Living Out of a Backpack

Why live out of a backpack?

Here are 10 reasons to consider.

– to intentionally use what adds value or beauty to my life
– to fight excessive consumerism = save money in the long run
– to be aware of what I need vs. what I want
– less stuff = less stuff to worry about, keep track of, and take care of
– to inspire and encourage the use of things that have multiple uses instead of one
– to minimize excessive loads of laundry
– to live lightly (think Legolas walking on snow)
– to minimize decisions and the time it takes to decide what to wear
– less clutter helps lessen mind clutter
– makes traveling more enjoyable

The main reason you can have less pairs of clothing (especially socks, underwear, and t-shirts) is because of merino wool. Merino wool comes from merino sheep in New Zealand. Here the magical properties of merino wool.

– naturally anti-microbial/anti bacterial = less/no stink
– wicks away moisture (compared to cotton that absorbs moisture)
– keeps you warm in colder temps and cooler in warmer temps
– 6x more durable than cotton
– stretchy
– no itch = comfortable
– wrinkle resistant
– flame retardant
– can wear multiple days/months without smelling bad
– dries quickly
– packs lightly
– breathable
– mildew resistant
– machine washable

Once you wear merino wool, it’s hard to go back. It does cost more than cotton and polyester, but there is a company called Ridge Merino that makes affordable merino wool clothing. Feel free to check them out!

Now to answer some questions.

Do I have other things?
Yes. I have photography gear, some books, and household items that my wife and I find useful/beautiful to us.

Are these my only clothes?
No. I currently have packed up clothes that I’m intentionally going without. If I need something, I can always grab it, but the items I have in my bag should fit most if not all of my clothing needs.

An exercise you can try would be to pack up everything in your house, and then unpack the things you start using or seeing beauty in. It may surprise you how little you need and use.

Only 3 pairs of underwear?
Merino wool is anti-bacterial and resists odor. If it makes you feel better, you can wash your underwear in the shower and you’ll have a clean pair in the morning.

Below I’ve laid out the items in my bag for 2016.

Eddie Bauer Cargo Backpack
– chest strap and hip strap = good for hiking
– 29L = not too big, not too small, fits most if not all carry on requirements for flying
– laptop compartment

Ridge Merino Beanie
– 80% recycled cashmere, 20% nylon
– wear for cold weather
– doubles over the ears
– multi-functional – wear indoor and outdoor
– small enough to fit into coat pocket

Ridge Merino Neck warmer
– 100% merino wool
– multiple ways to wear
– perfect for biking or skiing
– small enough to pack into coat pocket

Head gloves
– perfect for biking and using phone
– small enough to fit into coat pocket

Eddie Bauer Down Jacket
– super lightweight
– packs in its own pocket
– 800 fill
– rip resistant
– fleece pockets perfect for keeping hands warm
– you can wear this just with a t-shirt underneath and stay warm in below zero conditions

Mountain Hardwear Monkey Man Fleece
– very warm
– breathable
– thin enough to fit underneath down jacket

Icebreaker Dress Shirt
– 100% merino wool
– wrinkle resistant (doesn’t show wrinkles like a cotton or polyester shirt does)
– dress up or down
– no clammy feeling like a cotton or polyester shirt

Ridge Merino Baselayer Shirt
– 100% merino wool
– can wear as a baselayer or a normal shirt
– long enough so it can be tucked in if needed

Wool and Prince V-neck T-shirt
– 78% merino wool, 22% nylon (for added durability)
– it has some pit stains thanks to my deodorant that I was using, tried getting it out, and haven’t found a method for removing it yet. Now I’m using Crystal deodorant to prevent future staining.

Icebreaker T-shirt
– 100% merino wool

American Eagle Slim Dark Blue Jeans
– dress up or down
– comfortable and stretchy

Gap Shorts
– 100% nylon
– use for exercising and swimming
– dress up or down

Ridge Merino Long Underwear
– can wear as a baselayer or wear comfortably lounging around
– not too tight and not too loose
– can wear biking, running, skiing

American Eagle Leather Belt
– long lasting
– brown goes with many colors
– can dress up or down

Wool and Prince Boxer Brief
– 78% merino wool, 22% nylon
– thickest of the 3

Icebreaker Boxer Brief
– 95% merino wool, 5% spandex
– lightest of the 3

Ridge Merino Boxer
– 95% merino wool, 5% spandex
– my favorite pair

Smartwool Long Socks
– merino wool
– warm
– dress up or down

Smartwool PhD Run Socks
– merino wool

Smartwool Women’s Secret Sleuth Socks (2 Pairs)
– “no show” great for Sperry’s
– couldn’t find them in Men’s

Sperry’s Boat Shoes
– great for walking, working, beach
– cushion eventually came out, yet they still remain comfortable
– machine washable
– can dry in dryer believe it or not