I've spent 128 hours on Amtrak sleeper trains. Here are 6 essentials I've always packed and 4 I discovered along the way.

The author shares her packing essentials for overnight Amtrak trips. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Comfort, ease, and enjoyment.

I pack for every overnight Amtrak trip with these three things in mind. And after 128 hours of experience, I've figured out the essentials for a fantastic experience.

I've traveled through 15 states, from the East Coast to the West, in Amtrak sleeper cars. I've stayed in roomettes — roughly 20-square-foot private cabins with two seats, two beds, a table, and a sink and vanity — and bedrooms, which are double the size and also include a full bathroom.

My packing list has evolved over the years. Some items have been with me since the beginning. Others come from lessons learned along the way.

I've been packing a comfy outfit separately from the rest of my clothes since my first overnight train ride.

The author separates her train clothes.…