Travel capsule - Kimberley cruise

On Monday we fly to Darwin to start a 12 night cruise to Broome. This has been a looong held dream and I am so looking forward to it. The trip is very casual, the boat only takes 10-12 passengers and is very casual eg the shoe suggestion for the boat is NONE. Thus the only shoes are the mary janes for transit days and Keens sandals for excursions. During the day there will be excursions, by tender along rivers or on land hiking. For those not familiar with this area of Oz that means hiking in red dirt in 30°C. So, this is not a glam holiday, so clothing needs to be very practical.

The capsule pictured mainly comprises the on board clothing. Some of you may be horrified at only 4 tops but I will only be wearing them for part of the day. I am a carry on traveller and have no interest in being best dresssed each day. If the other passengers get sick of seeing me in the same outfits - tough!! This will be supplemented (not pictured) by a pair of shorts and 2 T shirts for hiking, all gear that is easy to wash and dry. The chambray shirt and cardigan are for transit days and in case I need a light topper in the evening.

I did a trial pack the other day and although I still have to add a few small items my pack weighed in at 5kg. Given that I have had major lower back problems for the last 3 months it was important to minimise weight. I've been nursing my back along for the past week or so, no housework (such a hardship), no bending etc to try and ensure that I will be able to fully participate in the activities.

I have been gradually adding my wardrobe to YLF using the custom finds and have found this tool very valuable in adding and subtracting to finalise this travel capsule. It is THE best ever tool added to this site, thanks Angie and Greg.

If you managed to read this far, thank you, and any comments you feel moved to make are welcome.

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8 years ago

crutcher

Veteran

I have read your entire post and only thing you left out is me...That sounds like such a fun trip...I think your clothes are fine and you will have enough of what you need...Take care and enjoy...THX for sharing...

SandyG

Your hiking clothes are really cute and throwing in a chambray shirt is so smart. I'm going to nick this idea for all my casual trips.

Take care of your back and have a great time!

unfrumped

Hmm, looking good.
Not knowing much about the hiking conditions other than the red dirt, are the open-back shoes best, and you shake out the sand and dirt and pebbles as you go because it would get into the tops of shoes anyway, there will be water, or do you need more foot protection with a regular low-cut hiking shoe?I'm a tenderfoot and so do not choose cut-out footwear on terrain unless it has a strategic advantage for the specific conditions.

rachylou

Looks pretty tight to me My only thought was maybe you might want to switch out one of the patterned tanks for a solid colour one... in case you want to use the sarong as a scarf with one of them...

Rambling Ann

(website)

That's my kind of trip! I would bring a second long sleeve shirt, as lightweight as I can manage, for sun and bug protection-reflected water gets you faster than anything, and if you are using sunscreen and then you put on the long sleeves shirt because the sun gets to be too much, it just might not last 10 days.

Can you use the cardi as an emergency robe? Or like RachyLou suggested, bring/wear on the plane a sarong.

Also a hat or visor, and if you can find one, a double ended clip to hold your hat to your clothes. The wind+boat motion=many hats in the drink. And a bandana is immensely useful in so many situations.

I personally hate hiking in sandals, and you have the dangerous snake & spider factor to deal with, but loads of folks like it. Maybe a couple pair of light hiker socks to wear under the sandals-you are right it isn't a fashion show.

Do you have a walking stick or hiking poles? They might be really helpful for your back. I have a pair of collapsible Lekis that travel easily, although I would probably check them in the states just because our airport security is nuts.

Have fun!

Also what Rambling Ann said--for me, I'd have to wear some kind of sunblocking long sleeve most of the day if actually in the sun--the lightest weight for comfort. Even with sunscreen, though I'd wear and carry that so I could remove the long sleeves for "breathers". So sometimes if that is my uniform I wear a cotton tank underneath to be cooler but can let the shirt flap open.
Also, where are your hats! Fun but sun-blocking hats and may need some kind of securement--strap or something if windy on the boat.

Anonymous

When we cruised a few weeks ago, one of our shore excursions involved hiking in the tropics. My DH and I were apparently the only ones who heeded the written advice to bring bug repellent. We were fine while everyone around us was fighting off mosquitoes. And yes, I took my athletic shoes for hiking, even though I only used them for that one time. It was worth it not to have protesting feet--and we both wore hats and sunglasses.

Caro in Oz

the only thing I would add is a sarong - to go over bathers & to use as a skirt.

Wish I was coming Have a great trip & post photos on your return please - such an amazing place.

carolbee

Thanks for all the suggestions. I have a hat packed, a very non glam olive one with a chin strap. I did have another shirt packed but have dithered taking it out, putting it back ...., so will think about 4his some more.

I am taking the hiking sandals because they are cooler, and we also need to have something we can use to go thru water, rock pools etc, so these cover both those scenarios, Also I would never be able to get the red dirt out of anything non washable. I am packing the body glide but also a couple of pairs of hiking socks. Of course I would normally never combine socks and sandals, but in this case practicality does win out.

The scarf is huge and although sheer, can be used as a sarong. I had thought of bringing a pashmina but I think the chambray shirt or cardigan will suffice in the evening. If I was taking my normal 7kg I would throw it in, but trying very hard to keep it at 5kg because of my back problems. I know that DH is quite capable of carrying both our packs, since he travels even lighter than me, but I don't want to have to rely on him, he'll be helping me out lots anyway eg on excursions you can only take one backpack per couple and normally I would offer to take my turn carrying it, but that won't be happening this time.

dakotacheryl

Wow...what a cool adventure!

Love the clothes you've picked and I think you'll look great!

Joy

What a wonderful adventure. You are wise to be careful of your back. Your travel capsule looks great for your trip.

Helen11

Have a great time. You are great at packing light - something I need to learn.

Cococat

Sounds like a great trip.

Do you have a very light crossbody or backpack you can take on your hikes to carry aeroguard, water etc? I have a foldup nylon backback that I always take away with me on holiday.

Deborah

Have an awesome time! Your travel capsule looks very stylish to me. I have no doubt you will be the envy of your fellow travelers:) That Suzanne Grae Cardigan is a great inclusion.

Olivegreen

Active Member

Looks great! Only suggestion would be take another swimsuit to use as the other dries out. Also good for top substitute.

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