Electronics:
- Computer – I brought my Mac and I like it. It is bigger and heavier, but it’s worth it for me. I use it for photos, videos, our team movie nights, blogging and skyping. It usually connects to the internet quicker as well. Some of my teammates have netbooks and they are happy with them. They are slower with internet and pretty much just good for blogging and email.
- Ipod with extra headphones.
- Nook or Kindle – I got a Nook before I left and have enjoyed having it on the Race. There are plenty of books to choose from and lots of down time to read.
- Flash drive or Hard drive – I brought two flash drives but needed an external. I got a package month 7 and was able back up photos, share movies and get resources like sermons or podcasts.
- Speakers or a splitter – Some people on my squad have a splitter for travel days so they can watch movies together. I haven’t really needed one. I would bring a small speaker to plug into your laptop. The volume is never loud enough for group settings and I’m glad my teammate has one.
- Camera – bring one that you like and know how to use. Some squadmates have huge nice ones that I could never work. I have a simple Canon Powershot that works well for video and photos.
- Adapters and surge protectors – I have a set of adapters that I got at Target or somewhere. They’ve come in handy. Usually a teammate will have a surge protector. They’re nice but not a necessity.
- Watch – I have a sports watch that I use as a stopwatch and alarm. Make sure you can work it and that it’s waterproof.
Gear
- Tent – I have a Mountain Hardware tent that says it sleeps two but is pretty cozy. Make sure it’s not more than 5 lbs. or so. I have used it a lot in Asia, even if just to avoid the bugs. I wish mine had more ventilation, as it's very hot in most places.
- Backpack – I have an REI 80 liter pack. It’s a mammoth. Sometimes I’m ashamed that I have such a big pack, then I remember that I only move a few times a month and that I have clean clothes and plenty of band-aids and I’m ok with it! Some of my teammates have gotten along fine with 65 or 70 liter packs from Osprey.
- Daypack – You don’t want a huge daypack. I would say a normal school bookbag is too much. Mine is about 21 liters. It fits my computer, other electronics, journal, Bible and travel day snacks.
- Airporter – You will want an airporter because your bag will be beaten and bruised without it! You don’t need a rain cover, an airporter will do.
- Packing cubes or compression sacks – I have one small packing cube for underwear, everything else is in compression sacks. I have two, an 8L and 13L for my clothes. Make sure you roll your clothes (I usually roll two shirts together) when you pack, it saves lots of space.
- Water bottle: I started with a Nalgene and enjoyed using it. Eventually my splashguard and bottle got smelly. They are extremely hard to clean without dishwashers or clean water. Still, I bought a smaller one in Thailand and lost it. Now I use plastic bottles from the store and refill them as I go, getting a new one every few days. My teammates have used Camelbacks as well but those can get mildew in the straws. If I did it again I would still bring my Nalgene.
Bed
- Sleeping bag – I had a nice one from REI that packed down well and was lightweight. I used it every night in Nepal and at other places too. After Africa I sent it home because Asia is so hot. There were a few times I wish I’d kept it, but you should definitely bring one.
- Sleeping pad – Now is a bitter time for me to write about this one. I have a Big Agnes sleeping pad from REI. It worked well for me, but the past two months where we’ve slept on concrete or bamboo, it has failed me. Air leaks from the mouthpiece and it only stays inflated for 2-3 hours. Others have had this trouble too…so a curse on Big Agnes! My teammates mostly have Thermarest ones that are a bit padded but also inflate. Whatever you get, make sure you test it out and that it’s comfortable. It could be your bed for many months. Also, make sure it packs down nicely.
- Sleeping bag liner – I have a cotton cocoon and I love it. I’ve used it as a sheet several times in almost every country and it keeps your sleeping bag clean too.
- Pillow – I got a package with a Thermarest compressible pillow in month 7. I almost shed tears it was so fantastic. Some places will not have pillows and you may have to use a rolled up jacket. That just wasn’t getting it done for me…I love my new pillow!
- Mosquito Net – Sometimes they’re provided, sometimes you can find them in other countries. I just brought my own. Make sure it’s big enough to cover your bed, some of my teammates’ are too small.
Random things to add:
- Multi-tool – This has come in handy on so many occasions.
- Hat – I brought a Nike quick-dry hat and have used it often.
- Sharpie markers and pens – I hate when pens don’t work. I brought several of my own favorites from home and some sharpie minis as well.
- Sunglasses – Don’t bring nice ones. They will break or get lost. It’s inevitable…good news is that you can buy more anywhere.
- Straightener – Yes, I actually brought one. I used it maybe two times and gave it away. Honestly, I wouldn’t bother because your hair will be up or in a braid most of the year anyway.
- Tide to-go pen – I had one teammate that brought one and between the 7 of us we used it up in two months. It would be nice to have, but not a necessity. You just wear the clothes even with the stains!
- Small calculator – I’m the finance person for our team so without my calculator exchange rates would be a headache!
- Clothesline – Comes in very handy.
- Pictures of your family – Other people love to see pictures of your family back home and it’s good to have a sweet picture to remind you of home.
- Eating utensils – I had a Light my Fire spork from REI but it broke. I bought another fork/spoon/knife set in Nepal. It’s good to have with you. I carry a plate that I’ve used a few times and a cup that I’ve never used…don’t know why I still have that thing!
- Quick dry towel – I have one and it’s still going strong in month 10. It doubles as a blanket on cold nights. I also brought 5 washcloths to use for the shower and washing my face.
- Glasses – If you wear contacts, you may not always be able to. Sometimes it’s dirty and dusty, sometimes my eyes are just tired. I brought enough contacts for the whole Race and my glasses as well.
- Makeup – I wear it on occasion now, but it mostly sweats off. I’m still using the same mascara and eye shadow that I started with. I’ve been through two face powders and one foundation.
Don't freak out about bringing too many baby wipes or bottles of shampoo. You will be able to find all of your toiletries: shampoo, toothpaste, etc. overseas. There are many name brands available as well and you can restock in any city.
I hope this has been helpful. The best advice to give: do what works for you. Don’t feel like you have to get everything on this list. Along the way you will drop more things than you expect and find that you can live without a lot of stuff. Please feel free to email me if you have questions. May God bless you on your World Race!
