Packing Lists

First issue, packing lists. As you may know, they recommend packing for every environ; from rainforest to desert, mountain to ocean, obviously a person really has to be prepared. But don't let the numerous situations scare you because no matter where you're at the same rules apply; layering, staying dry, protect your feet, staying healthy. I'll update this list as I actually test each piece of equipment in country. This list is a "must have" type, not including your own personal doo-dads you might need, like a lucky cap or favorite toe socks.

*All of this equipment shouldn't take up more than one large backpack or Army sized duffel bag. Remember not to pack everything you might use today, tomorrow, and possibly touched yesterday. Peru is a growing country who was hardly affected during this global recession, there are large cities and universities where you can get most anything you need. Based off my experience, you'll end up with more crap then you can carry back with you and will probably be selling your stuff to the next guy/girl coming in after you, (which means you'll be getting sold to as well.)

Primary Items:
A. Three pairs of foot wear--1. High quality, low fashion work boots. You'll want Vibram soles at the least, and ones that don't scream "I cost 150$!," good laces, and solid eyelets (preferably metal). To decrease the fashion you can skip on the Gore-tex, and just get some all leather one's with a small can of minkoil if waterproofing is a concern. 2. Trail Runners/ Rugged low tops. Once again go for low fashion high quality, neutral tones, good laces and eyelets, Vibram soles or equivalent. You'll want ones that are comfortable enough to run in, but also rugged enough for casual hiking and everyday use. 3. Sandals/Shower shoes. If you wear sandals, obviously I recommend Chaco or Teva. For those less inclined to reveal their phalanges and meta-tarsals, I still recommend a pair of flippy-floppies for the shower. Athletes foot or just foot fungus in general can easily be prevented with a half-inch of barrier between you and the wet floor. Final Note, never skimp on price or quality, your feet are your primary mode of transportation and always need to be protected. Footwear will be the starting point for many of your skeletal and muscular aches and pains, so get a solid pair that will last.

B. Clothing; its all about layers, its easier to take it off then put it on.-- Get smart with "ninja tights!" Light weight, long-john substitute, synthetic fiber tights and top for a base layer. Even in hotter climes they are practical to use for late nights and as P.J.'s. Socks and underwear are personal, so I will only recommend making sure you have a few pairs of long "wool-like" socks and also thin black socks for dressing up or blister prevention in hotter climes. Pants and shorts should have as many pockets as possible, as few snaps as possible (can't repair them easily), and rugged seems for durability! I'm biased to cargo and Carhart, blue jeans rip easily, stay wet longer and can't carry more then your keys, I won't be bringing a single pair. Shorts aren't usually worn outside the home in many other countries, its good to assume you'll be wearing pants most of the time in your community. Your shirts should have a higher portion of short sleeves to long sleeves, since you can substitute a long sleeve with a good fleece and you can typically use long sleeves more often since they are more of a shell then a primary base cover. Fleece and/or vests are an awesome way to stay comfy in all climes. A nice synthetic fiber fleece (or recycled synthetic from Patagonia) and/or a good quality, insulated vest with as many pockets as possible, are both great way to continue the layering process; you can be covered in mild climes or add insulation in colder climes. Coats shouldn't make you look like the kid brother in "The Christmas Story." If you've followed the layering process, your coat should only have these characteristics; Waterproof, windproof, tons of pockets, a hood, and no more then a 1/4'' to 1/2'' of insulation. Your coat should protect but not restrict, you're not going snowboarding, your going to work in a foreign country and need to move freely. Final Note, your clothes like your footwear should be high quality, low fashion. You'll possibly be hand washing which is hard on clothes, and you'll probably start wearing clothes for more days in a row then you are used to. Plan on taking less pairs of higher quality clothes to minimize packing weight, start thinking as a Spartan, as a minimalist, as a practical person that doesn't want to be a target. Remember you can air out clothes by hanging them up, and extending their wearge during the week.

C. Your packing bag;-- Its easy; high quality, low fashion, neutral colors and should have that worn-in look if possible. Increase main compartment room and decrease external pockets, the more stuff on the outside in small pockets means less stuff inside in the main pocket. Recommendations; Army duffle bags with your name spray painted on the side, and/or an Army ruck-sack for smaller items and day-trips. The brighter and fancier your backpack the brighter the target you wear on your back! You'll be lugging your bags across a foreign country, make sure you've actually worn it around a few times to make adjustments.

Secondary Items:
A. Hats, gloves, belts, extra shoe laces. Have a sunny hat and a cold hat, have work gloves and cold gloves, have a sturdy belt, and the extra shoe laces are a no-brainer.

B (a). A sleeping mat and wet weather gear. The sleeping mat shouldn't be bulky, it should only be about the size of a Nalgene bottle when rolled up. Your coat should already be waterproof, but its good to have a large poncho and extra tarp. These last two items can be used as a shelter and also a place to set stuff on you don't want to get dirty/wet/dusty.

B. (b). A Sleeping Bag. A nice sleeping bag, perferably rated to 30F should be adequate. Even if you don't go camping it can substitute the need for sheets and a comforter, and can come in handy if the bus doesn't make it to your community in one day.

C. A First Aid kit. Not a whimpy freeby the size of a piece of toast, but one that has a good case with compartments so you can take out the silly stuff ( i.e. itty bitty band aides, cotton balls, etc.) and put in the important stuff, (i.e. lots of medium to large dressings, rubber gloves, tweezers, tape, pain-reliever, anti-biotic/anti-fungal cream, and Pepto-Bismol.) Seriously, open your first aid kit and get to know where each thing is, not only because of emergencies but because you may not have a light to see it at night.

D. A multi-tool. Its just good to have, I recommend the Leatherman Wave. Even if you don't carry it, when dealing with a common sense, practical farmer, sometimes the first way to impress him or her is having the one tool everyone needed.

E. The laptop. Its definitely a debate I'm willing to have with anyone, but as authentic as you want your PC experience to be, wireless is everywhere man! Not to mention the PC is a governmental organization, which means lots of emails and lots of electronic regs and journals that might help you. Also you can create professional looking projects and documents, as well as save photos and videos. Keep the purchase on the low end without a lot of gadgets and whizzers. Most laptops should be replaced in two years anyway, so consider it your PC laptop. And remember to either remove the harddrive or back it up, not just because of crooks but also because sh*t happens and its usually harder to get the smell out when your away from home.

Tertiary Items, no explanation necessary:
Camera, Bug spray, multi-vitamins (i.e. GNC Megaman, or Centrum), safety pins, gallon sized or larger zip-lock bags, nail clipper set, some exercising/sport clothes, swim-suit, tweezers, anti-fungal/anti-biotic cream, hand sanitizer, foot powder, duct tape (seriously its been recommended by every RPCV I've met), military 550 cord or equivalent, journals and writing materials, external hardrive, travelers wallet or neck-purse, headlamp/flashlights, pad locks, portable mirror, and possibly a traveler's set of outlet adaptors...OH! and don't forget dress up clothes, bleck!...

I'll keep adding or deleting as I find out what is best suited for Peru. Please feel free to add comments about what I've recommend or forgotten.