And a partridge in a pear tree

Without a doubt one of my favorite things to do in preparation for my trip was to figure out what I need to take, meticulously research these items, procure them from Amazon (for the most part) and then agonize over my choices for two months. This weekend I finally put my entire list together and got it all packed up for a test run. I’m feeling pretty good about what I’ve packed and my backpack is under 20lbs loaded. It seems like taking a picture of your gear laid out on a bed and then packed in the backpack and posting those pictures, along with a packing list, is a requirement. I’m not one to break the rules so here’s my addition to the tradition.

The List:

• Raincoat

• Sleep Sack (with bug repellent because I’m fancy)

• Microfiber travel towel

• Teeva sandals (I have finally become that which I used to hate)

• Trail running shoes

  • These are in addition to my Hoka Mountain Goat trail shoes

  • This was a controversial choice to take two pair of shoes but I think it will be useful to have a secondary set for the ability to switch it up now and again

  • Also, I’m a rebel and don’t have to play by your rules

• Sewing kit

• Headlamp (rechargeable, because as I stated above - I’m fancy)

• Clothesline

• First Aid Kit (including Compeed for blisters)

• Lush soap bars

• Earplugs

• Travel plug adapter

• Cables for phone and watch

• Belt

• Toiletry bag with prescriptions and OTC drugs

• European SIM card for phone

• Pilgrim Passport

• Chromebook and charger

  • Another controversial choice but I hate typing on a tablet or my phone and how else would I be able to post out of focus shots of fields and selfies of me and my pastries or dogs i meet on the road?

  • If you’re hoping to get more than what I stated above from this blog be ready to be sorely disappointed

• Caribiner

• Water bottle

• 3 underwear (quick dry, see fancy statement above)

• 3 pair wool socks

• 2 pair sock liners

• 1 pants

• 2 shorts

• 1 lightweight long sleeve shirt

• 1 lightweight short sleeve shirt

• 1 mid-weight short sleeve shirt

• 1 fleece pullover

• 1 cap

• 1 sun hat (and boy do I look like an idiot in that thing)

• Sunglasses

• 2 buff head-wear

In addition I will have these items on my person when travelling - wallet, Garmin watch, prescription glasses, passport, phone, can do attitude, winning smile.

And here are the pictures:

Everything is in there and it’s about 19.2 pounds

So there’s my list. If you’re reading this, there’s a few minutes you’ll never get back. You’re welcome.