So I know that this is the question that has been floating around in your mind since you heard about my trip. You have wondered what things would make my priority list and what I could live without. You are wondering how in the world I can pack for 11 full months in only a backpack. Well this blog will tell you exactly what I am bringing with me and hopefully later on in my race I will update this and tell you what I wished I would have brought and what I was most thankful for.
Here are some answers to the questions many of you have already asked me.
Do you have to bring 11 months worth of toiletries?
No, I do not have to bring 11 months worth of toiletries because every country in the world will have toothpaste, shampoo, and conditioner. They might not be the same brand that I am sure they will do the trick.
How many pounds can your backpack be?
Most international travel requires your bag to be under 20 Kilograms which translates into roughly 44 lbs. So my goal is to pack it under 40 lbs so that I have wiggle room later on in my trip.
Can you only take one bag with you?
I will actually be bringing two backpacks with me. One backpacking bag and one normal book bag. That backpacking one will hold any items I would normally check if I was to go on a flight. My book bag will be my carry on. If you are wondering how one person carries two backpacks, I can answer that one for you! I will be wearing one bag on my back and one on my front.
If you are backpacking will you need to bring a tent with you?
This is a debated question, The WR recommends that we bring one, but many past racers have said they never used their tent. So the big debate is do I bring mine? I am leaning toward bringing mine because I would rather be over prepared than under prepared.
Ok now onto the actually packing guide!
Backpacking Bag
In my Large bag I am bringing: (Starting on the top left)
- Rumple blanket (synthetic compressible blanket)
- Bug Repellant sleeping liner
- Sleeping pad
- tent
- toiletries
- Melenzana hoodie
- XL quick dry towel
- small quick dry towel
- bug net
- blanket scarf
- extra baggies/dryer sheets (to keep things smelling fresh)
- wipes
- hammock
- Rain jacket
- trail running shoes
- croc sandals
- chacos
- Orange Patagonia medium sized packing cube
- jean shorts
- black and white stripped maxi skirt
- athletic shorts (sleeping or working out)
- purple tea length dress
- ankle length yoga pants (for under shorter dresses or skirts)
- black dance/zumba pants (like baggie yoga pants)
- jeans (because I love wearing jeans)
- black linen overalls
- Blue Patagonia medium sized packing cube
- 6 sports bras
- 4 pairs of socks
- 12 underwear
- 4 short sleeve shirts
- 2 tank tops
- 2 long sleeve shirts
I decided to go with two medium packing cubes because I could organize my clothes more efficiently than having all my clothes in a large one.
Day Pack
- baseball cap
- computer (in a water resistant sleeve)
- 2 journals (blank pages no lines)
- blank stationary to write people notes 🙂
- Letters from friends in BV!
- banana grams
- bandaids
- contacts
- bag of snacks and drink packets (for water that might taste different than home)
- advil and tums
- headphones
- deck of cards
- eye mask/ear plugs/compression socks (for travel days)
- solar powered lantern
- second pair of glasses
- Prescription sun glasses
- Oils (to help cure all the things)
- nightguard
- wipes
- diva cup
- colorful bag of markers/colored pencils
- small fanny pack for my important documents
- portable speaker
- extra power pack
- kindle
- extra headphones (I’ve heard earbuds are hard to find overseas)
- power converter and all the charger chords
I’m sure I am overpacking and will drop things as I travel, and if I forgot something I can always buy it along the way!
