Electric Cars

Embarking on an extensive 53-hour journey aboard Amtrak's California Zephyr, the author, an experienced long-distance train traveler, shares invaluable insights into what to pack. Despite prior overnight train experiences, the unique challenges of a three-day, two-night trip on the US's longest train route led to both astute packing choices and a few unexpected regrets. This guide distills the wisdom gained, highlighting practical necessities, overlooked amenities, and recreational items that significantly enhanced or hindered the travel experience, all while navigating the absence of onboard WiFi and the desire to fully immerse in the scenic American wilderness.

Journey Essentials: A Detailed Packing Retrospective from the California Zephyr

In February 2026, an intrepid reporter, Joey Hadden, undertook a 53-hour expedition on Amtrak's California Zephyr, renowned as the nation's longest train route, which spanned from Chicago to California's Bay Area. Hadden meticulously chronicled her packing triumphs and missteps, offering a comprehensive guide for future long-haul rail adventurers. She had secured a private bedroom for $2,200, a 50-square-foot haven on rails, which included a full bathroom. The journey itself was part of a larger five-day itinerary that commenced with a two-night stay in Chicago.

Hadden's packing strategy included a carry-on suitcase and a backpack. She wisely brought more clothing than strictly necessary for the train segment due to her preceding Chicago stay. A key takeaway was the critical importance of waterproof footwear, such as clogs, and soft slippers for navigating the sleeper car's showers and maintaining hygiene, even with the private bathroom access. She also prioritized personal toiletries, including skincare and mouthwash, noting that while Amtrak provided shampoo, conditioner, and body wash from Beekman 1802, essentials like toothpaste and deodorant were absent. Her strategic inclusion of varied entertainment, such as a Nintendo Switch loaded with games, a book on train travel, and a journal for creative pursuits, proved highly effective in staving off boredom. However, the unexpected absence of onboard WiFi necessitated pre-downloading movies and shows, a foresight that made her travel significantly more enjoyable. A minor regret was not bringing an iPad for a larger viewing screen, as her laptop felt too precarious for in-bed viewing on the moving train. Curiously, her musical instruments – a drum pad, sticks, and a ukulele – remained unused; the close quarters of the sleeper car meant sound traveled easily, and passengers were encouraged to use headphones, rendering noisy activities impractical. Hadden's foresight in packing two cameras – one compact for discreet shots and another with interchangeable lenses for diverse perspectives – allowed her to capture the breathtaking landscapes from the Rockies to the Sierra Nevada mountains. Her biggest regret, however, was the omission of binoculars. Despite the high-quality camera equipment, she yearned for a closer view of the abundant wildlife, including eagles, hawks, geese, bighorn sheep, antelope, coyotes, and even moose, that populated the vast expanses traversed through Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, and Nevada.

This detailed account provides a robust framework for preparing for extended train travel, emphasizing the delicate balance between preparedness and minimalist packing. It underscores that while comfort and entertainment are paramount, the most enriching experiences often lie in connecting with the journey's unique environment, sometimes requiring specialized tools like binoculars to fully appreciate nature's grandeur.

Embrace the journey, cherish the connections.

The Initial Spark: Chasing an Arctic Dream

Charles Post, a marketing strategist and conservationist, and his wife, Rachel Pohl, an artist, were driven by a shared philosophy: “If dreams were easy, they wouldn't be dreams.” This mindset fueled their relocation from Bozeman, Montana, to the tranquil village of Flakstad in Norway’s Lofoten Islands, a place that captured their hearts during a 2019 visit. They envisioned a life where they could establish their businesses, immerse themselves in a new culture, and forge lasting friendships, all while embracing the stunning, remote Arctic landscape.

Laying Down Roots: Building a Life in Norway

Their journey to Norway was meticulously planned, involving securing skilled worker visas and proving their ability to transplant their successful U.S. businesses. Upon arrival in 2022, after a two-and-a-half-year visa process, they returned to the Lofoten Islands, drawn by its unique blend of outdoor activities and breathtaking scenery. Initially residing in a small, picturesque cabin, they soon realized the need for a more permanent and spacious home to accommodate their burgeoning businesses. In a competitive housing market, they serendipitously discovered and acquired their dream farmhouse—an 1,800-square-foot property with ample space for their work and surrounded by natural beauty. This home transformed their temporary adventure into a deeply rooted experience, allowing them to personalize their living space and integrate into a local community.

The Unforeseen Hurdles: When Dreams Meet Reality

Despite the idyllic setting, life in Norway presented a continuous stream of practical and emotional difficulties. The cost of living proved significantly higher than anticipated, with everyday expenses like groceries and fuel stretching their budget. An annual £15,000 for international tax compliance added another financial burden. Beyond monetary concerns, the language barrier, despite English being somewhat prevalent, created constant mental strain in daily tasks and critical situations, such as navigating healthcare during Pohl’s surgery. The geographical isolation meant routine errands often required extensive travel, highlighting the logistical challenges of remote living. Post aptly summarized the situation: “When you have your worst days, your hardest days, it's 10% harder here just because of everything that comes with life here.”

The Human Cost: The Pull of Family and Community

Ultimately, it was not the practical difficulties but the profound longing for their established community and family ties that prompted their decision to return to the U.S. The eight-hour time difference made maintaining connections with loved ones increasingly difficult, leading to a “gradual disconnect” that grew more pronounced over time. A family tragedy in October underscored the emotional and logistical toll of being so far away, as expensive and lengthy international travel prevented them from being with family during their time of grief. Reflecting on missed holidays, weddings, birthdays, and the feeling of watching their parents age from afar, the couple concluded that the emotional trade-offs of their Norwegian dream were too great. They yearned for the “100 people we can call for help” and the inherent ease of navigating life without constant cultural and linguistic barriers.

A New Horizon: Returning to Montana

As they prepare to leave Norway in the fall, Post and Pohl are selling their farmhouse for approximately £1.2 million, a testament to its desirability. While they are confident it will sell, their focus is on finding a buyer who will cherish the property and its environment as much as they have. Looking forward, Post eagerly anticipates the familiar comforts and deep connections awaiting them in Montana—simple joys like thunderstorms with his brother and Rachel’s beloved Western wildflowers. Their time in Norway, though challenging, is not regretted; it was a dream fulfilled, paving the way for a new dream centered on family, community, and the familiar embrace of home.