Packing Run Through at the 30 Day Mark

Last year, when I went to Europe, I decided I would challenge myself to bring one, carry on bag.  I did this because I didn’t want to pay baggage fees, lose my luggage or wait FOREVER at baggage claim.  I am sure a few of you can relate.  Plus, I am pretty low maintenance and don’t need tons of shoes or several different outfits when I travel (even though I like them in “real life!”)  So, I decided to up the ante and see if I could only bring one, carry on bag for a 3 month trip.  I know, a little crazy but definitely a challenge. 

Without publishing my entire packing list, I wanted to talk about a few philosophies that I have adopted in order to pull this off. 

First and foremost, the bag is super important.  For me, it has to be lightweight and with some organizational features plus have backpack straps.  After some research, I choose the Ebags Motherlode TLS Weekender Convertible.  It has the right number of pockets and an open inside compartment that can be split in half if desired.  It is fairly lightweight but provides some structure.  I used a Rick Steves Convertible bag when I went to Europe last year and it didn’t work for me.  Every time I unzipped it, it basically collapsed and my stuff slid out of it.  I have been using the Ebags bag for short trips and I really like it so far. 

Second, clothing theme – mine is based around black as my base. I am bringing pieces that can be easily interchanged, dressed up or dressed down.  I invested in some nice t-shirts and am bringing a variety of nice jeans and black pants.  I am using a light cardigan and jewelry to dress outfits up a bit.  Some experienced one baggers would argue against jeans but they are what I feel most comfortable in so they are going along.  Also, I am getting creative in a few areas.  I may wear my swimsuit top under the cardigan as a dinner outfit and t-shirt and yoga pants will do nicely as pajamas on a Chinese night train.   

Third, learn to go without, or decide to be adventurous and buy abroad.  This is probably the most difficult for me to deal with.  As some of you can relate, once you find a moisturizer you like, you want to stick with it.  On a 3 month trip, you can only bring so much moisturizer so chances are you will run out along the way.  The question becomes do bring more of it and sacrafice something else or take a chance with buying something new overseas.  I am doing a combination of this - taking enough of some stuff and finding a new option in another country. 

The packing run through tonight went well.  I am a little bulkier and heavier than I would like but I don't think there is any where to cut.  However, it all fits and it's less than 30 pounds including my netbook!