LEAPYEAR Latin America Packing Guide
The following lists detail equipment and clothing needed for LEAPYEAR. There are two lists: Items for use at
the LEAPNOW campus, and items for the semester abroad. Remember that you’ll be carrying everything in a
backpack. You can plan on bringing more to the LEAPNOW campus, and students will have access to a bin they
can leave on campus while traveling abroad.
When packing for an international trip, the packers’ motto is:
“Pack light, pack less, and pack early.”
Gear Guidelines:
 When in doubt, PACK LIGHT - you will be carrying everything in your backpack, and you can purchase
additional items (clothes, toiletries, etc.) while traveling.
 You will face hot, cold, dry, humid and rainy conditions. Plan accordingly.
 You do not need to buy brand new gear. Used or borrowed gear will work just as well. The following
websites have a good selection of travel items: www.statravel.com, www.reioutlet.com,
www.backcountry.com, and www.sierratradingpost.com.
 A note on water: Tap water in Latin America is not safe for consumption. In most places we travel,
students will have to either drink bottled water or will have to purify their water with a filter or a
SteriPEN (http://www.steripen.com/). Students will be given money to purchase bottled water while
travelling. By purchasing a SteriPEN or water filter in advance you can minimize the number of water
bottles you consume; but neither is necessary for travel.
Checklist for Latin America (Required items are bold)
GEAR
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Internal Frame Backpack to carry all your
gear- backpacking or travel packs are fine,
but not the type with wheels
Sleeping Bag medium to light-weight
Day Pack with enough space to hold a
water bottle, your camera, and a book
Money Belt for the waist or neck pouch
Water Bottle (we recommend Nalgene or
Kleen Kanteen) 1 quart or larger
Flashlight or Headlamp (and extra
batteries)
USB Flash Drive – 1 GB (or more) for your
academic work while traveling
Wrist Watch – can also be your alarm
Travel Alarm Clock
Toiletries Bag
Insect Repellant (DEET or natural)
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Pack Towel or Small Cotton Towel
Personal Notebook / Journal (optional
address book)
Sunglasses
Ear plugs (helpful to sleep in transit)
Camera (batteries)
1-2 Cotton Bandanas
Ziplock plastic bags of varying sizes for
carrying and protecting items
Nylon Cord - Short length, lightweight (good
for laundry line and other needs)
Musical Instrument
Good Book (1 or 2)
SteriPEN or Waterfilter
Swiss Army Knife or Leatherman
Small Padlock for security (combination
locks recommended)
CLOTHING
Quote from a past participant: “Your clothes are going to be ruined - just so you know. ”
Fashion and dress in Latin America is different than in the United States and is typically more formal. In Latin
America you will be expected to respect the culture by dressing appropriately throughout your travels. Leave
torn, tight or revealing clothing at home. Though these may be chic in the U.S., it will create a lousy impression
in Latin America. Bring clothing that is simple, neat and well taken care of - nothing too fancy, delicate or
revealing.
A special note to women: As a woman from the United States you will draw less unwanted attention to yourself
by dressing modestly and in local clothing. You will be grateful throughout the program that you packed loose,
comfortable and practical ‘travel’ clothing.
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Comfortable Pants (2 Pairs) (at least one made of quick-dry material)
Long-Sleeved Shirts (1-2) that you don’t mind working in and can double as a ‘nice’ shirt
Short Sleeve Shirts (2) - subdued designs and colors
Hiking Shoes Good quality, waterproof. Ankle height is fine. BREAK THEM IN!
Sandals with a heel strap (such as Chacos or Tevas)
Rain Gear Good quality jacket or poncho with a hood (Rain pants are not recommended)
Make sure that your gear is WATERPROOF!
 Medium Weight Layer (down, fleece, pile vest, microfiber shirt, or jacket) to be worn under your rain
jacket - we may encounter weather in the 40's
 Long Underwear (1 Set) (bottoms essential - top optional)
 Underwear (4-5) (quick - dry or cotton)
 Socks (3-4 pair) good quality
 Swim Suit (Bikinis are ok - but should not be too revealing)
 1-2 pair of shorts – Shorts that are tight and very short are not appropriate
 Dancing Clothes – Button-up shirt for men/ long skirt, dress, or nice pants and top for women
 For women: tank tops are okay - we suggest that you bring tank tops with thick straps
 For women: 1 skirt that falls below your knees
PERSONAL HYGIENE
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(You will be able to replenish basics during your travels)
Tooth brush, carrier, toothpaste, floss
Antibacterial bar soap or Dr. Bronner’s
Shampoo/Conditioner
Comb or brush
Shaving supplies
Deodorant
Contraceptives, condoms
Hand Sanitizer (Highly Recommended)
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Contacts/Glasses (Bring spares and a copy
of your prescription)
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Tampons, personal feminine hygiene
products
Sunscreen - SPF 30 or higher
Nail clippers
Multivitamins, personal supplements (if
you normally take these)
Sewing Kit
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PERSONAL FIRST AID KIT
(Optional) Trip leaders will be carrying a fully-stocked first aid kit. These are
recommended items you may want to bring for yourself (in a watertight plastic container).
