Hey guys! This blog is dedicated to you seeing all the fabulous things I’m planning to take with me next year (this list is far from exhaustive and is not complete. I will have a more updated packing list later in the year).
My Backpack
This is going to be my closet for the next year. In it I will keep all my belongings (I also have a daypack and purse). This bag will carry my tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, Eno (hammock), shoes, clothes, medicines, toiletries, and other items along the way. My backpack is the Deuter Women’s 60L. With the top compartment fully extended it can hold almost 70L. Because of the length between my neck and my hips, I had to get an XS. This means I’m going to have a little less room than some of the taller people. 
I have been working with a personal trainer for a month (and will keep working with her until December) to get in better physical shape for my race and this past week we loaded up my backpack and walked around town. If you live in Hickory, be on the lookout for Annie walking in her pack! This thing could weigh up to 50 lbs!
My House!
This is an older picture from when the girls that lived at our house this summer went camping in the basement! My and the lovely Milly!
My Bed – Sleeping Pad, Sleeping Bag, Liner
My Sleeping Pad is the Incamp from REI. It is a manual inflating pad so I have to use my hands to pump it up. But this is so worth it because this is so comfortable. I sleep on my side a lot and this pad keeps my hip from digging into the ground. I love it. It will be a great bed for the year.
My Sleeping bag is the Women’s Backcountry Bed from Sierra Designs. It is a down sleeping bag filled with goose feathers. It is so comfy. It also has a flap on the bottom where I can stick my feet out if they get hot. It is like having a comforter with you because I can use the top flap like a blanket.
My Liner is for when it is hot (Asia and Africa most likely). It is the cool max insect shield liner. There is actually insect repellant in the liner. It’s like magic! This is for when I want something to cover up but not with the down sleeping bag. I feel like this will get used a lot. It also can be put in my sleeping bag when it’s really cold or to keep my sleeping bag from getting dirty. It’s a lot easier to wash my liner.
Pillow
My pillow is also super comfortable and folds down nice and tiny. I can fit it in my daypack and use it on the plane, bus, or trains. It blows up in about 4 breaths (I counted).
Hammock w/ Bug Net
My Eno is coming with me in case the opportunity presents itself to sleep in the trees one month. Because 7 of the 11 countries we are going to are high malaria risk, I am also taking a bug net for my eno.
Chacos! Because why not?
Headlamp
Daypack
My day pack has three major pockets. One is for my laptop and is padded to protect it. The middle section is for my camera, toiletry bag, and other items I’ll keep on hand. The front pocket is for my pens, journals, and other less important items. My pack also has two hidden compartments. One is a zipper against my back where I can hide money and other small valuables. There is also a hidden pouch for airline tickets and my passport in the back cushion. I love this day pack!
I hope you have enjoyed seeing all of my gear. I have a few other things that aren’t pictured but I will show you later. I can’t believe I leave for training camp in THREE WEEKS! I am so excited to meet my squad-mates and get to know who is on my team! Keep checking back for more updates!
~ Annie
