Adventures WorldRace SethBarnes Sponsorship Giving

| by archiveworldraceblogs

So, you survived Training Camp and now there’s a part of you wondering how in the world you’ll survive the Race. I know I definitely had the, “if the Race is anything like Training Camp, I don’t know how I’m going to make it” moments.

Training Camp was just Boot Camp. You’ll be amazed at how normal it will be for you to be on a bus for more than 12-24 hours, share room… Sure, you’ll go through a “honeymoon” phase and you may experience some homesickness (or go the whole year without that), but it all becomes a part of daily, regular living.

Now, as I go home, these are some ways I wish I would have prepared better with:

It’s pretty lengthy so if you want to just skip to the Packing List, here is a Google Doc you can make a copy of and make your own 🙂 I’ve also included some Tips & Tricks and Apps.

PACKING

Remember, you’ll run into convenient stores and can find a lot of things overseas! You’ll also be surprised at the amount of opportunities you might have to send stuff home or have stuff brought to you.

But my advice is, pack for 8 months. You can switch some things around at PVT or earlier. Even if your parents don’t come, you might have squad parents kind enough to help you out.

ESSENTIALS:

  • Internal Frame Backpack (35L-60L): You may be reading the size recommendation thinking, “are you kidding me? I have to LIVE out of this thing for a year! I need bigger!” Well, trust me, you don’t. Remember the hike at Training Camp? Yeah, you’re going to want to pack light when you think of doing that WITH your daypack, too.

  • Daypack (28L) or regular backpack: This is for your most prized possessions and travel day survival stuff

  • Day Bag: You’re going to want to keep your immediate essentials during the day somewhere convenient. And you’re not going to want to take your day bag to every hike, adventure, or short walk. I recommend a Kavu, a medium purse (I recommend a messenger bag), or an Osprey Daylite, or a knock-off Fjall Raven (a favorite on our squad with the ladies. Bought overseas for WAY cheaper!).

  • Travel Pillow: This is totally optional and you can probably get something along the way but here are some recommendations— Sea to Summit inflatable, Therm-a-Rest (I had a small), pillow pet (highly recommended by my friend, Paige)!

  • Pillowcase: Protect your pillow from sketchy locations and you can also use it as a laundry bag. I used a TravelOn shoe bag for travel days to protect my pillow.

  • Travel blanket/sleeping liner (for warm routes): AC in some places and travel day planes and buses can get chilly. I used my SandCloud towel that worked as a blanket or emergency towel.

  • Sleeping bag (for cold routes): You’ll probably want it for a cold route but a warm route might make you drop it or send it home early. If you’re feeling brave, you can also just hope to find blankets and warmer clothes in colder places— it’s do-able.

  • Eagle Creek Packing Cubes: These are lifesavers. I started out with cute packing cubes but had my parents send me these as soon as they could!

  • Ear plugs: Only if you’re super sensitive to sounds, like teammates snoring

  • Sleep mask: You’ll want this only if you’re the kind of person who can’t sleep with the light on

  • Airporter: I sent mine home but if you want one, DO NOT BUY THE OSPREY AIRPORTER. Sea to Summit is the way to go. If you do bring an airporter, find a bandana or key chain or something to label it by. Duct tape works, too!

  • Travel shoe bag (1-2): nice to put your shoes when they’re not 100% clean and you’re not 100% sure what’s on them.

  • Laundry Bag: If you’re not already planning to use a pillow case as a laundry bag, then I would recommend bringing a travel laundry bag.

  • Compression Sacks (1-2): AMAZING! Compress your ish as much as you can!! Especially if you decide to bring out the sleeping pad, sleeping bag, tent, etc.

  • Tent: Honestly, don’t bring one. I was on a hybrid route and we hardly ever used them. When they were requested by a host, there was usually another way to sleep. I brought mine because I thought, as an introvert, I would want to pitch it in shared living spaces…ain’t nobody got room for that. I only LOVED my tent when I did pitch it indoors because of mosquitos but that was a total of maybe 7 nights. When I used mine for a month in Kenya, it was because I chose to but there were other options.

