It is our hope that this post will answer some of your questions and serve as I guide for those of us who are making rounds on the 3 Day circuit this season. This post is written and targeted to those who are "camping" indoors. The Phila. 3 Day takes place in October (normal high temps. in the low to mid 60's , lows in the 40's.) REMEMBER YOUR BAG MUST NOT BE HEAVIER THAN 35 lbs. Multiple bags are not permitted.
THE BAG: You will first and foremost need a ROLLING duffel. Not TOO big and not too small. Ideal bags can be found at Target and Bed Bath and Beyond. Be sure to get the one with several compartments (sides and a separate bottom portion.)
THE BAGGIES: Get yourself a box of 2.5 quart Ziplock baggies to PACK your clothes in. Believe it or not ONE day of clothes including a pair sneakers fits like a glove in these bags. Besides, that this method saves space and lot's of headache trying to find your belongings.
BAG IDENTIFICATION: That is easy you to identify in a sea of other bags. Word to the wise. DON'T USE PINK! Be sure to have you name, participant #, tent assignment and team name visible. Brightly colored Duck Tape in a fabulous way to ID your belongings.
A SLEEPING BAG: Piggy back on top of your duffel. NO BUNGIE CORDES ARE PERMITTED. BE SURE to have it in some sort of a covering either a garbage bag, nylon bag or even a jumbo baggie. If your talented enough fit it inside your bag.
MAT: Some use inflatable mattresses others use your basic blow up mat (that resembles one your would float on in a pool), or even a yoga mat. Pros: to inflatable mattresses they are more comfy cons: they take up WAY TOO MUCH ROOM in your tent and in your bag (don't forget you need a pump if you are going this route.)
PILLOW: I don't know how on earth folks manage to fit a full pillow in your duffel. I however got a cheap camping pillow from Dicks Sporting Goods that was very compact. I used my baggies of clothes to give me some extra fluff.
*Your mat and pillow should fit in the larger compartment of your duffle.*
TOLIETREE BAGGIE: Shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, deodorant, brush/comb, toothbrush, facial cleanser/moisturizer. *Put this bag in the side compartment of your duffle*
2 PAIRS OF SNEAKERS: Rotate every other day between sneakers.
10 PAIRS OF SOCKS: 2 per day.
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PACK THE FOLLOWING IN a 2 qt. BAGGIE
FOR EACH DAY & NIGHT, LABEL ACCORDINGLY:
NIGHT 1- Camp shoes, undergarments, PJ's (lightweight), it got a little stuffy in the Convention Center.
TIP: When you get dressed in your tent sitting down (this 3 Day thing is NOT glamorous) put your dirties in this bag and shove it under your pillow for cushioning!
DAY 2- A layering long slave shirt, t-shirt, undergarments, pants or capri's, a heaver layer (vest),light jacket, sneakers/socks x's 2.
NIGHT 2- Repeat NiGHT 1 minus the camp shoes AND if you prefer a fresh pair of PJ's pack them!
DAY 3- Same as above.
ALL BAGGIED CLOTHES could be packed in the seperate compartment under your duffle.
Don't forget: Battery operated light for the inside of your tent, tent decorations, camp shoes (AKA- flip flops/slippers) & shower shoes, ear plugs, eye mask, sleeping aid (s), extra water bottle, hat (s)/bandanna, a bathroom face towel, pain melds and last but not least a positive spirit!
What NOT TO PACK: Towels to dry off with after you shower. Pay the $12 when you check in for the fresh towel service that is offered. Blow dryers, makeup etc. Your not going to a beauty show, no one cares what you look like.
Take exibit A for instance:
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That should do it. If I did leave anything out be sure to comment and add to the list.
Next time: What to pack in your Camelback/Fanny Pack.
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