
Below is my paired down, “go to” list of only must haves. In my opinion, vacuum bags are the best way to maximize your limited space in a bookbag.
- 2 vacuum bags – 1 large & 1 small
- Hiking boots
- Sneakers
- Bookbag
- Rugged water bottle
- kindle
- Headphones
- Camera tripod
- cinch bag
- Light gloves
- Beanie hat
- Ball cap
- Lightweight puffer coat
- 2 phone charger cords
- Spare rechargeable battery bank
- National park pass
- Phone + belt holster + car holder
- Sunglasses
- 4 pants
- 4 shorts
- 5 short sleeve shirts
- 4 long sleeve shirts
- 1 lightweight fleece
- Basic toiletries only – deodorant. Toothbrush. Toothpaste. Glasses/contacts. Razor. Mousse/hairspray.
Living out of a car, I have finally found my own system of transitioning quickly. It can be very cumbersome to load all your gear down long hotel corridors or up flights of stairs, so I use my back seat to lay out stacks of clothes. My toiletries are in a small bag for easy transport. I get some crazy looks but I literally walk into the hotel with a small pile of clothes and my bag of washing supplies. Simple and no stress.
Try it out. It has transformed my experience, as I don’t dread dragging my whole load in and out every single night.
FearlessAdventures 