Glamping - Packing Edition
So as you may know, I’m a chronic overpacker - I even wrote some blogs about it when we went to Europe last spring (1, 2, 3, 4, follow up). For that trip, it was super important that I was able to fit everything in a carry-on backpack, so I did tons of research, made lots of lists, and ended up coming up with a pretty decent capsule wardrobe, and totally succeeded in saving space.
The packing process can be very chaotic
Cut to a couple weekends ago - we went camping for four days. We drove, so we had an entire car to pack into, so I didn't feel the need to limit myself too much, as long as I didn't pack more than my duffle.
As far as toiletries and makeup go, I think I did pretty good! I didn't bring any makeup at all, since we were in the middle of the desert and it was just with friends and family who were all doing pretty much the same. I only brought a few toiletries that I didn't use, but I will say that those things took up minimal room, and all could have come in handy, so I might pack things like that the next time we camp anyway.
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| Hairbrush | Moroccanoil |
| Wide-toothed comb | All-purpose soap |
| Toothbrush (Sonicare, battery lasted all 4 days) | Tampons |
| Toothpaste | Wash cloths (2) |
| Deodorant | Body towels (2) |
| Face wipes | Large hair clip |
| Multi-purpose wipes | Powder sunscreen (for scalp) |
| Dry shampoo | Wide fabric headbands |
| Hand sanitizer | Bandana |
| Sunscreen | |
| Skin Trip (lotion that's particularly nice on sunburns) | |
| Pack towel (small, super absorbent) | |
| Hair ties | |
| Bobby pins |
I probably brought twice the amount of clothes I needed, but with Utah and the desert, the temperature can potentially swing wildly. It can rain (it did a little on us). It can be super hot. It can be quite chilly at night. So, for just 3 nights/4 days of camping, here’s what I brought vs what I actually used:
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| PJ Pants |
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| PJ Shorts |
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| Hoodie* |
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| Zip up sweatshirt |
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| Long Sleeved athletic shirts |
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| Long Sleeved button-up shirts |
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| Cotton Tank top |
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| Athletic tank tops |
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| Athletic shorts |
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| Sports bras |
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| Bralette |
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| Underwear |
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| Socks |
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| Long warm wool socks |
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| Shorts |
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| Sweatpants* |
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| Baseball hat |
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| Floppy hat |
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| Beanie |
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| Long leggings |
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| Capri leggings |
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| Buff |
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| Swimsuit |
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| Gloves |
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| Open-finger Mittens |
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| Sunglasses |
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| Down jacket |
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| Rain/wind layer |
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| Trail runners/hiking boots (water resistant) |
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| Crocs (for water) |
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| Flip flops |
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*worn by the fire so they could get embers on them
Of course there are always the odds and ends, too:
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| iPhone & charger |
| Apple Watch & Charger |
| GoPro & Charger |
| Extra battery chargers (+ car kit battery) |
| Instax & film |
| Headphones |
| Large ziplock bags (water protection) |
| Journal & pen |
| Glasses |
| Yoga mat |
| Ukulele |
| Books |
Why did I bring so many chargeable things? Well, my iPhone doubled as my main camera, the GoPro is super fun, and, while I probably could have let the Apple Watch fall to the wayside, I really liked seeing how far we went and I like to keep reaching the daily goals it sets for me (we got up to 26,000 steps one day!!)
I learned that I could re-use a lot of what I brought, and I probably could have gotten by with even less than what I used. Some things, though, I wouldn’t leave behind just because I didn’t use them this time. We don’t typically go camping for more than a few days (because of our schedules, and because it gets difficult to live out of a car and cooler for much longer without finding more modern amenities). After this experience, I think my ideal complete packing list would be the following (and this is not including things like tents, kitchen gear, etc. - that’s hubby’s job)
As I grow older, I find myself more at ease in the middle of nowhere. I used to be so concerned with how I presented myself and I wanted to be perfect all the time. Camping with my husband has shown me that I really don't need all that much, and that it's good to disconnect a little now and then. While I do still want to look cute (because pictures last forever), a more natural approach to that seems to fit into my lifestyle as I get closer to 30.
