Packing & Gear Recommendations
Lugging a heavy pack around for the entire time we are in Asia can be extremely tiresome for you, and for the rest of the group. We can find almost anything you’ll need in India, and you’ll also want to have room to pack gifts to take back to the U.S. Seriously challenge yourself to pack light, and lighter still…you definitely will not regret it! That said, you will not want to leave out any of the cold weather clothing/gear suggestions - our trek in the Himalaya will require appropriate protection against cold weather.
There will be opportunities to do “self-service” laundry where we’ll be staying.
PLEASE NOTE: We strive to be model visitors and therefore ask that everyone bring clothing that is lightweight and durable, but that also covers the body well, and looks respectable. Tie-dyed T-shirts, T-shirts sporting inappropriate phrases, cut-off jeans, clothing with rips or holes, tight fitting leggings, and tank tops are inappropriate as they show disrespect for local cultures.
BAGS
Internal Frame Backpack – Your main “suitcase” should be comfortable, durable, and as light as possible
Daypack – A book-bag to use for daily excursions.
Duffel Bag – While you’ll want to be able to fit all of your things in a backpack and daypack, an extra duffel can be handy for the trip back to the U.S. This bag should be nylon and durable.
Stuff Sacks – Light-weight and compact, using stuff sacks to separate clothes, food, toiletries for example, will bring order to your pack and allow you to pack and repack as we travel.
Ziploc Bags – Like stuff sacks, these can be invaluable for keeping things organized and dry.
GEAR
Passport – Valid for at least 6 months from the beginning of your program.
Money Belt – A very important item to wear daily, under your clothes, safely hiding your passport, money, etc.
Sleeping Bag – Sleeping bags should be “mummy” style and have a temperature rating between 0 and 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Sleeping Pad – Much heat is lost through the ground, and a good insulating layer between the bag and the ground is important.
Water Bottle – Please bring two, one-quart, plastic. Nalgene bottles can be found at local outdoor gear shops.
Water Filter - (MSR Sweetwater is a good one)
Head Lamp – Flashlights are okay, but headlamps are more convenient.
Alarm Clock/Watch – Travel-size, to catch early buses and trains.
Swiss Army Knife – Pack this in your checked luggage, not in your carry-on bag.
CLOTHING
Down Jacket – Not just a vest.
Outer Shell – Water-proof or gore-tex, ideally light-weight and breathable.
Sweater/Fleece jacket
T-shirts – 3, in decent shape, but prepared for wear and tear.
Nice shirt – for meetings and special occasions.
Pants – 2, ideally light weight.
Thermal Underwear – 1 top, 1 bottom.
Gloves & Warm Hat
Socks & Underwear – 5 pairs each.
Sleepwear – Ideally, T-shirt/shorts can double for this. Minimize extra weight!
Skirt/Dress – Ankle-length skirt, Dress with long sleeves. Good idea for women, though we will have opportunities to purchase traditional clothing in Asia.
Hiking Boots – Please have them well-worn in before we meet for orientation – you’ll be happy when there are no blisters on your feet when we are trekking! We recommend something fairly rigid, with good ankle support.
Sneakers – Durable and comfortable, for daily wear.
Sandals – Good for every day use in hot weather.
Visor/Sunhat
Sunglasses
TOILETRIES (Just the basics! No hair driers, irons, etc.)
Toothbrush & paste
Hair brush/Comb
Shampoo
Chapstick
Sunscreen
Towel – Small and light (and ideally fast-drying).
Medications – That you take regularly. Keep pills in original containers to avoid head-aches with Customs. Global LAB will carry a separate, comprehensive first aid bag.
Glasses/Contacts/Contact Solution – if you wear them. (Extra pair of glasses is a good idea).
OTHERS
Camera & film – Film is widely available in Asia. You should bring an extra camera battery and memory card if using a digital camera.
Notebook/Journal
Pen/Pencil
Book – Ideally about the places we will visit (we can swap around to minimize weight).
Gifts – A few light items to share with new friends (post cards of your home state, a simple t-shirt, a small calendar or picture book).
Spending Money – This of course depends a great deal on your personal spending/shopping habits. In our experience, some participants spend less than $100 of personal money during an entire semester, while others spend over $1,000. We suggest bringing at least $500 in American Express traveler's cheques, in a mix of $20 and $50 denominations. ATM cards can be used in some of our destinations, but the machines are not as reliable as you might be accustomed to.
OPTIONAL
Shorts – 1 pair, at least mid-thigh length (shorts won’t be appropriate much of the time; in fact, you may never wear them, but they can be good to sleep in).
Bandana – These can serve multiple purposes while traveling.
Umbrella – A lightweight, travel umbrella can serve you well in rain or shine.
Extra Reading Book(s) – We have a small library in Delhi with program-specific books from which to pick as well.
Extra Stuff Sacks
Duct Tape – Wrap a bunch around your water bottles and pull it off as you need it.
Insect Repellent
Playing Cards
Purell – A small bottle of anti-bacterial hand gel or anti-bacterial hand-wipes.