Being a gear junky and a former employee of one of the biggest outdoor gear companies, I have been dying to find some time to write this blog! When I was preparing to depart for Paraguay, I searched through volunteer blogs to find a thorough, informative pack list, but I wasn’t satisfied with what I found. Hopefully someone will find this useful! I should also preface that I am an Environmental Conservation volunteer, living in a very rural environment and I rarely have to look very professional (jeans and a button-down shirt is chuchi out here!). Agriculture volunteers are in an identical setting, whereas Health, Community Development, and Education volunteers need to dress more professional.
What do Paraguayans wear? In the campo, the men wear work pants and a button-down long-sleeve shirt or t-shirt with a straw hat and flip-flops. Women tend to wear a lot of spandex capris, t-shirts or tank-tops, and flip-flops. When Paraguayans go to an event, they dress their best, which can be nice jeans or pants with a nice top. In the city, such as Asuncion, Paraguayans dress more or less like a city in the states. Certain websites and companies offer discounts to Peace Corps volunteers for clothing and gear. I highly recommend doing an online search to find out which ones offer discounts before going shopping.
Clothing Pros and cons of different fabric types
- Cotton- is a natural light, more or less breathable materials, however, can take a while to dry and will not keep you warm when it is wet. Paraguayans wear a lot of cotton t-shirts when doing their everyday activities.
- Wool- is a natural fiber that will help keep you warm, even when wet, and is also a natural “odor repellent.” Several companies have succeeded in making clothing using “merino” wool, which is softer, non-itchy wool. Wool does take a bit longer to dry as well. I highly recommend Smartwool, Ibex, or Icebreaker companies, although expensive, it is well worth it.
- Synthetic- is a non-natural fiber fabric. It is quick drying, which is important for doing laundry or when you sweat more than you’ve ever sweated before down here. Synthetic sleeping bags will continue to keep you warm when wet, as it maintains its structure, where the air pockets hold heat. Synthetics are easy to wash, however, are not as breathable as natural fibers (such as cotton underwear, etc.).
- Down- is composed of the “under” feathers of goose. Down is very warm and serves as a great outer layer, booties (I wish I had mine!), and sleeping bag. Down, however, more or less “collapses” when it gets wet, closing the air pockets that retain heat to keep you warm. It is hard to wash down as well, as putting a down item in the dryer is the best way to recreate its loft and it is challenging to find a dryer down here (perhaps in Asuncion).
What clothes should you bring? Ten months out of the year, more or less, is very warm and humid. The sun is very intense and you will sweat more than you’ve ever sweated before. For the other 2 months, it’s really cold. I compare the weather to a Seattle winter; however, the houses are not weather proof or heated. Things mold within one day of humidity and cold temps. You may stare at your winter clothes for ten months and shake your head, but you will be SO glad you have them.
I strongly advise against bringing white colored clothing, as everything eventually absorbs a similar hue as the red dirt road and they are hard to keep clean. Also, you will pass through many barbed-wire fences and everything will get caught on it, and ants will eat your clothes, so just be aware that destruction is in the future… Also, less is better. You will see volunteers with the biggest suitcases, full of stuff, and are awkwardly maneuvering them through the airport. Leave a pile of things that you think you might request later at home for someone to send you, or find it down here.
- Light, long-sleeved sun protection shirts (2). I brought two and have acquired 2 more while being here). These also double as professional button-down shirts!
- Tank-tops (3). You aren’t allowed to wear them during training, but I wear them all the time out in the campo, often under my long-sleeved, sun shirt. Wide straps are better; however skinny straps around the house are fine.
- Lightweight pants (1-3). Hiking pants are great. Light, quick drying. My lightweight hiking pants also serve as my dress pants and therefore I just brought two of the same pants. Lightweight capris are awesome as well.
- Heavier, durable pants (1-2). Durable, because everything is made of barbed wire here and these are warm in winter.
- Jeans (1-2). Warm in winter and can look nice with a nice shirt, however, are heavy and are hard to wash and dry.
- Fleece pants (1). These are perfect for winter sleeping and cold days.
- Shorts (1-2). No one really wears shorts here unless you are playing soccer or going for a run. So I have running shorts (short shorts are not advised to avoid unwanted attention) and hiking shorts that I work in around the house on a hot day.
- Long underwear tops and bottoms (2). I brought only one of each and I wish I had a spare set for when it takes 4 days for clothes to dry in the winter.
- Shirts (2-4). A few t-shirts are always comfortable and great for working. Non-t-shirts are great for looking nicer than normal as well.
- City/Fiesta clothes. Now, I usually just wear the same, practical clothing, but Paraguayans get fancy when they go to fiestas or when they leave the campo. They change their clothes and shoes at the bus stop. Seriously. Bring a few things that would make you feel slightly more dressed up, but comfortable. You can always find clothes for cheap down here, especially at Mercado 4 in Asuncion.
