Disclaimer: Every race route is different. Following these exact specifications does not ensure you will be 100 percent happy with your packing decisions.
We just had our Month 4 debrief. I was in a hotel room with two of my race-besties, Bethany and Natasha. Having ditched half of my belongings when we went through LAX, I have a lot of extra room in my pack. Natasha, who ditches half of her clothes and buys new ones just about every month, also has quite a bit of extra room. Bethany on the other hand, is stuffed to the max. Literally, bursting at the seams. So as we were repacking to head to our ministry sites for the month, Natasha and I took it upon ourselves to help Bethany downsize. In doing-so, I was inspired to write a blog about packing. Lots of people write these when they are packing, but I think you will agree that after 4 months on the field, your view on what you need with you will be very different.
Packing Rule #1: You do not need 100 hair elastics.
Yes, you need extras. Do not be under the impression that one will get you through eleven months. But be realistic. How many hair elastics do you use at home? One a month? Two? Take 20. Not 100.
Packing Rule #2: Just because Grandma bought it for you, doesn't mean you have to bring it.
Yes, it is super nice for friends and family to buy you things they think you need for your trip. But just because they think you need it, doesn't mean you will. If you don't use silver-solvent skin repair at home, don't bring it. If you don't take allergy medicine at home, don't bring it. If you don't wear moisturizing fur socks at home, don't bring them.
Packing Rule #3: You can buy clothes around the world.
Yes, you need to pack clothes. But keep in mind that everywhere you go, you will need something different. It is impossible to pack for all eleven countries, climates, ministries and cultural sensitivies. Take the basics. For me that consists of:
2 Pair of Running Shorts
1 Pair of Jeans
(Believe me, you could not have convinced me to not take two when I left,
but even the jean lover I am ditched a pair after Hot as Hades month 3.)
1 Knee length skirt
1 Pair of loose Capris
1 Pair of leggings
2 Tshirts
2 Tank tops
1 Long sleeve shirt
1 Rain jacket
Lots of Underwear
(They get worn out easily with hand washing, and they are the one thing
you do not want to wear multiple times in between washings.)
2 Sports Bras
1 Regular Bra
(If you are in really hot countries, the ones that snap in the front are a God-send.)
When you need clothes for specific cultural sensitivies, buy them. If you like them, keep them. If you hate them, ditch them as soon as you leave the country. Clothes in foreign countries are CHEAP. My favorite dress, which I can also wear as a floor length skirt, cost me $3 in Thailand.
Packing Rule #4: If at the end of month 2 you haven't used it/worn it/eaten it since you left home, you probably won't.
There are exceptions, such as you may not wear your skirts in Central American construction months but you know you will need it for churches in the future. But I think all racers can vouch, that if you don't use it in two months, it isn't worth the space/weight.
Packing Rule #5:Take a full size pillow or pillow pet.
You will probably never have to fit it in your pack. I have wanted my pillow for every single travel day. My pillow pet velcros to my daypack strap and then I use him on the bus/plane.
The next two are merely suggestions. Others on my squad wouldn't agree with me, but I feel strongly about both these items.
#1: If you are going to be in mostly hot countries, don't pack a sleeping bag. I wrestled with this before I left, brought it, and ditched it after month three. Take a sleeping bag liner/blanket. If you are going somewhere cold, you can steal the airplane blankets or buy one in a market.
#2: A Kindle is the greatest World Race gadget on earth. I hated the idea of a Kindle. I love books, I want them all on my bookshelf. I like the way they feel, the way they smell. I think Kindles are the demise of printed word. However, having read 15 books in 3 months on the race, I am really glad my mom bought me one.
With that being said, I want to go back to my disclaimer. If you are a worry-wart that doesn't mind paying extra baggage fees for your pack to weigh more than the alloted poundage, pack everything. But you can buy things around the world. You can buy medicine, shampoo, clothing, flip flops, peanut butter, notebooks, pens, instant coffee, iPod chargers, etc.
