What to pack forEthiopia
in August
68° / 54°F
29 days of rain this month. Sunset around 6:35pm.Typical August, from ten years of weather
29 days
of rain this month
6:35pm
sunset
Type C/E/F/G/J/L
plugs
0 of 64 packed
Before you go
None of these fit in a bag. Sort them first and the packing gets easy.
Apply for your e-Visa
Ethiopia requires a e-Visa before arrival. It is an online application and cannot be sorted at the border.
Passport valid past your dates
Ethiopia 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 Ethiopia, 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.
Some cash in local currency
Cards fail more often than you'd think. Carry ETB for markets and taxis.
Vaccinations / travel clinic
CDC lists Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Yellow fever, Rabies for Ethiopia. Talk to a travel clinic 4 to 6 weeks out.
The essentials
Tick the box when it is in the bag
What to wear
Rain shell (hardshell jacket)
29 rain days a month finds every seam. A real shell, not a windbreaker.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Storm Splitter Rain Shell$135 at Howler BrothersShop at Howler Brothers
Quechua Men's Raincut Fullzip Waterproof Rain Jacket$15 was $29.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Quechua Women's MH100 Waterproof Hiking Rain Jacket$40 was $49.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
2.5-Layer Shell Rain Jacket - Men's$275 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comModest 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
Simond Men's MT900 Seamless Merino Wool T-Shirt$45 was $74.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Quick Dry Short-Sleeve T-Shirt - Unisex$34.30 was $49 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comSun hoodie (UPF long sleeve)
UV hits 9.2 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$52.50 was $75 at CotopaxiShop at CotopaxiHealth
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
Adventure Medical Ben's 30 Deet Tick & Insect Repellent Pump$1.92 was $2.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Ben's 30 Deet Tick & Insect Repellent$1.92 was $2.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Ben's Insect Repellent - 30 Percent DEET$7.95 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.
Ray-Ban Wayfarer Oval Polarized Sunglasses - Women's$171 was $244 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Smith Cheetah Polarized Sunglasses - Women's$93 was $155 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.
Anti-diarrheal + probiotics
Don't have one? Check these out.
Oral rehydration salts
Don't have one? Check these out.
SaltStick Fastchews Chewable Electrolyte Tablets Seedless Watermelon$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
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.
Pistil Women's Tegan Wide Brim Hat$39.73 was $68 at REIShop at REI
Brixton Mitch Packable Sun Hat Tan, L/XL$48.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
CTR Women's Summit Crushable Wide Brim Hat$30.73 was $43.99 at REIShop at REI
Forclaz MT500 UPF 50+ Hiking Hat$20 was $29.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon AmericaTech and power
Plug adapter, Type C, E, F, G, J or L
Ethiopia uses Type C, E, F, G, J or L 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.com
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 Sesh ANC Active Headphones$70.93 was $95 at REIShop at REI
Skullcandy Icon ANC Headphones$74.93 was $99.95 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.
Silk Undercover Money Belt$17.02 was $30.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Soho Wallet - Women's$12.50 was $25 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Undercover RFID Money Belt$35 at Eagle Creek15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle Creek
Everyday Billfold Wallet$69.95 at Peak DesignShop at Peak DesignBags 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
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.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.
Dry bags
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.comShop at Backcountry.com
Osprey Wildwater Dry Bag 35$48.73 was $65 at REIShop at REI
Osprey Packs Wildwater 15L Dry Bag Tunnel Vision$24.75 was $45 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Vapor 16 Dry Bag$17.49 was $24.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comLaundry bag / travel detergent
Don't have one? Check these out.
Packing cubes
Don't have one? Check these out.
Outdoor 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.
Our pickGrayl GeoPress Water Filter and Purifier Bottle$99.95 at REIShop at REI
HydraPak Breakaway+ Water Filter Bottle$50 at REIShop at REI
LifeStraw Go Series Insulated Stainless-Steel Water Filter Bottle$59.95 at REIShop at REI
LifeStraw Go Series BPA-Free Water Filter Bottle$44.95 at REIShop at REITrekking poles
Don't have one? Check these out.
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
Leki Skysolo FX One Carbon Trekking Poles - Pair White 125 Cm$150 was $200 at REIShop at REI
Black Diamond Distance Carbon Trekking Poles Ultra Blue, 100 cm$117 was $180 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comOnly need it once? Rent it.
Nice to have
You could skip every one of these
Shoes
Waterproof boot spray
Don't have one? Check these out.
Nikwax Fabric & Leather Waterproofing Spray for Footwear$12.95 at REIShop at REI
Nubuck & Suede Proof Spray-On Footwear Treatment$12.55 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Nikwax Fabric & Leather Proof DUO-Pack Spray$18.85 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Nikwax Nubuck & Suede Waterproofing Spray for Footwear$12.95 at REIShop at REIToiletries
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.
Sunburn-safe insect bite relief
Don't have one? Check these out.
Badger Outdoor Itch Relief Stick$9.95 at REIShop at REI
heat it classic USB-C Smartphone-Powered Insect Bite Relief$29.95 at REIShop at REI
heat it classic Lightning Smartphone-Powered Insect Bite Relief$29.95 at REIShop at REI
heat it pro USB-C Smartphone-Powered Insect Bite Relief$49.95 at REIShop at REITech 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.
USB-C to C Cable, Paracord wrapped, 3 ft PD enabled$27.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Anker 2-in-1 USB-C to USB-C Cable (4 ft., 140W, Braided)$26 at REIShop at REI
USB-C CableSee price at Peak DesignShop at Peak Design
Anker Wall Charger (33W, 2-Port) with USB-C to USB-C Cable$25 at REIShop at REIDocuments and money
Luggage locks (TSA)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Matador BetaLockSee price at Matador15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Pacsafe ProSafe 1000 TSA Combination Luggage Lock$17.95 at REIShop at REI
Knack TSA-Approved Lock$16 at Knack BagsShop at Knack Bags
Travel Safe 4-Dial TSA Cable Lock$15 at Eagle Creek15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle CreekPassport holder
Don't have one? Check these out.
Comfort 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
GOREWEAR Everyday Track Pant - Women's$72 was $120 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Ambato Wide Leg Everyday Pant - Women's$38 was $95 at CotopaxiShop at Cotopaxi
Backcountry Wasatch Ripstop Everyday Pant - Men's$49.50 was $99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comToiletries
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
Dr. Bronner's Travel Toothpaste - 1 oz. Peppermint$2.95 at REIShop at REI
Huppy Peppermint Toothpaste Tablets in Tin$12.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comExtras
Chargers (phone)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Copy of passport
Earbuds
Don't have one? Check these out.
Soundcore by Anker Liberty 5 Active Noise-Canceling Wireless Earbuds$130 at REIShop at REI
Shokz OpenDots ONE Open-Ear True Wireless Earbuds$170 at REIShop at REI
Soundcore by Anker AeroFit 2 Open-Ear Wireless Earbuds$100 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.
Sewing 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
Sundays Lounge Shirt - Men's$27.98 was $69.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Classic Lounge Shirt - Women's$22.73 was $64.95 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
REI Co-op Women's Merino Bikini Underwear$27.95 at REIShop at REI
REI Co-op Women's Merino Hipster Underwear$29.95 at REIShop at REITake this list with you
Open it again when you are standing over the suitcase.