TripPacker

What to pack forMalawi
in March

79° / 63°F
21 days of rain this month. Sunset around 5:55pm.Typical March, from ten years of weather
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0 of 61 packed

The essentials

Tick the box when it is in the bag

What to wear

Rain shell (hardshell jacket)
21 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 BrothersQuechua Women's NH500 Waterproof Hiking Rain Jacket$50 was $69.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon AmericaQuechua Men's Raincut Fullzip Waterproof Rain Jacket$15 was $29.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America2.5-Layer Shell Rain Jacket - Men's$275 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Sun hoodie (UPF long sleeve)
UV hits 9.3 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.comSombra Sun Hoodie - Women's$52.50 was $75 at CotopaxiShop at CotopaxiSombra Sun Hoodie - Men's$35 was $70 at CotopaxiShop at CotopaxiThe North Face Adventure Sun Hoodie - Women's$48.75 was $65 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
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 AmericaSimond Men's MT900 Seamless Merino Wool T-Shirt$45 was $74.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon AmericaSimond Women's Merino Resist Long-Sleeve T-Shirt$45 was $69.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon AmericaFino Tech Tee - Women's$27.50 was $55 at CotopaxiShop at Cotopaxi

Bugs and health

Travel first aid kit
Don't have one? Check these out.
HART Outdoor Bleed Control First-Aid Kit$30.95 at REIShop at REIHART Outdoor Day Hike First-Aid Kit$16.95 at REIShop at REIKikkerland Wilderness First-Aid Kit$12.50 at REIShop at REIHART Outdoor All Seasons Weatherproof First-Aid Kit$37.95 at REIShop at REI

REI members usually get 10% back on full-price gear. Membership is $30, once. How it works

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 REIAdventure Medical Ben's 30 Deet Tick & Insect Repellent Pump$1.92 was $2.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comBen's 30 Deet Tick & Insect Repellent$1.92 was $2.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comBen's Insect Repellent Wipes - 30 Percent DEET$7.95 at REIShop at REI
Oral rehydration salts
Don't have one? Check these out.
Tailwind Nutrition Recovery Drink Mix - 1 Serving Salted Caramel$3.25 at REIShop at REISaltStick Fastchews Chewable Electrolyte Tablets Tropical Mango$19.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comSaltStick Fastchews Chewable Electrolyte Tablets Seedless Watermelon$19.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comTailwind Nutrition Recovery Drink Mix Salted Caramel-12 Pack Box$39.49 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Anti-diarrheal + probiotics
Don't have one? Check these out.
Anti-diarrheal + probiotics - Amazon searchSee price at AmazonShop at Amazon
Permethrin-treated clothing spray
Treat the clothes once and it lasts weeks.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Sawyer Permethrin Pump Spray$14.50 at REIShop at REI

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 REIHydraPak Breakaway+ Water Filter Bottle$50 at REIShop at REILifeStraw Go Series Insulated Stainless-Steel Water Filter Bottle$59.95 at REIShop at REIKatadyn BeFree AC Water Filter Bottle 0.7$49.95 at REIShop at REI

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 REISun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Stick$14.50 at REIShop at REIThinksport Clear Zinc Active Face SPF 50 Sunscreen$15.95 at REIShop at REIBlue Lizard Sport Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion$14 at REIShop at REI
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.comZeal Isabelle Polarized Sunglasses - Women's$67.03 was $149 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comSmith Era ChromaPop Polarized Sunglasses - Women's$113 was $189 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comKnockaround Junipers Polarized Sunglasses - Women's$17.50 was $35 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Wide-brim sun hat
Don't have one? Check these out.
Pistil Women's Tegan Wide Brim Hat$39.73 was $68 at REIShop at REIBrixton Mitch Packable Sun Hat Tan, L/XL$48.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comOrilla Sun Hat$25 was $50 at CotopaxiShop at CotopaxiForclaz MT500 UPF 50+ Hiking Hat$20 was $29.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America

Power and phone

Power bank 10k–20k mAh
Don't have one? Check these out.
BioLite Charge 80 PD Power Bank$99.95 at REIShop at REIGoal Zero Venture 75 Power Bank$120 at REIShop at REIAnker MagGo Power Bank (10,000 mAh, Slim)$80 at REIShop at REIAnker Zolo Power Bank (20,000 mAh, 22.5W, Built-In USB-C Cable)$40 at REIShop at REI
Plug adapter, Type G
Malawi 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 MatadorMatador Global Travel Adapter Forget-Me-Not$38.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comGlobal Travel Adapter USB 30W$40 at Eagle Creek15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle CreekGlobal Travel Adapter Micro$25 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
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 DesignPeak Design 65W Dual Slim Charger$64.95 at REIShop at REILizard Skins Charger Evo Lock-On Grips Electric$24.58 was $33.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comCharger Evo Lock-On Grips$27.19 was $33.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
VPN
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.
NordVPNSee price at NordVPNShop at NordVPN

