Alaska Part II - Recapping the Pack

Alaska was a conundrum for packing. Add a baby and it was downright confusing...

The most significant challenge is that Alaska can be very cold and dry, but also temperate and rainy in some places. This was my first time packing for the baby for a two-week tour, and I learned some big lessons.

Where's Annie?

I find it easier to pack when I divide clothing into categories. Here’s a list of what I brought for both Annie and I:

CAROLINE	ANNABELLE	SHARED
DAILY/SLEEPWEAR: - 2 warm sweaters - Long sweater vest (very useful: I use it to cover Annie when we go out walking and as a dressy piece for workshops and daytime performances) - 3 thin long sleeve shirts - 2 sets of tank tops - 2 t-shirts - 2 pairs of jeans (lucky, because Annie pooped on a pair) - Pyjamas - 2 scarves OUTDOOR WEAR: - Parka - Merrell Winter Boots - Winter Gloves - Knitted circular scarf - Toque & leather mitts FOR SHOWS: - 3 Dresses - Dressy boots - Jewellery & Makeup Workout Clothing - Running Shoes - Running tights - 2 running shirts Music-Related - Mandolin - Electric Guitar - Cables - Pedals	DAILY/SLEEPWEAR: - 3 onesies for layering - 3 long sleeve onesies - 10 sleepers for travel days and bedtime (a variety of thickness for warm and cold weather) - Dress with leggings - 1 cardigan - 2 pairs of overalls - 2 pairs of pants - 3 pairs of socks OUTDOOR WEAR - Rainbow snow suit - Warm booties - Knock-off Baby uggs (don’t judge me, they’re warm) - 2 toques, one for mild weather, one for cold - Mittens Other: - 3 blankets for sleeping surfaces and covers - Baby towel - Facecloths - 4 receiving blankets - Diaper bag and changing materials - Car seat - Car seat cover - Toys - 4 books	- Breast pump - 2 bottles & nipples - HOOTER HIDER! (also one of the most useful things on tour!) - Bamboo Mama Carrier - Baby friendly laundry soap - Medical kit - Toiletries

Where's the luggage cart?

I learned that I didn’t need to bring as much as I did. There were some things I could have done without, or just packed less of, mostly because I was able to do laundry 3 times on tour. I brought lots of extras for insurance. Especially baby sleepers, which bear the brunt on travel days and backstage breaches.

Our footwear for the trip. 

I found that my personal pack was pretty close to perfect; I only overpacked in the long-sleeve t-shirt department and in underwear (you can really never have enough!). I didn’t end up needing slippers very often, as I packed some good heavy socks. I also needed an umbrella (wasn’t expecting that), so I ended up buying one.

In Annie’s case, I could have done without bringing “outfits”. They are fun (picture dresses and tights), but a bit of a pain when you are trying to change a baby on the floor of a ferry or on your lap on a plane (more blogs to come on that topic). I also didn’t need the onesies for layering; if anything, Alaska was much warmer than I expected.

The three most important pieces (aside from the instruments and car seat) that I brought with us:

1. Merrell Winter Boots.

This year I bought my first proper pair of winter boots. They have been perfect for this tour; warm enough for the -35 of Fairbanks, but also cool enough for the rainy days in Kodiak.

2. Annabelle’s Snowsuit

One of the most practical gifts I received at my baby shower this summer was a colourful snowsuit from Sue’s parents, intended to fit the baby for this very tour. I love it. This baby parka looks like Unicorn poop. Or rainbow barf. Regardless, it keeps Annabelle toasty warm during soundcheck walks with her Dad, even in Fairbanks where it hit -35 degrees Celsius.

3. Bamboo Mama Carrier.

I love transporting Annabelle in her carrier, and it’s very helpful for travel. It’s easier to strap her to you than carry her in her heavy carseat; especially in airports when you have quick layovers and need to run to another terminal.

Sue, Kerri, Annabelle and I on one of our many boat trips on tour. Boots, Parkas, and Carrier: check!

As I start to pack for the next tour, a weekend in Kansas, I am realizing how much lighter my load will be. We'll share a suitcase on this one, thankfully. I'm ready for it.

Til next time,
Caroline