That’s right, future racers, here’s a handy dandy packing list from a girl who started with a 72 lb pack and is ending the race with a 19 lb pack.
I waddled to Gainesville, Ga barely lifting my 60 liter Gregory pack weighing at 70 lbs. As I tracked the timed 3 mile hike with all my pack that needed to be completed in under 35 minutes, I knew I was in trouble. SO! If this sounds anything like you, or you need a little help on what to pack, this blog is for you! (or maybe you’re just curious what I’ve lived with the past nine months 😉
So without further ado…
Gear:
Helpful tip: join the “world race buy and sell” Facebook group! I bought almost all of my gear from there for super super cheap! Don’t buy expensive because your stuff will grow lots of mold, will rip, and will get super beat up, but don’t go cheap either because you need it! The race is all about a good happy medium!
60L Gregory Backpack– this was a lifesaver! You could go down to about 40L but I’m not good at packing so I need all the room I can fit! Other squadmates had Osprey packs which would just as well! Gregory tends to be a bit cheaper.
25L REI Co-op Trail Pack: Such a good size! Fit my computer, bible, 12 journals, drink packets, batteries, a pair of extra clothes, and still had room. SIDE TIP: always pack an extra pair of clothes (including underwear) in your carry-on (remember that 90% of world racers poop their pants, packs get lost/stolen, sometimes you have 2 day long travel days, so it’s always nice to have some extras)
Eagle Creek Packing Cubes– I have one Large, Medium, Small, and Xtra Small. The normal kind is perfect if your good at using your space while packing, but for more inept packers like myself I prefer the compressible kind which save SO MUCH SPACE
Tent-A tent is so unessecary. Well, other than the three months I slept in mine. However; wait to buy a tent until you have team assignments and then buy a tent with a teammate and share it. After leaving Georgia, I have not slept in my tent once. REI Quarter Dome 2 person is super light, enough room for one person and stuff. If you are buying a tent with someone, I would recommend a three or four person tent, your pack tends to be the size of a well fed second grader.
Sleeping pad- if you skimp on anything, don’t skimp on this, your back will thank you later. I recommend the REI Co-op Status Insulated Air Sleeping Pad, but honestly any highly rated sleeping pad will do the job. My one recommendation would be to have an insulated one to keep the cold from the ground off you!
Sleeping bag– literally do not buy a new sleeping bag, use the one you brought to summer camp in middle school. Half the time it’s too hot to sleep with one anyways.
Pillow- I highly highly recommend bringing a full size pillow. Lots of people bring inflatable or travel sized pillows and regretted it. Its worth the space and most airlines will allow you to carry you carry-on and pillow. Nothing is as valuable as a good nights sleep!
Clothes:
TRUST ME!! All those clothes you pack, you don’t need them. You will probably wear the same outfit all week (no joke) or possibly change once. Also, keep in mind you live with 30 other very nice people who will most likely let you borrow their clothes when you get bored of yours. Disclaimer: don’t bring any of your favorite anything. They will get stained, lost, burnt, moldy, you name it.
4 shirts– one that’s nice, one tank top (if allowed and culturally acceptable in the countries you are going to), one t-shirt, one shirt you can get dirty.
3-5 pairs of pants- 1-2 shorts (remember AIM dress code but also keep in mind that even though long shorts look weird to you now, you will feel uncomfortable in your short shorts when you are in a culture that those are not acceptable. my recommendation are 7 in mens Patagonia shorts) one 1 linen pants, one pair work pants, and I liked having jeans but they do take a lot of space
1 Skirt or Dress- pro to skirt is you can mix up which shirt you wear; a con, you need a clean shirt. pro to dress; no need for a clean shirt, an entire outfit that you don’t have to think about; con, can’t mix it up that much. Some cultures will require females to only wear skirts and dresses so keep that in mind if your route is like that (most Asian countries and certain parts of Latin America) but also remember that you can get clothes IN COUNTRY! So don’t pack for all circumstances.
Bras/underwear/socks- highly recommend bringing at least 30 pairs of underwear. You share one bathroom with 30+ roommates and get sick and sometimes you just can’t hold it if ya know what I mean (you laugh now but this has happened to several people on my squad) I also recommend bringing 3-4 bras and 12 pairs of socks.
Shoes- birks or chacos (rubber birds are a good pick), sneakers. Don’t bring more.
Jackets– one raincoat, one sweatshirt.
Other:
-bring a blanket other than your sleeping bag for sitting on, the beach, etc.
-toiletries, don’t bring a full size bottle of anything. BUY IN COUNTRY!! My only recommendation is sunscreen (its way more expensive overseas), and tampons which are virtually impossible to find.
-towel, I liked a microfiber towel, but a sarong is a great pick too!
-a laundry bag!
-Water bottle! I recommend one that is insulated and without a straw (mold).
-super glue, one of the handiest things I have
-caribeaners, so useful for your pack and to hang things
-masks, and lots of them! COVID is real, live above reproach, love your neighbor by covering your nose and mouth 🙂
-a small sewing kit, not everyone needs this but if one person has it it’s super helpful
-an extension cord, outlets are limited! you have a lot of roommates! this is so useful!
-a camping mug if you like coffee
-crystal lite packets are a God send
-earbuds! Your AirPods will get lost, don’t bring them.
-lots of chargers, they will break or get lost
-small linen bag or purse other than your backpack, you won’t want to load and unload your pack all the time, having a separate bag is so useful and helps you feel a lil more put together!
Less is more! Don’t buy clothes to fit some “missionary” aesthetic but just wear what you already like to wear! And remember, everything you pack you will have to do the fitness hike with so be kind to your future self when packing. There has also been several times on the race where I have walked an extended time with my stuff so the lighter the better!
Happy packing!
Mary
