Team Flourish at Launch!
Okay, so this hasn’t been published in a scientific journal, but that’d be cool huh? Every other person who’s written a packing blog swears that their’s is the best mostly because everyone brought what they like and works for them. So this is what works for me, Allison. No one ever knows exactly what to bring when you’re packing for 11 months in two backpacks, but this is a general list of what has worked for me and my squad! You’re never going to fit everything that you want, so start with that mindset!
For those who know me, I like to research. Before the race, I procrastinated by stalking packing blogs, looking up all my options and reading Amazon reviews for hours on every single product that I looked at buying. It can be overwhelming not knowing what the heck to get, I understand that! Here’s what I have found that works, and what doesn’t. Side note, I’m currently in month 6 and I’ve been to India, Nepal, South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique, and Lithuania so I can’t speak into Central and South America as well as Asia as much. I’ll update as we go along!
Most items have links or lists of your best (in my opinion) options AND I’ve included the other good packing blogs that I’ve found for your convenience 😉
Fun Facts:
- Check Amazon, craigslist, ebay, and REI to find the best price. I got both my packs used from ebay for much cheaper but I’m not sure if I would buy much more used because you’re going to be putting all of your stuff through the ringer this next year! All this stuff is listed on either Amazon or REI, but be sure to check both.
- If you’re somewhat money savvy this one is for you…. I found an American Express credit card where if you spent $1000 in the first three months you could get a $500 gift card (which I got to REI!). I pooled money that people gave directly to me and simply put a $1000 donation in my account with the credit card and used the $500 gift card to buy all my stuff!
- I would recommend getting your big stuff from REI simply because of the awesome exchange/return policy.
- Amazon changes their prices very frequently so just watch out for them to drop
- Here are the links to other good packing blogs:
SO, without further ado, let’s begin! I’ve organized it into a couple sections. PS, it’s long so maybe settle into you’re favorite chair, snuggle your dog (or cat) close, and grab a cup of coffee and some cookies (while you still can!) 
CAMP STUFF:
Big pack
- I would recommend between a 70-80L pack. I ended up finding an older Osprey model on ebay for around $100. It’s a 75L and although it’s a little heavier than most new packs, no one else has the same one so it makes it easy to spot among 54 other ones. I would recommend a pack that loads both at the top and front and has a sleeping bag compartment. Just a reference point, I’m 5’10” and I fit into the small pack frame size, I would recommend getting fit by REI or youtube a video before you buy a pack. Honestly, I don’t think this pack matters nearly as much as your daypack. So far in our race we only carry it once a month and it’s usually in the airporter anyways.
- Go to REI and figure out what pack fits you best and then shop around
Day pack
- I also got my daypack on ebay! AIM advises a small daypack, I’ve heard as small as 18L and I’ve found that was way too small. For training camp I used my 20L northface backpack and I wasn’t a fan. Bookbags are made to carry books while daypacks are made to carry stuff. I ended up with a 32L Deuter bag that was a couple years old but I snagged it for $25 when the newer models run for $125+! The osprey 32L packs are also very common on our squad. It is true that if you have the space, you will fill it; but, for 24 hour overnight layovers in the airport I love my big daypack that can fit my pad, bag, and pillow easily.
- 32ishL Options
- Kelty Redwing
- Osprey Talon
- Deuter Act Trail
- 32ishL Options
Packing Cubes
- Please bring these over compression sacks. Compression sacks may pack better but they’re 1000X harder to live out of. I like the ones that zip completely open, but that’s my preference. Also, get together with sauad mates, all buy different colors and swap!
Packable Bag
- REI has those bags that fold into the size of a tennis ball. I would bring some sort of bag whether that’s a Kavu, a packable bag, cross body Eddie Baur, recyclable grocery bag, medium to large purse, just something to carry stuff when you don’t want to bring your daypack. Also, depending on what you’re first country is you can always pick one up there.
Airporter AND luggage strap
- Sea to summit, large or extra-large. Don’t get the REI one, don’t get the osprey one. Every single person that doesn’t have one wants one. The Sea to Summit zips completely open so you can carry it by the backpack straps when you have to walk a mile to get to the bus while the others side over the bag like a tube. Also, FOR SURE bring a luggage stap, the kind that is a big loop with a buckle. Again, finding your pack when there are 54 other black bags is tricky, even with the aid of duct tape. I brought a bright orange one and I can spot mine from across the room.
