What to pack forIllinois
in October
64° / 48°F
9 days of rain. Sunset around 6:15pm.
Typical October, from ten years of weather
9 days
of rain
6:15pm
sunset
Type A/B
plugs
0 of 37 packed
Before you go
None of these fit in a bag. Sort them first and the packing gets easy.
Download offline maps
Download the offline map before you lose signal.
National or state park pass
One pass covers every park on the route. Cheaper than paying at each gate.
The essentials
Tick the box when it is in the bag
Merino base layer top
Wear one, dry one. Cotton stays wet all week here.
Wear one, dry one. Cotton stays wet all week here. Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Arc'teryx Women's Lana Merino Wool Crew Base Layer Top$63.93 at REIArc'teryx Women's Lana Merino Wool Crew Base Layer Top$63.93 was $90Shop at REI
Arc'teryx Women's Satoro Merino Wool Crew Neck Long-Sleeve Base Layer Top$95.73 at REIArc'teryx Women's Satoro Merino Wool Crew Neck Long-Sleeve Base Layer Top$95.73 was $120Shop at REI
Terramar Women's 3.0 Merino Flex Long-Sleeve Crew Base Layer Top$54.73 at REITerramar Women's 3.0 Merino Flex Long-Sleeve Crew Base Layer Top$54.73 was $80Shop at REI
Terramar Men's 3.0 Merino Bi-Layer Long-Sleeve Crew Base Layer Top$29.73 at REITerramar Men's 3.0 Merino Bi-Layer Long-Sleeve Crew Base Layer Top$29.73 was $45Shop at REIPolarized sunglasses
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Premiums Sport Polarized Sunglasses$38 at Backcountry.comPremiums Sport Polarized Sunglasses$38Shop at Backcountry.com
Knockaround Premiums Sport Polarized Sunglasses Orange Rose$25.93 at REIKnockaround Premiums Sport Polarized Sunglasses Orange Rose$25.93 was $38Shop at REI
Knockaround Paso Robles Sport Polarized Sunglasses Pink Silver Smoke$38 at REIKnockaround Paso Robles Sport Polarized Sunglasses Pink Silver Smoke$38Shop at REI
Fast Lanes Sport Polarized Sunglasses$38 at Backcountry.comFast Lanes Sport Polarized Sunglasses$38Shop at Backcountry.comDEET or picaridin repellent
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion$10.95 at REISawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion$10.95Shop at REI
Ben's 30 Deet Tick & Insect Repellent$1.92 at Backcountry.comBen's 30 Deet Tick & Insect Repellent$1.92 was $2.95Shop at Backcountry.com
Adventure Medical Ben's 30 Deet Tick & Insect Repellent Pump$1.92 at Backcountry.comAdventure Medical Ben's 30 Deet Tick & Insect Repellent Pump$1.92 was $2.95Shop at Backcountry.com
Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent$9.95 at REISawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent$9.95Shop at REITick 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.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Travel first aid kit
Don't have one? Check these out.
Power bank 10k–20k mAh
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Anker MagGo Power Bank (10,000 mAh, Slim)$80 at REIAnker MagGo Power Bank (10,000 mAh, Slim)$80Shop at REI
Goal Zero Venture 75 Power Bank$120 at REIGoal Zero Venture 75 Power Bank$120Shop at REI
BioLite Charge 80 PD Power Bank$99.95 at REIBioLite Charge 80 PD Power Bank$99.95Shop at REI
Anker Zolo Power Bank (20,000 mAh, 22.5W, Built-In USB-C Cable)$40 at REIAnker Zolo Power Bank (20,000 mAh, 22.5W, Built-In USB-C Cable)$40Shop at REIDaypack (15–25L)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Consuelo 22L Daypack$120 at CotopaxiConsuelo 22L Daypack$120Shop at Cotopaxi
Osprey Packs Arcane Large 20L Daypack Stargazer$49.50 at Backcountry.comOsprey Packs Arcane Large 20L Daypack Stargazer$49.50 was $110Shop at Backcountry.com
Elqui 24L Daypack$70 at CotopaxiElqui 24L Daypack$70 was $100Shop at Cotopaxi
Arcane Large 20L Daypack$65.97 at Backcountry.comArcane Large 20L Daypack$65.97 was $110Shop at Backcountry.comLightweight 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.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Vuelta Performance Windbreaker Jacket - Women's$65 at CotopaxiVuelta Performance Windbreaker Jacket - Women's$65 was $130Shop at Cotopaxi
Helly Hansen Ridge Infinity Shell Jacket - Men's$293 at Backcountry.comHelly Hansen Ridge Infinity Shell Jacket - Men's$293 was $650Shop at Backcountry.com
Helly Hansen Odin BC Infinity Shell Jacket - Women's$228 at Backcountry.comHelly Hansen Odin BC Infinity Shell Jacket - Women's$228 was $650Shop at Backcountry.com
Rapha Pro Team Lightweight Wind Jacket - Men's$235 at Backcountry.comRapha Pro Team Lightweight Wind Jacket - Men's$235Shop at Backcountry.comPermethrin-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.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Reusable water bottle
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Collapsible Water Bottle$24.95 at Backcountry.comCollapsible Water Bottle$24.95Shop at Backcountry.com
Que Collapsible Water Bottle Cloudy$24.95 at Backcountry.comQue Collapsible Water Bottle Cloudy$24.95Shop at Backcountry.com
Water Bottle$7.20 at Backcountry.comWater Bottle$7.20 was $12Shop at Backcountry.com
Bidon Water Bottle$14.40 at Wild RyeBidon Water Bottle$14.40 was $18Shop at Wild RyeMulti-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.
