A lot of people make packing more difficult than it is. To some it’s an art. They spend hours meticulously selecting the items to carry in terms of lightness and efficiency. For them functionality is supreme. If it’s not necessary, it gets cut. These “ultra-lighters” as they’re affectionately called, cut their toothbrushes in half, get clothes tattooed on their bodies, and buy dehydrated water in an effort to shave ounces in their packs. The process requires a proficiency in particle physics and access to a graphing calculator.
To others packing is more like putting toothpaste back in the tube. The limited space for conveniences, the inability to predict what will be desired upon arrival, and the fear of forgetting something necessary makes the process a nightmare, and it’s all under the clock ticking down to departure. The bags usually resemble a pac-man figure (mouth open) and that’s even after hours of failed attempts to massage the blender into the suitcase without needing to sacrifice the kitchen sink. Moms who feel responsible for the success of the family vacation to Disney World usually fit into this category.
In an effort to reduce the packing woes, Alex and I went for a test run this past weekend to a local campground. After an hour or so of rearranging and stuffing, we each had two backpacks strapped to our motorbikes in a tangled mess of bungee cords. I couldn’t stop laughing at how ridiculous we looked. Here are the contents so far:
• Tent, sleeping bag, and pad
• Cook stove
• Fishing rod
• Some clothes
• Coin for split decisions
• Camera
• Journal and pen
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