Packing for time travel is tricky. We saw hints of what Claire is taking for her new life in the 18th century. Here’s a look at what she might have forgotten.
Have you ever spent days packing for a trip but still find yourself missing some essentials when you arrive at your destination? If those tiny signs in hotel rooms are any indication, you aren’t the only one. My packing tends to be extreme: I either leave behind half of the things I intended to bring or I bring along far too much and then regret the schlepping required to move it all from one place to another. But what if your packing was for a different kind of trip—a trip to the past?
When Claire went through the stones the first time, it was an accident. She didn’t have a moment to think about what was happening. She just put her hand on the stone and woke up 200 years in the past. On her second trip, she also didn’t have time to prepare. Colum’s death (or murder/justifiable homicide…it’s all a bit murky) and the Battle of Culloden loomed near, and Jamie took Claire to the stones to save her from the suffering and death that awaited the Jacobites. Claire was too busy sobbing to think about what to take with her. Jamie gave her his father’s ring “for the bairn” and then, in the show, he did that beautiful slow dance to move Claire toward the stone.
This time around Claire had the opportunity to think about what she would take with her as she returned to the past and her future (god I love this show). Knowing that she could only take her clothes and whatever was in them she had to decide what was critical for both her short and long term survival. Her inventory consisted of money, penicillin and (in the book) peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
What would you take? How would you prepare? I’ve posed this question to 20 different people and have received 20 different responses. One was an eye roll from my guy. He’s not amused by my Outlander games and is probably still a bit cross over that kilt thing last year. An Outlander-obsessed girl can dream can’t she? My child who is, herself, a lover of fantasy/adventure books immediately blurted out that she would take medicine (smart girl) and a few days later asked what would happen if someone with a titanium hip went through the stones. I don’t know the answer, but I do love the way that girl thinks. Others have mentioned toilet paper, toothpaste, lotion, deodorant, razors, candy, penicillin, contraceptives, soap and tampons.
I’ve given this a great deal of thought because I’m a daydreamy sort of girl who clearly has too much time on her hands. I thought initially that Claire had it all wrong, but the more I think about it, she was right. Most of the things I would want to take with me would be of no use in 1766. A smartphone would last somewhere between a day and a few days, but what good would it do with no cell towers or WiFi? My beloved diffuser would be of no use and I would live out the remainder of my days with frizz and no curls looking like one of those troll dolls from the 1980s. (One day we really need to talk about Season 1 Claire using that brush on her curls but not today.) Toilet paper is a short-term solution to a long-term problem. If you can’t make peace with leaves, then I’m afraid that the 18th century Scottish Highlands should not be a destination on your time-traveling itinerary. And so it goes, with nearly the entire list. I’m left with penicillin, money and tampons.
I don’t need to explain the need for penicillin. Claire knew where she was going and she had seen the horrors of that time period firsthand. She knew that she wouldn’t be able to save many people with her small supply but it might be enough to save a stubborn Scot once or twice from his stramash du jour. The money is also a no-brainer as I would need to buy a horse pretty quickly to save my arthritic knees from those freaking awesome but non-orthotic 18th century shoes. For the record, I would take a pair of Jamie’s boots any day.
This is a sketch that appeared in Elle magazine’s June 2016 interview with Terry Dresbach.
This brings me to tampons. I thought I would never get to write that in a blog post, but here I am feeling both smug and certain that this will be the first and last Outlander Cast blog post that tackles the importance of feminine hygiene products. At any rate, tampons might also appear to be a short-term solution for a long-term problem, but I need you to hear me out. There are times when I am willing to give myself to nature and my surroundings and go with the flow (that was an unintentional, but well-placed pun). There are other times when I need a bit of civility. I analyzed the dress that Claire wore through the stones and applied a series of mathematical equations involving algebra, trigonometry and several other forms of math that I failed in college, and came to the conclusion that I could sew 140 tampons into the skirt. If I used them judiciously, say four per month, that would give me nearly three years worth of hygienic sanity. I honestly can’t think of a single trapping of modern life that has the potential to be so useful for such a long period of time (I can’t stop with the puns).
In the spirit of book Claire, I feel like I should also take a snack. Her description of the journey through the stones makes it sound grueling so I have to assume that I will be a bit peckish when I wake up on the other side. Peanut butter won’t work because it gives me terrible indigestion, though to be fair, a tummy ache would be the least of my worries if I woke up in 1766 Scotland. My snack choice is beef jerky and Skittles. Again, hear me out. Beef jerky is light and packed with protein. I could bring enough of it to keep my hunger at bay for a few days, the importance of which can not be understated. By this time, witch trials in Scotland had largely ceased. However, if a group of people encountered hangry me, they would find plenty of reasons to light me on fire. My family can confirm this. The Skittles get to make the journey because they are the best fruity candy in existence. I will not entertain dissenting opinions on this matter. Also, who can be cross when eating a rainbow of fruit flavor?
