Pack it in & Pack it out


I’m a textbook over packer. I could easily pack ten outfits for a two-day trip (honestly, I have no idea who I’ll want to be each day/minute of any trip) So how am I going to adequately pack for a 52+ day trip where I will have absolutely no access to a store for at least 45 of those days? How can I possibly know how much shampoo to pack, and moisturizer for the insane cold I’m not prepared to face? Will I pack enough soap and socks? Probably not.

I seriously have no idea how to pack or prep for this trip when it comes to personal items, but there are the few things I’ve figured out so far.

For toiletries, I’ve found that locally made package free soap lasts about three months, so I’m definitely packing two because I can’t take the chance I’ll run out. At least I’m not packing 3, trust me I’m tempted.

When it comes to the heaviest and arguably most important toiletry items, shampoo and conditioner; recently I’ve had a few friends suggest the brand Ethique to me. Ethique is a cruelty free brand that makes solid package-free bars of shampoo and conditioner that some people swear by. Their website says one bar is the equivalent of three bottles of shampoo or conditioner, BLESS. The amount of weight and space these bars are going to save me are a total game changer and make up for the extra pair of boots I’m definitely squeezing into my bag.

There will be a laundry room on board that I can use whenever I need to (within reason), so I don’t have to pack 60 pairs of underwear, even though I’m still probably going to pack 60 pairs.
So my plan for clothes is to pack enough for 7-10 days then do laundry 1x a week or so. I plan on being kind of nasty and wearing my base layers, or really all of my clothes like 2-3 times before I wash them if they aren’t rank. (calm down, I’ll be living on a ship that’s going to be like 99.999% men, so this is probably totally normal) I’m packing four sets of base layers, four sets of mid layers, two outer layers, a bunch of sports bras, (because I’m not putting on a real bra once this entire trip, sry mom) & various yoga pants/athletic long-sleeved shirts to throw into the mix on the chill days that I’m not just trying to stay warm enough to survive. Add in boots, socks, hats, gaiters, balaclavas, and my electric toothbrush and now you’re as thankful as I am NSF gives me two checked bags, a carry-on, and a personal item. But will that even be enough? Your guess is as good as mine.



I also consider myself a caffeine queen, not in the weird chugging energy drinks and crushing the empty cans on my head screaming kind of way, but ya girl loves a hot black single origin fair trade (preferably organic) coffee every morning.

Is anyone else here a total boujee coffee snob? No one? Y’all are all just ok with burnt 10-year-old-drip-machine Folgers? No. A thousand times just no. I am very much not ok with that, and I’ve been trying to figure out a way to bring my own coffee on the ship. I know pre-grinding the beans could make it easier (and I would also never hear the end of it if I brought a burr grinder on board, they might actually kick me off), but once I open and grind that bag the freshness will completely fade before the cruise is even halfway over. Also, could you imagine me struggling with boiling water and like an aeropress on a ship going through 40ft waves? I mean yeah, I can totally imagine that, and the mess/injury it would cause just to keep that caffeine headache away enjoy that fresh cup every morning, not to mention the space all of that would take up in my bag would be ridiculous. But I’ve grown accustomed to a certain caffeinated lifestyle and I am no longer willing to compromise when it comes to my hot bean water.

Enter Steeped Coffee. This is a coffee brand that grinds up fair trade single origin beans, puts the perfect amount of these grinds into tea bags, and then has figured out how to seal them individually to ensure each easy to pack single serve bag will be fresh for six months. I was put in contact with a representative from Steeped Coffee and I am beyond excited that they’re partnering with me to keep me kind & caffeinated on this trip!

I started with the ten-bag variety pack to figure out exactly which beans and blends I want to take to Antarctica, and after trying a few I’m just mad I haven’t used Steeped coffee earlier in my life! No more overpriced burnt airport coffee, or quick runs to starbucks when I’m at the office.

For anyone who travels a lot and is also a coffee snob, or if you’re dreaming of becoming one, try Steeped Coffee. & if you’ve ever encountered me in the mornings before my coffee or are on this trip with me then you can go ahead and thank Steeped for keeping me human.


I know there are like a thousand things I haven’t thought of yet when it comes to packing for a trip this long, so if you have any tips or tricks let me know! 

Seriously. Let me know. 




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