I’m currently writing this from Baltimore as I’m on my last swing through the mid-Atlantic to see people before staging on June 9th. I’m all packed up and pretty excited to say the least. Also, I figured I could give those interested a quick list of what I packed (and maybe why I packed it)…
Clothing:
2 pairs of lightweight khakis, 2 pairs of lightweight casual pants, 2 pairs of work pants for field work, 1 pair of mesh shorts, 2 casual collared shirts, 2 more dressy collared shirts, 1 UV-protecting collared shirt for the outdoor work, 7 cotton t-shirts, 7 pairs of cotton boxers, 1 long-sleeve shirt, 1 pair of lightweight sleeping pants,1 scarf (I’ll be the one laughing when the cold season comes…maybe?), 1 pair of flip flops, 1 pair of work shoes, 1 pair of dress shoes, 1 pair of casual shoes, 2 pairs of socks, 1 pair of khaki shorts (don’t anticipate wearing them too much), a couple ties, 2 pairs of glasses, and 1 pair of sunglasses. I think that’s it…
Electronics:
Netbook, point-and-shoot digital camera, headlamp, solar charger, 8 reusable AA and AAA with charger, external hard drive, and a USB flash drive.
Equipment:
4L Platypus water tank and 2 1L water bottles (they’re great because they can pack flat and weigh next to nothing), leatherman, field knife, screen tent, warm weather sleeping bag, sleeping pad, compressible pillow (thank you, Mia!), quick-dry towel, and a bike helmet.
Miscellaneous:
Assorted toiletries, mesh loose-leaf tea spoon, assorted spices, pastels and sketching pencils, and a mandolin.
That should be it. I’m sure I’ve missed a few things but that’s the general list! Right now I’m relaxed and going through some final preparations before staging on Thursday. Stay tuned for my first post from Burkina!
Jason Tsichlis
Notes from the Sahel 
I CANNOT believe you ended up taking OUR scarf….
and since when do you have a netbook?
Posted by Tyler Infelise | June 7, 2011, 2:36 PMActually, you’re in luck because OUR scarf is still at my parents house. What can I say, it didn’t make the cut…
Posted by jtsichlis | June 7, 2011, 3:02 PMI think you’ll find that folk in Africa tend to wear shorts [frequently khaki] with over-the-calf socks a lot, so I’d get [or wait ’til you get to Africa where clothes are likely to be cheaper] a lot more of them. I’d also get some briefs – in tropical Africa it’s going to be quite a bit hotter than you’re used to and, well, you’re not going to be so ‘compact’ as you’re accustomed to and might get pinched. I’d also get some sturdy sandals, and a broad-brimmed hat. You’ll also want more than one towel.
Posted by Hal Booth | June 7, 2011, 8:50 PM