Confessions of a failed backpacker

T minus 8 days.

Everything I needed was laid out.

I’d written a packing list, checked it - checked it again, stripped out overkill items, like a pair of jeans, a skirt, 2 more “dressy” tops, “another” pair of leggings and “yet another” long sleeve active wear top.

I decided what to put in my hand luggage - it’s a 13-hour flight from Madrid, I need nightwear for our layover at the airport, a few toiletries and a change of clothes for the following evening & day at our end destination in Buenos Aires. Something suitable for a walking tour, something nice for our steak lunch reservation and a pretty dress for an evening at the tango. All doable in 7kg hand luggage with my on-flight bits.

I opened my new 65-litre rucksack with excitement and heartbreak – I looked at everything on my bed – and looked back again.

I tried packing with packing cubes, compression cubes, with and without rolling. I just couldn't squeeze it all in.

I decided that 65lts is not for 2 weeks; it may be suitable for 15kg worth of items which was my criteria for the flight allowance, but packing for 2 opposite seasons across a hot & sticky North Argentina and a very chilly Patagonia where I’d need hiking boots, an insulated jacket, and multiple layers, it was not.

If I wasn't away with work in the run up to our holiday, I’d be down to an outdoor specialist to talk to them about my rucksack woes. I had been so excited! But had totally underestimated the size I would need.

As usual, I’m sure I will come back with half a suitcase of unworn, clean clothes which will simply be popped back in the wardrobe. One day I’ll take note and update my packing lists.

We always have a plethora of activities to do when we go away, a chance of getting clothes dirty, and no chance of getting them washed as we're moving on to another location after 2-3 days at each base. So, sense and sensibility it is.

I’m a failed backpacker. Although I shouldn’t be in the least bit surprised! I've seen my packing lists and clothes laid out before me before! But… I am absolutely gutted. One day...

Here's a recap of where we’re going and the weather / climate conditions for February:

• Buenos Aires & Mendoza: Hot, dry to humid (25–35°C)

• Patagonia (El Calafate, Ushuaia): Cool, windy, changeable (5–15°C), can feel colder on boats/glaciers

• Iguazú Falls: Very hot, very humid (30–38°C), lots of walking + water spray

Here's my itemised list of what I'll be taking on our 15-day tour of Argentina. Case in point as to why I’m a failed backpacker!

Vest tops x6

T shirts x4

Active top

Dressy tops x2

Base layer x2

Flannels x2

Zippy tops x5

Linen trousers x2

Shorts x4

Cargo trousers

Leggings x5

Harem trousers

Active trousers x2

Thermal tights x2

Long dresses x2

Jump suits x2

Play suits x2

Insulated jacket

Windproof jacket

Pac-a-mac

Denim jacket

Cardigan

Hoody

Shirts x2

Beanie x3

Headband

Baseball cap

Sun hat

Gloves x2

Snood / Buff x2

Underwear

Pyjamas x2

Walking socks x6

Trainer socks x7

Thick socks x2

Swim costume x2

Cover up x2

Wet suit boots and gloves

Sandals

Flip flops

Trainers

Walking boots

We packed travel mini’s where possible:

Sun cream

SPF lip balm

Body lotion

Hair ties

Sanitary wear

Comb

Shampoo

Conditioner

Body wash

Make-up

Toothpaste / brush

Eye serum

Spot gel

Face cream / serum

Cleanser / makeup remover

Cotton wool pads

Face wash

Mouthwash

Contact lenses

Deodorant

Hairspray

Small day bag

Sunglasses

Cross body bag

Handbag (small)

Purse

Reusable water bottle

Dry bag

Book

Notebook /pen

Phone / charger

Power bank

Glasses / cleaner

Argentina book

Headphones

Travel pillow

Travel wash

Handwarmers

Flight socks

Adapter

Document wallet

Microfibre towel

Hand cream

Face masks

Dirty clothes bag

First aid kit

Retainer / case

Jewellery

Portable fan

Read all about our little debate over what counts as 'backpacking' on LinkedIn

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