What to Pack for Peace Corps

***READ FIRST!! UPDATED 2017- Since being in Panama for about a 2 years, I brought way too much stuff! Bring things that would be expensive abroad, like quality hiking gear, electronics, and a good backpack. Even getting clothes from a GOODWILL/CONSIGNMENT shop would be better because your clothes will get pretty dirty in the jungle!

If you want to splurge on some things, I would say like 3-4 good hiking pants, pair of waterproof hiking sandals (not too much hiking boots..most do not find them useful. It is too hot and humid here..), and gear (like headlamp, swiss army knife, sleeping pad, ENO type hammock, backpack, etc.--no tent! you can buy those cheap here). 

Otherwise, do not bring it because you can end up buying a lot of things in Panama due to the canal, which has many options to buy from all around the world (Zona Libre-Free Trade Zone ), and the same stores you would find in the USA. Pack as little as possible and of course, pictures from home for those days you will get homesick! (Or cookie butter! That is the one food item that is not here :(! )


 

10 shirts (5 professional/5 casual)
3 work t-shirts (workout/quick dry)
1 long sleeve work shirt
1 workout shorts
1 sweatshirt
2 hiking pants
2 capris 
3 skirts (knee length)
3 dresses (for staging, meetings, etc)
1 pair of jeans
1 pair of yoga pants
10 pairs of undies
3 sports bras
3 regular bras
4 pairs of socks
1 compact cotton sheets (for traveling)
2 swimsuits (one piece & bikini)
windbreaker that can be a rain jacket too
hat
sunglasses
tennis shoes
hiking sandals
brown sandals for professional occasions
Croc flats 
self-inflating sleeping pad
compression pillow (medium)
sleeping bag
compression sack
water bottle
swiss army knife + compact eating utensils
3 months supply hygiene products
1 quart bag of travel sized hygiene essentials
iPod + portable speakers
Laptop
solar charger + batteries
headlamp
water resistant watch w/date
quick dry towel
2 thumb drives 
"Bridge to PST" + important documents for staging

Stuff I prefer to bring but optional!
yoga mat
hair trimming scissors
wall posters + 3M command strips
family photos
food spices
eyeliner
biscoff cookies
flax seeds
chia seeds
501 Spanish Verb Book
Painting supplies
host family gifts!

I am packing all of my gear in one large hiking backpack (REI venus 70) w/duffel cover for the plane and a daypack that is a convertible rolling bag (for the airport). Additionally, I am bringing a large hippie type saddle bag.




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