Packing for the 3-Day...Part 2

Alright now it's time to pack!  What do I bring and how do I pack it?  Well, you should first look at the packing list located in your participant center.  On the list is everything the 3-Day suggests for you to bring.  Remember that you are only allowed one gear bag that cannot weigh more than 35lbs.  This is to protect the crew members who have volunteered to load and unload every one's bags on and off the big trucks.  Everything that you plan on taking must be in this bag!!  If you are like me, I was thinking that's gonna be impossible!!  But, it's not!!  I have been able to take everything I need the last two years in my one bag.

There it is!! My one bag.  Beside it is my Camelbak that I wear as I walk.  I also wore the wings last year to support my team, Angels of Hope.  I purchased this particular bag at Target.  It is a large duffel bag with wheels.  I chose blue because well, everything is pink.  I chose blue so it would stand out and I could find it easily amongst the thousands of other bags.  Also, I tied pink ribbons on it.  You must label your bag with your participant ID # and tent address.  It is suggested by the 3-Day to pack everything inside your bag in Ziploc bags.  It helps keep you organized and keeps the items inside dry in case of rain.  (Remember this event is rain or shine.)  I do pack my thing in the Ziploc bags and label them, day 2, day 3, etc.  That way it's easy to pick up bag and take the items to the shower trucks. 

Here's what's in the Bag!!

Tennis Shoes

I wear one pair and pack another pair.  I alternate them to help prevent blisters.  Also, if it does rain, you don't want to walk in wet shoes.  If there is a chance of rain...pack a couple of sheets of newspaper.  I have heard that it will help dry out wet shoes.

Day 2 & 3 Attire

I pack each day in a Ziploc bag.  I include sports bra, underwear, socks (2 pair per day), shorts, capri pants, tank, and t-shirt.  Yes, you can fit it all in one large Ziploc bag.

PJ's

I pack a t-shirt and PJ pants and PJ shorts.  You don't know what the temp will be like where you are camping.

Extra Items

I usually pack a sweat shirt, fleece jacket, hat, sunglasses, and visor.  If there is a chance of rain, I will pack a rain jacket.  If there is not a chance of rain, I will pack a $1 poncho just in case...you never know!!!

Sleeping Equipment

I have done the sleeping bag and the air mattress.  I recommend the air mattress.  (Yes, it's in that bag!)  If you go with the air mattress I suggest getting with your tent mate and one of you pack the mattress and the other packing the sheet and blanket.  Don't forget your battery operated pump and a small pillow!  My air mattress is a Queen size.  The pink tents are 6.5' x 6.5'.  It takes up almost all of the tent.  The 3-Day suggests taking some other things for the tent, but each time I walked we stayed inside the World Congress Center, so we didn't need additional tarps to cover and keep things dry.

Toiletries

You will need sunscreen, toothpaste and brush, shampoo and soap, razor, deodorant, moisturizer, and other feminine products.  Don't forget foot care products too.  You may need nail clippers, small first aid kit, prescribed medications, anti-blister aids, and bandages.  Insect repellent is good too.  I also pack just a little make up, not much.

Miscellaneous Items

Some suggest ear plugs, I have some, but have never wore them.  Alarm clock, I just use my phone. A camera is a must!!!  There are so many things you will want to take picture of and many photo opportunities. 

That's it!! That's what's in my blue bag!  :-)