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I’m on the tail-end of a writer’s retreat on a ranch in Santa Fe! I don’t often take rugged trips, but although I’m not camping, this is rugged to me 🙂
I thought I’d share what I packed for the trip if you’re planning something similar.
Before heading out, I was told the weather would be in the 80s during the day and 50s at night, and I’m planning to hike and horseback ride while I’m there.
Clothing
This is a writer’s retreat, so our morning is entirely group classes and workshops. I did pack a fresh outfit for each day since I wasn’t sure how sweaty and gross I’d get. For each day, I packed:
- Biker shorts (to wear to class and hiking)
- Oversized t-shirt
- Socks
- Tennis shoes
- Hiking boots (waterproof)
- Ribbed cotton leggings (for nighttime gatherings)
- Fleece jacket (for nighttime gatherings). I have a North Face jacket that I take on pretty much every trip!
I also packed my raincoat, flip-flops for the shower and pool, a swimsuit, a baseball hat, jeans for horseback riding, slippers, and a comfy pair of pajamas.
Read more about my comfy packing list for any occasion.
TOILETRIES
Of course, I brought all the usual things I would need, but since this trip is a little more on the adventurous side, I packed items that would bring me comfort when I need it:
- Multipurpose balms for face, hair, scrapes, bug bites, etc. I like Lanolips and Kopari (brought both).
- CBD relief lotions and balms for any sore muscles, feet, etc.
- Bandaids + moleskin for sore feet
- Moisturizers, including those for face, hands, body, etc. (assuming the air will be dry)
- First aid supplies and general meds (pain killers, Tums, flu meds, cold meds, throat drops)
- Sunscreen. I packed Glowscreen SPF 40 for my face, SunBum SPF 30, and SuperGoop Glow Stick SPF 50 for my body.
- Bug repellant. I packed Buggy Bands and Murphy’s Balm.
- Megababe shower wipes for freshness between showers
- CBD drops (500 mg) for general anxiety symptoms
SNACKS
My lodging at the ranch includes a meal plan, and I was able to get a vegetarian option, so I know I won’t go hungry! But, we were advised to bring snacks. I brought:
- Peanut butter packets (I like Spread the Love)
- Freeze-dried fruit
- Liquid IV
- Protein bars (I like GoMacro and Lenny & Larry’s)
- Trail mix
- Cheese crackers
- Chocolate (anything from Unreal is my favorite!)
Read more about my TSA-friendly plant-based snacks.
MISC. ITEMS
Items for the writing portion of the trip, along with other random things I packed just in case…
- iPad (didn’t feel like lugging my laptop)
- Bluetooth keyboard (mine is purple and has a groove to fit my phone + iPad)
- Apple Pencil (I have the purple Kalifee stylus)
- Notebook + journal (I like anything from Yoobi)
- Books to read (I packed “The Queen’s Gambit” and “The messy Lives of Book People“)
- Reading light (I bought the Really Tiny Reading Light and love it!)
- Binoculars
I’ll report back and make note if anything was not-needed or if I completely forgot something vital (ughh).
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