I am an obsessive packer and planner. I make a list, review it, try on all the clothes in advance, lay it all out in our spare bedroom, rearrange, etc. It is quite the process! I also try to pack as light as possible for two reasons. First, it is just simply easier to keep track of one small bag than a larger one or multiple bags/suitcases. Second, I am short. Like, real short: 5’1”. So, hefting a heavy suitcase in and out of cars, buses, and the overhead bin on a plane can be pretty difficult. In fact, I really do not like doing carry-on only because I can’t reach the overhead bin and it always makes me feel like a child. I’d say I check a bag half the time I fly, particularly when it is a nonstop flight and is free (i.e. Southwest forever or Delta now because I finally have status).

Striking a balance between being prepared and not overpacking isn’t easy and I can’t tell you how many times I have searched “packing list for [insert any destination here],” so here is my comprehensive guide to what to pack for a long weekend camping in Wyoming in early September. Click here to read the full itinerary and my color commentary on the wildfire and snowstorm that threatened our good time! 

Keep in mind that for this trip comfort was key – we had two heavy travel days (two flights + 250 miles in the car each way) and spent a lot of time driving around the parks when we weren’t out hiking and exploring. Including travel days, we were gone for 6 days. Everything I packed was interchangeable and most things were able to be layered. Although, where I seriously overpacked was shoes…

Most of the links below are to the actual item I have and use, however if I couldn’t find it I linked something similar and noted that. 

Disclosure: there are some affiliate links below and I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post, but these are all products I recommend. I won’t put anything on this page that I haven’t verified and/or personally used.