This may be an optimistic view for what can fit inside two backpacks and weigh approximately 80lbs, but here is to hoping I can make it happen! I used previous Peace Corps Volunteers' packing lists and information on what is available locally to compile this list.
LUGGAGE
• Large (5400 cu. in.) Eagle Creek backpack
• Medium (3000 cu. in.) backpack
• Small Eagle Creek travel bag (purse size)
CLOTHING
• 7 pair ExOfficio undies (check them out online ladies!) several bras and sports bras
• 6 pair of socks
• Shirts; 5 T-shirts; 5 Tank tops; 2 long-sleeved lightweight shirts; 1 fleece
• 4 long skirts
• Pants; 2 pair linen pants; 1 pair workout capris; 1 pair jeans; 1 pair PJ pants
• Rain jacket
• Sun hat
• Shoes: Chaco sandals and running shoes
• A few headwraps/bandanas/clips…anything to help de-fro
• Bathing Suit
• 2 pair Underarmor shorts (to avoid chaffing while wearing skirts)
• Minimal not valuable jewelry
GEAR
• Cheap sports watch
• Sunglasses
• Crank flashlight
• Camel pack
• Solio Solar charger with 75 watt power inverter
• Battery powered alarm clock
• Rechargeable batteries (both AA and AAA, as well as, a charger)
• LED headlamp/Mini LED lantern
• Shortwave radio
• Large dry sac, small water proof pouches, small waterproof case
• 1 pr good scissors, 1 roll duct tape, 1 roll scotch tape
• Multi-tool
• 2 good kitchen knives and a nice pocket knife with sharpener
• Measuring cups
• Small non-stick skillet
• 2 combination locks
• 2 Nalgene bottles
• Lots of Ziploc bags and a few Tupperware containers
• Binoculars
• 2 compression sacks
• Bungee cords
• French plug adaptor
ENTERTAINMENT
• Acer Netbook (people also suggest getting a keyboard protector and laptop fan which I may do)
• 2 journals
• Digital camera; extra battery; SD cards
• Numerous flash drives
• Games I love, as well as, kid friendly games (Uno, Parcheesi, 5 crowns, Phase 10, Set, Old Maid, Crazy Eights, Go Fish…)
• IPod, waterproof case
• Tiny speakers
• African Wildlife Field guide
• Knitting needles
• Yoga Book
• Jump Rope
TOILETRIES
• 2 toothbrushes, 1 toothpaste, floss
• 2 deodorants
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Hand soap and hand santizer
• Face wash
• 2 bars of soap/soap container
• The Keeper (The Moon Cup), pantiliners
• Razor/blades
• fingernail clippers, fingernail brush
• Hair ties, bobby pins, clips
• Small mirror
• Packtowel
• Lotion and face lotion
• Sunscreen, face sunscreen, Chapstick with SPF
• Bug Spray, 100% deet, after bite
• Gold bond
• Ear plugs
• 3 month prescription
• Nasal Spray
• Waterproof Band Aids
MISC.
• Wolof Dictionary
• French Dictionary
• Small Bible
• 2010 planner
• Photos, important notes from home, favorite quotes
• Pencil bag; pens, pencils, sharpies, krazy glue, rubberbands, mini stapler and staples
• Index cards for language learning
• Important documents and anything necessary for Peace Corps
• Mini-sewing kit
• Address book, stamps, envelopes
• Small pillow
• Set of Sheets
• A couple of my favorite spices
• Gum
• Children’s vitamin gummies
• Coffee singles, Drink mixes, Protein powder
GIFTS
• Kaleidoscope
• Paddle ball game
• Whoopie cushion
• Blow up globe
• Candies
• Book about snow
FOOD (if I have room)
• Peanut butter
• Am I allowed to say Rum as food?
• Tuna
