World Race Packing List
This blog is primarily for future racers. It is probably the longest blog in race history but I think such a topic deserves some attention. Travelling the world while carrying your life on your back is no easy task and can cause a great amount of anxiety. I have complied what I believe to be a fairly detailed packing list. These are only my recommendations and are by no means the only way to do things but I wouldn’t steer you wrong.
The outdoor store REI will become your best friend. If you sign up for a membership, you will receive 10 percent back on every purchase and will also get some pretty sweet coupons throughout the year. I saved a ton! The return policy also is unbelievable. I bought many things that I realized just weren’t going to work. I took them back with no questions asked. I realize that some of you may not live in close proximity but www.rei.com is open 24 hours, I’m just sayin!
Essentials
Sleeping Pad
I begin here because it is the single most important item you will bring on the race. Do yourself a favor and head on down to REI and pick up an REI Camp bed 2.5 as sleep is extremely valuable. Keep in mind this will be your bed for the entire year. Some argue that this pad is too big to carry, which is ridiculous. I’m not sure which race they went on but travel days occur far fewer times than you lay your head down to sleep. Listen, do your self a favor and buy one.
Pillow
If you think that exchanging your pillow for something that resembles a sheet of notebook paper sounds like a good idea then perhaps you should move on to the next topic. The morning I left for the race, I pulled the pillow off my bed and shoved it in a compression sack and have never regretted it for one second. Just make sure your pillowcase is any color other than white and go buy a pillow protector.
Sleeping Bag
The bag you choose has a lot to do with your “proposed” route. Keep in mind your route is not definite and many parts of the country are vastly different than others. I chose the “summer route.” I never imagined that I would find myself atop a Honduran mountain with frigid temperatures and heavy winds. Based on my experience unless you have chosen the recently release Artic Circle route then I think the brand or low temperature ratings are factors. I chose a basic 32-degree synthetic bag that I got on clearance at REI. It is perfect. I have found that most bags come with a stuff sack. It is a must! The smaller the better!
Tent
The World Race packing list states that you should bring a two-person tent. I would tend to agree this is a smart idea. I’m not a small guy not a particularly organized one so I really enjoyed the extra space. I chose the REI Half Done 2 as did many others on my squad. It has tons of ventilation and the nearly vertical walls allow you sit up straight. It has been a solid tent and if the savage ants in Thailand had not chewed the straps off my rain fly then it would still be in perfect condition. The size and weight are comparable to others in the same price range so take the easy route and save yourself the headache. Half Dome all the way! And to protect your investment, buy the matching footprint.
**Hint – When packing, place the polls on the outside of your pack and the overall size of the tent will be drastically reduced.
Sheet
Pick up a Cocoon, cotton travel sheet. It is lightweight and comes with a stuff sack for easy packing. This will be your best friend on those slightly chilly African nights when your sleeping bag would be too much.
Backpack
If you are considering a rolling duffle, think again. Sure, in theory it sounds like a good idea. But before you commit, try it out by dragging that thing through a heavily wooded forest with roots and rocks the size of your leg. Don’t try to take the glamorous route, get a pack. An internal frame pack is a must. Among others, Osprey and Deuter make good packs. Just make sure you get it fitted. Most outdoor stores will take your measurements and put some weight in it and allow you to walk around the store. Take my advice and don’t try to sound like a professional hiker. Be honest with them. When they ask, tell them you will most likely be carrying about 40 to 50 pounds. This will give you a really good idea of what the pack will feel like.
Airporter
Don’t worry, I had never heard of this before signing up for the race either. An airporter is essentially a cover for your pack that will not only help protect your bag from dirt and aggressive baggage handlers and will also deter theft. Although, it will be tempting, don’t drag your pack across the ground while it is in the airporter. These things are not indestructible and trust me a giant hole ripped in the bottom of it week one of the race isn’t cute. If you really want to be mobile at a moments notice, invest in a pack converter. Sea to Summit makes a great product. On a hectic travel day, a pack converter allows you to unzip and stow a single flap and be on your way in 2 minutes flat while the rest of your squad is struggling to remove their pack form their cheaply made Osprey airporters. Not to mention it’s water resistant. I got the 75 to 100 Liter one and it fit my 70 liter pack with plenty of extra space.
