What to pack forEswatini
in August
81° / 50°F
3 days of rain this month. Sunset around 5:30pm.Typical August, from ten years of weather
3 days
of rain this month
5:30pm
sunset
Type D
plugs
0 of 62 packed
Before you go
None of these fit in a bag. Sort them first and the packing gets easy.
Passport valid past your dates
Eswatini wants 6 months left on a passport past August. 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 Eswatini, 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 SZL for markets and taxis.
Vaccinations / travel clinic
CDC lists Hepatitis A, Typhoid for Eswatini. Talk to a travel clinic 4 to 6 weeks out.
Good to know
- They drive on the left. Give yourself the first hour on quiet roads.
The essentials
Tick the box when it is in the bag
Sun and heat
Sunscreen SPF 50
Don't have one? Check these out.
Badger SPF 50 Adventure Sport Mineral Sunscreen - 2.4 oz. Tin$18.95 at REIShop at REI
Blue Lizard Sport Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion$14 at REIShop at REI
Thinksport Clear Zinc Active Face SPF 50 Sunscreen$15.95 at REIShop at REI
Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion$17.50 at REIShop at REIREI members usually get 10% back on full-price gear. Membership is $30, once. How it works
Polarized sunglasses
Don't have one? Check these out.
Costa Caleta Net 580G Polarized Sunglasses - Women's$174 was $248 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Zeal Isabelle Polarized Sunglasses - Women's$67.03 was $149 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Smith Cheetah Polarized Sunglasses - Women's$93 was $155 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Zeal Bennet Polarized Sunglasses - Women's$59.60 was $149 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comWide-brim sun hat
Don't have one? Check these out.
Water and food
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.
Our pickGrayl GeoPress Water Filter and Purifier Bottle$99.95 at REIShop at REI
LifeStraw Go Series Insulated Stainless-Steel Water Filter Bottle$59.95 at REIShop at REI
HydraPak Breakaway+ Water Filter Bottle$50 at REIShop at REI
Go Series Water Filter 1L Bottle$49.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comWhat to wear
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
Quick Dry Short-Sleeve T-Shirt - Unisex$34.30 was $49 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Simond Women's MT500 Merino Wool T-Shirt$35 was $54.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon AmericaSun hoodie (UPF long sleeve)
UV hits 7.5 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
Sombra Sun Hoodie - Men's$35 was $70 at CotopaxiShop at Cotopaxi
The North Face Adventure Sun Hoodie - Women's$48.75 was $65 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Sombra Sun Hoodie - Women's$37.50 was $75 at CotopaxiShop at CotopaxiSandals (sport)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Teva Women's Outflow Closed-Toe Water Sandals$74.73 was $100 at REIShop at REI
KEEN Women's Bali Strap TG Sandals$69.73 was $110 at REIShop at REI
Reef Water Vista Higher Sandal - Women's$80 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Forclaz MT500 Lightweight Packable Hiking Sandals$40 was $59.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon AmericaMoney and documents
RFID travel wallet / money belt
Don't have one? Check these out.
AirTag / tracker for bags
Don't have one? Check these out.
Power and phone
Power bank 10k–20k mAh
Plug adapter, Type D
Eswatini uses Type D 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 Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comVPN
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.
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.comHiking
Trekking poles
Don't have one? Check these out.
Komperdell Carbon FXP Team Trekking Poles - Pair Pink 135 Cm$148 was $270 at REIShop at REI
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
Black Diamond Distance Carbon Trekking Poles Ultra Blue, 100 cm$117 was $180 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comBuy it used: REI Re/Supply sells gear like this for less. See used gear
Bugs and health
Tick remover
Check ankles and, if there's a dog, paws and ears every night.
Don't have one? Check these out.
DEET or picaridin repellent
Don't have one? Check these out.
Ben's Eco Spray Insect Repellent - 30 Percent DEET$9.50 at REIShop at REI
Ben's 30 Deet Tick & Insect Repellent$1.92 was $2.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Adventure Medical Ben's 30 Deet Tick & Insect Repellent Pump$1.92 was $2.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Ben's Insect Repellent - 30 Percent DEET$7.95 at REIShop at REIAnti-diarrheal + probiotics
Don't have one? Check these out.
