*Ever wondered how I am packing for the next year? Hope this gives you an idea! Be on the lookout for a photo blog about packing in the next few weeks.*
Q1: How are you packing? Answer: I will be packing all of my stuff in one large hiking backpack and a smaller hiking daypack.
Q2: What are you packing? Answer: I will be packing a tent, sleeping gear, clothes, my camera, etc! There is a lot of stuff within these categories and it definitely fills up my packs!
Q3: What type of pack are you using? Answer: My big pack is the 65L REI Traverse! Who knew that one bag could have so many pockets? It’s like a magic show. My smaller hiking daypack is an REI 25L pack.
Q4: What do you just get from REI (like everything)? Answer: Oh my, I bought mostly everything from REI! If you don’t know REI is a big outdoor store that is common for most racers to go to. I bought both of my packs, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, sleeping bag liner, & so much more! Also, splurged a bit on a new pair of Chacos!
Q5: Have you started packing? Answer: Yes! I actually am headed to my summer camp right now and I packed my bags for it so I can practice packing and hiking with them! Let’s just say they are heavy.
Q6: Are you packing for hot or cold weather? Answer: A bit of both! My route is kind of more difficult to pack for because I am headed to Romania first which is a colder country than Ecuador and Guatemala. So I’m trying to figure out what to do. Currently thinking about taking t-shirts and a couple of cardigans so I can drop the cardigans after Romania.
Q7: If you could take one book (besides bible) what would it be? Answer: Any of the Harry Potter books. If ya know me, then you know I love Harry Potter. If you had to make me choose out of that series, most likely Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone.
Q8: What is your most essential packing item? Answer: Besides my backpacks and clothes, in my opinion the most essential packing item is my sleeping pad. I kind of splurged on a thicker sleeping pad since I have lower back pain. #grandmaproblems
Q9: How do you know what clothes to take? Answer: Honestly, it’s a guessing game! The World Race gives us a general packing list, but honestly it really depends on your route. Some routes travel to all hotter countries and in the case of my route, a bit of a mix.
Q10: Are you taking a luxury item? Answer: Yes! This is really silly, but I am in love with six pepper seasoning. So I’m planning on taking a bottle of it. Somehow I will have to ration it out to last… I guess my pillow and sleeping pad could be considered luxury as well because they are a bit comfier than most people take.
