So you're packing up your whole life in a backpack and headed out on the world race, but have no idea what to actually fill your bag with- let me help you 🙂
A little less than a year ago I was packing up my nice new backpackers pack and headed for training camp. Now I lay here in my bed, 10 countries and months under my belt, savoring this last month.
Everyone, especially every girl, is different so that will affect what you will want on the Race. I am a city girl that lived in Idaho for the past 4 years. With this being said I would say that I am a good mixture- I love a good pair of heels, but I love a weekend spent camping under the stars.
If that sounds like your personality, then keep reading because we probably would have similar packs.
I too read about 9867895433 packing list blogs and made my own list from it. So here's what I brought and I'm begging you, please learn from my mistakes!
CAMPING STUFF
Big pack- Teton Sports 60+10 L
This was a gift from a sweet friend and it did the job. With that being said I truly think you could do the Race with a normal suitcase or large duffel. There are the horror stories of actually having to climb a mountain with your pack, but 99% of the time it's in your airporter anyway and you are traveling pretty normally.
Airporter- Osprey airporter
EPIC fail!!!! DO NOT buy the osprey bag. Purchase the grey REI brand airporter. If you don't have REI or they are sold out, order online, even pay overnight shipping if you have to, it's worth it. The REI is much more durable and has better handle placement to carry it. Most Osprey bags on my squad have ripped, no REI bags have. ALSO mark your airporter whether it's ducktape, a large patch or ribbon, but something on it to be able to identify it.
Daypack- Camelback fourteener
I got this gem at an REI garage sell and I love it. The best part is that it's water proof. Usually it carried my electronics, so if we got caught in a sudden rainstorm {which did happen a lot} those were safe. I left the bladder at home and used the back pocket as a secret pocket or for flat things like books.
Packing cubes- Eagle Creek one zip large cubes (3)
Definitely better than stuff sacks! The work like drawers ( get one sided ones). Also vary the colors so you don't always grab them all looking for one thing. 1 for tops, 1 for bottoms. 1 for undergarments.
Tent- REI passage 2
This guy worked like a champ. I tented a few months and loved it. I think 2 person is necessary because your pack is the size of a person as well. Also having 2 doors gives you nice ventilation when your tent is the only shade around.
Sleep bag-Marmot women's sorcerer
I love my sleeping bag. It's a medium sized bag. Some people brought teeny tiny backpacking bags, but they freeze at night. Others brought normal sizes sleep bags that are heavy and impossible to pack. Mine seems to be a good compromise, and I will definitely continue to use it after the Race.
Sleeping Pad- REI 2.5
This is one of the things that makes me dumb-founded. Mine was huge to pack, but comfy until it got a hole. It wasnt terrible though as it was insulated so I still had some padding. Others had pads that packed down small with no insulation so when theirs got a hole, they were right on the ground. My best advise is to go middle of the road, no matter how thick your pad, it's not going to feel like a bed, so get something semi comfy that packs down well.
Mosquito net- outback insect shield
Mine was another REI garage sale steal ($3) but every country where a bug net was needed, they were provided by our host. They are also all around local shops and markets in Asia and Africa. They aren't the most pack friendly, but they work.
Headlamp- Black Diamond teal and purple light
Somedays I thought it was silly and that a flash light would do, but having a light in your head and being able to move hands free has it perks!
Pillow/ pillowcase- REI travel pillow
Although I use two pillows at home, the REI travel pillow served me well. Also my mom and some others wrote on my pillowcase, so it was a fun treat to read.
CLOTHES
This is the department I went all wrong in. You are not 'camping' for a year. Change your mindset to you are 'traveling' for a year. You will take lots of pictures. You will have once in a lifetime opportunities. You will get dressed up and go out on Saturdays or for birthdays. So please I am begging you, don't pack your bag full of athletic clothing and tshirts you are planning on painting churches in. If you're like me, you think, oh I like Nike shirts and champion jackets. But when that's all you have to wear, it gets real old real fast.
