What to pack forAfghanistan
in April
68° / 41°F
9 days of rain this month. Sunset around 6:20pm.Typical April, from ten years of weather
9 days
of rain this month
6:20pm
sunset
Type C/F/G
plugs
0 of 72 packed
Before you go
None of these fit in a bag. Sort them first and the packing gets easy.
Apply for your Tourist visa
Afghanistan requires a Tourist visa before arrival. It is an online application and cannot be sorted at the border.
Passport valid past your dates
Afghanistan wants 6 months left on a passport past April. Check the expiry date now.
Travel insurance
Most home health plans stop at the border. A quote takes two minutes.
eSIM
An eSIM works the moment the phone is switched on in Afghanistan, with no SIM counter to find.
Copies of your documents
Photograph your passport, cards, and insurance. Email them to yourself. Ten seconds now saves a very bad afternoon.
Download offline maps
Download the offline map before you lose signal.
Antimalarial prescription
Talk to a travel clinic before you go. Not a product, a reminder.
Some cash in local currency
Cards fail more often than you'd think. Carry AFN for markets and taxis.
Vaccinations / travel clinic
CDC lists Hepatitis A, Typhoid for Afghanistan. Talk to a travel clinic 4 to 6 weeks out.
The essentials
Tick the box when it is in the bag
What to wear
Insulated puffy (down or synthetic)
Lows around 41°F. Goes under the shell when the wind picks up.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickSimond Men's Xplore Hooded Down Jacket$119 at DecathlonShop at Decathlon
Hybrid WINDSTOPPER Lightweight Puffy Jacket - Men's$196 was $280 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Insulated Puffy Parka Jacket - Women's$152 was $379 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Fuego Down Jacket - Men's$108 was $270 at CotopaxiShop at CotopaxiMerino base layer top
Wear one, dry one. Cotton stays wet all week here.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Arc'teryx Women's Satoro Merino Wool Crew Neck Long-Sleeve Base Layer Top$95.73 was $120 at REIShop at REI
REI Co-op Women's Merino 185 Long-Sleeve Crew Base Layer Top$84.95 at REIShop at REI
Wedze Women's BL900 Merino Wool Ski Base Layer Top$60 was $99.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Terramar Men's 3.0 Merino Bi-Layer Long-Sleeve Crew Base Layer Top$29.73 was $45 at REIShop at REIWarm hat (beanie)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Smartwool Cable Knit Colorblock Pom Beanie$29.73 was $40 at REIShop at REI
Chaos Indiana Wool Beanie$29.73 was $39.99 at REIShop at REI
Lightweight Merino Wool Beanie$32 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Simond Adult MT500 Merino Wool Beanie$17 was $24.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon AmericaWaterproof insulated gloves
Don't have one? Check these out.
GOREWEAR GORE-TEX Insulated Gloves$68.73 was $100 at REIShop at REI
The North Face Montana Ski Glove - Men's$45.50 was $65 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Boulder Gear Board Insulated Gloves$41.73 was $55 at REIShop at REI
Sealskinz Tivetshall Waterproof Insulated Gauntlet Gloves$54.73 was $100 at REIShop at REIModest cover layer
For temples, mosques, and churches that check at the door.
Moisture-wicking t-shirts
Don't have one? Check these out.
SIMOND Women's Travel 500 Merino Wool T-Shirt$49.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Fino Tech Tee - Men's$27.50 was $55 at CotopaxiShop at Cotopaxi
Kiprun Men's Run 500 Dry Running T-shirt$20 was $24.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Fino Tech Tee - Women's$27.50 was $55 at CotopaxiShop at CotopaxiNeck gaiter / buff
Don't have one? Check these out.
REI Co-op Merino Wool Neck Gaiter$26.95 at REIShop at REI
Turtle Fur Micro Fur Fleece Totally Tubular Neck Gaiter$29.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Simond Trek 500 Merino Wool Multi-Position Hiking Neck Gaiter$17 was $24.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Buff x National Parks Coolnet UV Neck Gaiter Great Smoky$24.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comREI members usually get 10% back on full-price gear. Membership is $30, once. How it works
Sun hoodie (UPF long sleeve)
UV hits 10.3 here. Long sleeves beat reapplying sunscreen every hour.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Topo Designs Sun Hoodie - Women's$74.25 was $99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
The North Face Adventure Sun Hoodie - Women's$48.75 was $65 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Sombra Sun Hoodie - Men's$35 was $70 at CotopaxiShop at Cotopaxi
Sombra Sun Hoodie - Women's$52.50 was $75 at CotopaxiShop at CotopaxiShoes
Insulated winter boots
Don't have one? Check these out.
