So you want to live out of a backpack for a year? After over eight months of living out of mine, I wanted to share my packing list and a few tips and tricks for future racers and curious followers alike. If you future racers have questions, please comment below!
August Expedition Packing List:
BIG PACK (EXOS 58L):
-Osprey Exos 58L: Great bag—if I did it again, I might even go a little smaller!
-Airporter. Key item. Great for protecting your bag on travel days. Sea to Summit is definitely a favorite amongst the squad. For my 58L backpack, a medium is the perfect size.
ZZZZZ SLEEP IS RADICAL:
-Sleeping bag (Mountain Hardware, Ratio 32). Down or synthetic will do the trick, but I love how small a down bag can compress in a stuff sack. I’m on a colder route and usually cold. No need to go lower than 32F
-Sleeping bag Liner. Christmas 2017 didn’t disappoint, the Sea to Summit Silk has been so cozy. Rumor is the silk is better for bed bugs. And I’m claiming I’ll make it through the race unscathed.
-Sleeping pad (Sea-Summit Comfort plus). Get a comfy pad! This may be your bed/bedroom some months, so take time to find something you like.
-Tent (Big Agnes Seedhouse) +footprint. A tent is a debate among racers, but I don’t regret for a second having one. Having a small, lightweight tent has been really great. I used it for a whole month in Cyprus when I got to SLEEP ON A ROOFTOP overlooking the mountains.
CLOTHING:
-raincoat, a must.
-synthetic pullover or lightweight down coat
-light gloves/beanie
-buff (you can use it as a neck warmer/headband/eye-mask/pillowcase…. handy!)
-tank top (good for working out inside, sleeping)
-Drifit shirt (save just for working out)
-nice t shirt (Coldplay’s tour continues)
-nice short sleeve shirts (2)
-flannel
-nice long sleeve shirt
-casual long sleeves (1)
-workout capris
-leggings
-jeans (better yet, black jeans)
-dri-fit pants
-sports bra (2)
-underwear (14, save 7 for halfway through)
-crew socks (2)
-wool socks (2)
-bathing suit (one piece)
-baseball hat (only bring if you wear at home)
-running shoes
-chacos
-Tip for future racers: My route started warm and gradually I needed more and more cold weather clothes. I packed most of my warm stuff, but there are so many thrift stores and bazaars along the way. If you are buying new clothes for the race, save your money. You’ll get way more bang for your buck and have a lighter pack if you pick things up as you need them on the field.
Also, aside from the Camino, I didn’t do hiking day in and day out. Wear clothes you would wear at home. Dri Fit is nice, but you won’t be in the mountains all the time. It’s better to bring clothes that you enjoy wearing and feel comfortable in. Versatile is the key word.
Some of my favorite pick-ups:
-Skirt from Morocco, $7
-Black Tunic from Morocco, $8
-Cycling Christmas Sweater from Jordan, $1
-Green striped long sleeves from Jordan, $1
-Vans style boots from Jordan, $10
-Scarf from Valerie, FREE
Hit up the flea markets, second hand stores, bazaars and free tables!
-Packing cubes are great for organizing clothes and avoiding being completely wrinkle post travel day or when there isn’t a lot of space to unpack.
BACKPACKING OR WORLD RACE?
-Bowl, Mug, Spork (Sea to Summit, any brand is great. I’ve used these a ton!)
-Widemouth Nalgene, with lifestraw universal (filter)
SCRUB A DUB!
-travel size shampoo/cond (once in country, you can buy larger containers to share and constantly refill your little containers. There is NO need to pack more than one month supply of this)
-razor (1 stick, 3 blades)
-2 pack towels (REI, large) I saved one of my towels to open on Christmas. Priceless. No matter how careful you are and how much you wash your first towel, it will smell.
-laundry detergent powder
-stuff sack for dirty clothes
RESUPPLY TOILETRIES:
-extra ziplock bags (a few of various sizes, hard to find out here)
-sleeping pad patch kit
-thread/needle
-hair ties
-contacts (for a year)
-extra contact solution (harder to find overseas)
-hand sanitizer (extra)
-deodorant (not as necessary to have an extra, just harder to find your fav overseas)
-pixie sterilizing cup (…necessary)
FIRST AID/MEDS:
-moleskin/few band aids (hiker’s best friends)
-silvadene or neosporin
-tiger balm
-meds: (okay… I’m a nurse. I get we’re traveling—but really, you don’t need to go overboard with meds. If you don’t take the med at home, you don’t need to bring them on the race)
-multi vitamin (would suggest to bring a year supply if you already take at home
-probiotics (small amount, easy to purchase overseas if needed)
-excedrin migraine/Tylenol
-imodium (okay, take this even if you don’t take it at home…lol)
LIGHT SLEEPER/INTROVERT SURVIVAL TOOLS:
-earplugs (3 pairs)
COMFORT: (pick out 2-3 small things that bring you JOY, but aren’t essential)
-Aeropress, stainless steel filter, coffee grounds
-Water color set and small art book
-Photo book of my friends+family!
You know what you love—if that’s playing cards, or playing a harmonic. Great! Pack it up and be filled with joy when you get to use it.
DAYPACK (DAYLITE PLUS 20L):
Osprey Daylite Plus. (Great size and function. Big enough, but tight enough to keeps me honest when we’re traveling. Also great for day hikes and adventures)
-Bible. Don’t skimp on size here.
-Journals (2) (Some people like to find journals overseas. I liked having another moleskin to to use after my first one was full, depends on your preference. Journaling is a huge thing for me)
-Pens (10) (seriously, 10 seems like a lot, but HOW ARE THEY ALWAYS DISAPPEARING?)
-iPad with Logitech keyboard (store in gallon size ziploc bag).
-Headlamp (Black Diamond Storm)
-Power strip or single converter with USB ports
-Anker Portable Battery (lifesaver)
-Kindle (+Commentary, Study Bible) (you can use a library login overseas for free books with the Overdrive app)
-iPhone (downloaded podcasts, playlists)
-Headphones (2)
-Batteries
-iPhone, kindle charger
Wallet:
-Passport
-Extra passport photos (5-8)
-Drivers license
-Money, credit cards, bank cards, insurance cards
-Yellow fever inoculation card
-Vaccination information (routine, typhoid, yellow fever)
-Copy of birth certificate
-Charles Schwab checking account info (the BEST international card. No service fees at ATM. Seriously, get one) I’d suggest praying about how much money you want to budget each month for spending/adventure and then simply transfer that money into your Schwab account before leaving. This will allow you to steward your finances simply and well. Think small and watch God supply for you and stretch your resources.
-photocopy of ID (to give to teammate)
-emailed copy ID (to your own email, and someone at home)
TOILETRIES: (keep this in daypack)
-toothpaste/brush
-glasses/solution
-essential oils (peppermint/tea tree) (BUGS, NAUSEA AND HEADACHES)
-menstrual cup
-deodorant
-makeup (if you don’t wear it at home, don’t bring it. If you do wear it at home, bring a little)
-baby wipes (don’t underestimate the power of baby wipes)
-hand sanitizer
