Future Journeys

It has been more than a month since we left the VF and we're already talking about the next journey. Maybe it will be on the VF, or maybe not. France was much less expensive than Switzerland and the food in the bakeries and the cheese there were amazing. But, Ireland is also calling us back. Then there is a multi-day hike in Iceland that offers completely different terrain and views. As we age, TJ and I recognize that we may not be able to do quite as much in the future, so flexibility (ie, access to public transportation) will probably be important. We'll see.

Our packing list for the next trip will be shaped by the specific journey. But, there are a few modifications I would make to our original packing list for the VF that I want to keep in mind for that next trip, so I am capturing them here.

Clothing

Stick with synthetic, quick dry clothing as much as possible. For warm weather, the following is appropriate:

• 2 short-sleeved synthetic shirts
• 1 long-sleeved sun shirt
• 1 pair running shorts
• 1 pair leggings
  
• Possibly a swim suit or swim shorts and sports bra 
• Possibly one nicer outfit, such as a synthetic dress or a long skirt and wrinkle-free top (for our VF trip, we did cherish having something decent to wear when we weren't hiking)
  
• Undergarments
• Sleepwear

Outerwear

• Rain jacket
• Lightweight, warm jacket 
• Head/neck gaiter
• Rain hat
• Sun hat
  

Footwear

• Sturdy hiking boots - these are absolutely essential if carrying more than a day pack
  
• Sandals
• 2 pairs hiking socks

Technology

• Smart phone + charging cable
• Smart watch + charging cable
• Type C adapter (works in France, Switzerland, and Italy)

Toiletries

• Hair brush, elastics
  
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
• Razor
• Hand sanitizer
• Lotion
• Soap
• Nail clippers
  

First Aid & OTCs

• Tylenol 
• Tiger Balm
  
• Supplements, personal medications 
• Sunscreen
• Compeed blister bandages
• First aid kit: alcohol wipes, bandages, steri-strips, K-tape
  

Other

This list may appear long and some items may seem superfluous but we did use all of these things regularly, except for the masks.

• Passport
• Credit card
• Cash
• Backpack, rain cover
  
• Daypack (for plane and for local excursions)
• Camping towel
• Sleep sack (required at some of the lodgings) 
• Kula cloth
• Walking stick
• Water bottles
• Spork
• KN95 masks (in case of poor air quality days)
• Pocketknife (in checked baggage)
• Laundry detergent
• Paracord (laundry line)