Hammock AND straps
- So, this is an up in the air one. I ended up mailing mind back home in the Atlanta airport before we even left the states because it weighs 2.2lbs (for the double nest) and I was already pretty tight on my weight and I haven’t regretted that decision at all, but it’s totally up to you!
Tent, rainfly, footprint and poles
- I ended up getting a 2 person Seirra Designs tent that weight 3.3 lbs which is perfect. It was pretty cheap (around 150) and I’ve only used it for 5 days so far. I would recommend bringing one simply because you’re never sure if you’re going to need it or not and you may be okay with sharing a space smaller than a full bed for a month, but your teammates may not be 🙂 Check REI closeout sales, craigslist, or ebay for cheap tents but make sure they’re under 4 lbs!
- I used a small compression sack to stuff my tent into and put the poles and stakes inside my pack
Sleeping Bag
- Down bags are the way to go. I started out with the Nemo synthetic 20 degree bag, which I absolutely loved but it took up my whole sleeping bag compartment. I decided on the Sea to Summit Tk1 which is a 32 degree down bag. It packs down to the size of a football and it’s not nearly as constricting as a normal mummy bag. Most everyone is envious of it because it zips completely open into a comforter which is perfect for warm nights. My only complaint was in India I would have been a bit chilly had they not provided additional blankets after sleeping in my down jacket, hat, wool socks, and double layer pants ;). Our route has been quite chilly for the first 2 months, but I haven’t had a problem since. It was a bit on the pricey side, but I used a 20% off REI discount, got my 10% member rebate, and I had a gift card.
Sleeping Bag Liner
- Get one. I got the thermorector 15+ degree one and I’ve been really happy. It packs small, it was awesome in India and Nepal and it washes super easy. Sewing a sheet together would also work for a budget option. Washing your bag isn’t really an option so having something that you can wash between your dirty feet and your bag is a lifesaver.
Sleeping Pad
- Thermarest camper XL. Period. It’s a dream and a half. Packed it’s the size of a Nalgene, inflated it’s a lush 3 inches thick and 30 inches wide. A couple teammates ended up switching the ones they bought after seeing mine at training camp. A couple squadmates have had bad experiences with Exped ones, so maybe stay away from those. As far as self-inflating verses not, I would say get a blow up one, they’re usually a lot more comfortable and pack a lot better. Also, if your pad does get a hole, the self-inflating foam doesn’t do much of anything.
Sleeping Pad Pump
- Because the pad I got takes quite a bit of air, I also got a pump. Thermarest has one and so does another company. It was worth every penny of the $30 when I just plug mine on while other people almost pass out.
Sleeping Pad repair kit
- It should come with your pad
Pillow
- Just don’t get a blow up one. And do bring a pillow case. I got the thermarest foam one in Large and asked my grandma to sew a couple pillow cases for me and it works great.
Camp Chair
- Crazy Creek has a super lightweight and packable chair that has been the best comfort item. I got mine from Amazon for $18 and I just strap in on the front of my big pack for travel days.
Towel
- Quick dry vs normal,it’s up to you. If you bring a quick dry one, I would bring two to change out half way or BE SURE to never pack it wet.
ELECTRONICS and OFFICAL STUFF:
Camera and charger
- I traded my DSLR in for this and I love it. If you’re not used to shooting with a DSLR, there are awesome point and shoot ones that are not only smaller but also a lot cheaper. Many people just use their iphones.
Outlet converter
- You don’t need a super pricey one. I got the $3 from Amazon and it works great. Do know that South Africa, Swaziland and Moz use a different plug that’s not usually on the converters. You DO NOT need a voltage converter, most electronics have one built in. I think that these are easier, the big boxes tend to fall out more (or you’ll have to use precious duct tape!)
Phone and charger
- If at all possible make sure it’s unlocked for international SIM cards before you leave! AKA any Verizon iPhone 5s or later.
