Packing for Peace Corps in 3 Steps
Peace Corps Packing List
What to use to pack for Peace Corps? Here were some fun personal choices for considertaion.
Luggage
REI Big Haul Duffel 40L
This sweet bag converts into a backpack, qualifies as a carry-on (I've even used it as a personal item before), AND is semi-waterproof. It has space for days and is incredibly durable. This was my go-to travel bag while in PC because it was smaller than the backpacking packs with frames, but still held a lot at 40L of space. Added bonus, I clipped my water large bottle to the outside so my hands were free.
Generic (but sturdy) Checked Bag
My parents had a few in their basement, and let me pick one to use. While it didn't come home with me post-PC, it was great for storing things in my home during service.
A family in the community I served in used it for clothing storage once I left, so no worries it didn't go to waste.
Backpacking backpack
I used my Aura 50L. I've seen others use 65L packs. Head to your local adventure store and see if you can try some on. Pick what works best for you. For travel I checked with the Osprey backpack bag to protect the straps. Keep in mind the manufacture recommends not checking this pack, butI have many a time with no problems.
Guitar Hard Case & Guitar
This was my personal item. Check airlines for instrument policy. Kept my guitar safe during travels throughout PC and at site.
Kitchen
Nonstick pot with a long handle
Some PCVs cook over a fire, others a gas/ electric stove. Saved me a lot of burns when I cooked over open flames. I only brought a medium sized pot, as I knew I could collect other kitchen pots in country, but I wasn't sure on price and quality. I despise scrubbing dishes, so a good nonstick was a must and a life saver for me.
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Knife (Knives?)
Nice knives can be pricy or difficult to find in some host countries. While certainly not unfindable once you reach your new home, I did enjoy the two smaller ceramic knives I brought. You'll be cooking, and a good knife or two can go along way in kitchen safety and sanity. Ever tried cutting onions with a butter knife? Don't.
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Nonstick Pan
Similar to the last two items, nonstick pans will likely be findable in your host country, but potentially more expensive. A nice medium-sized nonstick pan will earn it's keep since you give up some prized packing weight for it. IF you think you can make due with a one pot stop, I'd say pack the pot with the handle and forget the pan.
Java Press/ Bean Grinder
This wasn't an item on my packing list but was a gift in a care package from home, and let me tell you it should have been on my original list. Now there were ground coffee options in country (mostly instant and Toll House grounds) but if you're a coffee lover you know there is nothing like your favorite beans, freshly ground. Bringing things from home that make you feel good can be a real mood booster during service. If you like a good cup of coffee, but are indifferent on the fresh beans, skip the grinder and pack just a small java press. The model pictured above is reusable and makes zero waste..
Spices
First learn what kinds of spies/ pricing are available in your soon-to-be host country (by FB groups of current PCVs). I LOVE making tacos and I had access to lots of dried beans/ lentils, so I brought a large container of taco seasoning and it was great for adding some variety of flavor into my routine. Salt/ pepper/ and all kinds of spices were available in the capital markets, so I only packed the specific taco mix I knew I loved.
Wire Hanging Basket
My grandma has everything. EVERYTHING. So I asked her to save me a 3-tier mesh wire hanging basket that I could take to Fiji. I hung this in my kitchen area which was far away from surfaces/ walls (mice). I purchased the heaviest-grade fishing line (it was like a 60kg line) before heading to site in order to hang the baskets from my ceiling. The fishing line is slippery so mice can't climb down it, and the 60kg grade meant I never had to worry about it breaking. I kept a lot of fresh food in here since I didn't want to leave any on my counters/shelves for prolonged periods of time. 10/10 recommend since it is light weight, and collapsable for easy packing
USB Rechargeable Blender
Every site has different situations when it comes to power access. I didn't know if I would have power in my future home (spoiler, I didn't) so I brought things I could recharge on trips/ from a power bank when possible. This mini blender was actually a gift from a friend, and it was a perfect addition to my PC packing list. From piña coladas on the beach to cozy pumpkin soups, this was one of the best items I brought. It easily charged in a day with my PC provided mini solar charger.
Water Bottle
I love love love my 32oz TakeYa water bottle. It keeps water cool, it's larger than average, and it's fun to decorate with stickers. Pick a durable water bottle. It's going to go through lots of travel and events. I recommend one with a cap that makes clipping with a carabiner easy.
Electronics
Laptop
PC will tell you this is optional, and technically it is, however, you complete government forms for your program a few times a year, and need a computer to do so.
Power Banks
Get the highest storage power banks you can find. I didn't have power in my home but could charge my devices at the nursing station in my community. Power banks powered my life. From my lights at night to my tablet and phone. Higher storage power banks meant they lasted longer in my home.
