What's in My Bag: The Midlife Adventure Packing List

A sweat-proof mineral sunscreen, my favorite workout tech, and the best suitcase

Hello from the calm before the chaos—my living room is currently a staging area of padded bike shorts, rain gear, and tiny bottles of mineral sunscreen. In just a few days, I’ll be flying to Spain to join a group of strong, bold women for the Feisty Girona Gravel Camp—five days of gravel biking through the Catalan countryside, powered by grit, chamois cream, and endless bottles of Tailwind. (As an aside, Spain and Portugal seem to be this summer’s hot destination — anyone else heading there soon? I’d love your restaurant and sightseeing recs!)

New purple gravel bike. New purple kit. I’m ready!

If you read about why I booked a trip that scares the heck out of me, you already know this isn’t just a vacation, it’s a stretch. An edge. A choice to stop shrinking and start pedaling toward something new.

And if you read this reflection on turning 50, you know how much this milestone means to me. Not in a neatly wrapped “new decade, new me” kind of way, but in the honest, slightly messy midlife way: I’ve been a caretaker for a long time. Of kids. Of a household. Of everyone’s needs but my own.

This trip is me, choosing me. Not for a spa day or a quiet weekend retreat. (Though I love those, too!) But for six to eight hours a day in the saddle, breathing in new air, chasing strength and serenity across gravel trails, with no one to take care of but myself.

I’m nervous. I’m giddy. I’m more than ready.

Photos courtesy of Feisty Girona Gravel Camp. I'm typically a planner and I booked this trip before I even researched plane tickets. Uncharacteristically spontaneous, but perfect for my 50th.

What's in My Bag: The Midlife Adventure Packing List

Packing for this kind of trip is pretty practical. I’ve been testing products for weeks to ensure they hold up to international travel and hours of riding in the Catalan countryside — I’m hoping they’ll become summer staples in real life for you, too. Poolside, on a hike, or just navigating hot summer days with grace.

Here’s what made the cut:

A few of my go-to items for this trip. Tell me: What's your favorite thing to pack when you travel?

Away Medium Suitcase
I went with the classic Away after a Wirecutter deep dive. Sleek, smart, and surprisingly spacious. Pro tip: Go for the darker colors—scuffing is real.

Cadence Capsules
Magnetic, leakproof, and beautifully designed. These little hexagonal pods make organizing skincare and haircare oddly satisfying. I’m partial to the starter set in petal, but I admit they also match my Calpak packing cubes in pink sand that I never leave home without.

Barrier Repair Skincare from Phosis
Of course I'm taking a jar of Calm and a bottle of Luminous — I’m paring down my skincare routine to just a gentle cleanser, moisturizer and face oil. For body, I’m decanting a little bit of The Body Oil from Necessaire into one of the Cadence Capsules. (The grapefruit-y scent is the perfect pick-me-up on an early pre-ride morning.)

Dosey 7-Day Pill Compact
This is the luxury version of a vitamin organizer. Chic and discreet. I keep my magnesium, D3, and progesterone in here for easy access AM and PM.

Zealios Sun Barrier SPF 45
I’ve tested more mineral sunscreens than I care to admit, and this one holds up. No white cast, no sting, and it won’t run. Perfect for long, sweaty rides—also perfect for your beach tote. The sample pack is perfect if you’re carrying on.

Pactimo Rain Jacket
Ultra-light, foldable, and actually waterproof. It’s saved me on surprise rain rides and tucks right into one of my jersey pockets.

Pactimo Ride Kits
Yes, it’s a spandex romper. Yes, I love it. The extra-padded shorts make all the difference for all-day riding. Trust me, your lady bits will thank you. To complete the romper look? A Pactimo jersey. Currently loving this purple one that matches my new bike.

Chamois Butt'r
Non-negotiable. I’m packing two tubes. One for the chamois and one for my soft tissue. Because chafing is real, and prevention is everything.

Wahoo
The Bolt is my bike computer of choice; compact, easy to use, customizable via an app, announces text messages, and tracks an insane amount of data, including all those upcoming climbs. I consider it required riding gear.

In-Flight Fun

If you need some spring and summer inspo for escapist or educational ways to pass the time, here’s what’s on my list:

• Grace and Frankie. My team recommended this Netflix standby for comfort and laughs

• The Align Podcast (Aaron Alexander on movement and wellness)

• Tetragrammaton, a podcast from Rick Rubin where he’s the perfect combo of weird and wise

• Lara Briden’s audiobooks for a dose of menopause wisdom on the go

• Business Unusual with Barbara Corcoran, my go-to podcast for entrepreneurial inspiration

• Jane Austen audiobooks via Spotify—because sometimes, it’s nice to be read to, and it might even help me catch some sleep on the plane.
  

Before I Hit the (Gravely) Road …

I’m not going to Spain to find myself. I already know who I am. I’m going to remember what it feels like to move through the world on my own terms.

And I can’t wait to share what I learn on the ride.

Cheers to looking and feeling your best,

Susan

Susan Campbell
Founder & CEO, Phosis

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