So, we leave on Thursday for the Shetland Islands. I feel the need to use an exclamation point!
If you’re not familiar with the Shetland Islands, they are about 375 miles north of Scotland. For purposes of comparison, that’s about as far as from the north of Montana to the south of Montana. But in this case those miles would be covered by sea.
We are not taking the ferry from Scotland to Shetland. It’s about 15 hours and I don’t enjoy long boat rides, so we’re going by air for the entire trip. Which meant that there were a lot of discussion in our household about what suitcases we would take and how we would pack.
I haven’t taken a backpack as my only form of luggage for 20 years. But in this case, since we need backpacks for extended walking (aka hiking) around Shetland, and because I wanted a good old-fashioned minimalist challenge, we have both opted to take a backpack and perhaps another small carry-on like a computer bag or larger purse. Obviously, D. will not be carrying a purse.
In addition, the temperature ranges from 45 degrees Fahrenheit to 55 degrees Fahrenheit year round on Shetland, so we need some warmish clothing.
Here’s what I’m takinf that fits in my backpack:
Rain Gear (rain-proof jacket and pants)
One pair of jeans, one pair of leggings, and I’m wearing a pair of hiking pants on the plane.
Two long-sleeved shirts (one for the plane), one t-shirt, and two light sweaters.
Socks and underwear.
Sleepwear
Swimwear
One belt
One down coat for warmth (which I’m wearing on the plane despite how ridiculous it will look to wear one in summer).
One hat, light gloves, and a neck gator
Hiking boots (which I’m wearing on the plane) and possibly sandals (they may need to go in the other bag).
Here’s what I’m taking in my other small carry-on:
Wallet and Passport
Phone
Computer
Kindle
Notebook
Toiletries
Umbrella
And that’s it! I’m not going to anything fancy, and so I’m packing for comfort, ease, and practicality. And I’m really looking forward to living out of a small backpack and mputer bag for two weeks. Really!