So, the World Race is officially halfway over (YIKES!!).
I’ve grown so much over the past five and a half months, and all I can do is thank God for the life He’s called me to. Most of my blogs so far have been stories or what God is taking me through, and I realized that I’ve never done a packing blog. So, without further ado, here is everything I brought on the Race and what you should bring…
Or not.
Now, you may be wondering, especially if you’re a future World Racer, what to pack or not pack; and I would say don’t worry too much about it. There are so many really good packing blogs and vlogs out there that one more might not really help. So, instead, what I will share below, are things I’ve found essential, maybe even vital (or not), to your World Race packing.
PAY ATTENTION!!!
Vital Necessities:
- Waterproof, multi-day powerbank
One of the best buys I’ve ever made. There are many times on the Race where you are traveling, won’t have power, or the outlets where you’re staying may shock you and light on fire (this has only happened twice). Bring a durable, waterproof powerbank that will last for at least a couple days.
I have this one: https://www.amazon.com/Charger-24000mAh-Waterproof-External-Flashlight/dp/B07G6XV59W
- Essential Oils
MUST BRING: Peppermint and Tea Tree Oils.
There are many different oils that help various issues. These are the two that I’ve found so important though.
Peppermint helps with upset stomach, car sickness, headaches and you can even rub some under your nose if you’re working at a garbage dump.
Tea Tree Oil is really where it’s at though. This oil works to sooth your body, fights lice, and can take down an ant invasion (trust me, there are so many ants in this world and they get everywhere).
- 3-in-1 wall converter, adaptor, and power-strip
If you can find one with USB ports, even better! If you get all this in one power strip you’ll be one of the popular kids on the squad. Having room for everyone to plug in while also not needing to worry about your plug not fitting the wall or your phone blowing up is incredible.
- Draw-string or other small bag
I prefer a draw-string because it’s pick-pocket proof but really any packable, light bag. You’ll have your day pack but it’s often easier to not take that because you’ll use it as storage or it’ll be full from travel day and you won’t want to unpack it to go to ministry.
- Vitamins
There will be months were you eat nothing but carbs. Bring a complete vitamin from home and probably some Emergen-C packets too. You need to stay healthy and won’t be able to do it if you’re lacking in most of your major vitamins and minerals.
- Charles Schwab Card
DON’T, I repeat, DON’T leave home without one. They’re accepted most places that take cards and also reimburse all of your ATM fees which will add up.
That’s Convenient:
- Waterproof Sandals/Chacos
You don’t need to become a Chaco person if you aren’t (I’m still not) but definitly find a pair of comfortable, waterproof sandals. They’ll save you whether going to ministry or just hanging out because tennis shoes can be hot and a pain to put on somedays and also are annoying if they accidentally get left in the rain.
- Blanket (Not a sleeping bag)
This may be different for you because I’ve had a pretty warm route and I’m also from Minnesota so I enjoy sleeping in the cold, but I ditched my sleeping bag only two months into the Race. A good blanket (I found a llama blanket in Ecuador) is so much easier to pack and way more universal than a sleeping bag. If you don’t get cold while you sleep or have a warm route, definitely look into this.
- A belt that you love
Especially if you’re a guy, you will almost certainly lose weight. I lost almost 10 pounds in my first four months and comfortable, good-looking belts that you like can be hard to find in some countries.
- Extra socks/underwear
Can you get by without extras? Yes. Is that also a pain though? Yes.
There will be days you’ll get back from ministry late or you’ll be so tired you’ll really not want to do laundry. Bring enough to last seven to ten days if you can. Nobody wants you to wear the same stuff for a week straight.
- Wash bag
This can be a normal dry-bag or a scrubba (look at the off-brand Laundreez), but it will definitely help. You can find detergent literally anywhere so don’t worry about that but doing your laundry in a bag rather than scrubbing by hand is so much easier and quicker.
- Sleeping Liner with insect shield
One of the best purchases I made pre-race, Sea-to-Summit makes these, and they really do keep the bugs off you. Try to find one with a zipper though.
You Probably Don’t Need That:
- Clothes you love
You will have clothes that get wrecked or dropped. Do not bring anything you will struggle parting with.
- A nice laptop
Unless you already have one, you do not need to buy a nice one. A durable laptop with a good battery life such as a chromebook will do just fine, especially if you use a hard drive with it. (side note: if you want to edit photos/videos, you may need something more)
- A tent (maybe)
I’ve used my tent but that was as a mosquito net/bug protection. This depends on your route, people on your squad, and your personal preferences. Just know that you could very possibly get by without one. Check your route and times of the year you’ll be in countries.
- Sleeping Bag
(See “Blanket” above)
- LifeStraw/Hydroflask
You will always have access to clean water on the Race, whether by boiling some or bubbles, so you won’t need a LifeStraw. On top of that, each team receives one so you don’t need to go buy one unless you really want to. And, Hydroflasks are just heavy. There are better options (I think).
Seriously, You Really Don’t Need That!!
- Clothes
Honestly, you could show up to launch with only the absolute bare minimum. You can find cheap clothes pretty much everywhere you’ll be; and don’t worry to much on specifics as if you need something for a particular country/climate, they will have it there. Bring comfortable, practical clothes, and you will also want to buy local clothes in places you stay (Lungi’s in India!).
- Camping lantern/flashlight
Headlamps and phones work just fine. (Hack: you can set a full water bottle on top of your phone flashlight and it will act like a lantern)
- Mosquito net
If you do bring a tent you can use that but hosts will often have nets for you if needed. You can also find them in countries that deal with malaria, etc.
- Any and all extra toiletries/medicine
Like with the clothes, you can find most toiletries and medicines you’ll need in the country you’re in and on top of that, each team also receives a first aid kit if you’re really in dire need of help.
- Anything you’re doubting bringing
I didn’t believe it at first either but really, you will end up dropping/sending stuff home. You’ll get on the Race and realize you really don’t need all this stuff and will downsize more than you think; so help yourself out and really try to leave whatever you can at home.
Final Note: If you really need something for the country you’re in, you can find it somewhere in that country. Please don’t overthink your packing. You’ll be fine if you forget something. If you really need it, odds are you can find it or someone on your team/squad has it and will share.
Hope this helps some!
For more tips, one of the best resources I used before the Race is Caleb Pauls’ packing vlog.
God Bless and Good Luck Packing!
-Ben
