Hey Folks,
I can not believe it is complete. I can not believe that after the months of planning, the innumerable hours researching, and the countless shopping trips, that I have finally finished packing my life for the next two and a half years into two checked bags and a carry on. To be honest I feel cheated in a way though. For it almost seemed a bit too easy. It all came together a little too well. I guess I was expecting more of a challenge. I was anticipating having to make many more decisions on what goes and what stays. What is really needed, and what I can acquire once in country. And maybe most importantly, how many sticks of Cherry ChapStick is really enough?
I am not saying the entire process was without some uncertainty and frustration, but when considering the task at hand, I am taken aback by how smoothly it all went. I was somehow able to not only pack everything I had hoped, but also a few extra items. All the while staying within the strict confines of airline luggage policy which only permits each person to check no more than two bags with a limit of 50 pounds per bag. The Peace Corps does a great job of identifying essential and important items to bring as well as addressing items that are not worth packing. They also provide supplemental lists of what past volunteers have brought, with insight on what has worked well and what has not. As these lists are not concrete formulas, and since there is no way to physically reserve room for all suggested items, having the lists does add to the anxiety level, but nonetheless still serve as a beneficial guide.
Without further ado, and to answer several peoples questions about what it is that I am actually bringing, below is the list of items that encompasses My Life in Bags.
Bags:
1 X 95 Liter Pack
1 X 28 Liter Pack
1 Extra Large Duffel Bag
Clothes:
1 Suit
3 Ties
2 Slacks
5 Chino Pants
8 Button-down Shirts
2 Sweaters
4 Jackets
1 Polartec
1 Rain Coat
1 Rain Pant
3 Short Sleeve Button-down Shirts
5 Travel T Shirts
2 Sets of Thermals (tops and bottoms)
2 Beanie Hats
1 Set Glove Liners
1 Set Gloves
1 Scarf
3 Belts
10 Boxer Briefs
7 Pairs Hiking Socks (wool and non wool)
6 Pair Dress Socks
2 Pair Dress Shoes (black and brown)
1 Pair Hiking Boot
1 Pair Hiking shoe
1 Pair Running Shoe
1 Pair Sanuks
Gear:
1 Tent (2 person 4 season)
1 Sleeping Bag
1 Air Mattress
1 Inflatable Pillow
1 Pair Climbing Shoes
2 Climbing Harnesses
6 Locking Carabiners
2 ATC Belay Devices
1 Grigri Belay Device
1 Daisy Chain
20 Feet of Utility Cord
1 Brain Bucket (helmet)
2 Head Lamps
1 Crank Flashlight
1 Hand Pump Water Filter
1 Nalgene Water Bottle
1 10 Ounce Dromedary Hydration
1 20 Ounce Camelback
1 Leatherman
1 Pocket Knife
1 Flint Fire Starter
1 Microfiber Towel
2 Duck Tape Rolls (“mini”)
1 Roll All Purpose Tape
1 Roll Medical Tape
2 Pair Glasses
1 Pair Sunglasses
Toiletries:
2 Bottles Shampoo (small)
4 Tubes Toothpaste
8 Toothbrushes
4 Sticks Deodorant
1 Extra Large Shaving Cream
4 Bottles Aftershave
2 Facial Wash
1.5 Boxes Antibacterial Wipes
3 Bottles Antibacterial Gel (small)
2 Tubes Neosporin
1 Fingernail Clipper
1 Toenail Clipper
1 Mirror
1 Tweezers
2 Pair Scissors
1 Stick Bug Bite Removal
4 Bottles Advil
2 Bottles Excedrin
300 Multivitamins
3 Boxes Claritin
2 Boxes Mucinex
2 Boxes Imodium
2 Bags Cough Drops
1 Sewing Kit
Electronics:
Refraining from this topic for obvious security issues.
Gifts:
3 Bags Ghirardelli Chocolate
4 Bags Beef Jerky
Assorted Pictures / Postcards of Washington D.C.
