Sorting Out My Travel Packing List

I've just wrapped up a two-month trip in the US, and discovered that at least 1/3 of the things in my suitcase went almost entirely unused — I honestly can't remember why I packed them in the first place.

On past trips, I kept carrying lots of unnecessary things with me, and never once reflected on it. I'm always finding that I need this, need that. Could I think about it the other way round? Which items do I not need at all? I'll aim to pick out one thing I no longer need to bring after every trip.

The illustrations were made by AI, in a Matisse style hahahaha.

"Cut Wherever Possible" [Clothing]

Formal wear

Half of the formal wear I brought was never worn at all. From now on I'll only bring one piece dresses: no need to coordinate, they don't take much space, and three at most.

Socks

Every time there are some I never wore, because I wash them as I go. 3 pairs each of long and short is plenty.

Silk scarves and shawls

Every dress has its own matching shawl, and whenever there's spare room I fill it with these. I should bring just one that goes with everything.

Shoes

Onitsuka Tiger white sneakers go with almost every dress but aren't for exercise; this time I found On's white sneakers can do both. For short trips wear just one pair; for long trips bring one spare.

Activewear of the same type

Activewear is practically my everyday clothing, but no more than two pieces of the same type.

[Toiletries]

Face masks

At home I never do face masks, so where did the confidence come from to pack enough for a mask every day of the trip? One jar of mask a month is plenty.

Too much sunscreen

Same as the masks: I normally don't wear it, so I have no idea why I needed to carry three bottles of sunscreen to the US.

Too many skincare products

Skip the serum and toner; a face cream is enough. [Electronics]

The most ridiculous item: this time I brought along a humidifier fan! 😂

Solar charging panel

Last time I even brought a satellite phone for driving Highway 1. How little faith I had in the survival conditions in America

The little speaker is one I'm a bit torn on. A good speaker really is a lot of enjoyment and great for driving, but do I really care that much about enjoyment? I can leave it behind.

Things I absolutely must not buy again

T-shirts, especially all kinds of souvenir T-shirts.

Hats, especially all kinds of souvenir hats. All kinds of souvenirs - the best souvenirs are photos, videos, travel writing, and the new friends I've made. Little sources of happiness I can't skimp on

Swimsuit, climbing shoes.

Sun-protection face masks: essential and easy to lose, so bring at least 3.

Hats: one baseball cap and one sun hat.

All-in-one power bank: no need to bring plugs + backup cables.

Massage gun: can bring, but leave the case behind.

Water bottle: a collapsible one. I don't need it in China but do when abroad, so it can have this space quota.

Supplements: in small bottles, packed for the number of days planned, no big jars.

Dietary fiber: my newest favorite is Whole Psyllium Husks, much less sugar than All Bran, and much smaller than bringing cereal; microwave miracle gadget: Potato Express, for freshly steamed sweet potatoes anytime

Burning Man Prep List

Based on my experience at Burning Man this time, here's a very "personalized" list, not necessarily right for everyone.

Gifts that are truly my own, from the heart: the Burning Man spirit of gifting

A hands-free umbrella: the king of physical sun protection, worn on the body; otherwise I didn't dare go out biking during the day.

Sun and wind goggles, have several ready for different weather and times of day:

• Daytime goggles: fully sealed, consider ski goggles, to protect your eyes;

• Daytime sunglasses: for when there's no wind, max comfort;

• Nighttime goggles: clear, maybe ones that light up.

Tight-fitting fancy clothes: fits the Burning Man style, protects from the sun, and keeps you warm at night.

Wigs: you truly don't need to wash your hair, and they keep out wind and sand.

Good-looking nighttime decorations

A blanket to carry around, or even clothes you can wrap up and sleep in: biking around the Playa is a wonderful thing, and falling asleep wherever you are when you're tired is a free thing, but it's cold at 3 a.m., so you need something thick to wear.

A basket on the bike: for holding the blanket and clothes.

A small backpack: I hope to keep using this year's backpack next year;

Food: bring less! Don't overdo it!

Water: big bottles, at least 3L a day, for cooking as well as drinking.

Wet wipes: bring plenty, for wiping cookware, dishes and everything else, and not the kind with detergent.

Have two cups on you: a sealed one to carry water (in the desert you must drink plenty of water!), and a collapsible one for handy "alms-gathering."

A collapsible bowl: carry it for handy "alms-gathering." Several times I came across ramen, miso soup and all sorts of tasty things, and asking people to give you a disposable bowl is awkward.

Face masks, a light body lotion. Get your nails done: my nails really did get too dirty, and a manicure to cover them up makes you feel much better.