It’s time to pack.
One month.
My goal: One bag.
It’s the heart of the wet season in Northern California and the temperature will range from 40 - 60 degrees. For an ectomorph like me, these temperatures can still feel pretty chilly when it’s so humid.
My rule of thumb is to bring just enough so that if I wear everything on the coldest day, I’m still toasty. I wash my clothes when I take my daily shower. (I use a waterproof bag for soaking and rinsing.)
Here’s a list of what I’m taking on retreat. It all fits in one carryon bag.
Feet
Hiking boots. Waterproof, for hiking in rain and mud.
Crocs. Light, comfy slip-ons.
4 pair of Thorlo hiking socks and 3 pair of liners. (An indulgence, as socks are such a pain to hand-launder and can take a long time to dry.)
Legs
2 pair quick-drying underwear
1 pair of light-weight long underwear
1 pair of fleece pants
2 pair of nylon, lightweight pants.
1 pair gym shorts
Torso
2 pair silk undershirts
2 pair quick-dry undershirts
1 lightweight merino wool zip
1 fleece shirt
Outerwear
Travel Vest
Rain jacket
Rain pants
Down sweater
Patagonia sweatshirt with hood
Rain hat
Wool cap
Sealskins lightweight waterproof gloves
Outdoor / Adventure
Nylon daypack
Water bottle
Steripen water purifier
Hydration tablets
Hiking-sized first aid kit
Sunglasses
Small LED flashlight
Mind
Two spiral bound notebooks for journaling
As It Is, by Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche
The Sound of Silence by Ajahn Sumedho
Small Boat, Great Mountain, by Amaro Bikhu
Practicing the Jhanas, by Stephen Snyder and Tina Rasmussen
Toilette
OralB toothbrush with charger
Neti pot and non-iodized salt
Tongue scraper
Floss
Soap
Concentrated mouthwash
Rescue Remedy
Toothpaste
Razor
Shaving oil
Laundry
Unscented liquid laundry soap
Waterproof bag for soaking
2 inflatable hangers for drying shirts
Elastic clothesline
Sundry
Earplugs
Eye mask
Inflatable meditation cushion
Lightweight wool shawl
“Miracle Balls” (Small plastic balls for releasing pressure on the spine)
Heavy weight elastic band (for strength training if I get inspired)
Supplements
Fish oil
Vitamin B
Vitamin C
Multi vitamin
Excedrin migraine pain reliever
Emergen-C
Technology
iPhone
iPhone charger
Headphones
Backup battery
Canon G11 camera
Battery charger
Lightweight tripod
LED reading light
Small extension cord
