There are many things that make my travels easier, healthier, and more comfortable. Because I am carrying everything in two backpacks, the weight of everything adds up. I need to take every item into consideration before deciding to bring it with me. Below is a list of some of those items.
Inner Work:
Sam Harris
Sam Harris provided an app platform for mediation that is easy to follow. I am on the road and on the move every day. The Waking Up app gives me quiet me time to look inward, be present, and open my awareness while honing my focus. That is a lot to do all at the same time. Sam created a program to train you to accomplish that. Whether I am on a plane, train or bus, in an Airbnb, tent, or hostel, I have Sam in my ears keeping me focused. I also love his podcast which is often published on the app. All members are provided a link to share which invited you to experience the Waking Up app for free. The app is unlocked for one month. Enjoy.
Vipassana
I recommend everyone do a 10 day silent Vipassana at least once in their life. There are centers all over the world. Through Vipassana I learned what my mind is capable of accomplishing. I found I was caught in the web of my thoughts which distracted me from my purpose. I gains space to breath, heal, and grow. The 10 day silent meditation is free from all technology (no cell phones, tv, computers, or games allowed), free from talking or any communication, free to be in relationship with yourself. While spending 10 days only with yourself may seem confronting, if you can not spend 10 days with yourself in a state of deep listening then who will. Give yourself this gift.
Alison Armstrong
Alison changed my life by changing my perspective on life. I started studying with her in 2012. From that point to this very day I attribute the calm in my soul to the tools I learned from her. She created a set of tools you can use to learn about what you need to be your best self. I HIGHLY recommend everyone to take her workshops. I flew all over the US taking her courses. They are mostly online now which makes it a lot easier to digest the information. Plus you can listen to them over and over and over again. Some of her recordings I’ve listened to over a dozen times.
At any time in any place I can turn on my Yoga International app and stretch my body. I carry a heavy pack and I’m walking everywhere. I’m sleeping different beds of various comfort levels. My body needs a reset. I get that reset with Christina Sell, my favorite yoga instructor on the app. There are also great lessons you can watch to learn more about your body, mind, and soul. I loved the mind-blowing lesson by Christina Sell about writing with your less dominant hand. There are many great instructors to choose from. Find the ones that resonate with you.
Gaiam Yoga Mat
I bought the Gaiam Ultralight Yoga Mat. It rolls up or folds into a thin square. It is very light weight but still has enough padding to do poses comfortably. The yoga mat is 2mm thin and weighs 1 lb (16oz).
Stretch Out Strap
Traveling on planes, train, buses, and cars makes my body tight. Having a strap helps me stretch more deeply. I also find it useful for some of the Yoga International work outs.
Spiky Massage Ball
Traveling on planes, train, buses, and cars makes my muscles ache. The Spiky Massage Ball is essential for rolling out my sore feet and back.
Technology
Anker Power
I bought this power pack to go with the solar panel but I find that I carry it everywhere. I never worry about being without a charge for my phone. I have 4 more charges anywhere I go, whether its deep in the back country or deep in a city.
Anker Solar
This little solar panel packs a bunch of power. I use the solar to charge my Anker Power Pack during the day. I clip it to the top of my backpack and charge while hiking. Then charge my electronics at night with the power pack.
Anker Headphones
The perfect compliment to the rest of my technology system are the Anker Bluetooth Headphones. The sound quality is great. I have small ears. Most ear buds fall out of my ears which is why I like the style that attaches around your ear. I feel more secure.
Bose Speaker
Most of the time I listen to Sam Harris, Alison Armstrong, and music with my Bose Soundlink Micro Speaker. Yes, it is weight I don’t need to carry, but I prefer to listen through an external speaker then through headphones. Headphones I use when I’m in a place where the speaker can not be used, like on an airplane or bus.
Garmin Inreach+
My Garmin gives me peace of mind most of all. Because I travel solo, I carry it with me most of the time. If there is an emergency, I can press the SOS button on the side and help will be on the way. I am often in places is no cell service or very little. I use it to track my progress on hikes. And I can put in coordinates head of time to follow. It gives you weather and topo maps too.
I have the cell phone numbers of close family and friends programmed in so I can send them text messages in the most remote of areas like the top of a volcano at 19,000ft. And they can communicate with me if the need arises.
My favorite feature is the insurance plan. I pay extra for life flight insurance that will get me from a remote area to the nearest hospital and then transport home if necessary. Worth every penny for that peace of mind.