With all the limitations on what Claire couldn’t take on her journey, I want to spend a little bit of time on everything that she could take. While Claire had peanut butter and penicillin, she also had a spirit of adventure, faith in what she believed to be true, hope that her faith would guide her to her intended destination and a love that burned deep inside her. That mindset isn’t just handy for time travel, my friends. I don’t think that any of us will ever stand in front of a portal capable of transporting us to the past.* What we will have is a lifetime of moments where we have to decide whether or not to jump off the cliff and into the unknown. Facing that abyss is always scary but knowing that there is love on the other side might just be enough to let go, to fall, to know that someone or something will catch you before you hit the bottom. Claire knew that she couldn’t live the rest of her life without knowing, without trying to get back to the love that she hoped was waiting for her. What about you? Would you jump or would you stand on the edge of the cliff and always wonder “what if?”
*If you do find a portal to the past and make the journey, please try to send word back to us and let us know how it went. Also, let us know if we can join you.
It’s your turn now. If you could travel to the past, where would you go? What would you pack for your journey?
Outlander Cast Giveaway
But wait… let us give you a head start on your packing and help you channel your inner Claire with the chance
to win this gorgeous knitted shawl from Daniela Stange!
Enter to win this week’s giveaway below between now and 11:59 p.m. on October 25th.
my sister knit me a couple of Claire shawls and pairs of finger less gloves for my gigs as a living history reenactor! we do 1763 F&I as well as War of 1812, so periodically I get to time travel myself!
I have always wanted to period reenactments Kathy. How fun!!
I was just looking at Claire inspired knitting patterns, this is perfect!
Megan, I didn’t know until the post went live today that Daniela was the one who donated the shawl. I bought several items (including Claire’s shawl) from her Esty site last year. She and her work are both amazing. I keep the shawl in my office and wear it nearly every day.
I never win anything. May I just have the pattern please?
Jo, Daniela has some patterns for sale on her Etsy site dedicated to patterns. It’s located here https://www.etsy.com/shop/DesigningEva.
Excellent choice of snacks but I think some chocolate to go along with the tampons would benefit me greatly ?
I would consider travel back to Scotland, Ireland or the establishing of the colonies of America. No tampons needed for me at this stage of life so perhaps I could sew in snickers bars to avoid my hangry self LOL. Monies, gemstones, general notes on medicinals of the area are the first things that come to mind for plannin to begin my travels. I would study up on the territories and histories before departing. I love that she used raincoats for the batsuit- genius girl our Claire. I would be grateful to win to wrap up with this beautiful shawl. Thank you for this chance!
Thanks so much for reading Angela. Whoever wins the shawl will not be disappointed. I purchased one from Daniela last fall and I wear it nearly every day in my office. I wear it so much that my co-workers bought me a lovely shawl pin for Christmas last year!
Peanut butter for me too and some chocolate and what about simple aspirin, don’t think invented yet could help with many fevers etc.
I would take tylonol, chocolate(Lindor). The peanut butter and jam sandwich as a snack. The shawl would be lovely.
Well, my list of items to bring: lice shampoo, vitamin c pills, toothbrush, Dansko clogs, and a razor or 2! For a snack, starburst and sunflower seeds! And for the “Monthy” issue…Thinx underwear, no tampons need, wash and wear!
Dansko clogs. Brilliant!!! By the way, Dansko is just about all I wear. Aren’t they amazing?! Also, you win on the Thinx idea. It never even occurred to me.
I would take seeds for planting, a really amazing book my MIL gave me that discusses everything from cooking to laying out a body for burial written long ago, a weapon of the time, modern sewing kit, a large 2 liter of soda ( multiple use) water prifier, boots, lidocaine ( for numbing the eventual tooth loss!) magnifying glass ( to start fires and I’m blind as a bat- THATS not going to improve), fake letters of introduction from a soon to be deceased member of my ” family” so I am not just a woman alone without history or plausible way to be accepted into the community, a bit of coin from the day or jewels sewn into the clothing, a large Tin of the best loose leaf tea I could find ( it’s going to be quite the trading item soon), silver spoons sewn as well.
Those are things I could grab and go from our home. My hubby is a historian…. so I’d grab a book on the revolutionary war so I know the players and where NOT to be at a given time. A small book on flora and fauna ( also in our library)… really, if I could take hubby… I wouldn’t need the darn books!
I’d steal some of Mike’s MRE’s too…. they pack and last forever!
A vial of perfume ( can also help start a fire… and I don’t like to stink. Fine Leather gloves. Lastly, a six month supply of meds, long enough to discover the natural options.
And! I’m ready to leave.
Stacy, you knocked my socks off with the letter of introduction from a distant relative. What an excellent idea! Your husband’s name isn’t Frank is it?
I love this show . I want to be in it ?
Me too!
Advil, deodorant, soap, toilet paper…my dog? I don’t think my kids would appreciate living anywhere without WiFi…lol ?? Thanks
Hmmm…time traveling dogs…I’m feeling a different story coming on. 🙂
Avon Skin So Soft to help fight off the midges. Antibiotics, water purification tablets, soap, and Gaelic for Dummies! LOL! Slainte mhath!