Computer and charger
- I would recommend bringing one. Almost everyone that didn’t wishes they had. It is totally doable without one, just a little more complicated. I would say definitely yes if you’re a treasurer or logistics! Ipads work too, the lack of a USB drive is really the biggest downfall
Multiple Outlet Cord
- I think every blog I have ever read lists this. Please, if nothing else, bring this haha! With one outlet and 6 other people, a month without one would be quite the acrobatic feat! Some people even brought the big kind with a built-in extension cord
Headlamp
- This is worth investing a little more money is as well. I’ve used mine every month. This month it’s been for doing dishes after dinner and during my quiet time in the morning.
Visa Photos
- We’ve used 6 already, I would recommend bringing 8. I used an online company (https://www.epassportphoto.com/) which was much cheaper and I just picked them up at my Walgreens.
Drivers Liscence, Debit/credit cards (2), Student ID
- I used my student ID on the top of Table Mountain to get a super discounted gondola ride back down. AND I got $27 off of my public transportation card for the month in Lithuania
- Charles Schwab is worth it simply for the free ATM withdrawals. Mine has gotten frozen a couple of times but I’ve just called and they’ve unlocked it. You need to transfer money into the checking account and then they’ll send your the debit (schwab.com)
Something to hold cash
- I’m the squad treasurer and I cannot imagine doing the race without The Jetsetter! However slightly tacky it is it has made keeping my money, squad money, and team money all separate. A bank pouch would work too. I regretted not bringing my wristlet so I got a $3 from Walmart during launch.
External Hard Drive and a small jump drive
- People that didn’t bring one bought on in South Africa. It’s perfect for movies, backing up your computer, and having extra storage space. Unless you’re planning on shooting a ton of video, 1TB should work well. I got this one which is a plus because you can drop it without it breaking
Lifeproof/headphone jack
Headphones (3 pairs! My favorite kind $6 – Amazon )
Headphone Splitter (Seriously, get one or you’ll forever be borrowing one)
Watch
PERSONAL ITEMS:
Sunscreen
- I didn’t bring the face sunscreen that I really liked and I regretted it in South Africa and Mozambique when I had to shell out for some really expensive, not so great, sunscreen for the beach. You don’t need to bring a ton but do bring some, the sun is quite a bit more extreme near the equator.
Garlic Salt or other seasoning.
- You can find stuff abroad but if you really like a certain kind, bring it. Rice and beans by itself only tastes good for a couple days.
Stationary & Addresses
- Unless you’re planning on only doing postcards, bring your own stationary and a list of all the addresses you’re going to want. Also bring little notecards for writing notes, birthday cards, and for other uses while on the field.
Bible/journal
- On the bible note, everyone that I’ve talked to doesn’t regret bringing their big study bible and some that didn’t either wish they did or ended up buying a new one on the race, just something to keep in mind. On the journal note, bring a couple or plan on using school notebooks.
Water bottle
- I love my Nalgene. For sure, for sure, buy a splash guard. I’ve also found that denture cleaning tablets work great for cleaning your Nalgene when it gets a little sketchy. (Weird, I know)
Earplugs and sleep mask
- I can’t sleep without them at home so I brought two boxes. Living in the same room as 6 other people can be quite noisy. If you do decide to bring them, I would recommend 20+ pairs because once you start, it’s super hard to stop.
Clothes line (I just bought cheap paracord-like stuff for Walmart.)
Spork
- I’d recommend the metal one like this one. Many people who have the plastic ones have broken.
French Press Mug and ground coffee for the first month
- If you like coffee just a fraction of a bit, take one along. You can get used to instant coffee, but it’s never going to be the same and you can find real coffee grounds all over the world.
Work gloves
Sunglasses and case (or pick up knock-offs in your first country)
Pens (lots and lots.)
Ziplock bags in different sizes – Soooo many uses.
Duct tape (Wind it around a sharpie, your nalgene, or itself for it to be packable-friendly
Playing Cards
Sewing Kit
Carrabbeaners (I brought 3 high quality ones and 8 cheap ones and use them all)
Veggie Peeler
Books (2) (If you haven’t read A Severe Mercy, I recommend that. It’s my favorite book 🙂
Neck Pillow (I like mine for travel days but this one’s totally up to you. I hated them until I found one like this that actually supports my head. The clip in the front is the key. Again, I found the same one at Marshalls for $15)
Drink packets – most people wish they would have brought some/more.
