Packing List
I often get the question: “When I visit, what should I bring?” The question is nearly existential because everyone travels differently, but I have done my best to assemble a robust packing list. The links I have included via Amazon are affiliate links. I’d appreciate your support of the website by using them to make purchases.
Item List
Suggestions
Backpack
What size backpack you’ll need depends on the length of your trip. I highly recommend traveling with a carry-on bag instead of a checked bag. That way you are more mobile and there is no chance of your bag getting lost. I personally own the Cotopaxi Allpa 28L, 35L, and 42L. Their internal organization is useful and everything is high quality.
Packing cube
Packing cubes are mostly useful as a way to organize your backpack. The compression packing cubes are the only ones that may free up a small amount of room in your bag. If you have never traveled with packing cubes, give them a try. They’ll keep everything in your bag much more organized.
Compression Packing Cubes
(Amazon Link)
Peak Design Packing Cubes
(Amazon Link)
Daypack, sling, or hip pack
You don’t want to haul your large carry-on backpack everywhere, so you’ll want a smaller bag to use during the day. What form that takes is a matter of preference. I personally use the packable pack and fanny pack listed for different excursions.
Osprey Ultralight Stuff pack
(Amazon Link)
Bellroy Venture Sling 2.5L
(Amazon Link)
Cotopaxi Hip Pack 2L
(Amazon Link)
Hat
A hat is a must in the Caribbean. Coal hats are breathable, washable, and float in the water. I use them all the time.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are another must. Bring what you have but if you don’t have polarized lenses, consider investing in some. It’s like seeing the world in HD, the difference is particularly noticeable in the ocean’s colors.
ZENOTTIC Polarized Sunglasses
(Amazon Link)
Ray Ban Wayfarer
(Amazon Link)
Underwear
I bought merino wool underwear for a trip to Peru and I am never going back. They don’t smell after use, they are comfortable, and they feel good in hot or cold weather. Trust me, give them a try.
Woolly Merino Wool Briefs (Men’s)
(Amazon Link)
Woolly Merino Wool Briefs (Women’s)
(Amazon Link)
T-shirt
I’m not often accused of having a good fashion sense. What I can say is that I found this Patagonia T-shirt when prepping for travel in Southeast Asia and I will never go back.
Shorts
A nice pair of comfortable and versatile shorts is a worthwhile investment. The PrAna shorts I listed are all I want to wear now. It’s hot, so when you aren’t wearing a swimsuit you’re wearing shorts.
Pants
Just like the shorts, the PrAna pants are stretchy and comfy. You may want pants for hikes in remote forests for mosquito protection. If that is not on your itinerary, don’t pack them.
Swimsuit
If you can find a swimsuit that is comfortable to walk in, you’ll be thanking yourself. Functionality > aesthetics.
Columbia PFG Rambler (Men’s)
(Amazon Link)
Ministry of Supply Fusion Pant (Women’s)
(Amazon Link)
Sunshirt
I know you are excited to tan, but it’s easy to burn here. I see tourists red as lobsters all the time. A long-sleeved UPF shirt might save your hide from painful nights slathered in aloe in the hotel.
Columbia Sun Shirt (Men’s)
(Amazon Link)
Colombia Sun Shirt (Women’s)
(Amazon Link)
Flip Flops
I have worn flip-flops every day for the past two years. Rainbow does it best! They are super comfy and will mold to your feet.
Rainbow Double Layer Sandals (Men’s)
(Amazon Link)
Rainbow Double Layer Sandals (Women’s)
(Amazon Link)
Hiking Sandals
Tevas or Chacos will come in handy for hikes through water or mud. There are plenty of those hikes, but if there’s none on your itinerary, just bring flip-flops. Don’t bring shoes unless you need them.
Teva Hurricane XLT2 (Men’s)
(Amazon Link)
Teva Hurricane XLT2 (Women’s)
(Amazon Link)
Toiletries
This list comes down to your personal preference. However, there are some products that travel better than others. For example, the shave oil is a tiny bottle and replaces shaving cream and aftershave. If you use toothpaste powder it won’t count towards your 3.4oz liquid allowance.
Philips Toothbrush
(Amazon Link)
Toothpaste Powder
(Amazon Link)
Floss Picks
(Amazon Link)
Harry’s Antiperspirant Deodorant
(Amazon Link)
Burt’s Bees SPF Chapstick
(Amazon Link)
Sunscreen Stick
(Amazon Link)
Harry’s Razor
(Amazon Link)
Shave Oil
(Amazon Link)
Technology
I throw all of my tech (besides my drone) in the Cotopaxi accessory bag. It’s big enough to fit whatever you need and has good internal storage compartments. Airtags or something like them are a must-have for travel to keep track of your bags. I use the Anker charger for everything instead of having multiple charger bricks in my bag.
Cotopaxi Tech bag
(Amazon Link)
Gopro Hero 12
(Amazon Link)
DJI Mavic Mini 4 Pro
(Amazon Link)
Anker USBC Charger
(Amazon Link)
Anker USBC cable
(Amazon Link)
Apple Airtags
(Amazon Link)
Anker Power Bank
(Amazon Link)
Driver’s License or Passport
Miscellaneous
You’ll want plenty of water to stay hydrated. If you get caught in the rain, an umbrella will be better than a rain jacket. A small first aid kit is always a good idea. I am an avid snorkeler, so I could not omit a mask, snorkel, and defogger.
Water Bottle
(Amazon Link)
Travel Umbrella
(Amazon Link)
First Aid Kit
(Amazon Link)
Snorkel and Mask Set
(Amazon Link)
Mask Defogger (Baby Shampoo)
(Amazon Link)
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