Peace Corps Packing for West Africa

What do you pack when you'll be living in Burkina Faso for 2+ years? For curious family, friends and future volunteers, here's my list!

2 large bags to check and a backpack and bookbag to carry on

• Clothing
• Under
• 15 underwear
• 2 bras
• 3 sports bras
• 6 moisture-wicking running socks
• Tops
• 2 t-shirts (Target v-neck short-sleeve)
• 2 synthetic dry-fit running tops
• 1 racerback tank
• 3 business casual tops
• Bottoms (nothing above the knee)
• 2 pairs of business casual pants  (Nike Golf Dri-fit)
• 1 pair capri pants
• 1 pair of leggings
• 1+ pairs long spandex
• 2 short spandex
• 2 maxi or knee-length skirts
• 2 pair of shorts - strictly for home
• Layers
• 1 sweatshirt
• 1 light jacket
• 1 Nike Lightweight rain-resistant jacket
• Miscellaneous
• 2 swimsuits
• 2 belts
• Vacation and going-out clothes
• sunglasses
• Shoes
• 1 pair black flats
• 2 pairs of running shoes (Adidas Glide Boost, Saucony Ride 6)
• 1 pair of flip flops (Olukai)
• 1 pair of hiking sandals (Merrell Agave 2 Lavish)
• Luggage
• 1 rolling suitcase
• 1 mini backpack
• 1 hiking backpack (The North Face Casimir 36)
• 1 large duffle bag
• 1 messenger bag
• 1 crossbody small purse
• Electronics
• 1 Lenovo Ideapad S210 Touch - 11.6-in, 4 GB RAM, 500 GB 5400 rpm Hard Drive
• 1 Nook (loaded with books)
• 1 LG Optimus F3 (unlocked smartphone + mp3)
• 1 Nikon Coolpix 20.1 megapixels camera (point and shoot)
• 1 Thunderbolt Magnum Solar - solar power pack (recharges mobile devices)
• 1 Kinivo ZX100 mini portable speaker with rechargeable battery
• 1 MAXAH Surge protector all in one international wall charger
• 1 America surge-protecting power strip
• 4 AAA and 2 AA Eneloop (NiMH non-alkaline) rechargeable batteries and usb charger
• 1 windup flashlight
• 2-pack Costco brand headlamps
• Home Items
• 1 Pillow
• 1 twin sheet set
• 1 bug hut  http://www.rei.com/product/777772/rei-bug-hut-pro-2-tent

• 2 water bottles - thermos & bobble
• 1 travel mug
• 1 corkscrew/bottle opener
• 1 vegetable peeler
• 1 chef’s knife
• 1 can opener
• 1 spatula
• 2 mini rubber spatulas
• 1 set measuring cups
• 1 set eating utensils
• 1 French press
• 1 roll duck tape
• 1 pair scissors
• 1 box ear plugs
• 3 blank journals 
• 2 sets of stationery
• 1 set bungee cords
• 50 clothes pins
• Food/Drinks

• 1.5 Tubs (80 servings each) Vitalyte electrolyte replacement
• 1 set of instant coffee (Starbucks Via)
• 1 pack Yogi tea
• 1 Tub cinnamon (Costco size)
• 8 varied condiment/sauce packets
• non-perishable snacks
• Toiletries
• Hair
• 20 Hair ties
• 8 Headbands
• 20 Bobby pins
• 1 Comb
• 1  2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner - Costco size
• 1 Hairspray (non-aerosol)
• 1 Hair serum (anti-frizz)
• Face
• 2 bottles exfoliating face scrub
• 2 Aveeno face mosturizers with 15 spf
• 1 small mirror
• 1 make-up remover wipes
• 1 compact make-up
• 13 Chapsticks - Costco pack
• Teeth
• 8 Oral-B toothbrushes (soft) - Costco pack
• 2-4 Colgate Total toothpaste tubes
• 1 Floss (Peace Corps provides floss)
• Meds
• Zyrtec
• Mucinex D
• Benadryl
• AZO
• Tums - Costco pack
• Ibuprofin
• Vitamin B Complex - Costco bottle
• Cough Syrup
• Miscellaneous
• 6 Schick Hydrosilk razors
• 4 Secret pH-balanced deodorant
• 1 Tweezers
• 1 Nail care kit
• 1 Sewing kit

• 2-3 Nail polish - painting nails will quickly gain you friends
• 1 Tampax Pearl Tampons - Costco pack
• 1 Aloe vera gel bottle
• 1 Hand sanitizer
• 1 Baby wipes