Daypack
This is as much of personal preference as anything. I personally love my daypack others think it is too big. Honestly, that is debatable. Nevertheless, I have the Outdoor Products Power Pack 2.O It has pockets everywhere! It keeps me overly organized. I also bought a rain cover and it saved my laptop and camera on more than one occasion.
In my experience, a daypack is primary for travel days. Let’s face it you are not going to unpack everything from your day pack just have somewhere to put your camera and water bottle when at ministry. The REI Flashpack has been a lifesaver. It’s a small grab and go back pack that has been with me nearly everyday of the race. It’s light and rolls up into next to nothing. I used one of my dry bags as a liner to protect my camera from a sudden down pour.
Headlamp
Your headlamp will become your best friend. Spend a little extra and get a good one. While in Honduras, my teammate looked like she had a Nissan parked in her room while I was struggling to find a pair of socks. I wished I had spent a little more for the Nissan.
Nalgene
Bring Two! You can use one as a storage device so that it doesn’t take up valuable space. I had one stolen and it costs nearly double to replace it on the field. I would also bring some sort of cleaning utensil. You know like your grandma has in the kitchen for cleaning mason jars. I’m sorry if you didn’t grow up in the south.
Electronics
Camera
I am by no means a professional but I really enjoyed having my DSLR camera. I have a Nikon D5100, which also has a video option. Although, larger than a simple point and shoot, the case will surely make the difference on space. I bought a Case Logic minimalist case from target and it worked perfectly. The one thing that I wished I had was an additional lens with a nice zoom. They are not cheap but will make a world of difference in your photo memories. My teammate stored her additional lens in a coozie. I thought it was a brilliant idea worthy of at least a pin on Pintrest.
** Month One and I broke down and purchased some photo editing software and it made all the difference in my photos. IPhoto enhancements just weren’t cutting it. I chose Adobe Lightroom 4 and I love it!
Computer
I brought my Macbook Air and wouldn’t change it for the world. Compact and light, it has been perfect. Ipads are useless when it comes to blogging or file sharing. Don’t waste your money. I haven’t had much experience with netbooks but if purchasing a Mac is out of the question, this is probably the next best option. Do yourself a favor and don’t bring your oversized laptop that weights as much as you little sister. Also, an external hard drive is a must. It doesn’t have to be expensive but should have an ample amount of storage space. You will pick up hundreds of new movies and music from your squad mates. Having a few Zip Drives on hand also come in handy.
IPhone or IPod
I think this is a no brainer! Bring both if you have them. There is nothing worse than running out of battery half way through a travel day so having a backup is invaluable. Make sure you invest in a life proof case. Well worth the money. It’s waterproof. You may find your self, taking a senior citizen water aerobics class at launch or caught in the middle of a nationwide water fight. Yep, they both happened!
Power Strip – One outlet, 7 racers. Enough Said!
Headphones – Bring several pairs, at least two with a mic.
Power Adaptor –DUH!
Head Phone Splitter – It’s always more fun with two or five
A Speaker – No need for surround sound but impromptu dance parties are more fun when you can actually hear the music.
Clothing (a male perspective)
To make your life much simpler, pack half of you think!
I launched with the following:
Keep in mind I choose the “Summer Route”
My favorite pair of jeans
One pair of nicer dress pants
One pair of Khaki shorts (The darker the better)
2 pairs of athletic shorts (one black, one blue)
Board Shorts (Black – they double as normal shorts)
5 T-shirts
1 Polo (for church or impromptu job interview J)
1 Short sleeve button down (for church)
1 Lightweight long sleeve
4 pairs of Underwear (Don’t be stupid – Bring 10)
4 pairs of black socks (I lost all of them by month 2 – Bring More)
1 rain jacket (Lightweight and packable)
1 fabric belt
My Rainbows (An absolute Must!)
1 pair of tennis shoes (Lightweight and packable)
1 pair of crocks (Crocks with Socks! Don’t hate!)
That’s all folks!
