The bag

I decided to try my new backpack out tonight, a super lightweight burgundy Gregory Jade 50. Figured this would  give me a solid 48 hours to see that everything fits, decide what may be dispensable, and realize what crucial thing I am about to forget.  Thank goodness Leeron was around to help (so happy she is here!).   Turns out she's picked up quite a few good packing tips whilst on that nice little 5 month journey around the world.  And then there was the moral support of sisterhood ...   Together we pounded the sleeping bag to stuff it good and tight at the very bottom of the backpack, then began to layer up 2 months' worth of "bare necessities."

Despite my careful checklist, these "necessities" stopped feeling so bare as the weight began to increase with every extra sock.   Hey, why take 4 pairs when you can take 3?!  The one pair of jeans I want to bring feels like a luxury item (who knew denim was so heavy??) and I am still trying to decide whether I should take them.  I probably will.  I could hang out in my hiking pants the whole time but this may become intolerable, especially when I am not hiking.  

The good news is the bag was about 85% packed with room to spare and was altogether transportable when I traipsed around the room with it on my back.   Gabrielle suggested I give my backpack a test drive on the Central Park loop before I leave but I have a sneaking feeling this is not going to happen.   I'm just going to trust the backpack thing will work out without me hyperventilating too much about it.  Tomorrow I will pack it again with the whole lot thrown in.   By Thursday I will have it down to a science.