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