Packing List

So there is a new group of volunteers coming to Malawi in February. I remember perusing many blogs leading up to my departure to discover the must needed items I should pack. So here is a list of things I'm very grateful I packed, and some things I wish I hadn't bothered bringing.

**I over packed and my luggage was 100 pounds, way over the 80 pounds PC allows you to bring. For the record, I had a luggage fairy watch over me the entire trip cause I  paid little in luggage fees. I pleaded my case to many airline employees that I'm a new Peace Corps volunteer and couldn't pay the exorbitant fees. However, this didn't work for anyone else, so be warned. I believe those with oversized luggage ended up paying $150+ out-of-pocket to bring their stuff.**

Clothing:

-long skirts

-capri pants (I live in an urban area so am able to wear these often)

-tons of tank tops (Seriously, it gets hot in most areas of Malawi and you will wear them often)

-jeans

-bathing suit (You can definitely bring your bikini/2 piece, even Malawian women wear them)

-sweatshirt (for those super cold days in Dedza training site)

-leggings (long and knee length)

-tons of underwear 

-several bras including sports bras

-2 Rain jackets (1 lightweight & easy to carry, 1 heavy duty one)

-Keen Sandals (or Chaco's, Tevas...the quintessential PC accessory)

-flip flops (PC will give you some for shower shoes)

-tennis shoes

-pair of nice, closed toed shoes for those professional moments

-shorts to lounge around in

-hiking socks

Camping Gear:

-headlamp (most used item!) & batteries

-tent (brought a 1 person tent, which is fine, but wished I had something bigger) w/fly (for rain)

-sleeping bag

-sleeping pad (invest in something lightweight and comfortable)

-Leatherman or equivalent

-quick dry towel (absolutely amazing)

-hiking boots

-tarp

-bandannas

-sun protective hat

-2 Nalgene bottles

-carabiners

-bungee cords

-hiking backpack

-sunglasses

Personal Care Items:

**You can get most toiletry items in country, but not during training so bring enough to get you by for the first 2 months. These items can be really pricey in Malawi, so it is nice to have your favorite items sent in care packages.**

-contacts & solution (If you wear them, you should bring them. Yeah, yeah, Peace Corps doesn't want you to bring them, but I'm really glad I did.)

-2 pairs of glasses

-plenty of waxed dental floss (PC at this time does not provide the waxed version...)

-several tubes of your favorite deodorant

-couple of toothbrushes

-1 tube of toothpaste for training

-enough shampoo & conditioner to get you through training...and then have friends/family ship you your fave stuff 

-brush/comb

-favorite face wash (rarity in Malawi)

-enough razors to get you through training

-Ped Egg/pumice stone (Your feet will change into new creatures that you never knew could exist, so bring something to scrub them with)

-nail files

-nail clippers

-sunscreen

-your necessary medications & vitamins

-sanitary products for training...suggest Diva Cup and/or tampons with cardboard applicators (easily burned). PC medical office will provide you with this pads & tampons as needed, so you don't need to buy them in country.

-makeup for the ladies...you'll be glad you brought it

-several sticks of my favorite Chapstix

-Ear Plugs...roosters, cows, and goats wake up super early, shouldn't mean you have to!

-Q-tips

-several travel size containers for shampoo, conditioner, etc...its easier to use these than carry around large bottles of your products when traveling

Electronics:

-Netbook (strongly recommend bringing your laptop or netbook, you won't regret it!)

-iPod

-Speakers that iPod plugs into to recharge (best thing I brought no doubt!)

-Camera

-Rechargeable batteries

-Solar battery charger

-Solar crank radio

-2 pair of headphones (in case I lose one)

-adapter/converter

Miscellaneous:

-umbrella

-games (I brought Scrabble, cards, Uno)

-puzzle books (crosswords, sudoku)

-pictures of family & friends

-spices

-Crystal Light (recommend the fitness version for those days when you need electrolytes and ORS just doesn't taste good)

-American dollars (PC will safe keep up to $750 USD. Cash is great when you want to travel outside Malawi.)

-sharp kitchen knife

-address book

-envelopes

-American Forever stamps (often volunteers travel back to America and can mail letters for you easily)

-journal

-sewing kit

-scissors

-duct tape

-reading books

-Malawi travel guide such as Lonely Planet

-your favorite candy, gum, snack foods

Host Family gifts:

-candy from America

-little plastic toys for kids

-stickers

-or calendars, things from your hometown

Things I wish I had packed:

-external hard drive 

-waterproof bag/back pack (rainy season is no joke and you don't want to ruin your electronics or other precious items)

-pajama pants...i just miss them so much!

-electrical tape (just in case your computer cord begins to fray or you have a termite infestation in your walls and want to cover the holes)

-calendar

-small, non-stick fry pan (had one sent in care package and has been a life saver)

-rain protector for hiking backpack...waiting for transport in the rain is unpleasant enough, even worse when all your things get soaked!

-cute, fun, girly clothes

-galoshes for the rain!!!!!

Things I wish I hadn't packed:

-slip (PC makes it seem like a must needed, big deal item. However, it is ok to not wear them.)

-solar shower (It's so hot in my area that the water is already warm, but some people do find them very handy)

-medical kit because PC will provide you with a medical kit that has everything you could possibly need during your two years

-white clothing...nothing stays white, nor could you ever wash it well enough to make it look pearly white ever again

Hope this helps!