Some links on this page are Amazon affiliate links - if you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only list the kind of gear we would pack ourselves. Every place page also shows the handful of kits that fit that spot.

Base

🎒

Every-trip essentials

The base layer that goes on every trip, whatever the destination.

• Documents + digital copies - Passport, visas, insurance; photos and PDFs stored offline on your phone.
• Universal travel adapter - One plug that covers most sockets, ideally with USB ports built in. Find on Amazon →
• Power bank - A 10,000 mAh pack keeps a phone alive through long transit and off-grid days. Find on Amazon →
• Small first-aid + medicines - Plasters, painkillers, rehydration salts and any prescriptions in their box. Find on Amazon →
• Reusable water bottle - Refill instead of buying; a filter bottle helps where tap water is unsafe. Find on Amazon →
• Packable daypack - A light foldable bag for day trips once the main luggage is at the hotel. Find on Amazon →
• Card + a little local cash - A backup card kept separately, and small notes for places that do not take cards.

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Activities

🥾

Hiking & trails

Trails, national parks, canyons, forests, waterfalls and any place reached on foot.

• Broken-in walking shoes or boots - Grip and ankle support matter more than looks; never hike in brand-new boots. Find on Amazon →
• Layers + a waterproof shell - Mountain weather turns fast; a packable rain jacket saves the day. Find on Amazon →
• Daypack with rain cover - 20-30 litres holds water, snacks, layers and a first-aid kit. Find on Amazon →
• Offline maps + a power bank - Download the trail before you lose signal; carry backup charge. Find on Amazon →
• Sun protection - Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen - sun is stronger at altitude and on open ridges. Find on Amazon →
• Trekking poles - Save your knees on long descents and steep, loose ground. Find on Amazon →
• Head torch - For early starts, caves and any chance of finishing after dark. Find on Amazon →

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🎣

Fishing

Rivers, lakes, coasts and countries with a real angling tradition.

• A local fishing licence - Most countries require one; check the rules and buy it before you cast.
• Travel rod + reel - A packable multi-piece rod fits in a case and covers most holiday fishing. Find on Amazon →
• A small tackle selection - Hooks, weights, line and a few lures or flies suited to local waters. Find on Amazon →
• Polarised sunglasses - Cut surface glare so you can read the water and spot fish. Find on Amazon →
• Waterproof boots or waders - For shorelines, riverbanks and wading cold northern rivers. Find on Amazon →
• Pliers, line clippers, a net - The small tools that make handling and releasing fish easy. Find on Amazon →
• Know the local rules - Seasons, size limits and catch-and-release customs vary - respect them.

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🏖️

Beach & swimming

Beaches, lagoons, lakes and calm coastal water for swimming.

• Reef-safe sunscreen - High SPF that will not bleach the coral you are swimming over. Find on Amazon →
• Quick-dry towel - A microfibre towel packs small and dries in minutes. Find on Amazon →
• Water shoes - Protect your feet on rocky entries, hot sand and sea-urchin spines. Find on Amazon →
• Dry bag - Keeps phone, cash and keys safe while you are in the water. Find on Amazon →
• Rash guard or sun shirt - Better sun cover than lotion for long hours in the water. Find on Amazon →
• Snorkel set (optional) - Your own mask that fits well beats a scratched rental every time. Find on Amazon →
• Check flags and currents - Ask locally about rip currents and tides before swimming off open coasts.

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🤿

Diving & snorkelling

Coral reefs, atolls, marine parks and famous dive sites.

• Your own mask + snorkel - A well-fitting mask is the single biggest comfort upgrade underwater. Find on Amazon →
• Certification card + logbook - Dive centres need to see your qualification before boat dives.
• Rash guard or thin wetsuit - Sun cover on the surface and warmth on longer or deeper dives. Find on Amazon →
• Reef-safe sunscreen - Protect the reef; many marine parks now require it.
• Dive computer (if you have one) - Tracks depth and no-decompression limits across repeat dives. Find on Amazon →
• Seasickness tablets - Boat rides to the best reefs can be long and choppy. Find on Amazon →
• Never touch, never chase - Keep off the coral and give turtles and rays their space.

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🛶

Kayaking, surf & paddle

Kayaking, canoeing, rafting, surfing and stand-up paddle spots.

• Quick-dry clothing - Board shorts or synthetics that shrug off spray and dry fast. Find on Amazon →
• Secure water shoes or reef boots - Grip on slippery launches and protection on rocky shores. Find on Amazon →
• Dry bag for valuables - Assume everything not sealed will get wet. Find on Amazon →
• Sun cover for hands and feet - Reflected water sun burns fast; add a cap with a chin strap. Find on Amazon →
• Leash and, for surf, your own wax - Small kit that rental shops often lack or charge extra for. Find on Amazon →
• A whistle - A cheap safety item for open water and group paddles. Find on Amazon →
• Match conditions to your level - Wind, tide and swell change fast - take a guide when unsure.

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🚲

Cycling & bike touring

Bike-friendly islands, flat archipelagos, greenways and quiet country lanes.

