packing for a year of travel, packing list

Packing for a Year of Travel


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In August 2008, Claire and I moved out of our house and packed everything we could into our minivan. We took out the back seats to make more room, bought a bag to strap to the roof, and a bike rack for the hatch. We had to pack everything we would need for the next two years. That was a challenge!

In August of 2016, Claire and I decided to take a year off to travel. This time, we weren’t taking the minivan. If something was coming with us, we had to be able to carry it! We have decided to follow the same rules as our canoe trips to Algonquin Park – if you can’t carry it in one trip, it isn’t coming.

How to read this: When you see T-Shirts (x7) it means that I brought seven T-shirts. The picture and description are about my favourite shirt(s).

For the Beach

Tip – Bring a pair of sunglasses that are less expensive for occasions when they might get lost or damaged. I learned this one the hard way!

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T-shirts (x7)

pack travel @teamltd livingthedream canadian costarica panama peru ecuador mexico europe south america central america teachers blog blogger blogging trinidad barrie
We’ve been wearing @TEAMLTD gear a lot lately. It fits nicely and you can’t beat the name! Living the Dream!

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Rash guard

pack travel billabong rash guard livingthedream canadian costarica panama peru ecuador mexico europe south america central america teachers blog blogger blogging trinidad barrie
Billabong Rash Guard – This will get A LOT of use this year!

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Board Shorts (x2)

pack travel billabong board shorts livingthedream canadian costarica panama peru ecuador mexico europe south america central america teachers blog blogger blogging trinidad barrie
Billabong Board Shorts are guaranteed to make you LOOK LIKE a better surfer.

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Towel

pack travel packtowl livingthedream canadian costarica panama peru ecuador mexico europe south america central america teachers blog blogger blogging trinidad barrie
Personal PackTowl – This towel comes everywhere with us! It absorbs a lot of water and takes up very little space in the backpack.

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Sunglasses (x2)

chris schell pack travel Oakley aviators livingthedream canadian costarica panama peru ecuador mexico europe south america central america teachers blog blogger blogging trinidad barrie
I like Oakleys as long as they don’t end up at the bottom of a river! I always go to Doctor Schell, who has been named Barrie’s Best!

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Bucket Hat (x2) and Sunscreen (x lots)

pack travel Playa Naranjo Jicaral Aroma del Mar @teamltd livingthedream canadian costarica panama peru ecuador mexico europe south america central america teachers blog blogger blogging trinidad barrie Nicoya Peninsula
I love bucket hats because they provide good protection from the sun, they are cheap, and no one ever steals them! Hmmm?


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Hiking Days

Tip – Compression socks are great for long flights! 

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Underwear (x10)

pack travel saxxunderwear SAXX @teamltd livingthedream canadian costarica panama peru ecuador mexico europe south america central america teachers blog blogger blogging trinidad barrie
Thank goodness for Squash House League at the BAC! I always like getting a free racquet, BUTT I’m never disappointed when we win SAXX. The best underwear I’ve ever owned! Great for everything!!!

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Hiking socks

pack travel Keen socks @teamltd livingthedream canadian costarica panama peru ecuador mexico europe south america central america teachers blog blogger blogging trinidad barrie
Keen hiking socks hug your feet. I wore these everyday on a 4-day hike to “The Lost City” in Colombia. My feet were very happy with these socks! Yes! I washed them daily.

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Rain Jacket

pack travel marmot precip rain jacket livingthedream canadian costarica panama peru ecuador mexico europe south america central america teachers blog blogger blogging trinidad barrie
I’ve been wearing this Marmot jacket (too often) during the ‘rainy’ season in Costa Rica. So far so good… it keeps me dry.

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Compression Socks (x2)

pack travel compression socks @teamltd livingthedream canadian costarica panama peru ecuador mexico europe south america central america teachers blog blogger blogging trinidad barrie
These are great for sports! They provide a lot of calf support. I also like them because they protect my legs from getting scratched while hiking if the trail is overgrown.

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BodyGlide Anti-Chafe Anti-Blister

pack travel body glide bodyglide livingthedream canadian costarica panama peru ecuador mexico europe south america central america teachers blog blogger blogging trinidad barrie
END THE SUFFERING! Put this where you need it! Your body will thank you!

