Ok, here it is – the packing list I wish I had followed for my Race. Obviously, this is from a woman’s perspective, so, men, this might not be the one for you. But I definitely think there is some advice for anyone looking to better their packing skills.
First, I have some packing ground rules:
Rule #1: Only pack things you would use at home. If you don’t use it at home, chances are you probably won’t use it on the Race. It would probably be a good idea to write down everything you use consistently for one week to evaluate what you may need.
Rule #2: Think light and small. Remember, you have to carry this stuff on your back. If you can choose, ALWAYS go with the smaller, lighter option. Your big pack can only be 50 pounds due to flight regulations, and you won’t want things to be heavy anyway. Your neck and shoulders will thank you.
Rule #3: Start paying attention to how long things last you. How long does it take you to go through one tube of toothpaste or a bottle of contact solution? This will help you gage the amounts of things you will need.
Rule #4: Bring only one of everything (bottles of medicine, tube of toothpaste, etc.). You’ll be able to get more.
And now my thoughts on what to bring:
Clothes – Pack the amount you would need for one week. You’ll get to do laundry. Make them things that you can mix and match, wear for warm or cold weather, and wear for construction or for dressing up. Also, only bring things you would wear at home. If you would never consider wearing it in the States, you won’t wear it on the Race. Bring clothes that you like, but won’t be sad if they get ruined because more than likely that will happen. One more thing: Though we had multiple warm countries on our route, due to the ministry and cultural rules we were only able to wear shorts and tank tops in one country. Just because something is within the AiM dress code doesn’t mean it will be in the ministry dress code.
Underwear – Bring a lot.
Rain jacket – Also, bring a rain jacket. You don’t want to be wet.
Shoes – I brought three pairs – a pair that is sturdy for walking and manual labor, a pair that is waterproof, and a pair to wear for dressing up. Make sure you have something that can function as a bathroom shoe too. Good brands to consider are Chaco and Croc. I also picked up a pair of boots in Japan because it was cold, but I later left them in Romania.
Makeup – Bring it. If you wear it at home, you will wear it on the Race. There will be times you will want to dress cute. You may even have a month where you need to look nice for your ministry job, and you will be in many modern settings. Just bring at least one of everything you use at home. This is something else you’ll be able to find everywhere you go.
Hair and Jewelry – In addition to make up, bring things that make you feel feminine. If you like to paint your nails, bring a bottle of nail polish. If you like to wear earrings, bring a few pairs. You will still want these things no matter where you are. I brought a hair straightener and have never regretted it.
Just for Girls – It would be a good idea to bring a couple months worth of tampons/pads. They can be found overseas, but plastic applicators can be scarce.
Toiletries – Bring whatever you normally use at home. Go with travel size as much as possible. You will be able to buy popular brands overseas such as Pantene, L’Oreal, and Colgate. Pick one thing you love and bring a year’s worth of that such as face wash or lotion. You will be glad you stuck with something familiar.
Lice comb – You will get to play with many cute little children on the Race. Unfortunately, it is most likely some of these kids will have lice. Bring a comb so you and your team can be preventive in having critters nest in your hair.
Tea tree oil – This is nature’s miracle oil. You can use it for everything. Bring along a small bottle, and you will end up using it for something.
Over the counter meds – Bring your pain killer of choice, stomach/nausea medicine of choice, and cold medicine of choice. These things hit you when it is least expected, and you may not be able to run around the corner to the nearest drug store. Also, bring something that will help you sleep. You’ll need it for those 14 hour flights.
Probiotic pills– These are a must for any traveler. Personally, I think everyone should take them whether at home or overseas. These little handy dandy pills will keep you from getting sick. I’ve taken them every day on the Race, and while some of my squad mates have gotten stomach infections or traveler’s diarrehea (I know it’s gross, but it’s a very real thing.), I have had no problems.
Multivitamin – Just take them. They’ll keep you healthy.
Malaria meds –Ok, some people may doubt my words on this topic, BUT here is my opinion on purchasing Malaria medication: don’t buy them before you leave the U.S. Your route will probably change multiple times (yes, sorry to burst your bubble, but it will), and you will most definitely not need them for every country. Some countries only have seasonal malaria, and some only have it in certain regions. So wait until you know for sure where in each country you are going, and besides, drugs are cheaper overseas.
Baby wipes – There will be times where you won’t have a shower, so a baby wipe bath is the next best thing. They are also available everywhere in the world in case you run out.
Reading device – If you are a reader, a Kindle or Nook is a must for you. You can load it up with as many books as you want, and it will take up a relatively small space.
Iphone – A smart phone is a racer’s best friend. Besides being able to access the internet with it, you can keep notes on it and use helpful apps. (All racers should download apps for translating, converting currency, and converting measurements to the metric system. You will find these incredibly helpful.)
Movies – Load up an external hard drive with some of your favorites. You’ll have free time just like you do at home. You’ll wish you brought them if you didn’t. Trust me.
Watch – You need to tell the time, and you don’t want to whip out your Iphone on a sketchy Cambodian bus.
Camera – Bring one! You are going to see some of the world’s most beautiful sights. And don’t be afraid to bring a nice one. You’ll wish you had if you didn’t.
Laptop – You’ll use this for blogging, watching tv, and all sorts of things. Don’t ever doubt the decision to bring it along.
Electric Outlet Adapter – Get a good adapter that will work in multiple countries. You’ll need it for sure!