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.comSilk Undercover Money Belt$17.02 was $30.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comEveryday Billfold Wallet$69.95 at Peak DesignShop at Peak DesignUndercover RFID Money Belt$35 at Eagle Creek15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle Creek
AirTag / tracker for bags
Don't have one? Check these out.
AirTag / tracker for bags - Amazon searchSee price at AmazonShop at Amazon

Bags

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 MatadorMatador SEG 45See price at Matador15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at MatadorPacsafe Go Carry-On 44L Backpack Jet$180 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comOsprey Packs Archeon 30L Backpack$132 was $265 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Daypack (15–25L)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Lithium 20L Daypack$135 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comConsuelo 22L Daypack$120 at CotopaxiShop at CotopaxiElqui 24L Daypack$100 at CotopaxiShop at CotopaxiOsprey Packs Arcane Large 20L Daypack Botanica$65.97 was $110 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
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.comOsprey Wildwater Dry Bag 35$48.73 was $65 at REIShop at REIVapor 16 Dry Bag$17.49 was $24.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comOsprey Packs Wildwater 15L Dry Bag Tunnel Vision$24.75 was $45 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.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Carry On 30L Travel Pack$199 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comCoraza Suitcase - Carry On$295 at CotopaxiShop at CotopaxiFreeform Spinner$154 was $220 at SamsoniteShop at SamsoniteVirtuosa Spinner$154 was $220 at SamsoniteShop at Samsonite
Laundry bag / travel detergent
Don't have one? Check these out.
Matador Laundry BagSee price at Matador15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at MatadorNathan Power Wash Performance Laundry Detergent with Pump$24 at REIShop at REIKnack Pack Drawstring Cover and Laundry Bag-Medium$9 at Knack BagsShop at Knack BagsLaundry Bag - Del Día$20 at CotopaxiShop at Cotopaxi
Packing cubes
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickMatador Packing Cube SetSee price at Matador15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at MatadorMatador Gear Cube Set Juniper$54.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com3 Piece Compression Packing Cubes$50 at SamsoniteShop at SamsoniteUltralight Packing Cube$24.95 at Peak DesignShop at Peak Design

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 SonySkullcandy Sesh ANC Active Headphones$70.93 was $95 at REIShop at REISkullcandy Icon ANC Headphones$74.93 was $99.95 at REIShop at REISoundcore by Anker Space One Pro Bluetooth Over-Ear Noise-Canceling Headphones$200 at REIShop at REI

Nice to have

You could skip every one of these

What to wear

Waterproof boot spray
Don't have one? Check these out.
Nikwax Fabric & Leather Proof DUO-Pack Spray$18.85 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comNubuck & Suede Proof Spray-On Footwear Treatment$12.55 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comNikwax Nubuck & Suede Waterproofing Spray for Footwear$12.95 at REIShop at REINikwax Fabric & Leather Waterproofing Spray for Footwear$12.95 at REIShop at REI
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 REIForclaz Men's Travel 900 Hiking Shorts$40 was $59.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon AmericaForclaz Men's MT500 Hiking Shorts$30 was $44.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon AmericaQuechua Women's NH500 Hiking Shorts$15 was $34.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America

Bugs and health

Hand sanitizer
Don't have one? Check these out.
Noshinku Ultra-Hydrating Pocket Hand Sanitizer Refill$13 at REIShop at REINoshinku Refillable Ultra-Moisturizing Pocket Sanitizer$9 at REIShop at REIDr. Bronner's Organic Hand Sanitizer$5.50 at REIShop at REI
Sunburn-safe insect bite relief
Don't have one? Check these out.
Badger Outdoor Itch Relief Stick$9.95 at REIShop at REIheat it classic USB-C Smartphone-Powered Insect Bite Relief$29.95 at REIShop at REIheat it classic Lightning Smartphone-Powered Insect Bite Relief$29.95 at REIShop at REIheat it pro USB-C Smartphone-Powered Insect Bite Relief$49.95 at REIShop at REI

Sun and heat

Lip balm with SPF
Don't have one? Check these out.
Utu SPF 50 Hydrating Sun Balm$29 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comSPF 50 Hydrating Sun Balm$29 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comBadger SPF 15 Mineral Sunscreen Lip Balm$4.95 at REIShop at REISun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen Lip Balm$3.95 at REIShop at REI

Power and phone

Short cables (USB-C)
Don't have one? Check these out.
USB-C CableSee price at Peak DesignShop at Peak DesignUSB-C to C Cable, Paracord wrapped, 3 ft PD enabled$27.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comAnker 2-in-1 USB-C to USB-C Cable (4 ft., 140W, Braided)$26 at REIShop at REIGarmin USB-C Plug Charging/Data Cable$25 at REIShop at REI

Money and documents

Passport holder
Don't have one? Check these out.
Passport Wallet + Beacon Card Bundle 1$117 was $130 at Peak DesignShop at Peak DesignPassport Wallet$94.95 at Peak DesignShop at Peak DesignStash RFID Passport Wallet$39 at Eagle Creek15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle CreekZip Passport Wallet$59 at ALPAKAShop at ALPAKA
Luggage locks (TSA)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Matador BetaLockSee price at Matador15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at MatadorKnack TSA-Approved Lock$16 at Knack BagsShop at Knack BagsPacsafe ProSafe 620 TSA Accepted Luggage Locks$17.95 at REIShop at REITSA Cable Lock$15.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com

