Here is more of a practical blog for future racers and backpackers of the world. How could one possibly fit everything needed for a whole year in a 55L backpack and a day pack? Apparently, I’m good at tetris. I broke everything down by category and used packing cubes (If you don’t know what these are and are planning a backpacking trip; they are lifesavers so buy some immediately after reading this blog). I wrote this to help out future backpackers so that you can learn from my mistakes. The breakdown is as follows:
Gear:
- Tent (REI Half Dome)
- Sleeping Bag (Cheap light one b/c we are going to hot countries & I might drop it at some point)
- Sleeping Liner (Don’t know why I bought this)
- Sleeping Pad (3” Sea To Summit R Comfort Plus S.I. – it’s heaven)
- Pillow (A lot of people bring just a blow up travel one, but it’s a whole year. Yes this is a personal preference, but I’m 100% glad I brought it)
- Extra Pillow Case (You’ll thank me later)
- Blow up travel pillow (Carabineer onto daypack for travel days)
- Rain Cover for Pack
- Airporter (I decided to get one last minute and I’m glad I did- only recommendation would be to get one that unzips so you can still use your backpacking straps, mine only unzips on the top)
- Headlamp
- Multi tool Leatherman
- Spork (Good for travel days, make sure it’s not metal so airport doesn’t give you a hard time)
Clothes:
- (5) Shirts
- (1) Tanktop
- (1) Flannel
- (1) Hoodie
- (1) Rain Jacket
- (2) Covertible REI pants/shorts
- (2) Maxi Skirts
- (1) pair of jeans
- (1) Elephant Pants
- (1) Sweatpants
- (1) Athletic Shorts
- (1) Pair of Chacos
- (1) Pair of Nikes
- (1) Hat (Don’t bring if you don’t wear hats @ home)
- (1) Headband (I got a “buff” headband. Am I cool yet?)
- (3) Sports Bras / (2) Regular
- (8) Pairs of Socks
- (8) Underwear
Electronics:
- Laptop
- Iphone
- Nikon D3300
- GoPro
- Universal Travel Adapter (Travel Smart by Conair)
- Power Strip (So you can charge multiple devices @ once)
- Small Bluetooth Speaker (For dance parties, duh)
- (3) pairs of headphones (Maybe I’m paranoid, I don’t know)
- Headphone Splitter (Watch movies together on travel days)
- All chargers associated w/ above stated electronics
- Velcro Electronic Ties (To keep cords organized and separate)
- Workout DVD’s (I initially wanted to bring all P90X and Insanity, but ran low on room so I compromised and decided to just bring a few of my favorites)
Toiletries:
- Baby Wipes (Haven’t used one yet)
- (3) Deodorants (Unnecessary)
- (10) Razors (Also unnecessary)
- Bar of soap (Public Service Announcement: They have soap in other countries)
- Travel Size shampoo/conditioner (Not obligatory, but useful)
- Brush
- Nail Clippers
- Toothbrush/Travel Toothpaste
- Tweezers
- Travel Size Baby Powder
- Powder/Mascera/Eyeliner/Chapstick (I’ve heard of girls bringing zero makeup on the race, and some who bring all of their makeup they use back home. My advice on this would be to compromise, bring a little to make you feel nice but let’s face it, you’re probably not Tyra Banks. So there is no need to bring the whole MAC store abroad.
- Small Mirror
- Sock Bun (10 / 10 would recommend to a friend)
- To Go Febreeze/Body Spray (You will stink. Bring some form of smell good)
- Tampons (Some girls bring them for the whole year, I don’t recommend this. I guarantee you will be able to find it in most countries. I brought about 100, and even that was excessive.
- Microfiber compact towel (It’s alright, but I might end up just buying a regular one along the way)
- Cotton Swabs (Small pack of 50, you can buy in country)
Medications:
- (20) Emergen-C Packets
- (30) Tums
- Malaria Meds (If applicable)
- Antibacterial Wet Wipes
- Hydrocortisone
- Triple Antibiotic Ointment
- Travel First Aid Kit (The ones @ REI are compact)
- Extra bandages (For the daredevils)
- Probiotic
- DayQuil/NyQuil
- Anti-Diarrheal
- Ibuprofen
- (100) Multivitamins
- (2) full doses of Amoxycilin (Just in case)
- Allergy/Sleep Aid – Diphenhydramine 25mg (Or if you like all natural, melatonin works too, but do get something to help with sleep)
- Insect Repellent (Get the strong stuff with more DEET)
- Sunscreen (It is really expensive in other countries)
Miscellaneous:
- Bible
- (2) Journals
- Pens (Bring more than you think, they disappear like socks in the laundry)
- (2) Books (For down time)
- Instant coffee (Something I was not willing to compromise, although you can buy in country. Don’t judge me.)
- Plastic Bags (For dirty laundry & random things)
- Passport (I would hope you would bring this)
- (10) extra passport photos (for visas)
- World race cards (To network internationally)
- Pre-written letters from loved ones
- Hair Ties
- Sunglasses
- Essential Oils (I got the 8 essential oils pack on Amazon)
- (5) extra carabineers (These things are gold)
- Combo TSA-Approved Lock
- Yellow Fever Card (If applicable)
- Resistance Bands (Space saver for working out)
- Aquatabs Water Purification Tablets
- ½ Size Acoustic Travel Guitar & Hard Case (If you can play even a few chords, bring it)
- 10 FL Laundry Detergent
- (10) Extra Zip Lock Baggies
- Scanned Copy of Passport
- Five Star Folder (to keep important documents together)
- Charles Schwab Card (If you don’t have one, get one. No int’l fees.)
- Debit Card/Credit Card/License
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Extra Nuggets Of Knowledge:
*Use packing cubes, Ziplock baggies, compression sacks, and zipper bags to efficiently compartmentalize and organize. Don’t just throw everything into your pack and hope you’ll know where to find it. Have a bag specific for electronics, a bag for meds, a bag for toiletries, etc., you’ll appreciate it later.
* Don’t overdo the clothes. I realize it is tempting. I promise if you need more of something, you can buy it abroad. Plus you fit in more wearing the local apparel anyway.
*As you can see, I packed a lot of things that I either haven’t used or that are very easy to buy in any other country. My advice would be that if you absolutely need a certain brand of something then yes, pack it. Otherwise, be flexible and buy the brands available in each country. Your back will thank you!
*For GIRLS: Don’t bring a year supply of tampons. But, if you must, get the compact ones to save space in your pack.
*I didn’t have space for this, but a lot of people bring peanut butter. It costs like $1,000 for a jar of it abroad. Ok… not really, but you get the point. If you’re a peanut butter fiend and also not a millionaire, I’d recommend bringing some.
*You can get just about every medication you need at the dollar store. I even checked the ingredient comparison, and they are identical. Someone told me about this and my mind was blown. Just like yours is now.
*SPACE SAVING TIP: Empty out all your over-the-counter medications and put them in to zip lock baggies and label the outside. Small tip but it really does cut space in half rather than bringing all the bottles. For prescription medication, leave in bottle.
*Keep in mind, you will be tired. You will be dirty. And you will stink at some point. It’s okay to not pack your whole life into a backpack. Just be flexible and most importantly don’t forget to roll with the punches and have fun!
****SUPPORT UPDATE****
I am officially on the field in Africa and I am about $6,500 away from my full fundraising goal. If you or anyone you know would be interested in a tax-deductible donation please share this and visit my blog (brianadamilini.theworldrace.org) for more information. Thank you!!
