I am not what you would call a "shopper" by any stretch of the imagination. To be more specific, I'm pretty sure shopping malls lie somewhere in the 4th ring of Hell. Should I be unlucky enough to end up there, I imagine my personal Hell would be to spend eternity in a fitting room at Banana Republic. "Who has legs this long and can actually wear these pants!!! NOOOOO!!!" Suffice it to say, I get around this problem by finding a few things I like and stocking up on those. My closet is filled with just enough to keep me from wearing the same thing to work every day - although everything is in pretty heavy rotation. Even given my fairly modest closet, downsizing to a couple packs of items that will see me through the next several months and various climates and activities (surfing, schooling, sea turtle volunteering, wine tasting) is definitely an adjustment.

I decided I should have a practice run to make sure that everything I think I need will, in fact, fit into the packs I plan to bring with me - which include a regular-sized backpack as well as a trekking-sized backpack. (A small daypack also attaches to that larger trekking pack.) So, let's see how the trial run worked out, shall we?

I laid out all the basics - a few pairs of pants, shirts, socks, shoes, toiletries, etc. I'll also be bringing my laptop (so I can keep you all posted!), camera, binocs, water bottle, and guidebooks. Here's a sampling of other items that made the packing list, as well as those that will be left behind:

In the bag:

• Bug spray - and lots of it.

• Neck pillow, sleep mask, and ear plugs - I've got several long flights and bus rides ahead. Bonus: ear plugs can also be used as nose plugs in case of emergency.

• Birds of Costa Rica laminated guide and checklist - lest you have any preconceived notion that I am not a dork.

In the dust:

• Make up - no glamour shots will be posted.

• Jewelry - one less thing to worry about being stolen.

• Anything uncomfortable - if I can't sleep on a bus in it, I'm not packing it.

Be forewarned that you'll see me wearing the same clothes in photos over the next 5 months. I promise I will actually be traveling and visiting the places you see - not just photoshopping the same picture of myself into different backgrounds.

I've posted some before and after photos of my trial run at packing. Everything made it in… although it was pretty tight. I have a feeling that between now and my departure on February 14, a few more items that are currently "in the bag" will end up "in the dust" so that I don't throw my back out before I even get on the plane. If there's anything you think I absolutely must take, let me know!

So there you have it. Several months, climates, and activities can, in fact, be shoved into a couple modest-sized packs. I have adjusted to downsizing!