Packing up.

          Each time I head out for a trip, I like to layout all my stuff and make sure I have everything.  Sometimes I take something out of my bag for use at home and forget to put it back.  If you get out on the boat and realize that you left a vital piece of gear, you're just going to have to do without until the next port.
          At any rate, I prefer to go through and check stuff off my list while packing up and since I've had a few folks email me through my blog, asking questions about "what to pack", I thought I'd get a little more organized and throw it out there for new folks that are starting the Workboat Program, or just new mariners in general.  This is not a comprehensive list, but it might shed some light on what to bring.   I work on towboats and we work cargo in port, so I bring things specific to that environment.  Some folks don't do cargo, but they work on tanker barges and their needs might vary slightly. Almost all of the boats have washer/dryer, but sometimes they break..  plan accordingly.  I sometimes do runs to Hawaii, so I scale back on the winter gear and obviously throw in some extra warm weather clothes/shorts for those trips.

For packing purposes, I like to have 2 bags. A seabag with shoulder straps and one with wheels for trucking through airports.  The seabag is my Navy seabag and I use it for core work gear plus it has backpack straps and easy to carry. The other rolling duffle is for general clothes/toiletries/etc.  I also bring my laptop bag with my Mac, cords, iPad (mostly for reading and games), hard drives, etc, credentials, etc.  I like these bags because they fold down pretty small and can stow away in my quarters pretty easy.  When I come home, these bags pretty much stay packed and ready to go with the exception of a few items.

Bag #1; (I use a military/Navy Seabag)
-Foul Weather Gear (waterproof parka and bibs).  I have an extra parka that I bring for cargo because it's a bit more breathable than my Grundens Rain Parka.
-Slip-on workboots. I prefer steel toe, (specifically Keens)
-Extratuf boots.  I prefer the steel toe/insulated because I sometimes wear them on the barge for cargo ops and they are warm in the winter months in Alaska
-Work pants: 3 pair.  I prefer Carhartt double knee and I insert the kneepads. (cargo/painting/etc)
-Belt
-Knee Pads (optional, yet nice when you're painting low all day)
-Heavy Carhartt Jacket: mostly for heading into town when in port.
-Heavy pullover hoodie
-Coveralls for dirty work/painting/etc.
-Workout Mat and resistance bands   nice for working out on deck/stretching
-Workgloves (I use the blue Atlas and white thermal Atlas, plus a pair of latex Atlas for wet conditions)

Bag #2: (Rolling Duffle.  Eagle Creek makes a nice one that folds up)
-T-shirts (a week's worth)  I throw in some extra in case I trash a few
-Lounging/offwatch/workout clothes (shorts, sweatpants, etc.)
-Shoes for off-watch
-Underlayers top and bottoms for winter
-Socks (a week's worth)
-Underwear (a week's worth)
-Beanie
-Toiletries (make sure you have enough for the trip). Toothbrush/shampoo/shaving cream/Meds/etc.
-Shower sandals
-Cords/chargers/extension cord or strip.
-Flashlight and headlamp
-Knives (I bring an extra, and keep one on me at all times)
-Sunglasses (plus one extra)
-Camera/charger/etc.
-Headphones (I recommend noise canceling because tugs are noisy)
-Books/Coast Guard study stuff if you're trying to move up in the world like me
-Laundry Bag  the mesh type works well.
-Misc:   I throw in a bungie cord, cordage, straps for use my room. Hanging up stuff/etc.

Laptop Bag
-Laptop
-Credentials (passport, TWIC, MMC)
-Study guides/TOAR/TRB/Etc
-Harddrive/Movies/shows
-Books
-GoPro and access.   I just recently picked one up and it's great fun.  Gives me something to do in the off time.

Here's everything packed and ready to go:

Sometimes, I'll have a little extra room and I might throw in an extra pair of shoes or an extra sweatshirt/extra hat/etc for use in port or in case I completely trash some clothes. There might be something that I'm forgetting to put in the list, but it usually makes it's way into my bag at the last minute.

A good habit to get into is to keep your packing list on your phone/laptop/etc. and every time you think of something you forgot, write it down.  I'm constantly making tweaks to my list underway.

I depart on Friday for a trip up north and then next month I'll be heading to Hawaii on another boat.  Might have to swap some clothes out for that one.

Happy sailing!


Workboat Academy