The secret to packing light

I was getting ready to pack for a trip to Portland Oregon, with my man, in passing I mentioned that I was going to take my little suitcase. My husband said he didn’t think that was a good idea, I should only pack my little backpack… and it’s a little one… much smaller than what most elementary school kids are carrying to school these days.

 

I asked why such small luggage was necessary ( clearly for a brief moment I forgot who I married) , he responded that his plan was for us to get off of the plane, and promptly , luggage in tow, hike up to the top of some mountain. He informed me that it wouldn’t be bad, as the path was paved and there were a lot of steps. However, lucky for me, and not so lucky for him, I remembered  not to trust my husbands descriptions of “easy trails” . I have blindly followed him up a few too many “easy… paved trails. ”

But I still did as I was told, and fit everything needed into my little backpack. The real secret to how I’m able to travel so “light” is that I usually forget half of the things that I need. This trip I forgot my toothbrush ( this happens pretty much every time that we leave the house… I’ve taken it as a good method for replacing my toothbrush on a regular basis. It’s been recommended that I pack a travel case and just leave it packed, I’m aware this makes total sense, and would likely be helpful, but I can’t seem to put said kit together. As I’m editing this I just realized that once again I forgot to pack my toothbrush, and no I’m not kidding. ) I also forgot socks, as well as tampons ( this resulted in some serious creative thinking.)

Luckily by the time that our flight landed in PDX the pangs of hunger had consumed my husband, even though he’d eaten 8 snacks while on our Southwest Flight…..he discovered that you can keep asking for more…..if you’re looking to consume the most calories possible ( not one of my goals ever either… but just in case) the crackers are your best bet. So instead of climbing a mountain with our luggage, we got lunch, dropped our stuff off at a hotel, and went on with our day.

Now that I’ve told you everything that I forgot to pack, I’ll share some of what I did. Leggings, cotton dresses, the black and white woven tunic, a tank top or two, one pair of shorts, 2 pairs of sandals ( thank goodness as one broke 2 days into the trip) and hiking shoes. And of a scarf of course… do I even need to tell you that?

You’re probably better at packing than I am, it’s not very hard to beat me. I”m sure that you have a travel toiletry kit, an emergency kit for the next earthquake or tsunami ( never thought about these until hiking in Portland and seeing signs for tsunami danger zones. )In fact you probably drink two or three gin & tonics and still do a better job at packing than me, so it perhaps is a bit odd that I”m going to even bother sharing my tips with you.

But the fact of the matter is, even though I forget a lot of things, I’ve yet to have to walk around naked. And I”m good at throwing outfits together, pairing things that you might not thinking about putting together like mixing trends …… floral and a little sporty

I’m a big fan of layering, which was essential for the Portland weather, as the temperature changed pretty drastically from morning to day. And while a few years ago I wouldn’t have been caught dead wearing hiking shoes and a dress… I’ve gotten over that , and now fully embrace and recommend hiking in dresses…. and if you don’t know why, give it try and I think you’ll figure it out. Hint: there are two major benefits.

So while I can’t and won’t even try to help you with your toiletries, I have you covered when it comes to great pieces that you take you from day to night, and from a busy day of business to a causal evening at the bar.

 

 

 

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