Bags

Toiletry bag (hanging)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Toiletry Bag$50 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comPack-It Hanging Toiletry Bag$40 at Eagle Creek15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle CreekBuddy 2 Toiletry Bag$44.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comHanging Toiletry Bag - Small$49.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com

Sleep

Travel pillow
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickTrtl Travel Neck Pillow$54.99 at TrtlShop at TrtlBlackout Travel Pillow$39.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comZempire Chill Pill DLX Memory Foam Camp Pillow$40 at REIShop at REIExhale Neck Pillow$29 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com

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 RyeBackcountry Wasatch Ripstop Everyday Pant - Men's$49.50 was $99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comForclaz Men's Travel 100 Cargo Pants$45 was $59.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon AmericaGOREWEAR Everyday Track Pant - Women's$72 was $120 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com

The basics

Toiletries kit
Don't have one? Check these out.
Pelican DK5 ModPak Toiletry Bag$49.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comOsprey Packs Toiletry Kit Daylite Hanging Night Shift$29.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comPack-It Hanging Toiletry Bag$40 at Eagle Creek15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle CreekToiletry Kit Daylite Hanging$29.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Deodorant
Don't have one? Check these out.
HiBAR Natural Deodorant Bergamot And Cedar$13.95 at REIShop at REIHiBAR Natural Deodorant Unscented$13.95 at REIShop at REIBusy Co Clarifying Deodorant Wipes$6.95 at REIShop at REIHiBAR Natural Deodorant Lavender And Jasmine$13.95 at REIShop at REI
Travel-size toothpaste + brush
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickMatador Toothbrush Caps 2-PackSee price at Matador15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at MatadorMatador Refillable Toothpaste TubesSee price at Matador15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at MatadorPeppermint Toothpaste Tablets in Tin$12.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comHuppy Peppermint Toothpaste Tablets in Tin$12.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Chargers (phone)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Trio Lantern + Phone Charger$79.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comLuminAID Trio Lantern + Phone Charger$79.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comDual Slim Charger$64.95 at Peak DesignShop at Peak DesignAnker Wall Charger (33W, 2-Port) with USB-C to USB-C Cable$25 at REIShop at REI
Medications + prescriptions
Socks
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickSockwell Men's Ranger Merino Socks$25.95 at SockwellShop at SockwellSockwell Women's Undercover Socks$17.95 at SockwellShop at SockwellKiprun Run 500 Thin No-Show Socks 2-Pack$9.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon AmericaMen's Speedway 3-Pack$98.85 at SockwellShop at Sockwell
Underwear
Don't have one? Check these out.
Everyday Merino Bikini Underwear - Women's$34 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comEveryday Merino Thong Underwear - Women's$34 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comREI Co-op Women's Merino Hipster Underwear$29.95 at REIShop at REISimond Trek 500 Merino Wool Backpacking Underwear Women's$29.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Reusable shopping bag
Don't have one? Check these out.
Grocery Tote Messenger Bag$125 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comChrome Grocery Tote Messenger Bag Matte$125 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comPackable Tote Bag - Geo$24.95 at rumplShop at rumplNomadix Pocket Tote Bag$19.95 at REIShop at REI
Sleepwear
Don't have one? Check these out.
Pendleton Pajama Set - Women's$74.63 was $99.50 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comScotch Plaid Flannel Pajamas - Men's$89.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comClassic Lounge Shirt - Women's$22.73 was $64.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comSundays Lounge Shirt - Men's$27.98 was $69.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Nail clippers
Don't have one? Check these out.
So iLL Nail Clippers$8 at REIShop at REI
Sunglasses case
Don't have one? Check these out.
goodr We Make a Good Case Sunglass Case$10 at REIShop at REICroakies Sunglasses Case with Carabiner$9.95 at REIShop at REIChums Transporter Sunglasses Case$10 at REIShop at REIgoodr Best Case Scenario Sunglass Case$10 at REIShop at REI
Sewing kit / safety pins
Don't have one? Check these out.
Expedition Sewing Awl$35 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comSpeedy Stitcher Sewing Awl with Extra Thread$33.50 at REIShop at REI
Copy 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 REIShokz OpenDots ONE Open-Ear True Wireless Earbuds$170 at REIShop at REIJBL Tune Flex 2 Bluetooth In-Ear True Wireless Noise-Canceling Earbuds$110 at REIShop at REIShokz OpenFit Air Open-Ear Wireless Earbuds$120 at REIShop at REI
Small lock
Don't have one? Check these out.
Kryptoflex Cable Lock$29.95 at Thousand HelmetsShop at Thousand HelmetsTSA Cable Lock$15.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comPacsafe ProSafe 1000 TSA Combination Luggage Lock$17.95 at REIShop at REI3 Dial Travel Sentry Combination Lock$13 at SamsoniteShop at Samsonite

Take this list with you

Open it again when you are standing over the suitcase.
Nearby lists
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