SanDisk Hardrive
Wow. It looks big in the photo but this harddrive is light weight and tiny. It fits in the palm of my hand and weighs 1.4 ounces. I bought the 2T Extreme Portable drive. It transfers photos and video quickly. It has a shock resistant solid state core and also water resistant. It is perfect for backing up your photos and videos while deep in the back country.
Totu USB C Hub
The Totu Hub has everything I need. My Dell laptop only has USB C ports. With this hub I can connect all my electronics to my laptop and quickly transfer photos and video from my cameras to my laptop. I can even connect an ethernet cable to quickly upload my content to the internet.
Lightweight Tripod
AmazonBasics 50″ tripod. I used to carry just one tripod but now that I am filming more, I carry two of these, but at 1lb (16 oz) each its not that much added weight. It is sturdy even when fully extended.
Ailun Phone Mount
The Ailum Phone Mount easily connects to the AmazonBasic Tripod quick release foot for easy mounting. You can position you phone horizontally or vertically. It is light weight. It will hold almost any small digital camera. I use it only with cell phones.
Personal Products
Soap and Shampoo
The Surly Herbalist. I am raving about Deb Wallace and her soaps, shampoos, and body butter bar. All of her products are all natural. She takes great care to make sure every ingredient is cleanly sourced and of the highest quality. I’ve cut back on the liquids and plastic bottles I carry because of her products. I use her shampoo bar to clean my hair, face, and body. I use the body butter bar as my hair conditioner and to moisturize my skin. I’ve eliminated many products and plastics from what I carry because I only need two bars from the Surly Herbalist. Recently Deb and I worked together to create a specific scent of shampoo/soap and body bar now called Athena’s Delight (Shampoo/Soap) and Athena’s Chai (Body Butter bar)
Privy Spray
She also created Privy sprays. These come in aluminum bottles that are light weight and recyclable. These are great in countries where you do not flush paper. You can spray in your trash can and in the water of the toilet to eliminate odor naturally with a pleasant scent. And they all have clever names. My favorite is Shart-truce.
Juju Period Cup
Juju by Feminine Wear is my favorite Period Cup. I tried a few and decided I liked the harder silicon. It is less likely to leak than the others because it opens up all the way. I do a lot of pelvic floor exercises and I noticed that the softer silicon cups I can squeeze while inside and cause leaking. Juju is firmer and stays open while I have it inserted.
But first before you buy the same period cup I got, you need to make sure you get the right size. Take the 9 question menstrual cup quiz. Then you will know which cup is right for you.
Jurlique Rosewater
I spray Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist on my face before applying Rilastil Face Cream. Sometimes I spray it on my face during the day for a refresher. I have also sprayed it on my clothing or on my bed to give it a nice fresh scent.
Rilastil Face Cream
Rilastil Face Cream is light and keeps my skin feeling silky. I use very little every morning after I shower. First I spray Jurlique Rose Water on my face then add a couple dabs of Rilastil. I found this combination to be just the little bit of moisturizer I need.
Alterna Bamboo Shine
Alterna Bamboo Shine is the only product I enjoy on my curly grey locks. It tames my frizz but does not weigh down my curls. And I love the smell. I only wash my hair once a week, so I only apply this cream to my hair once a week. It keep my hair looking and smelling great all week long. (sometimes I wash my hair twice but its rare)
Suppliments
Stamets 7
Stamets 7 keeps my immune system humming along as I travel through various germs I have never encountered before. I take two capsules once a day.
Myco Shield Spray
Every morning after brushing my teeth, I spray the Myco Shield in my mouth 5 times. I love the cinnamon flavor the best but peppermint is a close second. It gives my immune system a little daily boost while I travel through different germ areas.
DHEA for Women
I am almost 50. My body is changing and I take DHEA to help my hormone health. It also helps with focus. I take 1 every day.
TMG
Support for my hormone health as I navigate through perimenopause. I take 2 every day.
Calms by Hylands
I take one for anxiety and two to help me sleep. Being on the road alone can cause sleepless nights and/or anxiety, especially when I’m in a new place.
Oxylent Sport 3 in 1 Performance Supplement Drink
I love the flavor of Blueberry Burst. I drink one of these at least once a week sometimes more depending on my energy level and overall health. When I feel drained or dehydrated, I drink one for a burst of healthy energy. I drink one a day when I’m on a long hike. No caffeine, no sugar, non gmo.
Hiking
COMING SOON! I’m still compiling all the info for my supplies.
