TripPacker

What to pack forCape Town
in December

75° / 61°F
5 days of rain. Sunset around 7:50pm.
0 of 61 packed
One email. Free, and it stays free.

The essentials

Tick the box when it is in the bag
Sunscreen SPF 50
UV index of 11.3 burns skin in minutes without protection.
UV index of 11.3 burns skin in minutes without protection. Don't have one? Check these out.
Badger SPF 50 Daily Mineral Sunscreen$24.95 at REIProject Reef SPF 50 Sunscreen$26 at REIBlue Lizard Sport Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion$14 at REISun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray$20.50 at REI
Polarized sunglasses
Glare off the ocean and pavement strains eyes at 75°F and bright.
Glare off the ocean and pavement strains eyes at 75°F and bright. Don't have one? Check these out.
Premiums Sport Polarized Sunglasses$38 at Backcountry.comKnockaround Premiums Sport Polarized Sunglasses Orange Rose$25.93 at REIKnockaround Paso Robles Sport Polarized Sunglasses Pink Silver Smoke$38 at REIKnockaround Premiums Sport Polarized Sunglasses Desert$38 at Backcountry.com
DEET or picaridin repellent
Coastal humidity breeds mosquitoes year-round, even in December.
Coastal humidity breeds mosquitoes year-round, even in December. Don't have one? Check these out.
Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion$10.95 at REIAdventure Medical Ben's 30 Deet Tick & Insect Repellent Pump$1.92 at Backcountry.comBen's 30 Deet Tick & Insect Repellent$1.92 at Backcountry.comBen's Spray Pump Insect Repellent - 30 Percent DEET$5.95 at REI
Tick remover
Check ankles and, if there's a dog, paws and ears every night.
Check ankles and, if there's a dog, paws and ears every night. Don't have one? Check these out.
the TICK PATROL Tick Remover Tool$6.50 at REI
Travel first aid kit
Minor cuts and scrapes get infected quickly in warm, damp air.
Minor cuts and scrapes get infected quickly in warm, damp air. Don't have one? Check these out.
Kikkerland Wilderness First-Aid Kit$12.50 at REIHART Outdoor Pocket First-Aid Kit$10.50 at REI
Filter water bottle
Tap water isn't safe here. A filter bottle beats buying plastic twice a day.
Tap water isn't safe here. A filter bottle beats buying plastic twice a day. Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickGrayl GeoPress Water Filter and Purifier Bottle$99.95 at REIGo Series Water Filter 22oz Bottle$44.95 at Backcountry.comLifeStraw Go Series BPA-Free Water Filter Bottle$44.95 at REIGrayl UltraPress Water Filter and Purifier Bottle$89.95 at REI
Plug adapter, Type C, D, G or N
Cape Town uses Type C, D, G or N sockets. An adapter with USB-C ports charges several things from one outlet.
Cape Town uses Type C, D, G or N sockets. An adapter with USB-C ports charges several things from one outlet. Don't have one? Check these out.
Matador Global Travel Adapter$39.95 at REIGlobal Travel Adapter USB 30W$40 at Eagle CreekGlobal Travel Adapter Micro$25 at Eagle CreekEagle Creek Global Travel Adapter 45W$69 at REI
Power bank 10k–20k mAh
Don't have one? Check these out.
Goal Zero Venture 75 Power Bank$120 at REIAnker MagGo Power Bank (10,000 mAh, Slim)$80 at REIBioLite Charge 80 PD Power Bank$99.95 at REIAnker Power Bank (30W, Fusion, Built-In USB-C Cable)$40 at REI
Carry-on backpack (35–45L)
Overhead bins on international flights enforce strict carry-on limits.
Overhead bins on international flights enforce strict carry-on limits. Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickMatador 45L Global Travel PackSee price at MatadorMatador SEG 45See price at MatadorGo Carry-On 44L Backpack$180 at Backcountry.comOsprey Packs Archeon 30L Backpack$132 at Backcountry.com
Daypack (15–25L)
Table Mountain hikes and market days need a bag that fits a water bottle.
Table Mountain hikes and market days need a bag that fits a water bottle. Don't have one? Check these out.
Consuelo 22L Daypack$120 at CotopaxiOsprey Packs Arcane Large 20L Daypack Botanica$65.97 at Backcountry.comIsabella 3.0 20L Daypack - Women's$66.75 at Backcountry.comStio Basin Daypack$75.93 at REI
Carry-on suitcase (hard shell)
Fits the overhead on every airline that matters. Skip the checked-bag line entirely.
Fits the overhead on every airline that matters. Skip the checked-bag line entirely. Don't have one? Check these out.
Coraza Suitcase - Carry On$295 at Cotopaxi
Dry bags
For the passport, the chargers, and the one dry pair of socks.
For the passport, the chargers, and the one dry pair of socks. Don't have one? Check these out.
Tuff Sack 5-55L Dry Bag$79.95 at Backcountry.comOsprey Wildwater Dry Bag 15$33.73 at REIOsprey Packs Wildwater 35L Dry Bag Tunnel Vision$35.75 at Backcountry.comRace Dry Bag - Double Roll$43.99 at Backcountry.com
Lightweight wind jacket
Coastal wind cuts through a t-shirt fast.
Coastal wind cuts through a t-shirt fast. Don't have one? Check these out.