• Padded shorts - The one thing that makes a full day in the saddle bearable. Find on Amazon →
• Helmet - Bring your own if you have a good one; rentals vary wildly. Find on Amazon →
• Gloves + sunglasses - Comfort on the bars and eye protection from grit and glare. Find on Amazon →
• A basic repair kit - Spare tube, tyre levers, mini-pump and a multi-tool for the road. Find on Amazon →
• Phone mount + offline map - Follow a route without stopping at every junction. Find on Amazon →
• Front and rear lights - Essential for tunnels, dusk and any road riding. Find on Amazon →
• A light rain layer - Weather turns quickly once you are far from the start. Find on Amazon →

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🔦

Caving & underground

Show caves, grottoes, lava tubes and underground rivers.

• Head torch + spare batteries - Hands-free light is essential; caves are truly dark. Find on Amazon →
• Grippy closed shoes - Cave floors are wet, muddy and slick with formations. Find on Amazon →
• A warm layer - Many caves sit near 10°C year-round, even in a hot country. Find on Amazon →
• Gloves - Protect your hands on rough rock and cold metal handrails. Find on Amazon →
• A small dry bag - Keeps your camera and phone safe from drips and splashes. Find on Amazon →
• Mind your head - Low ceilings are common; move slowly and watch your footing.
• Do not touch formations - Skin oils stop stalactites growing - look, do not handle.

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🦅

Wildlife & birdwatching

National parks, reserves, safari, seabird cliffs, turtle beaches and gorilla forests.

• Binoculars - The single best wildlife tool - even a compact pair transforms a sighting. Find on Amazon →
• A zoom camera or long lens - Animals rarely come close; reach beats megapixels. Find on Amazon →
• Neutral, quiet clothing - Greens and browns; avoid bright colours and rustling fabrics. Find on Amazon →
• Patience and an early alarm - Dawn and dusk are when most animals are active.
• Insect repellent - The richest wildlife spots are often the buggiest. Find on Amazon →
• A field guide or app - Half the joy is knowing what you are looking at. Find on Amazon →
• Keep your distance - Never feed or crowd animals; follow the ranger and park rules.

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📷

Photography & night skies

Viewpoints, observatories, dark-sky reserves, aurora country and the midnight sun.

• Spare batteries + cards - Cold and long shoots drain power; never run out at the good light. Find on Amazon →
• A compact tripod - Essential for night skies, aurora, waterfalls and low light. Find on Amazon →
• A lens cloth + rain cover - Spray, mist and salt air smear a lens in seconds. Find on Amazon →
• A head torch with red light - See your gear at night without killing your night vision. Find on Amazon →
• Warm layers for night shoots - Standing still under the stars gets cold fast. Find on Amazon →
• Know your golden and blue hours - The best light is brief; scout the spot in daylight first.
• Respect signs and people - No tripods where they are banned; ask before photographing people.

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🍜

Markets & street food

Market halls, food streets, winery regions and the dishes a place is known for.

• Small cash in local notes - The best stalls are cash-only; carry small change.
• A reusable bag or container - For market produce and cutting down on packaging. Find on Amazon →
• Wet wipes + hand sanitiser - Street food and washbasins do not always go together. Find on Amazon →
• A note of your allergies - Translated into the local language for stalls and cooks.
• An empty, hungry appetite - Go with a plan to graze small portions across many stalls.
• Go where the locals queue - Turnover means fresh food; a busy stall is a good sign.
• Ease into street food - Start with cooked, hot, freshly made dishes if your stomach is sensitive.

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Climate & terrain

❄️

Cold, snow & Arctic

Arctic and polar regions, glaciers, high latitudes, snow and deep winter.

• Warm base layers - Merino or synthetic against the skin - never cotton, which chills when damp. Find on Amazon →
• An insulated + windproof jacket - A down or synthetic layer under a hard shell handles most cold. Find on Amazon →
• Hat, gloves, neck gaiter - Most heat is lost from head, hands and neck; bring spares. Find on Amazon →
• Insulated waterproof boots - Warm, grippy and rated for snow and slush. Find on Amazon →
• Hand and toe warmers - Cheap chemical warmers rescue long, still days like aurora watches. Find on Amazon →
• Lip balm + rich moisturiser - Cold, dry wind cracks skin and lips fast. Find on Amazon →
• Sunglasses for snow glare - Snow and ice reflect fierce, eye-straining light. Find on Amazon →

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☀️

Desert & strong sun

Deserts, dunes, arid plains and anywhere with intense sun and heat.

• Loose, light, long clothing - Covering up beats bare skin in the desert - and locals dress this way for a reason. Find on Amazon →
• A wide-brim hat + sunglasses - Shade for your face and eyes where there is none overhead. Find on Amazon →
• High-SPF sunscreen + lip balm - Reapply often; desert sun is relentless. Find on Amazon →
• Far more water than you think - Carry and sip constantly; dehydration creeps up in dry heat. Find on Amazon →
• A scarf or shemagh - Shields your face and neck from sun and blowing sand. Find on Amazon →
• Warm layer for the night - Deserts turn cold fast after dark - a fleece is not optional. Find on Amazon →
• Electrolytes - Plain water is not enough when you sweat heavily all day. Find on Amazon →

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🌧️

Rainforest & tropics

Rainforests, jungles, wetlands and humid tropical destinations.