Gaelic for Dummies. These comments are killing me! You people are brilliant!
A bunch of history notes, bugspray, sunscreen, money, a weapon of the time, modern sewing kit, warm hat and coat, and comfy shoes.
Hello, a gemstone.
Did Brea give her that gemstone knowing that it would be lost? They must realize it by now right?
Bree actually said that in the last episode–that she gave her mother her birthstone because she knew she needed it to go through the stones, and Claire said she’d lost her jeweled watch the first time and the stone from Jamie’s father’s ring the second. So they do realize it.
Immunizations for diseases that were rampant then, (or instructions how to make them with what’s there),penecillen, pain killers, sneakers (or some comfy shoe). Photos of bree, any medical thing she could fit in her outfit that would help back then.
I didn’t notice that she took a photo or even a drawing of her daughter to show to Jaime. I hope she did. I couldn’t live without conditioner, diplotore for my face and possibly more Miss Clairol to keep my hair dark…I think I’d have more family trees and more history books too…and perhaps some science books…
I couldn’t say it when I wrote this post because book readers knew that Claire took photos of Bree with her but episode 5 didn’t show Claire pack them.
Maybe some throat lozenges too…like Halls.
That’s what whisky is for! Haha!
How about a picture or 2 of Bri
I would pack Polysporin – a lot of Polysporin!
I have thought and thought about what time and what to take and it is just too hard. Take money to buy land and build and grow food, you could still lose it all. Buying shops etc you could have them confiscated. The Outlander era has some amazingly enduring feelings of closeness with kin etc but so many troubles, war, medical issues. Big question when you really think about it. I would rather go back as an invisible entity and just see lots of cool stuff I think.
Ohh…invisible entity…I love it!!!
I’m allergic to penicillin so would have to go with a different abx. Lindt dark chocolate! Zip lock bags. Dental floss and toothbrush Lol
At first I thought about the American Civil War (1861-1865) then I thought about all the things we learned about from that war and I thought WWII would be a better place to go. I wouldn’t have to worry about being burned at the stake and I’ve read many books written from people on both sides. I think i may have a better grip on the time period. Claire had Frank to give her some knkwledge before she went through the first time, i would want to go to a time period i was familiar with as well. I would want to help the Allies (of course). I’d bring money from that time, several types of penicillin in pill form, probably even books on my kindle. Yes, I would risk bringing electronics to the 40s. Its not like they’d hang me from a Rowan Tree or drown me as a witch. I’ve maintained my EMT, I have some medical skills so I could probably help or even be some sort of spy. There were so many atrocities during that war, even to save some would be better than not trying at all.
The Civil War would almost be just nice. I do love the hoop skirts. I’d just be so afraid of changing history. Maybe if things turned out like they did with Jamie & Claire, meaning history doesn’t change; it may have been my choice. I would want to make more of a difference in the way people were murdered for no reason during WWII though.
I’m no historian but I do love to read a lot of books by people who lived during specific time periods, instead of just the history books. They are usually written by the victors of a battle and the other side is rarely heard.
It’s a difficult question, to take the past, 200 years ago, but for a woman who needs many things, my ideas would be aspirin and hygienic towels a good shampoo and dental floss
The last episodes of Season IV just struck me. Brianna going back with a PB sandwich and some matches? The stuff mentioned here is strikes me, since women – generally – take a LOT of, often, needless stuff; the “ol’ just in case” thingy… The way Brianna is unprepared, she would have died (exposure, hunger and likely lost) along the way- Same with ol Roger, who follows suit. Both have ZERO skills (let alone survival) and go about with NO resources that is what is a VERY hostile and dangerous environment.
Since the question is what I would take and assuming little time avail (like Roger). Since Brianna could carry her hippie bag, I assume you can carry a “bigger” bag, and that could include a backpack. Therefore:
Good gear (boots, clothing etc) for all weather, Fairly large backpack to take a 8in Tablet loaded with useful info (lighter than books). Walking battery charger, and maybe solar charger. Maps and compass. Military First aid kit, antibiotics in tablet, IB pro, water purifier/tablets, Firesteel (good for 12,000 strikes), LED light, wire, wire cutters, survival fishing equip, MREs 2 weeks worth. To be self reliant in a very, very dangerous world, a couple of hunting and a defense knives are essential. Glock 9mm (500 rounds/5 mags) and perhaps an AR15 maybe in 6.8 SPC (300/500 rounds/5 mag) since it can be very compact, and good for hunting. IF possible a “lightweight” bulletproof vest.
Of course with an humble overcoat, hat and cloths to conceal it all. Keeping a low profile, avoid being a target and needless confrontation.
I would have to think of some high value things that could be reasonably traded in 1760s… aside from high quality knives, swords…
And yes, in those days traveling was extremely dangerous – shipwrecks aside. Highwaymen were common and the walking on the left side was to make use of the sword. And, contrary to Jamie and criminals of the time, I hardly have any knife skills worth mentioning (skills are perishable), so better to improve one’s chances. Hell, even NV optics would be cool 🙂