The idea of packing for your gap year in Israel can seem a little overwhelming. How do you decide what to bring on your year abroad? How many bags can you get away with before they start making you throw things away at the airline check-in to hit the 50 lb weight limit? Will that carry-on actually fit in the overhead bin?

 

To put your mind at ease, we've put together a list of items that should be at the top of your packing list—and what you can probably leave at home:

 

Clothing

 It will take up most of your space, but you probably need it. Unless you plan on going to Poland in the winter, save space and leave your parka at home.

 

Alumni say:

 

- Undershirts. I did Marva army training and kibbutz volunteering as part of my program and all my clothes got really dirty....