Vuelta Performance Windbreaker Jacket - Women's$65 at CotopaxiHelly Hansen Ridge Infinity Shell Jacket - Men's$293 at Backcountry.comHelly Hansen Odin BC Infinity Shell Jacket - Women's$228 at Backcountry.comRapha Pro Team Lightweight Wind Jacket - Men's$235 at Backcountry.com
Moisture-wicking t-shirts
Heat and humidity at 70% make sweat-soaked fabric cling all day.
Heat and humidity at 70% make sweat-soaked fabric cling all day. Don't have one? Check these out.
Simond Women’s MT500 Merino Wool T-Shirt$35 at Decathlon AmericaSimond Men's Merino Resist Long-Sleeve T-Shirt$45 at Decathlon America
Sun hoodie (UPF long sleeve)
UV hits 11.3 here. Long sleeves beat reapplying sunscreen every hour.
UV hits 11.3 here. Long sleeves beat reapplying sunscreen every hour. Don't have one? Check these out.
Topo Designs Sun Hoodie - Women's$74.25 at Backcountry.comLa Sportiva Cloud Shadow Sun Hoodie - Women's$66.50 at Backcountry.comThe North Face Adventure Sun Hoodie - Women's$48.75 at Backcountry.comRoyal Robbins Salathe Sun Long-Sleeve Hoodie - Men's$120 at Backcountry.com
Wide-brim sun hat
Fourteen hours of daylight means prolonged exposure to intense summer sun.
Fourteen hours of daylight means prolonged exposure to intense summer sun. Don't have one? Check these out.
Pistil Women's Tegan Wide Brim Hat$39.73 at REIBrixton Mitch Packable Sun Hat$48.95 at Backcountry.comCTR Women's Summit Crushable Wide Brim Hat$30.73 at REIOrilla Sun Hat$35 at Cotopaxi
Permethrin-treated clothing spray
Treat the clothes once and it lasts weeks.
Treat the clothes once and it lasts weeks. Don't have one? Check these out.
Sawyer Permethrin Pump Spray$14.50 at REI
Oral rehydration salts
Heat and exertion deplete electrolytes faster than water alone replaces them.
Heat and exertion deplete electrolytes faster than water alone replaces them. Don't have one? Check these out.
SaltStick Electrolyte Salt Capsules - 100 Capsules$27.30 at REISaltStick Fastchews Chewable Electrolyte Tablets Mixed Berry$19.99 at Backcountry.comSaltStick Fastchews Chewable Electrolyte Tablets Perfectly Peach$19.99 at Backcountry.comSaltStick Fastchews Chewable Electrolyte Tablets Coconut Pineapple$19.99 at Backcountry.com
Anti-diarrheal + probiotics
Tap water isn't safe here, and unfamiliar bacteria cause stomach trouble.
Tap water isn't safe here, and unfamiliar bacteria cause stomach trouble.
Multi-port USB-C charger (GaN)
One brick charges the laptop, phone, and camera.
One brick charges the laptop, phone, and camera. Don't have one? Check these out.
Dual Slim Charger$64.95 at Peak DesignAnker Wall Charger (33W, 2-Port) with USB-C to USB-C Cable$25 at REI
VPN
Hotel and cafe wifi is shared with everyone else in the building. A VPN keeps your banking and email to yourself.
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.
NordVPNSee price at NordVPN
RFID travel wallet / money belt
International travel and urban crowds make pickpocketing a real risk.
International travel and urban crowds make pickpocketing a real risk. Don't have one? Check these out.
Undercover RFID Money Belt$35 at Eagle CreekEagle Creek Silk Undercover Money Belt Rose$17.02 at Backcountry.comBison Designs T Lock Money Belt$24 at REIPassport Wallet$94.95 at Peak Design
AirTag / tracker for bags
Airport terminals and hostels lose bags in the chaos.
Airport terminals and hostels lose bags in the chaos.
Packing cubes
Packing light for warm weather still requires organizing separate items.
Packing light for warm weather still requires organizing separate items. Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickMatador Packing Cube SetSee price at MatadorMatador Gear Cube Set$58.99 at Backcountry.com3 Piece Compression Packing Cubes$50 at SamsoniteLarge Expanding Packing Cube$30 at Knack Bags
Waterproof phone pouch
Five rain days and coastal spray soak electronics.
Five rain days and coastal spray soak electronics. Don't have one? Check these out.
Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Phone Pouch$34.95 at REI
Laundry bag / travel detergent
Laundry dries in 14 hours of sun, but you need detergent for tap water.
Laundry dries in 14 hours of sun, but you need detergent for tap water. Don't have one? Check these out.
Matador Laundry BagSee price at MatadorNathan Power Wash Performance Laundry Detergent with Pump$24 at REIKnack Pack Drawstring Cover and Laundry Bag-Large$10 at Knack Bags
Noise-cancelling headphones
Airport noise and long travel days make quiet time essential.
Airport noise and long travel days make quiet time essential. Don't have one? Check these out.
Soundcore by Anker Space One Pro Bluetooth Over-Ear Noise-Canceling Headphones$200 at REIJBL Live 770NC Bluetooth Over-Ear Noise-Cancelling Headphones$220 at REISony 1000X THE COLLEXION Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones WH-1000XX/W$650 at SonyJBL Live 780NC Wireless Noise-Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones$250 at REI

