Life out of a Backpack

29 Lbs (13kg). That’s the weight of all my belongings for The Expedition.

That’s crazy some say! But is it really? What utility do all the belongings in your closet really bring you? Now… this is not saying to go throw out everything in your home! Just think about it. Contemplate it. Ponder it. It’s a good thought exercise.

There will always be a part of you that wants to prepare for every little thing that could go wrong while traveling. But I like to think about it like this. First, prepare the basics (a couple of shirts, pants, toiletries, etc). Then, set aside your own “travel insurance” for all the worries in your anxiety-ridden brain. Say, $100-500. Now, if any of your biggest fears turn into reality, go to the store and buy it there! You can find almost anything you need anywhere on the globe. And I’ll tell you what – you will probably never end up going to that store.

“I am an old man and have known a great many troubles, but most of them never happened.”

Mark Twain

All this considered, my goal was for my backpack to zip up easily and weigh under 30 lbs (14kg). Below is what I came up with!

And here’s what that looks like!

What would you bring that’s not already on the list? Let me know in the comments below!