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Sunscreen!!!

pack travel Hawaiian tropic livingthedream canadian costarica panama peru ecuador mexico europe south america central america teachers blog blogger blogging trinidad barrie
If the sun is shining, I always wear a hat, sunglasses, and a pile of sunscreen! The bucket hat is nothing special, but I am a big fan of Hawaiian Tropic!

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Trying to be Athletic

When we’re not creating blog posts, we’re generally very active. I love to play all sports and thrive on competition. The competition may have to be internal this year as we travel, so I’ll likely spend more time running against my best time, surfing my best wave, or performing a new yoga pose. We bought yoga mats and a stretching rope from Winners. Tip – If you travel to a country that has a rainy season, during rainy season, you will gain a new appreciation for ‘Quick Dry’ clothing.

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Athletic shorts (x5)

pack travel lululemon livingthedream canadian costarica panama peru ecuador mexico europe south america central america teachers blog blogger blogging trinidad barrie
I brought 5 pairs of shorts, but these from Lululemon are easily the most comfortable! Great for hiking, running, other sports, and blogging.

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Running Shirt (x5)

pack travel MEC livingthedream canadian costarica panama peru ecuador mexico europe south america central america teachers blog blogger blogging trinidad barrie
I use gym shirts that range in price from $4- $40. This one from MEC is the lightest by far.

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Headband (x5)

pack travel @teamltd livingthedream canadian costarica panama peru ecuador mexico europe south america central america teachers blog blogger blogging trinidad barrie
So much better than a bandana for keeping sweat out of my eyes!

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Trying to look nice while being functional

Tip – Apparently, you have a better chance of getting an upgrade if you are dressed nicely.

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Eddie Bauer Guide Pants

pack travel @teamltd livingthedream canadian costarica panama peru ecuador mexico europe south america central america teachers blog blogger blogging trinidad barrie
Lightweight, stretchy, water resistant. I bought them on sale at the Cooktown Outlet.

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Collared shirt (x5)

pack travel @teamltd livingthedream canadian costarica panama peru ecuador mexico europe south america central america teachers blog blogger blogging trinidad barrie
This Marmot shirt is very light and breathable. I can wear it hiking or out for dinner. I found this one at Winners.

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Casual Shorts (x5)

pack travel @teamltd livingthedream canadian costarica panama peru ecuador mexico europe south america central america teachers blog blogger blogging trinidad barrie prank sutra shorts
I found these Prana shorts on the Clearance rack at MEC. They were so comfortable, I bought two pairs.

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When it gets cold

Of course, many of the items I’ve listed already, can be worn when the temperature drops. However, I did bring a couple of items that make cool days and nights I little more enjoyable. TIP – Wear warm clothes on the plane and they don’t take up valuable space and weight in your bag. Change after you land.

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Lululemon hoodie

pack travel @teamltd livingthedream canadian costarica panama peru ecuador mexico europe south america central america teachers blog blogger blogging trinidad barrie lululemon
This hoody keeps me warm, is comfortable, stretchy, and doesn’t take up much space in my bag.

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Sierra Designs Base layer

pack travel @teamltd livingthedream canadian costarica panama peru ecuador mexico europe south america central america teachers blog blogger blogging trinidad barrie lululemon sierra designs base layer
Another item I bought in university and still take on every camping/canoeing trip. Provides warmth as a base layer, but is still comfortable on its own.

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Nike Long Underwear/Tights

pack travel @teamltd livingthedream canadian costarica panama peru ecuador mexico europe south america central america teachers blog blogger blogging trinidad barrie lululemon nike sierra designs base layer
When the temperature drops, these are awesome for hiking, lounging, and sleeping! I saved at Winners.

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Footwear

I have a pair of running shoes that I brought with me, but I am not including them in this post because I am not impressed. I had them at home before leaving for Trinidad and they were still basically new. They have started to fall apart after one month.. I might have to get someone to ship down some Salmings! TIP – If you are bringing heavy shoes, wear them on the plane. Once again, less weight and you can put your sandals on when you land.

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Birkenstocks

pack travel @teamltd livingthedream canadian costarica panama peru ecuador mexico europe south america central america teachers blog blogger blogging trinidad barrie lululemon nike sierra designs base layer birkenstocks
I’ve been hooked on Birks since I got my first pair!

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Kam Lung Flips Flops

kam lung flip
Claire found these for rainy days in a Costa Rican Mini-mart. I am not usually a flip-flop fan, but these are far more comfortable than I’ve had in the past.

