So, when I was looking towards launch about a year or so ago, I found many different packing lists. All were written by girls. Nothing wrong with that. But not everyone on the Race is a girl. And I thought “dang, girls be needing a lot of stuff…”. So men, here you go. This is what you need for the Race.
First, keep in mind the time of the year you will be visiting the countries on your route. If you are going to eastern Europe in winter at the end of your race, aka January routes, it will be cold. But you won’t want to carry around cold stuff all year. It takes up space and weight. But, if you are in southern Africa in June, July, and August, it is winter there. It doesn’t get cold during the day, but it can get chilly at night. Use logic when packing for your route, and know that you can often get what you need in country, for usually reasonable prices.
Essentials: the things that you, as a man, definitely need.
1) Your pack. 65 to 80 liters. The bigger of a guy you are, the bigger pack you should probably buy. Not because you’re stronger, but because your clothes are bigger and take up more space. Trust me, I (was) that guy.
2) Your tent. A rain fly with a vestibule is a must. It may never rain while you are in your tent, but it will get dewy. I prefer a tent in which I can keep all of my things in it with me, with nothing out side and still have space to move, therefore I got a Kelty trail ridge 3person. Make sure that it is free standing, and that you can stretch out and sit up in it. When you use your tent, it’s your personal space. Make sure you like it.
3) sleeping pad. This may be the single most important thing you can pack. I have used my sleeping pad seven out of the ten months thus far. You MUST get one that you find to be comfortable. Personally, I have an exped synmat. It is amazing. If you get the yellow one, it packs very small and is light, but you do have to blow it up. If you get the red, it is bigger and heavier, but has a built in pump. Go to REI or somewhere and actually inflate and lay on pads.
4) Pants and shorts. Here things get tricky. You can survive on one pair of pants. But two is nice. Right now, I’m in Asia. I have one pair, which I only wear to church. But in earlier months, I had two, one for working, and one for church. If you are going to be in som cold weather, sweatpants are good to have. Shorts: two pairs of Khaki cargo or jean shorts, swimsuit, and two athletic shorts.
5) Shirts: 6-7. In hot countries, you will want a tank top or two. DON’T BRING WHITE SHIRTS!! By the end of month three you will think they are brown. Flannel is nice for mild to cold weather, and can be a dress shirt. The fanciness of your dress shirt is up to you. Everywhere I have been, a polo shirt has been fine, but that may not be the case else where.
6) Jacket. You don’t need a heavy jacket. I have a hoody, a Columbia water resistant wind breaker, and a rain jacket that folds up small. I’ve done great. If you need anything more then that, you can buy it in country. But in pairing my flannel and hoody with my wind breaker, I’ve been plenty warm when needed.
7) Underwear: there is no limit to the amount of under wear you should bring. Know though that the fewer pairs you bring, the more often you will need to do laundry. I think a good amount is 9. It gives you just over a week to do laundry.
8) shoes: Tennis shoes, sandals (chacos, Tevas, etc.) shower sandals. I rarely wear shoes anymore. I usually go with my chacos. But you will want shoes for manual labor and playing soccer. If you don’t wear shoes often, don’t bring a lot of socks. If you are going to Albania in April or May, bring shoes. Light weight and comfortable is best.
9) toiletries: towel (quick dry, s’rong, something that dries fast and folds small.) toothbrush, tooth paste. Know that you can buy Razors, deodorant and Shampoo. Men around the world shower and shave. Heck, you don’t even need razors, because you’ll be growing out your epic beard. It is good to start the race with these items, but don’t bring a years supply. One… Maybe two months worth. Old Spice is, of course, the most masculine deodorant you can bring. But you can’t find it outside of the Americas, so stock up. But there are many other options overseas as well.
10) sleeping bag and liner. Read reviews, do your homework, and get something you like. I have a forty degree bag, a fleece liner, and a light weight sheet. I sent my bag home once I got to Asia, and now just use my liner or sheet. There have been a few nights when I have been a little cold. Like one or two. Maybe.
11) bible: bring one you like. Seriously. Big or small, doesn’t matter as long as you like it. I brought my study bible, because I like having the resources that come along with it. “But we i will be able to use the Internet to look that stuff up!” you say. Will you? In the bush of Africa, when the pastor says “Brother this is your time. They want to hear what you have to say.” you are going to want some trusty sermons on hand. And that requires preparation.
Non essentials
These are all the things that you don’t need but want. You are a man. Choose what you want. Know that at this point, your pack is probably somewhere between 35-40 pounds. There’s no rule that says you need to fill it full. Personally, I love my hammock. Make sure that you get the straps to go with it. A nice knife is good, as well as a mess kit. There is a fold up knife-fork-spoon combo in the camping section at Walmart for really cheap. I bought a two and a half inch fold up knife. It has come in handy so many times. Duct tape is also a good idea, as is a bit of rope for a clothes line. I have a thirty foot nylon line, it’s light and works great. A few bandanas are a good idea as well, as they have many different uses.
As for your day pack, this is where you keep your laptop, iPad, charger, bible, passport, wallet, books, etc.
If you are musically inclined, bring an instrument. Seriously. Unless it’s a double bass or tuba or cello or something.
So, that’s really it. If you think, “well, I MIGHT need this…” then leave it. It isn’t worth that one time it will make life more convenient.