TOILETRIES
- A roll of toilet paper for your daypack
- You laugh, but our squad got off of our first flight in India and has to wait in the airport for over an hour to get our passports stamped and there was no TP in the bathroom!
- Hanging Toiletry Bag
- Mini curling iron, straightner, or blow dryer
- I’ve used mine more than I thought I would, especially in Europe or on off-days. It’s worth it!
These are the things that I have and haven’t been able to find abroad!
Have:
- Toothpaste and toothbrushes – They even have all the name brands
- Shampoo/conditioner. Most teams buy a team shampoo each month to share so unless you’re picky just bring a month or two worth! I use lush shampoo and two bars is going to last me the whole race (Lush.com)
- Razors. In SA and Swaziland they’ve even had Venus razor heads you can buy to restock
- Baby wipes. They’re literally all over. Just bring one pack
- Nail polish remover
Have not:
- Toothbrush covers, bring a couple
- Stick deodorant (Although SA had them)
- Earplugs
- Crest White Strips (I put a week’s worth in my month 6 package for myself!)
- Good bug spray (I’d get a 98-100% Deet one)
- Bobby pins
- All your familiar meds
- Dayquill (Bring A LOT! I rarely ever get sick and I got sick in Nepal and was so thankful for mine. Most people wish they would have brought more than they did.
- Probiotic – I’m not taking one, but some people are.
- Allergy meds
- Cipro (worth it. Get a script from your doc)
- Malaria Meds. IF you can get cheap ones with insurance get 4-6 months. If not, you can buy meds in every malaria-infected country for very inexpensive.
- Make up. I recommend bringing some. It’s fun for off-days, church, or just when you need a little pick me up. You can buy it everywhere if you don’t mind trying different brands for a little bit more money.
- Compact mirror or unbreakable mirror
CLOTHING
- Sweatshirt: If you’re going to Nepal anywhere near the beginning of your race, I picked up a quarter zip northface for $5 and I loooove it.
- Packable Jacket: Our route has been quite chilly at some points and I’m beyond thankful for my packable down jacket. I found mine at Marshall’s beginning of the summer for $15, originally $100!
- Rain jacket: Check Ebay. The Marmot precip has been voted by many sites the best budget option. Listed new around $100 I got mine for $20 and it didn’t look worn at all.
- Hat or beanie: I brought a $0.75 beanie that I picked up at Manards last minute. Only bring one if you normally wear one.
- Pair tennis shoes: I’m a runner so I’m picky and couldn’t imagine not having a pair. I bought a new pair just for the race, some people complain about old shoes that have lost their grip.
- Chacos: I’m a chaco fanatic so I’m a bit biased but I wear mine every single day. I also wore them a lot before the race so make sure they’re going to be something you actually wear.
- Flip flops for the shower
- 20 underwear: I also have 10 more in my 6 month package. Can’t go wrong with lots-o-undies.
- 5 socks (2 tall wool): Aside from India and Nepal where I rocked sockos every day, I wear chacos all the time except when I’m running or working out which is the only time I wear socks.
- 4 bras: I brought two normal and two sports.
- 2 Leggings: one short, one long. I read a lot of blogs that say don’t bring them. I’m so glad I didn’t listen. I’ve worn a lot of sundresses with leggings, travel days, around home, working out, or under pants when it’s a lot colder than you imagined 😉
- 2 pairs of shorts: One pair nike workout shorts and a jean pair
- 2-4 skirts or dresses
- 3-5 sleeved shirts
- Long sleeve
- 2 tank tops
- 1 cardigan
- 2 dressy shirts
- 2 casual pants
- Tankini (and a bikini top for when it’s just the girls, which has happened a lot for me!)
- Belt
- Scarf
- Cotton Gloves
See, look it all fits!
Like everyone else will say, you can’t fit everything you want into one bag. BUT, it is totally do-able. You will have everything you actually need, you will learn what it means to live a little more simply, and you will grow more than you could ever imagine. Feel free to comment blow if you have questions or comments and I’ll try and respond!!