Again, keep it simple. You will be able to pick up almost anything along the way. If I had to do it all over again I would have brought smaller clothes. I lost 35 pounds in the first 3 months and ended up leaving a majority of my clothes on the free table. Shopping at thrift stores has become just another part of the adventure.
Toiletries
Don’t go overboard! You don’t need all that crap! You will most likely shower one a week (if that) and there will never be a need to be clean-shaven. Here is all you need.
Hanging Toiletry Kit (Personal preference)
Toothpaste – 1 large tube
2 toothbrushes with holders (Keep one is your dayback)
Several travel sized tubes of tooth paste for travel days
Deodarant – Bring at least 3
Small refillable bottles for shampoo and body wash
Finger and Toe nail clippers
Tweezers – For that unruly nose hair or In case a bug decides to embed itself into your foot
You can buy nearly everything as you go!
Meds
Your team will have one but put together a basic first aid kit of your own. Nothing fancy but you will inevitably be injured and your teammate will need to nurse you back to health. Im not a very sickly person but I am glad that I had …
Nyquil
Dayquil
Neosporin
Benadryl
Non-Prescription Pain Reliever
Lots of bug spray with deet – So you won’t get bitten.
Hydrocortisone Cream – You will get bit.
Sleeping Aid – On travel days, you’ll be glad you did.
Band Aids – Not cheap ones! You really need them to stay put.
I’m not a physician so I think it is best that I stay out of the Malaria medication debate.
Other Goodies
Passport – DUH!
Passport Photos – At least 6
Copies of Passport – At least 6
Bible – Small & Compact
Journal – I’m not the journaling type but the paper will come in handy
Pens – (Tons of them)
Sharpies
Hammock – Eno with Slap Straps
Duck Tape – Ditch the core and wrap it around your extra Nalgene.
Camping Towel – XL
Playing Cards
Small pair of scissors
Small Unbreakable mirror – You’ll be glad you did
Ziplock Bags – They are a lifesaver.
Dryer Sheets – to keep your clothes smelling fresh
Baby Wipes
Mess Kit – Don’t bother. Just get a metal fork, spoon and knife.
Chargeable Cordless Hair Trimmer – For that fresh to death hair cut without power. Let’s face it no one wants you cutting your hair in their living room.
Budget and Financial matters
If I am not mistaken they recommended that we budget $100 per month. Honestly, I would say take double that. Sometimes you will be under and some months you will be over. For a majority of the race I have been in or around a large city and your travel day food budget will not cover overpriced airport food. In Nicaragua I had a $200 medical bill and other minor illnesses. It all adds up. I could go on and on. Your lifestyle and spending will change dramatically but why make it harder on yourself. Don’t be afraid to fundraise for a little pocket cash. Set up a paypal account so people can support you even after you AIM financial obligation has been met.
Bring at least one additional debit card. I had three and they were all either lost or stolen by month six. There is no more helpless feeling than being far away from home without access to money. I opened two additional accounts that would allow me to freely transfer money between them. It worked out nicely.
Tips
Don’t Stress! Seriously, you are not moving to the moon. Other counties have stores and places to buy things.
Be sure to label everything and I mean EVERYTHING!! I used a silver sharpie for the black items and for things that are impossible to write on, I used duct tape. It is perfect for electronics and their cables. You can buy it in a variety of colors and patterns. I chose a rather distinguished mustache design. I cut a small square, placed the center directly onto the cable and folded it onto itself to create a flag. It may sound a little over board but I have not lost anything that was labeled.
Eagle Creek Packing Cubes – They are the best things ever! I made it work with three of them.
– One Small – I used it as a small tote to carry the things with me onto the airplane such as my IPod, passport and a pen, ect. I put it in the seat back pocket and didn’t have to worry about digging around in my daypack in the middle of the night. Make sure it is a bright color so you won’t overlook it when exiting the plane.
One Medium – I used it for odds and ends so they would be consolidated to one place.
One Large – Believe it or not . . . I put fit of my clothes, minus my rain jacket, into one packing cube!
I think that about does it!
Happy Packing!
**I must give special shout out to Dusty Dills for helping me pack. I swear I never would have made it without you!
For you viewing pleasure.
