If you’re getting ready to go on the Race, you have probably read blog after blog about which gear people recommend. Everyone has different opinions about brands, sizes, and prices. We all read the blogs, but here’s the secret: it’s all personal opinion. I spent months researching and way too much money on a tent that I only slept in for training camp and the week of PVT. Luckily that can be used post-Race, but you get the point. I’ve decided to do something a little different, so here are 11 random things that I am so glad I packed:
- full size pillow
I was very unsure about what pillow to bring. I hated the travel ones that I tried at REI. I decided to bring a full size pillow, and I have never regretted it. I just kept in my arms during travel day. Was that a little annoying? Yes. But you’re only traveling about 2 days for every 28 days that you’re sleeping on the pillow. No regrets. I bought this one from Brookstone.
- planner
I bought this super small planner at Walmart and am so thankful I did! It’s a super quick way to keep track of what my days looked like. It took up pretty much no room, and it will be treasured after my race, especially since I don’t journal much.
- hair towel
At home, I have the luxury of using two towels, one for my body and one for my hair. I decided on a whim to bring this small hair towel, and I am so glad I did! It has preserved the life of my quick dry towel so much! Many peoples’ towels were worn out only a few months in, but mine was going strong!
- gear ties
I bought these little gadgets on Amazon, and they are amazing! All of my cords have stayed so organized through all 11 months. Find them here.
- fanny pack
Okay this is actually something I thought about bringing, decided against, and then ended up buying one at Machu Picchu in Peru. I have used it SO MUCH since then. There are so many times that I only need my phone, sunglasses, and a little money. From waking to a coffee shop to going on a hike, it’s been so nice. It is also wonderful for travel days on buses because I can easily keep my passport and phone safe.
- black sharpie
Label everything. You spent 2 days worth of food budget on that peanut butter; you’re going to want your name on it.
- patterned tape
In the spirit of labeling things, I’m so glad I bought this colorful cheap tape from Walmart. While I was laying everything out before launch, my mom went around and put this tape on everything. It’s been especially useful to identify my headphones and phone charger.
- tape
I also brought along normal tape. I have loved getting to attach everything from bus tickets to superhero masks into my journal. It’s much easier than trying to just keep up with that stuff.
- journal Bible
I bought a new Bible specifically for the Race. I didn’t want to carry around my study Bible, and I absolutely hated using the travel sized Bible at training camp. I am far from an artist, but it has been so much fun to get into this new hobby. However, this tip is less about a journal Bible specifically, but more a warning against a travel sized Bible. Trust me, you don’t want to be stuck with that for a year.
- lice comb
Your odds of getting lice are very high. I thought I had avoided it month 3 when my entire team had it except me, but then I was infested month 8. A good comb will be so valuable. I also personally brought a small thing of lice shampoo that was super great, but the comb is more important because it is lightweight and reusable.
- small cosmetics
Okay, so this is technically more than one thing, but I have loved having this stuff to make me feel like a girl. Bring a variety of ponytails on a little ring, stick some fingernail polish in a ziplock (mine busted month 1 on a bus; put it in a ziplock), removal wipes so that you don’t have chipped nails for 3 weeks, little roll on perfumes for when you only get to shower once a week, jewelry in a cheap soap box, and a little makeup if that’s your thing.
