packing for backpacking

backpacking for any extended period of time-- regardless of destination, is challenging. between the fact that you're living out of a tiny bag for x # of weeks, and you're not exactly traveling in luxury, you have to be pretty smart and efficient about what you pack. forget the fashion show, forget all the matching accessories and all your favorite pairs of shoes. you have to look at your options with a totally objective eye and choose based on the following conditions:

1. versatility - how many times can you wear that piece of clothing? can it double as a layer? can it easily be cleaned? will you be ok being photographed in it several times?
2. comfort - will you be comfortable wearing this piece of clothing through long walks, through variable weather, through long days? will your feet endure lots of walking in those shoes?
3. weight - do you need that heavy sweater? or that beaded necklace? or those boots? remember, you're carrying this bag on your back from destination to destination. do you want to lug all that extra weight? not to mention, the airlines have weight limits for bags, and added with the souvenirs you'll be acquiring, can you afford the unnecessary weight?
4. culture - as a female, what is appropriate attire? what is safe, and what will reduce the risk of being harassed by local men?
5. upkeep - how long can you go without washing your hair? how much makeup do you really plan to wear? do you need all those different lotions? those tiny travel sized bottles of shampoo or toothpaste won't last more than 1 week, so you'll need those medium-sized plastic bottles that you can fill up with what you need. but you'd be amazed at how heavy shampoos and lotions are!



what i typically do in preparation for a trip, is lay out all of my clothing options on my bed about 4-7 days prior to the trip. each day i glance at the pile and pick out a tshirt here, a cardigan there... and just around 2 nights beforehand, i give the pile one final edit before stuffing it into my backpack.



for my 3 week journey to morocco i have a lot to consider. each of the cities i'll be visiting has varying climates. i'm going from the cool Atlantic coast, to the cool, northern mountainous ranges, to deeper into the sahara desert where the temperature sizzles. at night the air is very cool, so layering is essential. i also have to consider the fact that morocco is a muslim country. it's relatively conservative, yet very european and swarming with tourists. what is appropriate?



so i've decided on: 2 pairs of jeans, 4 below-the-knee dresses, 2 long sleeve shirts, 2 tshirts, 4 tanks, 2 cardigans, 1 windbreaker jacket, 1 bathing suit, undies, socks, and for pjs, i bring a heavy set and a light set. there's nothing worse than freezing in bed- and since most hot climates don't tend to have heating in homes and buildings, you better bring warm jammies. i also always bring a light lesportsac zippered tote for day (to keep all my belongings secure in my bag), a clutch with a zipper for night, and an empty, foldable lesportsac duffel bag to carry home all my souvenirs.



flip flops, 1 pair of sneakers, and 1 pair of nice shoes.



i know i'll be buying scarves and necklaces there, so i won't even be bringing my own from home. since i also expect to visit the hammams as often as possible, i'm bringing one of those ultra-absorbent, quick-drying towels just in case. finally, i take the bulkiest of all the clothing options and wear those on the flight, thus saving space in the bag.

here's hoping it all fits when i pack on saturday night!!