Adventures WorldRace SethBarnes Sponsorship Giving

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Dear All Future Racers,

This blog is for you. I remember getting the phone call saying I was accepted into the program, was able to choose my route, and got my blog all set up. I got the packing list and was so excited to buy all my gear and as I went to REI for my first round of buying gear I quickly realized I had no idea what to buy or how to know it was what I need, etc… If you feel like this it is totally okay. We have all been there. Trust me, you will figure it out and God will provide what you need. You also have found this blog, which means you will have the advice of someone who has already done all the shopping and freaking out.

GEAR

  • Big Pack

    • I have the Gregory Maven 55 L. I love it so much because the size of it makes it impossible to overpack and it fits me perfectly.

    • When buying a pack I recommend going to REI and getting fit for a pack. Once you found the perfect pack write down all the info and buy it online. I got mine during memorial day weekend and got it on sale. 

  • Tent

    • I have the MSR Hubba Hubba NX2. It only weighs 3lbs and anyone can set it up. I mean ANYONE. Also get the footprint. Just do it.

    • When buying a tent look at how much it weighs. Try to keep it under 4lbs. Tell an REI staff member what you’re doing and get their advice. Tell them the finances you have and everything. Then write it down and wait for their big anniversary sale. 

  • Sleeping Bag

    • I have the REI Joules 30 sleeping bag.

    • I just went to REI and told someone what I was doing and they recommended this bag to me. Tell a staff member where you’re going and the weather that you’ll be experiencing. They will have advice for you.

  • Sleeping Pad

    • I have the Sea to Summit Comfort Plus SI.

    • I tried a bunch of sleeping pads at REI and this one was the most comfortable. It weighs a little more than other sleeping pads, but the comfort is worth the weight. I recommend going to REI and trying all the sleeping pads and figuring out which one is best for you.

  • Sleeping Bag Liner

    • I have the Sea to Summit CoolMax Adaptor Traveller Sleeping Bag Liner with Insect Shield. Talk to an REI staff member and tell them what you’re doing. Ask for reccomendations

  • Day Pack
    • I have the North Face Borealis Pack. I love this so much, I personally patched it up because I wanted to be able to spot it a mile away, but you really dont need to. 

  • Bug Net for Inside Tent

    • I HATE MOSQUITOS. That is the only reason I bought this.

  • Compression Sack

    • I do not care what anyone tells you, you need a compression sack.

    • I have the Sea To Summit Ultra Sil 15L.

    • These things are magical.

    • I have my tent and sleeping bag in one compression sack.

    • It saves so much room in your pack. It’s amazing.

    • Ask an REI staff member how many liter compression sack you should buy. 

  • Airporter

    • I have the Sea To Summit Converter Duffel. I find it amazing because it packs down pretty small, but you do not have to pack it down if you don’t want to. You are able to take the straps of your backpack out of the duffle and wear it as if it was your pack. However, all airporters are practically the same color so either patch yours up, paint it, or do something that makes it stand out. 

    • I heard the Osprey one tears easily. I highly recommend this one

CLOTHES

For clothing just wear what you usually do. Bring a lot of plain shirts. They go a long way. Old Navy was the store I went to. I got most of my clothes from there during the Fourth of July Sale. 

TOILETRIES

Toiletries are really easy. Just go to targets travel section. For shampoo, I recommend shampoo bars. If you don’t know what they are look it up.

 

 Miscellaneous

  • Bluetooth speaker
  • Headlamp
  • Journal 
    • I got a refillable journal so that I could have all my experience in one journal.
  • Bible
  • Pens…..Lots of pens
  • color pencils if you’re artsy. Even some watercolors are great
  • Mess kit….honestly just get a collapsible bowl and a spork
  • GET A HAIR BRUSH
  • Get some wet wipes. Just do it
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Lots of pills (Dayquill, Sudafed, melatonin, etc..)
  • A really good pocket knife….spend the money on it
  • paracord

 

I hope this blog really helps. Remember that God will provide. No matter how scared, anxious, or stressed to you are, just know it will come together. God got your back. 

 

Sincerely, 

Lillian Son