Who wants to know what’s in my pack? How am I going to put 11 months worth of stuff into 2 packs? Well keep reading and find out!
Because of the amount of times I’ve been asked what I am taking and how it’s going to all fit, I have decided to write a blog. It makes answering this question easier as I can give picture examples of what it’s going to look like to live out of 2 packs for 11 months. So here goes my *stereotypical* world race packing blog.
*For ALL future racers reading this, please know I SCOURGED the internet to find the perfect packing list on what to take, as I’m sure you’re doing right now. Below I’ll mark a * if it is absolutely essential. Otherwise it’s just my preference and me putting my unique taste and style into what I am bringing. Remember that you need to be you and no packing list is going to reflect your style completely :)*
My Internal Frame Backpack:
*60L Backpack: The recommended backpack for World Racers is between 55 and 75 L. I went with a 60L pack and I don’t regret it. It’s big enough to fit everything I need, but not so big I keep filling it with unnecessary items. (This is a female specific fit)
With this pack I am carrying all of this:
I am also taking 2 daypacks:
Northface Backpack: This is a 28L backpack and is really durable.
Daypack: I got this off amazon because I liked that it folded into itself. This I have stuffed inside of my Northface and will pull it out on travel days to stick extra stuff in from my internal frame (to make sure I am under that 50lb weight requirement).
The Northface will hold all of this:
Sleeping gear:
*2 person tent: Getting a 2 person tent allows room for your gear to be inside the tent as well as you to sleep comfortably. I know a few of my squad-mates who are smaller and went with a 1 person tent though so it just depends on you.
*Footprint: I know everything is getting expensive already, but don’t forego a footprint. It will really save your tent from getting torn up.
Fabric Tape: This is great for your tent (if it does get a hole in it) and your sleeping bag. You can patch it up and not have to worry about the wind making the hole bigger.
Mosquito Net: It really doesn’t matter what brand you are getting, but this it a great accessory to have for those months you spend in malaria-prone countries
40° Sleeping Bag: I got a 40° sleeping bag because I like to be somewhat cold when I sleep and with it being Summer months in every country I’m going to, this gives me some warmth, but not too much.
Sleeping bag liner: This offers yo the ability to combine it with your sleeping bag if it’s colder, or you can just use the sleeping bag liner if it’s really hot.
*Sleeping Pad: Your sleeping pad is one that you cannot go cheap on. It is your bed for almost a year and your back will thank you later for the money you put into it. I got the thermarest sleeping pad which is a great pad. I am thankful I got it at such a great price
Tent Light: This isn’t necessary, but I like the option of having some light at night to read, write my blogs, or just in getting ready for bed and being able to see.
Eno Hammock: I have a double nester and I love my hammock. I’ve heard that it varies on whether or not your able to use them often or not, but a previous squad set them up in the airport during layovers which I thought was pretty nifty.
Sea to Summit Aero Pillow: This pillow is amazing! It’s soft and comfortable, but packs down smaller than the palm of your hand. It is pricey, so if you’re wanting to save money you can also take a regular pillow and cut it in half (sewing it up of course) and use that.
Face mask and ear plugs: You’ll want them, trust me.
Other Essential Gear items:
*Headlamp: You can get a flashlight, but the headlamp is super cool and everyone has them. It’s the same price as a flashlight too. It also allows you to have both hands for holding your gear or whatever else you’re carrying
Rope/Twine: This can be used for a lot of things (if you know how to tie the right knots), but specifically a clothes line. Since we will be washing clothes by hand, we will also need to let them air dry and this helps to keep them clean while they dry.
*Solar powered phone charger: There will be times when you don’t have access to an outlet or all the outlets are full with other peoples chargers. This was about $12 on amazon. It’s not strong enough to charge your laptop or iPad, but it will charge your phone and iPod.
*Airporter: The name sounds weird right? An airporter is essentially a big duffle bag that your internal frame pack will fit in. It’s to protect it during travel days where it can take a pretty heavy beating without it.
