Disclaimer: not sure why the pictures are sideways… my apologies.
My life for the next 11 months all fits within an 80-liter backpack and a small daypack.
Selecting the items that I would bring with me for a year was quite the adventure in itself. There were many trips to REI just browsing the aisles looking for that one item that could make backpacking life a little easier. $100’s of dollars and many returns later I zipped up my bag and felt good with my selection as I headed to the airport.
A week into my 11 month journey I can already tell you which 7 items will be most valuable on this trip or at least so far in this month of Ecuador.
Here they are, my "Top Seven" must haves when it comes to packing for the World Race:
#7) My Nalgene.
Fill it up with purified water in the morning and it can last you all day! You don't have to spend extra money on bottled water and it can also be used as storage when empty while traveling.
(note: be sure to get the wide-mouth bottle, rumor has it the narrow mouths are
difficult to clean inside and can tend to smell)
(note: be sure to get the wide-mouth bottle, rumor has it the narrow mouths are
difficult to clean inside and can tend to smell)
#6.) Work Gloves.
They take up some extra space in your bag but after you’ve been shoveling for 4+ hours a day for a week in the Ecuadorian sun your calloused hands will thank you!
#5) Skull Candy Headphones.
These were a gift for me from my friend Nicole a couple of weeks before I left. She said they were the best and they really are! They block out everything but the sound of your music or podcast. I even used them last night just as ear plugs with no music. They are comfy and actually stay in your ears. I WILL be picking up another pair the next chance I get on the race.
#4) Tabasco Sauce.
I went back and forth with which sauce to bring with me. Tapatio? Cholula? Tabasco?
I went with Tabasco obviously. I figured each drop goes a little further. They food in Ecuador has been great so far but I have already used it a few times. For breakfast on eggs, for lunch and dinner on rice and in some soups. It just adds that extra kick!
I know this will come in handy in the months ahead.
I went with Tabasco obviously. I figured each drop goes a little further. They food in Ecuador has been great so far but I have already used it a few times. For breakfast on eggs, for lunch and dinner on rice and in some soups. It just adds that extra kick!
I know this will come in handy in the months ahead.
#3) REI Eye Mask.
We have early mornings and late nights 6 days a week so any chance you can get to take a nap you will! (Even in broad daylight) My eye mask is probably the most needed item in my bag right now. Nothing can compete with rest!
#2) Journal & #1) Bible
There is A LOT to process while on the race…. A LOT.
It is essential for me to get my thoughts out onto paper or else I will likely explode.
And the Bible… as “Christian-ese” as this is going to sound, it really is my sword.
It's what helps me decipher between the truth and the lies of the enemy.
It’s what I can turn to when I’m questioning what I am doing or why I am here.
It reveals God’s story of redemption and my part in that story.
It’s the wisdom I need to handle a conflict,
the strength I need to push through a tough situation
and the joy that I need when all else seems hopeless.
I’m sad to admit that years past it has often been a dust collector on my night stand or an occasional read when I needed a lift, but this year will be different
and because of that,
I will be different… for the better.
It is essential for me to get my thoughts out onto paper or else I will likely explode.
And the Bible… as “Christian-ese” as this is going to sound, it really is my sword.
It's what helps me decipher between the truth and the lies of the enemy.
It’s what I can turn to when I’m questioning what I am doing or why I am here.
It reveals God’s story of redemption and my part in that story.
It’s the wisdom I need to handle a conflict,
the strength I need to push through a tough situation
and the joy that I need when all else seems hopeless.
I’m sad to admit that years past it has often been a dust collector on my night stand or an occasional read when I needed a lift, but this year will be different
and because of that,
I will be different… for the better.