  • Sleeping Pad: I used mine for a month’s worth in Kenya. I then sent it home and slept on the floor in Cambodia or used other things as cushions. If you have the space and are already packing pretty light, go for it. Try them out at REI and get one you love, if you do bring one out.

CLOTHING:

Bring clothes you ACTUALLY wear back home but not your favorite because it will get ruined or dropped! Expect to go home with nothing you started with. You just might but don’t count on it.  You’re going to want to look nice. You’re going to want to feel like a girl…or a boy. Most likely, you’ll find plenty of places to shop or trade with your squad-mates.

FOR EVERYONE

  • Sweatshirt: Comfy for sleep, travel days.

  • Closed-Toed Shoes: Can range from Toms to Vans to Athletic Shoes. If you’re not an active person, I recommend going with something really light. If you’re not an active person, just use your open-toed shoes.

  • Open-Toed Shoes: I highly recommend staying away from cloth sandals and going for the plastic Birks, cute Crocs, nice Tevas, chunky Chacos, etc. Just pick something comfy, travel-friendly, and easily washable.

  • Dress Shoes: You’re going to want some nice/cute and light shoes to go with your outfits. Sandals for warmer routes and others for colder routes. Don’t bring your favorite and most expensive pair!

  • Shower Shoes: You’re going to get tired of using the toilet in the same space as where you shower…Just trust me.

  • Socks (2-4): For warmer routes, don’t bring too many. Especially if you are going to be wearing sandals. You can also purchase more along the way.

FOR GIRLS

  • Jeans (1-2): I brought one pair out and ended up dropping them month 5 because they were SO worn. No worries, I bought an extra pair as soon as I could. For colder routes, I recommend 2 pairs.

  • Pants (1-2): Linen Pants (for warm routes) / Jogger pants (for colder routes). Target, T.J. Maxx/Marshalls, or thrift finds recommended.

  • Leggings: Only for underneath pants or to go with skirts when needing more coverage.

  • Tops (5-7): Bring some cute and comfy shirts/t-shirts that are neutral or a fun pattern. EVERYONE will probably have a black and white, striped top. Bring 1-2 sweaters for colder routes. Bring a dressy blouse— you’ll want to look cute at certain outings/activities. Bring a grunge t-shirt for working out and manual labor.

  • Dresses/Skirts (1-2): Get some that go past your knees. I recommend bringing, at least, one dress, but if you’re not the If you’re not the dress/skirt kind of girl, just bring an extra pair of nice pants. You can get long skirts almost anywhere, if you need them. And you’ll probably have squad-mates or teammates that will drop theirs or lend them out to you.

  • Shorts/Capris (2): for warmer routes, Patagonia/Colombia shorts seem to be okay with AIM dress code but check at Training Camp with your mentor! Many girls on my squad ended up with jean shorts.

  • Bathing Suit (1-2): Full coverage. I brought a competitive suit because I’ve been a swimmer my whole life but you’re going to also want to look cute 😉 If you have a pretty tropical route, bring 2.

  • Bras (5-6): I recommend 2-3 sports bras, and 2-3 regular bras (Victoria’s Secret T-shirt bras were a favorite on our squad).

  • Undies (10): You do you, boo. I only brought out 7 regular and then ended up dropping some and buying 3 thongs. You’ll read blogs saying to bring extra but you can probably find some Victoria Secret stores along the way or, again, have some brought out during PVT. Up to you.

  • Jewelry: light, non-expensive jewelry and a watch

FOR GUYS

  • Pants (1-4): 1 pair of jeans and some khakis and/or cargos. In some cultures, you won’t be able to wear shorts when sharing the Gospel in public places. For colder routes, bring more than one pair of pants. For warmer routes, you’ll probably be okay with just one pair of pants. 1 pair of sweats for lounging, travel days, or sleep. 

