This blog is for all the future World Racers or for anyone who’s interested in what I’ve been carrying around this year. Packing for the Race at the beginning of the year felt like a HUGE project; I left not quite knowing if I had all the right things, but honestly, that’s okay.
Before getting into the actual list of things in my pack, I just want to preface with a few things for future Racers.
- Pack what’s important to you. You are the same person on the field as you are at home. My list will look different than what you may want to bring. That’s because the things in my pack are important to me, they may not be as important to you.
- You will pick up things along the way, so bring things you like, but that you may be willing to get rid of. You pick things up, but your pack doesn’t get bigger, it is inevitable that you will drop things. For example, I only have two shirts from the beginning of my Race and I started with eight.
- My route has gone to Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, and Africa. Your route may look different so you may need to pack differently.
- Honestly, ask Jesus to help you. He knows what you need. Our God is a God of details, and inviting Him into your packing is a really cool thing. He helped me pack and I don’t regret anything.
So, without further ado, here is what’s in my pack.
Gear
My pack itself is an Osprey Aura 65 L.
- It’s super important that you get the right pack for you. You really only carry it on travel days, but making sure it fits you is SO important.
Day pack
- Mine was given to me by my aunt. (Thanks Aunt Tonya!) Its just a regular back pack, but it’s good quality. You want to make sure to get something that will hold up.
Airporter
- This covers your big pack during travel days. It basically converts your pack into a duffel bag, super helpful for keeping your pack from getting beaten up. I recommend getting a size bigger than what your pack is so you have some wiggle room.
Tent
- I have a Kelty Salida 2 person tent (room for you and your pack or your teammate). I used my tent maybe ten days on the whole Race, do with that information what you will.
Footprint
- If you bring a tent, this keeps the bottom of it from getting ripped up. It’s basically just a tarp that goes under your tent.
Sleeping Pad
- I have an Exped 7 and I really enjoy it. I would count this as a necessity, you don’t always get beds and sleeping on the floor is not comfortable.
Sleeping Bag
- I have just a lightweight little guy. My route was basically all summer so I didn’t need much. Check the weather for the places you’re going to see if you may need something different.
Rain Cover
- Specifically for your day pack. Sometimes (especially in Southeast Asia) there are random downpours, you don’t want your stuff to get wet.
Head Lamp
Carribeaners
Electronics
Headphone Splitter
- SUPER handy
Power Bank
- Again SUPER handy
Plenty of headphones
- Its hard to find good headphones around the world, so bring a few pairs just in case one gets lost or breaks.
Bose Sound Cancelling Headphones
- Shout out to my dad for getting me these. They are amazing. I’m an extrovert, but sometimes you need time to yourself but don’t always have the space to do that. Sound cancelling headphones are AWESOME.
Phone
- I didn’t start the Race with a phone, but had my parents bring it to me at PVT. It’s totally do able to do the Race without a phone, but it does make communication a bit harder.
Camera
- I brought a small camera for the months I didn’t have my phone. Unless you’re really into photography, your phone camera should work just fine.
Laptop
- I sent mine home with my parents at PVT and I’ve done three months of the Race without a laptop. Again, do able, but it is nice to have your own for blogging or watching movies.
Chargers for all the things
External Hard Drive
- For movies and pictures
Plug adapter
- I have the two pronged one and that’s worked in most countries.
Garmin Watch
- Watches are great to have. Get one that’s water proof/resistant.
Clothes
Honestly, bring things that make you feel like you. Again, you are still the same person on the field as you are at home. Of course bring clothes to do yard work/construction, but bring clothes that make you feel like you. More often than not our squad was in cities, so just bear that in mind.
Shirts
- I currently have 6 shirts, but it’s varied along the way.
Shorts
- I’ve got 2 pairs.
Jeans
- Only bring these if you wear them at home, but if you wear them at home they are totally worth bringing. You’d be surprised how much putting on a pair of jeans can make you feel like a normal human being again.
Jackets
- I’ve got a wind breaker, a flannel, a sweater, a rain jacket, and an old work shirt from my dad (thanks dad!). I started with a cardigan, which I highly recommend, but sent it home at PVT.
Dresses & Skirts
- I currently have one of each.
Shoes
- Get durable shoes. You walk everywhere. I started the Race with Birkenstocks, but by month eight they literally fell apart because of how much I wore them and all the random torrential downpours I got stuck in. I’ve had to walk through many a flooded street. Tennis shoes are great as well. However, currently in my pack I have a pair of Sketchers sandals and a pair of Bob’s (thanks mom).
Undies
- Bring lots, they pack small and it’s worth it to have a lot. Also brought 6 bras.
Socks
- I have a couple of no show socks, two regular pairs, and one wool pair.
Baseball hat
Toiletries
You can find almost everything you need overseas, so don’t feel like you have to pack a ton. The only things that are harder to find are deodorant, tampons, and curly hair products. If you’ve got curly hair bring a years supply of product. Also, I would recommend bringing a years supply of deodorant, it’s rare to find good deodorant overseas.
Hanging Toiletry Bag
Shampoo
Conditioner
Coconut Curls Cream
Comb
Lotion
Q-Tips
Diva cup
Deodorant
Sunscreen
Body wash
Wash rag
Sarong
- I picked this up in Thailand and use it as my towel, it’s super lightweight, dries quickly, and is easy to find. Before this is had a quick dry towel.
