Drum roll….it is *OFFICIALLY* time for a packing blog—-and vlog (skip the words and scroll to the bottom). This is a packing list for the six weeks I am out of town, so I would have packed more “summer” clothes if I was just packing for TC.
I am a researchaholic and packing for the World Race has been SO MUCH FUN! I’ve spent countless hours researching gear, asking questions from past racers, and praying about what He wants me to bring.
Packing goals—>be able to carry on EVERYTHING. That means minimal packing. So many people dump things the first few months on the race and go smaller anyways, so I want to be that weirdo that dumps everything BEFORE the race
Yes, I am crazy. I am carrying a bag that includes my day bag PLUS I have my guitar, all this have my belongings for training camp and with a little tweaking, The World Race!
Also–God has brought me through this packing journey and has literally provided ALL of it. I have probably spent less that $250 total on gear that is just for the Race. He provides where He guides!
Let’s jump in!
((BIG PACK))
- I have a Kestrel Men’s 48 which is a size S/M which ends up being a 46L pack. Downside, if we do end up hiking a lot-not expecting to-this is made for men’s waists not women. I have gotten it to fit pretty well though and my pack as a whole-day pack as well-only weighs 31lbs
((SLEEPING BAG))
- ZENBIVY—if you haven’t heard about this wonder. GO RESEARCH NOW!! I move around a lot to try to get to sleep, then I am still. Mummy and regular sleeping bags make me feel chlosterphobic-spelling?, so I researched “quilts” and found this which can be made into a bag or it can be a quilt plus it is super light, compacts really well and is down rated at 30 degrees. I am also bringing an old sheet as a liner for warmer weather but am stuffing it in my guitar case. Put it in a Sealline compression sack.
((SLEEPING PAD))
- This was tricky. I value sleep, period. Enough to skimp on space and weight? Nope. I wanted something that was light and comfortable and worked with my zenbivy. And I found the Thermarest NeoAir Ultralight pad. I got the regular size cuz, well, I am short and the benefit to being short is not needing long things haha
((CLOTHES))
- Bottoms: 1 pair jeans, 1 pair of combo short/pants, 1 pair joggers, 2 skirts, pair of shorts, 1 pair leggings, 2 dresses (both dresses and one skirt were bought in the lower 48 cuz I have trouble finding good ones in AK)
- Tops: 2 tank tops, 3 short sleeve shirts, 1 long sleeve shirt
- Layers: 1 flannel, 1 light sweater, rain coat
- Smalls: 5 pair underwear, 4/5 pair of socks, 2 sports bras
These fit into two medium eagle creek cubes and one small. The layers stay loose for my travel days…I get cold.
((SHOES))
- Merrel trail runner gloves-I wear these SO much!
- Earth Runner sandals-don’t think I have been in love with shoes more than these
I am transitioning to minimalist/barefoot shoes so no heel and hardly any support…chacos are usually the thing for the Race-go for it if you love them!!
((BATHROOM))
Since I carried on my backpack and guitar, I had limited liquid space, so this is what I brought:
- tubes of my shea moisture conditioner and shampoo
- deodorant
- coconut oil-for so many things
- Essential oils- pasttense, lavender, and eucalyptus
- cut off of dr. Bronners castille soap bar
The other random self care things in my little pouch:
- bobby pins, hair ties
- shaver-still would love to not have to use these
- toothbrush
((RANDOM GEAR))
- study Bible-cuz that’s what I use
- small Bible-should have left it…
- writing utensils
- white board-your girl lives off of these
- notebook
- prayer journal
- kleenex-no idea what they will put us through
- phone and charger
- portable charger
- tripod and ringlight-vlogging!
- yoga mat-manduka eko lite (stretching, work outs, saving pad, etc)
- important papers and stamps
- BUFFS-kinda love these
- earphones
- watch
- spork-borrowing a bowl for TC
- sharing a tent with Hannah but not carrying it
- belt
- 40oz hydroflask—what?? I drink a lot of water!
- towel-just using a face towel. Size doesn’t matter and apparently the micro towels get stinky…
- hat
- t-shirt to cut up for time of the month
- macbook air for the six weeks of fundraising, vlogging, and storyteller training
- stickers-still selling them!!
- Rei flash 18 day bag-easily stuffs in my big pack or carries some random day gear
((GUITAR))
Probably the thing I prayed about the most. I am bringing a 3/4 guitar-trying to find a hard case. It is a OG-1 Washburn. Love the size and sound that it has for not being a full size. Bringing a capo, paper music book, picks, and neck adjuster. The guitar is for ministry. Why would I leave it in Alaska?
Don’t think I missed anything, but it is a lot of stuff to keep track of…World Race packing list will be similar yet different. Check out the packing vlog below if you need a visual on all this stuff!
Packing vlog–
1) go to Youtube
2) search “Shannon LaRocque”
3) find the “WR TRAINING CAMP PACKING” video