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Chacos Hiking/Casual

chaco shoes
The pair I have are a little different. They are nice enough to wear with khakis, but provide good support to wear hiking as well. A great buy from Sojourn in Barrie!

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Technology

Claire and I have Apple products. We both have an iPhone and a MacBook. We feel like they do everything we need and they are very reliable! We’ve had one MacBook for 8 years and it is still going strong. I’m using it everyday on this trip. Of course, with devices come charging cables, adapters, etc. TIP – PACK A RECHARGEABLE POWER PACK, A TRAVEL ADAPTER, AND A USB CHARGER FOR THE CAR. If you forget an adapter and need a USB charger, try plugging into your TV and/or cable (or satellite) receiver.

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Wonderboom Portable Speaker

pack travel @teamltd livingthedream canadian costarica panama peru ecuador mexico europe south america central america teachers blog blogger blogging trinidad barrie lululemon nike sierra designs base layer wonder boom ultimateears
This is our second portable speaker! I can’t believe how loud it is for the size and it is waterproof. I also like that I can buy a second and they sync with one another.

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Skull Candy Wireless Headphones

pack travel @teamltd livingthedream canadian costarica panama peru ecuador mexico europe south america central america teachers blog blogger blogging trinidad barrie lululemon nike sierra designs base layer wonder boom ultimateears skull candy
We both have a pair of these wireless headphones. You still have to bring a phone when running, but the wires are out of the way. When working out, the phone can stay in the bag.

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FitBit

fitbit
If you have a FitBit and we are friends, I have probably tried to challenge you to a WorkWeek Hustle or Weekend Warrior challenge at some point. After one month, 10k/day hasn’t been a problem.

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Accessories

I probably don’t even to say it, but I brought a roll of DUCT TAPE. Doesn’t everyone?

Tip #5 – Water bottles with hard shells can protect breakables. Wrap them in socks and you’re all set! 

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Manna water bottle

Manna bottle
I got this as part of a prize package in a golf tournament. I don’t like drinking warm water! This bottle keeps it cold all day! I just wish it was bigger.

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Gerber Multi-tool

gerber knife
Perfect for small jobs. I use the knife often, but it’s nice to have some small tools just in case.

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Rolling Ball

rolling ball
The description suggests that it be used on your feet! I don’t have space to pack a foam roller, so that is what I use to loosen knots after busy days.

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Tip – DON’T HAVE TIME TO ROLL? I like to put the rolling ball between my back (and legs) and the seat while working on the computer, driving, sitting on the bus, or riding in a plane. If I’m the passenger in a car, I’ll use it on my feet too. 

Bags

I’m including these bags because I want to give you an idea of what I’m working with. All of the bags have traveled and survived airport baggage handlers and that makes them better than many others I’ve used! For this trip, we have one checked bag, one ‘carry on’ and one personal item.

Tip – This trip I tried something different because I really didn’t want may backpack to get damaged. I packed it inside a big durable duffle bag that doesn’t get much use at home. If the duffle bag gets damaged I don’t really mind! After our first flight, it seems to have been a good idea. IF YOU’RE CANADIAN, YOU CAN PROBABLY FIND AN OLD HOCKEY BAG WITHOUT MUCH EFFORT.

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MEC Wayfarer backpack

mec wayfarer
My favourite feature of this backpack is the strap cover. Before checking in, everything gets tucked in and zipped up to avoid damage.

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Mec Duffle/backpack

mec
This bag usually travels as a carry-on item. It easily fits my laptop.

 

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High Sierra hydration pack

high sierra
This little pack gets a lot of use! It carries 2L of water, snacks, wallet, phone, etc. It comes with me as a ‘personal item’ on the plane.

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Tip – I usually pack a few days worth of clothes in my carry-on in case there is a ‘problem’ with checked bags. A carry on full of shoes and hats won’t get your very far! Well… most of you.

Almost all of these items were bought when there was a sale or given to me as a gift. Having said that, I have been impressed with all of them and would definitely consider buying them again (maybe even at full price!). I hope that you find this helpful when packing for your next adventure!

Note: I did bring a bag of toiletries, first aid kit, etc. I just didn’t think you would want to read about toothpaste and shaving cream.

What did I forget? What else would you bring?

 

 


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