I don’t know about you, but I love packing my gear!
There’s just something satisfying about getting all my stuff together before a big trip. I could spend hours looking for the right gear, comparing things, and figuring out what I might need.
According to my plan, which, honestly, I don’t really have, I’ll probably be gone for the better part of six months. Since I don’t know exactly where I’ll be heading, I have to pack accordingly.
Usually, I like to travel light, but this time I think I’ll have to settle for — not too heavy.
I’ve got two bags with me. A camera bag with my camera gear, lenses, computer, iPad, etc. And a 50L backpack, filled with essential things, such as various types of clothing, including a warm jacket and a raincoat, bathroom essentials, a sleeping bag, sandals, shoes, a towel, books, a journal, a foldable daypack, a fanny pack… Well, necessary things. But I’ve also got a lot of what I like to call “stuff that I don’t need but that I’m bringing anyway because I fancy them.” Things like a camping chair (and the rocking legs that go with it), a coffee grinder, an Aeropress, a mug, a tripod, along with an extra sling bag for my camera.
Showcasing my gear for my next adventure 10-2026
I could do without those extras, although, just as I said earlier, I like my gear!
This time, the challenge is that I’m going places I’ve never been before, and weather-wise, I don’t know exactly what I’ll be up against. But to me, that’s a fun part of the journey. I spent months gathering all that I’ve got with me (see picture below), trying to find the perfect gear for my upcoming adventure.
In my opinion, there are three types of people when it comes to packing for a trip:
The minimalist: He only brings what’s needed and, if need be, he’ll figure it out along the way.
The over-thinker: Brings way too much stuff, but he’s prepared for every single situation.
The gear enthusiast: He’s usually more of a hiking/camping kinda person. But he’s got it all. Tent, mattress, hammock, pillow, etc.
Personally, I like to be well prepared. I like to know that I’ve got exactly what I need for the entirety of my trip, so I don’t have to worry about that while I’m travelling. I try to maximize the space in my bags while keeping things to a minimum, but I also like to bring some extra “things” that make me happy! Usually, I like to bring my guitar, my fidèle companion, but this time I’ve decided, with a heavy heart, to leave her back home.
Did I prepare well? I like to think so, but one thing is for sure: I’ll soon find out.
And you, what kind of “packer” are you?