Three Uses

One must be very selective when packing a bag that will be carried for an entire year, through all seasons, and across various countries and climates. Being "selective" takes on a whole new meaning when the bag will contain items needed for playing in the dirt on farms, presenting oneself well at a potential job interview, having what is needed to comfortably tour around cities, as well as relaxing wear for days in. Selecting items that will stand up in snow, sun, wind, rain, cold and extreme heat is difficult, though not impossible.

I started mentally packing for this trip 4-6 months before I left. I physically packed the bag 2 months prior to leaving. They say to pack what you think you will need and then take out 1/3 of it. Instead, I used the rule that an item could only stay in the bag if it had 3 uses.

For clothing, I packed mostly black or dark colors ... for 3 reasons.
#1: All could be washed in one single load of laundry without worry of running colors.
#2. Black doesn't show dirt.
#3. Black is slimming and everything matches.
In retrospect, I wish I would have packed a few more patterned and colored items because I am getting tired of the same black stuff. But it has been very practical!

Here is my list of items that made the cut, and their 3+ uses.

Sarong- Beach cover-up, "Robe" to walk to showers in hostels, Blanket, Scarf, Pillowcase, Window Shade/Drape/Cover, Table cloth...

Flip Flops- Hostel showers, For the beach, On hot days

Head Lamp- Looking into wine barriques when topping up, Walking home late at night from pubs, Night light when sharing a room, For looking under beds to be sure you packed everything

Scarf- Keeps your neck warm (duh), Head wrap, Shoulder wrap, Small towel, Belt. Dark color and wrinkle-free fabric is best. I love my black one, go figure.

Gloves- Keeps hands warm and dry, Used for lifting objects with rough edges and keeping hands safe, Provides extra grip. I came with 3 pairs of gloves (different styles) and have acquired 2 more along the way and I have used every pair. Gloves are important.

Head Band- Small piece that makes big difference when growing out your hair! No styling needed, allows you to see what you are doing, helps with kitchen hair cleanliness, Adds a bit of style to your otherwise boring black outfit, Allows you to not wash your hair for another day!

Tweezers- Eyebrows, Splinters, Jewelry tool, etc.

Wine Opener with Pocket Knife- Opening Vino, Cutting cheese, Peeling fruit, opening bottles...

Face Wipes- No face wash needed to carry (or spill), Can be used for "bird baths" or hand wipes too, Disposable (not carrying extra weight), Collapsable packaging

Travel Towel- A MUST! For hostel showers, small blanket, Hand towel, and many of the "sarong" reasons too.

Leggings- To wear when layering, sleeping, running, lounging, doing all other laundry, under dresses/skirts when colder out. These are essential!

Tank Tops- For layering, can be worn in hot and cold climates, for sleeping, for work that will make clothes dirty, can be thrown away and replaced easily for not much money.

Note pad- You just need one! To write down directions, new words, things to do, sites to see, contact info, etc... All kept in one place and on you so no WIFI is needed.

Rain Coat- Windbreaker, Extra Layer, Rain Coat, Can sub for umbrella.

Ear Plugs/Eye Shade- Seriously valuable little pieces! Ear plugs are wonderful as you never know what kinds of environments you will be in and how loud people will be. Eye shades are great for summer months in countries where the sun rises early and/or you are in rooms with poor shades or other people and you just want darkness.

Sunglasses- Protects eyes from the sun (duh), wind, and can be "safety" glasses in the field.

iPod- Helps pass the time when waiting, Allows you to feel connected with friends who put songs on it, You can listen to new stuff you download along the way, 'Nuff said

Ear Buds- You can listen to what you want (as loud as you want) without disturbing anyone, Good for Skype chats, Rosetta Stone programs, etc.

Plaid Long Sleeve Shirt- Love this one! Good for an extra (light) layer, Rain protection, Sun protection, Can layer with other colors, Gives a pattern to mix it up, etc... really useful! You will see me wearing it in MANY of my photos.

Colored Sweater- Nice outfit for bopping around town, going out, good for all day and night out wear, gives color to the wardrobe.