There are several blogs telling you what you should and shouldn’t pack. This is my version. Take it with a grain of salt and add your own personal touch because ultimately, it’s your Race. I have suggestions and things that worked (or didn’t work) for me as well as other insight.
We’ll start with the essentials:
BIG PACK
I got a Gregory Deva 70, which was way too big for two reasons: 1) you’ll take up every bit of space your pack offers and 2) you have a 50lbs limit for most flights (some are lower than that). A full 70-liter pack is very difficult to get below 50lbs. You’ll also pick up stuff along the way, so you’ll want room for those things as well. I would stick with a 60- or 65-liter pack, from personal experience.
NOTE: Go get measured for a backpack! There’s nothing worse than getting the wrong size and wearing it for a year (and then not being able to return it).
Also, GET. AN. AIRPORTER. It will save your pack! I already have a rip in my airporter, but think: it could have been my pack that had a hole! Get one that is slightly bigger than your pack so you can stuff a jacket or fit anything on the outside of your pack in the airporter. I didn’t really like the Osprey version, as it is difficult to maneuver with the strap placement. My uncle found this airporter, and I LOVE it.
DAY PACK
I got an REI Trail 25 Pack, which is okay. I would have liked a few more pockets to keep things organized, but it works well. I do, however, like that it came with a rain cover. If you already have a day pack backpack that’s in fairly good condition, just take that. There’s no need to spend a lot on a day pack.
SLEEPING GEAR
I got a Big Agnes Buffalo Park sleeping bag. It has a spot to slide in a sleeping pad, which works great to keep you from ending up on the hard ground in the middle of the night. I have a REI AirRail 1.5 Self-Inflating Long sleeping pad, which I loooooove. I really like the two together, although the Big Agnes is designed for a rectangular sleeping pad. I would definitely splurge on a sleeping pad. REI is super awesome in that not only do they let you try out sleeping pads in the store, but they’ll let you return one if you decide you don’t like it after trying it out at home. Experiment a little bit before your trip. Remember, a sleeping pad is definitely something you want to spend a little more money on. Also, make sure you have a repair kit! I had to use it in the first month.
As far as a sleeping bag liner, I got this sleeping bag liner (which I use all the time) that is stretchy. I use it as a sheet sometimes. Saying that, a flat sheet folded in half and sewn up the bottom and side would work just as well. I don’t think there’s a reason to splurge on a liner.
I had a small travel pillow at Training Camp, but I decided it was not space friendly. So, I opted for a Large Therm-a-Rest Compressible pillow, which is way easier to pack and just as comfortable. Medium would suffice.
TENT
I have an REI Passage 2 tent. They had it on display at the REI store, so I got to try it before I bought it. I love it. It can easily fit one person and my big pack, or two people with their big packs on the outside. There’s no reason to spend a lot on a tent. I got mine on a good sale. Just make sure your tent comes with (or you buy) a rain fly and footprint!
HAMMOCK
If you can afford one, get one! You’ll use it all the time and have fun trying to find unique places when there aren’t always obvious options. Compare before you buy. I bought a RIO hammock on sale for just $35 and Kammock Python Straps. You’ll also want a bug net, as mosquitoes can be bad at night. I went for this one (it’s snug and a little difficult to use, but not terrible), and other squadmates have this one, which seems easier to use and more roomy.
CLOTHES
I bought a lot of “new” (second-hand) clothes for the Race. Definitely bring 3-4 shirts, a couple tanks if you’re going to hot climates, a pair or two of shorts/capris, a pair of long pants, and one long sleeve and/or flannel (to protect yourself from bug bites, sun, or cold).
For girls, a dress or two, a long skirt (for some cultures), and a pair of leggings or biker shorts to wear under dresses/skirts. Definitely bring something you normally wear at home, such as a favorite shirt OR denim shorts OR cardigan, etc. Don’t pack all your favorite things because a) things will most likely get dirty and never as clean as they once were and b) abandoning is part of the process, whether you leave it at home or somewhere along the Race. Be realistic. Pack one or two things that makes you feel comfortable because there will be times when you’ll want to feel comfortable.
