I recently showed you what I like to bring on my carry-on backpack, and today I’m sharing my Daypack Travel Gear.  In this post, I will show you how I transport all of that stuff (from my carry-on!) into a more manageable, efficient system when I’ve arrived at my destination. 

Hello, below is me adventuring in Italy with my light backpack.

Let me show you what I carried with me!

The first step to organizing a daypack is figuring out what the essentials are. 

QUESTION TO ASK YOURSELF:

What do I want with me???

I made a list of what’s in my bag (always) and a list to spark thoughts while organizing my packing items.

I then out the list (on yellow paper) and laminated it with my laminator. 

That way I can use a dry erase marker to mark things off when I need to!

I used a three hole punch and put it in my binder of fun. 

Let’s move onto the backpack now that I know what I want to put in it. 

 We traveled to Italy in August, and it was HOT so I didn’t need to bring a sweater or jacket. It kept my load very light. When we planned on being away from our rental and exploring Florence and Rome and I knew I would be annoyed wearing a purse all day so I brought this lightweight/inexpensive backpack with me. 

The intention of this bag is that it’s LIGHT and is not to be filled up with so much stuff I can’t add to it.  It has enough room for a few things but won’t hurt my back and make everyone think I can carry their stuff too. I do not want to be the only sherpa for my family. 

My Day Trip Essentials for Italy (in Summer!)

Backpack- I bought this one from Baggu for the trip because it’s very light and folds up so small in my suitcase. It was a lifesaver!  I picked this plaid pattern because it sticks out but not too much. My family can find me from the back if I’m in a crowd.  I washed it in the washing machine while we were in Italy and it cleaned up nicely!

Birkenstocks– I have to admit that I was super nervous about bringing my birks on the trip. I didn’t know if they would end up giving me blisters but I am so happy to report that with all the 16k step days, my feet are so happy I brought them. I like that they can be dressed up or dressed down. They stay on my feet and molded to them now. I don’t know what I would do without. 

Sunglasses– always a must! Especially in the Summer. These ones block out the sun well!

Battery Charger- Since I take most of my photos for my blog on my iPhone now, this is a MUST. I don’t want to be stuck with a low battery. It can get really shady when you don’t know where you are and your battery is running low. I am thankful I thought to bring it with me on every outing. 

Water Bottle– I am never going to forget one as long as I travel. I was delighted that there are water bottle fillers in the airports now. When we were in Italy, there are water fountains all around Rome and Florence so it was nice to be able to fill up while we were on the go. I like this one because it is easy to clean (both ends screw off!) and it’s easy to hold if you’re walking around.

iPhone– Do I really go anywhere without it? No.

Sun Visor Hat– This one rolls up. It’s my favorite mostly because it’s compact and it’s a visor so my hair doesn’t get smooshed down by it.

Bandana– At 40 years old, I am a bandana convert. I didn’t really understand what the point was until I used on in Steamboat Springs Colorado this year. When it’s super hot outside, get one wet and wrap it around your neck. It will immediately cool you down. 

Journal– I don’t bring my full journal with me when I’m out & about, but I do keep some paper because you just never know!  I like these cahier journals from Moleskine. They’re very light, don’t take up much space, and are great when we are at a restaurant and I want to occupy time with Cooper.

Favorite Pen– I like a Tombow brush pen for travel. It’s got the brush pen side that I love and a finer tip side for writing notes. The only drawback is that it’s not waterproof so if I spill water on the paper, my writing will bleed. I just make sure I don’t spill water on the paper.

Rose Salve– I like this stuff only because it has a few purposes. It’s great for lips but if I’m out and I have some time to kill, I’ll rub a little bit on my cuticles so they’re not chapped and dry. I keep some around because I like being prepared when Cooper has chapped lips which is pretty often because he doesn’t drink enough water.

Rosewater spray– I usually keep a small spritz bottle of this stuff handy.  When it’s hot, it’s a lifesaver. When my family is all crunchy and irritated, it’s also a lifesaver. Spraying your face with rosewater spray is like having a spa experience on the go. 

Sunscreen-  I always keep a little sunscreen in my bag because you just never know! It’s better to be safe than sorry. I am quite particular about the sunscreen I use. It can’t be sticky and it has to wipe in cleanly. This one is my favorite! 

Scrunchie– Now that my hair is longer it’s important for me to carry around a hairband. I like these ones that feel like a phone cord. They don’t rip my hair out and I can put it on my wrist without it cutting off my circulation.

Compact– It’s always good to have a mirror to check in with yourself.  You never know how the day is going to treat you. 

Hand Sanitizer– You never know when you’ve touched something germy and disgusting. 

And of course… my wallet and a light sweater for just in case!

That’s what I like to bring with me in my Daypack Travel Gear. 

If you like looking inside other people’s bags (like me!) check out:

Carry On Essentials

What’s in My Bag?

Now that I know what I need to pack on my adventures, I can’t wait for my next one!