Ok, here it is: the infamous packing blog. For all you future racers who are preparing for this crazy adventure that some insane people go on called the World Race. Oh goodness me, I remember trying to make the perfect packing list, not forgetting anything because 11 months was eternity in my mind. And everyone knows, you can’t buy anything in third world countries so you have to get everything before you leave American soil. I remember shoving all the shampoos, all the razors and toothbrushes in my pack, worried that when they would end, so would my hygiene. But friends, I am here in month 9 telling you…don’t stress! If you are anything like me, you have probably heard this and just shaken your head in disbelief but you really will be able to find anything you need in other countries. I promise! But know that I understand the overwhelming feeling you have right now – I’ve been there! Looking at every packing blog, printing them all off, reading, researching, making my own 4 page list. Oh the looks on the REI staff when I showed up with my highlighted list…and came back 6 times. So trust me when I say, I understand!
So I have decided to write you a little blog to help you in this preparation. After looking at my things and surveying some of my squad mates, I have come up with two lists for you that will hopefully make things a bit easier!
**Before looking at this list, consider my squad’s route and the cultures we were in compared to yours. It could make some minor differences in what you pack! My Route: Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, South Africa, Swaziland, Moldova/Transnistria, Romania & Albania
Items I am so glad I brought:
1. Exped sleeping pad with hand pump from REI. Yep, pretty fancy:) But this is by far my favorite item that I bought for the race and have had many teammates say they wish they had purchased it. It is super comfy – as comfy as a sleeping pad can be of course– and I got it a tad bit wider so you don’t have to sleep in a straight line all the time. It takes up a wee bit more space in your pack but I think it’s worth it! Especially since I have had to sleep on my pad 5 of my 9 countries so far. It’s great! In the words of my teammate..DON’T GET A MUMMY STYLE ONE!
http://www.rei.com/product/780369/exped-synmat-9-lw-air-pad-with-pump
2. Croc sandals. Several girls on my squad have cute, strappy croc sandals that are great for either dressing up or rainy days and can be used for shower shoes. They also are very lightweight and bendable which are great for packing! I have had mine since the beginning of the race and they are still holding up great! Super comfy too!
http://www.crocs.com/crocs-sexi-flip/11354,default,pd.html?cid=80Z&cgid=sexi-collection
3. Shower/House shoes: I brought a cheap pair of Old Navy flip-flops with me to wear in the shower and just around the place that we are staying. They have been great because let’s be real…most of the floors that you encounter on the race aren’t the cleanest things you’ve ever seen so it’s always nice to keep your feet clean – especially right out of the shower! And you can replace them in any of the countries if you need to get a new pair.
4. Pillowcase from home: I HIGHLY recommend bringing your own pillowcase from home to go over whatever pillow you decide to bring. It’s nice to have an actual pillowcase, especially one that is familiar and makes you feel “normal.” I’ve loved having mine! And tip on the pillow, bring one that you would use at home. So if you can’t sleep on a “travelers pillow” at home, don’t bring one on the race!
5. Sea to Summit Airporter: This airporter is great because it allows you to still be able to carry your pack on your back or you can convert it into a duffle bag for flights. Some travel days, you might be doing buses and trains and keeping your pack with you so it’s been so nice to still been able to carry it when you are moving a lot – especially walking through border crossings! Most people of my squad have these and really like them! In the words of my regretful teammate…DO NOT GET THE OSPREY! YOU WILL REGRET IT!
http://www.rei.com/product/804454/sea-to-summit-pack-converter-duffle-bag
6. Mesh washable laundry bag: So happy I brought one of these because it’s lightweight and easy to pack. And I can just throw it in the wash every time I am able to wash my clothes.
7. Two packets of underwear & two quick dry towels: I brought two packets of underwear and 2 towels from REI and used one of each for the first half of the race, threw those away and used the others the last half. It just so happen that my halfway point was at Christmas so I got new underwear and a towel as my presents! And trust me, when you are a racer, this is pretty much the best presents you can receive:)
8. Sleeping Bag Liner: At first, I wasn’t going to buy one of these when I already had a sleeping bag but I am so happy that I went back to REI on my last day and got one! Definitely check your route but more than likely, most of the countries you go to will be too hot for a sleeping bag. If you’re anything like me, I have to have something on me when I sleep so on those hot nights, it’s nice to have a lightweight liner. Also, great for travel days as a blanket or those nights that you have to sleep on the airport floor!
**Tip: If you want to go a cheaper route, some of my friends sowed two twin sheets together to use as their “liner.” It’s cheaper, familiar from home, and isn’t the mummy style that restricts your legs. They have loved it so that’s an option as well!