Nice to have

You could skip every one of these
Lip balm with SPF
Wind at 25 km/h dries lips faster than inland air.
Wind at 25 km/h dries lips faster than inland air. Don't have one? Check these out.
Badger SPF 15 Mineral Sunscreen Lip Balm$4.95 at REISun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen Lip Balm$3.95 at REISPF 50 Hydrating Sun Balm$29 at Backcountry.com
Hand sanitizer
Public surfaces in a busy port city harbor pathogens.
Public surfaces in a busy port city harbor pathogens. Don't have one? Check these out.
Noshinku Ultra-Hydrating Pocket Hand Sanitizer Refill$13 at REINoshinku Refillable Ultra-Moisturizing Pocket Sanitizer$9 at REIDr. Bronner's Organic Hand Sanitizer$5.50 at REI
Sunburn-safe insect bite relief
Bites itch and swell in heat, but sunburn relief stings them.
Bites itch and swell in heat, but sunburn relief stings them. Don't have one? Check these out.
heat it pro USB-C Smartphone-Powered Insect Bite Relief$49.95 at REIheat it classic Lightning Smartphone-Powered Insect Bite Relief$29.95 at REIBadger Outdoor Itch Relief Stick$9.95 at REIheat it classic USB-C Smartphone-Powered Insect Bite Relief$29.95 at REI
Short cables (USB-C)
Multiple devices need charging and one outlet per room isn't enough.
Multiple devices need charging and one outlet per room isn't enough. Don't have one? Check these out.
Anker 2-in-1 USB-C to USB-C Cable (4 ft., 140W, Braided)$26 at REIAnker Prime USB-C to USB-C Cable (6 ft., 240W, Upcycled-Braided)$35 at REIUSB-C CableSee price at Peak DesignCable Kit$19.99 at Peak Design
Passport holder
Border control requires your passport in hand constantly.
Border control requires your passport in hand constantly.
Luggage locks (TSA)
Shared luggage storage at hostels means locks keep hands off.
Shared luggage storage at hostels means locks keep hands off. Don't have one? Check these out.
Matador BetaLockSee price at MatadorTSA Cable Lock$17.95 at Backcountry.comPacsafe ProSafe 620 TSA Accepted Luggage Locks$17.95 at REI3 Dial Travel Sentry Combination Lock$13 at Samsonite
Toiletry bag (hanging)
Humidity at 70% makes toiletries leak and mold grow.
Humidity at 70% makes toiletries leak and mold grow. Don't have one? Check these out.
DK5 ModPak Toiletry Bag$49.95 at Backcountry.comToiletry Bag$50 at Backcountry.comHanging Toiletry Bag - Small$49.95 at Backcountry.comPack-It Hanging Toiletry Bag$40 at Eagle Creek
Travel pillow
Long flights to Cape Town need neck support for sleep.
Long flights to Cape Town need neck support for sleep. Don't have one? Check these out.
Blackout Travel Pillow$39.99 at Backcountry.comZempire Chill Pill DLX Memory Foam Camp Pillow$40 at REIEagle Creek Exhale Neck Pillow Sea$29 at Backcountry.comSea To Summit Foam Core Pillow Starfish, Large$34.95 at Backcountry.com

