Traveling made me realize how much stuff I really still bring, even now, just because I simply can. I traveled for 10 days with a single snowboarding bag and a backpack. Seems impressive to others, but I still struggle to close the zipper. I brought some things that I really didn't end up needing at all. I used them, but that's not really the same as needing them. I ended up with 5 different jackets. I could have easily done away with two, or even three, of them. I brought two extra pairs of shoes just in case, and while I used them, I didn't need them at all. I could have gotten rid of a pair. I didn't end up using the scarf, nor the extra beanie that I brought just in case my helmet wasn't warm enough. I ended up using my ear-cover for both covering my ears and a scarf when I had my helmet on and it was sufficient. AND I still didn't bring a couple things I wish I would have--a couple pairs of small shorts.
Still... The fact that I calculated most of my clothes right on the money, and didn't bring a ton of toys like I normally do (I brought my hard drive and ended up not touching it :c and my rubix cube goes with me everywhere regardless of if I touch it or not), and used nearly everything I brought is a REALLY good sign. I'm getting better at traveling for sure. My next big trip will tell me a lot more too.. what I prefer, what I need, what I can get rid of.. (The portable humidifier is the best thing I've ever bought.. It works well when I sleep at home, and if I sleep right next to it here in Colorado I can breathe while I sleep.. something I normally struggle with and end up sleeping hours extra as a result.)
It depends what products you use regularly...
The conditioner one is an interesting point. Originally, I had thought to switch from silicone-based products (like modern shampoo and conditioner) to try to help cure my dandruff problems.. but I am looking into a solid conditioner, which could replace my current shave bar.
I struggle with perfume so much. I actually did get rid of a ton of it very recently, and I'm continuing to make it dwindle down.. I'm trying to get it down to three bottles.. >.> ... the stupidest part is I hardly ever wear it.
Hair products drive me insane currently. Nothing really 'works' on my hair except for the henna that I stick in it now every couple of months. (The only complaint I have is that people ask me if I've dyed my hair.
Its quite rude to me and I really don't like to explain how the henna works since it makes me sound desperate somehow to convince people it isn't a straight up hair dye... but I like the results too much to stop using it.) Modern shampoos and conditioners are so damn convenient, but I think that they're also the source of my over oily hair and minor dandruff problems. The all natural methods are not at all travel or military friendly.. and using nothing on hair as long as mine is impossible without smelling like a dirty hippy.
I love love love bar soap. It travels so easily (a small sliver lasts a long time, and several slivers can keep in one travel container) and I found a bar soap that I really like for my face finally. But, same with everything.. I end up inheriting soaps from other places and in the process of trying to use them up I end up with a ton because they do actually last so long. This is only relieved slightly by the fact that I use bar soap to make my laundry detergent now.
This one gives me a ton of grief as well.. I currently have.. 6 moisturizers. And that's really getting rid of a ton first. A mixture of baby oil and aftershave lotion for my shins and body since I have an awful condition on my shins, a face lotion that works no where else but my face, an eye cream because either of those are suitable for the eye area, petroleum jelly for my lips, hands, and feet, and a regular lotion for when I'm in too much of a rush to properly mix my normal baby oil and shave lotion together since it is mandatory that I moisturize twice daily. This isn't even counting the couple (4) tubes of lotions the dermatologist gave me that I never use but still need to have on hand. I really want to just find a lotion that does everything sufficiently and a face lotion and be done with it.. that'd be crazy easy. (I have an idea that if the solid conditioner is likable that I may be able to condition my skin in the shower and see if that helps..)
.. Ideally, I'd like to have a set-up to where I have everything I need in my bathroom in a small tote and the small organizer in my shower, with a shelf or two in my bedroom's vanity occupied, and a kit capable of holding at least 2 weeks worth of essentials. I haven't been able to accomplish that yet.. :/ but I'm steadily working on it as I find products to replace others. Having one soap container to have my shampoo, conditioner (and a moisturizer and shave cream), body wash and face wash would be amazing.