Packing List

This is for future volunteers. It was very helpful to compare my packing list with others as packing is one of the first big tasks as a volunteer. Don't hesitate to message me with any questions! 

**I decided to add some notes to update the list after living in Madagascar for over a year. I'm just going to say I brought too much and most stuff I could get here-especially clothing through frip (second hand clothes sold in stands on the street). Of course everything is on a personal basis but a good rule of thumb is to buy things you wear in the States, and to not bring too many hiking clothes. Bring what you need to get through 10 weeks of training, not two years of service.

Also, don't bring anything medical related that isn't prescription or completely necessary. Everything you need from band aides, tweezers, floss, sunscreen, chapstick, pepto, ibuprofen, ace wraps, hydrocortisone and much more will be in your med kit that they give right away when you get to country.

Luggage
Large rolling duffel bag (check)
35L hiking backpack (check) **I think this is too small because I can fit the same amount in my regular backpack. I recommend one 40-50L (no bigger) with multiple pockets and zippers.
Medium day back pack (carry on)
Messenger bag (carry on)

Clothing
Short sleeve cotton shirts (5)
Thick strapped tank tops (3)
Long sleeve shirts (3) **I can only find one that I brought
Tank top camis (3) **I never wear these
Nice/formal shirts (3) **one is enough
Cardigans (2)
Zip up sweatshirt (1)
Northface fleece (1) **don't need both sweatshirt and fleece, pick one
Jeans (2) **one is enough
Shorts (2)
Capris (2) **I highly recommend capris over pants because you don't have to worry about the bottoms getting gross. You never know what you're stepping in
Skirts (2) **I brought one knee length and one maxi. I never wear the maxi, it is too hot.
Leggings (1)
Dress pants (1) **I've never worn these, totally unnecessary (as a health volunteer)
Underwire bras (4)
Sportsbras (4)
Underwear (20) **Half of mine were Exofficio brand which are more expensive but hold up really well through the hand washing.
Socks (10)
Running shorts (2) **I wish I brought longer shorts that go to my knees
Pajama pants (1)
Pajama shirts (4) **Only need 2
Dresses (3) **Bring one fancy one for swearing-in and one lightweight cotton. I never wear the ones I brought b/c they are too hot but have since fripped 4-5 for cotton dresses.
Belts (2) **bring 1
Swimsuits (2) **bring 1
Raincoat
Sunglasses (2) **I never wear mine b/c it's considered 'stuck up' in my region
Chacos Sandals **I never wear mine, though some people love theirs
Flip flops **Bring several nicer pairs, like Havianas, b/c they are way more comfortable than ones you can frip
Tennis shoes **I didn't bring hiking boots and have not missed them
Dress shoes
Cheap jewelry
Watch
Shoulder purse
Wristlet
Hat
Scarf
Headbands
Bandana

Bathroom
Quick dry towel
Wash cloth
Face wash (R & F)
Bar of soap and holder **holder is a must
Deodorant (2) **bring more
Toothbrush and toothpaste (2 each)
Floss **don't need, will be in the med kit
Nail clippers, file, polish
Tweezers **med kit
Chapstick **med kit
Make-up and make-up remover
Lotion
Small mirror
Hair binders, pins
Shampoo & Conditioner
Razor and blades **bring enough blades for two years
Dry shampoo
Tampons/pads **med kit
Hand sanitizer
Ear plugs
Haircutting scissors **unnecessary
Hair brush and round brush
Ibuprofen **med kit
Toiletry bag

Kitchen
Cutting knives and sharpener **one pairing knife is enough, sharpener is nice but unnecessary
Ziploc bags (lg & sm)
Tupperware **I recommend ones with screw-on lids
Water bottles (2)
Magic erasers 
Tote bag
French press and grinder **don't need the grinder but the French press is one of my favorite things in country http://www.rei.com/product/792857/rei-double-shot-press-mug
Favorite snacks

Bedding
Pillow
Sleeping bag
Sleeping pad **don't need

Electronics
Adapters
Laptop, charger, extra battery **I really recommend the second battery
Thumb drives (2) and external hard drive
Ipod, earphones (2 pair)
Kindle, charger
Camera, charger, cords
Extra camera battery and memory card
Rechargeable batteries
Solar battery charger
Shortwave radio
Dry bags
Mini speakers **Bring ones that can charge by USB

Office supplies
Duct tape
Push pins, safety pins
Pens
Pencils
Pencil case
Sharpies **bring a colored pack
Envelopes and stamps
Notebooks
Journals
Accordion folder
Planner/address book
Notecards
Rubber bands
Command hooks

Entertainment
Friendship string
Coloring books and pencils
Deck of cards (2)
Phase 10
Guitar lesson books, strings

Miscellaneous
Photos from home
Small sewing kit
Maps (world, USA) **PC gave me a Madagascar map
Headlamps and flashlight
Pocket knife
Luggage locks
Field Guide
Money belt
Bungee cords **can buy here but I use mine to strap bags to my bike rack
Sturdy umbrella
Gifts for host family **small photo album or nice pens are good ideas
English/Malagasy dictionary
French/English dictionary **don't need (at least in my region, other regions like the east or north may use more French)
Exercise bands
Carabineers
Stuff sack