Hello Friends and family!
I am writing to you all again with my (UPDATED) official packing list! A lot of you have asked if there are ways you can help in regards to gear and here it is! Everything on this list HIGHLIGHTED IN YELLOW is something that I do not already have and still need!
EQUIPMENT:
Backpack: When looking for a pack the best would be a front-loader, meaning I can access my belongings from the front of the bag and not just through the top. A 60 – 70 L bag is plenty of room.
Daypack: I’ve been suggested to get a new daypack just for the Race. A lot of people on previous squad just used old school backpacks that they already had to save money but they all seemed to fall apart by month three. By daypack, I mean a steady and sturdy healthy sized backpack! (but not a pack pack)
Tent: I need to look for a tent that is as light as possible and has good ventilation. A good tent should be under 4 lbs. Most people bring 2 person tents so they can put their pack in their tent and sleep with a buddy in their tent! YdThe REI Quarter Dome has excellent reviews. I also need to remember to get a footprint to protect the floor of your tent during camping!
Rain Cover: Protect me and my pack from all the rain and water!
Headlamp: I may not look so cool using this, but head lamps save lives, specifically mine so I don’t trip over tent lines and animal… Dung. Good brands are Black Diamond and Petzl.
BEDDING:
Pillow: Thermarest pillows are most Racers pillows of choice. They are comfortable and pack down really small for easy travel. ( I don’t know if I’m fully convinced on my need for this yet, I can roll up a sweater and be set!)
Sleeping Bag: SOMEBODY ALREADY BLESSED ME WITH A SUPER AWSEOME PERFECT FOR THE RACE SLEEPING BAG!
Sleeping Bag Liner: Cotton ones are better than silk from what I hear. I’ll be making a LOT of use out of this item since most countries it is too hot to use a sleeping bag.
Sleeping Pad: SOMEBODY ALREADY BLESSED ME WITH ONE OF THESE TOO! FROM NORWAY!
Sleeping Pad Repair Kit: Also known as duct-tape J
ORGANIZATION:
Packing Cubes: I have heard that Eagle Creek packing cubes are the way to go. The Eagle Creek Specter Cubes are extremely lightweight and surprisingly durable I have heard those are a great option!
•••TIP: If I get the packing cubes in different colors it makes it super easy to find what I want quickly. Apparently organization will be my best friend during the Race…clearly I am going to need the Lord’s help!
Stuff Sacks: A waterproof Sea to Summit stuff sack for my sleeping bag and waterproof Sea to Summit stuff sack for my tent. It doesn’t really matter which brand I get, but this little item will ensure my sleeping bag and tent will pack as tiny as possible.
CLOTHING:
Shirts: 5 shirts that cover my shoulders. In Asia it is NEVER modest to wear sleeveless tank tops regardless of how thick the straps are and every ministry contact will ask us to cover up. You don’t get a ton of clothing options as it is, don’t limit your wardrobe for ministry even more by packing heaps of tank tops.
Skirts: I have 3 skirts that go to my ankles. In India they consider even the sight of your ankles to be extremely scandalous and in Africa, women are expected to wear skirts for most ministry work.
Shorts/Capris: I need 3 pairs that go to my knees for ministry or going out in public and I will need lots athletic shorts for whenever my knees will not be seen as scandalous! (Running shorts for the win)
Pants: I hear it is completely possible to go the entire Race without ever wearing jeans. I think I could totally handle that! So Asian Harem pants and sweats and skirts it is!
Lightweight Sweatshirt: A zip up north face, or a hoodie from my Alma Mater LU
Down Jacket: We are going to be in some pretty cold places over the year we are on the field. A down jacket is incredibly compressible and incredibly warm so if fits my need perfectly!
Rain Jacket: A thin light -eight rain jacket for warm yet wet countries and for the days in the cold countries where I will need to wear this rain jacket over the down jacket.
Leggings: We will wear these under our skirts when in countries like Cambodia where we need to make sure our knees are covered. Also when it is cold we will need to be layering!
Socks 5 pairs (2 of them should be warm pairs). I need durable socks that are not too bulky and that will stand the wear and tear of the time on the race!
Sea to Summit Drylite Towel: Sixe L or XL. They’ll be the size of a real towel (quick-dry towels are generally tiny) and still take next to no space in my pack.
ELECTRONICS:
Camera: At home, I photograph for fun, friends/ engagements, my kids and their families at much more. I already have an SLR camera but I am going to need a new more durable and compact case and I am going to need a new lens.
Camera lens: I need a 50mm fixed lens for my Cannon Rebel. It is a fixed lens, much more durable and easier for travel.
MEDICINE:
*Malaria Prevention (Malarone or Doxycycline).
*Upset Stomach (Tums, Imodium, Cipro etc.)
*Fever Reducer
*Anti-itch Cream
*Bug Repellent: aka 98% deet type of keep the jungle bugs away kind of stuff
*Cold and Flu Meds : If any one knows me they know I am a terrible sick person and I need to avoid getting these kind of sickies as much as possible!
*Eye Drops (The kind that imitate your eye’s natural tears and I guess help keep away bad infections)
*Basic Pain Killers: Naproxen, Ibuprofen, Excedrin
*Midol: Because I’m a lady and those organs work very well.
*Bandaids : lots and lots and different sizes, because I am a klutz.
*Motion Sickness Meds : I tend to get some car sickness so I can’t imagine incredibly long bus rides be any better. I have a friend who was on the race and had to take 3 bus rides that were 24 hrs long.
*Benadryl
*Laxatives I have never had to use these but apparently with all the changes in diet I’ll be experiencing, they will be necessary
*Sleep Aid For some of those long bus rides I just mentioned.
*Small Bottle of Lice Shampoo and a Lice Comb: Lice happens, and we don’t want it. I will also be bringing a lot of tea-tree oil!
*Emergen-C: To boost my immune system and make sure I don’t get sick
*Tee Tree Oil: It’s great for almost everything… acne, lice, bug bites, bug repellent…
*Yeast Infection Meds: I have heard thatit SUCKS to have this in a 3rd world country
*Anti Fungal Cream : for curing the inevitable athlete’s foot or ringworm
MISCELLANEOUS:
Carrabbeaners: 4 small – big carrabbeaners. I’ll use them to hang things off of my pack and daypack like your pillow, water bottle or a pair of smelly chacos that need to air out.
Pocket knife with a can-opener option is also really handy. The Leatherman multi-tool is great.
Watch: I’m not going to have constant access to my cell phone, or need my phone so I need a good durable and waterproof watch!
Duct Tape: or Gorilla Tape… because Duct Tape fixes almost every, everything but broken hearts because that’s God’s job!
Sewing Kit: Apparently on the Race, your clothes get holes in them real quickly, and bags and clothes rip and they need to be fixed!
ALSO JUST AN FYI
…… I have officially reached the $10000 raised mark! Thank you all so very very very much!
I love you all, and this is all for the King Jesus!
