So, you’re committed to the Race – and you’ve started fundraising – and every now and then, you just find yourself staring at your closet wondering how in the world you are possibly going to carry all that you need on your back for 9 or 11 months, right??
Have no fear – many have gone before you and are here to help you wrap your mind around it!!Below is a blog from one an alumni Racer:
When I told my family and friends that I was going to be living out of a backpack for an entire year, they were shocked… and then they laughed. I wasn’t a camping expert, and my closet was definitely a bit too large to pack into a 65 liter backpack.
I’m here to tell you that if you’re girly, if you love clothes, if you wear make up more than once a month, and if you’re not STOKED about the idea of living out of a backpack… you’re NOT ALONE.
And this trip is still for you.
Although it seems like you’re stepping off of the face of civilization by going on this trip, I promise you that you’re not. And you can still be your adorable, individual, put together self. Even in Africa. Don’t give up hope yet.
Disclaimer: Although I truly believe that I did a fantastic job at packing clothing for the race (variety, individuality, style), I have to tell you that at some point on the race you may find your style changing. Over the months you’ll collect a random array of foreign clothing, and you’ll start to mix and match. You’ll also find that some clothes are more comfortable and more fun than others, and so you’ll find yourself wearing those again and again without any shame. And best of all, at some point, you’ll find yourself simply not caring anymore. Don’t fight this. It’s glorious.
Tip 1: Check the weather before you go!!
Most of our countries have been warm (with the surprising- frigid exception of Moldova) and we’ve been able to get by with similar clothing all year. That being said, Z squad found themselves in the middle of below zero blizzards in Romania, which to us was a gorgeous fall paradise.
Also, don’t assume that if you’re going to Nepal that it’s going to be cold. There are different areas in every country and you will probably have no idea where you’re going to be until right before.
Tip 2: Wear what you love.
On my birthday last year, my dad took me to REI to accrue the necessary ‘gear’ for the World Race. We bought a tent, a sleeping bag, a backpack, a sleeping pad and then it happened… he took me by the hand and led me (reluctantly) into the Women’s Clothing Department.
The lady who worked there walked up to me and after finding out about my trip, advised me to bring only two pairs of clothing for the entire year.
“That’s all you’ll need!!”
That woman lied.
I almost cried.
It wasn’t about the clothes necessarily, but that moment really made me feel like this trip just might not be designed for people like me.
Tip 3: You do NOT need to go to REI and buy an entire quick-dry wardrobe.
Everything will dry- even in Southeast Asia.
Bring what you normally wear at home, but things that make sense to wear both in big nice cities like Bangkok, and the bush of Uganda. You can bring things you like- but maybe don’t bring your favorite things in the world. There is a solid chance of them getting lost or ruined.
Tip 4: The dress code will vary.
Dress codes will change based on the country and based on the ministry contact. Some countries are offended at the sight of your shoulders (bring some t-shirts) but some are not (tank tops!!!) Women’s knees are absolutely SCANDALOUS in some areas, so make sure you bring at least one long skirt.
Overall, just bring a variety- and think modest-ish. You don’t want half of your clothes to be restricted from ministry.
Tip 5: Bring a BIG quick-dry towel.
Buy a quick dry towel from your local outdoor store. Make sure to get an extra large one, you don’t want to have to wrap up in a washcloth when your pastor’s family is walking around.
Pro-tip: Those towels can start to smell after a while. Another great option is a sarong or light-weight fabric that will dry quickly.
Tip 6: Go crazy with underwear
Bring underwear that you like and that’s good quality and LOTS OF IT! I brought about 15 pairs and wish I had more.
Tip 7: Your Head Lamp will be your BEST FRIEND
Bring at least one- a GOOD one. Maybe bring extra batteries (you can buy them in most places). But this will SAVE YOUR LIFE. Listen to me- you are NOT too cool for a headlamp. Get one!
