* DO NOT JUST FOLLOW TRADITIONAL ROUTE PACKING< ASK US QUESTIONS!!
*** If you have ANY questions about packing or if you have questions about fusion(Unscripted) in general, feel free to comment below or email me- [email protected] – my squad has all the info and would love to share whatever you might want to know ***
About a year ago I began preparing for the race. It was a buying and fundraising frenzy as I was taking care of all the last minute details. The most difficult feat….. packing, by far!
There were so many things I wish I would have known about. The biggest thing is that Unscripted (Fusion) is NOT the same as other routes when it comes to packing.
I had wasted so much money on so many things that were unneeded. Also, because I have issues, I packed two of pretty much everything.
To say I overpacked would be an understatement:
Before we begin I want to make sure you know that the best way to determine what to pack is to communicate with your squad! SET UP A GROUP CHAT! It Is beyond helpful when determining what you should bring and what should stay.
*Please note that this list is coming from someone who packed two of everything and has now become one of the minimalists on the squad. Use discretion.*
Unscripted(Fusion) Packing List:
Backpack- Challenge yourself with a smaller pack. Honestly.. you can do it and you wont regret it. 65 liters is way more than enough, I wish I would have gone smaller.
Daypack- if your backpack has a convertible day pack… USE IT. I wouldn’t waste money on a separate day pack. However, if you must, make it a small one.
Air porter- make sure you get the one that unzips all the way around. It’s also nice to have one that has a strap. I personally did not use my air porter-sent it home. I have a rain cover for my big pack and it has worked just fine.
Tent – Our squad as a whole, has sent all of their tents home. We have been staying in air bnb’s and hostels all year. There were a few teams who decided to camp early in the year so the best way to determine if you need a tent is to talk with your squad. *Follow packing guidelines on the size and weight*
Sleeping pad- Yes. However, you do not use them as much as other squads. I wouldn’t kill yourself trying to get something so expensive. *foot pump is nice to have*
Sleeping bag liner- A lot of people use these on travel days or in place of a sleeping bag. I didn’t really use mine so I sent it home.
Sleeping bag- honestly, get the smallest, lightest bag you can find. Most places you stay will have blankets. I sent mine home and haven’t missed it a bit.
Pillow- Don’t get the blow up pillows, get the compressible one(bring a pillow case, it can get real nasty). Some people have brought their own pillows and just change out pillow cases(can double as laundry bag) – I sent mine home, most places provide pillows.
Towel- We all have the quick dry towels, they smell bad so quickly. I like mine and have no regrets but most people on our squad have said they wish they would’ve just brought a regular towel
Water Bottle- Almost all of us have lost our water bottles this year. It really is more what you prefer. I personally just use a plastic water bottle from the convenient store and you can usually refill it for free or super cheap. If I forget it somewhere, I don’t care because it cost me maybe $1. Nalgene bottles are great you can clip them onto your bag but you also need to make sure you clean them frequently and they are not cheap! Don’t lose them.
Packing Cubes- Get the Eagle Creek packing cubes! GET THE ONES THAT COMPRESS. I have had so many of my squad mates say they wish they would have just spent the money. I can’t express how helpful it has been to have these. (You can get off brand as well- I did this- just make sure they are sturdy)
Clothes- I tried to pack everything I needed for a year. I wish I would have just set some money back to replenish my wardrobe halfway through the year instead of carrying the extra weight.
– Fusion(unscripted) is not like other routes. PACK WHAT YOU WOULD NORMALLY WEAR. Are vans an everyday part of your wardrobe? Pack them, you will not regret it. Do you love cardigans? Pack one. This is something I wish I would have been told. Your clothes are what will make you feel semi normal. Obviously, be modest but you don’t have to go out and purchase new clothes. Bring what you will feel yourself in. Cannot stress this enough. –
Laundry Bag- These are so so so cheap and honestly so small. I brought one and haven’t regretted it but a pillow case works as well.