If you happen to need something along the way, there’s been second-hand clothing stores (plural) every month so far, so you can keep adding/replacing items as needed.
SHOES
I brought a pair of good tennis shoes (Brooks), Teva sandals, and Chacos. I definitely wear my Chacos all the time, lounge and shower in my Tevas, and used my tennis shoes for hiking, running, and other vigorous activities.
OTHER THINGS
You’ll need a Nalgene, CamelBack, or other reusable water bottle.
You’ll also want to bring a phone or camera to take pictures. If you bring a phone, definitely consider getting an Otterbox or Lifeproof case for it. I have this one and love it.
I brought a Mac on the Race, because I thought it would be easier to sync with my phone, but a PC will work just as great. I use mine for journaling, blogging, Facebook, movies, etc.
An external hard drive also comes in handy. It’s a great way to share pictures, documents, movies, etc. I brought a flash drive, but have only used it once.
A shower bag comes in handy, as well as different sized compression sacks. I got a larger compression sack for my clothes, a set of smaller stuff sacks for socks/undies & other little things, and a bag like this for other toiletries. One of my teammates brought a pocket shower, but we haven’t needed it yet.
I originally had an extra-large quick-drying towel, but I didn’t really like it and opted for buying a normal towel. One of my teammates loved hers, but it mildewed in the first month, so she ended up taking mine. Later I ended up getting a sarong. It’s been my favorite “towel” so far, and you can use it as an extra piece of clothing, like a skirt, shawl, or scarf.
I brought a rain jacket and a Colombia (by accident). I would suggest just a rain jacket and layer with other clothes if you’re in colder climates, as it could downpour at any moment (and it’s lighter).
You’ll need cutlery and a plate/bowl for Training Camp and sometimes on the Race. The rest of the world doesn’t have as big of portions as North America, so the regular (not XL) plate was the perfect size for everything.
An iPod and headphones come in handy more times than you can imagine. Plane, bus, car rides; worship/quiet time; movies; etc. Speaking of which, this star splitter comes in handy a lot, too! Up to 10 people (with one headphone each) can be watching a movie or video or listening to music at the same time. It’s great for listening to things in public places.
EXTRAS
I brought clothesline and clothespins, which has come in handy a few times.
I also brought this solar panel, but haven’t had to use it… yet.
And my favorite item: this scrub brush (recommended to me by an Alum Racer). It’s great at scrubbing dirty clothes, Chacos, paint off skin, etc. etc. etc.
Several of my squadmates have Luci Lights, which are a cool way to worship as well as use in the case of power outages (yes, they happen).
Bring something you enjoy doing as a hobby. I brought a sewing kit and have used it more times than I can count (and it’s only month three). EVERYBODY needs something mended.
Chat with your squad and consider bringing one paperback book to swap within your squad.
You’re not going to be living as grungy as you think. Ladies, bring a little makeup and nail polish if that’s your thing. You’ll have a lot of down time and will want to do something you normally do.
I also brought a mug for hot beverages, but ended up putting it on the Free Table after month 2 because I never used it. If you’re adamant about frequently having a hot beverage, consider it. Otherwise, I wouldn’t worry about it.
A watch is something you’ll want to keep up with the time changes, use as an alarm clock, and to make sure you’re early to things.
I read on another “What to Pack” blog that it’s a good idea to bring stationary, but I haven’t used it. It’s hard to find a post office, then it takes a long time to get to its destination (if it every does), and it takes up room in your pack. Consider apps like Postagram, where you can send postcards home for only $0.99. It also has sister apps that it recommends for gifts.
Overall, I would say think basic. You won’t need a lot, and some of the things you will only need one of or can pick up along the way. So, communicate with your team of who is bringing what, because let’s be honest: you won’t need six pocket showers. Also, look for deals. Check out Amazon and eBay for cheaper prices (or other colors). Attend an REI Garage Sale. Have a conversation with others who have traveled.
I have heard some people having a hard time affording all the gear. That’s where your supporters come in. Maybe people can’t really afford to financially support you, but they may be able to donate a piece of gear. Have fun with your FUNraising. Hold a “gear shower”, where people can bring gear as gifts.
