How to fit your life into a 30 litre backpack (and why)

Can a life be measured? Yes, it seems. Simply decide to backpack your way around the world. When you only have 30 litres, things get simple. You can’t have it all but what you do have matters most to you.

It’s fantastic practice for indecisive people like me who get overwhelmed by menus (honestly, there are too many types of cheese). Even if you aren’t travelling, this is a great exercise to get clear on what you value.

If my life is packed into 30 litres, what fills it?

There’s only so much room and weight. Frills go first, then the unessential essentials. You can lay out your entire life like tarot cards and read into what you’ve packed.

Here it is: All 30 litres of my life sprawled out, down to my skivvies.

According to what I packed, this turns is essential Ashley-ing:

Adventure and exploration.

Clearly, I’ve got a wild side. Nature centres me and is vital to my well-being.

See below image.

• Ultra light MEC Quail Tent
• Stove
• Mosquito net
• MEC raincoat/shell
• Oboz hiking boots (I had a Cinderella moment trying these on)
• Running shoes
• Cold weather wear: fleece, wool undershirt and leggings, technical gloves, compact down jacket.
• Two pairs of smartwool socks (low smell, high warmth even when wet)

Socializing and culture.

Sometimes, you have to put on pants and go into the city. I love people and the random conversations that have changed me. Also, the city has new foods and new ways of living. I’m ready for anything.

• Three pairs of socks, one dress, two t-shirts, fancy top, bikini, PJs, flip flops, skivvies, purse, toiletries.

Impact and sharing.

Even though I’m travelling, my relationships back home and my ability to help others through writing aren’t left behind. I seek connection.

Writing and communication are fundamental to how I go about the world. I live to share.

• Asus Chromebook tiny netbook
• Canon T2i camera
• Ricoh Theta S 360 camera (you’re coming with me for virtual reality travel!)
• USB power bank
• iPhone 5
• Gorillapod
• Writing journal
• Book

Order to chaos.

Some may think running off without a plan means chaos. I’m actually painfully organised at heart and while I’m letting go of control outside of myself, I like to keep things orderly. Otherwise, I’ll lose more than my mind. There is no plan, but there is preparation.

• Compression sack for clothes, dry sack, laundry bag for aggressive washing machines, cord organiser bag for electronics, hidden money belt, decoy wallet, lock, shameless selfie stick.

That’s my pack list. A life in 30 litres that allows me to be the digital nomad, explorer, travel writer, foodie, communicator that I am.

It’s a weight to carry. It’s also freedom. I can pivot easily, change, stop and go. Beneath my feet is a path I keep making step by step. Right now, it’s headed south to Latin America.

All who wander are not lost, some are simply looking.

Imagine: What would your 30 litre life look like?

Leave a comment, I’d love to hear what you’d pack.