If you’re a future Race (or maybe you just want to live out of a backpack for an extended period of time), here is my packing advice. I tried to be a thorough as possible, adding the names of specific brands and products. I also compiled the advice of all 6 of my teammates, so this packing blog is Team Unhindered approved. 😉 Happy packing.
EQUIPMENT:
Backpack: Your pack is the one item you absolutely need to buy in person to make sure it fits your body type well and won’t be giving you horrible back pains for the entire year. If you live anywhere near an REI, that is your best bet (it’s probably even road-trip-worthy, if you don’t). Their staff are experts in backpacking and even more importantly, they are friendly and willing to help you. When shopping for a pack, make sure it is a front-loader, meaning you can access your belonging from the front of the bag and not just through the top. There is nothing more frustrating than living out of a bag or an entire year and having to remove every single item just to reach one thing in the very bottom. Also, the bigger your bag, the more tempted you’ll be to fill it and items add up in weight very quickly. A 60 – 70 L bag is plenty of room since after a few months on the field, you’ll be dropping items like crazy (You might not think so now, but trust me, you will).
Daypack: I would suggest buying a new daypack just for the Race. A lot of people on my squad just used old school backpacks that they already had to save money but they all seemed to fall apart by month three. You’ll probably end up carrying all your electronic in your daypack and that can be pretty heavy (think around 25 lbs). Choose a pack that is a decent size and can handle that amount of weight. If you have an SLR, I highly recommend the Lowepro Hatchback 22l AW. It is a bit pricy but is extremely lightweight, strong, has a separate compartment to hold your SLR and one backup lens, and even has a built-in rain cover in case you’re caught in a monsoon rain. If you buy a different backpack, I’d recommend grabbing a rain-cover to protect your electronics or at the very least, a small Sea to Summit dry bag to keep your valuables safe from the rain.
****TIP: The Lowepro camera I mentioned can usually be found at a great price on eBay.
Tent: At the end of month 4 I mailed my tent home because we hadn’t needed them yet and it didn’t seem like we’d be using them any time soon. When we hit Uganda in month 7, we finally used them for a week during our debrief and I shared with a friend. At this point I don’t regret mailing mine home (my pack is SO light), but I’d still suggest you bring one because the World Race is changing its lodging policy and is transitioning to using tents almost every month. When tent shopping, look for one that is as light as possible and has good ventilation. A good tent should be under 4 lbs. Most people bring 2 person tents (3 person if you are a married couple) but if you don’t mind squeezing a little bit, a one person tent would do just fine. The tent I bought was the REI Quarter Dome and it had excellent reviews. Remember to also buy a footprint to protect the floor of your tent during camping!
***TIP: Watch out for REI sales! They have them all the time and if you’re smart about it, you can snag your tent at below $100. There is a particularly big sale on the 4th of July.
Airporter: Your bag will take a beating during flights and bus rides if you don’t have one of these. It will get holes in it, but that’s okay! Rather your airporter than your pack. I have the gray REI brand airporter, which is large enough to fit any pack, but I don’t think REI offers those anymore. The Sea to Summit Pack Converter Duffle Bag is a great open since you can still wear your pack with it on, instead of dragging your pack on the floor like the rest of us. 😉 It’s also waterproof, so it can double up as a rain cover. A lot of people on my squad have the Osprey ones but I’ve heard some complaints about those since they only have a sling and no handles. Some people also bought duffles which are cheaper and more heavy duty but don’t pack down quite as small as an airporter does. If you decide on a duffel, find one that is large, durable and lightweight. Wheels would be ideal.
Rain Cover for your pack. I’ve read packing blogs that have said not to bring one of these but on my route, we spent several months in Asia during monsoon season and I couldn’t have done without this! In Nepal, for example, our packs were tossed onto the roof of buses for hours in the rain during long bus rides. My things would have been soaked through if I didn’t have a cover.
***TIP: Check the weather for your route ahead of time!
***TIP: Some packs, like Deuter are made with built in raincovers like the Deuter packs.
Headlamp: You’re not too cool to use this, I promise! I felt ridiculous when I bought mine, but it’ll soon become completely normal and you’ll wonder why you ever used a flashlight. Look for one with adjustable settings (low, bright and red). Good brands are Black Diamond and Petzl.
***TIP: Pack a few back-up batteries! You can find batteries everywhere in the world but your headlamp may go out with no notice during a blackout in India and it’s nice to have a few on hand.
