TripPacker

What to pack forCape Town
in June

64° / 52°F
12 days of rain. Sunset around 5:40pm.
0 of 55 packed
One email. Free, and it stays free.

The essentials

Tick the box when it is in the bag
Polarized sunglasses
Water reflects glare off the Atlantic and Table Bay for most of the day.
Water reflects glare off the Atlantic and Table Bay for most of the day. Don't have one? Check these out.
Knockaround Premiums Sport Polarized Sunglasses Desert$38 at Backcountry.comKnockaround Premiums Sport Polarized Sunglasses Orange Rose$25.93 at REIKnockaround Fast Lanes Sport Polarized Sunglasses Desert$38 at Backcountry.comPremiums Sport Polarized Sunglasses$38 at Backcountry.com
DEET or picaridin repellent
Mosquitoes breed in coastal marshes near the city during the warm months.
Mosquitoes breed in coastal marshes near the city during the warm months. Don't have one? Check these out.
Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion$10.95 at REIBen's 30 Deet Tick & Insect Repellent$1.92 at Backcountry.comAdventure Medical Ben's 30 Deet Tick & Insect Repellent Pump$1.92 at Backcountry.comBen's Insect Repellent Wipes - 30 Percent DEET$7.95 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
Cuts and scrapes get infected fast in 79% humidity without proper care.
Cuts and scrapes get infected fast in 79% humidity without proper care. Don't have one? Check these out.
HART Outdoor Pocket First-Aid Kit$10.50 at REIKikkerland Wilderness First-Aid Kit$12.50 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 Backcountry.comEagle Creek Global Travel Adapter 45W$69 at REI
Power bank 10k–20k mAh
Nine hours of daylight means phone batteries drain fast on long outings.
Nine hours of daylight means phone batteries drain fast on long outings. Don't have one? Check these out.
Goal Zero Venture 75 Power Bank$120 at REIBioLite Charge 80 PD Power Bank$99.95 at REIAnker MagGo Power Bank (10,000 mAh, Slim)$80 at REIAnker Zolo Power Bank (20,000 mAh, 22.5W, Built-In USB-C Cable)$40 at REI
Headlamp
Dark by 5:40pm. Every campsite chore after that is a two-hands job.
Dark by 5:40pm. Every campsite chore after that is a two-hands job. Don't have one? Check these out.
Fenix HM50R V2.0 Rechargeable Headlamp$59.95 at REIDash 450 Rechargeable HeadLamp$69.95 at Backcountry.comStorm 450 Headlamp$38.47 at Backcountry.comBlack Diamond Astro 300-R Rechargeable Headlamp$44.95 at REI
Carry-on backpack (35–45L)
Overhead bins fill fast on regional flights between South African cities.
Overhead bins fill fast on regional flights between South African cities. Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickMatador 45L Global Travel PackSee price at MatadorMatador SEG 45See price at MatadorPacsafe Go Carry-On 44L Backpack Jet$180 at Backcountry.comOsprey Packs Archeon 30L Backpack$132 at Backcountry.com
Daypack (15–25L)
Table Mountain hikes and city walks last six hours with no resupply.
Table Mountain hikes and city walks last six hours with no resupply. Don't have one? Check these out.
Consuelo 22L Daypack$120 at CotopaxiOsprey Packs Arcane Large 20L Daypack Stargazer$49.50 at Backcountry.comOsprey Packs Arcane Large 20L Daypack Botanica$65.97 at Backcountry.comElqui 24L Daypack$70 at Cotopaxi
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 Packs Wildwater 35L Dry Bag Tunnel Vision$35.75 at Backcountry.comOsprey Wildwater Dry Bag 15$33.73 at REIRace Dry Bag - Double Roll$43.99 at Backcountry.com
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
Tap water isn't safe, and dehydration sneaks up on visitors walking all day.
Tap water isn't safe, and dehydration sneaks up on visitors walking all day. Don't have one? Check these out.
SaltStick Electrolyte Salt Capsules - 100 Capsules$27.30 at REISaltStick Fastchews Chewable Electrolyte Tablets Seedless Watermelon$19.99 at Backcountry.comSaltStick Fastchews Chewable Electrolyte Tablets Coconut Pineapple$19.99 at Backcountry.comSaltStick Fastchews Chewable Electrolyte Tablets Mixed Berry$19.99 at Backcountry.com
Anti-diarrheal + probiotics
Unfamiliar bacteria in the water supply causes stomach trouble within days of arrival.
Unfamiliar bacteria in the water supply causes stomach trouble within days of arrival.
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
Petty theft targets tourists in crowded markets and on public transport.
Petty theft targets tourists in crowded markets and on public transport. Don't have one? Check these out.
Undercover RFID Money Belt$35 at Eagle CreekSilk Undercover Money Belt$17.02 at Backcountry.comBison Designs T Lock Money Belt$24 at REIPassport Wallet$94.95 at Peak Design
AirTag / tracker for bags
Luggage moves through three airports and a ferry to reach the peninsula.
Luggage moves through three airports and a ferry to reach the peninsula.
Packing cubes
Humid air swells fabric, so organized packing saves space in tight rooms.
Humid air swells fabric, so organized packing saves space in tight rooms. 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
Laundry bag / travel detergent
Laundry dries slowly in 79% humidity, so frequent washing beats packing more.
Laundry dries slowly in 79% humidity, so frequent washing beats packing more. 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
Long flights and crowded hostels mean quiet time disappears without headphones.
Long flights and crowded hostels mean quiet time disappears without headphones. Don't have one? Check these out.
JBL Live 770NC Bluetooth Over-Ear Noise-Cancelling Headphones$220 at REISoundcore by Anker Space One Pro Bluetooth Over-Ear Noise-Canceling Headphones$200 at REISony WH-1000XM6 Best Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones WH-1000XM6/G$460 at SonySony WH-1000XM6 Best Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones Sandstone WH-1000XM6/T$460 at Sony

