My Very Opinionated Packing Blog

This, as the title says, is my very biased opinion on World Race packing. There are tons of packing lists out there, read them, weigh them out, and use your own judgement.

They say not to bring jeans; they're too heavy
I say if you wear them, bring them! I didn't have jeans for the first 4 months of my race and that is one thing I wished I had! (I bought some in South Africa and suddenly felt like a woman again because they weren't baggy and…well…manly hiking pants) At home I always wear jeans, why would I think I wouldn't just because I'm traveling. BRING STUFF YOU WONT HATE WEARING! After 6 months (let alone 11) of wearing the same clothes, you'll be so glad to have those few things that you love from home. And as far as being too heavy, you wear the heavy clothes on travel day, keeping your pack lighter!!

Quick dry clothes
They all dry the same. That is all.

The pocket shower
I brought one and literally never used it! I finally dropped it in month 9, wishing I had done so before then! While yes, it may be of use, depending where you are, I can almost guarantee there is a bucket and a cup somewhere that you could use (and if not, I'm sure they are pennies on the dollar just up the street).

The airporter

I, for one, was so glad to have my airporter! It is a great way to keep all the things hanging off your pack from getting lost in the flight process, and you can lock it, so your stuff is [more] safe. Also, if you have to put your pack on top of your transportation, it won't get as dirty or wet if it rains. 

The Luggage Scale
Don't get it. Its not worth it. 

All the medicines
There are blogs that tell you to bring all the creams, every pain pill, and all the tummy meds…bring some, yes, but not enough to last you 11 months. I didn't use any of the creams I brought. I used the pain meds, but still had plenty by month 11. Tummy pills, I used lots of tums 🙂 but I brought 4 boxes of anti-diarrheal pills and didn't use a single pill. There were times they were possibly needed, but you want that shit out, believe me (pardon my bluntness). You can get all the meds you need, even antibiotics, over the counter for super cheap everywhere else in the world! So, yes, bring some, but 5 lbs of your pack should not be medicines. (I am not a doctor, please do NOT disregard meds if you NEED them)
DO bring some bandaids though, your team team's first aid kit has approximately 6. 

Malaria meds
Again, I'm not a doctor, but they aren't as necessary as everyone says! If you take them you can still get malaria, so either way you have to be treated. While on them [us women] are much more susceptible to getting yeast infections. Not my kind of African living! I didn't bring malaria meds and I was just fine. Most of my squad dropped theirs in different countries along the way. Malaria meds are super expensive and a super waste of money, in my opinion, go buy a bottle of bug spray WITH deet and you'll be fine. 

Shoes
I had Teva's because I thought they were more comfy than Chacos. In addition to an outdoor kind of sandal, a good running/hiking close-toed shoe would be choice. Also, a pair of shower flops are a good great idea! 

Towels
Yes, pack towels are lighter and easier to pack, but they don't dry you well! It's literally like wiping yourself with a shammy! It doesn't absorb AT ALL. Bring a small towel. A girl on my team had a regular cotton towel, and every time I showered I was jealous! A lighter option would be a sarong, a different girl on my team had a sarong and loved it, (I think its lighter than my pack towel) if you're starting in Asia, you can get one there cheap!

Clothes in general
If you pack for your first three months, you'll be good! There will be plenty of "free-table" opportunities, and you can buy just about anything anywhere.
What you're going to need in month 8, why carry it around when you can probably get it cheaper in that country! 
Bring enough underwear to not have to wash for at least 10 days; you never know. I brought about 16 pair and there had been times I didn't have a clean pair left and HAD to do laundry.  

Electronics
Bring a few pair of good headphones, I had the same pair for the first 9 months before I had to break into my 10 extra pair! (Though many squad mates took advantage of my extras)
A computer speaker and headphone splitter are good ideas for movie nights.
Batteries for things that need batteries
Not all countries have a 220v three-prong plug available. Do research and get an adapter/converter for your electronics. Many times you can get an all-countries-in-one-adapter. 
A power strip is also a good idea.
I didn't have an external hard drive, but I definitely wish I had! 

Toiletries 
Bring one of each, not 11! Literally you can get all your toiletries everywhere! It may not be the same product you use at home, but it will work. We were in the middle of nowhere Swaziland, Africa and I got shampoo and body soap that didn't make me contract any diseases. 

Sleeping Pad
Spend the money for a good sleeping pad! Unless you are someone who can sleep on rocky or cement ground and still be great the next day, the sleeping pad will be a good investment! Go to REI, or whatever store and look like a goon laying all the different brands on the floor and laying on them. I had the Exped 7. It'll be worth it. 

