The Life Changing Magic of Fitting Everything into a Backpack

One of the things that excites me the most about traveling is the necessity to get everything I need for 8 months into a backpack. I tend to think I live simply, but am recently realizing how much I depend on drawers and cabinets around my house for random things. This is where I store pens, lotion, post it notes, and all of the things I’ve acquired to make my life easier. It’s interesting thinking about a life without a desk drawer, kitchen cabinets, or a car that has become my gear closet full of everything I could need to play outside in any weather.

I’ve been inspired recently by The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo. While I was thinking that it would be silly to read this as I am moving and packing, I also think it couldn’t have come to me at a better time. As I’m moving out of my house, and moving in to suitcases for storage and a backpack to bring with me, I am truly challenged to only bring with me what I will need.

With that said, when I go backpacking I do allow myself a couple trail treats that are well worth their weight. The usual suspects are apples (so heavy, but fresh fruit tastes so good!), Burt’s Bees wipes (wins over a river shower especially when it’s cold), and one I wish I’ve packed, some slippers like these that I bought for Larry for Christmas (I ended up stealing them for half of our last hut trip).

For this much longer trip, I have quite the wish list to whittle down, but here are some on my top trail treats list:

Essential oils - DoTerra Balance

A travel yoga mat - Manduka eKO Superlite

Watercolor pen set

For the ladies (Lunette, Thinx)

Anything I’m missing? We love emails and would love any guidance as we’re packing!