Nice to have

You could skip every one of these
Hand sanitizer
One outlet at the guesthouse means hands stay dirty between washings.
One outlet at the guesthouse means hands stay dirty between washings. 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
Insect bites swell badly here, but sunscreen blocks most topical treatments.
Insect bites swell badly here, but sunscreen blocks most topical treatments. Don't have one? Check these out.
heat it pro USB-C Smartphone-Powered Insect Bite Relief$49.95 at REIheat it classic USB-C Smartphone-Powered Insect Bite Relief$29.95 at REIBadger Outdoor Itch Relief Stick$9.95 at REIheat it classic Lightning Smartphone-Powered Insect Bite Relief$29.95 at REI
Short cables (USB-C)
One outlet forces you to charge multiple devices in sequence, not parallel.
One outlet forces you to charge multiple devices in sequence, not parallel. Don't have one? Check these out.
USB-C CableSee price at Peak DesignAnker 2-in-1 USB-C to USB-C Cable (4 ft., 140W, Braided)$26 at REIUSB-C to C Cable, Paracord wrapped, 3 ft PD enabled$27.99 at Backcountry.comCable Kit$19.99 at Peak Design
Passport holder
Salt spray corrodes documents stored loose in bags near the coast.
Salt spray corrodes documents stored loose in bags near the coast.
Luggage locks (TSA)
Shared hostels and guesthouses mean bags sit unattended in common areas.
Shared hostels and guesthouses mean bags sit unattended in common areas. Don't have one? Check these out.
Matador BetaLockSee price at MatadorTSA Cable Lock$15.95 at Backcountry.comTravel Safe 4-Dial TSA Cable Lock$15 at Eagle CreekPacsafe ProSafe 620 TSA Accepted Luggage Locks$17.95 at REI
Toiletry bag (hanging)
Hanging storage keeps toiletries dry and visible in steamy bathroom corners.
Hanging storage keeps toiletries dry and visible in steamy bathroom corners. 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
Overnight flights from Europe arrive at dawn, and rest comes before exploring.
Overnight flights from Europe arrive at dawn, and rest comes before exploring. Don't have one? Check these out.
Blackout Travel Pillow$39.99 at Backcountry.comZempire Chill Pill DLX Memory Foam Camp Pillow$40 at REIFoam Core Pillow$34.95 at Backcountry.comEagle Creek Exhale Neck Pillow Sea$29 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.
Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station (3-in-1, Foldable Pad) with Charger and USB-C Cable$100 at REIDual Slim Charger$64.95 at Peak DesignAnker 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.comSmartwool Women's Merino Bikini Underwear - Boxed$35 at REIREI 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 REIWoolrich Merino Solid Ragg Socks$14.73 at REIBalega Hidden Dry No-Show Socks$13.73 at REIBalega Hidden Contour No-Show Socks$14.73 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 rumplGrocery Tote Messenger Bag$125 at Backcountry.comChrome Grocery Tote Messenger Bag Matte$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.
Shokz OpenDots ONE Open-Ear True Wireless Earbuds$170 at REISoundcore by Anker Liberty 5 Active Noise-Canceling Wireless Earbuds$130 at REIJBL Vibe Beam 2 Bluetooth In-Ear True Wireless Noise-Canceling Earbuds$64.95 at REIShokz OpenFit Air Open-Ear Wireless Earbuds$120 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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