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I have done several backpacking trips so far but packing is and always will be quite a challenge. At least for me it is. But luckily I can always stick to my packing list as I have only traveled warm countries where the stuff that I will be needing is typically the same.
However, what you will have to pack will mostly depend on the country you will be going to and what activities you are planning on doing. Swimming, hiking, skiing?
To give you an idea of what you could pack for your upcoming trip to Central America, here is my Central America packing list for Panama and Costa Rica. Enjoy!
CLOTHES
5x Socks
2x Bra
10x Underwear
2x Bikinis
3x Shorts
1x Skirt
Rain jacket
1x Leggings
1x Long Sport pants
1x Long sleeve shirt
1x Fleece Jacket
5-6 Tops
1x T-shirt + Shorts for sleeping
1x Flip Flops
Hiking Boots
BAGS
Big backpack (I can’t find the one I use anymore but I have been really happy with my Deuter backpack that I have had for six years already)
Day pack
Going out bag
Dry pack
TOILETRIES
Toothpaste + Toothbrush
Hairbrush
Shampoo and Conditioner
Shower gel
Face wash
Face lotion
Sun creme
Deodorant
Razor
Make up
Face wipes
Insect repellent
Tampons
Tweezers
Hair bands
2x Micro fiber towel (small + normal sized)
1x Beach towel
MEDICAL KIT
Aspirin
Bandages
Birth control
Lotion for bug bites
Sea sickness tablets
Antidiarrhea/ food poisoning pills
Spray for stuffed nose
Pain killers
DOCUMENTS
Passport
Flight tickets
Travel Insurance
ID
Drivers license
International drivers license
Copies of passport
Student ID
Dive Logbook
Scuba diving certificates
Visa
Document with vaccinations
Money
Credit card
ELECRONICS
Camera + Charger
Phone + Charger + LiveProof case
Laptop + Charger
Headphones
Fitness watch
GoPro accessories
Extra GoPro batteries
Adapters
SD cards
HAND LUGGAGE
Sunglasses
Travel Journal
Pen
Travel Pillow (Must have for long flights and bus rides)
Locks
Tissues
Valuable holder
Dictionary +Book
Now I hope this list is helpful for you if you are planning a backpacking trip. It doesn’t have to be Central America. This is about the packing list that I use for most of my trips that are longer than 3 weeks.
For Central America, however, I added the hiking boots and took out a normal pair of sneakers. I usually also do not travel with my laptop, but thought it would be a good idea to take it not just for the blog but also because I have to take care of some university stuff while traveling. Hope you found this Central America packing list at least a little helpful.
Did I forget anything that you would add in your packing list?
Becky x