Packing Like a Girl

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Today I did my first trial pack for the trip.

Overall, it went pretty well, but I think I can still improve.

The thing is, we ladies have to figure out how to look good for long periods of time without the aid of our walk-in closet, curling iron, jungle of purses and scarves, or gigantic Box-O-Makeup.

There are ways to make your clothes go further. This first picture is basicaly all I will be wearing during the trip, and I'm even considering weaning it down a bit more. So you see 4 bottoms and 4 tops, right? Wrong. That's really 6 bottoms (since one pair of pants converts to shorts and one converts into capris), and 6 tops (one shirt is a convertible long-sleeve/short-sleeve, and I can use my bikini top in a pinch for something flirty).

Other considerations for women travelers are: jewellry, feminine hygiene products, some small-sized general-use makeup, hairclips and headbands. I also have a fake engagement ring. Not because I'm sad and pathetic or anything (we'll open that for discussion on another blog), but because it might help ward off some unwanted attention. Just the decent guys who would respect an engaged woman - the jerks probably won't care.

I've read that the best way to show respect while traveling in Asia is to dress modestly, so I've tried to keep that in mind. I also know I'll stick out like a sore thumb no matter what, so I'm not too concerned about "dressing like a local."

Anyway, I shoved it all in my backpack as best I could (boots included), and it fit, weighing in at about 23 pounds.

How can I improve?

-I might seriously reconsider taking my boots.
-I might take out one shirt or one bottom
-I will re-evaluate my first aid kit
-I will re-evaluate my toiletries
-The water bottle may have to go

If anyone has any suggestions, I would welcome them!


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Comments

[Angelica]

DANG!!!!
Say wha?!?!??!?!?!!? You put all of that stuff in that tiny bag???? I was prepared for you to show up with a huge suitcase that was going to take up my entire apt. OMG!!!! That's amazing!!! Girl, you have skills. Congrats and good luck on dwindling it down. No help here on how to cut it out. Looks like you're already light. OOOOh, but make sure to keep your photo necklace! :)

[Angelica]

say WHAT?!?!?
All of that stuff fit in that bag? I bow to you oh amazing packer of this world. I have no idea how you're going to cut that down - good luck on that! Woohoo!

[shmajo]

thanks!
It was great to see someone else trial packing and what works and doesn't. I'm taking off in October and I've done a couple test runs myself. Thanks for putting this out there.

[amber]

Looks good!
I'm a serious overpacker so I'm probably not the best person to be dishing out advice here, but sunscreen and a water bottle are always a priority for me.

[Neomi]

Impressive
Wow. You're like Mary Poppins with her magic carpet bag! I can't believe the backpack only weighs 23 pounds. As for advice, I've never done anything like this before, but being from Montana am definitely used to planning for all kinds of weather. I'm thinking monsoons = lots of mud. Boots would be good, but if they're constantly wet aren't you in danger of them getting REALLY stinky, plus that foot rot thing soldiers in Vietnam always got? If your boots are nice and waterproof, maybe leave them here and buy some cheap rubber waders or something once you get there. I dunno. Thanks for sharing the fun! Love your blogs, chica.

[Ken]

Why can't you be more like your sister...
That's awesome...now when we are packing for a three day weekend, and Jill has any bag larger than a change purse, I'm playing the "but Becky and her Asian trip" card.

[freedom4life]

Hey Rebecca, I really really enjoy your blog/advices and will be following the rest of yr trip. I read it all yesterday. I am also a woman who will be traveling solo for 6 months in Asia from end September. I am already preparing my packing list... as I only one to be carrying a 40l backpack. (hopefully this is enough) Based on the picture/list, I understand you only brought one long sleeve item (+your raincoat).... since you are living the life... is it enough? I will be visiting similar countries than yours but also North of India, Indonesia and have difficulty to select the tops I should bring... Any advices in terms of sleepwear? Have fun and keep your smile A

[drofykceb]

Packing
Annie - I hope your trip goes well. As far as advice goes, I would say that you might be able to do without even ONE long-sleeved shirt if you were staying in SE Asia. The only reason you might want one is if you find yourself deep in the jungle on a trek and want to avoid mosquito bites. I suggest you also bring some camisole/tank-top shirts, and possibly a second bathing suit - you'll be wearing them in touristy areas for sure. Skirts are the very BEST! I just sleep in a t-shirt or my underwear. hope this helps!