- Sweater (1-2). I brought one merino wool sweater, merino wool hoody, and a merino wool long underwear top. And I am a warmer person because of them.
- Skirts (1-2). I love traveling in a skirt. They are great in the summer and are a nice way to feel feminine sometimes! Don’t bring short skirts; you will get unwanted attention and the people WILL talk about you.
- Dress or dress outfit for guys (1). You will need a dressy outfit for the swear-in ceremony. You can also wear a nice skirt and shirt, but most gals are in dresses and the guys are in dress pants, button-down shirt, and a tie.
- Outerwear. I love layering my clothes and love my synthetic vest and am so glad I brought it. I also brought a synthetic jacket, known for their lightness, are not bulky yet warmth (ok, I’m a sucker for Patagonia brand clothing; they are warm and dry fast). Sometimes I wear them both at the same time.
- Hat, gloves, scarf. Yes, yes, and yes.
- Belt.
- Raingear. Necessity. Super expensive raingear isn’t necessary, as people usually don’t do anything when it rains and buses do not come for travel. I compromised for a cheaper, less-breathable rain jacket with armpit zippers. I also brought rainpants, which I carry with me often in the event of a downpour while hiking home.
- Swimsuit (1). Paraguayans tend to swim in their clothes in the campo, but you may find yourself at the beach or at the Salto Cristal swimming on a hot day.
- Underwear (12). Darker colors better than lighter. I have a mix of synthetic underwear (dries very fast and easy to hand wash) and cotton (can be more breathable and more comfortable on the skin when sweating). For men, boxer briefs are common down here, but probably best to bring what you need. Put a package of new underwear in a pile to be sent down later in your service!
- Bras (5-10). I wear a lot of sports-like bras, as they are easy to wash and comfortable. I have a few nice bras and a few high-quality bras for running/exercise.
- Socks (6-10). Ninety-nine percent of the time I do not wear socks. I do use socks for running and cold days. I brought three warm pairs of wool socks for winter and when I need to wear boots. I have a mix of moisture-wicking socks and cotton for running.
- Hat. I use both the local straw, wide-brimmed hat (bought in the pueblo for about two dollars) and my baseball cap. The sun in very intense.
Footwear Paraguayans, and I, wear sandals 99% of the time. I have large feet for a woman, making it impossible to find women’s shoes in my size (I have not found anything larger than a 9!). You can easily find unisex flip-flops and mud boots down here.
- Hiking boots (1). Waterproof, durable. Is a necessity for rainy days, working outside, and offer good support for carrying your groceries for miles home.
- Sandals (1). Durable, traction sandals are amazing for all everyday activities here. I recommend brands such as Chaco, Teva, Keens, etc. Flip-flops are found everywhere for purchase.
- Running shoes (1). Great for running and shoes around the house.
- Dress shoes (1). You will need one pair for swear-in ceremony and for business-casual events.
Baggage/Luggage I wish I had had more advice on luggage before departure. I saw many people with large suitcases at the airport, accompanied with a hiker’s backpack and a smaller daypack. This looked like a great combo for getting through airports, etc. I personally had a large, heavy backpack to check (exactly 50 lbs!), a carry-on bag that could covert to a backpack, and a daypack. There are also Peace Corps guidelines for luggage dimensions and weight control, which they send you in advance.
- Suitcase (0-1). Suitcases can be great places to store things in your home (be wary of mold!) and are easy to lock. Suitcases are not easily transportable once you get out of the city, as roads turn to dirt and they are hard to roll.
- Backpack (1-2). I have a large, 80L backpack, which was great for carrying lots of gear on my back, though heavy. I later had a smaller backpack sent to me that has a sturdy hip-belt and shoulder straps (30-40L, multi-day size) that I now use all the time. This is perfect for hiking in and out of town for groceries, visiting other volunteers, and going into the city. My large backpack is too bulky.
- Duffel bag (1). My carry-on bag has convertible shoulder straps and hip belt.
- Daypack (1). This is great for quick trips to town or carrying materials around.
- Purse/man-purse with zippers (1). I say “with zipper” because this is more secure, especially when traveling on buses. Paraguayan men use fanny packs.
Toiletries Almost everything you need is available in Paraguay, especially in the bigger cities. You will receive a medical kit that includes basic first aid bandages and creams, pain and sickness medicines, etc. You will need to bring a three-month supply of prescriptions. We also get bug spray and sunscreen. If you require a particular product, then bring it and put more in a pile to be sent later. You can find hand sanitizer, cotton swabs to clean ears, makeup, toothpaste, etc. Bring what you need for a few months.
- Earplugs.
- Contact solution. This is harder to find and is expensive. I brought several bottles and then have more shipped down (it’s cheaper!).
