What to pack forGambia
in October
86° / 81°F
16 days of rain this month. Sunset around 6:40pm.Typical October, from ten years of weather
16 days
of rain this month
6:40pm
sunset
Type G
plugs
0 of 68 packed
Before you go
None of these fit in a bag. Sort them first and the packing gets easy.
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 Gambia, 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.
Trail app
Download your trails 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 GMD for markets and taxis.
Vaccinations / travel clinic
CDC lists Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Yellow fever for Gambia. Talk to a travel clinic 4 to 6 weeks out.
International driving permit
Rental desks here ask for an International Driving Permit alongside your license. AAA issues them same day.
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
Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion$17.50 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 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 Era ChromaPop Polarized Sunglasses - Women's$113 was $189 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Costa Caleta Net 580G Polarized Sunglasses - Women's$174 was $248 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.
Insulated water bottle
Cold water at 3pm is worth the weight.
Don't have one? Check these out.
BruMate Rise Insulated Water Bottle$40.95 at REIShop at REI
CamelBak Peak Fitness Chill Insulated Water Bottle$9.73 was $15 at REIShop at REI
CamelBak Fit Cap Insulated Stainless-Steel Water Bottle$20.73 was $30 at REIShop at REI
Quechua MH900 Double-Wall Insulated 500 ml Water Bottle$15 was $24.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon AmericaBugs and health
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 Spray Pump Insect Repellent - 30 Percent DEET$5.95 at REIShop at REITravel first aid kit
Permethrin-treated clothing spray
Treat the clothes once and it lasts weeks.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Oral rehydration salts
Don't have one? Check these out.
Tailwind Nutrition Recovery Drink Mix - 1 Serving Salted Caramel$3.25 at REIShop at REI
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 Salted Caramel-12 Pack Box$39.49 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comAnti-diarrheal + probiotics
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
Rain shell (hardshell jacket)
16 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
Fineline Stretch Rain Shell - Women's$189 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comSun hoodie (UPF long sleeve)
UV hits 9.8 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.comLinen or lightweight shirts
Anything heavier than linen is a mistake at 86°F.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Solta Long-Sleeve Sun Shirt - Women's$59.50 was $85 at CotopaxiShop at Cotopaxi
Outdoor Research Astroman Long-Sleeve Sun Shirt - Men's$60.47 was $110 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Simond Women's Alpinism Seamless Wool Long-Sleeve Shirt$40 was $59.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Sombra Long-Sleeve Sun Shirt - Women's$32.50 was $65 at CotopaxiShop at CotopaxiMoisture-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
Simond Men's MT900 Seamless Merino Wool T-Shirt$45 was $74.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Fino Tech Tee - Women's$27.50 was $55 at CotopaxiShop at Cotopaxi
Kiprun Men's Run 500 Dry Running T-shirt$20 was $24.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon AmericaSwimwear
Don't have one? Check these out.
Modest cover layer
For temples, mosques, and churches that check at the door.
Sandals (sport)
Don't have one? Check these out.
KEEN Women's Bali Strap TG Sandals$69.73 was $110 at REIShop at REI
Teva Women's Outflow Closed-Toe Water Sandals$74.73 was $100 at REIShop at REI
Reef Water Vista Higher Sandal - Women's$80 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Reef Water Willow Marina Sandal - Women's$31.47 was $44.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comMoney and documents
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 Slim Wallet$39.95 at Peak DesignShop at Peak DesignAirTag / tracker for bags
Don't have one? Check these out.
Power and phone
Plug adapter, Type G
Gambia uses Type G 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.comPower bank 10k–20k mAh
Don't have one? Check these out.
Goal Zero Venture 75 Power Bank$120 at REIShop at REI
BioLite Charge 80 PD Power Bank$99.95 at REIShop at REI
Anker Power Bank (30W, Fusion, Built-In USB-C Cable)$40 at REIShop at REI
Anker Zolo Power Bank (20,000 mAh, 22.5W, Built-In USB-C Cable)$40 at REIShop at REIBuy it used: REI Re/Supply sells gear like this for less. See used gear
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
Lizard Skins Charger Evo Lock-On Grips Electric$24.58 was $33.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Charger Evo Lock-On Grips$27.19 was $33.99 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.
Bags
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 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.com
Osprey Wildwater Dry Bag 35$48.73 was $65 at REIShop at REICarry-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.comDaypack (15–25L)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Carry-on suitcase (hard shell)
Fits the overhead on every airline that matters. Skip the checked-bag line entirely.
Waterproof phone pouch
Don't have one? Check these out.
Packing 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 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 780NC Wireless Noise-Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones$250 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.
Bugs 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 REI
What to wear
Waterproof boot spray
Don't have one? Check these out.
Nikwax Fabric & Leather Waterproofing Spray for Footwear$12.95 at REIShop at REI
Nikwax Fabric & Leather Spray On Footwear Treatment$12.55 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Nikwax Nubuck & Suede Waterproofing Spray for Footwear$12.95 at REIShop at REI
Nikwax Fabric & Leather Proof DUO-Pack Spray$18.85 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comShorts
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
Simond Women's Travel 900 Hiking Shorts$30 was $54.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
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 AmericaMoney and documents
Passport holder
Don't have one? Check these out.
Luggage locks (TSA)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Matador BetaLockSee price at Matador15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Pacsafe ProSafe 620 TSA Accepted Luggage Locks$17.95 at REIShop at REI
TSA Cable Lock$17.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Travel Safe 4-Dial TSA Cable Lock$15 at Eagle Creek15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle CreekPower and phone
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 REIBags
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
Quechua Men's NH100 Hiking Pants$20 was $29.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
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.comThe basics
Reusable shopping bag
Don't have one? Check these out.
Chrome Grocery Tote Messenger Bag Matte$125 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Grocery Tote Messenger Bag$125 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Boat And Tote Large Open-Top Tote Bag$49.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Packable Tote Bag$49 at Eagle Creek15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle CreekSleepwear
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.comChargers (phone)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Dual Slim Charger$64.95 at Peak DesignShop at Peak Design
Solar String Color + Phone Charger$68.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
LuminAID Trio Lantern + Phone Charger$79.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comAnker Wall Charger (33W, 2-Port) with USB-C to USB-C Cable$25 at REIShop at REIMedications + prescriptions
Socks
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 AmericaToiletries 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
Osprey Packs Toiletry Kit Daylite Hanging Night Shift$29.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Pack-It Hanging Toiletry Bag$40 at Eagle Creek15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle Creek
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
Huppy Peppermint Toothpaste Tablets in Tin$12.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Dr. Bronner's Travel Toothpaste - 1 oz. Peppermint$2.95 at REIShop at REICopy of passport
Pen (customs forms)
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
JBL Tune Flex 2 Bluetooth In-Ear True Wireless Noise-Canceling Earbuds$110 at REIShop at REISmall lock
Don't have one? Check these out.
Nail clippers
Don't have one? Check these out.
Sewing kit / safety pins
Take this list with you
Open it again when you are standing over the suitcase.