Function Over Flippancy: The Art of Packing Light

I was told to bring one hiking pack and one day pack. That doesn't leave much room for luxury. It means packing a few functional outfits, research/forest gear and the basic necessities of life. The beautiful thing is no one is expecting you to look good whilst trekking through the rainforest.

I wanted to share my packing list with you all and then re-evaluate it when I come back. It's hard to know what you're going to need when you've never experienced a place, especially one that is so different than what you are used to. I am notorious for overpacking and being excessive with things that don't matter. With this packing experience, I've been forced to deny all of my natural instincts and ditch things that I look at and say, "well I might use it..." Frivolousness is not the name of the game when it comes to carrying all of my belongings on my back.

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My Gear

So I've decided to use my dad's old North Face pack, which will serve as my main piece of luggage and checked baggage at the airport. It has a sturdy internal frame and a lot of room (even a little extra, who knew!). It has a thick hip strap and a chest strap so I can adjust where the weight falls. I debated using the smaller pack that was purchased for me through a school grant, however, it was too small to accommodate everything I have to take. I have a smaller Kelty brand day pack that I will use as a carry on and my everyday pack in the Amazon. These pictures are just a sampling of everything I'm taking! Scroll down to see the complete list. I welcome any criticism or recommendations, after all, I am a complete novice when it comes to long term travel and would love to hear from more experienced travelers!

RARE Packing List

CO- Carry On

CB- Checked Baggage

*Maybe

The Basics

• Passport with immunization card CO

• International Student ID CO

• Money/Debit Card CO

• Travel Insurance card CO

• Copy of passport, birth certificate, and immunization documents CB

Research Gear CB

• Digital body tape measure

• Laser height measurer

• Weight scale

• Batteries (9V and AAAs)

• Printed surveys

• Pens

• Clipboards

Clothing

• Columbia shirts (3) CB

• Dry fit tees (2) CB & CO

• Dry fit Columbia pants (2) CB

• Athletic shorts (2) CB

• Spandex capris (1) CO

• Moisture wicking underwear (5 at least) CB- one in CO

• Socks (4-5 pair) CB- one in CO

• Sports bras (4-5) CB- one in CO

• Bathing suit (1) CB

• Broad rimmed hat and ball cap CB

• Water sneakers CB

• *Hiking boots CB

• Chacos w/ toe strap CO

• Rain jacket CB

Toiletries

• Shampoo CO

• Soap CO

• Gold Bond powder CO

• Tooth brush CO

• Tooth paste CO

• Deodorant CO

• Razor CO

• Hair brush CO

• Hair ties and hairbands CB

• Face wash CO

• Retinol cream CO

• Face lotion CB

• Sunscreen bug repellent CO & CB

• Insect repellent wipes CB

• Itch relief CO

• Travel towel set CB

• Tweezers & Nail clippers CO

• Tampons and panty liners CO & CB

• Q-tips and cotton balls CB

• Mascara CO

• Baby wipes CO

• Hand sanitizer CO

• Zip lock bags for waste collection CB

Medications (OTC meds must be <4oz) CO

• Malaria prophylaxis

• General antibiotic

• Eye drops

• Acetaminophen

• Anti-diarrhea/nausea

Gear

• Large hiking pack CB

• Day pack w/ empty Camelbak CO

• Head lamp w/ charger CB

• Small hand flashlight CO

• Camera w/ camera case, batteries and battery charger CB

• Check on memory card storage

• Carabineers CB

• Solar powered charger CB

• Phone charger cord CO

• Watch CO

• Multi-tool CB

• First aid kit CB

• Rite in the Rain notebook CO

• Filing folder with important documents CB

Extras

• Thin fleece blanket CO

• Watercolor pad and paints CB

• Granola bars CB

• Rain poncho CB