How to Pack for 825 Days of PC Service (aka My Packing List)

Prior to thinking about what I needed to bring to Togo I did a lot of research into what other volunteers brought with them. I benefited greatly from looking at their packing lists and wanted to pass along what I learned. Its a difficult balance trying to pack for the Peace Corps. My instinct said to bring everything . . . and believe me I tried. I'm not sure if I'll even need most of this stuff. You have to plan for all possibilities. The restrictions on weight and size of my bags forced me to make some tough decisions. If anyone in country reading this has any suggestions please leave a comment. I hope this list will be helpful to others. When I've been in country for a while I will try and update this list and let you know what was great and what could have been left behind. Oh, by the way there is a great website that lists all the companies that provide Peace Corps volunteers discounts: http://peacecorpswiki.org/Volunteer_discounts

Packing List

 Eagle Creek Hybrid Hauler Medium (PC Discount) (2.6 lbs)

            http://www.eaglecreek.com/bags_luggage/duffels/Hybrid-Hauler-Medium-20294/

I know this bag is expensive, however, its one fantastic bag. If you want a sturdy bag that’s well built and can take a beating this bag is great. It’s also extremely versatile.  What attracted me to this bag was the thick straps to make it into a back pack. Also as a note there is a huge logo in the bottom of the bag. Below is a link to show you what the logo looks like.

http://www.rei.com/product/810507/eagle-creek-hybrid-hauler-travel-pack-medium

LL Bean  Rolling Adventure Duffel Extra Large (9.2 lbs)

             http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/63917?feat=63916-ppxs&dds=y

This bag by itself with nothing in it weighs 9.2 lbs, which is a big deal when you only have PC requirements 40lbs (50 lbs total per bag according to most airlines). Despite this I think this bag was an excellent choice when combined with the Eagle Creek. As an additional note this bag if stuffed full will exceed the allowed height+width+length of 60’’required by the Peace Corps (62’’ by most airlines)

Shoulder Bag (Carry-on)

Emergency Carry-on clothes (In case my luggage gets lost)

2 Prescription Glasses (Required by Peace Corps), Prescription sunglasses

Ear plugs

Chaco Sandals (PC Discount)/All terrain sneakers/hiking boots, Dress Shoes 

6 Exofficio Bras, 14 Underwear (PC Discount)

Socks

12 Tee-shirts

Capri Sweats

Champion 9’’ Double Dry Power Shorts (To wear under skirts)

The North Face Venture Raincoat (Breathable)

                http://www.rei.com/product/810304/the-north-face-venture-jacket-womens

Hat

3 Bandannas (For those dusty bush taxi rides)

Work Gloves

Laptop and leash

Favorite DVDs, MP3 Player and speaker, Kindle and accessories/USB,

Plug Adaptors, ear buds

Alarm clock

Digital Camera, HD Video Camera

Grundig Short wave radio (4 AA)/Antennae

             http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3909882

Headlamp (2 AA)

http://www.amazon.com/Energizer-LED-Headlamp-Batteries-included/dp/B002MFRP7M/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1315232378&sr=8-9

Black Diamond® Orbit Lantern (4AAA)

                http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/68764?feat=2-SR0

1 Garrity  3 LED Crank Lite (Crank flashlight)

http://www.amazon.com/Dynamo-Illuminator-Wind-up-LED-

Flashlight/dp/B0009H50OA/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1315232502&sr=8-3

External Hard Drive Transcend 750 GB (USB), thumb drive

Voltaic Fuse Solar Charger (PC Discount)

                http://www.voltaicsystems.com/fuse.shtml

This solar charger will not charge a laptop. However, I’ve been able to charge my Kindle, mp3 player, and a few other smaller electronics.

Harbor Freight 3,6,9, and 12 volt solar panel w/AA and 9 volt battery charger

This small little solar panel is great. It’s pretty basic and not as straight forward as the Voltaic. However, my Dad did some adaptations on it for me and now it has a USB jack. It can also charge 2 AA batteries. Is about $7 at Harbor Freight. Don't know if it will hold up, but the price was good.

http://www.harborfreight.com/solar-panel-recharger-41427.html

4 Eneloop AAA, 16  AA  Rechargeable Batteries, battery holders

2 Nalgene Water Bottles

2 Money pouches

Bug Hut 2

                http://www.rei.com/product/777772/rei-bug-hut-pro-2-tent

                This thing is great. Fits two people. 

Zippered Vinyl Mattress Protector, Cotton Pillow Protector, sheets, pillow case 

Pillow

4 Washcloths

Sewing Kit

Eyeglass repair kit

2 Combination Locks, 2 small key locks

Small Umbrella

Solar Shower

http://www.amazon.com/Coghlans-9965-Camp-Shower/dp/B000VNITQS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1315233275&sr=8-1

Garber Multi-tool, Hobo Tool, Pocket Knife, Tweezers

Bungee Cords, Zip Ties, carabiners

Waterproof Matches/Matches Container

Duck, Scotch, and electrical Tape

Zip-lock bags multiple sizes

Nylon Rope, Clothespins

2 Plastic Containers

Scissors

Compact Mirror/Brush

Tiger Balm

After Bite, Sting Ease, Deet Bug Repellent

Super glue

Jump ropes, Bouncy Balls (Deflated), inflator needle, Frisbee

2 Crayons,Water color paint, Chalk,Construction Paper

Ativa Currency & Metric Conversion Calculator (plus it doubles as a regular calculator)

Playing Cards (Bicycled deck, Uno, Phase 10)

Crochet String for bracelets

Mini Stapler/Staples, Rubber bands, Pens (I have read that the pens in Togo are not that great),

Paper, Highlighters,Ruler, Hole Punch, All Purpose Labels, Note Cards,Envelopes, Sharpies

Laminated US/World Map

8’' Chef’s Knife, 6’'Paring Knife, 10’' Frying Pan, Plastic Spatula, Pot Holders

DivaCup (For women, also there is a PC discount)

Cliff Bars, Sauce Packets, Crystal Lite

2 Deodorant

4 Small Bottles of Antibacterial Soap

Lonely Planet West Africa, Oxford English Picture Dictionary, Where there are no Doctors (Book), Pocket French Dictionary

REI Sleeping Bag

                http://www.rei.com/product/731835/rei-travel-sack-55-sleeping-bag

Soap, shampoo/conditioner (to get through training), Travel sized shampoo and conditioner

Host Family Gifts

Seeds

Cough Medicine (Haul’s Fruit Breezes)

spices

Baby Wipes

Bathing suit

Battery powered fan

http://www.amazon.com/RoadPro-1041CTR-Mini-Camping-Battery/dp/B003MNF5XE/ref=cm_srch_res_rtr_1

Takes 2-D batteries but using AA-D converter.

 
3 months supply of meds