TripPacker

What to pack forMexico City
in December

72° / 46°F
2 days of rain. Sunset around 6:00pm.
0 of 58 packed
One email. Free, and it stays free.

The essentials

Tick the box when it is in the bag
Insulated puffy (down or synthetic)
Lows around 46°F. Goes under the shell when the wind picks up.
Lows around 46°F. Goes under the shell when the wind picks up. Don't have one? Check these out.
Hybrid WINDSTOPPER Lightweight Puffy Jacket - Men's$196 at Backcountry.comInsulated Puffy Parka Jacket - Women's$152 at Backcountry.comThe North Face Men's Quest Synthetic Insulated Jacket$110 at REIFuego Hooded Down Jacket - Women's$148 at Cotopaxi
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.
Arc'teryx Women's Satoro Merino Wool Crew Neck Long-Sleeve Base Layer Top$95.73 at REIArc'teryx Women's Lana Merino Wool Crew Base Layer Top$63.93 at REITerramar Women's 3.0 Merino Flex Long-Sleeve Crew Base Layer Top$54.73 at REITerramar Men's 3.0 Merino Bi-Layer Long-Sleeve Crew Base Layer Top$29.73 at REI
Warm hat (beanie)
Lows near 46°F mean mornings feel sharp at 2238 meters altitude.
Lows near 46°F mean mornings feel sharp at 2238 meters altitude. Don't have one? Check these out.
Smartwool Cable Knit Colorblock Pom Beanie$29.73 at REIChaos Indiana Wool Beanie$29.73 at REILightweight Merino Wool Beanie$32 at Backcountry.comPatagonia Beanie Hat$24.87 at REI
Sunscreen SPF 50
Thin air at 2238 meters lets UV through faster than sea level.
Thin air at 2238 meters lets UV through faster than sea level. Don't have one? Check these out.
Project Reef SPF 50 Sunscreen$26 at REIBadger SPF 50 Daily Mineral Sunscreen$24.95 at REISun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion$17.50 at REISun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray$20.50 at REI
Polarized sunglasses
High altitude intensifies sun reflection off urban surfaces and pavement.
High altitude intensifies sun reflection off urban surfaces and pavement. Don't have one? Check these out.
Knockaround Fast Lanes Sport Polarized Sunglasses Desert$38 at Backcountry.comKnockaround Premiums Sport Polarized Sunglasses Orange Rose$25.93 at REIFast Lanes Sport Polarized Sunglasses$38 at Backcountry.comKnockaround Fast Lanes Sport Polarized Sunglasses Matte Black/Smoke$38 at Backcountry.com
DEET or picaridin repellent
December rain is rare here, but mosquitoes breed in city water.
December rain is rare here, but mosquitoes breed in city water. Don't have one? Check these out.
Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion$10.95 at REIBen's 30 Deet Tick & Insect Repellent$1.92 at Backcountry.comAdventure Medical Ben's 30 Deet Tick & Insect Repellent Pump$1.92 at Backcountry.comBen's Eco Spray Insect Repellent - 30 Percent DEET$9.50 at REI
Travel first aid kit
Altitude sickness and tap water illness both need basic supplies on hand.
Altitude sickness and tap water illness both need basic supplies on hand. Don't have one? Check these out.
Kikkerland Wilderness First-Aid Kit$12.50 at REIHART Outdoor Pocket First-Aid Kit$10.50 at REI
Filter water bottle
Tap water isn't safe here. A filter bottle beats buying plastic twice a day.