Forsake Rosie Winter Boot - Women's$69.98 was $140 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Helly Hansen Women's Beloved 2.0 Insulated Winter Boots$67.73 was $150 at REIShop at REI
Quechua Men's NH500 Warm Waterproof Snow Boots$75 was $109 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
The North Face Women's Shellista IV Luxe Waterproof Snow Boots$95.73 was $179 at REIShop at REIHealth
Polarized sunglasses
Don't have one? Check these out.
Smith Cheetah Polarized Sunglasses - Women's$93 was $155 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Ray-Ban Wayfarer Oval Polarized Sunglasses - Women's$171 was $244 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Costa Caleta Net 580G Polarized Sunglasses - Women's$174 was $248 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Knockaround Junipers Polarized Sunglasses - Women's$17.50 was $35 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comSunscreen SPF 50
Don't have one? Check these out.
Tick remover
Check ankles and, if there's a dog, paws and ears every night.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Anti-diarrheal + probiotics
Don't have one? Check these out.
Oral rehydration salts
Don't have one? Check these out.
Tailwind Nutrition Recovery Drink Mix - 1 Serving Salted Caramel$3.25 at REIShop at REI
SaltStick Fastchews Chewable Electrolyte Tablets Seedless Watermelon$19.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
SaltStick Fastchews Chewable Electrolyte Tablets Coconut Pineapple$19.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Unsweetened Hydration Sport Drink Mix$33 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comPermethrin-treated clothing spray
Treat the clothes once and it lasts weeks.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Wide-brim sun hat
Don't have one? Check these out.
Tech and power
Plug adapter, Type C, F or G
Afghanistan uses Type C, F or G sockets. An adapter with USB-C ports charges several things from one outlet.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickGlobal Travel AdapterSee price at Matador15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Matador Global Travel Adapter Forget-Me-Not$38.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Global Travel Adapter USB 30W$40 at Eagle Creek15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle Creek
Global Travel Adapter Micro$25 at Eagle Creek15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle Creek
Multi-port USB-C charger (GaN)
One brick charges the laptop, phone, and camera.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Dual Slim Charger$64.95 at Peak DesignShop at Peak Design
Peak Design 65W Dual Slim Charger$64.95 at REIShop at REI
Charger Evo Lock-On Grips$27.19 was $33.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Lizard Skins Charger Evo Lock-On Grips Electric$24.58 was $33.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comNoise-cancelling headphones
Don't have one? Check these out.
Sony WH-1000XM4C Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones Black (M4 2nd Gen)$300 at SonyShop at Sony
Skullcandy Icon ANC Headphones$74.93 was $99.95 at REIShop at REI
Skullcandy Sesh ANC Active Headphones$70.93 was $95 at REIShop at REI
JBL Live 770NC Bluetooth Over-Ear Noise-Cancelling Headphones$220 at REIShop at REIVPN
Hotel and cafe wifi is shared with everyone else in the building. A VPN keeps your banking and email to yourself.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Documents and money
AirTag / tracker for bags
Don't have one? Check these out.
RFID travel wallet / money belt
Don't have one? Check these out.
Soho Wallet - Women's$12.50 was $25 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Silk Undercover Money Belt$17.02 was $30.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Everyday Billfold Wallet$69.95 at Peak DesignShop at Peak Design
Undercover RFID Money Belt$35 at Eagle Creek15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle CreekBags and organization
Carry-on backpack (35–45L)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickMatador 45L Global Travel PackSee price at Matador15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Matador GloberiderSee price at Matador15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Pacsafe Go Carry-On 44L Backpack Jet$180 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Osprey Packs Archeon 30L Backpack$132 was $265 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comCarry-on suitcase (hard shell)
Fits the overhead on every airline that matters. Skip the checked-bag line entirely.
Daypack (15–25L)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Checked luggage / rolling duffel
Don't have one? Check these out.
Osprey Daylite Wheeled Duffel 85$221 was $295 at REIShop at REI
Big Agnes Stagecoach Duffel 45 L Rolling Wheeled Luggage$300 at REIShop at REI
Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler XT 90L Wheeled Duffel Bag Midnight$349 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
No Matter What 90L Duffel Bag (Discontinued)$96.75 was $129 at Eagle Creek15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle CreekBuy it used: REI Re/Supply sells gear like this for less. See used gear
Laundry bag / travel detergent
Don't have one? Check these out.
Packing cubes
Don't have one? Check these out.
Comfort and sleep
Packable blanket
Lows around 41°F. One blanket that packs small covers the car, the campsite and the beach at sunset.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickOriginal Puffy Blanket - Seascape$99.95 at rumplShop at rumpl
Rumpl Original Puffy Solid 2-Person Blanket Seascape$200 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comOriginal Puffy Solid 2-Person Blanket$200 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
National Park Original Puffy 1-Person Blanket$99.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comOutdoor and activity gear
Filter water bottle
Tap water isn't safe here. A filter bottle beats buying plastic twice a day.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Trekking poles
Don't have one? Check these out.
