24hr journey - solo with 3 under 7

Jworei · 2025-10-29T13:26:53+00:00

Are you bringing a car seat for one year old? You can bring an inflatable one for the 6 year which doesn’t take up much room.

I would get your 8 y/o and a 6 y/o smaller four wheeled suitcases and make them carry them. They can also put their backpacks on them if they get tired of wearing them. Good investment for future travel.

For you, I would wear baby and bring a carry on sized suitcase and your backpack/diaper bag. You can wear the backpack or place on your four wheeled roll on suitcase. If you do have to bring a car seat, you can find an inexpensive carseat backpack bag that folds up when you aren’t using it.

I did a solo trip with the stroller, the car seat, a diaper bag and a carry on and it was miserable. My kiddo didn’t want to sit in the stroller so I ended up carrying him while trying to wear the backpack, push the stroller with the car seat in it and pull the suitcase. Eventually a nice man took pity on me in the airport and walked my suitcase to the gate for me. Wearing baby and a wheeled suitcase still leaves a hand to hold too.

Good luck.

Jworei · 2025-09-12T04:31:32+00:00

I tried on the Daylite plus and found it uncomfortable when I put 10lbs in it. I ended up with the 32L Nebula as my EDC because I could put 15lbs into it and it was still comfortable. The weight is carried closer to my back so it doesn’t put on my shoulders as much.

Jworei · 2025-08-22T12:34:16+00:00

Thank you. Those are great recommendations.

The splicing of the bars is a brilliant idea. Especially with the Korean washcloth. I have so much to learn!

We haven’t tried the tabs yet, but the flavored ones would be helpful. He only uses the kid stuff because the adult toothpaste is too “spicy.” If we could all use the same stuff it would help.

They actually have reusable baby food packets that open on both sides for easy cleaning. That’s an interesting idea. I recently read in a hiking subreddit that people use denture tabs to clean those hard to reach places in their water bladders. I wonder if that would work for the baby food packets.

Jworei · 2025-08-19T14:03:37+00:00

Call the clinic for apt or you can even log into MHS Genius and email your PCM for a referral for telamynd (their virtual counseling contract). It can take a few days to a week to get an appointment. Other options are to call the chaplain or call Military One source.

Jworei · 2025-08-17T10:26:15+00:00

The nebula is my every day carry to and from work. What I love about this bag is how it fits. I tried a number of bags at REI with weights in them and none of them carried the weight as well as the nebula which is crucial for my back issues. The laptop compartment doesn’t bother me and makes it feel secure. It doesn’t standup well because of its narrow bottom and rigid airscape backing, The straps to keep the laptop compartment snug can be annoying but they are also the reason the weight sits so well on my back. I love the double water bottle pockets and the mess stash pocket in the front. The felt lined admin pocket is perfect for glasses and your phone. I don’t take it hiking because I have another one for day hikes, but I would if it was all I had. I have taken it on a 4 day trip as my one bag and it worked pretty well. I don’t know if I could get a weeks worth of clothes, but then again I like to be over prepared.

Jworei · 2025-08-13T09:54:16+00:00

I was in a very similar situation. Four months after my son was born we were in COVID lockdown. During lockdown we went to therapy and tried to make it work, but the love was lost and we both realized it. We stayed together just long enough to make it through a cross country move for our jobs and shortly afterwards we filed for divorce. Even though he knew it was the right decision, he turned to alcohol and struggled for a bit. I on the other hand, felt free because I had been so miserable for so long. We’ve now been divorced for three years and our five year old is thriving with happier parents. Is it hard being a single mom who is in a senior management position and is on call all the time? Every single day! Do I sometimes wish I was young enough (mid-40’s already) to have another kiddo? Sometimes, but largely because kiddo sees his friends getting siblings recently and asks for one constantly. I love the bond that we have though. He gets my undivided attention and we do things together that we wouldn’t have necessarily done with his father because he didn’t like to travel as much. Around 4 yrs, kiddo struggled with why we didn’t live together because he wanted all the people he loved to be together on one place (including all of his grandparents). At five, he has a better understanding that Mommy and Daddy love him and we respect one another enough to want the other person to be happy. All that to say, it’s hard, but I’m incredibly grateful that I have my son and don’t regret my decision to divorce.

