So many of our C-Squadders have asked what our recommendations are for gear for the World Race. This is by no means complete depending on your personal needs and preferences, but here are some of my (Holli) thoughts for women packing for this adventure (specifically for our route as well).
Basic Packing:
- 60-70 liter backpack. Any bigger than this is TOO BIG. The smaller you can go, the better… and the happier you’ll be on travel days. TRY TO GET EVERYTHING INSIDE YOUR PACK
- Airporter for your backpack. You will need this to keep your pack from loosing a strap or getting major damage during flights.
- Rain Cover for your pack. This is not absolutely necessary but definitely peace of mind when you’re walking around with your pack in the rain or snow
- 10-20 liter day pack. This is your carry-on for planes. You’ll put a change of clothes, your Bible, journal, pens, maybe a book or two, some toiletries, etc in this.
- Packing Cubes for those of you who like things to be very organized. For others, stuff sacks are great to pack clothes. I use cubes
- Two Person Three Season Tent– try to go as light and small as possible!
(above: our packs in transit in Cambodia)
Sleeping:
- 20-35 degree down sleeping bag. You want your bag to be warm but pack small. You can go lower in degrees… you may need it warmer with some cooler weather on the route. You can also use synthetic if you want, but this will pack much bigger.
- Sleeping bag liner. This is really totally up to your preference what kind you choose. It will keep you warmer or if it is very hot you may end up sleeping only in the liner. It is also nice to keep your sleeping bag from smelling or getting dirty.
- Sleeping Pad. I use a Big Agnus and love it. It’s light, packs small, and very comfortable. With the Big Agnus I’d recommend brining an extra patch kit though.
- Travel Pillow/ Pillow Case. Really only if you want it. I just bring a pillow case and stuff clothes in it for a pillow
(above: Chris sleeping outside with his bag, pillow, and sleeping pad)
Outer Wear:
- Rain Jacket. One that’s actually water and windproof
- Fleece Jacket. I use the Patagonia R2 and love it
- Other suggestions (non-essentials): Patagonia NanoPuff (or similar gear) and/or vest
- 1 Pair Running/ Athletic Shoes (I use Asics)
- 1 Pair GOOD sandals (I use Rainbows)
- If you want– Keen Sandals are awesome
(above: Enjoying the Snow in our Rain Jackets in Berlin)
Clothing:
- 7-10 pairs of underwear
- 2 regular bra (pack one and wear the other)
- 2-3 sports bras
- 4 pairs of socks
- 1 pair of wool socks
- 1 pair jeans
- MAYBE 1 pair of lightweight (and packs super small) long pants
- 2 pairs capris (most places you can’t wear shorts, so i’d rely on capris)
- 2 pairs athletic shorts (for working out)
- 1 pair sweat pants/ athletic pants (for working or hanging out in)
- 1-2 knee length and below skirts (most cultures need knees covered)
- 3 t-shirts for working or working out
- 4-5 everyday t-shirts (stuff you enjoy wearing)
- 1-2 long sleeve shirts (1 is enough)
- 1-2 camisoles (assistants in modesty ;))
- 1 bathing suite (keep your torso covered)
- you MIGHT want one rope and clothes pins to hang dry clothes (per team)
(above: hang drying clothes in our living space in haiti)
Toiletries:
- 1 Sarong (this is your towel- packs small and dries fast)
- 1 Washcloth (for a towel when washing your face or something simple)
- 1 Toothbrush
- 1 Tube Toothpaste (you can buy pretty much anywhere)
- Floss
- 1 bottle shampoo
- 1 bottle conditioner
- Hair product (just one of whatever you use)
- 1-2 Bars of soap (I typically used 1 bar/month)
- Razor with extra blades
- 2-3 Sticks Deodorant (this was the one item i had a hard time finding internationally)
- 2 Months worth of tampons/pads (you CAN buy these internationally, just have an extra month on you at all times in case you get in a bind)
- Minimal Makeup (you don’t want the extra bulk)
- Tweezers
- Small Mirror
- Hair Ties, head wrap(s) and Bobby Pins (if you use these)
- Sunscreen
- Bug Spray
- Minimal Nail Stuff (you can get most stuff internationally)
- BABY WIPES (you will LOVE these!!!)
Technology:
- Headlamp!!
- Flash Drive
- Camera (Cannon Powershot is great… alumni feel free to leave suggestions)
- SD Card Reader (super cheap at target)
- Small Travel Computer (I’d recommend 2-3 per team)
- Other technology you’d like to bring (iPod, digital SLR, video cameras, etc– let me know if you have questions on these things)
- Headphones and Splitters (to share music, etc… SUPER nice to have)
Miscellaneous:
- Water bottle
- Mess Kit (all I used was a spork, spreader knife, and bowl– but others in the bush used pots, etc)
- Knife (not everyone needs one but this is definitely helpful)
- Bible (I recommend a small “pocket” Bible)
- journal
- pens (bring a few extra)
- Credit/ Debit Card (Visa is accepted mostly everywhere)
- Passport
- Insurance Info
- Books (see recommendations in upcoming blog)- talk with your team to split up bringing different books
- If you draw– pencils, erasers, sketchbook, etc (keep it small)
- Spices for cooking (split between teammates)
- You could bring an Eno Hammock
- If you need a belt
I’m sure I forgot something so check back before you finish packing!!
