Bags are packed.
I am about to embark on a new adventure of world travel and will use this blog to share the experience with those that are interested. The Jen Essentials is my take on the ten essentials (https://www.mountaineers.org/blog/what-are-the-ten-essentials). If you are a backpacker, you likely know what these are. The items on the list below are an overarching guide of what is necessary for survival:
- Navigation
- Sun protection
- Insulation (extra clothes)
- Illumination (headlamp)
- First aid supplies
- Fire
- Repair kit and tools (Knife)
- Nutrition (extra food)
- Hydration (extra water)
- Emergency shelter
The Jen Essentials are going to look a little different. I have spent the last five years mentally preparing for this trip. Now that it is actually happening, I spent the last week packing and preparing to explore. I check one thing off my to do list and add four more. I am finding there are little luxuries you don’t have to plan for in advance when you are in one place and have an income and benefits. Figuring out what to pack in a 70 L backpacking bag for climates ranging from 40 degrees Fahrenheit in the mountains of Patagonia to 90 degrees in the Galapagos Islands to heavy rain in Israel for is a challenge. I have just accepted that I will be a little stinky sometimes. Prioritization has never been more important.
My first installment of the Jen Essentials is what I think are the most important items I will need for my travels. This list is not exhaustive, this list is not foolproof, and this list will change throughout my journey depending on my location. The items on the list below are what I think I will need to thrive, not just survive:
- Yoga mat
- Book
- Lifestraw Water bottle
- Adidas tennis shoes
- Open mind
- Laptop
- Airpods
- Blistex chapstick
- Passport
- High waisted yoga pants
In a few short days, I am headed to the Patagonian region in the south of Chile to hike the W trek in the Torres del Paine National Park. This will surely be a test of my physical abilities, but one that has been on my bucket list for years. There will be no service in the mountains, which is my favorite part of backpacking. It’s the perfect place to kick off my travels and I cannot wait to share more in future posts. Pics to follow.
Signing off for now.
Jennifer