My hope is that this list reaches everyone in need of it, I know I did hours of researching looking for a list that was in-depth enough for my liking, and read numerous blogs. Well, this one is for future racers, and those interested in what it is I’m bringing with me!
Let’s start with some basics. I have established three rules that must never be overlooked when packing.
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Lightweight and compressible. Anything you are packing needs to be small, light and easily compactable.
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If you don’t use it at home, you won’t use it on the race. If you don’t wear it at home, don’t pack it for the race – you won’t wear it.
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Quality is important for some things. Don’t go cheap because you can’t afford quality. You’ll regret it later.
Your first steps are getting these five “High Priority” things purchased: *These things are especially important to get quality products. Don’t go cheap!
1 Internal Frame Backpack – This is where the majority of your belongings will be stored. Get at a minimum a 65 Liter pack, (thats storage space) and make sure to go into a store and have your pack sized on your body before purchasing it, EVEN if you are purchasing it online. Just get it sized, it’s important. I purchased the Osprey Ariel 65 L Womens Pack and I got a size small, though when I went to REI and had it sized, I was right on the line between XS and S
2 Carry On / Day Pack – This isn’t as big a money-swallower as the other four Priority purchases. This can be a simple backpack purchased at Target. I bought the Deuter Giga 28 L daypack, I didn’t buy it on amazon, but it is there for almost $80. It has it’s own laptop pocket, has great storage and is very nice quality. Keep in mind, this backpack is going to be attached to you for the entire year, don’t get a super cheap one, though simple backpacks are easily replaceable.
3 Tent – Your home, your safe haven, your sanctuary. Remember the rule; Lightweight and Compressible. The ideal weight is between 3-4 lbs. Don’t go any heavier than that, you’ll regret lugging it around. It is recommended that you get a 2 person tent, which is a good idea because you are going to want some leg room for all of your belongings, and to gain perspective, it will weigh about the same as a 1 person tent and won’t take up any more room than a single. It also needs to be free standing, there will be times when we pitch our tents inside a big room. I purchased the Kelty Salida 2.
4 Sleeping Mattress – GO BIG OR GO HOME! This is important. This is your mattress. Do not be cheap!! I can’t stress this enough. Do some research and know what type of mattress works for your body type. Don’t get a petite mattress if you are 6’5” and 250 lbs. Look for “Self Inflating” or “Insulated” mattresses. Those are great, and insulated means it will be warmer on cold evenings. I purchased the Big Agnes Insulated Air Core and it compacts relatively well.
5 Sleeping Bag and Sleep System – If anyone knows me they know I love my bed, my fluffy pillows, comforter and sheets. Remember that a year can pass very slowly if you aren’t sleeping well. Purchase a bag that is lightweight and compactable, this is very important. Down sleeping bags are the most expensive, but also the lightest and can compress to the size of an orange. I bought the Thermarest Women’s Capella Synthetic bag, which is a 30 degree minimum bag. It’s light, and compacts to a relatively good size. It isn’t as small as a down would be, but it’s a great bag.
Now that we’ve covered the priority items, let’s get down to business. I have broken this list down into Four Sections: Hiking Pack, Clothes, Bathroom Essentials, & Day Pack/Carry On. Remember, some people may decide to bring more or less things, and if you can think of anything major that I have forgotten, let me know!
Section 1: Hiking Pack
The following is everything you’ll want packed in your pack.
Airporter – This is vital to keep your hiking pack safe during flights and long bumpy bus rides. An airporter is basically a thin duffle that protects your pack when you aren’t carrying it on your back. I bought the Osprey Airporter LZ Backpack Travel Cover on amazon. Also consider getting a rain cover for your pack if you are ever caught hiking in the rain. I purchased a cheap one on amazon.
Tent – Store the parts of your tent separately in your bag so that you optimize the space in your tent. Poles in one corner, and the tent material and rain fly with your footprint in a compression sack.