9. WATERPROOF Daypack with a water bottle holder: I know this sounds a little silly and unimportant but I have been very thankful for this little luxury. Now if you are just planning to use an old school bag that you already have, definitely use it. But if you are planning on buy a new daypack, I would suggest getting one with a place to hold your water. It’s nice when you don’t have to hold it, whether you’re walking in town or on travel days and helps prevent you from loosing it! And make sure you get a waterproof cover to cover it!
10. Deodorant from home: This is the only thing that you might have trouble finding in every country- mainly because some cultures don’t use it and they probably won’t have your favorite one that you have always used. I brought three sticks from home and they have lasted just fine! Always helpful hint, you might want to get different scents so your body doesn’t get use to one scent for 11 months. I think your teammates would appreciate that!
11. Crystal Light Packets: After having just water for a few months, you’re going to want something to spice it up a bit!
12. Dark bottoms: Let me just tell you, packing my clothes for the race was an event in itself. Deciding what bottoms and tops to bring felt like the biggest decision- I mean 11 months wearing the same thing, you want to make a good selection. But a friend who went on the race before me told me that she took all dark bottoms and was so happy with her decision. So I followed in her footsteps and I must say, I am so glad that I did. I brought 2 black athletic shorts, 1 pair of loose black yoga pants, 1 pair of black leggings, 1 pair of “nicer” black shorts for days when I actually wanted to look like a human, 1 pair of jeans, 1 black knee length skirt and 1 black and tan maxi skirt. And then had solid colored tanks and shirts to match. This way, your bottoms don’t get stained and grungy as the race goes on AND if you need up buying new tops or trading tops with squad mates, they will always match your bottoms! It’s a win win!
13. Mini Calendar: I saw this suggestion on a packing blog before I launched and I am so glad that I brought one with me! Since September, I have been writing down highlights and main events of my days and it’s been so great to go back and read them! And if you love to journal, it helps not crowd up your journal but have a separate place to write all that down.
14. Hard Drive: You will definitely want one to store all your pictures, music and movies…or for me, the complete series of Friends! But for those days when you have off ministry or want to watch a movie for team time, its great to have it on your hard drive. Especially when you can share with your squad mates and get their movies too.
15. Five Star Headphone Splitter: This is great for airport hangouts or all squad months when you are dying to watch a movie but not everyone in the room has the same desire. I think my whole squad has benefitted from this purchase!
http://www.belkin.com/us/p/P-F8Z274/
16. Travel Power Strip: I have whipped this baby out every single month and I think my teammates have greatly appreciated it as well. It very helpful when places you stay only have one outlet for 7 people’s electronics. Mine has 3 outlets and 1 USB.
17.iPhone or iPod: In my packing preparation, I was hesitant in bringing my iPhone with me. But I am so glad that I did! It’s been really nice to have a small device for when wifi is available to be able to get out and use more discreetly than my laptop. And it’s easier to carry around.
**Apps I downloaded so I could easily communicate with people back home: Viber, Voxer, Magic Jack and of course Snapchat for some comic relief:)
Items I wish I had brought:
- Stuff sack for my sleeping bag to make it easier to pack
- Compression shorts to wear under my dresses and skirts
- A small, collapsible bowl so I could eat cereal anytime I want
- Pictures from home to tape up by my bed.
- MORE NORMAL CLOTHES! Granted, my route might be different but a lot of my squad mates wish we had brought more clothes that we wear at home. We thought it would be a year long camping trip so many went and brought REI dry fit items but I promise, you are going to want to be yourself and wear familiar clothes after several months!
- More regular bras. I brought 6 sport bras and 1 regular bra with me because of course, I thought that I would be on a year long camping trip, constantly swimming in my own sweat. And yes, while in some countries this has been the case, you still want to be feel like your normal self. Promise!
- A tad bit of makeup for those nights that you go out to dinner or have to “dress up” for a special occasion. A little mascara, eyeliner and bronzer can go a long way. And it’s definitely a challenge to find bronzer- especially in Asia!
- A few pairs of earrings- since I brought none with me!
Just some extra little tips:
- Running shoes are just fine to wear! Don’t feel like you have to get certain “trail” ones- especially if you plan on running!
- I wouldn’t buy a lot of dry fit clothing- just normal clothes that you wear at home and are comfortable in.
- Makeup: if you like it at home, bring it.
- Packing cubes over stuff sacks. (one smaller one to put in daypack for travel days)
- Running shorts- yes, you can wear them!
- Carabineers- bring lots
- Headlamp & extra set of batteries
- Discounted website I purchased my pack on: http://www.sierratradingpost.com/?showlocalization=True
Ok, hopes this helps in the preparation process!
And if you have any questions, feel free to message me!
SO EXCITED FOR Y’ALL!!!