BEDDING:
Pillow: Thermarest pillows are most Racers pillows of choice. They are comfortable and pack down really small for easy travel. They will start to get less fluffy after time, but washing and drying your pillow will make it fluffy again in a snap. There are lots of laundry mats in Asia and I try to wash mine once every month or so. I’d suggest either a medium or large since there isn’t a huge difference in the space they take up once packed. One of my teammates swears that the Quxiote pillow she bought is even more comfortable. She admitted that it was a bit expensive but it hasn’t lost its fluffiness, packs down small (toss it into your stuff sack along with your sleeping bag) and came with a pillow case for easy cleaning. If you’re set on having a “real” pillow for the year, some of my teammates took full sized pillows from home, cut them in half and sewed them up. If you don’t mind your pillow taking up a little extra space, this is a great option.
***TIP: Remember, this will be your pillow for one entire year. Don’t listen to anyone telling you you only need a stuff sack filled with clothes or that an inflatable pillow will do!
Bringing a light pillowcase that you made/bought keeps your pillow cleaner for longer and is easier to wash more regularly than the pillow.
Sleeping Bag: Get one. There’ll be nights when you stay in an air-conditioned hotel room for debriefs and you’ll want to crank the air all the way up since you haven’t felt anything but heat and sweat in months. You might also be surprised with some nice cool weather in Europe or even Africa (it is January and Uganda is a little nippy). Down sleeping bags pack much smaller than synthetic ones and are usually more comfortable, but you don’t have to spend a ton of money on this unless you plan on using it after the Race. A bag that rates 35 – 40 degrees F is perfect. Less than that and you’ll probably be hot.
Sleeping Bag Liner: Cotton ones are better than silk from what I hear. You’ll be making a LOT of use out of this item since most countries it is too hot to use a sleeping bag.
Sleeping Pad: This will be your bed for several months during the Race so don’t be stingy on spending a little money in this area. Look for a sleeping pad that is durable, packs small and has a foot pump (you’ll appreciate it in weeks when you move from location to location and don’t have to continuously keep blowing your sleeping pad up with your mouth). Thermarest, Exped and Big Agnes (Q-Core) are all popular brand choices.
•••TIP: Once you’re on the Race, take good care of your pad. People will step on it often if you leave it lying around on the floor and you’ll quickly discover you have a leak!
Sleeping Pad Repair Kit: See above. 😉 This will normally come with your sleeping pad when you buy it.
•••TIP: If you want your sleeping pad to feel a little less like a squeaky pool float and more like a bed, Thermarest makes a fitted sheet specifically for sleeping pads. To save money you could sew one yourself! Either way, it will keep your sleeping bag cleaner for longer and make your meager bed feel a little more like home.
ORGANIZATION:
Packing Cubes: Eagle Creek packing cubes are the way to go. Forget stuff sacks for your clothes: they’ll only leave everything wrinkled and disorganized. Everyone who I’ve talked to who brought them wishes that they had packing cubes instead. Personally, I used two 2-Sided Cubes and one 2-Sided Double Cube for all of my clothes. I packed a lot more clothes than most people (I’m a girly girl), so you might not need quite as many. The Eagle Creek Specter Cubes are extremely lightweight and surprisingly durable so you might want to nab some of those as well.
•••TIP: If you get your packing cubes in different colors it makes it super easy to find what you want quickly. Organization will be your best friend over the next year.
Stuff Sacks: I used an XS waterproof Sea to Summit stuff sack for my sleeping bag and a S waterproof Sea to Summit stuff sack for my tent. It doesn’t really matter which brand you buy, but this little item will ensure your sleeping bag and tent will pack as tiny as possible.
CLOTHING:
***With each item that your pack try to consider how much it weighs, how small it packs, whether or not it is modest by foreign standards (very different from American standards) and how practical it is (Would I actually wear this at home? Does it match with lots of different things? Do I care if it gets ruined? Will I get tired of seeing this pattern or color quickly?). If you can’t find something before the Race, relax! You’ll soon be an expert at market place shopping and if Asia is in the beginning portion of your route, you’ll pick up cheap, cute clothing items in a snap.
Shirts: Pack 5 shirts that cover your shoulders. In Asia it is NEVER modest to wear sleeveless tanks regardless of how thick the straps are and every ministry contact will ask you to cover up. You don’t get a ton of clothing options as it is, don’t limit your wardrobe for ministry even more by packing heaps of tank tops. You should, however, bring some. 2 or so tanks are good for sleeping in (it will be hot) and for hanging out around the house in your off time. When we got to Africa, we were allowed to wear sleeveless shirts as long as they had thick straps.
