TripPacker

What to pack forCape Town
in March

75° / 61°F
5 days of rain. Sunset around 7:00pm.
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 8.6 burns exposed skin in under 15 minutes.
UV index of 8.6 burns exposed skin in under 15 minutes. Don't have one? Check these out.
Project Reef SPF 50 Sunscreen$26 at REIBadger SPF 50 Daily Mineral Sunscreen$24.95 at REIThinksport Clear Zinc Active Face SPF 50 Sunscreen$15.95 at REIBlue Lizard Sport Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion$14 at REI
Polarized sunglasses
Glare off the ocean and pavement reflects intense midday light.
Glare off the ocean and pavement reflects intense midday light. Don't have one? Check these out.
Knockaround Fast Lanes Sport Polarized Sunglasses Matte Black/Smoke$38 at Backcountry.comKnockaround Premiums Sport Polarized Sunglasses Orange Rose$25.93 at REIFast Lanes Sport Polarized Sunglasses$38 at Backcountry.comPremiums Sport Polarized Sunglasses$38 at Backcountry.com
DEET or picaridin repellent
Insects thrive in warm, humid conditions near water.
Insects thrive in warm, humid conditions near water. 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 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
Five rain days and coastal terrain bring minor scrapes and cuts.
Five rain days and coastal terrain bring minor scrapes and cuts. 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 REILifeStraw Go Series BPA-Free Water Filter Bottle$44.95 at REIGo Series Water Filter 22oz Bottle$44.95 at Backcountry.comGrayl 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
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 Power Bank (30W, Fusion, Built-In USB-C Cable)$40 at REI
Carry-on backpack (35–45L)
Overhead bins fill fast on flights to popular destinations.
Overhead bins fill fast on flights to popular destinations. Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickMatador 45L Global Travel PackSee price at MatadorMatador GloberiderSee price at MatadorGo Carry-On 44L Backpack$180 at Backcountry.comOsprey Packs Archeon 30L Backpack$132 at Backcountry.com
Daypack (15–25L)
Day trips to the national park need a separate bag.
Day trips to the national park need a separate bag. Don't have one? Check these out.
Consuelo 22L Daypack$120 at CotopaxiStio Basin Daypack$75.93 at REIOsprey Packs Arcane Large 20L Daypack Botanica$65.97 at Backcountry.comOsprey Packs Arcane Large 20L Daypack Stargazer$49.50 at Backcountry.com
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
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
Humidity at 75% keeps sweat on skin through the afternoon.
Humidity at 75% keeps sweat on skin through the afternoon. 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 8.6 here. Long sleeves beat reapplying sunscreen every hour.
UV hits 8.6 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
Twelve hours of daylight means long hours without shade.
Twelve hours of daylight means long hours without shade. 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.comOrilla Sun Hat$35 at CotopaxiForclaz MT500 UPF 50+ Hiking Hat$20 at Decathlon America
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 humidity dehydrate faster than cooler climates.
Heat and humidity dehydrate faster than cooler climates. Don't have one? Check these out.
SaltStick Electrolyte Salt Capsules - 100 Capsules$27.30 at REISaltStick Fastchews Chewable Electrolyte Tablets Green Apple$19.99 at Backcountry.comSaltStick Fastchews Chewable Electrolyte Tablets Mixed Berry$19.99 at Backcountry.comSaltStick Fastchews Chewable Electrolyte Tablets Coconut Pineapple$19.99 at Backcountry.com
Anti-diarrheal + probiotics
Tap water isn't safe, so stomach upset is common.
Tap water isn't safe, so stomach upset is common.
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 raise theft risk.
International travel and urban crowds raise theft risk. Don't have one? Check these out.
Undercover RFID Money Belt$35 at Backcountry.comEagle 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 transfers and city transport make bags easy to misplace.
Airport transfers and city transport make bags easy to misplace.
Packing cubes
Packing cubes compress clothes in humid conditions.
Packing cubes compress clothes in humid conditions. 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 SamsoniteThule Compression Packing Cube Gentle$23.95 at Backcountry.com
Waterproof phone pouch
Coastal spray and rain days soak phones and electronics.
Coastal spray and rain days soak phones and electronics. Don't have one? Check these out.
Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Phone Pouch$34.95 at REI
Laundry bag / travel detergent
Five rain days mean laundry dries slowly without a dryer.
Five rain days mean laundry dries slowly without a dryer. 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
Urban noise and engine hum on flights disturb sleep.
Urban noise and engine hum on flights disturb sleep. 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 WH-1000XM4C Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones Black (M4 2nd Gen)$300 at SonySony WH-1000XM4C Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones Lavender (M4 2nd Gen)$300 at Sony

Nice to have

You could skip every one of these
Lip balm with SPF
Lips crack faster in coastal wind and high UV.
Lips crack faster in coastal wind and high UV. 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
Crowded urban spaces spread germs quickly between travelers.
Crowded urban spaces spread germs quickly between travelers. Don't have one? Check these out.
Noshinku Ultra-Hydrating Pocket Hand Sanitizer Refill$13 at REIDr. Bronner's Organic Hand Sanitizer$5.50 at REINoshinku Refillable Ultra-Moisturizing Pocket Sanitizer$9 at REI
Sunburn-safe insect bite relief
Bites itch worse when skin is already sunburned.
Bites itch worse when skin is already sunburned. 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)
Long days mean charging devices multiple times daily.
Long days mean charging devices multiple times daily. Don't have one? Check these out.
Anker 2-in-1 USB-C to USB-C Cable (4 ft., 140W, Braided)$26 at REIUSB-C CableSee price at Peak DesignAnker Prime USB-C to USB-C Cable (6 ft., 240W, Upcycled-Braided)$35 at REICable Kit$19.99 at Peak Design
Passport holder
Border control requires quick access to your passport.
Border control requires quick access to your passport.
Luggage locks (TSA)
Luggage locks protect bags on shared transport and at hostels.
Luggage locks protect bags on shared transport and at hostels. Don't have one? Check these out.
Matador BetaLockSee price at MatadorPacsafe ProSafe 1000 TSA Combination Luggage Lock$17.95 at REI3 Dial Travel Sentry Combination Lock$13 at SamsonitePacsafe ProSafe 620 TSA Accepted Luggage Locks$17.95 at REI
Toiletry bag (hanging)
Humidity and heat create moisture in toiletry bottles.
Humidity and heat create moisture in toiletry bottles. Don't have one? Check these out.
Toiletry Bag$50 at Backcountry.comHanging Toiletry Bag - Small$49.95 at Backcountry.comDK5 ModPak Toiletry Bag$49.95 at Backcountry.comBuddy 2 Toiletry Bag$44.99 at Backcountry.com
Travel pillow
Long flights to Cape Town need neck support.
Long flights to Cape Town need neck support. 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.comFoam Core Pillow$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 MatadorHuppy Peppermint 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 Hipster Underwear$29.95 at REIREI Co-op Women's Merino Bikini Underwear$27.95 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 Contour No-Show Socks$14.73 at REI
Sleepwear
Reusable shopping bag
Don't have one? Check these out.
Packable Tote Bag - Geo$24.95 at rumplPackable Tote Bag$49 at Eagle CreekGrocery 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.
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 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.
Expedition Sewing Awl$35 at Backcountry.comSpeedy Stitcher Sewing Awl with Extra Thread$33.50 at REI

Take this list with you

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