Ultra Packing List
If you need to buy some equipment, check out some products to consider in blue. Amazon gives us a small % on sales made through these links.
Clothing
Keep in mind that the weather can range widely depending on the country you visit. Temperatures can range from near freezing to 100*. The following is a basic list of clothing:
Rain Jacket. Being able to stay dry is great. Waterproof, breathable outerwear such as Gore-Tex is wonderful, but if it’s outside your budget, cheaper vinyl raincoats or ponchos also work well. Make sure its “waterproof,” not “water-resistant”. Columbia Women’s Arcadia II Waterproof Rain Jacket Avoogue Lightweight Raincoat
Packable jacket. Optional, but handy for packing light. Amazon Essentials Women's Lightweight Long-Sleeve Full-Zip Water-Resistant Packable Hooded Puffer Jacket
Sweatshirt. Some places/times may be chilly. Amazon Essentials Women’s Fleece Pullover Hoodie Amazon Essentials Women's French Terry Fleece Pullover Hoodie
Lightweight Sun Protection Hoodie comes highly recommended. Sun Protection Rash Guard Lightweight Hoodie
Travel Towel. A small, absorbent travel towel is best. Fast Drying Microfiber Travel Towel
Shirts. While extravagance is not necessary, these should be made of good, synthetic wicking fabric. This will be helpful in drying quickly. Nike Women's Legends Shirt Under Armour Women's Tech Twist T-Shirt
Hiking Pants - 2 pairs required. Quick drying, synthetic, convertible hiking pants are best. Hiking Convertible Outdoor Pants
Skort(s). Modest Athletic Skort , One Oak Apparel You can also order custom skorts here: Linda Martin Skorts
Skirts. GTO asks that skirts cover the knees when sitting - please make sure all your skirts are within this standard before coming. Weather in South America is warm in most countries and shorter skirts can be comfortable, however you may want to pack a variety of lengths. Even if shorter skirts are your preference, you will want to bring several long skirts.
Formal Outfits. Though you will be traveling in developing countries, there will be times you will have the opportunity to dress up. Make sure to bring a white formal dress, along with a few other outfits.
For the most part, you’ll be able to wear many of the same clothes here as you do at home. Comfort, practicality, and ease of packing should be your priorities. We ask that you don’t bring more than 1 check-in & 1 carry-on, so keep that in mind as you pack.
Footwear
You’ll definitely want a good pair of water shoes or a pair of non-slip sandals with a strap around the heel that will do good in and out of water. We recommend Salomon or Keen. Cheap is not always better. Something similar to these would be a good fit. Salomon Women's TECH Amphib 4 W Water Shoes KEEN Women's Whisper Sandal WHTIN Barefoot Sports Shoe (They may or may not be available at these links. You can just use these as our recommendations and something similar will do just fine.)
You will also need a good pair of sneakers/walking shoes as well as dependable sandals. Depending on the country you visit, you will do a lot a walking. Teva sandles, Chacos or Birkenstocks come highly recommended by former Ultra teams. Birkenstock Women's Florida Leather Sandal
Backpack
This is one thing you will not want to skimp on. You'll want a big backpack -something from 65-90L that will allow you enough room to live out of for a few weeks. And remember, cheaper in not always better. Kelty or Osprey are great brands that are worth the extra money. In addition to a large backpack, you'll also want a smaller daypack. Again, these specific packs may not be available on the Amazon links, but these are simply recommendations and something similar will work great.
Osprey Xena 70 Women's Backpack. Osprey Ariel Plus 70 Women's Backpack. Kelty Coyote 65 Liter Backpack
More options from REI.com. More options from Backcountry.com
You'll also need a raincover like the Kelty Rain Cover or Osprey Ultralight Raincover.
Electronics
You'll need a communication device. Something as small as a phone can work, or you may prefer a laptop or tablet. Bringing your laptop may be a good idea, as long as it’s not too bulky.
You’ll also want to make sure your smart phone is unlocked if you’d like to use SIM cards in different South American countries.
You may also want a camera - it’s nice if at least someone on the team has a camera. Your phone might not always be an option.
Other Stuff
Sling/Shoulder bag. Small and good for security. Highly recommended from former ultra girls. MOSISO Sling Pack
Bible. Travel size is nice. ESV Thinline Bible Here is a waterproof option: Waterproof Bible - NKJV
Journal. Something small, sturdy and portable. AmazonBasics Classic Lined Notebook Here is a waterproof option: Rite in the Rain All-Weather Side-Spiral Notebook
Sleeping Bag - required. ECOOPRO Warm Weather Sleeping Bag
Hammock - required. Portable Double Camping Hammock Hammock Bug Net (optional)
Dry bags - required. For your most valuable things. It is necessary to bring at least (1) 30L and (1) 10L. Dry Bag
Headlamp. Be sure to bring a few extra sets of batteries for your headlamp. LED Headlamp Flashlight
Water Bottles - 2 required. Nalgene makes great water bottles. They're really durable, and also quite cheap. Nalgene 32 Oz Water Bottle
Pocket Knife. Gerber Paraframe Knife
Sunscreen. May be more useful than you think.… Coppertone Sunscreen Lotion
Chapstick with SPF.
Sunglasses.
Insect Control. As a general rule, where it’s hot and humid, there are all kinds of bugs. DEET works most effectively. Repel 4-Ounce DEET
Carabiners - required to bring at least 6. Nice to attach things to your backpack. Aluminum Carabiner
Toiletries. We recommend bringing one month’s supply of basic toiletries. While specialized options may not be available, most items can be bought locally for a decent price.
Credit/Debit Card. Most people prefer pulling cash from an ATM rather than bringing larger amounts of USD, but both are options. In order to be able to use your credit/debit card, contact your bank and let them know you’ll be using your credit/debit cards in South America for the next 6 months. If you plan to use a credit card, make sure to get one with no foreign transaction fees.
Cash. You will be able to withdraw money from ATMs here, but it is always a good idea to have USD when traveling to different countries within South America.
Passport photos. (Asia specific) You’ll need these for various visas throughout Ultra.
Here are also a few apps that you will need to have downloaded and created accounts for before you arrive:
WhatsApp
Uber or Cabify
Paypal
Splitwise
XE Currency Converter
Google Voice
Personal Medication
If you regularly take medication or have any medical condition, be sure to have 6 month supply on hand, and inform us about your condition PRIOR to arrival in Colombia.
This is our recommendation. If you’d like to carry more/less, it’s up to you.