What I need:
The trip itself costs $13,500

This includes:

  • Airfare and travel after the trip begins,
  • food and housing while on the ground,
  • various other supplies for the team.

What the fees don't include:
  • Personal Supplies
  • Travel to and from training camp
  • Travel to and from launch/end of race
  • Shots/ vaccinations (malaria, yellowfever)
  • International Medical Insurance
 
So what Personal supplies do I need?
 
Big four needs
  • Internal Frame back pack– around 5,000 cu inches- As light as possible (This with my carry on is my pack for a year).  I would also like to have an aeroporter to protect it during travel.
  • Lightweight packable sleeping bag– at least 35 degree
  • Sleeping Pad– needs to be lightweight and packable, but confortable and reliable as this will be my bed for a year. 
  • Laptop– doesn't have to be anything fancy.. but I was told to get one… Something I can use to blog, skype, and store photos on. 

Big three wants:

  • Nice digital camera (rechargable battery preferable and not too bulky) w/ large memory card and extra battery- for blogging/ photos…because I have to take photos of everything!
  • External Hard Drive– because computers aren't always reliable- (I used my old one instead of a computer for a long time). 
  • ipod for down time and travel

Other needs:

  • Sleeping bag liner- preferebly a cacoon- to keep my bag clean and use in hotter climates.
  • towels (2-quick dry)
  • first-aid kit
  • waterproof watch
  • travel pillow – preferebly something good quality
  • durable rain jacket
  • lightweight, comfy, durable, tennis shoe. I have hiking shoes I could use, but they are heavy.
  • dry bag for laundry
  • simple lightweight mess kit of some sort
  • hygiene items
I would like to purchase these on my own if possible, but it will not be easy.  If you would like to donate for supplies or other expenses,  you can do so through my PayPal account (clicking "support me" only goes towards the $13,500).  My email address is [email protected].  Thank you and I will update this list as I go. I will also be posting a wishlist from REI soon 🙂