•••TIP: Bring at least 2 “dressy” shirts to wear at church or for months when you work in an office. In most countries, it is considered very important to look put-together so beaten up t-shirts won’t always do.
Skirts: I suggest 2 skirts that go to your ankles. If you’re traveling to India or Africa in the first few months, I’d probably go ahead and pack 3 since in India they consider even the sight of your ankles to be extremely scandalous and in Africa, women are expected to wear skirts for most ministry work. It gets quite boring to wear the same two skirts every day for months at a time. I’d toss in 1 skirt that goes just past your knees as well (knees are a no-go in Asia).
Shorts/Capris: 3 pairs that go to your knees for ministry or going out in public and 1 pair of athletic shorts to workout in, sleep in or wear around the house.
Pants: It is completely possible to go the entire Race without ever wearing jeans. I carried mine around for 6 months before I finally mailed them home because it had been entirely too hot to wear them and they were the heaviest clothing item I owned. If you must bring jeans or if you’re heading to Europe early on in your Race, only pack one pair. Otherwise, pack 2 or 3 light, loose-fitting cotton pants. If you can’t find any of these, don’t worry. Asian markets are packed with them and they are incredible cheap.
Lightweight Sweatshirt This doesn’t have to be particularly warm, just enough for chilly nights on the plane or on an overnight bus.
Rain Jacket: I’ve used this a ton on the Race. You can even layer it over your sweatshirt for added warmth. It doesn’t need to be expensive. A lot of people spent $200 on theirs but honestly, one from Target would do just fine.
Thin Cardigan to cover tank tops/dresses for church. Every single girl on my team has picked up at least one during the Race because it’s so handy in expanding your wardrobe options.
Leggings: 1 pair in a practical color is great. You can wear it under that dress/skirt your picked up in Cambodia that doesn’t quite reach your knees.
Bras: Pack 6 bras that you’d wear at home. If you wear sports bras, bring them. If not, bring 5 regular bras and 1 sports bra for working out or manual labor.
Undies 20 pairs or more! Honestly, the more the merrier. Foreign underwear is weird and uncomfortable and since you’ll have to use the buddy system even for shopping, you might end up having to take one of the men on your team with you.
***TIP: Some people find it fun to pack a bunch of brand new undies that they don’t open until the halfway point on the Race. For us, our halfway mark fell on Christmas. Merry Christmas to me!
While you don’t have to pack granny underwear, know that your laundry will be drying within in view of the guys so don’t pack anything you wouldn’t want them to see.
Socks 5 pairs (2 of them should be warm pairs).
2/3 pairs of shoes If you are a runner or plan on becoming one on the Race, pack some good trail running shoes. Otherwise you only need a good pair of waterproof sandals/flip flops (these can double up as shower shoes) and a pair of close-toed shoes. You will wear your sandals 95% of the time so these are the most important shoes you’ll bring. Your best option is a cute pair of Crocs. I know what you’re thinking: Did she just say cute and Crocs in the same sentence? You’re judging me. But before you totally disregard my packing blog, know that I would never wear Crocs at home. Ever. However, they make Croc gladiator sandals that look nothing like the hideous boating shoes and are practically invincible and waterproof. These will be your best investment for the Race.
***TIP: As far as Chacos or Vibrams, don’t even think about bringing them unless you already wear them at home and you’d use them almost every day on the Race. Chacos are really heavy and you’ll constantly have to take your shoes off to walk into a house or even into a store in any part of Asia so if you do pack a pair, toss in a pair or sandals/flip flops as well.
Don’t bother packing Toms. As much as I love them they really aren’t WR practical. I know, I know. I didn’t believe it either. I packed some and ended up sending them home.
Dirty Laundry Bag for times when you can take your laundry to a laundry mat.
***TIP: Save yourself money by using the bag your sleeping bag came in.
Bathing Suit Bring a tankini or a one piece. You’ll be asked to wear a t-shirt and shorts over your bikini otherwise. Some people prefer tankinis in case of a month where you have an outdoor shower and need to scrub your belly and back.
Sea to Summit Drylite Towels: Pack two. You’ll be grateful you did on laundry days or when one towel is wet from swimming. They start to hold smell after a few months so another option might be to use one for the first half of the Race and then switch. Buy them in size XL. They’ll be the size of a real towel (quick-dry towels are generally tiny) and still take next to no space in your pack.
