One would think that living out of a backpack for a year would be pretty affordable. And perhaps it would be if I were already accustomed to that type of living and had already acquired the necessities and gear for that type of lifestyle. But as I put together my packing list for the Race, I am finding that much of my clothes, gear, and supplies are not exacty "packable/stuffable/compressible." Don't freak out Hanna, God will provide.
I'd be willing to go cheapo on these items if I would be using them for a weekend camping trip or even a month long backpacking adventure, but this is an entire year's worth of wear and tear! And I have a hunch that if my backpack were to break on month 3, the chances of finding a reliable pack in Uganda aren't that great!
So at this point, my analytical (and frugal) brain has started to play it's game of "best item for the money" which entails hours of research on backpacks, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, tents, and daypacks. Every month I'll be toting my "life" aboard airplanes, buses, trucks, and who knows what other means of transportation to the next country on the route. Weight, size, quality, and price are all factors that need to be considered and my head is stuffed with measurements right now.
So here are the "big money" items I'm trying to decide on. Please comment if you've got the answer to a durable, affordable, packable (light and compact), version of these items. And as always, if you'd like to donate one of these items, you'd be loved forever and ever, amen 🙂
Pack
(60-75 L, women's fit, adjustable torso)
(pictured: Deuter ACT Lite $199)
Tent
(2 person, under 5 pounds, stand-alone)
(Pictured: TNF Tadpole $219)
Sleeping Bag Pad
(A good one! This will be my mattress for a year!)
(Pictured: Therm-a-rest NeoAir XLite $160)
Daypack
(18-25 L, light, waterproof, extra compartments, hydration compatible would be nice)
(Pictured: REI Flash 22 $50)
Sleeping Bag
(synthetic, 15 degree, very compact and light in stuffsack)
(Pictured: TNF Women's Cat's Meow $189)
