What to pack forIraq
in December
61° / 41°F
8 days of rain this month. Sunset around 4:45pm.Typical December, from ten years of weather
8 days
of rain this month
4:45pm
sunset
Type C/G
plugs
0 of 62 packed
Before you go
None of these fit in a bag. Sort them first and the packing gets easy.
Apply for your e-Visa
Iraq requires a e-Visa before arrival. It is an online application and cannot be sorted at the border.
Passport valid past your dates
Iraq 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 Iraq, 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 IQD for markets and taxis.
Vaccinations / travel clinic
CDC lists Hepatitis A, Typhoid for Iraq. 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
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.comREI members usually get 10% back on full-price gear. Membership is $30, once. How it works
What to wear
Fleece or midlayer
The layer you'll wear more than any other.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Tempa Fleece Hooded Jacket - Women's$75 was $125 at CotopaxiShop at Cotopaxi
Bacano Fleece Jacket - Women's$87.50 was $175 at CotopaxiShop at Cotopaxi
Emma Midlayer Fleece Jacket - Women's$110 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Quechua Men's NH500 Warm Hiking Fleece Jacket$55 was $79.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon AmericaWarm hat (beanie)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Smartwool Cable Knit Colorblock Pom Beanie$29.73 was $40 at REIShop at REI
Chaos Indiana Wool Beanie$29.73 was $39.99 at REIShop at REI
Lightweight Merino Wool Beanie$32 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Wedze Rider 500 Reversible Knit Beanie$12 was $17.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon AmericaInsulated puffy (down or synthetic)
Lows around 41°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
Repleto Down Long Jacket - Women's$100 was $200 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
Terramar Women's 3.0 Merino Flex Long-Sleeve Crew Base Layer Top$54.73 was $80 at REIShop at REI
Terramar Men's 3.0 Merino Bi-Layer Long-Sleeve Crew Base Layer Top$29.73 was $45 at REIShop at REIModest cover layer
For temples, mosques, and churches that check at the door.
Neck gaiter / buff
Don't have one? Check these out.
Turtle Fur Micro Fur Fleece Totally Tubular Neck Gaiter$29.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
REI Co-op Merino Wool Neck Gaiter$26.95 at REIShop at REI
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.comPower and phone
Headlamp
Dark by 4:45pm. Every campsite chore after that is a two-hands job.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Plug adapter, Type C or G
Iraq uses Type C or 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 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
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.
Money and documents
RFID travel wallet / money belt
Don't have one? Check these out.
Soho Wallet - Women's$12.50 was $25 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Silk Undercover Money Belt$17.02 was $30.95 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 DesignAirTag / tracker for bags
Don't have one? Check these out.
Bugs and health
Travel first aid kit
Tick remover
Check ankles and, if there's a dog, paws and ears every night.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Permethrin-treated clothing spray
Treat the clothes once and it lasts weeks.
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 Tropical Mango$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.comBags
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
Pacsafe Go Carry-On 44L Backpack Jet$180 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Osprey Packs Archeon 30L Backpack$132 was $265 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Carry-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.
Sleep
Packable blanket
Lows around 41°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
Rumpl Original Puffy Printed 1-Person Blanket Seascape Ridge Mountains$99.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comWorking 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
What to wear
Packable down vest
Don't have one? Check these out.
Helly Hansen Men's Village Puffy Down Vest$140 was $240 at REIShop at REI
Free Country Men's Breakthrough Puffer Insulated Vest$59.97 was $85 at REIShop at REI
Forclaz Women's MT100 Down Puffer Vest$55 was $79.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Solazo Down Vest - Women's$87.50 was $175 at CotopaxiShop at CotopaxiBuy it used: REI Re/Supply sells gear like this for less. See used gear
Power and phone
Short cables (USB-C)
Don't have one? Check these out.
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
USB-C to C Cable, Paracord wrapped, 3 ft PD enabled$27.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
SuperFlex USB-C Cable, Dual Right Angle - 4in$25 at MomentShop at MomentLanguage app
A few phrases go a long way. Ten minutes a day before you leave is plenty.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Money and documents
Passport holder
Don't have one? Check these out.
Luggage locks (TSA)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Bugs and health
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
Forclaz Men's Travel 100 Cargo Pants$45 was $59.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Backcountry Wasatch Ripstop Everyday Pant - Men's$49.50 was $99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Ambato Wide Leg Everyday Pant - Women's$38 was $95 at CotopaxiShop at CotopaxiThe basics
Sewing kit / safety pins
Nail clippers
Don't have one? Check these out.
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
Shokz OpenFit Air Open-Ear Wireless Earbuds$120 at REIShop at REISmall lock
Don't have one? Check these out.
Kryptoflex Cable Lock$29.95 at Thousand HelmetsShop at Thousand Helmets
Prosafe 800 Combination Cable Padlock$18.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comPacsafe Prosafe 800 Combination Cable Padlock$18.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
3 Dial Travel Sentry Combination Lock$13 at SamsoniteShop at SamsoniteCopy of passport
Pen (customs forms)
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.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
Simond Trek 500 Merino Wool Backpacking Underwear Women's$29.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
REI Co-op Women's Merino Bikini Underwear$27.95 at REIShop at REIChargers (phone)
Don't have one? Check these out.
LuminAID Trio Lantern + Phone Charger$79.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Solar String Color + Phone Charger$68.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Dual Slim Charger$64.95 at Peak DesignShop at Peak Design
Anker Wall Charger (33W, 2-Port) with USB-C to USB-C Cable$25 at REIShop at REIMedications + prescriptions
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
Dr. Bronner's Travel Toothpaste - 1 oz. Peppermint$2.95 at REIShop at REIToiletries kit
Don't have one? Check these out.
Pelican DK5 ModPak Toiletry Bag$49.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Pack-It Hanging Toiletry Bag$40 at Eagle Creek15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle Creek
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.comTake this list with you
Open it again when you are standing over the suitcase.