USB Outdoor Fairy Lights
Again, I didn't have power in my home but I strung these USB lights in my rafters, on my patio, and in my bathroom. I had all of the ends near to the same spot so I could plug them all into the same power bank. They draw very little power, so I could use a single power bank charge for about a week or two, depending on how long I'd have the lights on. 10/10 recommend if you like soft light at night, and hanging them in the ceiling vs wearing a head lamp meant bugs far away from me. Extra plus is they weigh virtually nothing when considering luggage weight.
Mobile Phone
Make sure your phone is SIM card compatible if needed. I know there are newer versions of phones that don't have SIMs. Check major carriers for your country of service and be sure you know if you need a SIM-compatible phone or not. Many companies offer digital SIMs now, but it would be a real pickle to arrive with your new model smartphone, only to find you can't use it as your primary phone.
Camera
If you like taking pictures PC is a great time to work on your great photo taking. Just make sure to ask permission before snapping pictures of people during your service.
Waterproof bluetooth speaker
Waterproof because these types tend to be more durable. I have an Altec Lansing Mini Life Jacket that's going on 6 years of use now. The company says one charge is 16hours of listening time, but I can use mine for 30+ hours per charge at mid volumes.
USB Powered Projector
A small portable, USB powered projector added a lot of highlight memories to my service. I would hang a white sheet in my house, connect the projector to my bluetooth speaker, phone, and a power bank. After the simple set up was done I would host some epic movie nights in my community. If I had to do it all again, I would certainly pack this little item again.
Vibrator
USB rechargeable or battery operated. If you don't have power in your home you'll likely be using precious power bank charge to charge it up or waiting to be somewhere with power. Battery operated vibrators allow for more flexibility in home power situations.
Toiletries
Shampoo & Conditioner
Pack about three months' worth, that way you're covered for the Pre-Service Training (PST) time in country. There will be plenty of shampoo and conditioner options in cities, and maybe even some options accessible at individual sites.
Face Wash
When I served in PC Fiji our medical provided an intense (but effective) face wash if requested. If you have a product you like I suggest packing enough for several months
Makeup
Take or leave this packing item(s). I didn't bring any makeup to Fiji, but thankfully a friend let me use her eye shadow the few times we went out in the capital. A lot of volunteers say they don't feel like themselves at times during service. Getting dressed up and treating yourself to a fun weekend with friends can be a great way to prioritize your mental health, if going out is something fun for you.
Face Moisturizer
A face moisturizer with sunscreen **I REPEAT WITH SUNSCREEN** should already be apart of your daily routine. Many PC countries are in warmer climates, nearer to the equator. That means more direct sunlight. You may be thinking "nah my ancestors didn't use sunscreen and they were fine". To which I say "true, but babe they had an ozone layer". Use. face. sun. screen. My personal favorite is the CeraVe daily am moisturizer.
Nail Clippers
I nice pair really goes a long way. You can likely find them in markets in your soon-to-be new home, but knowing you have good quality clippers vs the space they take in your luggage might be worth
Hair Clips etc.
Hair ties, bobby pins, clips, brush, comb, etc. What do you use to take care of your hair that is not electronic? Pack it.
First Aid
You might be thinking I gotta pack two years' worth of first aid. Thankfully, you found this page and I'm here to tell you NO. DON'T DO IT. PC Medical has all things first aid volunteers could need. They'll send you off to site with little kits, and if you need more items you can request them from your medical officers.
Diva Cup
For those that menstruate, I suggest a diva cup. One might think that periods are medical so medical supplies for periods should also be provided by PC. While I think you are correct, not all PC posts agree. Some posts provide pads, tampons, even combination of the two. Medical will provide you with an antibacterial wash if requested- which you should request to wash cuts but thats another topic- and you can dilute and sanitize between periods.
Tooth Brush
Toothbrush + spares if you have a specific kind you really like. But naturally, there will be toothbrushes available in country.
Tooth Paste
A tube or two of toothpaste will do. you'll certainly find more in country, but it's nice to have a spare so you're not left waiting weeks between city visits for more.
Floss
Floss or floss sticks. You don't use floss? Now is a great time to start. You're about to have two years of nothing but time. Floss with some of it. :)
*PC does give you floss in your medical kit, but its a package of the stingy stuff and is sometimes not waxed.
Body Glove/Soap Saver
Easy shower scrub that you can hang from the top of your shower so it dries out when you're not using it! Theres glove kinds like pictured above, or little bar of soap sacks with an adjustable string to secure your bar of soap inside.
