Unzipping My Suitcases

Peace Corps Volunteers are permitted two checked bags and two carry on bags, but they've strongly encouraged us to pack light. It wouldn't do to bring more than what your entire host family owns. Those who know me well know that I'm big on lists, so here's my packing list. Below that is another list with what I wish I'd brought.

Clothing

5 pairs of pants (2 jean, 2 khaki, 1 zip-off quick dry)

2 long-sleeved shirts

2 button down long sleeve shirts

2 quick-dry tshirts
4 short-sleeved shirts

2 button down short sleeve shirts

3 polo shirts

2 pairs of athletic shorts

2 sweaters

1 sweatshirt

1 pair of sweatpants

12 pairs of socks of various thicknesses

12 pairs of underwear

1 set of thermal underwear

2 undershirts

1 swimsuit

1 jacket (warm and washable)

1 windbreaker

2 hats

2 belts

1 tie

1 bandana

1 pair of casual shoes

1 pair of walking shoes

1 pair of hiking shoes

1 pair of sturdy sandals

1 pair of flip-flops

Pajama pants

Winter hat

Winter gloves

Snow pants

Bags

Roller duffle

Travel pack
Small duffle

Backpack

Other

Sleeping bag

Swiss Army Knife/Leatherman

Earplugs

Batteries

Surge protector

File folder

Watch

Plastic containers

Plastic bags

Water bottle

Flashlight

2 quick-dry towels

Duct tape

Sunglasses

Travel hammock

Hand warmers

Sewing kit

Silica gel packs (to keep things dry)

Advil (the Peace Corps provides volunteers with a medical kit, but others said they were glad they brought some Advil)

Benadryl

Toiletries

Electric toothbrush

Toothbrush heads

Toothpaste

Shampoo

Conditioner

Soap

Razors

Shaving cream

Deodorant (apparently very difficult to find in Nepal)

Nail clippers

Skin lotion

Comb

Moisturizer

Recreation and Music

Ipod

Computer and charger

Kindle and charger

Pictures of family and friends

2 pairs of headphones

Journals

Pens and pencils



What I Wish I'd Brought:

Clothing

4 pairs of pants (1 jean, 1 khaki, 2 zip-off quick dry)

1 long-sleeved shirt

2 button down long sleeve shirts

4 quick-dry tshirts
2 short-sleeved tshirts

1 button-down short-sleeve shirt

2 polo shirts

2 pairs of athletic shorts

1 sweater

1 sweatshirt

1 pair of sweatpants

8 pairs of socks of various thicknesses

12 pairs of underwear

1 set of thermal underwear

2 undershirts

1 swimsuit

1 raincoat

2 hats

2 belts

1 tie

2 bandanas

1 pair of casual shoes

1 pair of sneakers

1 pair of hiking shoes

1 pair of sturdy sandals

1 pair of flip-flops

Pajama pants

Bags

Roller duffle

Travel pack

Backpack

Other

Sleeping bag

Leatherman

Earplugs

Batteries

File folder

Plastic containers

Plastic bags

2 water bottles

Flashlight

2 large quick-dry towels

Duct tape

Sunglasses

Hand warmers

Sewing kit

Silica gel packs (to keep things dry)

Toiletries

Toothbrush

Toothpaste

Shampoo/conditioner

Razors

Shaving cream

Deodorant

Nail clippers

Skin lotion

Comb

Moisturizer

Recreation and Music

Ipod touch

Computer and charger

Kindle and charger

Pictures of family and friends

2 pairs of headphones

Journals

Pens and pencils

To buy in country (for cheap):
Power adapter/converter
Umbrella
Nepali clothes
Soap
Athletic gear (soccer ball, volleyball)
Laundry soap/detergent