This is a series of posts about ‘how to live out of a backpack’ as a vagabond, minimalist, nomad, expat, traveler or for everyday life as a lifestyle.
PRE-PREPARED CARE PACKAGES //
As I’ve said before, you can live a more free and just as effective lifestyle from just the contents of a backpack. But all things eventually wear out, break down or supplies run out – an inevitability of any way of life, mobile or stationery.
Most necessities like basic clothing, accessories and toiletries can be replaced no matter where you are in the world. However, special need items like medication or rare items like custom / couture / limited edition gear can be quite difficult to procure while on the road.
A solution is to pre-prepare care packages consisting of those items that you’ll require sometime in the future.
These care packages should be left with a friend or relative that’s able to ship to you when needed.
When preparing a care package, consider international logistics in mind. Choose a box / container that’s ideal and convenient for the “shipper” to ship. The box should be packaged and sealed for immediate shipping.
Also consider customs, taxes and illicit item regulations. Don’t pack dangerous / illegal items as the shipper will be the one facing criminal charges.
The assessed value of the contents being shipped will often have a high fee (20 percent) for the recipient, so if it’s a big ticket item, tell your shipper to low ball it on the customs form.
And finally, remember that you’re living out of a backpack so don’t prepare a care package that has more things in it than your backpack can hold.
[The backpack I live out of is the FAST Pack Litespeed Backpack by Triple Aught Design.]
How to Live Out of a Backpack:
Pre-Prepared Care Packages
3 Comments
Great tip. I was considering how I would get my contact lenses and migraine medicine as I’ll be vagabonding for a while. Instead of having it shipped each time, I’ll setup a care package as you suggested.
This is a great idea. I was thinking how you can live ultra minimal in all seasons including harsh winters with just a small backpack this way. Just interchange from winter clothes to summer clothes when needed. Small price for the dealing with international shipping.
Love this series, can’t wait for the next.