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 REIGo Series Water Filter 22oz Bottle$44.95 at Backcountry.comLifeStraw Go Series BPA-Free Water Filter Bottle$44.95 at REIGrayl UltraPress Water Filter and Purifier Bottle$89.95 at REI
Power bank 10k–20k mAh
One outlet per room is standard in budget Mexico City guesthouses.
One outlet per room is standard in budget Mexico City guesthouses. Don't have one? Check these out.
Anker MagGo Power Bank (10,000 mAh, Slim)$80 at REIGoal Zero Venture 75 Power Bank$120 at REIBioLite Charge 80 PD Power Bank$99.95 at REIAnker Zolo Power Bank (20,000 mAh, 22.5W, Built-In USB-C Cable)$40 at REI
Headlamp
Dark by 6:00pm. Every campsite chore after that is a two-hands job.
Dark by 6:00pm. Every campsite chore after that is a two-hands job. Don't have one? Check these out.
Dash 450 Rechargeable HeadLamp$69.95 at Backcountry.comFenix HM50R V2.0 Rechargeable Headlamp$59.95 at REIStorm 450 Headlamp$38.47 at Backcountry.comBlack Diamond Astro 300-R Rechargeable Headlamp$44.95 at REI
Carry-on backpack (35–45L)
Overhead bins fit carry-on only, so pack light for the flight in.
Overhead bins fit carry-on only, so pack light for the flight in. Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickMatador 45L Global Travel PackSee price at MatadorMatador SEG 45See price at MatadorGo Carry-On 44L Backpack$180 at Backcountry.comOsprey Packs Archeon 30L Backpack$132 at Backcountry.com
Daypack (15–25L)
Urban exploration on foot means daypack weight adds up over 11 hours.
Urban exploration on foot means daypack weight adds up over 11 hours. Don't have one? Check these out.
Consuelo 22L Daypack$120 at CotopaxiArcane Large 20L Daypack$65.97 at Backcountry.comIsabella 3.0 20L Daypack - Women's$66.75 at Backcountry.comElqui 24L Daypack$70 at Cotopaxi
Carry-on suitcase (hard shell)
Fits the overhead on every airline that matters. Skip the checked-bag line entirely.
Fits the overhead on every airline that matters. Skip the checked-bag line entirely. Don't have one? Check these out.
Coraza Suitcase - Carry On$295 at Cotopaxi
Neck gaiter / buff
Wind at 16 km/h cuts through at this elevation without a neck layer.
Wind at 16 km/h cuts through at this elevation without a neck layer. Don't have one? Check these out.
Simond Trek 500 Merino Wool Multi-Position Hiking Neck Gaiter$17 at Decathlon AmericaBuff x National Parks Coolnet UV Neck Gaiter Great Smoky$24.95 at Backcountry.comBuff Merino Fleece Buff Solid$42 at Backcountry.comBuff Merino Heavyweight Neck Warmer$42 at REI
Moisture-wicking t-shirts
Altitude and low humidity pull moisture from skin during the 11-hour daylight.
Altitude and low humidity pull moisture from skin during the 11-hour daylight. Don't have one? Check these out.
Simond Women’s MT500 Merino Wool T-Shirt$35 at Decathlon AmericaSimond Men's Merino Resist Long-Sleeve T-Shirt$45 at Decathlon America
Sun hoodie (UPF long sleeve)
UV hits 7.2 here. Long sleeves beat reapplying sunscreen every hour.
UV hits 7.2 here. Long sleeves beat reapplying sunscreen every hour. Don't have one? Check these out.
La Sportiva Cloud Shadow Sun Hoodie - Women's$66.50 at Backcountry.comTopo Designs Sun Hoodie - Women's$74.25 at Backcountry.comSombra Sun Hoodie - Women's$37.50 at CotopaxiRoyal Robbins Salathe Sun Long-Sleeve Hoodie - Men's$120 at Backcountry.com
Wide-brim sun hat
