Beginning to pack and buy things for the Race were one of the bigger obstacles when I started this journey. I had no idea what to get, where to get it, and if it would last me 11 months! So THANK GOODNESS for other Racers and their blogs and advice on what to get! I’ve spent a lot of time online reading and researching and equal time at REI going down every isle seeing if I needed something.
With Training Camp 13 days away and Launch 73 days, here’s a look inside my big pack and how I’m packing everything!
I have an Osprey Ariel 65 pack I got at REI. It helped so much to get fitted at the store and get their advice on how it’s supposed to fit, highly recommend!
Inside my big pack is two travel towels at the bottom, about 132 compact tampons in some ziplock bags,(sorry not sorry if that’s tmi) a package of baby wipes, OFF bug spray, and my clothes. I plan on bringing 10-15 pairs of undies, 5 pairs of socks, 4 bras, 2 tank tops, 4 shirts, 2 shorts, 1 mid length and 1 maxi skirt, and 2 pairs of pants. I also just throw on a shirt and shorts for bed so I’m not really bringing pajamas. I have Eagle Creek compression packing cubes for those, it stuffs all my clothes down and helps me stay organized, also remember to roll your clothes to make them smaller.
Next on top is my sleeping pad, and sleeping bag liner rolled together in a compression dry sack. My sleeping pad will be my mattress for 11 months and I’ve tried it out already and it’s comfy as heck. It’s an Exped Down Mat xp9. Also got it at REI. For my sleeping bag liner, it’s like a sheet for when the nights get too warm, or maybe some extra comfort in your sleeping bag. I think it’s a Sea to Summit bug repellent one. I rolled those into a Sea to Summit compression sack.
Around that I’ll put a bottle of sunscreen, and my shower bag. My shower bag is one from REI, about medium size I think. In that I bought some small tubes of toothpaste, a couple extra toothbrushes and toothbrush covers, I have 2 sticks of deodorant, 2 small body sprays, a travel size Visine, anti-itch cream, dry shampoo from LUSH, a washrag, bobby pins, hair ties, and a jaw clip, I also have 2 shampoo bars from LUSH and a conditioner bar from LUSH. I’ll pack some body soap, and my favorite face wash and lotion! I have a soap container that’s holding ibuprofen and Tylenol, Benadryl, Pepto tablets, and Uricalm, all separated by ziplock bags I have to bring 11 months of my prescription. This little bag can fit so much stuff!
Let’s see….
I’ll be packing my sandals, (I got some Earth Spirit Walmart ones which are so comfy) shower flip flops, and I’m debating on packing some basic converse or not…
I have my backpacking mug from REI sitting by itself, a collapsible bowl, a spork, some small rolls of duct tape, power strip, and plug converters are in a small bag. I’m also bringing some instant tea, juice, and coffee packets. I need to get a small sewing kit as well and throw that in there.
The little space on top of my bag will hold my sleeping bag. I just got a cheap one from Walmart that rolls up small. When I sleep I like it cool so I’m not worried.
I have two little pockets on the hips that is holding my water bottle cleaning tablets, and some cough drops!
On the outside of my pack, last but not least, MY TENT!
I have an REI Passage 2 tent, it has a rainfly, poles, and a footprint and that is being strapped to the outside of my pack!
I’m also going to bring a Sea to Summit airporter/pack converter. It protects your pack from the rain and prolongs the life of your pack.
Nooooowwwww onto my day pack!
I won’t be carrying my big pack with me every day. Once we reach our ministry site we’ll make our home there and I’ll have a normal backpack with me. Also this is my carry on for travel days.
Inside there I have my Chromebook and charger, my Bible, my Nook and charger, a coloring book with pencils and sharpener, I have a journal and pens, my wallet, phone, and charger will be in there too. I plan on cancelling or putting my service on hold until I get home and just use Messenger when I have wi-fi to talk to my family. I’ll mainly use my phone for pictures. I’m bringing a small photo album, I’ll have a change of clothes, maybe some soap in that pack, my bandannas, my water bottle, my headlamp, tissues, hand sanitizer, and eye mask, ear plugs, I’m bringing 4 sets of earbuds and a headphone splitter.
My mom gave me an idea of downloading movies and shows onto a usb. So I’m doing that, whatever I can find on Youtube; Lizzie McQuire, Even Stevens, Happy Days, Eloise at Christmastime, The Christmas Card. (Youtube doesn’t have many full episodes of my current favorites, so this will do to cure our boredom.) I also have a digital copy of The Little Mermaid on my phone. :] YAY!
I might bring some meletonin because I cannot sleep on planes or cars ever, and I don’t want to be a zombie on travel days. Teammates be aware this might happen.
Of course I’ll still want to be myself on the Race so I’m bringing some nail polish, nail files, some earrings, and a couple rings. I’m also bringing make up, just simple stuff, 2 tubes of foundation/concealer, and eyeshadow palette, 2 eye liners and a couple tubes of mascara. My hairbrush of course, and this Morocan hair oil that makes my hair nice and soft and healthy and smells great!
I have an ever smaller bag to carry around with me in town, a Kavu rope bag. And that will basically act as my purse, I can zip it so my stuff stays safer.
I cannot think of anything else that may be coming with me! Time is ticking and it’s getting so close! So far my big pack weighs around 35lbs. My plan is to come back stronger physically and have long hair 😛 I hope you’ve enjoyed!
p.s. my plan is to see how long my hair will get while I’m away so please don’t let me cut my hair no matter what I say!
