To All Future Racers:
You’ve committed to the journey of a lifetime (or are still considering), congratulations! There is so much to look forward to when it comes to the race. The first items of business to tackle now that you’re in is fundraising and the purchasing of gear and more than likely ALL of your squadmates are talking about it. If you’re anything like I was, then your head is probably spinning with all of the options out there.
Here is my first piece of advice: DO NOT feel pressured to buy all of the name brand, expensive gear. I promise you don’t need it. Everyone will be talking about Osprey this, Sea to Summit that, Nemo here, or Kelty there. These brands make some high quality stuff without a doubt, but you don’t necessarily need to empty your bank account just to get the gear you need for the race.
There are only two items that I would recommend really investing in:
- Your pack (it is your home for the year AND it is extremely important that it fits your body properly)
- Your sleeping pad (you will get more than enough use out of it to justify the cost of whichever one you pick)
As for everything else, save your money! You want to make sure you’re still buying things of quality but you can find high enough quality gear at Walmart (for real) or elsewhere. Shopping at REI is nice because your dividends add up and it’s like Christmas, but it is also way more expensive so I would recommend just buying your big ticket items there. Amazon will also be your best friend.
I’m about to give you a list of all of the gear I currently have with me and whether or not it feels worth the price:
Osprey Aura 65 AG (YES) I love this pack and ultimately I wanted something that fit my body properly and would stand the test of time. It is only top/bottom loading which bothers some people but I think it has made it easier for me to pack efficiently.
Thermarest Prolite Plus Sleeping Pad (YES/NO) It isn’t the cushiest sleeping pad on the market but it packs down relatively small and gets the job done. I chose this one because it is partially foam and partially air so that if it were to get a hole I wouldn’t be left sleeping on the ground, but ultimately I wish I had gone for something a bit more comfortable.
Ozark Trail 10-Degree Sleeping Bag (YES) This sleeping bag is definitely from Walmart and it is definitely one of the best choices I’ve made. It is so comfortable, warm when I need it to be, and packs down to be very small and very lightweight in my bag. Could not recommend more highly.
Sleeping Bag Liner (NO) I didn’t bring one on the race. Some people love them and swear by them but I decided not to and I don’t regret it. I took the blanket that we got on our first international flight (for free!) and it has been perfect for nights that it’s too hot for my sleeping bag
Nemo Fillo Pillow (NO) Honestly, just bring a pillow from home. It’s really not that much to carry through the airport and it’s way more comfortable than any travel pillow on the market. My pillow will definitely get me through the year but I wish I had my normal pillow.
REI Passage 2 Tent (NO) Don’t get me wrong, this is a nice tent but ultimately I didn’t need to spend so much on it. There isn’t really anything that this tent offers me that a more affordable tent couldn’t. It isn’t that lightweight and it’s made from the same exact material as a tent from your local Walmart would be.
FenjoSun Microfiber Travel Towel (YES) I ordered this bad boy off of amazon for all of $4 and it is just as effective and just as good as the Sea to Summit or PackTowl brand microfiber towels. This is definitely an area where you can save money.
Plastic Spoon/Fork for PreSchoolers (YES) This was yet another walmart purchase. I paid 87¢ for them and they have worked just as well as those $15 REI sporks. Save your money here.
Eagle Creek Packing Cubes (NO) I love my packing cubes and I highly recommend getting some, but I definitely wish I had found a cheaper alternative. First of all, everyone on my squad has these cubes so they can easily get mixed up. Second of all, they really are no better than any alternative.
Grand Trunk Hammock/ENO Atlas Straps (YES) This is the hammock and strap system I had prior to the race and I used them ALL THE TIME before the race. I would not recommend bringing a hammock unless it is something you use frequently at home. Hammocks are always worth investing in!
AquaQuest Dry Bag for Laptop (YES) A drybag for your laptop is absolutely a non-negotiable and truthfully they’re all pretty expensive. It is important to make sure your laptop is well protected in case you are caught in the rain!
Dakine HeliPro 20L Day Pack (YES/NO) This was the backpack that I used through college so I did not buy it specifically for the race. What I love about it is that it is relatively compact. I never really have to worry about it being overweight for airlines (yes, international flights weigh carry-ons) and it keeps me from boarding things I don’t need. I highly recommend a smaller day pack, but I wouldn’t necessarily go out of your way to purchase this exact one!
All of this being said, you should always go with whatever makes you feel most comfortable. Pack the things that you use at home because you’ll want them on the field but also remember that this life is all about abandonment! Don’t try to put your entire childhood bedroom in that pack of yours 😉 It’s only month two but I’ve already got my pack down to 36lbs and I’m still living with more than enough stuff. I promise I’m not some scary minimalist. If you’re interested in looking at my packing list, I’ve included the link below!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gam2XUYMkSgm80oPMirJSRdPB45F5X1PuMdiet8kbk0/edit?usp=sharing
Welcome to the journey!