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Clothing/ Shoes
*very climate/personal preference dependent
Think about what you like to wear, and activities you enjoy/ might enjoy in country. Here are a few things I'm glad I brought/ found.
Flip Flops
Because they're comfy.
Sneakers
Whether it be running, hiking, or walking. Bring comfy shoes that hold your feet tight. I brought a pair of trail running shoes (perfect for my site since my trail was in and out of forested areas along the beach), and a second pair of softer sneakers. Wore through them both during my time in Fiji.
Shorts
Hot days, workouts, lounging around the home. Go for comfort. I packed around 3 pairs of athletic shorts and was able to acquire a few more pairs at second hand shops during service.
Pants
I didn't pack any "adventure" or forest-ready pants. Thankfully someone left a pair of really nice pants in the PC recycle box, and they saved my legs from scratches and bugs when I went to the bush/ woods. Mosquitos bite through leggings. little buggers.
I also packed a few pairs of leggings as they are my preferred clothing items for chilling around the house.
Rain Jacket
Pick a size you can wear over hoodies or other warm clothes in case it's chilly and rainy. I preferred my rain jacket to an umbrella because rain storms we often paired with lots of wind in Fiji. Additionally, a lot of my travel was done on small boats so we'd get very very wet, and my rain jacket kept me at least a little dry and warm.
Sports Bras
For people that prefer to wear bras, I suggest sports bras as they are usually more comfortable, more sweat-wicking, and generally more durable than traditional padded/wire bras. I brought 5 and they served me well during my time in Fiji, as I didn't go for long without doing laundry.
Hoodie
At least one warm hoodie/zip-u. even for tropical destinations. Cool evenings and stormy days are just better in a sweater.
Swim Wear
If you have the potential to swim in warm waters, I suggest a long-sleeved sun shirt you can wear swimming for UV protection. I would go fishing with my community for hours during mid-day, and my sun shirt saved me from severe burns.
Gifts
PST (Pre-Service Training) host family gifts are common thoughts for future volunteers. I chose smaller items that were generally neither age nor gender specific since I didn't know the specific makeup of my family before arriving.
Themed Playing Cards
A great chance to share a piece of home/ your favorite things! You won't know your specific host family before you leave, so things people wear are difficult gifts to bring. Playing cards are small, light weight, and themed packs are fun! I brought a Wisconsin and a National Parks themed deck of cards for my host family, and two extra decks I could take to site.
Treats/ Snacks
Check regulations on what food you can bring first. Most prepackaged foods are fine, but there are always exceptions. I brought a bag of pretzel M&Ms for my host family, and they were a hit! I had to share them the first night I arrived, for fear I'd eat them all on my own...
Just make sure it's something that won't melt.
Coloring Books/ Colored Pencils
Great for site and as a potential host family gift. I went to the dollar store and picked out 5 coloring books and brought a giant bag of colored pencils from my parents' house. I gave one book to my host sister and took the rest to site with me. I almost always had kids at my house when school wasn't in session. I made up a kid corner with art supplies, children's books I found in country, music shakers, and a few games I'd purchased. The expectation was kids could use anything from the corner while they were in my house, as long as it was picked up and returned to its spot when they were done.
Nail Polish
It's small, light weight, and fun! I gifted a bottle to my host mom, and brought a few to site with me. I was able to find more in the capital, but they weren't as durable when compared to the bottles I brought. I was grateful for the few bottles I packed that I could use as gifts, or for myself.
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Misc.
Local Library Card
Or a least a picture of it. Most libraries offer digital platforms and apps for phones where you can rent and read books on your devices for FREEEEEE. Check out your local library before peace corps to ensure you are all set up on your device before service, but bring a picture of the card number incase you get logged out of the app.
(Extra) Ear Buds
I took up running in Peace Corps, thanks to the gorgeous beach trail I was privileged to have access to, and music or podcasts were a great way to keep me movin and groovin. They're great for travel, watching a movie at home in privacy, and all the other times one might be using earbuds in their life prePC.
*TIP: consider packing extra pairs of ear buds. Fiji is particularly rough on electronics thanks to the salty humid air. I went through 3 or 4 pairs during service. Ask around current volunteer chat spaces to see how weather affects electronic devices in country.
Zip-locking Bags
The larger gallon-sized bags will really come in handy for storing open bags of food you don't want to go stale. I can guarantee with 99% certainty that you will be glad you brought some. I packed 20 gallon bags, and my brother brought me another box when he came to visit.
Hammock/ Ties
I hung my hammock in my house and would take it down to the beach often for reading/ relaxing time. I also packed a bug net for it, and would sometimes sleep in it instead of in my bed. A lot of PCVs are provided homes that don't have a lot of furnishings. The option of a hammock can be really nice.