A UV index of 7.2 in December still burns exposed scalp and face.
A UV index of 7.2 in December still burns exposed scalp and face. Don't have one? Check these out.
Pistil Women's Tegan Wide Brim Hat$39.73 at REIBrixton Mitch Packable Sun Hat$48.95 at Backcountry.comForclaz MT500 UPF 50+ Hiking Hat$20 at Decathlon AmericaOrilla Sun Hat$25 at Cotopaxi
Permethrin-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.
Sawyer Permethrin Pump Spray$14.50 at REI
Oral rehydration salts
Tap water isn't safe, and dehydration hits harder at 2238 meters.
Tap water isn't safe, and dehydration hits harder at 2238 meters. Don't have one? Check these out.
SaltStick Electrolyte Salt Capsules - 100 Capsules$27.30 at REISaltStick Fastchews Chewable Electrolyte Tablets Coconut Pineapple$19.99 at Backcountry.comSaltStick Fastchews Chewable Electrolyte Tablets Mixed Berry$19.99 at Backcountry.comSaltStick Fastchews Chewable Electrolyte Tablets Green Apple$19.99 at Backcountry.com
Anti-diarrheal + probiotics
Unfamiliar water causes digestive trouble for most visitors to the city.
Unfamiliar water causes digestive trouble for most visitors to the city.
Multi-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.
Dual Slim Charger$64.95 at Peak DesignAnker Wall Charger (33W, 2-Port) with USB-C to USB-C Cable$25 at REI
VPN
Hotel and cafe wifi is shared with everyone else in the building. A VPN keeps your banking and email to yourself.
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 NordVPN
RFID travel wallet / money belt
International travel and urban crowds make theft a real daily risk.
International travel and urban crowds make theft a real daily risk. Don't have one? Check these out.
Undercover RFID Money Belt$35 at Backcountry.comEagle Creek Silk Undercover Money Belt Rose$17.02 at Backcountry.comBison Designs T Lock Money Belt$24 at REIPassport Wallet$94.95 at Peak Design
AirTag / tracker for bags
Bags move through airport baggage systems and city transit without tracking.
Bags move through airport baggage systems and city transit without tracking.
Packing cubes
Packing cubes compress layering clothes needed for 46°F to 72°F swings.
Packing cubes compress layering clothes needed for 46°F to 72°F swings. Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickMatador Packing Cube SetSee price at MatadorMatador Gear Cube Set$58.99 at Backcountry.com3 Piece Compression Packing Cubes$50 at SamsoniteLarge Expanding Packing Cube$30 at Knack Bags
Laundry bag / travel detergent
Two rain days mean most clothes stay wearable between washes.
Two rain days mean most clothes stay wearable between washes. Don't have one? Check these out.
Matador Laundry BagSee price at MatadorNathan Power Wash Performance Laundry Detergent with Pump$24 at REIKnack Pack Drawstring Cover and Laundry Bag-Large$10 at Knack Bags
Packable blanket
Lows around 46°F. One blanket that packs small covers the car, the campsite and the beach at sunset.
Lows around 46°F. One blanket that packs small covers the car, the campsite and the beach at sunset. Don't have one? Check these out.
Flame Puffy Blanket - Hot$102 at rumplPendleton Yakima Camp Blanket Green Heather, Twin$199 at Backcountry.comPuffy Kachula Adventure Blanket$59.50 at Backcountry.comTeca Camp Blanket$90 at Cotopaxi