  • Shorts (2): Easy enough

  • Shirts (4-7): Normal T’s and a collared shirt/polo (to go with those nice pants). 1-2 dry-fit shirts for warm routes and 1-2 button-ups to go over your T’s. Sweater for colder routes. Grunge T-shirt for working out and manual labor. 

  • Swim Trunks: Can replace some shorts, if you’re that kind of guy

  • Undies (4-5): boxers/briefs…

TOILETRIES:

Here’s the deal, you’re going to find toiletries everywhere. If you are very particular about specific brands, do some research as to where you can find these brands.

So many people will also want the REI Co-op Shower Roll…don’t. It’s too bulky. Find another way to pack toiletries.

FOR EVERYONE

  • Bug spray: Just bring one, to start with

  • Sun Screen: Just bring one, to start with

  • Shower Stuff: Travel size shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel/soap. You’ll find more. Or you can buy one big container of each to last you a few months and then buy more when you run out. 

  • Towel: Do NOT bringing quick-dry towels. Go for a Turkish towel (Amazon find), sarong (you can buy this along the way), or normal small towel instead. If you bring a quicky-dry, bring an extra normal one.

  •  Toothpaste: I would bring one normal sized tube and a traveling tube. If you use Crest, bring multiple— that’s a hard brand to find overseas.

  • Toothbrushes (2): It’s always nice to have a backup toothbrush but I had a regular toothbrush and a travel day toothbrush.

  • Toothbrush covers (2): Trust me

  • White strips: Only if you want them. But they’re hard to find overseas.

  • Detangling hairbrush: I brought mine and one of my teams borrowed it constantly. Men, you’ll love this, too. I promise.

  • Contact solution: difficult to find overseas unless you want to wait to find it at airports.

  • Deodorant: (If you are very particular about stick, bring 2. Overseas, it’s mainly spray).

  • Essential Oils: (Peppermint, Thieves, Lavender, and Tea Tree)

  • Travel soap box(es): To not spill essential oils

  • Loofah:  Axe detailer loofah is my favorite! But you can find loofahs pretty much everywhere so only bring one unless you want to bring 2 of a particular kind.

  • Travel Nail Kit: You’ll want to trim and clean those suckers

  • Razor Blades (1-5): Especially if you are very particular about the brand and type you use. But, if you’re not picky then you can find a bunch overseas

FOR GIRLS

  • Tampons: these are hard to find in most countries, except South America. I didn’t bring any but I definitely used my Menstrual Cups (2)– I LOVE! They are life savers. I also used Panty-liners daily. But, you know you.

  • DivaWash or Menstrual Cup Wash: Sanitation for menstrual cups is going to be a struggle but you can make it, I promise!

  • Plastic spiral hair ties: I LOVE these! Can find in Asia!

  • Headbands: You’re going to want to keep your hair out of your face and you’re going to want a quick “fix-me-up” when your hair feels/looks like a mop…or a broom…

  • Straightener: I, especially, recommend this for colder routes. You can also coordinate with your girls and bring out 4-5 for the whole squad to rotate.

  • Dry shampoo: I brought 2 travel size containers. Other people used baby powder. But this is totally optional

FOR GUYS

  • Hair Clippers: You’ve probably decided that this is the year you’re just going to let it all grow out…and that’s fine. All I have to say is, you’ll be looking like THAT in ALL the pictures 😀 If you’re going to grow your hair out, maybe be prepared with some hair products or hair bands/ hair ties, etc. 😉

  • Electric Razor: See above statement.

  • Beard Balm: It’s going to be one of your most prized possessions, I’m told.

ELECTRONICS:

  • Headphones (3-4): You’ll lose them, misplace them, and break them

  • Converter (1): With multiple USB ports- good alternative to a power strip.

