what to pack....

While I have done my share of traveling, deciding what to pack is always a challenge.  In an effort to err on the side of minimalism, I tried my best to pack light.  I ambitiously started out with only one large backpack and one smaller backpack...but I was defeated.  So, I compromised, and ended up with a small roll on and the big backpack...pretty good for a month.  Of course all the packing brings up the question of consumerism, something I have always struggled with.  It seems like an endless obstacle to balance what I need and what I want to have.

so here is what I ended up with:

 
If you'd like more information about consumerism, please watch this: the story of stuff.