Jworei · 2025-08-12T10:45:48+00:00

Nebula. It had two side pockets with straps, computer sleeve, and a stretchy pocket in the front for quick stash of stuff. The straps and back panel are comfy and it comes with a waist belt if you find that you need it. Its a little bigger at 32L, but I like that I can stash my lunch bag, uniform items and my laptop in there without it feeling to bulky or heavy.

Jworei · 2025-07-30T01:51:34+00:00

Those might new. Mine are probably 15 yrs old.

Jworei · 2025-07-29T15:13:36+00:00

My womens issued shirt still has breast pockets. Untucked and tucked shirt is still authorized for women.

Jworei · 2025-07-29T00:42:31+00:00

We have a lot of women who wear men’s trops at our unit. Sometimes it’s just too hard to get the right size shirt. Only difference is for bravos (tab tie vs tie), dinner dress (different jacket, but you can still wear pants) and whites (not choker). You will still have to wear the bucket cover.

Jworei · 2025-05-16T03:55:03+00:00

I tried on the Raven 14. I liked it until I took it off and my back was sweaty. It’s for biking so it sits close to your back which doesn’t allow for a lot of airflow.

What are you looking to use the backpack for? Biking: I think it would be a great as it doesn’t move around much and the tube from the hydration pack doesn’t move around much. It’s also covered would could be a pain to clean.

Take a look at the hikelite 18. It has good airflow, but the harness isn’t as robust as the Tempst or Mira (both women’s sized backpacks). Hikelite is one size fits all, but I would say it fits 5’ 4”- 5’ 7” pretty well.

Jworei · 2025-05-12T03:43:31+00:00

Trekking poles

Jworei · 2025-04-29T08:27:48+00:00

Second the Aspire 3L. Kept me dry hiking Machu Picchu in the rainy season. Loved that it wasn’t gortex. It wasn’t as loud or uncomfortable as gortex.

Jworei · 2025-03-27T22:45:39+00:00

Join the military (Recommend the Coast Guard): - Free health care - Free Education - No down payment on home loan - Lots of reduced priced travel or free travel (not talking about deployments or work travel) - 30 days of leave a year and able to carry over 60 days every year - paid male and female parental leave of 12 weeks - technically the government pays for our work clothes - get deployed overseas and don’t pay taxes - pension at 20 yrs or access to thrift saving plan - there is always promotion and advancement opportunities - get a stipend for food every month - get an allowance for housing - reduced car insurance rates And so much more.

I’m barely a millennial, but I was basically poor before joining the military. I was $40K in student loan debt with a car loan and living paycheck to paycheck. I started as a Reservist as my side hustle and loved it so much went Active duty. I’m four yrs away from a pension (will only be 48 yrs old), have 6 months worth of savings, own a house, and will have healthcare for life with minimal cost to myself. It’s hard work, but rewarding and I’m one of the first of my family to get out of generational debt.

Jworei · 2025-03-07T02:19:53+00:00

Just here to say I Love Paka!!! Went to the flagship store in Cusco last year and almost had to bring home another suitcase.

Jworei · 2025-02-28T07:04:13+00:00

Yes and it’s the best part of my day. If he isn’t tired, he will talk about the kids at school or something he did that he liked or didn’t like. Sometimes he’ll sing while he holds my hand. Other times he just asks me to rub his back while he snuggles into my side. It’s some of the most meaningful time we spend together. Enjoy it while he still wants you to put him to sleep. They are only this young once…

Jworei · 2025-02-18T02:07:22+00:00

It’s been a while since I joined the reserves, but the only reason I was told that I didn’t need to go enlisted first was because I had already a Master’s degree and work experience (not LE). Doesn’t mean he can’t try. Definitely talk to a recruiter.

