A couple of weeks ago, I bought my backpack, and I knew I’d get a reaction to the size of it. After much debate, Charo and I decided to go for larger packs so we can lighten the load for the kids. A family member, Vero and a friend, Kathy, have both expressed to me that we should be going for the minimalist approach. Charo’s sister can’t believe we are going to fit our life in a bag that small for a year.
Seventy litres is quite a bit of space, and I know the more I fill, the more I have to carry. I want to assure everyone that we are going to pack light(ish). So here it is, the clothing I’ll be packing for our trip:
- 5 Short-Sleeve t-shirts
- 2 pairs of shorts
- 2 Long sleeve shirts (Charo wants 3)
- 2 pairs of pants
- 5 Pairs of socks
- 5 Underwear
- 1 Light fleece
- 1 Rain jacket
- 1 Long underwear
- 2 swimsuits
- 1 hat
- 1 Pair of hiking shoes
- 1 Pair of sandals
- 1 Flip flops
The kids’ list will be identical to this, and Charo’s list will just be adding a few bras. We are debating on a jacket as a few parts of South America will be dropping to single digits at night time. There are other things we will have in the pack, like toiletries, technology, and a couple of games for the kids.
I still feel like we’re overpacking. What should we cut down on?
Thanks for reading and Happy Adventuring!
Hi! I love to hear about your planning! Can I suggest down vests? There are some that pack into one of the pockets of the vest, smaller than a wallet. I like travelling with as few clothes as possible too, the only way I can make it work is ‘Tide to go’ because I am clumsy. Take care. EE
Hi Elizabeth, the vest is something I’m going to have to explore. That’s something that has never come up in discussions. I will be checking this out! Thanks for the tip.
I agree with the comment about vests! Cut 5′ s of things down to 4. Take a half a bar of sunlight soap with you. Also, large capes that are waterproof can go over everything including backpacks and fold up into small packet. This is fun, can I come and pack it for you? 😘
Hi Kathy, as we get closer I’ll have to get you over here to help pack 🙂 Working on knocking the numbers down a bit. Are bags both came with waterproof sacks, unless the capes have another benefit.
Mauricio says one good pair of water shoes instead of sandals. Shoes you can use to get into rough terrain beaches/river banks. I say only 1 swim suit and 2 pairs of corrective glasses (one tinted, transition or sun glasses). One vest sounds good, maybe invest into one flees sweatshirt with removable long sleeves. If more space is needed, buy pants with zippers that turn into shorts (that will save space). Your list is a good start!!!
Cheers,