Hat/Cap: IF you wear caps at home, You’ll wear this on the Race for outdoor labor in the sun. If you don’t, skip it.
ELECTRONICS:
Laptop: If you have a choice between bringing iPad/tablet or a computer, bring a computer. The best option is a Mac computer that has a USB port and CD drive (you’ll want them for buying cheap DVDs of movies that have come out since you’ve been away from home and for trading pictures with your teammates). Apple products always pick up internet much better than PCs, which you’ll be thankful for when using extra slow internet in Africa. If you already have an iPad or tablet and you can’t afford to purchase a computer before the Race, bring it, but remember that it is not a computer. Even if you bring a keypad, it can’t do everything a computer will do. But don’t stress! You will be on a team with 5 or 6 other people who will have computers for you to borrow if you need it for writing blogs and longer emails. Either way, make sure to invest in a strong hardcase cover for your laptop or tablet because it will take a beating over the course of the year.
5-way Headphone Splitter You’ll want this for movie-watching with friends while some of your teammates are asleep.
Headphones Bring at least 2 comfortable pairs; you will undoubtably lose/break a pair.
External Hard-Drive Load this up with movies, tv shows, music and photographs from home. There’ll be months where you’ll have so much free time, you won’t know what to do with yourself. Movie watching is great for team bonding and you’ll want to show your team pictures of your friends and family.
•••TIP: Make sure it has a good case or is one of the orange LaCie unbreakable ones. Lots of people have external hard dives break when the are tossed around my airlines or bus companies.
Kindle If you enjoy reading, this is the best thing you could bring on the Race. It will make long travel days (24 hour bus rides) enjoyable. Stock up on at least 10 good books you’d like to read and you can buy more whenever you find fast internet. I’m in month 7 and have already completed 11 books on the Race. Some people on my team have read even more than that!
***TIP: Don’t even think about leaving home without a case for your Kindle. Also, if you have anything other than the Kindle Fire, remember to pack a small light to read at night!
Download a good commentary for help with preaching/Bible study with your team when you have no access to internet. I recommend the McArthur Commentary because it is very thorough and goes verse by verse.
iPod/iPhone for listening to music.
TIP: If you bring an iPhone, have it unlocked before coming on the Race so that you can buy local sim cards in each country and call/text home for cheap. Alternatively, you can download apps for that use wifi to allow you to text for free.
Adapters The Argus travel adapter set is by far the best and most compact set. Get ’em.
***TIP: You DO NOT need a converter. For anything. Trust me.
Speakers You’ll use these all the time for watching movies and for worship with your team. A teammate of mine brought two of the iHome speakers and they were incredible. For a cheaper option, there are Tweakers.
Power Strip with at least 3 outlets. You’ll also want to make sure it’s surge-protected (for power-outages) and that it is compatible with international voltages (this will prevent it smoking when you plug it in overseas). I brought along the SimRan SM-60 and it’s been great. It will miraculously multiply the one outlet in your room so more than one person can charge their computer at once. Your teammates will thank you.
USB Drive: Bring two. These are great for saving emails to send at internet cafes that don’t have wifi or for trading files and pictures with your team.
Camera: At home, I photograph weddings, but unless you’re an avid picture-taker already, I wouldn’t go out of my way buy an SLR. Sometimes having a point and shoot camera is nice because it draws less attention to you that a big SLR would. If you already have an SLR camera, though, bring it! 2 lenses is more than enough. A tripod really is never practical or necessary. Don’t forget to pack a few extra SD cards just in case and if your laptop doesn’t have a SD card slot, remember to pack a cable to transfer pictures onto your computer or external.
TOILETRIES:
Hanging Bathroom Bag: This is super handy for showers where there are no shelves. Eagle Creek makes a good one with a built in mirror (the mirror is breakable, though. Mine bit the dust in month 3) and a hook for hanging on a bathroom door.
Small Mirror: There’ll be months where you don’t have a mirror. You’ll get used to not seeing what you look like on a daily basis, but until then you can find an unbreakable mirror at most camping stores.
Travel-size bottles of shampoo, conditioner, body-wash and face wash. Your team will most likely buy team toiletries each month and share, so it helps to have travel containers to fill up your share. Do NOT bring full-sized bottles of shampoo, conditioner and body wash with you to launch unless you are very adamant about a specific brand name. Big bottles will only weigh your pack down.
