RANDOM FACTS ABOUT TRAINING CAMP
- To express support or excitement for an idea, one shouts “Come on!,” “That’s good,” or “Preach!,” respectively.
- Competitive squad wars are VERY IMPORTANT. Have at least one full outfit decked out in your squad’s color. The crazier, the better.
- If you don’t come with an open, willing attitude, you won’t get the most out of training camp.
- Even if it says it won’t rain, expect it to do so. A lot. Like a monsoon.
- Even if it says it won’t be cold, expect it to be freezing and windy.
- If you drive, clean out your car before you come and leave a minimal amount of stuff in it
- You will have VERY FEW opportunities to charge ANY electronics. You will learn to be thankful for this.
- If you have an iPod/smartphone, bring it. You may use it about twice. Otherwise, turn it off. I wouldn’t bring an iPad/computer.
- Plan not to be able to buy anything you forgot to bring.
- Keep your stuff organized by groups in bags. You will have very little time usually to hunt what you need.
- Keep your toiletries in your day bag.
- TEST YOUR RAIN FLY BEFORE COMING.
NOTABLE THINGS YOU SHOULD BRING TO TRAINING CAMP
- Hand sanitizer
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray/lotion
- Bug bite lotion
- Chapstick – I suggest Carmex
- Medications – prescription, over-the-counter, allergy, pain reliever, supplements
- Permanent marker – to mark your name on everything (make sure it’s not in a conspicuous place)
- Very small roll of toilet paper – keep in your day pack
- Water resistant watch – I have one with a digital compass and it’s awesome
- 12L day bag. I would even do slightly bigger for training camp.
- Wet wipes – LOTS
- A few pens
- Notebook
- Journal
- I would bring a compass just in case
- PRINTED PAPER Bible
- GOOD headlamp; I like the kind with the red light option
- 3 outfits
- 2 pairs of good hiking socks
- 2 shirts in your squad’s color
- 1 nicer/semi-casual outfit with nice jeans
- Quick-dry pants
- Shorts
- Sweats
- Sweatshirt
- Doodads to deck yourself out in your squad’s color
- Waterproof breathable rain jacket w/hood
- PJs – long johns are helpful
- Make sure 1 person in your squad has a mess kit. If you want hot drinks more often, bring a small camping stove as well.
- Spork and bowl
- 32 oz water bottle (w/splash guard)
- GOOD WATERPROOF hiking shoes
- Chacos/sandals
- Flip flops
- Knife
- Leatherman
- Small camera, charged beforehand
- Money
- Stuff/compression sacks of various sizes, at least 1 waterproof.
- If you have a down sleeping bag, consider a cheap bivy sack
- Rope – I suggest slightly bigger than clothesline
- Eno hammock with rainfly or similar is nice
- Gloves
- Tea and hot chocolate mix
- Instant coffee/percolator with coffee
- Eye mask
- Extra earplugs
- VERY LARGE camping towel, quick dry (w/stuff sack)
- Lighter
- Sunglasses
- A little bitty mallet is helpful
- At least 1 handkerchief/head buff/bandanna
THINGS I WISH I HAD BROUGHT TO TRAINING CAMP AND DIDN’T
- Wet wipes
- More cash
- Sunglasses case
- Organizers/bags for groups of items
- Paper Bible
- Stuff/compression sacks of various sizes
- Quick dry pants
- MORE PANTS
- Sweatpants
- Gloves
- Tea and hot chocolate mix
- Eye mask
- Extra earplugs
THINGS I BROUGHT TO TRAINING CAMP AND WISH I HADN’T
- Too many clothes
NOTABLE THINGS I AM THANKFUL I BROUGHT TO TRAINING CAMP
- Fire starter
- Rope
- Knife
- Waterproof breathable rain jacket
- Waterproof breathable hiking shoes
- Long johns
- Sweatshirt
- Ex Officio underwear
- Darn Tough hiking socks – both Coolmax and Merino Wool
THINGS I’M GLAD I DIDN’T BRING TO TRAINING CAMP
- Computer
- Makeup
From World Race Instagram – my squad is in red
