I get this question a lot. This is such a huge journey, and I truly believe that people want to be a part of it. So if you’re a racer in need of a packing list or a supporter, this is for you.
Let’s start with the packing list. These are items a racer would need to purchase, or a supporter may want to donate. This information comes from the WR website, as well as, other blogs. I put together what I thought would be the essentials. Fair warning, as a woman, I can only really say what other women may need. Sorry guys.
Tip to other racers: You need to pack for a week. All your toiletries are available overseas.
Checklist:
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Something modest to sleep in.
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No leggings worn as pants.
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Sleeveless shirts and tank tops that are 1” wide are permitted on girls.
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Shorts must come to the top of the knee. Capris & Gouchos.
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Skirts & dresses below or close to the knee. (In some countries women will be required to be in skirts all of the time.)
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Full coverage swimsuit. (Be prepared to wear shorts and a shirt over your swimsuit.)
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Backpack.
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“Pack duffle” or an “Airporter.” This is a giant duffle that protects your backpack when you check it for flights. This is not required but could prolong the life of your pack. Try to keep your pack under 45 Lbs.
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Daypacks (Regular sized school pack for electronics, purse items, etc.).
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Tent: Every Racer needs a 2-person, freestanding (no stakes, 4-6 lbs.) tent.
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Rain-fly & footprint for tent
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Small pillow
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Sleeping bag (Rated 35 degrees).
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Sheet or sleeping bag liner for warm weather.
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Sleeping Pad.
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1 fleece or a sweatshirt.
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1 lightweight rain jacket.
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1 hat or head covering for sun or bad weather.
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1 pair of shoes for everyday wear. Consider a trail-running tennis shoe.
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1 pair of good sandals. (Many racers prefer Rainbows, Chacos, Tevas, or Keens).
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1 pair of cheap flip flops (Shower Shoes).
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Enough underwear for 10 days & socks for 5 days.
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Deodorant.
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Toothbrush.
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Toothpaste.
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Hairbrush.
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Soap.
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Shampoo.
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Shave Gel.
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Razor.
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2-3 skirts that are below the knee and one of those should go to your ankles. (Prepare to wear skirts at least 50% of the time).
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2-4 skirts or dresses
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5-7 tops
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2-3 casual pants
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2-3 pairs of shorts that come to the top of your knees. (Running shorts are not appropriate).
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Enough sanitary products for several months. (There will be some areas of the world where you can re-stock, but not all brands are available).
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Passport 6 Extra passport pictures for visas.
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2nd form of government issued photo ID such as driver’s license Personal check card or Visa (double-check expiration date).
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Copies of ID, and passport packed in various places.
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Passport/money holder
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Proof of Yellow Fever inoculation
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Bible
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Journal
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Pens/Pencils
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Sunglasses
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Sunscreen
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Hand sanitizer
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Small pack towel. Sarongs are recommended because they are lightweight, dry quickly
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Pocket multi-tool or knife
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Headlamp
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Medication
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Baby wipes/face wipes
Suggestions & Tips
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A good pro-biotic and garlic extract 3-4 months worth.
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Insect repellent
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Watch/alarm clock/alarm on your phone
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Camera
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Pictures of your family
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Outlet converter/voltage converter
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Jump drive/flash drive
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Second wallet for team money
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Travel locks
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Bring key rings to lock the zippers on your purse, daypack, or backpack. (It takes too long for thieves to undue and will deter them from picking you as their target.)
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Water bottle (one that doesn’t leak!) plus a splash guard and carabineer to clip it
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Earplugs (roosters crow very early and your roommate may snore)
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Clothes line/Rope. (A small amount of rope is more versatile).
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Eating utensils including silverware, mug, plate, and bowl
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It is generally a good idea to pack a change of clothes in your carry-on bag.
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Pocket-knives must be packed in your checked bag.
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Consider packing clothes in stuff sacks, packing cubes, or even heavy-duty Ziploc bags. This helps organize & protect belongings.
I’ll definitely do a follow up on this list after the World Race, but I feel fairly confident these are all important items.
What else?
More than anything, racers need prayers and donations.
Prayers! The more the merrier!
Prayers of encouragement while we’re away from our family and friends for nearly a year. Prayers that we are able to structure a strong sense of community within our squads. Prayers for softened hearts and open minds as we work in foreign places. Prayers for safe travels. Prayers that we are able to show people around the world the love of Jesus Christ.
When it comes to donations…
God did not intend for us to walk alone. (Ecclesiastes 4:10. “For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!”). One way to get others involved in this journey is to reach out for support via donations.
Now I don’t know about you, but asking for money is one of the most challenging parts of this ordeal for me. I mean it’s a $20,000 investment. I often find myself wishing there was a way for me to come up with it all on my own. But, I think God is very intentional with this. He wants us to put our pride to the side and tell everyone we know about what He is up to in our lives.
Also, keep in mind that any amount helps! It’s easy to get overwhelmed as a racer or supporter when considering how much money needs to be raised. Again, don’t think you have to take on this responsibility all by yourself. It’s perfectly fine to break it down to something more manageable. For instance, my first money deadline is $5,000. I have about 500 friends on Facebook, so if everyone gave just $10 I’d meet my first deadline! Perhaps, consider saving or donating a certain amount every week or month.
In all honesty, I’m not sure what the best way to go about fundraising is. All I know is to trust God and take action. Psalm 33:4 “For the word of the LORD is right and true; He is faithful in all He does.”
Thank you all for taking the time to read this, and showing interest in this journey.
Lots of love,
Shelby.
