When we first started dreaming about taking a sabbatical year to travel the world with our two kids—now 5 and 7—we knew packing would be one of the biggest challenges. Not the most glamorous part of trip planning, but definitely one of the most important. After all, what you carry on your back for a year can be the difference between feeling prepared and feeling overwhelmed. We’re mostly chasing warm weather on this trip, but even the sunniest destinations come with cool nights, surprise rainstorms, and a stray cold front or two. And figuring out what to pack for all of that… well, it hasn’t happened overnight. It’s been four years in the making.
Four Years of Tiny Experiments
On every trip we’ve taken since the kids were toddlers, we’ve treated packing like a science experiment. As the kids have grown, our lists have changed dramatically—goodbye diapers and sleep sacks, hello kid‑sized hiking sandals and card games. But every trip has been a chance to ask: Do we really need this? Is there something smaller, lighter, or more versatile? Is this a must‑have or a nice‑to‑have? How many shirts did we actually use?
Every trip we’ve taken has been a learning opportunity and we’ve had plenty of packing mishaps but that’s exactly how we’ve narrowed down our lists.
Our Big Europe Packing Test
The biggest and most realistic trial run happened last October on a trip through Europe. We decided to pack using the exact backpacks we’ll take on sabbatical, just to see if our plan held up in the real world.
The challenge was pretty representative with hot days in Rome… and chilly, windy days in Vienna.
Plus, we had the additional challenge of packing formal clothes and shoes for the four of us as we were attending a wedding while we were in Rome. Four people, wedding clothes, and two medium‑sized backpacks. At first glance, we looked at our bags and said, “There is no way this is all going to fit.”
But it did. Everything fit. All the essentials, plus the fancy clothes. And in that moment, our confidence grew that we’re on the right track.
When Toothpaste Becomes a Family Debate
If that sounds silly, it’s only because it is. We’ve considered every item to a slightly ridiculous degree. On our most recent trip to Jamaica, we had a debate about which toothpaste to bring—because, of course, one person in our group doesn’t like the toothpaste the rest of us use.
That kind of conversation extends to everything:
• Which hair ties work best?
• Which sandals can handle long walks, closed‑toe requirements, and rocky‑beach swims?
• Which travel games offer the most fun for the least amount of weight and space?
It’s a lot. But it’s also why we feel (mostly) ready now.
Investing in Our Gear
We’re usually the kind of people who wear clothes we got 10 years ago, buy clothes at Walmart or pick things up second‑hand—especially for the kids, who tend to stain, tear, or outgrow items at lightning speed. But for this sabbatical year, we’ve made a deliberate effort to invest in quality gear where it actually matters.
The biggest example of that is our backpacks and our clothing. A few years ago, after a lot of research, we bought the packs we’ll be using for the entire year: the Osprey Fairview Travel Backpacks in the 55L and 70L sizes. We waited for a sale, took the leap, and honestly—after using them on our Europe trip—we can say without hesitation that they were worth every penny.
Our second big upgrade was Merino wool shirts for the adults. They pack down small, dry quickly, resist smells, and somehow manage to be comfortable in both hot and cool weather. With each shirt costing over $100, it was something we’ve gotten slowly over time, asking for “practical travel clothes” for every birthday and Christmas. Not glamorous gifts, but incredibly useful ones.
The Utility vs. Comfort DilemmaOne thing I still struggle with is striking the balance between utility and comfort.
The dream: bring items that are lightweight, stain‑resistant, versatile, durable, and multifunctional.
The reality: sometimes you just want the comfort of a cozy, bulky sweater or a soft blanket that makes you feel at home—items that are decidedly not designed with travel in mind.
And honestly? Those little comforts might matter just as much as the practical things, especially when you’re away from home for so long.
We Won’t Get It Perfect
Despite all the practice and all the overthinking, we know we’re going to get some things wrong. The kids will outgrow half their clothes. Something essential will inevitably go missing or break. And we’ll pick up new things along the way. That’s just part of the adventure.
But after years of refining and testing and picking out toothpastes, we’ve narrowed our list down to what we think is a great starting point. And because I know I would be curious if I were reading this, we’ll be sharing our detailed packing list once it’s set—and you can see for yourself every item, every choice, every compromise.