Assorted Toy Airplanes, Stickers, and Games for Kids
2 Beach Balls (yes!)
Miscellaneous:
Peace Corps paperwork and training materials
3 Books
1 Professional Notepad / Organizer
Language Materials
Personally Sentimental Items
Photos
Travel Guide
Assorted Spices
A Pocket Full of Patience
An Open Mind
An Open Heart
Cherry ChapStick:
26 Sticks (crossing my fingers this is enough!)
Well there it is; short and sweet. I may have forgotten a few items as I did not write everything down, however, this should give those curious a pretty clear picture of what I packed. There are undoubtedly items that I will instantly regret not packing upon discovering needs for things I do not have. I will be okay though. I am comfortable and confident in living like the locals and in doing without if what I am missing is not available in country.
Friends, it has all happened so fast and soon it will have already begun. I can not wait; it’s going to be beautiful!
Cousin Andy,
Love the gear list. I had to live out of sea bags myself for multiple deployments and exercises. Having experience in the field, I would say baby wipes and toothpaste are key if you are exposed for extended periods of time. I once had to go two months without a shower and I’m sure I would not have been as comfortable if I didn’t have those two essentials. 2 and 1/2 years is a long time. I admire your courage. Hopefully there are good looking females running around. lol. jk. I’m sure you will realize the simple luxuries we take for granted. Like a hot shower. I’m sure this will be a life changing experience for you. I’ve very proud of you. Please take a ton of pics.
Cousin Merrick
By: Merrick on March 26, 2010
at 5:48 PM
Andy, I wish you well and am thinking about you today as you begin this incredible journey! Be safe…
By: Kendrick Tatum on March 26, 2010
at 6:02 PM
Ok, you can quit flexing now. Make sure you get-up on a regular basis and walk around the plane(s) and stretch. Dude, you are so ready for this!!!
By: Mike HArris on March 26, 2010
at 7:41 PM
how the hell did you pack all that in those tiny bags!
By: Jen on March 26, 2010
at 8:20 PM
Bon Voyage, Andy!!! The longest journey begins with but a single step … and WHAT A STEP!!! Today is all YOURS! Your travels we carry in our hearts. Happy Trails ~ Love from your AuntPammy
By: Pammy on March 26, 2010
at 11:16 PM
You need a rope…..we’ll send one
lol
By: Stephen on March 27, 2010
at 12:23 AM
To Andy, family, and friends, please join the facebook group: Any news from Kyrgystan?
Thanks! Enjoyed your blog!
By: angelica.t on March 29, 2010
at 10:23 AM
Hey andy Great Post!! nice list!
By: Cecily on March 29, 2010
at 8:52 PM
Amazingly well organized. Here’s to 2 1/2 years as smooth as the preparation. I look forward to your next entry.
By: Donovan on March 30, 2010
at 1:33 AM
Andy! I’m proud of you man. It takes a lot of courage to take the steps you’ve taken. I’ll be following all your posts and maybe someday I’ll go the same route. I know you’ll have a great time discovering the world and yourself through these adventures. I’d put some advice down here, but I dont think you need any. I wish you well.
Your friend,
Adam
By: Adam Legler on March 30, 2010
at 4:17 AM
are the thermals pink? I have a set with red dogs on them
. All my good thoughts your way.
By: Jason W on April 2, 2010
at 7:12 AM
26 chapsticks… at the rate of losing 1 chapstick per day, by my calculations.. carry the 3.. you’ll only survive 26 days at most. How long are you gone again?
By: Chris Cassaniti on April 5, 2010
at 2:47 AM
holy crap is really hitting the fan there, give me some updates
By: mike on April 8, 2010
at 11:47 AM
Hi, my brother is one of your friends I suppose. Good luck with your stay. It’s beautiful there, of what I got to see of it. I spent about a week there last year and a couple days the year before on my way home from Afghanistan. Chapstick will be your friend, I assure you. The altitude will be interesting, but when you get home, you’ll feel like you can run 50 miles straight!
Good luck, I envy you. You actually get to see the beautiful country!
By: Brandi Shaddick on April 8, 2010
at 8:22 PM