Discounts

Your Backpacking Checklist

 

The interactive packing list of the backpacking community is based on gathering lists from dozens of backpackers and comparing them. Not all items on the list are mandatory, and you should add items according to the nature of your trip. However, we have made every effort to provide a comprehensive and accurate list. For a detailed explanation of an item, click on the “+”. As with any community, the list is open to additions and updates, so feel free to reach out to us!

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Your Backpacking Checklist

Clothing:

The most important aspect of hiking boots is comfort. Visit outdoor stores and consult with the sellers. Besides comfort, remember to prioritize three principles – waterproof hiking boots, relatively lightweight, and for those planning treks – make sure the boots cover the ankle to prevent injuries and sprains.

  • Sandals
  • Socks – everyday, hiking, thermal
  • Underwear
  • Pants – two pairs of hiking pants, preferably convertible
  • Shorts
  • Swimsuit
  • Sunglasses
  • Warm thermal shirt
  • Everyday short-sleeved shirts
  • Long-sleeved microfleece shirt
  • Softshell jacket
  • Rain jacket
  • Foldable jacket
  • Hat
  • Warm gear – gloves, neck warmer, wool hat
  • Money belt (recommended: zippered belt)

Health:

  • Band-aids, iodine, gauze pads
  • General antibiotics – as per doctor’s recommendation
  • Insect repellent
  • Condoms
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Altitude sickness pills – for treks and climbs
  • Fever and pain relievers – Optalgin, Acamol
  • Eye and ear drops
  • Lip balm
  • Anti-diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting pills
  • Sunscreen

As a rule of thumb, malaria is prevalent across the continent, requiring preventive medication for most of the trip. Click for more details on malaria on the Safety and Health page.

Personal Hygiene:

It’s hard to find a variety and selection of familiar brands, especially in East African countries. Pads – generally available everywhere, but not always in variety. Tampons – very hard to find in East Africa; they are available in the south but not everywhere. Panty liners – very hard to find. If a specific type or brand is important, it’s advisable to stock up before the trip, especially for the duration planned in East Africa. In Ethiopia, the situation is even more complicated, and hygiene products are hard to find.

  • Razors/wax (or grow a beard)
  • Hairbrush, small mirror
  • For the bath – shampoo, conditioner, face cream, etc.
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Deodorant
  • Nail clippers
  • Wipes and toilet paper

Paperwork:

  • Vaccination booklet
  • International driver’s license
  • Passport
  • Insurance details
  • Copies of all the above documents stored separately

Basic Equipment:

A comfortable large backpack is one of the most important investments. Visit a professional store to consult on the ideal size, and above all – don’t compromise on comfort for your back’s sake. The rain cover is very useful not only for rain but also during public transport journeys to keep the backpack clean, undamaged, and to deter potential thieves. (No real need to lock the bags.)

Usually, you won’t carry the large backpack everywhere. Leave it at the hostel or in luggage storage and take the daypack for daily trips or city tours. During most treks, assuming you hire porters for the large backpack, the daypack will be on your back. Typically, valuable items like the camera, personal documents, water, and basic travel gear are carried in the daypack.

We recommend carrying your own sleeping bag. Although you can rent one for some treks, nothing beats a comfortable, familiar sleeping bag that you know is in good condition (rented sleeping bags may have issues like faulty zippers). Plus, there are places to stay (hostels, etc.) where you’ll appreciate having your own sleeping bag.

Similar to the sleeping bag recommendation, bringing your own tent can be beneficial. While renting is an option, having your own ensures it’s in good condition and familiar to you.

  • Locks for bags
  • Wallet
  • Foldable sleeping pad
  • Lighter or matches
  • Headlamp
  • Towel – compact/quick-dry

Electronics:

  • Phone, charger
  • Universal power adapter
  • iPod/music player and charger + headphones
  • Power strip – useful in hostels
  • Portable/solar charger
  • USB flash drive/external drive for photo backups
  • Cables – for connecting the camera to the computer, charging cables, etc.

Often asked for camera recommendations, we suggest checking out “Super Zoom” cameras if you’re not a professional photographer. They offer a good range of zoom without the need for multiple lenses. Lightweight and affordable, these cameras are excellent for capturing wildlife and landscapes on the continent.

Although not mandatory, we recommend a satellite phone for emergencies. Situations like political instability, natural disasters, or accidents may render other communication methods ineffective.

Cooking

  • Reusable eating utensils
  • Spice kit – spices can be bought locally

Generally, a gas stove or stove is not necessary for traveling in Africa. Hostels often have kitchens, and during treks, guides or cooks may handle cooking. However, for those who enjoy independent cooking or making coffee in the wild, it can be useful.

Fixes and miscellaneous

  • Sewing kit
  • Multi-tool (Leatherman)
  • Zip ties
  • Duct tape
  • Rope/strong string
  • Clothespins (optional)

For Fun

  • Notebook or journal
  • Writing tools
  • Portable speaker
  • Books
  • Deck of cards
  • Guitar

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