Well, we have been gone for 9 days. Today is our tenth. Little things that I should or should not have done, or should have done differently are starting to become painfully obvious.
Luckily, I seem to have done a pretty good job with my packing. But the aching pain of a few things, such as not being able to use my Kindle, has lead me to create four lists: things for my next trip that I should do differently or bring, things that I have used that I brought, things that I have brought but haven’t used, and possible considerations for my next trip. I know I’m supposed to do that at the end of every trip, but it always ends up not getting done.
I’m hoping with these four lists I’ll be able to cut unnecessary items out of my pack while at the same time swapping things that don’t work quite right with others that do, and preferably serve double-duty.
Also, between these, the (few) items that I add will be pretty rigorously screened. I’m loath to add items, but there are a few things that surely would have been really nice to have, like a bandanna or a spork. They don’t take much room, but are well worth their weight.
Some on the did not use (so far) list are necessary, and have to stay, like a windbreaker, and (hopefully) a first-aid kit.
My biggest complaint to date isn’t even with having or not having equipment; it has been with pack organization. I love the backpack that I have. It’s an older-style L.L.Bean Bigelow, and my little daypack is a Bean Stowaway.
The Bigelow is the perfect size for this, but the pockets are large, and I have found myself throwing stuff in them instead of packing properly. I already know the solution to this, bu didn’t have the time or experience to implement it before I left. Eagle Creek makes these little fabric “boxes” called packing cubes in different sizes and colors. They let you group items together, and make organization convenient. They also eliminate digging in your pack for what you are looking for.
Before I left, though, I had no idea how I’d group my stuff, but now, after living out of my pack for 10 days, I have a pretty good idea.
Live, travel, learn, and improve.
