Packing. Its something I have never been good at. I am a notorious over packer. I like to have options! That being said, packing for the World Race was one of the most stressful ordeals ever. I think I read over a hundred different packing blogs, which stressed me out even more! Just the idea of packing one bag for a year was so completely overwhelming. One night when I was extremely frustrated and was feeling defeated, I told my Dad I think I need a bigger pack. His response was “Pack less crap!” Wiser words have never been spoken. Let this be your packing mantra.
After being on the World Race for 5 months now, here is my personal list of things I am glad I brought, and things I wish I would have left at home. Keep in mind that I was in Zambia and Malawi for the first two months, then Estonia for two months, and Lithuania.
What Im glad I brought
A REAL pillow (with extra pillow cases)– I brought the same pillow I use back home, and Im SO glad I brought it. It makes sleeping in a tent in Africa more comfortable and homey.
Columbia Anytime Outdoor Boot Cut Pant- Hands down my favorite and most worn pants on the race. They are super light weight, comfy, and can be “dressed up” Click Here!
Alite Camping Chair- Its a light weight, compact chair you can bust out anywhere. I cannot tell you how much it was used by my whole squad in Africa. Click Here!
Chacos- My most worn shoe on the race. I read a lot of blogs where people said don’t bring them, but I wore Chacos all time time before the race and I am SO glad I brought them.
Smart Wool socks- It was cold in Estonia!
(Sometimes you can combine the two!)
Croc Flip Flops- I know.. Crocs may sound nerdy, But these flip flops are actually pretty cute, really light weight, and durable. They also make great shower shoes. Click Here!
A small purse- I brought my Kavu bag. Its the perfect size and you cant go wrong with Kavu. Click Here!
Baby Wipes- These are gold in Africa.
A pair of jeans- Worn ALL the time in Europe!
Shorts- I brought 2 pairs of Nike Running shorts and 2 pairs of Patagonia shorts and have worn ALL of them.
Bathing suit- I was uncertain about this one and bought mine at Launch, but Im so glad I did!
A light weight Scarf- I brought one my boyfriend gave me and I have worn it ALL the time.
Crystal Light packets- It makes drinking warm water in Africa so much tastier!
Clean and Clear Face Wipes- Sometimes you wont have water to wash your face.
Multiple Tooth Brushes- You may drop a few on the floor in Africa, and the 10 second rule does not apply.
A pack of Men’s Hanes T-Shirts- Thats basically all I wore in Africa and then threw them away when we left. I do not recommend white.
P90X or any kind of work out videos- If you are an active person back home, you will want to work out on the Race. My team and I have loved doing work out videos together. Sweat Hounds!
A Good Camera- You are going to want to take lots of pictures!
Travel Adaptor/Converter- so you can plug all your stuff in all the weird outlets you will encounter. Click Here!
Splurge on a sleeping pad- This maybe your bed for quite a few months. You are going to want something that doesn’t deflate every night and is actually comfortable. I got one by the brand Exped and its been awesome! Click Here!
A down sleeping bag- They are so much more light weight and pack down much smaller than synthetic. I got the Mountain Hardwear Phantom 32. and I have loved it! Click Here!
D.Light Solar Powered Light- Forget headlamps that require batteries. Get this solar powered lamp. It has been awesome. Click Here!
Hydroflask- Dont bring a Nalgene. Get a Hydroflask. the best water bottle ever. It keeps water cold for over 24 hours! Click Here!
iPhone and iPod touch- My two most used items of technology. You can take pictures, use internet, and they both fit into your pocket.
Multiple Credit/Debit Cards- If you lose a card or something happens to one, you dont want to be stuck without a way to get money. I brought my Charles Schawb card (which I used the most), my debit card from my home bank (which I plan to use if my Schawb card gets lost) and a credit card for emergencies. Get a Charles Schawb account before you go. You can link it to your normal bank account and transfer money and avoid high ATM Fees.
Phase 10, Dutch Blitz- Basically any kind of card game. There maybe a chance your in a remote African village with not much to do, and you will play a lot of Phase 10!
Dont Bring
I cant say I have too many packing regrets.
Dont bring a hair dryer, just dont.
If possible, try to find an airporter with two straps. Most of the Osprey ones only have one strap, which makes carrying your pack extremely difficult.
A ton of clothes- I made the mistake of bringing way too much clothes. Dont do it! You can find clothes all over the World. Bring half of what you think you should bring.
It pains me to say this but my ENO Hammock- I have yet to use it, but Im hanging on to it with hopes that I will use it in Asia!
I hope this helped ease your packing concerns. My advice is, don’t let packing stress you out. You can find pretty much everything you need over seas. If you don’t have something, then someone else probably will, and will more than likely be happy to share with you. A perk of living in community.Packing can be stressful, but let this be a year of living simply, and pack less crap!
If you have any questions please feel free to ask.
And remember, Packing can be fun!
Peace, Caroline