Contacts Lenses: If you wear them, bring a one-year supply and glasses just in case. Make sure they’re packed in a sturdy case so they don’t break. If you wear glasses all the time, pack at least 2 pairs.
Contact Lens Solution: One large bottle is enough to start with.
Razor: I packed one nice razor and just brought a few extra blades. Some people brought disposables, but of course, that takes up a bit more room.
TIP: You can buy Gilette razor blades anywhere.
Feminine Products: tampons are difficult (though not impossible) to find. Pads are just about everywhere.
Hair Products: If you have curly hair, pack a year’s worth. The rest of the world seriously does not cater to us curly-haired sisters. If you are Africa American with natural hair, pack hair creme even if it means toting around an extra bag of the stuff. If you have straight hair, you’ll have no problems finding products you’d use at home.
Baby Wipes: 2 x small packs is enough; you can buy more as you go.
Sunblock
Baby Powder is totally optional, but it is very handy for dirty-hair days or for dusting your body/face to prevent excess sweating. Sounds gross, I know, but some countries we sweated non-stop and sweat rashes are no fun.
Make-up: If you wear it at home, having some on the Race will make you feel pretty even when you’re wearing the same worn blue dress for the 50th time.
Nail Polish/Remover: I thought I could go a year without painting my nails, only to find out: if you do it at home, you’ll want to do it on the Race as well. You can always talk with the girls on your team and agree to each pack one different color.
Hand Sanitizer: Two small bottles to pack in your daypack will do (you can buy more in most countries).
Deodorant If you only like to use stick deodorant, pack some extras. It’s not impossible to find overseas, but it’s much more common to find spray deodorant.
Body Spray: For smelling good on days when you missed a shower or to freshen up your clothes that may have gone one too many wears without washing.
Toothbrush/Toothpaste: If you use an electric toothbrush at home, bring it.
•••TIP: Pack a box of crest wipe strips to use at the halfway point of the Race. Everyone complains that their teeth are the most yellow they’ve been and we’ve been begging our families to mail us a box for Christmas.
Q-tips
Dental Floss
Cotton balls
Comb/Brush
MEDICINE:
I barely packed any meds on the Race, so I let my more knowledgable teammates dictate this portion of the packing list. You only a few of each medicine, unless specified, since you can stock up in most countries. Make sure you have something for:
*Malaria Prevention (Malarone or Doxycycline).
See my last blog, 15 Things I Wish I Had Known for details on this topic.
*Upset Stomach (Tums, Imodium, Cipro etc.)
*Fever Reducer
*Anti-itch Cream
*Bug Repellent: I started the Race with Jungle Juice, which is 98% Deet, but gave it away after it leaked in my pack and disintegrated my eyeglass case. I picked up some lotion repellent instead, but there have been some months where nothing but Deet would work on the persistent mosquitos. Good thing community living means sharing. 🙂
*Cold and Flu Meds (you’ll probably need these most frequently)
*Eye Drops (The kind that imitate your eye’s natural tears and if you are a contact lens wearer, go ahead and get and antibiotic. One of my teammates developed an eye infection and has been unable to wear contacts for the rest of the Race and another teammate got Pink Eye).
*Basic Pain Killers for headaches, aches and pains etc.
*Bandaids (Pack lots of different sizes)
*Allergy Meds
*Motion Sickness Meds (if you get sick during travel, you’ll want to pack a TON of these. So far our team has taken over 40 bus rides and 3 of them were 24 hours long)
*Benadryl
*Laxatives (I have never used these but with all the changes in diet you’ll be experiencing, people on my team swear by them)
*Sleep Aid (For long bus rides)
*Small Bottle of Lice Shampoo and a Lice Comb
*Emergen-C (To boost your immune system)
*Tee Tree Oil is apparently great for everything… acne, lice, bug bites, bug repellent… Look up all that it can do before tossing it into your pack.
*Grape Fruit Seed Extract is another helpful item. It is a natural disinfectant. Look up all that it can do before leaving for the Race.
*Water Sterilizing Drops
*Yeast Infection Meds (It SUCKS to have this in a 3rd world country)
*Cyst Meds (3 of the girls on my team developed multiple cysts on the Race)
*Anti Nausea Meds (The Dissolvable kind are great)
*Anti Fungal Cream (for curing athlete’s foot or ringworm)
MISCELLANEOUS:
Carrabbeaners: Pack around 4 or so small carrabbeaners. You’ll use them to hang things off of your pack and daypack like your pillow (You’ll want it handy for travel days), water bottle or a pair of smelly tennis shoes that need to air out. They don’t need to be super expensive (I got mine at a Dollar Store) or strong since they won’t be holding much weight.
