What does one pack when heading to 11 different countries, with all different climates, dress codes and cultures?
Good question — I wish I knew.
Over the last 8 months I’ve scoured the internet for packing lists, gear, and To-Do and Not-Do videos when it comes to preparing for The World Race. What I’ve been told (in regard to packing) is that everyone is different and we all require different things to be happy, so pack for you! The video shows what I’m bringing in my 65L pack and daypack. Down below I’ll write a more detailed list for upcoming racers or backpackers!
Note: I do not know what I’m doing!!! haha This is what I’ve come up with, and I will probably change this a million times, so give me some grace. Hope you enjoy and thanks for watching/reading!
Big Pack – Ariel 65L Osprey
My pack is top/bottom loading and has a J-zipper for front access. This is a big thing for me when I want to get into my pack without having to take every single thing out first and re-pack each time.
Tent – The North face Stormbreak 2
I would definitely recommend getting a two person tent. Try to get something light weight. Your tent will weigh the most and the lighter the better! Your tent should come with a rainfly and I suggest getting a footprint to go underneath your tent to help keep the water out!
Sleeping Pad – Nemo Cosmo Insulated 25L with footpump
This is your bed! Do not be stingy with your pad! I got a longer and wider version of this pad because I flip around in my sleep. I’ve slept on my back/side and front on this pad and it’s awesome. The foot pump is attached to it which makes for easy quick inflation.
Sleeping Bag – Marmot Trestles 30 Elite Sleeping Bag
I’m going to warmer climate countries on my route, so I didn’t need something that would keep me super warm. I slept in this every night at Training Camp in Georgia and needed to be in it because it got chilly at nights! It kept me a perfect temp. and I love it!
Sleeping Liner – Sea to Summit Insect Shield CoolMax Liner
Get a liner. People swear by them. Especially if you’re going to hotter countries, you’ll want something to sleep in other than your sleeping bag. My liner is already treated with insect repellent to help keep those pesky mosquitos away!
Sea to Summit Compression Sacks
I have two compression sacks. One large one for my tent, rainfly and footprint and a small one for my sleeping bag and sleeping liner.
Eagle Creek Packing Cubes
I have three packing cubes, 2 large and one small. One of they are compression cubes and one has an additional pocket for dirty laundry. I like this brand, but I know other people have gone cheaper and gotten the REI brand or something similar to save on cost. Packing cubes are great to keep things organized when you need to grab your clothes quickly.
Airporter
I have the Osprey brand, but other have gotten the Sea to Summit Converter Pack on Amazon and swear by it. TBH I hate my airporter, it’s big and only has one measly strap to pick up your pack with. The Converter Pack allows you to use it as a duffle or pull your straps out to put your pack on your back. I would have gone this route but sadly they’re all sold out!
Rain Cover
Hammock
Absolutely get a hammock!! You don’t have to go the Eno route, but get one! It’s so relaxing, and awesome way to bond with people and get some alone, chill time!
Bug Net for Hammock
I opted for a bug net for my hammock and I don’t regret it! This way I can sleep outside, worry free that mosquitos won’t eat me alive. Typically your host will provide you with other bug nets, or you can just buy them in country. I just personally wanted a bug net that was compatible with my hammock since I enjoy sleeping in it.
Quick-Dry Towel (pack two)
Headlamp – Just do it. Flashlights are silly.
Other non-gear related items I’m bringing in my big pack:
Resistance bands
Dryer sheets (for the smell)
Collapsable bowl and spork
Hanging toiletry bag
Bug spray (with deet)
As far as clothes go.. and this has been a tough one dress-code wise because I’m 5’6″ and it’s hard for me to find shorts that are long enough, but this is what I’m packing.
Jeans
Merrell Pants that role up to capri’s
A long maxi skirt that covers my ankles
A skirt that hits below the knee
Long linen pants – super lightweight and flowy
Brooks running shorts
5 t-shirts
2 ‘nicer’ shirts
A black cami
My comfort flanneled shirt
Rain jacket
Chacos
Merrell trail running shoes
6 pairs of socks
Two bralette’s
Three sport’s bras
And enough underwear to keep me happy for a year. And no it’s not ‘missionary’ underwear. I want to feel like a girl.
I figure I can buy clothes in country and throw away/leave clothes behind. Nothing I’m bringing is super sentimental to me and all of it is lightweight. Most shirts I just got at Target. Perfecto.
When I went to training camp, my toiletry bag was outrageous. I’m super particular about my skin-care regiment and I have tons of stuff. It was a struggle cutting down, but I did it and this is what I suggest.
I’m bringing one travel sized shampoo, conditioner, lotion. I also got travel sized hand sanitizer, Q-tips and nail care/tweezer set. You can get things in country. My team and I are going to buy shampoo in country and just share it.
Make-up wise wasn’t hard for me because I don’t wear a ton, so I packed a BB cream with sunscreen, two tubes of mascara, my blush/bronzer pack from Elf and highlighter (cause, girl — you know!) I also packed a really nice SPF face sunscreen moisturizer, and I’m packing a face scrub that I loved from Korea.
I’m bringing 4 sticks of clinical strength deodorant and a body spray from Victoria’s Secret.
As far as feminine care goes, I’m bringing a cup… it’s sick. But it works and I’m just going to deal. I’ll pack some tampons as backup, but as of now like I legit don’t have room to pack a year’s supply of tampons, so what do ya do?
Medicine – For meds I’m bring a year’s worth of Women’s Daily Vitamins. Other than that, I’m bringing a couple month’s supply of Probiotics and then some random things like Sudafed, Robitussin, Tylenol, TUMS, etc. and I also stocked up on immodium.. people swear by it. I plan to get Cipro/Malaria/anything else in country if I need it.
Malaria is expensive and gives you weird side effects if you get the cheaper kind. It’s cheaper to get it in country if there are Malaria mosquitos in the area.
Vaccinations I got Yellow Fever (required) a booster for Meningitis and Tetanus and then Typhoid. I know other people got Japanese Encephalitis, rabies and all sorts of other things, but those shots were like $700-$900 and I’m never sick, (knock on wood) so if the Good Lord wants to smite me down with rabies then so be it, but I’m not about to get a thousand dollar shot to the gut. Nope!
Alright now for my
Day Pack – Osprey Nova 33 Pack
MacBook Pro
Kindle
Bible
Journal
NotePad
Pens
Kindle
Waterproof Speaker
Folder for important documents
Extra set of clothes
Extra toothbrush
Medicine for motion sickness and pain
Hate
Compression Pillow
Rain Cover
Travel Adapter
External Hard-drive
Extra USB Battery Packs
All the cords and chargers to go with everything
The camera I use is a Canon G7x Markii. I also have a tripod and microphone adapters to go with it. I’m also bringing my GoPro and the knick-knacks that go with that!
That’s pretty much everything I’m packing!! Two weeks to go and I’m READY! Hopefully this will be helpful to future racers. Let me know if you have questions or comments on gear and what not and I’d be happy to answer them!
Thanks for reading, guys!