Packing cubes
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickMatador Packing Cube SetSee price at MatadorMatador Packing Cube SetSee price 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Matador Gear Cube Set$58.99 at Backcountry.comMatador Gear Cube Set$58.99 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Backcountry.com
3 Piece Compression Packing Cubes$50 at Samsonite3 Piece Compression Packing Cubes$50Shop at Samsonite
Thule Compression Packing Cube Gentle$23.95 at Backcountry.comThule Compression Packing Cube Gentle$23.95Shop at Backcountry.comLaundry bag / travel detergent
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Matador Laundry BagSee price at MatadorMatador Laundry BagSee price 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Knack Pack Drawstring Cover and Laundry Bag-Large$10 at Knack BagsKnack Pack Drawstring Cover and Laundry Bag-Large$10Shop at Knack Bags
Nathan Power Wash Performance Laundry Detergent with Pump$24 at REINathan Power Wash Performance Laundry Detergent with Pump$24Shop at REINice to have
You could skip every one of these
Cap
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Kiprun Ultra-Light 5-Panel Running Cap$15 at Decathlon AmericaKiprun Ultra-Light 5-Panel Running Cap$15 was $24.99Shop at Decathlon America
Squatch Trucker Lo Pro Cap$15.73 at Backcountry.comSquatch Trucker Lo Pro Cap$15.73 was $34.95Shop at Backcountry.com
Flatbrim Trucker Cap$17.50 at Backcountry.comFlatbrim Trucker Cap$17.50 was $35Shop at Backcountry.com
Advocate Trucker Hi Pro Cap$21.60 at Backcountry.comAdvocate Trucker Hi Pro Cap$21.60 was $36Shop at Backcountry.comHand sanitizer
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Noshinku Ultra-Hydrating Pocket Hand Sanitizer Refill$13 at REINoshinku Ultra-Hydrating Pocket Hand Sanitizer Refill$13Shop at REI
Dr. Bronner's Organic Hand Sanitizer$5.50 at REIDr. Bronner's Organic Hand Sanitizer$5.50Shop at REI
Noshinku Refillable Ultra-Moisturizing Pocket Sanitizer$9 at REINoshinku Refillable Ultra-Moisturizing Pocket Sanitizer$9Shop at REISunburn-safe insect bite relief
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
heat it classic USB-C Smartphone-Powered Insect Bite Relief$29.95 at REIheat it classic USB-C Smartphone-Powered Insect Bite Relief$29.95Shop at REI
heat it pro USB-C Smartphone-Powered Insect Bite Relief$49.95 at REIheat it pro USB-C Smartphone-Powered Insect Bite Relief$49.95Shop at REI
Badger Outdoor Itch Relief Stick$9.95 at REIBadger Outdoor Itch Relief Stick$9.95Shop at REI
heat it classic Lightning Smartphone-Powered Insect Bite Relief$29.95 at REIheat it classic Lightning Smartphone-Powered Insect Bite Relief$29.95Shop at REIShort cables (USB-C)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Anker 2-in-1 USB-C to USB-C Cable (4 ft., 140W, Braided)$26 at REIAnker 2-in-1 USB-C to USB-C Cable (4 ft., 140W, Braided)$26Shop at REI
USB-C to C Cable, Paracord wrapped, 3 ft PD enabled$27.99 at Backcountry.comUSB-C to C Cable, Paracord wrapped, 3 ft PD enabled$27.99Shop at Backcountry.com
USB-C CableSee price at Peak DesignUSB-C CableSee priceShop at Peak Design
Cable Kit$19.99 at Peak DesignCable Kit$19.99Shop at Peak DesignToiletry bag (hanging)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Toiletry Bag$50 at Backcountry.comToiletry Bag$50Shop at Backcountry.com
DK5 ModPak Toiletry Bag$49.95 at Backcountry.comDK5 ModPak Toiletry Bag$49.95Shop at Backcountry.com
Hanging Toiletry Bag - Small$49.95 at Backcountry.comHanging Toiletry Bag - Small$49.95Shop at Backcountry.com
Buddy 2 Toiletry Bag$44.99 at Backcountry.comBuddy 2 Toiletry Bag$44.99Shop at Backcountry.comThe 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.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickMatador Toothbrush Caps 2-PackSee price at MatadorMatador Toothbrush Caps 2-PackSee price 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Matador Refillable Toothpaste TubesSee price at MatadorMatador Refillable Toothpaste TubesSee price 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Peppermint Toothpaste Tablets in Tin$12.99 at Backcountry.comPeppermint Toothpaste Tablets in Tin$12.99Shop at Backcountry.com
Dr. Bronner's Travel Toothpaste - 1 oz. Peppermint$2.95 at REIDr. Bronner's Travel Toothpaste - 1 oz. Peppermint$2.95Shop at REIDeodorant
Don't have one? Check these out.
