World Race Packing List: 5 Months on the field and living lighter

 Some of you future racers may be wondering what you actually end up using after pouring over dozens of packing blogs in anticipation to launch. Well you live with a lot less than you even thought. And you decide real quick you want your pack to be lighter on those travel days. Disclaimer: I am not a very girly girl, so read with a grain of salt. Remember, you and your team will love each other and share. 

North Face Pack

High Sierra Daypack

Thailand Satchel

REI Airporter-better than others but still not easy to carry on the shoulder very far

2 Eagle Creek Packing Cubes-so useful to keep your clothes compact and organized

Mesh Laundry Bag

Delicates Bag

Ziplock Bags

REI Hanging Toiletry Bag-this has been super useful

2 Waterproof Sea to Summit Bags-I’ve used one do my electronics and haven’t really used the other so only 1 is necessary

Eureka 2 person Tent- everyone’s race is different. That being said, after not using my tent the first 5 months I gave it to a squad leader. Ran it past one of my beloved teammates that I can bunk up with her if we ever use tents. 

Sleeping Bag-Marmot Mummy 20 Degree: definitely have used. Africa was cold, shocking I know.

Sea to Summit Sleeping Bag Liner-golden, especially on cold flights and bus rides

Big Agnes Sleeping Pad- so worth investing in a good one

Tarp for tent footprint-ditched the first month, way to bulky to carry

Thermarest Pillow- these are amazing!!

2 Quick Dry Towels-only one is necessary, although I’ve held in to both of mine

Eno Hammock and Straps-I’m glad I brought mine, but chances are many of your teammates will bring them and you can use theirs.

Baby Wipes-don’t bring a ton, they have them overseas

Charming Wipes-same as above

Travel Tissues-same as above

Travel Size Shampoo and Conditioner-have ditched one of mine, girls on my teams and I have bought full size ones each month to share

2 Mini Castille Soap-not super necessary

Mini Hair Mousse-who knew? My hair looks pretty decent with no product

Hair Detangler-grateful I had it for the first few months, but I survive just fine without it.

Mini Hair Spray-unnecessary

Makeup(Foundation, Mascara, Eye Liner)-only brought mascara, have maybe used it three times

Tweezers/Nail Clippers-YES

Q-tips-just a small amount, they have them overseas

Brush

Sunscreen-optional

Unscented Body Lotion-I’m still using my tub and its month 6

Hand Sanitizer-only one is necessary to start with 

Contacts/Glasses/Eye Drops

Tampons-YES

Razor/Replacement Blades

Deodorant-2

Chapsticks

Keen Hiking Sandals-used them a good amount but tosses them last month since they’re were getting gross and worn

Merrell Running Shoes

Nike Flip Flops-these got nasty real fast and my teammates facial reaction to the smell convinced me to ditch them after month one

Dress Sandals-still have them but rarely wear them

Socks-7 Pairs

10-12 Pairs of Underwear-down to about 8

1 Regular Bra-ditched

4 Sports Bras-vital to have especially with the manual labor ministry

1 Rain Jacket-really lightweight so has been nice to have

1 Zip Up Hoodie-love having this on travel days

1 Zip Up Jacket-lost it month 1

1 Small Short Sleeve Cardigan

1 Pair of Nike Running Capris

1 Pair of Yoga Pants-ditched themI 

1 Pair of Khaki Shorts-ditched them

3 Maxi/Below Knee Skirts-down to   1!

4 Casual shirts-way to many-have one left and its not even mine

1 Dress Shirt-good to have for nice occasions

4 T-shirts-I’ve dropped some and picked up some

1 Pair of Skinny Jeans-I’ve kept mine. If you love jeans, being them

1 Pair of Leggings

2 Tank tops

1 Workout Tank

1 Maxi Dress-ditched it Month 2

1 Cami

1 Swimsuit-brought a bikini but a lot of times it’s not appropriate so I’ve also swam in shorts and a tank..a tanking might be better 

1 Belt

1 Sarong

Pill Cases to hold medicine

Ibuprofen

Pepto

Tums

Cipero

Melatonin

Doxycycline-it’s up to you. I’ve taken it only one month but Mosquitos hasn’t been a huge issue on my race

Multi-Vitamins-ditched most of them because I never take them 

Emergen-C Packets-really useful

Bug Spray with Deet

First Aid Kit(Band-aids, neosporin, bengay,)

Coconut Oil

Tee Tree Oil

Sunglasses

Passport/6 Photo Copies/ID’s

Money/Debit Cards/Credit Cards

Yellow Fever Vaccination Booklet

Journals/Bible/Devotional

Photos from Home

Address Book/Important Information

Playing Cards and Travel Uno-ditched them, other teammates  will have them

Pencils/Pens/Sharpies

Febreze/Dryer Sheets

Nalgene Bottle-my WR nalgene broke month 2 and I have been using used water bottles

Gluestick

Pocket Knife

REI Clothesline-useful

Paracord Bracelet

2 Mini rolls of Duct Tape-very useful 

Watch(Waterproof)-mine broke month one, haven’t replaced it

Ear Plugs/Ear buds(3)/Armband

Work Gloves

Headlamp

Batteries-AA and AAA

Superglue

Wallet

Passport Travel Wallet

Carabiners

Small Amount of Jewelry

Headbands/Hair Ties

Spoon/Fork/Knife Combo-my rei one broke month 4

Collapsible Bowl/Plate/Mug-still have them but have used it maybe once

Tennis Ball-haven’t used it

Dasani flavor drops-used them up month 1

Ipod/Iphone-iPod broke month 5

Laptop-laptop broke month 4

3 Flash drives

Kindle-so incredibly valuable on the race

Camera-have mainly used my iPhone but if you love photography and have a good one, bring it

Apple Plug Adaptor Kit

Chargers for all