• Strong insect repellent - DEET or picaridin; the jungle is where bites and disease risk are highest. Find on Amazon →
• Long, light, quick-dry clothing - Covers skin from insects and sun without cooking you in the humidity. Find on Amazon →
• A packable rain layer - It is called a rainforest for a reason; downpours are sudden. Find on Amazon →
• Waterproof boots + spare socks - Trails are muddy and wet; dry feet at night prevent problems. Find on Amazon →
• Dry bags for electronics - Humidity and rain kill cameras and phones - seal them. Find on Amazon →
• Check malaria and vaccines early - See a travel clinic weeks ahead about anti-malarials and jabs.
• A leech-and-bite kit - Antiseptic, anti-itch cream and, in some forests, leech socks. Find on Amazon →

See the kit and where it fits →

🏔️

High altitude

High mountains, tepuis, altiplano and destinations well above 2,500 metres.

• Ascend slowly, acclimatise - The best defence against altitude sickness is time - do not rush up.
• Layers for big temperature swings - Warm sun by day, near-freezing at night, even near the equator. Find on Amazon →
• Extra-strong sun protection - Thin air means fierce UV; hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen. Find on Amazon →
• Plenty of water - You dehydrate faster at altitude, which worsens the symptoms. Find on Amazon →
• Painkillers for headaches - Mild headache is common; know when it means you must descend. Find on Amazon →
• Talk to a doctor beforehand - Ask about altitude medication if you have any heart or lung concerns.
• Snacks and easy energy - Appetite drops up high, but your body needs the fuel. Find on Amazon →

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Trip style

🏛️

City & sightseeing

Old towns, museums, monuments, galleries and long days on your feet in a city.

• Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon →
• A slim anti-theft daypack - Zips that close properly; keep it in front in crowds and on transit. Find on Amazon →
• A transit card or app - Sort out the metro/bus payment before you arrive.
• A refillable water bottle - Many cities have public fountains; save money and plastic. Find on Amazon →
• A light layer + compact umbrella - For museum air-con and a sudden shower. Find on Amazon →
• Offline maps + key tickets pre-booked - Skip queues at the big sights by booking timed entry ahead.
• Photocopy of your passport - Carry a copy, leave the original in the hotel safe.

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🛕

Temples & sacred sites

Mosques, temples, churches, monasteries, shrines and living places of worship.

• Modest clothing - Shoulders and knees covered - the single most common requirement. Find on Amazon →
• A scarf or shawl - To cover the head or shoulders on entry; women especially at mosques. Find on Amazon →
• Slip-on shoes - Many sites ask you to remove shoes; slip-ons save fuss. Find on Amazon →
• Socks - For walking on cold or hot stone floors once shoes are off. Find on Amazon →
• Small cash for donations - A modest offering or entry donation is customary at many sites.
• Quiet, respectful behaviour - Lower your voice, ask before photographing worshippers, follow the rules.
• Check dress rules in advance - Some sites hand out or rent cover-ups; others simply turn you away.

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⛺

Camping & wild nights

Camping, huts, remote reserves and destinations best seen on multi-day trips.

• Shelter suited to the place - Tent, tarp or hut booking - match it to the terrain and rules. Find on Amazon →
• A warm sleeping bag + mat - Rated a little colder than you expect the nights to be. Find on Amazon →
• Headtorch + spare batteries - Your main light source once the sun is down. Find on Amazon →
• Stove, fuel and a lighter - Check whether fuel can fly, or buy it on arrival. Find on Amazon →
• Water treatment - Filter, tablets or a boil plan for backcountry water sources. Find on Amazon →
• Know the fire and wild-camping rules - Legal in some countries, banned in others; never light fires in a drought.
• Leave no trace - Pack out all rubbish and camp only where it is allowed.

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♨️

Hot springs & thermal baths

Hot springs, geothermal pools, onsen and thermal spa towns.

• Swimwear - Needed at most public thermal pools; some traditional baths are nude and single-sex. Find on Amazon →
• Quick-dry towel + flip-flops - For wet changing areas and hot poolside stone. Find on Amazon →
• A dry bag or waterproof pouch - Somewhere safe for phone and valuables while you soak. Find on Amazon →
• Water to drink - Hot soaking is dehydrating; sip between dips. Find on Amazon →
• Tie long hair up - Many baths ask that hair stays out of the water.
• Learn the local etiquette - Rinse before entering; at onsen, wash thoroughly first and no swimwear.
• Ease in and take breaks - Very hot mineral water is intense - short soaks, cool down between.

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Packing lists are a starting point, not a rule book. Check the season, the local guidance and the official source for any place before you go - and take only what you'll really use.