What to pack forIraq
in September
102° / 75°F
0 days of rain this month. Sunset around 6:05pm.Typical September, from ten years of weather
0 days
of rain this month
6:05pm
sunset
Type C/G
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
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 September. 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
Sun and heat
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
Zeal Isabelle Polarized Sunglasses - Women's$67.03 was $149 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.
Badger SPF 50 Adventure Sport Mineral Sunscreen - 2.4 oz. Tin$18.95 at REIShop at REI
Blue Lizard Sport Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion$14 at REIShop at REI
Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion$17.50 at REIShop at REI
Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Stick$14.50 at REIShop at REIREI members usually get 10% back on full-price gear. Membership is $30, once. How it works
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 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 America
CamelBak Peak Fitness Chill Insulated Water Bottle$9.73 was $15 at REIShop at REIElectrolyte packets
Don't have one? Check these out.
Maurten Drink Mix 320 Caf 100 Unflavored, Caffeinated, 14 Single Serve Packets$56 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Drink Mix 160$45 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Fastchews Chewable Electrolyte Tablets - Box of 12 Packets$42 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
FastChews with Caffeine - 10 Count Packets$42 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comWide-brim sun hat
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
LifeStraw Go Series BPA-Free Water Filter Bottle$44.95 at REIShop at REIMoney 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
Passport Wallet$94.95 at Peak DesignShop at Peak Design
Undercover RFID Money Belt$35 at Eagle Creek15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle CreekAirTag / tracker for bags
Don't have one? Check these out.
Power and phone
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
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 Zolo Power Bank (20,000 mAh, 22.5W, Built-In USB-C Cable)$40 at REIShop at REI
Anker Power Bank (30W, Fusion, 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
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.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.
What to wear
Modest cover layer
For temples, mosques, and churches that check at the door.
Sun hoodie (UPF long sleeve)
UV hits 8.9 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.comNeck 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
Smartwool Thermal Merino Neck Gaiter$25 at REIShop at REISandals (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
Forclaz MT500 Lightweight Packable Hiking Sandals$40 was $59.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon AmericaLinen or lightweight shirts
Anything heavier than linen is a mistake at 102°F.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Outdoor Research Astroman Long-Sleeve Sun Shirt - Men's$60.47 was $110 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Solta Long-Sleeve Sun Shirt - Women's$59.50 was $85 at CotopaxiShop at Cotopaxi
Forclaz Men's MT500 Merino Wool Long-Sleeve Shirt$50 was $84.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Simond Women's Alpinism Seamless Wool Long-Sleeve Shirt$40 was $59.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon AmericaMoisture-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
Fino Tech Tee - Men's$27.50 was $55 at CotopaxiShop at CotopaxiBugs 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 Coconut Pineapple$19.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Tailwind Nutrition Recovery Drink Mix - 1 Serving Salted Caramel$3.25 at REIShop at REI
SaltStick Fastchews Chewable Electrolyte Tablets Tropical Mango$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.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
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.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.
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 770NC Bluetooth Over-Ear Noise-Cancelling Headphones$220 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.
Money and documents
Passport holder
Don't have one? Check these out.
Luggage locks (TSA)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Power and phone
Short cables (USB-C)
Don't have one? Check these out.
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.
What to wear
Shorts
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
Forclaz Men's Travel 100 Cargo Shorts$35 was $44.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Helly Hansen Men's Move Quick-Dry 6" Shorts$51.87 was $75 at REIShop at REI
Quechua Women's NH500 Hiking Shorts$15 was $34.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon AmericaBugs 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
Ambato Wide Leg Everyday Pant - Women's$38 was $95 at CotopaxiShop at Cotopaxi
Patagonia Outdoor Everyday Pant - Men's$75 was $125 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comThe 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
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 REISmall lock
Don't have one? Check these out.
Kryptoflex Cable Lock$29.95 at Thousand HelmetsShop at Thousand Helmets
TSA Cable Lock$17.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
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.comCopy of passport
Pen (customs forms)
Reusable shopping bag
Don't have one? Check these out.
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.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 Bikini Underwear$27.95 at REIShop at REI
Simond Trek 500 Merino Wool Backpacking Underwear Women's$29.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon AmericaChargers (phone)
Don't have one? Check these out.
LuminAID Trio Lantern + Phone Charger$79.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Dual Slim Charger$64.95 at Peak DesignShop at Peak Design
Solar String Color + Phone Charger$68.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Charger Evo Single Compound Grips$10.12 was $10.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comMedications + 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
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 REIToiletries 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.comTake this list with you
Open it again when you are standing over the suitcase.