Revised Packing List

This blog is intended for PC Invitees who are trying to figure out how to pack for their service. This is mostly relevant to Southern Africa, but I'm sure will be relevant for many countries, as long as they aren't very conservative.

Packing is one of the more stressful parts of preparing to leave for service. You read other people’s packing lists, talk with your host country PC staff and current volunteers. Peace Corps is fairly conservative when it comes to what types of clothes you wear. I think PC over-exaggerated how conservative Botswana is. We were told that we can never wear shortish shorts, tank tops or skirts above the knee. If you’ve been here, you know that people dress similar to the US. Older people of course wear more conservative clothing, but we do not need to wear conservative business casual clothes 24-7. Also, you spend so much time feeling unattractive and gross that you need clothes that make you feel good! For the first few months, you are okay not feeling like yourself, but you get tired of that. Bring things that make you feel good about yourself and make you feel like, well you. So, now that I know better, here is an updated packing list for women volunteers who will be coming to Botswana. This is a packing list for people who share my style – casual and outdoorsy. If you have a different style, bring what’s true to you. 

Clothing:

Lightweight clothing that has good shape works well. I wish I had brought more lightweight cotton clothing. Hand-washing and hang drying kills your clothes, so it’s best to bring decent to good quality items so they will last you longer. The brands that have held up the best are American Apparel, Levi’s, J Crew, Mountain Hardwear and Patagonia. The clothes in Botswana are very poor quality, so even if you do buy something here, it won’t last you long.

·         2-3 skirts (knee length and above the knee)

·         2 dresses that can be casual or dressed up

·         1 pairs of jean shorts (anything but daisy-dukes is fine)

·         1-2 pairs of good fitting jeans

·         1 pair convertible pants (Prana has a very nice pair that looks professional)

·         1 pair lightweight cotton pants

·         3-4 sleeveless shirts

·         4-6  t-shirts

·         2-3 long sleeve shirts

·         1 sweater

·         1 fleece

·         1 rain jacket

·         1 beanie

·         1 pair of gloves

·         10 pairs socks

·         Plenty of underwear and good quality bras

 

Shoes:

Shoes get beat up here, so the best is to bring good quality shoes made by outdoorsy brands like Chaco, Keen, etc. Do not bring suede. I brought a pair of suede Mary Janes and they were destroyed in less than 2 months.

·         1 pair nice flip flops (Chacos are the most durable)

·         1 pair Chacos

·         1 pair running shoes

·         1 pair shoes that can be dressy or casual (like Mary Janes)

·         1 pair hiking boots if you plan on doing lots of hiking in the region. I brought mine, but would have been fine with just a pair of running shoes.

Beauty Products:

Do not underestimate the toll this climate takes on your skin. The very dry heat, intense sun and diet change will all have an impact on your skin and hair. Bring your favorite products, but keep in mind that you might need more moisture in your products – your skin and hair will be drier here. You can find decent products here in the major towns. Common shampoo brands are Pantene, Dove, Sunsilk and Tresemme. Lotions are available everywhere; brand include Dove, Vaseline, Nivea and some local brands.

·         Your favorite cleanser

·         Your favorite moisturizer

·         Face scrub (Your skin will need it regularly.)

·         Shampoo

·         Conditioner

·         Makeup (Eye makeup and lip stuff is most important. Because your skin will get darker, your foundation back home might not be useful here. Bring waterproof mascara.)

·         Your favorite chapstick

·         Deodorant

·         Hair products you use regularly

Accessories:

I wish I had brought my favorite jewelery, including my wedding ring and gold necklace I wear everyday back home. While there is some risk of having things stolen, it’s not huge, especially where I am. The point is to bring stuff that makes you feel like yourself and what makes you happy!

·         Necklaces

·         Earrings

·         Bracelets

·         Hair accessories (headbands, clips, nice hair ties, etc.)

·         I love my Buff’s for the really hot weather – put it in cool water and then on your head and you have instant relief!

·         Good quality sunglasses. The sun is intense here, protect your eyes!

Electronics:

·         Laptop (smaller and lighter is better)

·         i-Pod Touch (we don’t have one, but wish we did)

·         Kindle (This is a must have! I was so hesitant to get an e-book, but I am so happy I got one sent to me. I bring it everywhere!)

·         USB thumb-drives. We have ones that we leave empty except for what we need printed so we can put them into crazy infected computers without losing everything that’s important).

·         People brought external hardrives. We never thought it was necessary and still don’t. If you want to swap media, you can still use a USB drive and save some space in your luggage.

·         Point and shoot camera

Miscellaneous:

·         Craft projects – crochet or knitting needles, lots of yarn

·         Art supplies

·         Pictures from back home (bring framed photos to decorate your house with)

·         Things to decorate your house with – bring things that make it feel like home

·         Snacks for PST – you are guaranteed to be hungry during trainings

·         Travel Books

·         Packtowels – essential for visiting friends, camping, etc.

·         Stationary

·         Pens, pencils, etc.

·         Sharpies – man, I wish I had Sharpies!!!

·         Journals

·         Recipes from home

      Resources relevant to the work you plan to do. I'm so happy I brought my environmental education curriculum books.

Lastly, I would suggest packing in practical luggage. Rolling suitcases are pretty useless here. We brought everything in our backpacking packs, daypacks and a duffel bag. These are the easiest to deal with on buses and sandy roads.