80 Pounds: Special Edition

The Peace Corps has very strict luggage requirements for travel to your host country. The authorized baggage allowance is two checked pieces not to exceed 107 inches (length + width + height) and the carry-on bag with dimensions of no more than 45 inches. Checked baggage should not exceed 80 pounds total with a maximum weight allowance of 50 pounds for any one bag. This is part a special edition of the series documenting a single item I have decided to take with me.

Today I made a purchase I've been debating. My gut has told me to just bring enough batteries to last a while and then find a source of batteries once I get to Uganda, whether it is by mail, travel into cities, or some other means. But this little guy seems to be well received.

So I've decided to include in my 80 lbs, the Power Monkey Explorer and Solar Charger.

What I'm hoping is that I'll be able to find a AAA and AA battery charger I can hook up to this and then I'll be about set.

In future installments of 80 Pounds, I will discuss electronics that I am bringing. Of course one such item is an iPod. My real intent on this purchase is to power an iPod, disposable cell phone (to be procured in country), and possibly AAA and AA batteries for my camera and flashlights. If it can do that I'm more than happy with the purchase. I'm also planning to bring a netbook to Uganda but expect to power that up on occasional visits to a major city where I will get on the internet with it.

Next step is to find a AAA / AA battery charger that can hook up to this guy.

Total Weight: 2 lbs