Tip 8: You do not need enough toiletries to last the whole year
Bring small bottles of shampoo and conditioner that you can refill for travel days (don’t throw them away). My team buys shampoo etc. together and we buy it once a month for all of us. You’ll probably need your own for the days in between. But honestly… you do NOT need to bring enough for the entire year. Other countries have soap.
Tip 9: Baby wipes = Gold
You will pull them out of your purse and walk around with them in your hand like a Starbucks cup. And it’s seriously not weird. They’re good for any part of your body that’s sweaty, and clutch when you go into the 99% of bathrooms on this planet without T.P. (you can buy them in most cities. Maybe bring a few for travel days in between.)
Tip 10: You are not dropping off the face of the earth for multiple months. You will want to look nice.
I personally brought makeup and I’m really glad I did. I brought dresses and a couple of cute headbands. A couple of girls brought mini curling irons and straighteners. Bring whatever you like that makes you feel like a girl (within reason.) You will go weeks without wearing it, you will get lazy, and that’s fine. But you WILL be around normal people.
Since being on the race we’ve gone to nice restaurants, on vacation, to shows and sightseeing.
Tip 11: You want a sleeping bag/sleeping bag liner. Trust me.
Bring both. Make sure you check out your liner before you buy it (I didn’t- big mistake). It’s nice to be able to clean your sleeping bag without washing the whole thing (oops.) Sometimes you’ll be cold and you’ll be glad you have a sleeping bag- lots of people have sent theirs home (or just ‘lost’ them) in these last few months. I wouldn’t go with a down sleeping bag… your stuff will most likely get wet.
Tip 12: Shoes
I brought lightweight sneakers, Toms, croc flats, havaianas, and some Teva flip flops. They’ve been awesome. You can drop shoes when they wear out or give them away. But that has been a pretty comprehensive collection. You can also buy shoes pretty much anywhere.
If you like Chacos, bring chacos. If you don’t, don’t.
Tip 13: Tampons
I am personally a bit picky when it comes to my tampons, and I have only been able to find good brands ONCE and it was in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. If you have a particular kind you like… stock up.
A lot of women opt for a menstrual cup or disc – this can be a great option, but be sure to try it at home for a couple of months so you can get used to using it.
Tip 14: Bring your real computer!
An iPad is NOT a good computer replacement. Most of my friends that left their real computers at home have seriously regretted it.
But the smaller the better. They really do get heavy to carry all the time.
Tip 15: Voltage converters/plug adapters and other random technology
You DO need plug adapters (the things that are different shapes). You can buy these at any travel store. If you have a Mac, go to the Apple Store and buy the plug adapter kit. You’ll thank me later.
You DO NOT need a voltage converter- I think that countries and electronics have finally made peace when it comes to the voltage issue.
BRING A POWER STRIP (you may only have one plug, with 7 people on a team.)
Bring headphone splitters.
Tip 16: Get an external hard drive
You’re going to take the best photos and videos of your life this year, you don’t want to lose anything. It might even be a good idea to backup your computer and leave a hard drive at home as well. You never know what’s going to happen. (I have three on the race for all of my video/pictures- YIKES!)
Tip 17: If you have a good camera, BRING IT, if not, consider buying one.
If you’re considering bringing a good camera, I’d say do it. You’re going to see the most amazing things in the world this year, and you will want to be able to capture it well.
If you don’t want to buy one – that’s fine, just make sure you have some sort of a camera. Most cell phone cameras are amazing these days.
Tip 18: Try to find a waterproof daypack
You will be caught in more torrential downpours than you can even imagine. If you can get a waterproof daypack for your valuables, that’d be awesome. Then you don’t have to worry when the torrents of rain come.
Tip 19: VISA is everywhere you want to be!
Get a Visa card. My friends who have Mastercard have had a really hard time paying for things/finding ATMs. Visa, Visa, Visa! Having a credit card for emergency purposes is crucial.
Also, it’s not a bad idea to bring some USD just in case.
