Dear future racers…after four months on the race I will give you new in-site of what is really helpful to have. Below is my pre-race list, but here is the emphasized list:
Jar of peanut butter
Really glad I brought my fan
Girls bring one thing of finger nail polish, your nails will always look dirty, but polish helps
Bring lots of underwear…that way you don't have to do wash that often
Kindle-I have already read close to 20 books. Do it, you will not regret it
Re-chargable batteries with charger (money saver!)
Powerstrip
Ipod speakers-everyone has been borrowing mine!
Scwabb Banking is the best way to go
Bring peptobismal tablets–easier to carrier and take (this is the most needed medicine so far)
Clothes will change along the way as you buy new ones…Don't worry too much, just bring things you don't mind getting rid of.
Brought four pairs of headphones and only have one left after four months.
Most toiletries can be bought overseas so don't fret, just bring tampons, shavers, and make up. The rest can be travel size till you get there.
Download viber, textplus, and bobsled by tmobile onto your smart phone
Bobsled also allows free calls to america on your computer
You do use your tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, and pillow so DO bring them!
Really, don't freak out about packing…you will still be alive if you forget something. TRUST ME!
Luggage-gear:
RedCloud 80 Kelty Hikingpack
Osprey Airporter – Redwing 40 Kelty Day Pack
Kelty Grand Mesa two person Tent and floor print
Thermarest Pillow – Galactic 15 degree Sleeping Bag – Sleeping bag liner – Big Agnes Sleeping Pad
**you can get a lighter sleeping bag, but the pillow is awesome!
Other essentials:
Sea to Summit Towel
Headlamp with flashlight
Gallon Ziplock Bags – Put one outfit in each bag. Shirt, pants, underwear
Mesh Laundry Bag
Hangable Bathroom Bag–**really helpful when living in Tent
Technology:
Mac Computer with memory foam case
Kindle with leather case—This is better if you want to bring lots of books!
Nikon Camera
Memory card-8gb
Rechargable batteries & charger – Powerstrip with 3 inputs & 2 usb
Flash Drive
External Hardrive–Really good for movies!
Phone & Charger
iPod
Headphones–4x (maybe bring more because mine died after four months)
Headphone Splitter
Ipod speakers
Watch **I still can't make myself wear one, but I do always ask what time it is.
02 Cool Fan with charger
Important:
Yellow Fever Card
License
Passport
Insurance Card
Scwabb bank card (Scwabb reimburses ATM fees for overseas withdrawals)
Copies of ID, Passport, Insurance
Wallet that is long enough to hold passport and plane ticket
Journal – Bible with concordance -Bible quote book
Games:
Bananagrahms – phase 10
**Haven't used these much, month 8
Meds/etc:
Glasses-sunglasses and seeing glasses
Contacts with solution (make sure to bring a lot of solution bc it is expensive and hard to find overseas)
Eye drops
Neosporin
Dremamin
Malaria Meds
Benadryl
Ibuprofen
Bandaids
Vitamin C
Peptobismol–tablets not liquid
First Aid kit
Afterbite
Menstrual medicine
Bug spray **realized once on race that this is really important–bring lots!!
Beauty:
Hand held Mirror
Earplugs-bring extra
Eyemask
Travel Perfume
Dryer Sheets – I am putting each dryer sheet in each of my ziplock clothes bags
Make up
Tampons–Year supply (some people bring a diva cup)
Deodorant x4 (most countries do not have good solid deodorant)
Soap x4 & holder
Travel wipes
Travel Hairspray (really only need one)
Toothbrush & Holder–extra toothbrush and holder
Travel size tooth Paste (bring one regular size too)
Floss
Razor-3x (ended up buying more along the way)
Toilet Paper (you can pick this up along the way)
Hand Sanitizer **gave up on this one
Hair ties and headbands-(bring lots because they break)
Bobby Pins (bring lots because they get lost and it is hard to find overseas)
Chapstick
Tweezers
Nail Clippers
Nail polish–helps makes your feet look less dirty
Clothes:
Running shoes – flip flops-Chacos
Socks x3
Underwear x20
Bra x2
Sports Bra x3
Cardigan x1
Leggings x2
Purse–**get big enough purse to hold your computer, for days you don't want to carry a backpack around all day
Bathing Suit – tankini-bring a two piece as well
Rain jacket **Haven't used yet, month 8
Clothes Line/Rope w clothes pins–**ditched the clothes pins, but have used the clothes line twice! month 8
My Ten Outfits:
Skirt & t-shirt
Cargo shorts and t-shirt
Sweatpants and t-shirt **ditched the sweatpants bc my route is hot countries!
Jean capris and t-shirt
2nd skirt and t-shirt
Martin Luther King Jr shirt and cargo capris
Dress with leggings
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Jean shorts and tank
Basketball shorts and t-shirt
Tank and basketball shorts
Music:
Guitar with strings – tuner & case–bring extra picks and extra strings
Eggshaker
Worship chords