Medications + prescriptions
Chargers (phone)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Dual Slim Charger$64.95 at Peak DesignDual Slim Charger$64.95Shop at Peak Design
Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station (3-in-1, Foldable Pad) with Charger and USB-C Cable$100 at REIAnker MagGo Wireless Charging Station (3-in-1, Foldable Pad) with Charger and USB-C Cable$100Shop at REI
Anker Wall Charger (33W, 2-Port) with USB-C to USB-C Cable$25 at REIAnker Wall Charger (33W, 2-Port) with USB-C to USB-C Cable$25Shop at REIUnderwear
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Smartwool Women's Merino Bikini Underwear - Boxed$35 at REISmartwool Women's Merino Bikini Underwear - Boxed$35Shop at REI
Everyday Merino Thong Underwear - Women's$34 at Backcountry.comEveryday Merino Thong Underwear - Women's$34Shop at Backcountry.com
REI Co-op Women's Merino Bikini Underwear$27.95 at REIREI Co-op Women's Merino Bikini Underwear$27.95Shop at REI
REI Co-op Women's Merino Hipster Underwear$29.95 at REIREI Co-op Women's Merino Hipster Underwear$29.95Shop at REISocks
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Injinji Ultra Run No-Show Wool Socks$21 at REIInjinji Ultra Run No-Show Wool Socks$21Shop at REI
Balega Hidden Dry No-Show Socks$13.73 at REIBalega Hidden Dry No-Show Socks$13.73 was $18Shop at REI
Balega Hidden Contour No-Show Socks$14.73 at REIBalega Hidden Contour No-Show Socks$14.73 was $19Shop at REI
Woolrich Merino Solid Ragg Socks$14.73 at REIWoolrich Merino Solid Ragg Socks$14.73 was $20Shop at REISleepwear
Reusable shopping bag
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Packable Tote Bag - Geo$24.95 at rumplPackable Tote Bag - Geo$24.95Shop at rumpl
Packable Tote Bag$49 at Eagle CreekPackable Tote Bag$49 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle Creek
Chrome Grocery Tote Messenger Bag Matte$125 at Backcountry.comChrome Grocery Tote Messenger Bag Matte$125Shop at Backcountry.com
Grocery Tote Messenger Bag$125 at Backcountry.comGrocery Tote Messenger Bag$125Shop at Backcountry.comPen (customs forms)
Copy of passport
Small lock
Don't have one? Check these out.
Earbuds
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Soundcore by Anker Liberty 5 Active Noise-Canceling Wireless Earbuds$130 at REISoundcore by Anker Liberty 5 Active Noise-Canceling Wireless Earbuds$130Shop at REI
Shokz OpenDots ONE Open-Ear True Wireless Earbuds$170 at REIShokz OpenDots ONE Open-Ear True Wireless Earbuds$170Shop at REI
JBL Vibe Beam 2 Bluetooth In-Ear True Wireless Noise-Canceling Earbuds$64.95 at REIJBL Vibe Beam 2 Bluetooth In-Ear True Wireless Noise-Canceling Earbuds$64.95Shop at REI
JBL Tune Flex 2 Bluetooth In-Ear True Wireless Noise-Canceling Earbuds$110 at REIJBL Tune Flex 2 Bluetooth In-Ear True Wireless Noise-Canceling Earbuds$110Shop at REISunglasses case
Don't have one? Check these out.
Nail clippers
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Sewing kit / safety pins
Don't have one? Check these out.
Take this list with you
It keeps your ticks. Open it again when you are standing over the suitcase.It keeps your ticks. Open it again on your phone when you are standing over the suitcase.