packpackpack

Here we are again, folks. It’s springtime, and you know what that means, right? The chase is once again upon us. 2011 saw some impromptu outings from CSWR, but with no pre-planned project, yours truly did not participate. This year, however, is a different story, and ROTATE 2012 (Radar Observations of Thunderstorms and Tornadoes… I think) has been on the docket now for months, with a planned May 5 start date.

Now if you’re any of the thirty or so people who will be joining CSWR on this little adventure (or if you’re anyone who’s basically lived like a nomad out in the boonies for several weeks at a time), you probably already know how to prepare. If you’ve never in your life even imagined undertaking such a trip, you’re probably thinking “how the hail does someone pack for something like that?” Well, since I’m on this plane to Denver for another hour and a half and all I really have to do is sway to the turbulence while watching some muted Katherine Heigel film and listening to the music emanating from the earbuds of the soon to be deaf guy sitting next to me, I might as well tell you.

When you’re packing for an epic road trip, the key is to be prepared. You must keep in mind that nearly all of your basic necessities for the next six to seven weeks (or three, in my case), must fit into a small suitcase or duffle and a backpack. While it may be true that you’ll arrive at your destination and find nearly everyone in your party has packed their things in a much bigger suitcase or duffle than you, it doesn’t matter. You’re a road warrior! You scoff at the thought of checking baggage on flights! (Ok, with the exception of your liquids and gels, because some spoil sports out there thought it’d be a neat idea to attempt to blow up planes with gel-like explosives. I grumble in their general direction.)


EPIC METEOROLOGICAL RESEARCH ROAD TRIP PACKING CHECKLIST

- Underwear. This is very important! You wouldn’t want to be stuck in Themiddleofnowhere, Nebraska with no clean knickers, would you? Yeah, didn’t think so.

- Clothing. Almost as important as underwear. Expensive clothing is not recommended, unless you want it to get destroyed. Pantless chasing, however, is not an option.

- Shoes. Make sure to remove them at airport security. High heels are not recommended. Neither are Prada flats. Jebus shoes are optional.

- Toiletries. Shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, floss… all important. Just because you’re living like a nomad doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pay attention to your personal hygiene. Really. Your vehicle-mates will thank you.

- Hand sanitizer. You’ll need it.

- Sunblock. What better place to get a sunburn than sitting in a truck stop parking lot during peak hours?

- Sunglasses. Cheap ones. Expect to sit on and break them.

- Rain gear. Believe it or not, you may be working in inclement weather. If you’ve never had to sit in a car for several hours soaked to your skin, believe me when I say that it’s not a pleasant experience.

- Medications/supplements. First off, migraines and other maladies don’t stop just because you’re traveling. If anything, the dehydration, poor nutrition, and sleep deprivation that come along with chasing will probably exacerbate them. Second, since the dehydration, poor nutrition, and sleep deprivation that come along with chasing do wonders for your health, your body and immune system can use all of the help they can get. Multi-vitamin anyone? Shingles vaccine??

- Food. Speaking of poor nutrition, if you can pack some good food, more power to you. Portable and non-perishable protein and fiber are great. Future road trip roomie, Mallie, told me she was bringing along individual packets of Justin’s almond butter. I stole the idea.

- Gum. To keep yourself from eating all of the food you packed out of boredom on your way from Colorado to Iowa.

- Camera. Memorrrrrriiiiiiiessss.

- Your portable electronic devices. Because.


Also keep in mind that regardless of how well you’ve prepared, you will probably forget something. I probably forgot things on this list. And I totally just realized I forgot to pack [at least] three things I was planning to bring. Oops…