There are ATM’s everywhere. So you’ll always have access to money. Just make sure your bank really understands where you’re going so they don’t put a hold on your card. Also consider using a bank that reimburses ATM fees – those will eat up your extra cash, quick.
Tip 20: You DO need a tent, but not an expensive one.
Get a two person tent, because a one-person just isn’t big enough. It’s annoying to carry, but when you’re living in a house with mice, bats and mosquitoes, you’ll be really happy you have one.
Tip 21: Shop for a sleeping pad like you’d shop for a mattress.
Because… this WILL be your mattress this year.
I have a REALLY legit sleeping mat. It’s pretty huge, but it’s the best one out of anyone on my squad. It’s from REI and is 2.5 inches thick. It’s glorious. I recommend it, but if you’re strapped for space, get something else. Just make sure you can actually sleep on it, because I have spent a LOT of time on mine.
Tip 22: Don’t freak out about internet… you’ll have it.
Chances are you will have pretty good internet all year. You may have to walk to an internet cafe or coffee shop, but the world believes in internet, so you’ll be able to find it. The longest you’ll probably go without it is three weeks. Your mom will survive.
Tip 23: Kindle
I brought one and love it. Books are heavy.
Tip 24: Crystal Light
If you feel like you may get sick of water at some point on the race: bring Crystal light packets. After three months in Africa, Peach Iced Tea will sound like heaven to you. So bring several of them and ration them.
Tip 25: Ear plugs and face mask are a must!
Just trust me. Your roommates will snore and the hall light will keep you up.
Tip 26: Bring a raincoat
Torrential downpours- remember?
Tip 27: Pest Control
Bring bed bug prevention spray and something to get rid of lice. Only do this if you have room and it’s convenient, but I got some pretty terrible bed bug bites one month, and several girls have gotten lice (not me… not yet…). If you have these, your squad will thank you.
Tip 28: Meds
Bring whatever you normally take. Musts are: antibiotics, allergy meds (if you need them), Cipro and pepto (your stomach WILL rebel at some point). You don’t need to pack an entire pharmacy – you’ll be able to find almost anything you need in pharmacies overseas.
Tip 29: You NEED to journal!
Bring journals or start to journal on your laptop. This is a year you’ll never want to forget.
Tip 30: If you play guitar, bring one
Guitars lead to endless worship and ministry opportunities – it’s great if there are a few on each squad. If you don’t play guitar… chances are you’ll consider learning at least once or twice.
Tip 31: Try not to smell
If you have a favorite deodorant, bring it and LOTS of it. You can buy some out here, but not always the best kinds. Also, bring Febreeze and dryer sheets. Your stuff will stink at times and you’ll want to be able to fix that.
If you wear perfume, bring it! It’s nice to smell nice every once in a while. Just make sure it’s in a practical bottle.
Tip 32: A mess kit is unnecessary
But… bring a spoon/fork/knife combo.
(if you’re really really particular about clean dishes, bring a collapsible cup and bowl… if you don’t care, don’t bother.)
Tip 33: You WILL want extra money
Ask some of your supporters if they’re willing to support your personal bank account. You’re going to want to raft the Nile and it costs money. You’ll want spending money for fun activities, extra snacks and going out to eat. (Most racers spend between $50-$150 per month for their race!)
Tip 34: Get a good airporter
An airporter is a bag that goes over your pack. It’s key when you’re throwing your pack onto a super dirty bus, or taking it across three continents.
Tip 35: Bring a few toothbrush covers.
You can’t find them abroad and you’ll definitely want them.
Tip 36: Anti itch cream will sometimes be your best friend
Bring some.
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is that you’re not disappearing off of the face of the planet for a year. You will be in civilization probably more than you’re expecting. You will face times when you don’t have what you need, and sometimes when you brought more than was necessary. Both of these are fine. Pack what you’re comfortable in and what you use on a daily basis, and remember that you CAN buy most stuff abroad.
This is an awesome journey and I’m so excited for all of you who are going!!