Travel Locks/Key Rings: You honestly don’t need a ton of these (unless maybe South Africa is on your route), but they come in handy for locking your pack and daypack up on travel days or if you are in an area where you don’t feel safe. I have never needed to use my locks for safety, but they’ve been helpful for locking bedroom doors that had no locks. Key ring loops can be used though the zippers of your daypack to hinder pickpocketing. I even used mine to chain a dog up to give him a flea bath in Cambodia so you never know what will come your way!
Deck of Cards for travel days when you have 12 hour lay-overs.
Lined Notepad
Pens (lots… these magically disappear), Glue-stick, Clear Tape and a small pair of Scissors and if you like to be a bit creative, bring colored markers/pencils as well. You will use these all the time and your teammates will borrow them continuously.
Journal: Look for one that is lightweight (ones with recycled paper are usually lighter). In some market places in Asia you can buy cute, unique journals, but personally, I preferred to have my whole year fit into one journal so I brought a large sturdy one with me from Barnes and Noble.
Small Bible
Collapsable Bowl You will make use of this during the months where you are responsible for your own meals. There’s no need to pack a plate. The collapsable Sea to Summit bowls from REI can double up for most things so a plate really isn’t necessary.
Spork and Knife: Some lightweight camping ones are great.
Pocket knife with a can-opener option is also really handy. The Leatherman multi-tool is great, but if you’re like me and opt out of bringing one, don’t worry, most people on your team will pack one anyway.
***TIP: Only one person on your team needs to have a mess kit. Wait until training camp and discuss it with your team.
Schwab Card & Another Visa Banking Card: Don’t leave home without a Schwab card! I know the process to apply and get one is a bit of a pain, BUT it is completely worth having zero ATM fees while your teammates will be paying $5 per transaction. Start the application process early and don’t forget to do a Power of Attorney form if you’ll be having someone at home handling your finances and keeping your account topped-off while you’re away. Note: Schwab has a Power of Attorney form that is specific to them and a standard POA form will not do.
Bring a second banking card (also a Visa) and keep it separate from your wallet in case it gets stolen. That way, you won’t be stranded without any access to money. Visas are accepted everywhere so it’ll prevent you from having to ATM-hop to draw money.
Water Bottle: These start to smell funky after a few months, so if you want to save on money and cleaning, you can always use a disposable water bottle from the store and continue to refill it. Your choice.
Blank Cards and Envelopes: While you’ll most probably just send postcards from each country to your family and friends, it’s nice to have a few cards and envelopes to write encouraging notes to your teammates or to write a ‘thank you’ to your ministry contacts at the end of each month.
Ear Plugs: Your teammates will snore, sleep-talk and bang doors whenever you try to sleep. Oh, sweet community living. 🙂
Eye Mask: The first international flight you take will give you one of these for free. Save yourself some money and snag it.
Ziplock Bags of all shapes/sizes (Pack plenty… way more than you think you’ll need). These are handy for everything from packing snacks to making sure your bottle of shampoo doesn’t leak.
Small Twist Ties/Rubber Bands
Small Calculator: Since you will be using a different currency with a different conversion rate every single month, you’ll want this little guy handy. A key-chained calculator that you could hang on the outside of your daypack would be great.
Watch or you can just use a phone if you packed one.
Clothes Line for hanging your laundry to dry after hand-washing.
Headbands to keep your hair out of your face during physical labor or to protect your hair from lice.
Duct Tape: You’ll use this for the oddest things! I actually bought Gorrilla Tape instead because it was much smaller for packing that traditional Duct Tape and I’m so glad for it! Duct Tape takes up so much room!
Travel Alarm Clock: Or just a cell phone. 🙂
Sewing Kit: One of the best investments you’ll make, assuming you know basic sewing skills. Your clothes will get so many rips and holes. Having one of these will save your wardrobe over and over.
Jewelry: The Race doesn’t mean roughing it as much as you’re assuming it does. You will not be hiking everywhere you go. You will go our for dinner. You will go to the mall. You will see a movie. If you wear earrings at home, bring a few pairs. If you wear necklaces, bracelets, or rings, pack some. Remember that you can always pick up cute jewelry for cheap in market places and it might be a fun thing for you to collect over the course of for Race.