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Motion Sickness Treatment
Antihistamine
Antibiotic ointment – like Neosporin
Electrolyte powder for re-hydration
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Wellness Formula Herbal Defense Complex by Bio Align, a booster for the immune system
Grapefruit seed extract (GSE): as a naturopathic alternative for travel-related stomach problems
Imodium or other anti-diarrhea medicine
Aspirin or Ibuprofen
Scissors & tweezers
Band-Aids and moleskin
Prescription Medication:
 Any medication you are currently taking - enough for 12 weeks, and written prescriptions
 Epinephrine Pen (Epi-pen): Epinephrine pens are used to treat potentially fatal anaphylactic shock due to
insect bites, food or medication allergies. An Epi-pen must be prescribed. IMPORTANT: If you know of a
potential allergy, LEAPNOW requires that you bring two Epi-pens (one for yourself and one for the
leaders to carry on your behalf)
 Asthma Inhalers – at least 2. If you have a history of asthma, even long ago, bring them!
HOMESTAY and VOLUNTEERING
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Gifts for Homestay Families – Small gifts from your home culture to show your appreciation for their
hospitality. These don’t have to be expensive – families love home-made gifts or souvenirs.
Activities for Kids – You will be working with many children along the trip, so bring something that you
can share or teach them. Be prepared to be able to teach – dancing, finger-painting, juggling – everyone
has something to share!
Pictures of your home-town, family, and friends – Great way to connect with the culture.
Checklist for the Retreats: (Required items are bold)
Note: There may be overlap between this list and the traveling gear/clothing list.
You DO NOT need to double up on items that appear on both lists.
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Large inexpensive duffel bag – To protect and store your belongings at the LEAPNOW campus
while traveling
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Rugged work clothing – Blue jeans make good work pants as well as pants made by Carhartt and
Ben Davis. These clothes may get ‘worked’ – paint stained or worn out
Comfortable Clothing - For movement and yoga – shorts, sweats, sports bras, etc
Sweatshirt with hood or something similar for cold weather
Rubber boots or Water-Proofed Work Shoes - You will definitely work in the rain in January &
February at the LEAPNOW campus
Bedding - 1 twin size fitted sheet – you will be sleeping on a twin sized mattress. Most students
sleep in their sleeping bags, but bring what you need to make your stay comfortable
Ceremonial Clothing – Something formal that makes you feel celebratory - can be anything that
sets the tone for a special occasion for you. Feel free to get creative.
Leather work gloves - good quality
Laptop – for your academic work while on campus during second retreat, do not take it with you
to Latin America!
Water Shoes – there is a creek on the LEAPNOW campus
Bath Towel/Sarong
Yoga Mat
Casual clothing and shoes for wearing around the campus during free time
Musical instruments that are easy to store, such as guitar, flute, etc.
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Things to leave at home
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Skirts or dresses cut too high (above the knee)
Any knife larger than a Swiss Army knife
T-shirts with garish or loud designs & otherwise "loud" clothing
Magazines/Video Games/Movies
Junk Food
Amps or Electrical Music Instruments
*Some people get the idea that they’ll be camping during LEAPYEAR, which is not true. While at the
LEAPNOW campus, you’ll need regular casual clothes, clothes to work in, and ceremonial clothing.
While in Latin America, you’ll generally need the same kinds of clothing. You will be able to adjust
your clothing and gear during the Winter break for the second half of the year, so don’t pack for the
entire year this Fall!
A note on electronics
Come prepared for loss, theft or damage to your electronics!
You will need an adaptor for your electronics in Latin America. Every country has a different standard
plug shape, and therefore its own unique adapter. Also, voltage is important to keep in mind when
plugging things in. Each country runs on either 220 volts or 110 volts like we have in the USA. Check the
items you are bringing, as many electronics now have built-in converters in their wiring. If they are not
built-in, you will need to buy a voltage converter.
A fantastic tool for viewing plug and voltage types around the world is available at:
http://users.telenet.be/worldstandards/electricity.htm#plugs.
You may also buy less expensive adaptors in country.
MP3/iPods: Make sure your information is backed up at home. Consider whether you use your MP3
player as an escape from what is going on around you or can you use it judiciously and stay engaged
with the group and your experiences. You will be asked to put these away during the retreats.
Digital Cameras: It is a good idea to purchase a large memory card, minimum 1 GB. If you plan on
uploading pictures you will need to bring your USB cord. Internet speeds may be slow! AA & AAA
batteries are available in Latin America and you will be able to charge your rechargeable batteries with
the appropriate adapter. If your camera requires a special battery you may want to pack extras.
Cell phones and Laptops: Cell phones are not used during retreat times or during group travel in Latin
America. LEAPYEAR leaders carry an emergency cell phone for the group during the semester. If you
bring your cell phones to the start of your LEAPYEAR, you will be asked to put them away during the
retreats and not use them for calls, texting or as music players. Laptops may be used for academic work
during the second retreat but you will not be using them during the first retreat.