The backpack that will take me around the world!
Meg looked up from her tea with disdain. “Why the heck would you possibly need three bathing suits?” she asked.
“I want to be on the beach all the time!” I protested.
“Yea, well, you probably won’t be,” Meg snapped. “Take two swimsuits, MAX, you little pack rat!”
I glowered as I plopped the red bikini into the Leave-With-My-Bro-in-the-U.S. pile, but Meg was right: I thought I had packed light, but the half hour schlep through SFO Airport taught me I needed to go even lighter. With wonderful Meg’s wise insights (and rockin’ insults) I eliminated nearly a fourth of my overpacking (!!!), including scissoring out half my travel book (regarding Malaysia and the Philippines, since I ain’t goin’ there), and chucking a giant flowered skirt and five tank tops that look exactly the same. The resulting puffy blue bag is now more of a buddy and less of a giant obese beast clawing my waist with arms of lead.
According to my sweet friend Marleny, everyone needs both “Yes” friends and “No” friends. “Yes” friends are the ones who embrace all your ridiculous ideas and buoy you through them with their positivity and encouragement. “I want to marry L’il Wayne!” you say. “GREAT!” the “Yes” Friend responds. “Let’s find out where he lives and buy you a good push-up bra!” The “No” friend, on the other hand, is necessary so you don’t die. “I want to have unprotected sex with L’il Wayne!” you declare. “You are an idiot,” the “No” friend responds. We love them both 
“Which kind of friend am I?” Meg asked me, after I told her this theory. I laughed uproariously then gave her a giant hug. Thanks to her, I may smell really bad over the next 8 months, but I won’t have a broken back by September.
What the heck is in the newly svelte blue backpack:
- 2 t-shirts; 4 tank tops
- 3 long-sleeved shirts
- 2 pairs of pants (1 jeans, 1 hiking)
- 3 shorts with pockets
- 2 bathing suits
- 1 skirt
- 1 sarong to use as towel and 1 bandanna to use as washcloth
- 7 pairs socks, 14 pairs underwear, 5 bras
- Sneakers, sport sandals, dressier shoes, flip flops
- Camera
- Small netbook computer to be purchased off a famous novelist in Japan (long story)
- Assorted first aid, toiletries, plug adapters
- 1 journal, 1 book of crossword puzzles, 1/2 of a Southeast Asia guidebook, plane ticket printouts
- Passport, travelers checks, copies of all vital documents, etc.
- A happy, loving, and inquisitive heart
“Why do you have 20 pens??” Meg screamed. “They HAVE stores in Asia!!”
I think that you have packed wisely. I would have packed less shoes. I think you won’t need that much shoes. Another thing I would take out is the crossword book. I think that you won’t need it because there are a lot of stuff on the trip for you to see.
That’s an awful lot of extra baggage. I myself would stick (as I do on all my long trips including ATW) to 1 teeshirt, 1 tank top, 1 longsleeved shirt, 1 pair of shorts, 1 bathing suit, 2 pairs of socks, 2 pieces of underwear, 1 bra. Yes on the pants and skirt, eliminate either sports sandals or flip flops. What I WOULD bring is a long nylon string to use as a clothesline to hang my nightly wash to dry.
Excellent list. I’ve seen others that recommend less underwear and socks, but they don’t take up much room and I definitely wouldn’t want to be stuck without a clean pair. Thankfully, theycan be easily washed in a sink.
People are amazed when I tell them that I only bring a carry-on for months long trip. They are like … what??? Like you describe, there is no need to bring our entire “life” with us in so many bags.
I have those kinds of friends too. Hey, at least they’re honest
. What do you usually write in your journal? Also, when you got to Asia, what sort of things did you buy? Your bag is worse than a Sixie bag…
Tomas Sanchez said…
I would so carry 20 pens, and probably still buy some!
I lose them in my living room i can only imagine how many i would lose on a trip around the world xD
August 14, 2009 7:35 AM
Emily Davis said…
Hey, Lillie! Good luck and safe travels as you begin your adventure! I also have a question for you: What backpack are you using (brand/model)? I’m shopping for new luggage–luggage that I can carry-on and preferably pack for several days–so I’m curious to know what you’re using.
August 16, 2009 7:00 PM
LG said…
why do you need 7 pairs of socks if you’re going to spend all that time on the beach?!
okay, no more comments on your packing list.
have fun in japan. i’m sorry i never sent recommendations. i don’t know tokyo all that well, but tokyo disney is a hoot and there is a very cool temple of the 47 samurai.
kyoto on the other hand…oh my. where to start?! the walk from ginkakuji along the philosopher’s path is lovely. the san jyu san gen do is impressive and i think that fushiminari taisho is worth the trip even though it is a tiny bit out of the city. the northwest corner of the city is fun to explore, but i’m guessing you won’t need the best american breakfast (speakeasy on the kintetsu line from demachiyanagi) since you’re just setting off!
ganbate (good luck) and ki o tsukete (take care)
Laurie
August 17, 2009 2:21 AM
L. Marshall said…
Emily, the lovely backpack is Kelty Redwing 3100. I love it, and it fits in the overhead carry-on compartment of a plane! The only heads-up is that it does NOT have a zip off daypack, but mine fits inside with some squeezing. I HIGHLY recommend Hilton Tent City by North Station in Boston (although I think you’re in Hawaii), as they have GREAT prices and a fun staff!
Laurie, thanks for the tips! Tomas, you rock
August 18, 2009 3:20 AM
I love your friend.. LOL!