The basics

You own most of these. We are just making sure they make it in.
Toiletries kit
Travel-size toothpaste + brush
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickMatador Toothbrush Caps 2-PackSee price at MatadorMatador Refillable Toothpaste TubesSee price at MatadorPeppermint Toothpaste Tablets in Tin$12.99 at Backcountry.comDr. Bronner's Travel Toothpaste - 1 oz. Peppermint$2.95 at REI
Deodorant
Don't have one? Check these out.
HiBAR Natural Deodorant Unscented$13.95 at REIBusy Co Clarifying Deodorant Wipes$6.95 at REI
Medications + prescriptions
Chargers (phone)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Dual Slim Charger$64.95 at Peak DesignAnker MagGo Wireless Charging Station (3-in-1, Foldable Pad) with Charger and USB-C Cable$100 at REIAnker Wall Charger (33W, 2-Port) with USB-C to USB-C Cable$25 at REI
Underwear
Don't have one? Check these out.
Everyday Merino Thong Underwear - Women's$34 at Backcountry.comEveryday Merino Bikini Underwear - Women's$34 at Backcountry.comREI Co-op Women's Merino Bikini Underwear$27.95 at REIREI Co-op Women's Merino Hipster Underwear$29.95 at REI
Socks
Don't have one? Check these out.
Injinji Ultra Run No-Show Wool Socks$21 at REIBalega Women's Enduro No-Show Socks$13.73 at REIWoolrich Merino Solid Ragg Socks$14.73 at REIBalega Hidden Dry No-Show Socks$13.73 at REI
Sleepwear
Reusable shopping bag
Don't have one? Check these out.
Packable Tote Bag$49 at Eagle CreekPackable Tote Bag - Geo$24.95 at rumplChrome Grocery Tote Messenger Bag Matte$125 at Backcountry.comGrocery Tote Messenger Bag$125 at Backcountry.com
Pen (customs forms)
Copy of passport
Small lock
Don't have one? Check these out.
Pacsafe ProSafe 1000 TSA Combination Luggage Lock$17.95 at REI3 Dial Travel Sentry Combination Lock$13 at Samsonite
Earbuds
Don't have one? Check these out.
Soundcore by Anker Liberty 5 Active Noise-Canceling Wireless Earbuds$130 at REIShokz OpenDots ONE Open-Ear True Wireless Earbuds$170 at REIJBL Vibe Beam 2 Bluetooth In-Ear True Wireless Noise-Canceling Earbuds$64.95 at REIJBL Tune Flex 2 Bluetooth In-Ear True Wireless Noise-Canceling Earbuds$110 at REI
Sunglasses case
Don't have one? Check these out.
Croakies Sunglasses Case with Carabiner$9.95 at REIChums Transporter Sunglasses Case$10 at REI
Nail clippers
Don't have one? Check these out.
So iLL Nail Clippers$8 at REI
Sewing kit / safety pins
Don't have one? Check these out.
Speedy Stitcher Sewing Awl with Extra Thread$33.50 at REIExpedition Sewing Awl$35 at Backcountry.com

Take this list with you

It keeps your ticks. Open it again when you are standing over the suitcase.
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