Packing the right gear (and the right amounts) is the first step to an incredible travel experience.
Follow these tips to pack like a pro:
Travel light. Pack only the essentials. You’ll need less than you think!
Bring the right clothes. Pack clothes that are culturally appropriate for your destination and acceptable for service projects. This means bringing long shorts (think Bermuda and basketball shorts), t-shirts with sleeves to cover shoulders, and appropriate footwear.
Leave your valuables behind. While traveling, it’s easier for things to get lost, stolen, or damaged. Keep any prized possessions safe at home.
Check with TSA. Make sure your luggage complies with TSA regulations, especially your carry-on.
Useful tip: Pack an empty water bottle and fill it up after security.
CARRY-ON
- A 25-30 Liter is ideal as this will also be the daypack you use during most daily activities.
- Passport
- Photocopy of passport
- Wallet/money
- Visa documentation
- Refillable Water bottle – Required
- Book and/or journal
- Pen
- Phone
- Camera
- Chargers
- Change of clothes
- Hiking boots – water resistant and must have ankle support
- Medication
- Consent to Travel form
- YOLA emergency contacts
CHECKED LUGGAGE
A 50-75 liter backpack (with rain cover) is recommended, large enough to fit all your clothes and gear. Suitcases/wheeled bags are not suitable on this program.
Key Points to Remember
You will be carrying your pack throughout the program so bring only what you need and be prepared to wear clothes multiple times throughout the trip!
Non-cotton layers are vital to ensuring your warmth and comfort, as cotton does not insulate or dry quickly if wet — stick to synthetic blends and avoid cotton blends if possible.
Clothes
-
Mid/Heavyweight Socks (2-4) – wool socks are best as they’ll keep your feet warm when wet
- Lightweight socks (5-6) – wool socks are best as they’ll keep your feet warm when wet
- Underwear (14) – women consider bringing 11 synthetic pairs and 3 cotton pairs. Synthetic material doesn’t breathe as well as cotton.
- Thermal top and bottom base layer: (1 pair)
- Hiking pants (2 pair)
- Shorts (2 pairs)
- Mid-layer bottoms (1)
- Waterproof/rain pants
- Shirts (8-10)
- Mid-Layer tops (2, fleece)
- Mid-weight coat
- Waterproof/rain jacket
- Sneakers
- Sandals
- Sunglasses
- Hat with brim/visor
- Warm hat
- Head net
Gloves
- Quick dry towel
- Bathing suit
Optional Items
- Scarf
- Hand/foot warmers
- Trekking poles
- Gaiters
- Bandana
Toiletries
Travel size bottles in Ziploc bags including Shampoo, Conditioner, Body wash, Face wash, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Sunscreen, Lip balm with sunscreen, Bug spray, Feminine hygiene products, Contacts Contact solution, Foam earplugs, Personal med kit, Deodorant, Hand Sanitizer, Wet wipes, Small packs of tissues, Razor / shaving cream.
Miscellaneous
-
Sleeping bag (0-20°F / -18 to -6°C)
- Headlamp with extra batteries