Before You Pack: How Not to Show Up Like “That Guy”

Dean Machine
6 days ago
3 min read

If you’ve read the WorkSkiRV Guest Guide, you already know Bevverly runs best when you arrive organized, not exploding out of a junk‑filled sedan like our favorite “Don’t show up like this guy”. This post goes deeper on the “Before You Pack” section: how to pack minimally for a snow‑overlanding stay in Bevverly so you have everything you need and nothing that gets in the way.

Use this as your pre‑trip checklist, then pop open the full Guest Guide for the nerd‑level detail.

What to Bring (and What to Leave Home)

Think like you’re mixing winter camping with a small city apartment: limited space, but all the essentials.

Bring:

Core clothing layers (base, mid, shell) that you can wear on and off the mountain.
One solid pair of winter boots that work for driving, shoveling, and walking to the lifts.
Toiletries in travel sizes only, plus any meds.
One “comfort” item max: a small camp pillow, favorite mug, or compact book.

Leave behind:

Full‑size appliances (coffee makers, giant blenders, humidifiers) Bevverly’s galley and inverter aren’t built for that life.
Bulky suitcases; use soft duffels and packing cubes that can squash into cabinets.
Duplicate shoes and jackets “just in case” that don’t serve a clear purpose.
Extra blankets—Bevverly is already set up for winter; add only one personal throw if you run cold.

A simple test: if it doesn’t have a very specific job, it stays home.

The 3:7 Rule – Clothes for Seven Days, Packed for Three

For Bevverly trips, use the 3:7 Rule: for a 7‑day stay, you only pack enough everyday clothes for 3 days and plan to repeat and layer.

How to apply it:

3 base‑layer tops, 3 base‑layer bottoms.
3 “après” tops (hoodies or flannels) that still look okay on a grocery run.
2–3 pairs of pants total: one on‑snow (bib/shell) and one or two off‑snow.
3 pairs of socks in heavy rotation plus one “emergency” pair.

Why it works:

Snow trips are repeat‑outfit friendly; nobody cares you wore the same flannel three nights in a row.
RV storage is about density; fewer, higher‑quality layers beat a mountain of single‑use outfits.
Laundry is possible mid‑week (sink wash + quick dry) if you really need it.

Pro tip: Stick to one color palette (e.g., black/gray/olive) so everything mixes and matches.

Dialed Ski Gear: Pack Like a Backcountry Kit

Even if you’re mostly riding lifts, think about your ski gear like a backcountry touring pack: every piece earns its spot.

Must‑have ski items:

Skis or board, boots, poles, and helmet.
Goggles plus one pair of sunglasses for storm vs. bluebird.
Gloves or mittens (one warm pair, one lighter touring/backup pair).
Avalanche kit if you’re going off‑piste: beacon, shovel, probe, and a pack that carries them correctly.

Nice‑to‑have, not mandatory:

Spare lenses if you already own them.
Compact hand warmers for true Arctic days.

Skip:

Multiple extra goggles “just in case.”
Redundant specialty items you won’t realistically use (ice axe, ski crampons) unless you’re on a serious objective.

How to Pack the Bag: A Simple Layout

Think one main duffel (or bin) for camp life and one ski pack you use every day.

Ski pack (30–40 L range):

Back panel / main tube: puffy jacket, extra mid‑layer, thermos, snacks.
Avalanche/tool pocket: shovel, probe, first‑aid, small repair kit, headlamp.
Top pocket / hip pockets: phone, sunscreen, lip balm, small multi‑tool.
Exterior: skis/board carry straps, helmet holder if you have it.

Camp/“Bevverly” duffel:

Bottom: heavy items (boots in a tote, extra mid‑layers) so the bag sits stable in the RV.
Middle: rolled clothing in packing cubes labeled “ON SNOW,” “OFF SNOW,” “SLEEP.”
Top: toiletries pouch, electronics bag, and anything you’ll grab first when you arrive.

Final Pre‑Trip Check

Right before you shut the RV door at home or your “crap car” at the trailhead, run this quick audit:

Can you carry all your personal gear in one trip from vehicle to Bevverly without yard‑saling it in the snow? If not, remove one bag.
Does every item have a job you can name in one sentence? If not, it stays in the car.
Is your ski kit self‑contained—nothing loose rolling around that isn’t inside either your ski pack or your duffel/bin?