Batteries – It would be a good idea to bring one set of backup batteries for everything that needs them. You’ll be able to buy more though.
Electronic accessories – Power strips, head phone splitters, and speakers might all be things you want to bring. Sometimes you will want to watch a movie with two friends, but others don’t want to hear it. Or you’ll have to share one outlet for seven people.
Sheets – I brought a set of twin sheets instead of a sleeping bag liner. This makes my sleeping bag and mat feel more like a bed. I also have a pillow case for my tiny pillow.
Pillow – Whether it’s a small camping pillow, a regular sized pillow, or your favorite Pillow Pet, bring along something to lay your head on at night!
Tent – Bring the smallest, lightest tent you can find. Make sure you have a rain fly and footprint to keep moisture out.
Sleeping mat – Shop around to find the comfiest deal you can! You may have to sleep on this thing for a few months, so you want it to actually be worth your money and a good night’s sleep!
Sleeping bag – Down-filled bags pack the smallest. Even though they are more expensive, they are worth it for the space they’ll save.
Packing cubes – I didn’t know what packing cubes were before coming on the Race; however, I am so glad I discovered them. Putting everything in small pouches allows you to pack more into a smaller space and keep things organized. I’ll never pack without them again! I recommend the brand Eagle Creek.
Airporter – This was one of the hardest things for me to find. What I ended up going with was an REI duffle – super sturdy and super easy to carry.
Passport holder/wallet – You want to make sure you have something handy to carry your important docs in. I have found it most helpful to have something small that zips and has a handle that way you can hold it easily in the midst of travel.
Rain covers – Get rain covers for both your day pack and your big pack. You’ll have to walk in the rain sometimes, and you don’t want wet stuff.
Day pack – Don’t bring something too big because you will just fill it up and it will get heavy. You only want room to keep a change of clothes, essential toiletries, and your electronics on travel days.
Big pack – Shop around and try on before purchasing. My pack is 60 liters and is great! (The salesman told me it was too big for my small frame, but I’ve been fine.) North Face and Osprey are two great brands to consider. If you’re a lady, make sure you get a pack specific for women. It will fit better.
Purse – Girls, bring one! Something sturdy and waterproof is a good idea. Airlines allow two carry-on bags anyway!
Coffee – I know all of you aren’t coffee drinkers, but if you are, take note. The rest of the world does not consume coffee like we Americans do. If you are stickler for your morning cup of joe, I’d say bring along a pound of your favorite grind and a camping French press. I’ve started carrying packets of instant coffee and though it’s not the greatest, they are better than the instant kind that can be found in the States. (This also goes for other drinks like tea, crystal light, etc. Familiar flavors are nice to have.) Check out my fellow brother and Racer, Brian’s, blog to understand this fully: http://brianledtke.theworldrace.org/?filename=o-coffee-my-coffee
Pocket knife – You will find yourself needing scissors or a knife for all kinds of things. Just don’t bring it on your carry on. 😉
Sewing kit – I have sewed more on the Race than I ever thought I would. Your whole team will appreciate this little addition.
Nalgene water bottle – Most likely your team will get large bottles of water to divide up. Having a water bottle will guarantee you personal water all the time and keep you from having to spend extra money on drinks at restaurants.
Camp chair – Some people on my squad brought little packable chairs, and the rest of us are jealous. This is something I would have never thought to bring, but I have really enjoyed getting to use. Very nice to have when you live in a house with no furniture!
Eye mask – This was something I never used before the Race, but by month 4, I decided to purchase one. You’ll find yourself in many crowded places and probably never in a room by yourself. With this said, the lights probably won’t be turned off at night when you want them to be. I’ve found a sleeping mask helps me fall asleep no matter where I am much easier!
Towels – Oh the great quick dry versus terry clothe debate. There are pros and cons to both. Quick dry towels are more packable and obviously dry quicker. Your average bath towel is softer and gets your body drier. After spending 7 months on the field, I would just bring a regular bath towel because I never get all the water off my body with the quick dry. I also picked up a turban style towel for my hair in Japan (at the 100 yen store?!) because I use one at home and really missed it.
Hobbies – Bring along your favorite game or hobby. Like I said before, you will have down time. If you love playing cards, bring them. If you like knitting, bring some needles and yarn. You will be glad you did.
Note cards – You will want to write thank you notes to your hosts. Bringing cards is a must if you are a note writer, so you can give them to whoever you meet.
Ziplocs bags– Bring a lot. You will want them. You will use them. You won’t find them overseas.
Student ID – Just as in the U.S, places around the world give student discounts. You can get into the Forbidden City in Beijing for a third of the price if you show them your ID.
Miscellaneous items – Consider bringing useful everyday items. You will always end up needing things like duct tape (a small amount taken off the roll – it saves room!), pens, journals, or a spoon.
Schwab card – Charles Schwab has no ATM fees anywhere in the world! So what are you waiting for? Open a checking account with them today and use a fee-less debit card all over the world.
See the variety of clothes in this picture – t-shirts, dresses, Thai clothes….you'll look great no matter what you bring!
I hope this list proves to be helpful. A great place to look for supplies is REI. Be on the lookout for sales and if you become a member, you get a discount. Regardless of what you bring or where you get it, don’t worry! You’ll be just fine with whatever you bring. You’ll have an awesome squad who will share what they have, and you can buy more as you go. Happy packing!