Sunglasses: Make sure they’re sturdy and have a good, strong case!
Mosquito Net: This is optional. I have gone the whole Race without one and just lather in bug spray if we are in a bug zone or malaria area. If you have sweet blood, you might want to invest in one of these bad boys, but make sure it packs tiny or you’ll probably drop it fairly early on in the Race.
Hair Ties: It’s difficult to find ones that aren’t frilly or poofy on the Race so go ahead and bring enough for the whole year.
Bobby pins: These are not easy to find and jumbo bobby pins are non-existent internationally. Pack enough for the year and save yourself the hunt.
Belt: All men, and some women loose weight on the Race (I’ve stayed the same). You might need one of these to keep your pants on by month 5. 😉
EXTRA GOODIES:
Allow yourself one or two luxury items (don’t go overboard). These will make you smile on a rainy day or add a little pep to your step. Here are some of the luxury items I’ve seen some of the Racer on my squad toting along:
Mini Blow Dryer: I couldn’t stand the idea of never doing my hair for a whole year, so I did my research and discovered the BaByliss ProTT. It fits in the palm of your hand (no joke), is a cute red color, and has two different speed settings. It is also duel-voltage so can be used anywhere in the world without a converter. Oh, snap. I don’t regret packing it one bit.
Travel Yoga Mat: If you plan on doing any form of indoor working out (Yoga, Pilates, Insanity) regularly, this mat will be a lifesaver. I found one at REI that is about half the size of a regular Yoga mat and fits into the straps on the outside of my pack. It was one of the best things I brought on the Race and I’ve had tons of other Racers borrow it to prevent from working out on a hard, dirty floor or on a gravel driveway.
•••TIP: Planning on living healthy while on the Race? Check out my friends’ blog about Healthy Living on the Race (http://stephaniebauer.theworldrace.org/?filename=health-blog-asia-for-racers)!
Small Tool Kit: I am told by the men on my team that this is worth having, however, having them on my team is good enough for me.
Guitar/Musical Instrument: This will get used a ton for squad worship, team worship and leading songs at ministry. It might be a pain to carry a guitar case all the way around the world, but your gift will be such a blessing to everyone, and if playing music is a regular part of your life at home, you’ll be dying to play as the year goes on. If you think it’ll be too much to carry, consider ditching your daypack. Seriously.
Hammock: A handful of my squadmates have these and pull them out whenever there are trees or pillars to strap them to. I put this under luxury items because, although hammocks are cool, you won’t always have the option of some trees or be living in a house that is stable enough to support one. You might be surprised at how often you have an actual bed to sleep in on the Race.
***TIP: Don’t bring one unless you’ve already tested out sleeping in one before and liked it.
Pocket Shower: Although we don’t “rough it” near as much as I had imagined, bucket showers are a pretty consistent shower option, so if that bothers you, pack a Sea to Summit Shower Bag. It’s barely bigger than a deck of cards and with the Race taking a turn toward more tenting months, it couldn’t hurt.
Jewelry Plyers: This is something small I brought along to fix my jewelry whenever it broke on the Race, which happens about once a month.
Paperbacks: Books are HEAVY, especially in comparison to a Kindle, which can hold thousands of books. Some Racers pack 1 paperback and spend the year trading out with each other or swapping their book out for a new read on a community bookshelf in a hostel.
Paints: This is something I wish I brought. You’ll have some months with more free time than you know what to do with. If you like to paint, bring along a small paint kit and some paints to pass the time. You could gift your paintings your you ministry contact at the end of the month or keep them safely in a small art journal for a creative way to record your experience.
Travel-Sized Boardgame (As long its small and lightweight).
The most important thing to remember is that there’s grace. You don’t need everything on this list. In fact, you shouldn’t have everything on the list (your bag would weigh 70 lbs!). Pick and choose what is important to you, and you know what? If you miss something, you will either find it abroad or other people on your team will have it and be willing to share. It’s community living, after all.
Hakuna Matata.
As you prepare to embark on your beautifully intimate adventure with Papa, may He bless you (financially and otherwise) and keep you! May He make His face to shine upon you (so all your fundraising events are successful), and may He give you His peace (so that no amount of packing worries can steal away your joy). And may you walk so closely behind your Rabbi that you are covered in the dust of His feet. 🙂