*Rain Cover: Get a rain cover for your internal frame pack. Most of them come with one, so check before you buy one. Mine didn’t and so this is the one I got for it. Most internal frame backpack’s fabric are water resistant, but no one wants to sleep in a soggy sleeping bag or have to put on soggy/wet clothing.
*LifeStraw Water Bottle: This isn’t terribly expensive and it will work for the entirety of your trip without having to replace the filter. The water is filled with bacteria there and this allows a discreet way of drinking water in their presence without offending the people who live there.
*Sawyer: Some days are going to be filled with a lot of hiking and this will allow you to attach this to your 2/3L water pouch. It’s also another discreet way of drinking the water in other countries without offending people.
Water Tablets: I also bought 4 bottles of water tablets. This is just to ensure I have what I need to cleanse the water I am drinking.
*Converters: From what I’ve researched the only thing you’ll need a converter for is if you’re using a hair dryer, straightener or any type of heating products. I’m bringing a straightener so I’m also bringing a converter
*Adapter: Yes you will need adaptors. I bought one for my macbook off of Apple. I don’t recommend trying to get one for it off amazon because it may not work right.
*Compression Sacks: I got 2 small and 2 extra small compression sacks from Sea to Summit. In the small sacks I put my sleeping bag and my tent. In the extra small compression sacks are my sleeping pad and the airporter. These really do help compress things. My sleeping bag would take up SO much more room without it.
Outdoor Shower: I bought this because it’s small and compact, but will allow me to have warm showers.
Carribeaner Clips: I bought a pack of 7 off Amazon. They really help with allowing you to put some of your gear on the outside of your pack
Electronics:
Laptop: I’m bringing my macbook pro. Before I leave I’ll move a lot of my files, old photos and things to a usb drive to make room on it.
External Hard-drive: This is where I saved money. I know a lot of my squad mates are bringing 1 or 2 but I chose not to. Instead I created an email account specifically for photos I take. I can then email them to the account and it saves room on my phone and laptop that way.
Phone: I’m going to bring my phone to use for pictures. I will not have service while abroad. I will have the ability to use it to FaceTime my family when I have wifi though
Speaker: If you have movies on your laptop (iTunes account etc) then you’re going to be your squad-mates and teammates best friend on travel days. If you have a speaker, they’re going to be even happier. It allows more people to watch and listen to the movie as well.
2 way earphone splitter: I’ve heard of people getting 5 way splitters, but I already have a 2 way so I’m bringing it. This can be used for those moments when you need to be more quiet, but still want to watch a movie and share it with a squad mate.
Earphones: You might bring an extra pair or two. They going to take a beating with traveling and such, so having an extra just in case is always worth it.
Charger cords: Don’t forget them, that would be really sad
Aux cord: To connect your phone/computer to your speaker. Without wifi this is going to be needed
*Sea to Summit Dry Sack: This is an 8L dry sack that I got to protect my laptop in case of rainy weather. You can get them smaller or larger depending on what you need
Clothing:
*Packing cubes: These are going to be your BEST FRIEND when it comes to packing and finding clothes. You can find great deals for them on amazon and also at Marshalls I believe.
Shirts: I am bringing 4 t-shirts, 3 tank tops, 2 long sleeve shirts, 1 button down, 2 dressier shirts
Sweater/Cardigan: This allows you to dress a lot of your outfits up just a bit more
Dresses: I brought one dress with me, just make sure it meets the requirements
Skirts: I brought 4 maxi skirts with me. If you don’t like maxi skirts then you might not want to bring that many, but I love them and wear them all the time here. But do bring at least 1 long floor length skirt with you
Pants: I brought one pair of jeans, 1 pair of sweat pants for travel days and 1 pair of khaki convertible pants. The khaki pants can also convert into capris or shorts
Shorts: I didn’t bring any other than my khaki convertible pants/shorts
Bathing suit: 1 piece swim suit. You can find these on amazon for a really good price if you know your size. If you want to go that route, I’d go to Dick’s Sporting Goods and try on some one piece suits there so you have an idea
Shoes: I’m brining only 3 pairs of shoes. I’m bringing my chacos (they rock!), trail running shoes for those hikes, and also a pair of toms. I’ve heard different things about bringing toms, but I’m using them to dress up my outfits for Church.
