3-Day Packing Essentials

The 2025 Susan G. Komen 3-Day® is almost here, have you started thinking about what to pack? Whether you’re making it a road trip or taking a flight to get to your event, preparation ahead of time will make all the difference. From must-have toiletries to on-route essentials, we’ve put together a handy checklist for hotel and camping to help you roll into the Pink Bubble fully prepped and ready to go.

WHAT TO BRING

Gear: Bring one piece of luggage, 35 pounds or less, that is clearly labeled with your name, participant identification number and cell phone number. Make sure it’s marked with something such as a unique luggage tag to help you pick it out of a crowd (Don’t use a trash bag or bungee cords).

Clothing: (for all types of weather)

Two pairs of broken-in shoes
T-shirts & shorts
Waterproof jacket
Underwear & sports bra
Two pairs of socks per day
Sweat pants, long pants, leggings
Warm fleece or sweater
Sleepwear
Hat or visor
Pack a few outfits for each day to change after returning to camp

Toiletries: Event hotels tend to have toiletries available to you, but we strongly recommend packing everything you might need for your hygiene and comfort.

Sunscreen
Toothpaste/toothbrush
moisturizer
shampoo, conditioner
deodorant, razor
hair ties/hairbrush
Also, don’t forget any prescription medication that you take regularly

First Aid: On event the Medical Crew will have supplies to tend to any major medical issues, but we recommend bringing your own supplies for treating minor medical and personal problems you might need along the route like band aids, petroleum jelly, antacid and pain relievers.

Miscellaneous: Don’t forget to print and pack your credentials before showing up on event! (2-Day Walkers and 1-Day Walkers will receive your credentials when you arrive at the event). We also suggest bringing anything you may use daily or to document your experience in the Pink Bubble including a phone charger, journal, camera and your Bank of America Pink Ribbon Banking card to secure a special gift in camp!

Camping: For those camping at the San Diego 3-Day, you will spend each night in a 6.5’x 6.5’ tent. For maximum comfort, you’ll want to bring some camping gear such as a sleeping bag and pillow, an air mattress or camping pad, plastic sheets or a tarp to keep your tent and gear dry in case of rain, a headlamp or flashlight and mylar blankets. Make it more festive and throw in some decorations for your tent. You could earn a Tent Flair legacy pin!

On the route: Aside from your main piece of luggage, we recommend bringing a waist pack for use on the route with a few essentials you may want or need along your journey. We suggest packing this ahead of time so you’re sure to have everything you need out on the route. You may want to include in your waist pack a portable charger, sunglasses, sunscreen, money/credit card, identification and a water bottle to refill along the way. Keep it light, but fill it with anything you will possibly need. We serve water and sports drinks from large containers, but you must bring your own water bottle.

WHAT NOT TO BRING

Although fundraising is a core part of the Komen 3-Day, please don’t bring any donations, cash or otherwise, to the event. Be sure to have all your dollars added directly to your personal fundraising page before arriving at the hotel or campsite. To prevent loss or theft of any kind, leave behind any valuables such as fine jewelry, designer goods, or large amounts of cash. For safety reasons, headphones or portable music players are not permissible while walking on event so, although you may use them while traveling, leave them in your hotel room before heading out on the route each morning.

We highly recommend: On Thursday night before the Opening Ceremony, be sure to charge your phone, print your credential and plan for a morning snack/breakfast. Be sure your waist pack is stocked with everything you need (extra socks, lip balm, etc.) and don’t forget your water bottle!

We can’t wait to see you in the Pink Bubble!

From Walker to Medical Crew: Kirstin B.’s Inspiring 3-Day Journey

Kirstin B. began her journey with the medical crew in 2016 as an emergency medical technician at the Philadelphia 3-Day.

Kirstin B. first participated in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® when she was just 15, walking in memory of her godmother who passed away from breast cancer when Kirstin was a child. Today, as a registered nurse, Kirstin plays a vital role on the 3-Day medical crew.

She began her journey with the medical crew in 2016 as an emergency medical technician at the Philadelphia 3-Day. After becoming a registered nurse, she volunteered at all 3-Day events starting in 2022, except for San Diego, where she still walks as a participant.

“When I started the 3-Day, I did it for my godmother, now I do it for everyone who is here walking,” Kirstin said. “I am so grateful to use my skills to help encourage and assist participants in achieving their walking goals.”

Kirstin and her parents at the Komen 3-Day.

The medical crew is an essential part of the 3-Day, offering support to walkers in need of medical assistance. These dedicated volunteers, who are licensed health care providers, staff the medical tents at each 3-Day location. They are available daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., ready to treat everything from blisters and knee pain to dehydration and bee stings. The crew also provides medical support at the pit stops, along the route and at camp.

