Learning to adopt a pack mentality

“TEN pairs of underwear.”

It’s stuck in my head, because aside from 10 pairs of underwear I’m not sure what else to pack on my imminent, year-long trip around the world.

How does one fit their entire life into a backpack?

In a few weeks I’ll be off travelling like so many before me, living out of a backpack with minimal possessions.

Preparation is the key here to avoid any grand financial expenditures later, so do I pack cold-weather gear in case?

I’ve got two pairs of thongs, do I take them both in case I have a blowout in one or do I take Birkenstocks instead?

I thought having a stall at the Camberwell Sunday markets would help me trim down my options as far as clothing goes, but it turns out no one is interested in seasons-old Ben Sherman button-ups or my collection of flannelette shirts.

In theory it all seems simple enough: a few pairs of jeans, a few pairs of shorts, board shorts, enough T-shirts for a week, shoes, socks, jumper, jacket, beanie, a book, and whatever technology I’ll need to get me through a year abroad (hint: most of it). Bluetooth speaker, laptop, camera, GoPro, chargers, power board, adaptors, battery pack ... Then I have the protection for my technology. Bags and cases and covers that go on all of these items, and get wedged into my pack. Of course, I’ll probably need to shave at some point, so I guess the electric razor needs to come too. Then what about grooming? Hair brush, shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrush, they all go in my shaving kit. What else goes in the shaving kit? Usually emergency Panadol, Berocca, allergy medicine, bandages, scissors, tape, gloves, and the list keeps growing.

It seems for every item that needs to be packed, there’s another associated item that needs to join it, lest the first item be rendered useless.

It’s Newton’s fourth law: for every item packed, there is an equally useful item that will need to accompany it.

Tickets and bookings need to go into a folder for safe keeping, that will take up space too.

Unfortunately I’ve prepurchased checked baggage.

I need to remember that along the way I’ll accrue trinkets, clothes and probably more.

In the meantime, is 10 pairs of underwear enough?