We are about to head to Cape Cod for a week of camping in Nickerson State Park and we are often asked how we can pack so little when traveling so I want to show you our method. Last year when packing for Europe we ordered some Eagle Creek packing cubes from REI which really help. Here is my suitcase packed.
The formula for what to pack is very simple and it is based on the number of days that you are going to travel with a maximum of 7 days. (after that just find a laundromat, wash everything and start over) Here is the math:
Underwear = #days + 1
Socks = #days – 1
Shirts = #days
Pants = #days / 2
If you have any special occasions (like a fancier dinner) that is a single extra outfit. With this formula you should be able to pack really light and have extra room in your bag. If you are hard core you can slim down even more with some ExOfficio quick dry clothing and pack two pairs of underwear (socks, etc.) total (washing one each night and hanging it to dry). We are car camping so packing extra isn’t that big of a deal.
Now keep in mind that just because you are traveling doesn’t mean that you can’t buy something you forgot, so don’t be afraid to pack light. It will actually make the travel part of your vacation much more enjoyable.
Now for everything else, we haven’t camped in a while so we are bringing both of our tents. The smaller one with more windows and the larger one that you can stand up in. This is a good chance to air both of them out and see if they are still in good condition. We were only able to book an RV site (which is larger than a tent-only site) so we will have plenty of room to spread out. With a bin full of supplies, two tents, two chairs, sleeping bags, beach stuff and food for James this is what the car looked like.
Not too bad right! You may have even noticed the Bocce set. π And we have more than enough stuff for the entire trip. It’s an 8 hour drive to our campground so we are going to get started and we will report in along the way!