I’ve always liked packing light and love a challenge, but packing for a New York snowstorm with a 22 litre backpack was a whole new ballgame.
Checking the forecast two days before my trip and knowing that I could expect -9C and almost constant snow left me doubting I would fit everything in to my commuter-size bag. I was using the appropriately named Solo New York All Star Backpack Duffel (not sponsored). With some smart capsule wardrobing and a bit of brute force, I managed to pack just enough for a 3 night break in the city.
New York winters can be a cruel mistress and the key to withstanding the freezing cold temperatures is layers, and lots of them. Thermals are your friend here. Naturally, more layers take up more space, so careful outfit planning was required, including my flight outfits. I made sure I wore as many of my layers as I could on travel days, thus saving room in my backpack for my remaining clothes and toiletries.
On my outbound flight, I wore:
* Thermal tights
* Jersey trousers
* Fitted roll neck jumper
* T shirt
* Winter coat
* Winter boots
Making sure that all of these clothes could be worn with something else to make another outfit during the weekend, I had already managed to account for half of the clothes I wanted to take on the trip. In my backpack, I packed the remaining clothes:
* Two more pairs of thermal tights
* 4 pairs of socks
* Underwear
* Nightshirt
* 1 pair of Jeans
* Two thermal t shirts
* Wool jumper
* Long sleeve t shirt
I also packed a small bag of toiletries including:
* Roll on deodorant
* Travel size toothpaste
* Foldable toothbrush
* Travel size micellar water pouch
* Cotton rounds
* Travel size moisturiser pouch
* Mascara
* Eyeliner
* Eyebrow powder
The main compartment of the bag is small, and could only really fit my clothes and phone charger. However there are so many hidden pockets which can fit more in than you would first imagine. Typically I forgot to take a picture of the backpack once it was packed! Most importantly though, it was super light to carry, even when full to the brim. Next challenge is 10 days in Canada this summer using the same bag – possibly too optimistic but I’m up for the challenge!
