This week I am taking off to Joshua Tree National Park for a camping trip with my dear friend and adventure buddy, Katie (find her amazing photography here). Cacti & starry nights here we come! So excited!
It’s been an interesting trip to pack for due to the fact that we are both flying into Los Angeles with limited luggage. Usually when I camp I have the luxury of bringing a car packed with anything I could possibly need. Also, the weather will be quite cold in Joshua Tree during our stay, which means somehow fitting lots of sweaters and coats into one tiny carry-on. Thankfully, Katie will be bringing a checked bag with our tent and sleeping bags so I don’t have those items to show but they will be traveling with us as well!
I thought I would share what I am bringing with me, and how I fit it all in, to help any of you guys out there who might be doing the same thing!
I am taking my old trusty small suitcase as my carry-on and my L.L. Bean backpack as my personal item. Both have been with me on many adventures and are holding up really well. My backpack can also double as my pack while hiking if I need one. I’ve decided to forgo a purse and just use my wallet because I just don’t have space and, also, who needs a purse in the desert?
I’ve laid out the things I’ve packed by categories starting with my suitcase.
Bottoms: I went with three pairs of leggings and two pairs of jeans. The leggings are varying degrees of thickness so that I can wear some under jeans if I am cold or some by themselves if I’m too hot during a hike. I will be wearing one of the pairs of jeans on my first travel day so in reality I will only have one pair packed in my luggage. Also, I brought a pair of thick sweatpants to sleep in.
Tops: I have several different tops I can layer depending on how cold it is. There are two short sleeved tops, a long-sleeved sweat-wicking type top, and three sweaters, one of which I will also be wearing on my first travel day and will not be packed. Will also pack a long-sleeved t-shirt to sleep in under the sweatshirt I brought, but I forgot to take a picture of that. 😮
Accessories: To keep me warm I brought one pair of gloves, a wool scarf, and one hat. I also have plenty of warm socks and underwear, of course, but I didn’t show those! 
The best coat to bring, I decided, was my down coat. I know it will keep me warm and I can really squeeze all of the air out of it and pack it really tightly. I just placed it in a 2.5 gallon ziplock and squeezed the air out and it compacted right down!
It would have been easier to decide on shoes if I actually had hiking boots, but I don’t… I went with one pair of sneakers, one pair of boots, and a pair of loafers for our last day when we will be spending time at my Aunt and Uncle’s house. I will be wearing my bulky boots on the plane so I don’t have to pack those. 
Next on the list is toiletries. Granted we won’t have a shower most of the time, but I brought everything I need in case we spot one! All of these items will actually go in my backpack so I have easier access to them at airport security.
Here’s what I’m bringing: Shampoo & conditioner (I reuse these little bottles over and over so it’s not TRESemme anymore. Honestly, I do not know which brand it is in there at this point…)
Batiste dry shampoo (my absolute favorite, and a must on any camping trip)
Razor
Hand cream that will double as a body moisturizer
Toothpaste and toothbrush
Flossers
Facewash and moisterizer
Hair ties
Small first aid kit that I stocked with any kind of medication we might need
Small towel
A few makeup items I might want on the day we are in Los Angeles. 
Backpack: In here I have electronics and items I want quick access to, like my wallet, journal, and camera. I will also probably add some water and snacks to this bag. In terms of electronics I make sure to have extra batteries for my camera and an external battery pack to recharge my phone, as well as earphones and charging cords. 
I have a few things I forgot to photograph in the beginning that I am throwing in as well: a spatula for cooking, my Byta thermal cup, hand warmers (the BEST invention, hands down), a small pillow that I have no idea how I am actually fitting in my luggage, and a really nice car charger I picked up the other day. It has to plugs and two USB ports which will be very handy. I will also throw in a couple of games like cards or bananagrams. 
Finally, this is how my suitcase looks with everything in it!
I am thrilled and impatient to get going on this trip! Hopefully this has been helpful to any of you who are traveling soon. Let me know what your next travel destination will be and also your must-have item when camping. I’d love to know! Mine is definitely a headlamp, they are so handy!
Will update the blog soon concerning my Joshua Tree trip so don’t forget to follow my blog!
-Elise
elise ethredge 
I cant wait to read about your camping trip! Have a blast!
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