Here’s a few things I’ve picked up on the last 11 months! Whether you’re doing the World Race, backpacking Europe or are just out camping for the summer these hacks should come in handy!
- Bring key rings for your daypack/ backpack, and use them to keep your zippers attached together. It does make it a pain to get in and out of your bag, but that’s also what any thieves will be thinking as well. Especially on crowded transport or at markets, this trick is a deterrent for people that may want to swipe your stuff.
- Lick your ear plugs. It sounds gross but my teammate swears it’s how they stay in all night long. You don’t actually have to lick them, a little saliva put on by your fingers will work too.
- Don’t forget the wipes! Baby wipes are great for freshening up but you can use them on your legs and armpits to shave in a jam. Bug spray wipes will work as nail polish remover.
- Wrapping tape around your water bottle. Duct tape is super handy on the Race but who wants to take up space? Wrap it around your Nalgene or Hydroflask and you’ll always have it handy in a jam.
- Snatch the airline pillow and blanket. Some airlines have really nice sleep gear- if you’re going on a really hot route, ditch the sleeping bag and use your sleeping liner and airline blanket instead. Those small pillows? Great for bus rides.
- Put a bright but unique ribbon or patch on your air porter. Your entire squad will have black bags, and when it’s 3 am and you’re unloading the bus- this trick will help you spot yours easily.
- Pencil cases or glasses cases for electronics. My friend bought me a semi hard pencil case. It’s come in handy carrying all my cords and smaller electronics and it protected them well.
- Shower caps for shoes at training camp. You won’t need these for the Race but at camp your shoes get dirty and you’ll be in and out of your tent a lot. Plus you’ll want to bring your shoes in with you when you sleep. To keep it clean put shower caps over your shoes before entering.
- Bring tea-tree and peppermint oil. Tea-tree oil in your shampoo or even behind the ears will help prevent lice when the outbreak hits your squad or team. Got ringworm? Rubbing Tea tree oil on it will clear it up, it can also be used on facial blemishes or to help with itchy mosquito bites. Rubbing peppermint oil on the back of your neck on a hot day will help you stay cool and the smell is great for dealing with nausea.
