Packing List
It's time to stop procrastinating and start packing. And by start packing, of course I mean, start my packing list. Based on what I've gathered from my PC paperwork, conversations with returned volunteers, and volunteers currently serving, this is a rough draft list of the things I'm planning to take. The Peace Corps‘ allowance is two checked pieces of luggage with combined dimensions of both pieces not to exceed 107 inches (length + width + height) and a carry-on bag with dimensions of no more than 45 inches. Neither checked bags are to exceed 50 lbs.
Edit: When I was getting ready to leave for the Peace Corps, I spent a lot of time looking at other PCVs' packing lists. A couple especially helpful ones later noted which things they were happy about bringing and which they could've gone without. For future PCVs/incoming M79s/people curiously interested in things like this, I have provided some notes in italics.
Clothing
Toiletries
Electronics
Other
Edit: When I was getting ready to leave for the Peace Corps, I spent a lot of time looking at other PCVs' packing lists. A couple especially helpful ones later noted which things they were happy about bringing and which they could've gone without. For future PCVs/incoming M79s/people curiously interested in things like this, I have provided some notes in italics.
Clothing
- 2 long-sleeved shirts (protection from mosquitoes at night) Haven't worn once.
- 1 pair of long loose shorts (at least knee length) These are good for swimming/lounging around the house. I also had a pair of mens' board shorts sent.
- 2-3 loose skirts (at least knee length) Wear all the time, had more sent. The length is important though, I brought a just-above-the-knee skirt thinking it would be ok, but it really is too short to wear out in public.
- 3 sleeveless tops that are not too tight (most likely to be worn around the house) Wear these a lot. Brought only black, but had white sent too. Also nice for wearing under light-colored muumuus.
- 6 T-shirts These were a joke. The cotton is too thick and never dries 100% . It's also way too hot to wear t-shirts, so I sent them home and had my family send me super-light v-necks from target.
- 4 pairs of flip-flops Unnecessary. The cheap ones wore out very quickly. Had some Chaco flip flops sent in July, and that's pretty much the only pair of shoes I wear.
- 1 pair of Chacos Worn twice for hikes.
- 2 regular bras and several sports bras The packing list Peace Corps provided made it sound like a bad idea to bring anything but sports bras, but I've found that kind of silly... normal bras are fine too.
- Underwear Brought about 15 pairs which was a good number
- Rain jacket Glad I have it, but I've only used it once.
- Oregon hoodie & hat Hat has been good for sun protection, the hoodie has stayed in my suitcase the past 6 months.
- 1 pair of running capris for wearing under skirts It was nice to have these during training when I went to yoga, but I don't get any use out of them in Kosrae
- 1 pair of running shoes- it's going to be a tough choice between my Frees and my Lunarglides :) Never worn.
Toiletries
- Deodorant Good to have
- Hand sanitizer Should've brought more
- Shampoo & conditioner Can be found on the island, though a little expensive
- Face & body wash Also can be found... expensive
- Toothbrush & toothpaste I would have brought a couple extra toothbrushes and tubes of toothpaste
- Lotion Good to have
- Razor & blades Good to have
- Hair ties, bobby pins, head bands Necessary, too hot to wear hair down.
- Q-tips Good to have
- Nail polish Always nice to have.
- Combs- I had a couple of these sent, and I use them ALL the time.
Electronics
- Heavy duty hard drive This has been invaluable for transferring movies/books/files from other volunteers, so glad I brought it
- Laptop Use often for word processing/uploading photos/watching movies
- iPad (to be used as kindle/nook) Use this a lot more than I thought I would for reading, but also to access the 2 wifi hotspots on island and for playing games when I'm bored
- Waterproof camera Good to have
- Solar charger for electronics Pointless, my room has multiple outlets, and power doesn't go out often enough to warrant solar-powered things like this
- Fisheye camera It was a nice idea, but I haven't used this at all
Other
- Sunglasses- some absurd number of pairs :) I knew I'd be bringing too many and I was right.. good to have but one pair is enough.
- Backpack w/rain cover Use often for lugging my laptop around.
- 2 Nalgene water bottles Awesome, use them all the time. I have one designated for water only and another one I use for crystal light drinks.
- Dry bag for laptop Good to have
- Mini-dry bags for other electronics Not necessary. The 1 bag would've been sufficient
- Waterproof watch Awesome, hasn't left my wrist since staging
- Embroidery floss for making friendship bracelets (once a camp counselor, always a camp counselor) This has been fun to have to make bracelets for/with my host sisters
- Clothespins Good to have
- Bananagrams So glad I brought. Play this a lot with the other volunteers
- Headlamp Didn't end up bringing, and I've been fine without.
- Travel hammock Didn't bring, but is being sent to me soon.
- Goggles & snorkel Didn't bring, I've always been able to borrow gear from other people
- Good small knife Eh. Scissors are more useful
- Re-sealable baggies Glad I brought these for those random things that need to be "baggied"
- Tote bag Use all the time as my school bag.
- Start-up supply of stationary (peel and stick envelopes) and pens. Would have brought a LOT more stationery.
- Favorite DVDs, books, music, pictures, etc. Would had brought a LOT more DVDs. The pictures have been nice to have for hanging up in my room
- Travel towel Use all the time
- Presents for host families (I keep wavering between spices, knives, and UO gear.. I should figure that out soon) I eventually got some knives for host fam... it seemed to be a good idea.