Scarves: I’m bringing one scarf because it can also serve as a head covering when needed.
Hats: If you wear them in the States, then bring one. If not, then more than likely you won’t wear it while your gone.
Rain Jacket: Don’t forget your rain jacket. I got one from Walkabout Outfitters. It’s really durable
Toiletries:
*Shampoo and Conditioner: I know that often times teams will go in and buy a huge bottle of shampoo and conditioner when needed and then divy it out into travel tubes (if you bring them). But I went with shampoo and conditioner bars from Lushusa.com I bought 3 of each which should last me the entire year.
Mirror: Oftentimes you don’t have access to a mirror, so this is handy
Makeup: I brought some makeup with me, but I don’t wear all that much here. What was recommended to me is that if you don’t wear it that often here, then don’t waste space with it in your pack.
Hair ties and bobby pins: There REALLY hard to find overseas
Brush/comb: Whichever you prefer
*Baby wipes: I know it sounds weird, but they serve a lot of purposes
Hand sanitizer: Bath and Body Works has some great smelling ones 🙂
Hairdryer/Straightener: If you think you’ll use it, then bring it. For me I’m bringing my straightener
*Sunscreen: This is REALLY hard to find overseas and if it is found it’s also very expensive. So save yourself the hassle and bring a couple of bottles with you now
*Bug Repellant lotion: The bug spray with deet can often leak and the smell will not leave your clothes. The lotion works REALLY well and you don’t have to worry about it leaking
Deodorant: You can find deodorant while over seas, but probably not the type your used to. I bought a Thai deodorant stick that has an average lasting time of 1 year. It’s really cool and works well!
Razors: If you need them, bring them
*Toothbrush: You can find these overseas, but I brought 2 just in case I can’t find one when I want to switch
*Toothpaste: You’ll need it
Crest Whitening Strips: I’ve heard your teeth can yellow because of the different countries foods. If you bring these you can use them around month 5 or 6.
*Towel: Get an XL quick drying towel and maybe get two. Save one to open around month 5 or 6.
Other Things:
Letters: I’m bringing letters from people (If you want to write me a letter (or 2 or 3) make sure to get it to me before I leave)
Medicine: I bought a 7 day pill container set. With them I’m bringing: Aleve, Advil, Benadryl, Melatonin, DayQuil/Nyquil, Cipro and my malaria preventives.
*Important Documents: DON’T forget your passport or yellow fever card or drivers license. You’ll need them. Also photocopy all of them (and your birth certificate) and keep a set in each of your packs as well as emailing a copy to your email account.
Passport book holder: This allows you to have all your important documents in one booklet.
Cards: Bring a deck of cards or two. It allows you to play card games on travel days
*Mess Kit: You really only need a spork/knife combo and a plate (especially if you’re bringing the Lifestraw water bottle)
Batteries: Make sure you bring some extra batteries for what you need. Both my headlamp and my tent light need AAA batteries so I bought some extras to take with me.
Sunglasses: Make sure they have UV protection in them and are a sturdy pair (don’t forget the sunglass case and strap)
Eyeglasses: If you use eyeglasses don’t forget to bring them and the case for them
Notebook/Journal: You’ll want to have a way of remembering what you learn along the way
Pens: These disappear fast so it’s good to bring a lot
And that’s my packing list! I’m sure I probably left something out, but that is the majority. Here’s a few photos of my gear all together
Hey! So! I wrote this blog before I launched on the Race. I was just like you, I poured through packing blogs for the race. If you want a great packing list suggestion check this one out. It’s done from the field and it’s catered to what you want and like.
Thank you all for the continued support and encouragement.
Till Next Time,
Kara Faber
– Don’t forget that tonight is the Benefit Concert at Calvary Memorial Church across from Towers Mall in Roanoke. Doors open at 6:30 and the concert starts at 7.
– Tomorrow I head out to training camp in Gainesville, GA for 10 days
