Bahamas Packing Instructions
Carry-on Bags
Personal gear should be packed into 2 “carry-on” bags:
- 1) a soft duffle bag ~22” x 14” x 9”, and
- 2) a standard backpack ~ 12” x 6” x 14”.
- The above mentioned sizes are so that your bags can be carried onto the plane in Chicago with one bag placed in the overhead bin and the other at your feet. Bags/luggage with “hard edges” are difficult to pack in the plane from Nassau to Andros Island. The total combined weight of both bags must not exceed 40 lbs.
Clothing Packing tips
- Plan to dress in layers, a rain/wind shell is a good top layer if it gets cooler. - Bring ONE set of nicer clothes that can be worn twice, once for church on Sunday and twice for dinner out Thursday. - You know better your tolerance for re-wearing clothes, but I suggest a ~daily change of socks (unless you were sandals over shoes) and undergarments, 1-2 pairs of light weight long pants/sweat pants, 6-8 shirts/tops (short sleeved, long sleeved, tank-tops), sleeping attire, and 2 swimsuits.
Itemized list
Pants/shorts/swimsuits
- - Jeans (1), wear on plane.
- - Lightweight sweat pants (1); general warmth.
- - Khaki pants/nicer pants (1); church/dinner out.
- - Shorts (2); daytime use.
- - Swim trunks (2); water excursions.
Shirts/hoody
- - long-sleeve “rash guard” (2); light-weight, dries quickly, sun protection.
- - short-sleeve tee-shirts (6)
- - Polar fleece (1); not-cotton so as to keep you warm even when wet.
- - rain/wind shell (1); mainly for rides on the boats since it can get cool when wet.
Shoes/Socks/Undies
- - tennis shoes (1); wear on plane.
- - Tevas/Chacos/Sandals(1); for general use.
- - socks (6); for general use.
- - undies (enough).
Hygiene (in 1 quart bag)
- - toiletries (plain soap, tooth brush, tooth paste, shampoo, deodorant, feminine products)
- - sunscreen (reef-friendly ZnO2, not nano-particles)
- - bug repellent (whatever works, DEET okay)
- - (optional) Aloe vera for sunburns <--which we will NOT get!.
- - (optional) anti-itch ointment (Benadryl® spray or stick, Cordizone®, calamine lotion).
- - (optional) over-the-counter meds (ibuprofen, tums, allergy, etc); can be out of original packaging.
- - prescribed meds; in original packaging!!!
NOTE: Brad/Steve will bring a basic first aid kit with bandaids, antibacterial ointment, anti-itch cream/spray and calamine lotion. The Field Station also has a first aid kit.
Other
- - Passport!!!
- - journal
- - towel, microfiber
- - bandanas (6); I like bandanas around my neck as sun protection.
- - wide-brim hat with cord; for sun protection; the cord is to the it does not blow off in the boat.
- - sunglasses with cord (2); especially for use on the water.
- - large (1 gal) Ziploc® bags (2); big enough to protect sweatpants.
- - small (1 qt) Ziploc® bags (4); to protect items from water.
- - small flashlight or headlamp.
- - 1 qt water bottle (Nalgene, spun Al, or foldable plastic); for day excursions.
- - snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins) and mesh carrying bag.
- - plastic grocery bags for holding dirty clothes.
Cash (bring small bills, $20, $10, $5, $1)
- - NOTE: with the exception of food in the Nassau airport, you do not need cash.
- - food in Nassau airport on Saturday ($10)
- - spending money for souvenirs:
- - baskets ($10-$30),
- - Androsia Batik ($15-$30),
- - hair braiding ($2/braid),
- - Forfar Field Station shirts ($15-$30)
- - spending money for snacks.
Optional
- Reading Material,
- sketch pad/pencils,
- cards/games.
Things not to pack
- - pocket knives
- - small scissors or other sharp items.