Leki Skysolo FX One Carbon Trekking Poles - Pair White 125 Cm$150 was $200 at REIShop at REI
Leki Sherpa FX One Carbon Trekking Poles - Pair Black 135 Cm$165 was $220 at REIShop at REI
Komperdell Carbon FXP Team Trekking Poles - Pair Pink 135 Cm$148 was $270 at REIShop at REI
Black Diamond Distance Carbon Trekking Poles Ultra Blue, 100 cm$117 was $180 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comNice to have
You could skip every one of these
Shoes
Gaiters
Don't have one? Check these out.
Kahtoola RENAgaiter Low Gaiters Black L/XL$54.95 at REIShop at REI
Ferrosi Trail Gaiters$59.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain Low Gaiters II Pewter$38.50 was $55 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Trail High Gaiters$44.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comToiletries
Toiletry bag (hanging)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Health
Lip balm with SPF
Don't have one? Check these out.
Motion sickness tablets / bands
Don't have one? Check these out.
Tech and power
Language app
A few phrases go a long way. Ten minutes a day before you leave is plenty.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Short cables (USB-C)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Documents and money
Luggage locks (TSA)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Passport holder
Don't have one? Check these out.
Bags and organization
Compression sacks
Don't have one? Check these out.
Compression Stuff Sack$37.46 was $49.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Sea To Summit Ultra-Sil 8L Compression Sack Atoll$39.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
REI Co-op Lightweight Compression Stuff Sack$23.95 at REIShop at REI
Pack-It Compression Sack Set$25 at Eagle Creek15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle CreekComfort and sleep
Travel pillow
The basics
You own most of these. We are just making sure they make it in.
What to wear
Everyday pants
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickWild Rye Emmett Overalls$123 at Wild RyeShop at Wild Rye
Quechua Men's NH100 Hiking Pants$20 was $29.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Patagonia Outdoor Everyday Pant - Men's$75 was $125 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Ambato Everyday Pant - Men's$57 was $95 at CotopaxiShop at CotopaxiToiletries
Nail clippers
Don't have one? Check these out.
Toiletries kit
Don't have one? Check these out.
Pelican DK5 ModPak Toiletry Bag$49.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Osprey Packs Toiletry Kit Daylite Hanging Night Shift$29.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Toiletry Kit Daylite Hanging$29.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Pack-It Hanging Toiletry Bag$40 at Eagle Creek15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle CreekTravel-size toothpaste + brush
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickMatador Toothbrush Caps 2-PackSee price at Matador15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Matador Refillable Toothpaste TubesSee price at Matador15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Huppy Peppermint Toothpaste Tablets in Tin$12.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Dr. Bronner's Travel Toothpaste - 1 oz. Peppermint$2.95 at REIShop at REIExtras
Chargers (phone)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Copy of passport
Earbuds
Don't have one? Check these out.
Shokz OpenDots ONE Open-Ear True Wireless Earbuds$170 at REIShop at REI
Soundcore by Anker Liberty 5 Active Noise-Canceling Wireless Earbuds$130 at REIShop at REI
JBL Tune Flex 2 Bluetooth In-Ear True Wireless Noise-Canceling Earbuds$110 at REIShop at REI
Shokz OpenFit Air Open-Ear Wireless Earbuds$120 at REIShop at REIMedications + prescriptions
Pen (customs forms)
Reusable shopping bag
Don't have one? Check these out.
Chrome Grocery Tote Messenger Bag Matte$125 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Grocery Tote Messenger Bag$125 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Boat And Tote Large Open-Top Tote Bag$49.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Packable Tote Bag$49 at Eagle Creek15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle CreekSewing kit / safety pins
Sleepwear
Don't have one? Check these out.
Pendleton Pajama Set - Women's$74.63 was $99.50 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Scotch Plaid Flannel Pajamas - Men's$89.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Classic Lounge Shirt - Women's$22.73 was $64.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Sundays Lounge Shirt - Men's$27.98 was $69.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comSmall lock
Don't have one? Check these out.
Socks
Don't have one? Check these out.
Underwear
Don't have one? Check these out.
Everyday Merino Bikini Underwear - Women's$34 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Everyday Merino Thong Underwear - Women's$34 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Simond Trek 500 Merino Wool Backpacking Underwear Women's$29.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
REI Co-op Women's Merino Bikini Underwear$27.95 at REIShop at REITake this list with you
Open it again when you are standing over the suitcase.