What to pack forEthiopia
in December
73° / 45°F
2 days of rain this month. Sunset around 6:05pm.Typical December, from ten years of weather
2 days
of rain this month
6:05pm
sunset
Type C/E/F/G/J/L
plugs
0 of 66 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 December. 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
Insulated puffy (down or synthetic)
Lows around 45°F. Goes under the shell when the wind picks up.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickSimond Men's Xplore Hooded Down Jacket$119 at DecathlonShop at Decathlon
Hybrid WINDSTOPPER Lightweight Puffy Jacket - Men's$196 was $280 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Insulated Puffy Parka Jacket - Women's$152 was $379 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Fuego Hooded Down Jacket - Women's$118 was $295 at CotopaxiShop at CotopaxiMerino base layer top
Wear one, dry one. Cotton stays wet all week here.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Arc'teryx Women's Satoro Merino Wool Crew Neck Long-Sleeve Base Layer Top$95.73 was $120 at REIShop at REI
REI Co-op Women's Merino 185 Long-Sleeve Crew Base Layer Top$84.95 at REIShop at REI
Wedze Women's BL900 Merino Wool Ski Base Layer Top$60 was $99.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Terramar Men's 3.0 Merino Bi-Layer Long-Sleeve Crew Base Layer Top$29.73 was $45 at REIShop at REIWarm hat (beanie)
Modest 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 - Women'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 Men's MT900 Seamless Merino Wool T-Shirt$45 was $74.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon AmericaNeck gaiter / buff
Don't have one? Check these out.
REI Co-op Merino Wool Neck Gaiter$26.95 at REIShop at REI
Turtle Fur Micro Fur Fleece Totally Tubular Neck Gaiter$29.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Simond Trek 500 Merino Wool Multi-Position Hiking Neck Gaiter$17 was $24.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Buff x National Parks Coolnet UV Neck Gaiter Great Smoky$24.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comREI members usually get 10% back on full-price gear. Membership is $30, once. How it works
Sun hoodie (UPF long sleeve)
UV hits 10.1 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
Sombra Sun Hoodie - Women's$37.50 was $75 at CotopaxiShop at Cotopaxi
The North Face Adventure Sun Hoodie - Women's$48.75 was $65 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comHealth
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 REIPolarized 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
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
Zeal Bennet Polarized Sunglasses - Women's$59.60 was $149 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comSunscreen SPF 50
Don't have one? Check these out.
Travel first aid kit
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 Coconut Pineapple$19.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
SaltStick Fastchews Chewable Electrolyte Tablets Seedless Watermelon$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.
Tech 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 Eagle Creek15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle CreekPower bank 10k–20k mAh
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
Soundcore by Anker Space One Pro Bluetooth Over-Ear Noise-Canceling Headphones$200 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.
Bags 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 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.comCarry-on suitcase (hard shell)
Fits the overhead on every airline that matters. Skip the checked-bag line entirely.
Laundry bag / travel detergent
Don't have one? Check these out.
Packing cubes
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickMatador Packing Cube SetSee price at Matador15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Matador Gear Cube Set Juniper$54.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
3 Piece Compression Packing Cubes$50 at SamsoniteShop at Samsonite
Compression Packing Cube$29.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comComfort and sleep
Packable blanket
Lows around 45°F. One blanket that packs small covers the car, the campsite and the beach at sunset.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickOriginal Puffy Blanket - Seascape$99.95 at rumplShop at rumpl
Original Puffy Solid 2-Person Blanket$200 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comRumpl Original Puffy Solid 2-Person Blanket Seascape$200 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Original Puffy 1-Person Blanket - Bandana$99.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comOutdoor 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 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
Komperdell Carbon FXP Team Trekking Poles - Pair Pink 135 Cm$148 was $270 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
Nice to have
You could skip every one of these
Toiletries
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.
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
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 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 CableSee price at Peak DesignShop at Peak Design
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
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.
Comfort and sleep
Travel pillow
Don't have one? Check these out.
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
Ambato Everyday Pant - Men's$57 was $95 at CotopaxiShop at Cotopaxi
GOREWEAR Everyday Track Pant - Women's$72 was $120 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Patagonia Outdoor Everyday Pant - Men's$75 was $125 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
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.comTravel-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
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.
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 Vibe Beam 2 Bluetooth In-Ear True Wireless Noise-Canceling Earbuds$64.95 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
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.comSmall lock
Don't have one? Check these out.
Kryptoflex Cable Lock$29.95 at Thousand HelmetsShop at Thousand Helmets
Pacsafe Prosafe 800 Combination Cable Padlock$18.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
TSA Cable Lock$15.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comProsafe 800 Combination Cable Padlock$18.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comSocks
Don't have one? Check these out.
Underwear
Don't have one? Check these out.
Everyday Merino Thong Underwear - Women's$34 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Everyday Merino Bikini 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 AmericaTake this list with you
Open it again when you are standing over the suitcase.