And if that weren't enough to convince you, shopping around the world is so cheap and fun! Instead of spending $50 on some REI quick dry anti wrinkle button up, you could buy 10 forever 21 style tops from the Thailand night walking market.
Also my squad had the opportunity of getting to see friends or family on our layover at the LAX airport beginning month 4. Then month 8 parents were able to come visit us. Both times I got new stuff and sent home old stuff.
I am also a girl with a huge closet, so I have more clothes than most girls on my squad, but makes me feel normal.
So I will save you the trouble of what I originally brought on the Race (because it was like I packed for half soccer camp and half construction mission trip with a dress or two) and tell you what I wish I would have brought.
Bottoms
DO
2 pairs Nike shorts (1 for workout, 1 for manual labor ministry)
2 pairs tights (1 for under cute dresses or long shirts, 1 for workout of manual labor in countries where you can't show knees.
1 pair jean shorts ( a pair you like but not your favorite, I have worn mine so much and so have my teammates)
1 pair shorts ( any shorts you would normally wear)
1 pair jeans ( not your favorite, but ones you like. I brought skinny so they can roll up or be long)
1 long skirt ( maxi skirts are in right now, so get a simple one that way you can mix and match with tops)
2 knee length skirts ( one yoga material/comfy and one cute sundress style one)
DON'T
REI zip off pants- they rip the hair on your legs and scratch them.
Quick dry anything- just don't.
Sweatpants- unless you have a favorite pair, leave them at home. Just wear tights and shorts and save the space. You will pick up a pair of thai pants (available all over Asia) that are loose comfy, lightweight and a souvenir.
Tops
DO
3 basic solid colored vnecks ( I have three that go well with my scarves and match my skirts)
2 basic tanks (good to go under vnecks on colder days or just to wear with a cardigan. When you have such limited options anything to mix your wardrobe up will feel good.
2 cute tops ( maybe something more patterned to wear with jeans on an off day)
1 cute tank ( same as above)
1 work out shirt (Nike shirt style)
1 manual labor shirt (classic painting a church shirt. Something you won't mind getting ruined, but won't be embarrassed by pictures)
1 basic long sleeve
1 jacket (anything you would normally wear to warm you up ie. north face fleece, AE pullover etc)
1 rain jacket ( make sure you get a large enough size to layer your jacket underneath. Should be waterproof, not just resistant)
DON'T
Your favorite top ( it could get ruined)
Bring too much athletic clothing! (That was my biggest mistake!!!)
UNDERNEATH
DO
Bring underwear like you would back home. ( I love underwear, I brought 30 pairs on the race and am very pleased with that decision. I brought underwear I normally wear (Victoria's secret) I never got in a crunch to where I HAD to wash underwear that day. And they're so small why not? My underwear didn't take near the beating as many others did.
2 normal bras
2/3 sports bras
1 sleep bra
DON'T
Only bring sports bras or quick dry underwear
Wear what you wear back home!
ACCESSORIES
2 words: Bring them!!
I brought:
1 functional belt
2 cute belts to wear with oversized shirts
1 hat (I love hats, but if you don't wear it in America, you won't in the race either)
Cheap sunglasses (I left my designer sunglasses at home and am do glad I did. Bring a cheap pair and if they get lost, you can buy new knock offs at the market.
1/2 headbands or flowers, something to jazz up the greasy hair
2/3 scarfs- 1 cute lightweight and 1 warm/functional, also a popular souvenir on the Race.
Earrings- I brought several pairs because they are my favorite, but ended up just wearing my nicer sterling silver studs and buying earrings along the Race.
SHOES
You need 3/4 pairs and that will be perfect
1) cute crocs – Adriana style. I literally wore these EVERY single day. They are the best thing I decided to bring! So lightweight, comfortable, and semi cute. They also double as shower shoes
2) tennis shoes – don't get anything special, just what you normally wear at home.
3) chaos/keens/tevas- everyone has there favorite so just choose one! Each has there own perks, just whichever is the most comfortable.
