From Brahma to Buddha, Spring 2006

BAGS cont'd
Daypack – A backpack or large fanny-pack to use for daily activities and excursions (on the multi-day trek, pack horses will carry our larger backpacks, but you must have a daypack or fanny-pack large enough to hold 2 Nalgene water bottles, down jacket and/or outer shell, snack, hat/gloves, headlamp, camera, and possibly a small portion of the group's first aid supplies).
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. This bag should be nylon and relatively durable.
Stuff Sacks – Light-weight and compact, using stuff sacks to separate clothes, food, toiletries, and everything else will bring order to your pack, and make your life simpler.
Ziploc Bags – Like stuff sacks, these can be invaluable for organizing and keeping things organized and dry.

GEAR:
Money Belt – A very important item to wear daily, under your clothes, safely protecting your passport, money, and other important papers.
Sleeping Bag – Sleeping bags should be “mummy” style and have a temperature rating between 0 and 20 degrees. If you are buying a new bag, do your research--this is an important purchase and there are lots of choices out there. A separate fleece sleeping bag liner is also a good idea for extra cold nights or to use for sleeping on trains.
Sleeping Pad – Much body heat is lost through the ground, so a good insulating layer between your sleeping bag and the ground is important, not to mention the added cushioning it will provide.
Two Water Bottle - Nalgene bottles can be found at most outdoor gear shops.
Personal Water Filter - There are several styles and models to choose from; PVI recommends the MSR Sweetwater Microfilter, which eliminates over 99.9999% of all waterborne bacteria.
Head Lamp – Flashlights are okay, but headlamps are more convenient.
Alarm Clock/Watch – Travel-size, to catch early buses and trains.
Small Swiss Army Knife - Remember not to pack this in your carry-on bag.

CLOTHING:
Down Jacket – (Not vest.)
Outer Shell – Water-proof or gore-tex, ideally light-weight and breathable. Make sure any design detail on the shoulders won’t irritate you under the weight of your pack.
Sweater/Fleece Jacket
T-shirts – 3, in decent shape, but prepared for wear and tear.
Dress Shirt – 1, for meetings and special occasions.
Pants – 2, ideally light-weight. (Jeans are heavy and take a long time to dry.)
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 – Good idea for women, though you may want to buy an inexpensive skirt in Asia.
Hiking Boots – We recommend something fairly rigid, with good ankle support and, most importantly, boots that are comfortable and already broken in to avoid blisters!
Moleskin - In case of blisters.
Sneakers/Trail Shoes – Durable and comfortable, for daily wear.
Sandals – Teva or Chaco style sandals are good for every day use in hot weather.
Visor/Sunhat
Extra Pair of Glasses/Contacts – If you wear them.
Sunglasses - With UV protection. The sun will be intense at times, especially at high altitude, and even more so with snow and ice glare.

TOILETRIES (Just the basics! No hair driers, irons, etc):
Toothbrush & Paste
Hair Brush/Comb
Shampoo
Chapstick
Sunscreen
Purell and/or Sanitizing Wipes – A small bottle of anti-bacterial hand gel or anti-bacterial hand-wipes.
Towel – Small and light (and ideally fast-drying).
Medications – Those that you take regularly. Pack prescription medications in their original bottles to avoid complications at customs. (PVI will carry a separate first aid bag).
For Women: Feminine Hygiene Supplies - Tampons can be difficult to find in India; compact, applicator-free styles such as OB are good for traveling.

OTHER:
Passport!!! – Valid for at least 6 months from the beginning of your program.
Extra Passport Photos – Always a good idea to have a few extra passport photos.
Spending Money – We recommend about $20-30 per week, though you may not spend this much unless you plan on buying a lot of gifts. American Express traveler's cheques are safest.
PVI Student Handbook
Camera & Film – Film is widely available in Asia. You should bring an extra camera battery and memory card if using a digital camera. (If you plan to shoot black & white film, you may wish to bring this from the US).
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).

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) – Bring one to trade!
Extra Stuff Sacks
Duct Tape – Can come in handy in 101 different ways. Wrap some a few times around your Nalgene bottle, and pull it off as you need it.
Insect Repellant
Playing Cards
Ear Plugs - Great for helping get some sleep on long flights and train rides.
Small FM Radio (with batteries and ear plug/headphones) - This can be helpful for listening to lectures you might attend that are broadcast live in English translation.