Updated Goofy Challenge Packing List – Carry on only

A few years back, I put up a packing list for the Goofy Challenge and then added another packing list specifically for the Dopey Challenge. But, both of those assumed I would be checking a bag with the airline to fly down, which is what I would normally do. However, this year I am hoping to get away with just carry on bags.

Why?

For this trip, I am flying from Winnipeg to Toronto and then from Toronto down to Florida with a couple hour layover between flights. This means I will need to do US Customs in Toronto. That’s not a big deal but it means I have to collect my checked bags at a special luggage conveyor in the Toronto airport before I go to the US entry area. I have never had a lost bag here or missed a flight but it is a frustrating thing, standing there wait for your bags as you watch the US entry area get fuller and more backed up and your flight time gets closer and closer. Frankly it is a frustration I would rather avoid this trip and it should be doable if I plan well.

To achieve it, I have to be more focused on what I really need to bring and what I can do without. I may also have to commit to doing laundry on the Sunday after the marathon but I will have a better idea on that as I start to pack and see what will actually fit in my bags.

On the bag side, I will be using a luggage piece that fits the airline’s size restriction for carry on. The trick is determining what the additional “personal item” will be and how much I can fit in it. Usually I bring a padded camera backpack into the cabin area and I might do that this time but it would be nice if I could get away with a simple messenger bag instead. Again, I won’t be able to fully decide that until I get actually packing.

As I split the stuff up between bags I will need to keep in mind that I might get stuck having to gate check a bag, meaning there will be stuff I want to make absolutely sure is in the “personal item” bag, just in case of issues with the gate checked bag. This means electronics and at least one running gear set in the “personal item” bag.

I will also try to save some space in the bags by wearing layers of clothes onto the plane. Frankly I would probably have to do this anyway. It will most likely be parka weather in Winnipeg as I head to the airport and I will not want to bring the parka with me to Orlando. So that means I will layer on clothes so I don’t become an icicle getting to the plane but I will be able to get comfortable once I am in warmer air again.

Wear:

• Standard jeans, socks, etc (for staying warm – not much I can do here for efficiency)
• Long sleeve running tech shirt – could be used to run if required (some efficiency here)
• Sweater / light jacket – layering in action – but can also be used to run if the race mornings are cool
• Nike Elements running jacket – this thing can keep me warm in damned cold weather but is still light enough to use if it is only cool out – again can be used for running or just wearing if it is cool as I am wandering a park or something
• Shoes – I will wear my planned running pair on the plane – going to make sure I have that pair of shoes with me
• Running gloves
• Running hat
• Running watch (Garmin Vivoactive)
• Cell phone in armor case and holster and a set of headphones

“Personal Item” – backpack or messenger bag

• Passport
• Race waiver!
• Travel documents including Disney receipts for tickets to pick up, etc
• Chargers and charger cables galore – watch, phone, laptop, etc
• Portable battery bank (fits in my running belt and in my pockets, keep the phone charged)
• Laptop 
• Headphones – I will probably have a pair in a pocket of the jacket I am wearing but I will bring a spare pair
• Sunglasses – I would just wear them but my first flight leaves at 5 am – the sun will still be asleep
• 1 set running clothes – shirt, shorts, underwear and socks
• Running belt and bib belt
• Kindle – I could read on my phone or Surface while flying but I prefer the feel of the Kindle and it is an easy carry so I will bring it.
• Minor toiletries – won’t bring much since you can bring much liquid through security but I won’t need much while I am down there and things like shampoo, etc will be supplied by the hotel anyway.
• Disney Pieces of Magic – mementos that I carry on every run to remind me of my family and have them with me on the run.
• Electrolyte drink tablets
• Bottle opener – for beer.
• Magic band – being Canadian, Disney won’t have mailed out my new band for this stay but I will bring an older one to have options (plus it makes getting on Magical Express a bit quicker)
• Nipple protectors – because otherwise, ouch. 

Luggage

• Normal clothes – jeans, shirts, socks, etc – number of full sets will depend on room – if I can avoid having to do laundry that would be good but lounging in the pool while doing laundry after the marathon is done doesn’t seem that bad a thing either…
• Additional running gear full set – possibly 2 to give options with a warmer weather set and colder weather set. Disney World Marathon weekend weather can be odd – I have had blistering heat warnings…and snow (curse you 2010!).
• Running shoes – 1 pair – back up pair / walking around pair to use instead of the race pair I will be wearing on the plane
• Space – going to have souvenirs and race items to bring home and will need that room. I expect I will check the bag on the way home so having the luggage fit the carry on size requirements but still be expandable would be good.
• Ziplock bags – good to have to carry stuff on the race that want to protect
• Water bottles for the electrolyte drink tabs
• Running backpack – I carry way too much stuff on marathons but I also can’t handle PowerAde so I need to bring my own liquid fuel for the race – I find the 2 liters in the backpack gets me through a full marathon.
• Couple of big garbage bags – easily disposable rain barrier if needed
• Knee and ankle braces – have had issues in the past and they are easy to pack as a just in case
• Swimsuit
• Wipes – easy pack for GI issues on the race and a nice quick clean up after the race
• Grooming / blister kit – bandages, nail clippers, etc – I will have to double check here exactly what I can bring in carry on bags – this may have to be modified.

Let me know if I missed anything!