- Sunscreen. The medical office will give you more sunscreen; however, the highest SPF is 35. If you are a pasty-white redhead like me, bring a higher SPF.
- Glasses (2). It’s always handy to have a spare.
- Feminine hygiene products. These are readily available, but you will have a hard time finding specifics such as organic cotton, tampons with applicators, etc.
- Wet-wipes. I brought a few packs and I’m glad I did. Hygiene can be challenging.
- Travel bottles. I brought Nalgene® travel bottles to put shampoo and conditioner and other liquids or toiletries in. This is useful for travel and also for family stays, when you bring your shampoo in and out of the bathroom every time.
Other useful things Always remember that things can be shipped to you, although, often packages are opened and things are stolen during transit. Items of large value are not recommended to have shipped. Below is a miscellaneous list of things. The PC also provides volunteer with a bug net, so do not bring one.
- Headlamp. A must bring. Especially for when the power goes out.
- Sleeping bag. See my notes in clothing regarding synthetic versus down. I brought a 40°F travel down bag and it is not warm enough in the winter.
- Sleeping pad/Yoga mat. I brought both and use both.
- MP3 player.
- Portable speakers for MP3 player. I use all day, everyday.
- Water proof stuff sacks. I very much wish I had brought these. It always rains when I travel.
- Backpack raincover. Also very useful for traveling into and out of site.
- Small padlock. For staying in hostels or locking your bag while traveling.
- Moneybelt/hidden purse. Very useful for bus travel.
- Tent. There are places to camp in Paraguay and surrounding countries. Or when visiting volunteers!
- Sealable baggies. Bring a variety of sizes; smaller ones are great for seed saving.
- Sunglasses. Paraguayans use them in the city, but sometimes you need them!
- Handkerchiefs. Useful for many purposes, but especially to wipe your sweat.
- Nalgene bottles. Not only for drinking water, I also put hot water in them and put in my sleeping bag to stay warm in the winter.
- Towel, quick drying (1-2). Absolute must. Towels are hard to wash and dry, and will get moldy if they don’t dry quickly.
- Tupperware ®. Sealable containers of good quality and that actually work are really hard to find here and are expensive.
- Work gloves.
- Leatherman/Multi-tool. I use this every day.
- Climbing gear. There are places to climb in Paraguay and surrounding countries! I had my gear shipped down after I got myself established in site.
- Laptop. I bought a used netbook online and it has been very handy. It is lightweight, small, and compact. The only downside is that there is no CD drive for movies, etc. Bring something to waterproof your laptop when traveling.
- Smart phone/Tablet. The smart phone may work better with minimal internet than a laptop, is extremely helpful when traveling and lightweight, and is great for taking photos. I got one for the last few months of my service and greatly benefited from having one. The computer got too heavy to haul around, but is necessary for filling out your reports.
- USB flash drive or external hard drive.
- Camera.
- Surge protector/power convertor. Many volunteers’ computer batteries have fried due to the poor electricity and fluctuations in the campo. Surge protectors are expensive down here. Some computer chargers are surge protectors as well; check it out before you come. You will also have to convert power from 110 to 220 volts.
- Permanent markers, random office supplies. You can find most things, but permanent markers are poor quality. Stationary is hard to find.
- Little kid gifts. I have two neighbor kids that visit daily and I enjoy being able to give them little things now and then. The smallest little race car can be the most amazing thing to a child. A soccer ball (recently shipped down from friends) has been the latest entertainment.
- Books. There is an extensive library for volunteers at the office, so bring a few and then swap. Books are also easy to have shipped. Books in Paraguay, adult and children books, are very expensive. I have had many books in Spanish shipped to me and my neighbor kids borrow them all the time. Most kids do not have books in the campo.
- Portable games. Uno, checkers, Apples to Apples…
Little Extras that I really like:
- Photo book. I brought a little book of photos of family, friends, and of the scenery where I was living. Paraguayans loved looking through and it’s a great conversation starter.
- Christmas Lights. Battery-powered LED lights. Serve as a light in my bathroom, a kitchen light when they power goes out, and they are just fun :).
- Coffee. If you are a coffee lover, you’d better identify someone to send you coffee periodically. The coffee here is expensive and instant/dehydrated. Beans are hard to find, despite the proximity to other coffee-growing nations.
- Peanut butter. Is also very expensive and always nice to find in a care package!
- Chocolate. Good chocolate is also hard to find and pricey. Good friends always send chocolate.
- Vitamin C supplement powder. I always take when I’m about to get sick…
- Electrolyte tablets. You are going to sweat like you’ve never sweated before, especially if you are a runner or exercise. Take care of your body!
- Seeds. After reviewing the restrictions for mailing to Paraguay, seeds are not on the list! So fun garden seeds are an awesome way to expose Paraguayans to new foods and seed saving!
Leave a Reply