If organizing the logistics for the trip was fun, figuring out what to pack was tough! I've gotten very good at packing light on vacations thanks to Brian's 'Never check a bag' rule (thanks Brian). But this trip poses a big packing challenge. We need clothes for multiple climates, grunge wear for the 7-day-no-shower Siberian train and fancy-pants evening-wear for the cruise. And it all has to fit in one bag since we're literally schlepping it around the world.
There is no shortage of example "essentials only" packing lists out there on the Internet. I got to the point where reading yet another list was boggling my mind a bit. So I went back to the basics and tried to follow a simple strategy: pick neutral colors for the bottom and upper warm layers and then use pops of colors (all in the same family) for the different shirts and blouses. Hopefully that will give me lots of options to mix and match without getting too bored with my limited pieces. I've got three months of not being able to open the closet to wear whatever I feel like that day!
The next question is what bag to take. I was leaning towards the average carry-on suitcase with wheels. Brian (wishing he had been able to tramp around Europe in his 20's) thought backpacks were the way to go. So we did a 'test pack'. We jammed our pile of stuff into the carry-on suitcase and then into the backpack. Brian was right, as usual. I was forced to admit the backpack was lighter and more mobile - definitely a plus when we're running to catch the next train. Plus Brian will now be able to say he backpacked through Europe.
I still had one issue with the backpack. I didn't like the idea of having to dig to the bottom of the bag every time I wanted something. The solution was to get a bunch of mesh packing cubes that will fit stacked on top of each other inside the bag. The backpacks, all stuffed, weigh in at a reasonable 20 pounds and will hopefully be maneuverable through the crowded public transportation, cobblestone streets and hotel stairs.
We are able to fit about a weeks worth of "essential" clothes in the backpacks. So we will get to do some laundry in the hotel sinks along the way. I found these cool little travel laundry detergent sheets that turn into soap with water. Hopefully, they do the trick or our clothes will just have to smell like shampoo. We're also hoping to find a laundramat or a hotel with facilities somewhere about half way to do a full-load refresh.
So that's how we did 77 days worth of stuff in one bag. I'm even leaving my blow dryer at home just so I have some extra room for souvenirs!
"He who would travel happily must travel light." - Anntoine de Saint Exupery