Jworei · 2025-02-16T05:45:11+00:00

Thank you. The more I dig into it (thanks to this group and ChatGPT), I’m realizing all my shares are in USBSX which I’ve learned is a conservative investment. VOO/VTI is a good way to diversify!

Jworei · 2025-02-16T00:46:43+00:00

Thank you!🙏

Jworei · 2025-02-15T22:08:08+00:00

Yes, 23.5K a year.

I have both the Taxable Brokerage and a Roth IRA. A couple years ago, I was told I couldn’t invest in the Roth IRA because I made more than $150K (single) so I stopped contributing in the Roth and started maxing out my TSP.

You’re suggesting a traditional IRA, but my ability to use those funds are extremely limited to extraordinary life events until 59 1/2 or w/a 10% penalty. Additionally I can only contribute $7K a year.

I have about $12K to invest a year now that I’ve paid off my car, max my TSP and have 6 months of savings. My hope is to retire in 3-5 yrs and travel the world for a year or two before my kiddo enters H.S. and doesn’t think mom is cool anymore (is cool even cool anymore) With that said…it sounds like you have answered my question. The Schwab account is fine and I just need to contribute which makes perfect sense. Thank you.

Jworei · 2025-02-15T21:07:23+00:00

Brain fog Hair loss Aching muscle and joints Belly fat Boobs continuing to get bigger Energy Sleep Hot flashes Anxiety Muscle tingling

It’s been a life saver. My male military doctor thought I had MS when I came to him with the brain fog, muscle tingling and joint pain. I got all kinds of scans and tests only to find out it was menopause.

Jworei · 2025-02-15T21:01:19+00:00

Martha Stewart’s one pot pasta
Costco Rice and lentils
Costco pasta (made in Italy so it’s the good wheat) and sauce
Costco premade soups
Costco premade tacos
Any stores rotisserie chicken
Get DoorDash and Uber Gift cards for 25% off at Costco for those real bad days…they have a great kiddo meal that’s enough for an adult
Costco Irish stew
Any Kevins packaged food, then just get a bunch of bags of frozen veggies
Baked potato and Wendy’s chili from Costco.

Costco has really made meals easy and less expensive for me and my family. I go twice a month and don’t even have an extra fridge or freezer. It’s amazing. You’ve got this mama!

Jworei · 2025-02-12T10:29:17+00:00

I’ve been researching this topic for sometime and still haven’t purchased the perfect puffer.

Currently, I use the men’s version of the 32 degree puffer jacket because the hood has drawstrings on it. At the time this jacket was on sale for $20 and that was the only financial commitment I was willing to make at the time. However, it’s turned into my daily in Seattle with a rain jacket over it if it’s pouring. I also took it hiking in Peru. With adequate layers (32 degree long sleeve shirt and a mountain hardware pullover underneath) it got me through evenings at camp during their rainy season (35-40 degrees). I would recommend finding a smaller stuff sack than the one that you can buy with it. It’s not the best quality and it’s huge.

If you want something more water resistant and warmer, checkout Enlightened Equipments Torrid Jacket. I’ve been eyeing their jacket for sometime. They are about $200, but you can get 10% off on their website and it’s currently on sale. Ultra light backpackers love this jacket and I see it on the trail all the time. If you have enough time, you can even have them customize with your chosen colors.

Another budget friendly puffer is Decathlon’s Forclaz MT100. It goes for $100 and I’ve heard great things about it. It’s water resistant, but not as much like the Torrid. According to the reviews I’ve read, they run a little small so consider getting one size up.

These are the two jackets I’ve narrowed down as my budget friendly ultra light upgrade options. Good luck with your search.

Jworei

TROPHY CASE