“We’ve seen some serious medical problems like stroke and choking,” Kirstin explained. “In those situations, we immediately call 911 and make sure the person gets to the hospital.”

While the days are long for 3-Day medical crew members, the reward is more than worth it for Kirstin.

“It’s so fulfilling to listen to someone’s story of why they walk while I patch up their blisters or help them with their medical issue,” she said. “It’s even more rewarding to see them out the next day, continuing their journey, and to encourage them throughout the event.”

One memorable moment for Kirstin took place at the 2022 Boston 3-Day, when she met a couple whose daughter, Ashley, died at the age of 36 from breast cancer.

“I was helping them with their blisters, and they told me about Ashley. She was a mother of four, and her youngest was only 18 months old when she passed away,” Kirstin recalled. “I felt privileged to help them fulfill their commitment to walk 60 miles in memory of their daughter.”

Kirstin had the honor of walking across the 3-Day finish line with Ashley’s parents. “Moments like that keep me coming back to the medical crew every year,” she added.

In 2023, Kirstin served as a medical crew captain in Chicago, and this year, she will do the same in Boston.

In 2025, Kirstin Brown will be the captain for the New England 3-Day.

Are you interested in joining Kirstin on the medical crew? If so, send us an email at:

2025crew@the3day.org or visit the 3-Day for more information.

Statements and opinions expressed are that of the individual and do not express the views or opinions of Susan G. Komen. This information is being provided for educational purposes only and is not to be construed as medical advice. Persons with breast cancer should consult their health care provider with specific questions or concerns about their treatment.

Cliff’s Crew: 20 Years of Family, Hope and the Quest to End Breast Cancer

Cliff M. and his team, Cliff's Crew, at the San Diego 3-Day.

Cliff M. has been an inspiration to many in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® community, leading his team, Cliff’s Crew, in the journey to end breast cancer. His passion and unwavering dedication to the 3-Day began in 2002, after the heartbreaking loss of his dear friend, Betty Lou, to breast cancer. The following year, while watching a TV commercial about the 3-Day in Santa Barbara, Cliff said to his wife, “I want to do this in memory of Betty Lou.” And so, his journey began—and continues to this day.

A 20-Year Legacy of Hope

This year marks Cliff’s Crew’s 20th anniversary of participating in the 3-Day. Since 2005, the team has raised more than $1 million dollars for breast cancer research and is recognized as a Lifetime Fundraising Commitment Team. Their heartfelt motto: “Our journey will end when a cure is found,” reflects their profound commitment to finding a cure.

Cliff’s Crew has become a symbol of hope, inspiring not just strangers, but family and friends alike. Over the years, Cliff has trained more than 100 women and men for the 3-Day and has walked alongside his wife, his son, Brian, his daughter-in-law, and even his two granddaughters.

His granddaughter, Taylor, now 29, was so deeply moved by the 3-Day community that she decided to pursue a career in medical physics. She specializes in childhood cancer survivorship and treatment-related breast cancer risk at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

“We didn’t realize the 3-Day would make such an impact on Taylor’s life choices, but it did, and we are so proud of her,” Cliff said.

The Strength of Family

Cliff and his beloved wife, Karen.

When you speak to Cliff about his team and his journey, you immediately sense his genuine love, excitement and passion for the Pink Bubble—the unforgettable community surrounding the 3-Day. But Cliff’s story also includes personal hardships too, like many in the 3-Day community.

A few years ago, his beloved wife, Karen, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and Cliff was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Despite these personal trials, Cliff has continued with his family’s quest to end breast cancer.

“We joked about it when she was first diagnosed,” Cliff recalled. “She said to me, ‘Here you are walking for breast cancer since 2002, and you ended up with prostate cancer, and me with pancreatic cancer.’ She fought for a year and a half, then passed away in 2022 with a smile on her face, the same year we would have celebrated our 50th anniversary.”

Before Karen passed away, she had one final wish. “I remember her telling me, ‘Make sure you go down to San Diego,” he said. And two weeks later, he did, continuing the walk she had encouraged him to finish.

Supporting From the Sidelines

At 76, Cliff no longer walks in the 3-Day, but he remains a fixture at the San Diego 3-Day, supporting his team year-round and raising at least the annual minimum of $2,300. Cliff’s Crew is now managed by his son, Brian, and friend, Jana Armendariz.

“I am not as strong as I used to be, but I am still here supporting the team, cheering them on, going to San Diego and raising money not just for a cure for breast cancer, but hopefully for all cancers,” Cliff said.

For Cliff, the 3-Day is not just an event—it’s been a life-changing journey he will always cherish. “When people ask me questions about the 3-Day, I always tell them, ‘Come join me and I promise you it will change your life like it did mine,” Cliff said.

Visit the 3-Day to register and learn more.