I should have been taking notes as I chose clothes and packed, but I didn’t. I will test my memory as I write this post.
Due to the luggage decisions we have made, I have pared down my clothes to a dangerous level (at least I think so – no frills, like a sundress, this time). There is always the option of buying an item if I find I need one – a shirt or a warm layer, but I do not anticipate having to.
Wearing on the long haul flights:
- Socks (compression socks and a pair of ankle socks in case I get cold)
- Light hiking shoes (my only pair of shoes)
- Technical pants with belt
- Undies, of course
- Long sleeved Icebreaker wool shirt
- Long sleeved rash guard shirt
- Down sweater, with buff in the pocket for when I get really cold on the flight
- Decorative scarf
- Rain jacket (not sure if it is going all the way to Indonesia or staying in Singapore)
Packed in my dive gear suitcase:
- 1 pair of shorts
- 2 short sleeved shirts, one Icebreaker wool and one light cotton
- 2 pair of undies
- 2 swimsuits, one two piece and one single piece
- 1 sarong
- Bucket sun hat
- Cheapo flip flops
Packed in the green, to be checked, bag and left in Singapore:
- 1 pair of Linen pants
- 1 pair of socks
- 1 long sleeved Icebreaker wool shirt
- 1 3/4 length sleeved Icebreaker wool shirt
- Light wool gloves
Once we reach Singapore reviewed the contents of, and packed up the green suitcase that stays in Singapore, I may change things around a bit, but my dive bag is almost full so I do not have much room. I will have to see.
As you can see, I get cold on long flights, so I have to dress appropriately – down sweater, extra socks, buff and extra shirt. I think is has something to do with not moving around much. You may have also noticed that I like Icebreaker shirts. Over the years, I have found them to be the best shirts for traveling. They are warm and cool, whichever you need and as long as I do not sweat too much, they don’t need to be laundered to often. The 3/4 sleeve shirt has traveled with me on many journeys around the world.
When we are on the dive liveaboard and at the dive resort, all we need are very casual clothes. So I have my sarong and rash guard to wear during the day and shorts and a choice of two short sleeved shirts to wear in the evening. Easy. I will always have my “airplane clothes” as back ups.
All my clothes are mix and match for colours. Grey and light blue pants. Shorts are beige. Shirts are grey, coral, various blues and green. Scarf is a pattern with blue, black, grey and white.
This list does not include all my scuba diving gear and all the associated nonsense that goes with the gear.
I do believe that a person can travel with a few well chosen pieces of clothing. We always carry with us a small bottle of liquid detergent and wash clothes in the shower or sink. Since this trip is so long, we will try to send out our clothes to be laundered at least once, maybe twice. Plus there is always a store nearby willing to sell a shirt or pair of pants or sweater!
For fun, here is a photo of a clown fish I encountered at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival in early August. He was just a teaser for our upcoming trip!
