Feb 14 2025 - Feb 17 2025
Puerto Rico: Climbing, Slacklining, AcroYoga and Surfing Retreat
Puerto Rico
I took my first SCUBA diving lesson at 17, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made. While I initially saw it as preparation for a future in Marine Biology, those early lessons ended up shaping more than my scientific mind—they gave me skills that have prepared me for countless adventures, both on water and land.
One of the most valuable takeaways wasn’t just about diving—it was about packing. I learned a fail-proof system for remembering every piece of gear, a method so effective that I still use it today. As a nomad who’s constantly on the move, whether it’s hiking, cycling, SCUBA diving, or climbing, this system keeps me organized no matter the adventure.
Here’s how it works:
I start by physically touching the top of my head—the highest point of my body—and asking myself what I need for that part. Then, I work my way down, one body part at a time, all the way to my toes.
Touching and visualizing are key parts of this process. I imagine myself doing the activity and call out each item as I gather it, placing everything on the floor by body part.
Let’s say I’m packing for a hiking trip. I touch my head and ask:
“What do I need for my head?”
Maybe a hat.
I grab one and lay it down.
Next, I ask:
“What’s on the outside?”
In this case, it could be a hat—or even an umbrella. Once I’ve got the outermost layer covered, I work inward:
“What’s under the hat? Maybe a buff or gaiter?”
I find one and add it.
“What’s under that? My hair.
Do I need anything for my hair?” Yes, a hair tie.
Once I’m confident that I’ve addressed all the needs for that body part, I move down to the next:
What’s under the top of my head?
Forehead: Sunscreen.
Eyes: Sunglasses. Maybe eye drops.
Nose: Let’s take handkerchief, which doubles as a sweat rag.
Lips: Lip balm.
At first, this might feel like a slow process, but with practice, it becomes second nature. Over time, the mental checklist forms itself, and I can easily recall detailed lists for specific outings or sports.
After working from top to bottom and outermost to innermost, I ask myself:
“Do I need anything extra for the weather?”
Is it going to be windy? Cold? Hot? Will I be exposed to the sun for hours or facing extreme humidity? If so, I adjust my packing accordingly.
Emergencies happen and it helps to think about the possibilities while packing. I do so by going through a series of ‘what if’ scenarios.
What if someone gets hurt or sick?
What if we get separated or lost?
What if my bike tire blows out mid-ride?
Depending on the situation, this could mean packing a first aid kit, an extra $20 bill stashed in my shoe, or a repair kit for my bike. The idea isn’t to get scared—it’s to think ahead and prepare for common scenarios.
Once I’ve laid everything out—head to toe, outermost to innermost, with any weather or emergency additions—I take a picture of the spread. This serves as a handy reference for future trips and helps me remember what I used (and what I didn’t). Over time, this process lets me fine-tune my packing lists for different activities.
For the ultra-organized moments, I even create spreadsheets for specific activities. It may sound geeky, but having a detailed list saves me tons of time later on.
Just because I’ve laid everything out doesn’t mean I’ll take it all. I go through the pile and decide what stays and what goes. The important thing is that every decision is a conscious choice and not a forgetful event.
This is more than just an inside joke—it’s a lesson learned the hard way. A headlamp is often the difference between an inconvenient return and a safe one. Whether your trip runs long, the sun sets earlier than expected, or something unexpected happens, having a headlamp can be a lifesaver.
In other words: plan for the extra mile, the extra hour, or the unexpected detour. Pack smart, stay safe, and have fun—even if you end up experiencing a bit of Type II fun. Let it be an adventure, not a mishap caused by something you forgot—but because shit happens.
Raquel is a lifelong adventurer and nomad who has perfected a simple, reliable packing system for any trip—from weekend getaways to extended expeditions. Her method ensures she’s always prepared, turning potential mishaps into memorable adventures.
Ready to pack smarter? Give Raquel’s system a try—and remember to always pack a headlamp!
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