For Better or For Worse - Stick a Fork In Me

I can't even tell you how much research I've done on what to pack for this trip. I've scoured the internet, Thorn Tree, and the packing lists of dozens of other backpackers. I've read reviews on Amazon, and Tom and I each tried on 20+ pairs of travel/outdoor pants to compare. We each ordered 4 different pairs of shoes to try out before settling on our final choices. Never in a million years did I think I would hear myself comparing the virtues of various (gasp!) convertible and roll-up waterproof cargos. Only a fanny pack and a set of matching t-shirts separates Tom and I from this:

God Bless America

I am OVER making packing decisions. And that's putting it lightly. I've gone through days where I'm freaking out because I think we need more and days where I'm scolding myself for having too much. I've paired down the first aid bag and then added more stuff to it. And now, with only 22 days left in San Francisco, I'm completely finished. It may be all wrong. I'm sure we don't need some of it. I'm sure I'm forgetting something, but I don't care. My bag is packed, for better or for worse.

And it looks like this:

Steph's Bag

• North Face Women's Terra 45  (For more about this bag and how I downsized, read this post.)
• Clothes in a Spacebag Vacuum Storage Bag and an eBag Packing Cube
• 3 Tank Tops (2 black, 1 blue) 
• 2 lightweight cardigans (1 orange, 1 black)
• 2 t-shirts (1 orange, 1 red)
• 1 black, jersey foldover skirt
• 2 dresses (1 blue knee-length, 1 black maxi)
• REI Poplar Roll-Up Pant in Coal
• Felina Strapless Bra
• ExOfficio Give-N-Go Cross Over Bra
• 2 pair ExOfficio Quick Dry Underwear
• 4 pair, fast-drying Victoria's Secret underwear
• 2 pair, thin socks
• Super lightweight scarf/wrap (in a bright and fun pattern)
• Buff Original Headband in Cali
• Columbia Ball Cap
• Thin Helly Henson shell jacket
• 2 Swimsuits
• Teva Churn Evo Shoes
• My favorite, worn out, flat, gold sandals from Banana Republic (sure to break in a few weeks)
• More flat, fun sandals (for when the others break)
• Reef Seaside Flip Flops
• Havaianas Slim Sandals
• Hair supplies (for a product rundown, see this post)
• Journal
• Medication/First Aid Bag (for a product rundown, see this post)
• Cosmetics (for a product rundown, see this post)
• Go-Girl and the potty bag (read about it here)
• Cocoon 100% Silk TravelSheet Sleep Sack (single)
• Sea to Summit Small Tek Towel
• Headlamp
• Baggu bag in purple
• Kiva Keychain Pack
• Small bag of simple jewelry, including the Deuce Watch in yellow
• Small, MasterLock Cable Luggage Lock
• MasterLock 3-Foot Retractable Cable Lock
• Extra carabiners
• Hand sanitizer on a clip
• Calculator on a carabiner (great for price haggling!)
• Totes Micro Umbrella (not just for rain protection - also good for waving in the air if Tom and I get separated)
• Neiko SuperBright Heavy Duty Compact Flashlight
• Dream Essentials Sleep Mask, Ear Plugs and Travel Pouch (I added extra ear plugs.)
• The Sak - Mini Messenger Crossbody Black Purse
• Sun/Bug Bag (for a product rundown, see this post)
• Rick Steves Silk Moneybelt (fits under the clothing, holds my passport, extra Visa pics, cash, and credit/debit cards)
• Hard case for extra eyeglasses and sunglasses

So just how big is it? Smaller than you might think. Here's an awful, self-timer, living room photo of me wearing Beatrice.

What do you think? Too much stuff? Too little? Never mind. Forget I asked. I don't care. Stick a fork in me. I'm done.