Back when I worked at MatadorNetwork.com there was a series that asked travellers what was in their backpack. I wondered what I would write about, a constant over-packer, if ever the honour was given.
I’ve begun packing much more strategically since I’ve started travelling more often, and was genuinely impressed by how little I managed to pack for Central America. Having to wear only bikinis and tank tops the whole time does help, though.
I still over-packed. Most people in my group are travelling with just a carry-on.
People also always ask me what I travel with, like I’m some kind of expert or something. But I do have my favourite gear, so here goes.
The Backpack
In Central America I’m travelling with my Osprey Farpoint 70 Travel Backpack
. I cannot believe this thing is 70 litres. That seems OUTRAGEOUS. It’s tiny. Or at least I think so.
What I love about this pack is that I can zip up the straps so that it turns into a duffel bag. Also, the front detaches as a daypack, which is awesome for hikes. It also folds open like a suitcase, which I MUCH prefer to digging around a top-loading pack. On this trip, four of us have Ospreys. The lifetime warranty helps.
I also have a MEC 80-litre pack that I used in Europe last year. It’s pretty awesome.
Electronics
Obvs I have a lot of electronics to keep me going on the road. And to annoy you with constant sunshine updates. I have a MacBook Pro that is scheduled to die any day now, because such is life.
I recently “downgraded” my DSLR kit to a Canon PowerShot G1X Mark II Digital Camera
. Easily the best decision I’ve made. No more lugging around extra lenses, and this baby is SO easy to manage. Plus it takes really terrific photos.
I’m also now travelling with a Polaroid Cube Mini Lifestyle Action Camera (Red)
to capture video. It has pretty well the same specs as a GoPro, except it’s only $99 and is even MORE compact. You can buy a Waterproof Case
as well.
I travel with an iPhone6, except on this Central America trip where I’ve brought my old iPhone4 instead. Haha. You know, theft and stuff.
Kindle Paperwhite
. I hate it but it works.
Cocoon Grid-It Organizer
for organizing all your wires and things. BEST THING EVER.
I keep most my gear in a North Face laptop backpack. I’ve had it for YEARS, and is more reliable than most packs I’ve had.
Miscellaneous
Lewis N. Clark Packing Cubes
(HIGHLY recommended)
Pinrose Fragrance (it’s like portable perfume – I gave up my Dior Poison for this trip. Gasp!)
1 travel journal
1 day planner
DivaCup 
and Diva Wash (It’s a menstrual cup. Deal with it. It’s changed my life.)
Small bag of jewelry
Small bag of make-up
Facial cleanser
A baggie filled with stolen hotel shampoo/conditioner (No regrets)
Small leather purse picked up in Bosnia & Herzegovina
Small baggie with Immodium, Tylenol, and Polysporin
A Padlock
Two nailpolishes & a small bottle of remover (I’m high maintenance)
Clothes
For Central America I’ve packed
2 light sundresses
10 pairs of underwear (you can never have too many)
2 pairs of socks
3 bathing suits (might be excessive)
1 pair of flip-flops
1 pair of sneakers for hiking
1 Pair of Tumi sunglasses (protect those eyeballs, baby!)
4 Shirts/Tank tops
1 Pair of jean shorts
1 Pair of light pants
1 Fitness outfit
1 Encircled Chameleon Maxi
1 Light PrAna jacket for Guatemala
That’s actually pretty excessive, btw. But the Encircled Maxi is DA BOMB and can be worn 8 ways – it’s a reverse dress with two colours, and can be a maxi skirt, a mini skirt, or a full dress. I brought a belt to sexify things up a bit.