  • Portable Charger: I survived the first 5 months without one but bought one the minute I had a chance (month 6). You’ll be okay with 10,000 mAh but get a higher one if you want. Anker was a favorite on our squad.

  • Charging cords (3): You’ll lose them, misplace them, and break them. Also, bring 2 LONG ones and 1 normal size. The normal size is nice for travel days. You can also find overseas.

  • Charger Splitter (1-2): I bought a splitter and it was a lifesaver, especially on travel days.

  • Phone case: For tropical routes, I recommend a Lifeproof  case. I was one of the only brave souls to being my phone out for all the water activities and I didn’t regret it. Go with whatever you believe is the most durable for you and your phone

  • Dongles (3): You’ll lose these and others will want to borrow them.

  • Bluetooth Speaker: I left mine at home and wish I would have brought mine out. Thankfully, plenty of squad-mates brought theirs.

I did not bring a headphone splitter and have no regrets. I’m an introvert so sharing music and movies with others wasn’t my thing. Most movies I watched with others were watched without headphones or we dealt with sharing headphones

MISCELLANEOUS:

  • Washi Tape: This is great for labeling things. I labeled all of my electronics with this. So, I always knew what was mine

  • Journal and/or agenda: I recommend Christian Planner or Passion Planner if you want to document each day and add notes on things you learn. Bring a neat journal to process other things in and you’ll probably buy a few along the way— especially in Asia.

  • Bible: Bring a travel Bible or a regular one. It’s totally up to you. But I recommend bringing one you can take notes in. I dropped my travel Bible Month 1 and wanted a journal Bible the rest of the Race. But I just made do with my phone.

  • Pens: Bring pens you love. G2 pens for sure! I brought 2 sets of PaperMate Flair pens. 🙂

  • Laptop/iPad/Kindle: I wouldn’t recommend bringing both your laptop and iPad. But if you like to read, definitely bring your Kindle out— I used my iPad. If you being your laptop out, bring an external hard drive.

  • Water bottle: I swear by my HydroFlask but a lot of people love their Nalgenes and copper water bottles (according to Paige, these are the best…also, she’s just the cutest).

  • Sunglasses: Can find some fun knockoff brands overseas if you need extra.

  • Clothesline: If you have a hybrid or expedition route, you’ll love this.

  • Travel spork: This is great for travel day snacks and for ATL months. Bring a bowl if you are a hybrid/expedition route.

  • Reusable shopping bag: I bought one Month 3 and have loved it! It’s nice to use for when I go shopping (mainly for food) or for travel days!

  • Mini sewing kit: Handy for small rips and tears. But don’t bring one that takes up a lot of space.

  • Potato Peeler: My Alumni Team Leader recommended this for hybrid routes and expedition routes when you run into veggies and fruit that aren’t as “washed” as you’d want them…

  • Crazy glue: Just a small little container will go a long way

  • Ziploc bags: Good for storing little things and trinkets and snacks. They’re not easily found overseas! Bring a few sandwich baggies and a few bigger ones. 

MEDS:

You can get most everything else overseas. To save space, I put all of my meds in Ziploc baggies. 

  • Prescribed meds: I brought out my anti-depressants, birth control (for acne and hormone regulation…calm down!), and sleep meds. Using a small travel sized week container was super helpful.

  • Ibprofen: You’re going to get headaches

  • Tums: for all that stomach acid, upset stomachs, and indigestion.

  • Benadryl: You may react to new things

  • Anti-itch Cream: Mosquitos…ants…

DOCUMENTS:

  • Passport: Duh!

  • Passport pictures (6): Some countries will request them for Visas. If you don’t bring them, it won’t be too big of a deal but you may have to pay an extra few bucks from personal money to get some

  • License: 2nd form of government issued photo ID

  • Copies of ID and passport: Packed in big pack, daypack, and day bag

  • Proof of yellow fever inoculation: You’ll need this for some countries but do your research on which ones.