Footprint – This is important. Purchasing a footprint may change the condition your tent comes back to the US in. It is basically a piece of material that goes between you and your tent floor. It preserves the life of your tent and is worth investing in. I got the Alps Mountaineering Tent Floor Saver. Make sure when buying that you get one that lines up with your tent measurements. (Amazon.com)
Sleeping Bag – make sure it is fully compressed. Mine will be strapped onto the outside of my pack
Sleeping Mattress Pad – This will most likely fit the best in the bottom of your pack
Sleeping Bag Liner – This is very important. Many nights it will be too warm for your sleeping bag, and you’ll like having a cotton liner to stay cool. Don’t get a silk liner, they stick to your body when you sweat and cotton cleans up easier. Consider buying two.I purchased the Greenhermit Sleeping Bag Liner Travel Sheet. It is super cute, very soft and comes in it’s own compressed mesh bag. I rolled a clean pillowcase into it for optimal space usage. (Amazon.com)
Eno and Bug Net – This is optional, but I love my eno and I got an eno bug net for christmas so I will be bringing these with me on the race. They come in their own compression bags, and inside both I will have stored some Paracord. Paracord is very strong durable rope, it’s very thin and lightweight and can be used for lots of things, as well as hanging my hammock. (Amazon.com)
Pack Towel – This is a great investment, as regular towels take up space and are heavy. Pack towels are small, lightweight, and quick drying. I bought a Sea to Summit DryLite Towel and it came in it’s own cute little mesh bag. Consider buying two. (Amazon.com)
Multi Tool – I purchased the Gerber Dime Multi Tool. It has pliers and bottle openers, a screwdriver and a few other great things to have on hand. (Amazon.com)
Knife – This will come in hand when eating, slicing fruit and just for everyday random usage. I bought a spring assisted tactical pocket knife and I love it. *Make sure it is safely tucked away in your checked luggage when flying anywhere.
Travel Sized Mini Sewing Kit – This is nice to have, at least make sure one person in your team has one – things will rip. Consider throwing lots of safety pins into this kit. (Amazon.com)
Zip Lock Bags – These will be very important to you when packing, they will keep odd smells out of your belongings and water-proof everything. Keep everything in zippies! Try to purchase some quart sized, some gallon sized and a few 2 gallon bags (for larger clothing items)
Medicine – I have a list of different medications; Dayquil/Nyquil, Excedrin, Motrin,Zinc, Allergy Meds, Sleep Aid, Emergen-C, Biotin, Bug Spray, Sunscreen** and Tums.
Girls: Consider also packing a probiotic to fight off any feminine infections, or be prepared with meds for that. It would suck to get a yeast infection in a third world country and not have relief. Consider keeping some in your carry-on bag.
Packing Cubes – These will be a game changer as far as organization goes. These are compression cubes that are perfect for sorting clothes. Try Eagle Creek’s Pack It compression Specter Cubes. I bought two and love them, though I may have to purchase one more to fit all my clothes.
Headlamp – GET ONE!! The cool kids will all have them. I also am packing a little hand held flashlight, and a Tent Umbrella Light that I love, it hangs at the highest point of your tent and lights the whole thing up. Sufficient light is a game changer. (Amazon.com for all of these)
Section 2: Clothes
The following is everything you’ll want packed in packing cubes.
Rain Coat – This is important, if it rains, you want to stay dry. I bought my Columbia Women’s Switchback on Amazon and I love it.
Fleece – This is great for some added heat or to layer under your rain coat on cold nights
Sweatshirt* – Totally optional, but I love my Young Life hoodie and it will remind me of my fiance so I’m bringing it
T shirts (5)– I bought a bunch of the same Target V-necks in solid colors because I’m boring and stick to those. They’re lightweight, easy to roll up and pack, and bc they’re solids, they match anything!
Tank Tops (2)- You can’t always wear them on the mission field, but you can wear them after a long day to bed and around your host home or tent, and feel comfortable.
Dressy Shirts (2) – Vital in situations where you will be front and center – like when teaching in schools or on a sunday morning. There’s nothing more awkward than showing up underdressed.
Long Skirts (2/3)- This is a must for Africa. Bring 2 or 3, or plan on buying some on your way to Africa
Jeans & Capris (1)- I’m bringing one of each, I love wearing jeans and I’m the most comfortable in them
Yoga Pants (1)- I love my yogas, and even though I won’t be wearing them out, I will be wearing them in my tent and around my host home
Athletic Shorts (1/2)– make sure these are long enough!! If not, get the kind with the spandex underneath!
Underwear – I’m bringing 3 Sports bras, 3 regular bras, lots of socks, 2 pairs of wool socks and 10 pairs of underwear. I’ve heard that it’s a good idea to pack an unopened pack of underwear to open halfway on the race, which might be a good idea too.
Pajamas – your decision, if you don’t wear em, don’t pack em.
Hats – Same goes for hats, if you never wear them, Don’t bring one. I’m bringing two because it makes not doing my hair less noticeable, and after a few days without real shampoo, I’ll be thankful for some coverage.
SHOES: So far, I am undecided. I am aiming on only bringing my Chacos because that’s what I always wear, however I don’t want to run into a situation where I need a pair of closed toed shoes and don’t have them. I’ll follow up with that after training camp.
Section 3: Day Pack
The following is everything you’ll want packed in your carry on pack.