Sleeping Bag/Pillow
I brought a sleeping bag that was rated for 45* It got cold sometimes, but I dealt with what I had. Know your countries and the temperatures you will be there. Yes, there is always subject to change in schedule, but its better to be prepared. I also brought a cotton sheet as a sleeping bag liner or you can get an actual liner. You'll thank me later.
I packed a compression pillow. You can get them at any outdoor store, maybe even Walmart. 

Computer
I didn't bring a computer, but I did bring an iPad mini. It was a great option! It was so much smaller and lighter than my laptop! I had an extremely small daypack because of this also! I will say, though, if you are into your photography, it is not the easiest to edit on! If you go the iPad route be sure to get the adaptors needed, as you cannot stick an SD card into an iPad. 

Good things to bring:
*Feminine products-they aren't everywhere, and usually don't have applicators. I've been told the Diva Cup is great.
*Leggings-you may not wear them now as pants, but good chance you will and they act as extra warmth if needed.
*Grapefruit Seed Extract-it's amazing for any tummy issues you may have! INCLUDING PARASITES!!

*Makeup-sometimes you just want to look like a girl! Again IF YOU WEAR IT AT HOME, BRING IT!! 
*Deodorant-most countries have deodorant, but it is mostly a spray or roll on. If you're a stick only kind of person, bring enough! 
*Study bible-it's big and bulky, but I would have loved to have had my study bible on so many occasions! 
*Mess kit-nothing fancy, just something for when your host doesn't have enough plates, bowls and 'silver'ware. I had the walmart $5 foldable kit and it did great. 
The spork-knife, unless it's metal, it'll break. 

*Ladies, bring hair ties! Your one will not last 11 months! Headbands are great for avoiding lice. 
*Speaking of lice! it's almost inevitable. Bring a lice comb if you can. Treatment can be ANY oil to kill the lice, coconut oil can be bought just about anywhere. 
*Instant coffee packets. You can get 3-in-ones in about every country, but not all. I went a little overboard and had 70ish but you can pick up along the way. 
*Flavor for water. You're going to get real tired of water all day everyday! I had like 60 lemonade packets which were such a great break from plain water! (Especially when I had kidney stones, month 10, and had to drink 3+ nalgenes per day!). 
*Yes, that, bring a Nalgene! 
*Your favorite candy. It won't last forever, but the first few months your still getting used to things and you crave familiarity! I brought a bag of mint m&ms and a bag of dark chocolate acai berries and they lasted til month 3! (Don't be afraid to hide and hoard. Everyone says "sharing is caring" but sometimes you just don't want to. And it's OK! And let's be honest, you're already sharing your every moment with at least one person.)
*A journal or sketch pad and pencils or some way to express yourself. Even if you don't like writing, you may pick it up…just bring a notebook. 
*qtips, you can't find them everywhere! 
*Extra ziplock bags different sizes, you'll use them! 
*Sewing kit-something as simple as a spool of black or white thread and a needle will come in handy! I've had to repair my clothes and other people's many times and was so glad to have these simple, small items! 
*This next thing is a personal preference. I have a bad hip, so with anticipating sitting on the floor a lot I researched compact, lightweight backpacking chairs and found this:

It's been a great addition to my Race! I love it! 
*Tweezers
*Nail clippers 

Mainly, if you use it on a daily basis, bring it. If its too big or heavy, you don't need it. 
If you would die at the possibility of losing it, don't bring it!

Let's talk about the dreaded, money! 
I read all these blogs about how much to plan for each month. $75-100. That is what most of them said. This is do-able, but you won't really have much budget for sightseeing and non-ministry adventures. I planned for around $100/mo and I went over budget each month the first few months (I wanted to do, taste and try everything!). This left me with little for emergencies. I had to visit the doctor three times (some never have to go, some go every month) and my budget didn't really include doctor visits. If I did it again, I would plan for $100-150 per month plus a better emergency fund. 
Now I have read about people who only had $20 a month and didn't get to do much on off days. So take note of how much you want to be involved in. You'll always be fed, but if you go out, chances are you'll not be within your $5 a day budget.  And on off days you won't always have transportation covered, so it comes out of your pocket. Also think about ATM fees, most are $5-10 per transaction. If you get the Charles Swabb card they take care of your fees for you, I did not have this card and wished I had. 

Get your parents, or someone you trust, as your Power of Attorney . They will be able to get your taxes (more money?!?! Yes, please) done for you, and any other financial or legal things you may need while gone.