Pumice stone
- Great for keeping your feet looking decent.
Face wash
Razor
Body Spray
Chap stick
Tea tree oil
Peppermint oil
Baby wipes
- Seriously a life saver.
Bobbi pins
Hair ties
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Retainer
- If you have one.
Makeup
- I only wore makeup a few times on the Race, but it is nice to have for special occasions. Like jeans, a splash of makeup can make you feel like a normal human again. I only brought foundation and mascara, but bring what makes you feel like you.
First Aid
Each team has their own first aid kit, but it may not have everything you need. I carry my own as well, just in case. It’s not necessary, but it’s nice to have.
Malaria meds
- I only took these for one month in Zambia. You may not need them, just check your route to be sure.
Pain reliever
- Whatever works best for you.
Upset Stomach Medicine
- Sometimes your hosts feed you weird food, this has definitely come in handy.
Laxatives
- Ahem.
Cold & Flu Meds
Benadryl
Melatonin
B 12 Vitamins
- Only bring vitamins if you already take them at home.
Coritzone 10
- The mosquitoes in Asia are REAL y’all.
Band aids
Dramamine
- I don’t usually get car sick, but there were definitely some times where I needed this. If you get car sick, this is a must. Driving around the world is not the same as in the States.
Essentials
Passport
Yellow Fever Card
- You may not need this, again, check your route.
Insurance Card
Debit Card
- I use Schwab and it’s great. Definitely look into this because at the end of every month they reimburse your ATM fees which saves you A LOT of money.
Drivers License
Student ID
- Sometimes you can get discounts.
Extra Passport Pictures
- Sometimes you need these for Visas and it’s harder to get them in other countries.
Copies of everything
- It’s important to have these just in case.
Bible
- Bring the one you like. By no means do you have to get a new one. However, you can get a new one specifically for this year to look back on and reflect on all the Lord has taught you. The choice is yours.
Journal
- I really enjoy journaling, it’s become a private space for the Lord and I. You may be different, do what you feel is right for you.
Bullet Journal
- Basically a calendar. In this I kept track of things I’m thankful for each day and what we did that day. It’s cool to reflect back on this year.
Spending Money
- Bring extra money. Yes, the money you raise goes toward food, lodging, and transportation, but that budget is not always very big. You’ll want to eat out occasionally. You’ll want to go on adventures. I would recommend bringing an extra $1,500, but that may vary depending on your spending habits.
Nonessentials
Games!
- I have two decks of cards and a set of dominoes. Before the Race I made the dominoes myself out of paper and then laminated them. That may sound nerdy, but I didn’t want to go a whole year without playing dominoes #grandmastatus. Games are great to pass the time, you may have a surprising amount of free time. Bananagrams, Bang, Sushi Go, and Dutch Blitz are also great games that are easily portable.
Water Bottle
- I brought a Nalgine type bottle and it’s lasted the whole year. It’s not essential, but it’s nice to have.
Open When Letters
- My mom and a few friends wrote me some before launch, so obviously I brought them with me. They’ve been a sweet reminder of my people back home.
Pocket Knife
- Really handy.
Travel Lock
- I’ve only used it a few times, but it’s nice to have.
Sunglasses
Lots of pens
Colored Pencils
Pencil Sharpener
Eye mask
Sewing Kit
Tape
Batteries
Passport Holder
Travel Mug
Small French Press
- I’m about that coffee.
Mini Pillow Pet
- I brought it mostly as a reminder of my brother, but it’s actually been a super handy travel companion.
Glasses
Key Rings
Small purse
- Great for when you don’t want to carry your whole day pack around.
Things My Squad Mates Brought
These things are just a little add on of what some of my squad mates brought with them. They weren’t super important to me, but I thought I’d throw them in here to give y’all some extra ideas, as if this list isn’t big enough.
Paracord
- Handy for hanging up laundry
Drink packets
- To put in your water for when you’re tired of the taste of water. You can’t find these overseas so if you like them, bring them.
Travel Bowl/Utensils
- These can be handy, but I’ve never needed it.
Chacos
- I’m not a huge fan of Chacos, but they are durable. If you wear them at home, bring them on the Race, otherwise, maybe bring different shoes.
Guitar
- We only had one guitar on our squad (you rock Shelbs), but they are awesome. If you know how to play I would highly recommend bringing it, it will bless you and your squad mates. Worship is a great way to refocus on the Lord and an essential part of our walk.
That’s my list. I know it can seem overwhelming, but Future Racer, you’ve got this. Be wise with your money and your space. Again, pack what’s important to you. You only have so much space, don’t waste it on stuff you don’t really like.
This year is full of so much growth, service, and adventure. It’s a year of life well spent. Soak in every moment. Don’t coast. Choose in every chance you get. And as my teammate Aj says, “Love God and have fun.”
With great love,
Chels
If you would like to support me on the next step of my journey with G42, a nine month leadership academy, you can donate here (scroll until you see my name). If you would like to learn more about G42, you can read my blog Spain, The Final Frontier. Please prayerfully consider joining me financially as I step into this next season.
