Lives of Wander

We’re frequently asked just exactly what we plan to take with us, so we’ve decided to lay it all out here. Whenever possible we’ve noted brands, not because we’re all about the label (actually far from it), but because we’ve always found it much more helpful to know not that someone plans to take two pair of pants but that someone plans to take these two exact pair of pants. Obviously when you’re packing for an entire year, a lot of thought goes into each item. We’re not just throwing things into our bags; we’re carefully vetting each piece to make sure it fits our needs and we like it enough to haul it around the world. What works for us might not work for you, but maybe it will at least put you on a path toward finding what you need.

We’ll be updating this page as we make changes, with the final list appearing shortly before we leave. And though it looks like a lot all laid out like this, it actually packs up rather small.

For a few tricks & tips, scroll down to the bottom of the page.

Theresa’s Clothing
1 pair khaki North Face Convertible Pants
1 pair Target brand black workout pants
1 pair brown Lole capris
1 pair Reebok athletic shorts
2 skirts—black Lole Breathe skirt (mid-calf) and khaki Lole Charm skirt (knee-length)
2 long-sleeve, light weight button up shirts
3 short sleeve shirts—1 Lole Morocco, 1 Under Armor, 1 button-up H&M
1 Lole Candid sleeveless shirt
1 long-sleeve Under Armor active shirt
1 set Cuddle Duds silk underwear
1 Patagonia Capilene 3 Zip-Up baselayer
1 REI lightweight fleece
1 REI ultralight rain jacket
7 pair Ex-Officio underwear
2-3 pairs socks
2 Target brand sports bras
1 regular bra
1 bathing suit
1 sarong
1 pair Teva flip-flops
1 pair North Face Hedgehog trail runners
1 pair Keen Newport H2 sandals
1 pair Keen Amsterdams
sunglasses
hat
watch
basic jewelry

(Yes, you’re right, Lole should sponsor our trip. I am, after all, a walking advertisement for their brand! But in all seriousness, if you’re built like me (5′4″, a little over 100 lbs, and don’t have much in the boob department), then check them out. Whereas most travel clothes hang on me like I’m a flagpole, Lole clothing fits well, and I dare say that I actually find their clothes somewhat stylish.)

Jeff’s Clothing
Coming Soon

Toiletries(travel size, shared when possible)
toothpaste
toothbrush
dental floss
brush/comb
hair bands & bobby pins
shampoo/conditioner
body wash
deodorant
razor
lotion
contacts & solution & case + glasses
face wash
basic makeup (mascara, moisturizer/foundation)
feminine products
toilet paper
small mirror

First Aid Kit
sunscreen
bug spray
Band-Aids
bandages
Neosporin
Hydrocortisone
Cipro or other general antibiotic
malaria pills
contraceptives
Immodium
Ibuprofin
moleskin
gauze
tape
scissors
needle & thread
chapstick
antiseptic
tweezers
nail clippers
Safety Pins
hand sanitizer
other prescriptions as necessary

Other Gear
bandana
large quick dry towels
DreamSack silk sleep sheets
ear plugs
eye mask
neck pillow
headlamps
water bladders/bottles
Light My Fire sporks
sink stopper
laundry detergent
retractable laundry line
backpack covers
plastic bags
Swiss Army Knife
luggage locks
duct tape and repair tape
sewing kit (plus Velcro)
money belts/wallet
deck of cards
travel alarm clock (or just use watches?)
keychain compass
reusable bag
binoculars

Electronics
Nikon D80 DSLR + Tamron 18-200 lens + UV filter + polarizing filter
Gorillapod SLR Zoom tripod
Canon SD800 point and shoot camera
SD cards
chargers
extra batteries
flash drive
phone (?)
computer (undecided on what kind)
converters

Documents, etc.
passports
credit cards/ATM cards (split between us)
extra passport photos (for visas, etc)
Moleskine journal + Moleskine small notebooks
pens/pencils
insurance information
international phone numbers for credit cards
immunization certificate
plane tickets
ISIC card
plastic folder for all documents
(scan & email copies of all important documents to ourselves)

Tips & Tricks
1. Forget that you’re packing for a year. Instead pack for a week. Then plan to wash and re-wear.

2. Even if you’re traveling to cold weather locations, leave the bulky gear at home and plan for layers. Theresa’s combination of an Under Armor long sleeve shirt, Patagonia base layer, REI fleece, and REI rain jacket pack ups rather small but has already proven to keep her warm in temperatures in the teens. (And she can somehow manage to be cold when it’s 80 degrees out, so this is saying something.)

3. Remember that you can buy some things on the road…and probably for cheaper than you can buy them in the U.S. The exceptions here might by shoes and clothing for those on either extreme of the size scale.

4. Pack something you like. Sure, functionality is key, as is durability, and how well it packs up. But every once in a while you’re going to want to feel like the “old you,” so pack something that makes you happy.

5. Choose clothes that you can mix and match. Your wardrobe will already be limited. Don’t restrict it further by packing “outfits” that can’t be deconstructed.

6. Use stuff sacks or packing cubes to organize your gear. Emptying out your entire bag to find one item will get old very quickly.