4) toms/flats/sperrys etc- something that is closed toe, but not athletic
TOILETRIES
DO
Bring ONE everything you normally use. (toothbrush, toothpaste, brush, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face wash, floss, contact solution)
Bobby pins/hair ties
Enough tampons for the whole year ( unless you are okay with ob or pads)
Small body splash or perfume.
Tea tree oil ( shampoo, conditioner, or straight oil, prevent the lice headache)
Nail clippers/ 1 bottle nail polish
Tweezers
Mascara (only 1/2 tubes)
Eye shadow (1 compact with multiple colors)
Small hair spray ( I use it all the time back home, so I liked it on dress up days)
Toothbrush cover – just do it.
Contact holder (2)
Eye glasses/ contacts
DON'T
Bring enough ______ for the year. You can find everything else around the world. Shampoo, face wash, toothpaste, contact solution, loofahs etc. Unless you need a very specific brand, just bring one and then buy as needed!
Don't get the diva cup unless you normally use it. And don't bring anything you don't normally use.
MEDS
Pretty much the same as I said above. There are cheap pharmacys on pretty much every corner around the world, so bring a few things, but don't get a years supply.
DO
Midol (I use it monthly, so I just brought one package that lasted me the whole trip.)
Aleve/Advil- I am not a huge med person back home, but a bad car ride or unexpected manual labor and you will be desperate for some relief
Prescription meds ( I would bring the travelers diarea meds, but I wouldn't take doxi. It's really your perogative, but I has two teammates get it. One had taken doxi and therefore got a false negative when tested. The other never took it and immediately tested positive. In addition the one who had taken doxi had her symptoms masked, so we waited longer than we should have for hospitalization, while the one who didn't take it we took straight to the hospital because she was visibly very sick. It's your choice, my team just decided better no doxi and straight to hospital than to take it.)
Tums (upset stomach is a very common life problem on the race)
Pepto tablets ( same reason as above)
Allergy meds ( if you are anything like me, changing climates/countries/locations monthly triggered my allergies often. I brought a mix of drowsy and non drowsy allergy meds and am very pleased with my decision.)
Bandaids 1 package only!
Neosporin
Cortisone
DON'T
Meds you don't normally use in the states.
Vitamins (if you don't normally take them, you're not going to start)
ELECTRONICS
DO
Smart phone/iPod touch- whenever you get around wifi, it works like a real phone. I used iMessage and FaceTime so much! It is probably one of my most used and valued items!
Laptop- I have a Mac and love everything mine does. However after a few robbery scares I opted to send it home month 8 and just use my iPod the rest of the race. This worked for me, but I don't think I could have done the whole race on only an iPod. Additionally I enjoyed my mac over a netbook or tablet. I was just so much more efficient using it and laptops often kick other smaller devices off wifi.
Basic iPod- you will utilize your iPod touch so much, it will most likely be dead when you want to listen to music. I know it sounds excessive, but when an iPod is your only means to get some alone time and it's dead, your world kind of comes crashing down. So have one for music and one as an Internet device
Reader- I brought my nook and enjoyed having it. However I am super cheap and would never buy books for it and never had great wifi to borrow and lend books. If you're a big reader and usually use an e-reader do it. If not just buy books around the world or download the nook/ kindle apps and read others books that way.
Headphones- I started the race with several pairs of cheap ones. I used the extras myself and passed them out to others becase so many headphones go missing or break. I now have one pair of earbuds to wear to sleep or working out and then I have a second pair of large noise canceling skull candy headphones for everyday use or when I need to get some alone time and don't want to hear people watching tv, making dinner, or anything else.
DON'T
Converter- you can buy them in any local grocery or convenient store for maybe $1, so just wait and get them as needed
Too many items ( basically when it comes to electronics choose two: laptop, tablet, smart phone, iPad.) When your team of 6-8 shows up to wifi, you're only going to be able to connect a few devices anyway.