Shirts- 2 t-shirts, 2 tank tops and one dressy shirt-or dress – Cardigans are also a nice addition. – 1 hoodie or jacket… buses get really cold… reallllllly cold.
Pants- 2 pair of athletic shorts, 1 pair of nicer shorts, 1 pair of jeans and leggings. (Sweats are GREAT for travel days, you can just slide them on over your clothes an be nice and warm)
Undergarments- Sports bra- at least have 2 so you can wash one. 5 pair of underwear.
Shoes- this category is controversial so I will just give you my opinion.
Chaco’s- I brought a pair and have not regretted it. I wore these on the Camino De Santiago and they were great. Please see my blog on the Camino https://alexgoad.theworldrace.org/post/mistakes-of-the-camino-so-far (If you don’t know what the Camino is… Do. Your. Research. So important because you will be doing this in Europe.)
Flip Flops- You can use your chaco’s in the shower but if you feel weird about that just pack a cheap pair.
Tennis Shoes- I use these all the time when going for runs, working out or just walking.
Everyday shoes- I did not bring my vans(I wear them everyday back home) I eventually just broke down and bought a pair. I have no regrets in this. Vans are a part of my wardrobe that just reflects me and home. I wear them every day.
*Please note that I am doing this list as if you have budgeted to replenish*
Make-up- Ladies… don’t pack everything you have. Just bring the essentials. By the end of the year you will be using this less and less.
Electronics- I brought two chargers for everything because I am obnoxious. This is not necessary. If you lose a charger, you will likely be able to buy one or borrow a squad mates.
Laptop- If you are a writer, photographer or just use your laptop often then I would say to bring it, just understand it adds a significant amount of weight.
Kindle- I brought an IPad mini and have used it as my kindle/laptop. I bought a little Bluetooth keyboard which has been great for blogging, logistics, and finances.
Phone- Bring what you’ve got. Be aware that things do get stolen on the race so if you are bringing the latest and greatest phone, keep it close.
Camera- If you are a photographer, Bring your camera(You don’t have to bring all of your gear just the camera and a 35 or 50mm lens ) Bring a hard drive for photos(you can also put your photos on google photos-this is connected to your gmail account. Contact Jordan Harrington if you have questions on photography- [email protected] . If you are not a photographer, a phone will work just fine. -I would download the google photos app and set it up to immediately upload photos so that you don’t use all the storage space on your phone.
Apps- Apps you should download BEFORE LEAVING HOME. Uber, Grab car, Whatsapp, maps.me, currency exchange, bible app, google translate and again, google photos.
Headphones- If you have a pair that you love, bring them and maybe an extra pair. You can find headphones around the world.
Bluetooth speaker- Yes! Talk with your squad because not everyone needs to bring one, maybe 4 speakers for the whole squad. But yes.
Adapter- Get one that is a world adaptor and surge protected!!
Journal- Bring at least one journal and I would advise getting a decent size, durable notebook. If you can get through the whole year cramming everything into one notebook… you are the real MVP. I wish I would have brought a bigger notebook as I am continually running out of space, having to buy new notebooks and either pay to send mine home or have to carry them around with me. No Fun.
Pens- Get a set you like and HIDE THEM FROM EVERYONE. Keep your pens close, they will disappear.
Bible- if you have one you use all the time, bring it. Honestly, I am one of those who just like having the actual book. If you are cool with just using the app then don’t worry about bringing your bible.
Toiletries- Contrary to popular belief, you will be in civilized area’s. Pack enough for the first month or two and you can pick up more along the way. Ladies, tampons are a little bit harder to come by, I would just pack one box and use them sparingly. 2019 is starting in asia and they are hard to come by.
Rain Jacket- Bring a LIGHT rain jacket! I roll mine up and keep it in my daypack. It has been more than helpful.
Below is my pack before leaving for the race
And Now…. My pack in Month 9 (I left out the gifts I’m bringing home for my family), sorry its a little blurry.