Pillow – This will be your best friend on travel days. Maybe even consider bringing your sweatshirt with you on travel days as well, airports can be cold. I bought the Thermarest Compression Pillow (amazon.com) in a size Large. Go big, it doesn’t really add weight and you want to be comfy on a flight or in the airport.
Bag of Junk – Honestly, I couldn’t think of a better name for this. In this bag, have some of the following: Rubber bands, hair ties, chapstick, and sharpies. I’m bringing 5 sharpies, those things manage to disappear on me all the time.
Flashlight – I know I already covered this, but having one in your carry on isn’t a bad idea.
Zip Locks on Zip Locks – These store everything, waterproof everything and organize everything. Get them in quart and gallon size. I even bought some 2-gallon bags for clothes that didn’t fit in my packing cubes. Bring lots. They also prevent things from starting to smell.
Feminine Products – All I will say is: lightweight, not bulky, compression bags, 11 months worth,
Duct Tape – This will be your friend, don’t ask me how, just trust me.
Adapter – Get one that works in more than just one country, small, light, and easy to pack! (amazon.com or target
Lock – bringing a lock isn’t a bad idea, it could be used for lots of things. Also, bring key rings to tie your zippers together on bags, it will deter people from pick-pocketing you
Compression bowl and Spork – I bought Ecoart Silicone Expandable Collapsible Bowl on amazon and it is just the right size and super cute. It packs flat and is easy to clean. Purchasing a spork at any outdoor store or on amazon is also a great investment.
Nalgene – These are great because they’re durable and don’t leak. Bring on, and make it fun by covering it in stickers that you buy in each country!
Thermos – Do you drink coffee? Do you want to drink coffee?
Notebook – consider buying the cute mini notebooks from walmart, they’re cheap, adorable, and take up way less space
Pens – bring lots, I’ve been told these are worth gold in some places. Also, SHARPIES
Journal – If you journal, obvs don’t forget this
Bible – I am bringing my regular ESV bible, I don’t plan on bringing a travel sized bible, some may opt for that instead, but I have an emotional connection to my bible and I will not be leaving it at home
Laptop & Charger – put it in a ziplock if you have even a slight chance of rain!!
Headphones & Splitter – in case you want to share a movie with someone
Camera & Charger – or batteries?
Batteries – Bring extra of everything in a waterproof leak-proof case!!!
Passport, Drivers License, ID, Proof of Immunizations – have all of these in a safe secure location and have colored copies of all of it placed in different places, at least have one in your packed luggage
Charles Schwab Banking Card – This will be the best financial option for you. Charles Schwab returns all atm fees at the end of each month, which will save you money. A checking account is free and international checking is free! No fees, no minimum amount required in the account, and it is easy to apply online. Google it. It’s worth it. This is your best way to have access to money.
Wipes – Baby wipes and makeup removing wipes/ facial cleansing wipes can make sleeping in an airport feel cleaner. Clean is key.
Section 4: Bathroom Essentials
The following is everything you’ll want packed in your bathroom bag
Shampoo / Conditioner – Go to walmart, get the travel size containers, fill those babies up!
Soap – Bar or liquid, whatever you like, walmart sells it in travel size
Loofa – get one, it makes soaping easier
Razor – the travel cosmetic section in Walmart sells super cute travel size razors, and the Equate Refills aren’t too expensive! Do it!
Deodorant
Makeup – If applicable
Chapstick and Body Lotion – nothing worse than a sunburn that you can’t moisturize
Toothbrush & Toothpaste – consider buying a 2nd toothbrush to open halfway through the race
Hand sanitizer – clipped onto my bag
Face Wipes – Makeup removing wipes are da real MVP
Q tips – clean dem ears
Floss – a cavity on a trip like this is definitely avoidable
Hair Ties, Jewelry, Headbands – when you look nice, you feel nice
Ear Plugs – What if your roommate snores?
Tweezers, Nail Clippers, Nail File – Nothing worse than a hangnail that you can’t just fix
Extra Tips:
-Pack from the top of your bag, not the front loading side, things will fit tighter if you pack from the top… after filling the bottom first (If your bag is also bottom loading)
-Remember to write your initials on everything with black sharpie. Just do it.
-Bring an envelope to put all your travel paper in, like old boarding passes, plane tickets, bus tickets, etc. It’s a cool thing to put into a scrapbook or something later
-Buy a “Passport Wallet” These handy little hand held purses are designed for international travel, are waterproof, and have a spot for a passport, multiple IDs and credit cards, have zipper protected pockets for cash and change, and zip shut. (Amazon.com)