  • Passport/money holder: I brought out a Sherpani wallet that kept all my money, Logistics money, passport, yellow fever, etc. But you’ll be fine if you bring out your personal wallet and have your passport and other things separate.

  • Credit Card and/or Debit Card: It’s nice to have more than 1, in case of emergencies. Most places take VISA. My bank, Chase, has a credit card that I could use that charged me NO international fees for a year. Check with your bank on their international policies and let them know where you’ll be going.

  • Preloaded Card: Again, good idea for emergencies.

  • Charles Schwab: Getting a Charles Schwab account is super handy to avoid all the international fees and ATM fees you’ll encounter.

  • Insurance Card: You’ll get one at Launch

  • Emergency Cash: Have $100 USD for emergencies

COMFORT TRINKETS:

These are all PERSONAL things I could think of. This is totally up to you. You’re going to find a lot of things overseas, too, so you don’t need to take everything out that provides you comfort. You’ll find some neat little things

  • HDMI cord: this came in handy a few times when we all wanted to watch something on a bigger screen. Probably more handy on Hybrid and Expedition routes

  • Silly putty: This was a lifesaver for me when I struggled with some nasty anxiety

  • Business Cards: When I was fundraising, I printed out some business cards with my basic info and blog site. I wish I would have belight some out to give to people I met in airports, in hostels, etc.

  • Goggles: My route had plenty of water and I LOVE the water. Wish I would have brought some goggles.

  • Card decks (2): you’re going to play and learn a lot of card games. Or bring UNO, or other fun games!

  • Art supplies: I brought 2 sets of Papermate Flair pens to journal with. Other people brought watercolors, found colored pencils, etc.

  • Hammock: I only recommend if you are already NOT bringing your tent and sleeping pad and are going on a warm route.

  • Nail polish: I brought 2 of my favorite colors but found cheap colors or used other’s

APPS:

  • Grab: Download the Grab app BEFORE you leave for the race because you’ll need to confirm your mobile number with a text which you won’t be able to do once you leave. It’s basically Uber for Asia.

  • MapsMe: You’re not always going to have data and these offline maps are lifesavers.

  • Venmo or PayPal, CashApp: Some people might want to treat you to something while you’re gone. And you may need to pay back some teammates for that ice cream and pizza 😉

  • Google Photos: Backup those photos every time you get the chance and then delete! Save that storage!

  • Google Translate: Obviously

  • WhatsApp: Most used form of communication overseas. When you get international SIM cards, always keep your US number!

  • Google Hangouts: Can call the bank, pharmacy, or other places when you can’t use WhatsApp

  • Libby and or Hoopla: GET A LIBRARY CARD before you leave! These apps are amazing! I currently have 3 other squad-mates using my account because they don’t have library cards.

  • XE Currency and/or Fancy Units: Nice to figure out exchange rates and the metric system

  • GridDairy: If you don’t like to journal but want a fun electronic way to document some cool pics and moments, I recommend this app.

TIPS & TRICKS:

  • Memorize your passport number

  • Be prepared to spend some personal  money to do the things and eat the stuff. Here is a blog that breaks down the use of personal money on the Race really well. But, also, CHOOSE to press into times where you rely on God’s provision.

  • Always pack socks for travel day. Buses and planes can get cold.

  • Bring an empty medium packing cube. This will be great for packing a change of clothes in your daypack on travel day.

  • I had a going away shower and used MyRegistry.com to make a registry of all the things I still needed. This saved me personal money and allowed me to invite others into this journey in a unique and special way. However, if I would have stuck to the “you are just living your normal life” thinking, my registry would have looked very different

My final advice to you is to, yes, read all the blogs, reach out to alumni racers, try on all the things at REI, etc. but, also, pray. Lay things out on your bed or your bedroom floor and ask, “Papa, what do You want me to bring out with me? What things do I need to leave behind?” He’s as excited as you are to check things off your Packing List.