RANDOM
DO
Rei quickdry towel (xxl) – I might even bring two (one to use the second half of the race)
Mesh dirty clothes bag- your cottages could be in their quite a while. Try and let some stink escape.
Bug repellent- REI brand time release lotion is awesome. However only one tube is necessary
Sunscreen- while you can find it all over the world, it will cost you an arm and a leg. I brought one small tube and was glad to have it.
Purse- I wear fossil brand side purses all the time in the states. I brought one on the race and love it! It perfectly fits my bible and journal. Many other girls bought purses around the world, but they would break or get extremely dirty, so I am still pleased with this choice.
Febreze- when you don't do laundry often or have a smelly sleeping bag or mildewy tent, it's handy.
Lice shampoo- just do it. When lice strikes your squad you'll be happy to not be mayo head.
Exercise equipment- the food you put in your body is going to take a toll on you. Rice and beans just don't cover the whole food pyramid. Whether is a jump rope, exercise band, or p90x videos, bring something to get motivated.
Snacks- after a few months in the same region you begin to get sick of their food. I carried around a 'food bag' packed full of snacks from America that I got a few months into the race. Trail mixes, clif bars, whey protein for shakes, nuts. I tried to help subsidize my diet as best as possible. I am no health freak, but seeing that the only options to put into my body were cookies, snickers, or rice and beans, I learned to seek alternatives quickly. Also propel packets give you a variety of drink while still keeping you drinking the water and hydrated.
Oversized tote- whether you need to bring groceries, need an extra carry on, or travel day food bag, an oversized tote has been clutch so many times.
Eye mask/ ear plugs- if you are a light sleeper, start getting ready now, because sleeping with 7 other people is just generally loud.
Schwab card- you will use cash 95% of the time on the race, it's inevitable. So check with your bank ahead of time about fees or just get on the Schwab train! They gave no ATM or service fees from their side and will even refund you any fees the ATM charges. Therefore it is truly FREE checking. I have worked in the banking industry and this is truly the best route!
Ziplocks- the best packing tool ever!
Goody bag- Stuff a small ziplock not to by opened until end of month 6. Include new underwear (3 pairs), quick dry towel, 1 bra your choice. It's like Christmas!!
Cash stash- I did bring 100$ cash on the race that I hid separate from all my other valuables, that way just in case something did happen, I was prepared.
DON'T
Laundry detergent- your team will buy laundry soap
Tide to go- it ended up leaking and caused more headache than help
Spray wrinkle release- I know it sounds crazy, but you will be thrilled to have clothes that smell clean, so wrinkles will be the least of your worries.
Umbrella- I brought one, waste of space!
Nalgene- unless you do in the USA, dont do it. They get moldy, smelly and GROSS. Just get a water bottle and refill it a few times then toss it.
THE ESSENTIALS
Bible- my NIV women's bible served me well 🙂
Journal- I was not a journalizer prerace, but now, not a day goes by that I don't journal. You are going to want to document this crazy experience.
Devotional- Get something new to try on the race or if you have a normal routine, stick with it!
Notes- Ask friends and family to write you notes to periodically open throughout the year. There is nothing like familiar handwriting or a friend who knows you so well. No matter how much of a free spirit you are, there will be days that you just get plain home sick, for family and friends, for normalcy, for American culture, for good food. So opening a note can lift your spirits right up.
My biggest word of advice would be to pack lighter than you think you need to. Things are readily available around the world and are usually cuter and cheaper than the things you can get in America. Have more money in your account to spend on the race than spending that same money before the race in preparation.
I am sure I have forgotten some staple items from this list, but thats exactly how the race goes. You forget or lose something then simply spend maybe five dollars to replace it.
Above all, DONT WORRY! You are about to experience the year of your life! Jesus has called you to ut, so He's going to bring you through it! I hope this list gives you a little something to go off of, but the more room for error, the more room for Jesus to show up!
You can do it!!
Please email me with any questions you have! I would love to help you out! 🙂
Love to all,
Britt