Oral rehydration salts
Don't have one? Check these out.
SaltStick Fastchews Chewable Electrolyte Tablets Coconut Pineapple$19.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
SaltStick Fastchews Chewable Electrolyte Tablets Mixed Berry$19.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Tailwind Nutrition Recovery Drink Mix - 1 Serving Salted Caramel$3.25 at REIShop at REI
Tailwind Nutrition Recovery Drink Mix Salted Caramel-12 Pack Box$39.49 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comPermethrin-treated clothing spray
Treat the clothes once and it lasts weeks.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Bags
Carry-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.
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 SEG 45See price at Matador15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Go Carry-On 44L Backpack$180 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Osprey Packs Archeon 30L Backpack$132 was $265 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comPacking cubes
Don't have one? Check these out.
Laundry bag / travel detergent
Don't have one? Check these out.
Working on the road
Noise-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
Soundcore by Anker Space One Pro Bluetooth Over-Ear Noise-Canceling Headphones$200 at REIShop at REINice to have
You could skip every one of these
Sun and heat
Lip balm with SPF
Don't have one? Check these out.
What to wear
Shorts
Don't have one? Check these out.
Helly Hansen Men's HH Quick-Dry 11" Cargo Shorts$59.73 was $80 at REIShop at REI
Forclaz Men's Travel 100 Cargo Shorts$35 was $44.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Quechua Women's MH100 Hiking Shorts$20 was $24.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Quechua Women's NH500 Hiking Shorts$15 was $34.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon AmericaMoney and documents
Luggage locks (TSA)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Power and phone
Short cables (USB-C)
Don't have one? Check these out.
USB-C to C Cable, Paracord wrapped, 3 ft PD enabled$27.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
USB-C CableSee price at Peak DesignShop at Peak Design
Anker 2-in-1 USB-C to USB-C Cable (4 ft., 140W, Braided)$26 at REIShop at REI
Anker Wall Charger (33W, 2-Port) with USB-C to USB-C Cable$25 at REIShop at REIBugs and health
Sunburn-safe insect bite relief
Don't have one? Check these out.
heat it classic Lightning Smartphone-Powered Insect Bite Relief$29.95 at REIShop at REI
heat it classic USB-C Smartphone-Powered Insect Bite Relief$29.95 at REIShop at REI
Badger Outdoor Itch Relief Stick$9.95 at REIShop at REI
heat it pro USB-C Smartphone-Powered Insect Bite Relief$49.95 at REIShop at REIMotion sickness tablets / bands
Don't have one? Check these out.
Bags
Toiletry bag (hanging)
Don't have one? Check these out.
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
Backcountry Wasatch Ripstop Everyday Pant - Men's$49.50 was $99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
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.comThe basics
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
Soundcore by Anker AeroFit 2 Open-Ear Wireless Earbuds$100 at REIShop at REISmall lock
Don't have one? Check these out.
Kryptoflex Cable Lock$29.95 at Thousand HelmetsShop at Thousand Helmets
TSA Cable Lock$17.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Pacsafe Prosafe 800 Combination Cable Padlock$18.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comProsafe 800 Combination Cable Padlock$18.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comCopy of passport
Pen (customs forms)
Sewing kit / safety pins
Nail clippers
Don't have one? Check these out.
Reusable shopping bag
Don't have one? Check these out.
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.com
Travel-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
Peppermint Toothpaste Tablets in Tin$12.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Huppy Peppermint Toothpaste Tablets in Tin$12.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comToiletries kit
Don't have one? Check these out.
Pelican DK5 ModPak Toiletry Bag$49.95 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 Creek
Osprey Packs Toiletry Kit Daylite Hanging Night Shift$29.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comSocks
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
REI Co-op Women's Merino Hipster Underwear$29.95 at REIShop at REI
Simond Trek 500 Merino Wool Backpacking Underwear Women's$29.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon AmericaChargers (phone)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Medications + prescriptions
Take this list with you
Open it again when you are standing over the suitcase.