Nice to have

You could skip every one of these
Lip balm with SPF
Lips crack in low humidity and high altitude without SPF protection.
Lips crack in low humidity and high altitude without SPF protection. Don't have one? Check these out.
Badger SPF 15 Mineral Sunscreen Lip Balm$4.95 at REISun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen Lip Balm$3.95 at REISPF 50 Hydrating Sun Balm$29 at Backcountry.com
Hand sanitizer
Tap water means frequent hand washing becomes your main illness defense.
Tap water means frequent hand washing becomes your main illness defense. Don't have one? Check these out.
Noshinku Ultra-Hydrating Pocket Hand Sanitizer Refill$13 at REINoshinku Refillable Ultra-Moisturizing Pocket Sanitizer$9 at REIDr. Bronner's Organic Hand Sanitizer$5.50 at REI
Sunburn-safe insect bite relief
Sunburn and insect bites both happen here, and they need different care.
Sunburn and insect bites both happen here, and they need different care. Don't have one? Check these out.
heat it classic USB-C Smartphone-Powered Insect Bite Relief$29.95 at REIheat it pro USB-C Smartphone-Powered Insect Bite Relief$49.95 at REIBadger Outdoor Itch Relief Stick$9.95 at REIheat it classic Lightning Smartphone-Powered Insect Bite Relief$29.95 at REI
Short cables (USB-C)
Phone and camera both need charging in a city where outlets are scarce.
Phone and camera both need charging in a city where outlets are scarce. Don't have one? Check these out.
USB-C CableSee price at Peak DesignAnker Prime USB-C to USB-C Cable (6 ft., 240W, Upcycled-Braided)$35 at REIAnker 2-in-1 USB-C to USB-C Cable (4 ft., 140W, Braided)$26 at REICable Kit$19.99 at Peak Design
Language app
A few phrases go a long way. Ten minutes a day before you leave is plenty.
A few phrases go a long way. Ten minutes a day before you leave is plenty.
Passport holder
Border crossing requires your passport readable and separate from cash.
Border crossing requires your passport readable and separate from cash.
Luggage locks (TSA)
Luggage locks matter on shared transportation and in hostel dorms.
Luggage locks matter on shared transportation and in hostel dorms. Don't have one? Check these out.
Matador BetaLockSee price at MatadorTSA Cable Lock$15.95 at Backcountry.comPacsafe ProSafe 620 TSA Accepted Luggage Locks$17.95 at REITravel Safe 4-Dial TSA Cable Lock$15 at Eagle Creek
Toiletry bag (hanging)
Humidity at 59% keeps toiletries from drying out in your luggage.
Humidity at 59% keeps toiletries from drying out in your luggage. Don't have one? Check these out.
Hanging Toiletry Bag - Small$49.95 at Backcountry.comToiletry Bag$50 at Backcountry.comDK5 ModPak Toiletry Bag$49.95 at Backcountry.comPack-It Hanging Toiletry Bag$40 at Eagle Creek

The 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.
Our pickMatador Toothbrush Caps 2-PackSee price at MatadorMatador Refillable Toothpaste TubesSee price at MatadorHuppy Peppermint Toothpaste Tablets in Tin$12.99 at Backcountry.comDr. Bronner's Travel Toothpaste - 1 oz. Peppermint$2.95 at REI
Deodorant
Don't have one? Check these out.
HiBAR Natural Deodorant Unscented$13.95 at REIBusy Co Clarifying Deodorant Wipes$6.95 at REI
Medications + prescriptions
Chargers (phone)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Dual Slim Charger$64.95 at Peak DesignAnker MagGo Wireless Charging Station (3-in-1, Foldable Pad) with Charger and USB-C Cable$100 at REIAnker Wall Charger (33W, 2-Port) with USB-C to USB-C Cable$25 at REI
Underwear
Don't have one? Check these out.
Everyday Merino Bikini Underwear - Women's$34 at Backcountry.comSmartwool Women's Merino Bikini Underwear - Boxed$35 at REIREI Co-op Women's Merino Hipster Underwear$29.95 at REISimond Trek 500 Merino Wool Backpacking Underwear Women's$29.99 at Decathlon America
Socks
Don't have one? Check these out.
Injinji Ultra Run No-Show Wool Socks$21 at REIBalega Hidden Contour No-Show Socks$14.73 at REIBalega Hidden Dry No-Show Socks$13.73 at REIWoolrich Merino Solid Ragg Socks$14.73 at REI
Sleepwear
Reusable shopping bag
Don't have one? Check these out.
Packable Tote Bag$49 at Eagle CreekPackable Tote Bag - Geo$24.95 at rumplChrome Grocery Tote Messenger Bag Matte$125 at Backcountry.comGrocery Tote Messenger Bag$125 at Backcountry.com
Pen (customs forms)
Copy of passport
Small lock
Don't have one? Check these out.
3 Dial Travel Sentry Combination Lock$13 at SamsonitePacsafe ProSafe 1000 TSA Combination Luggage Lock$17.95 at REI
Earbuds
Don't have one? Check these out.
Shokz OpenDots ONE Open-Ear True Wireless Earbuds$170 at REISoundcore by Anker Liberty 5 Active Noise-Canceling Wireless Earbuds$130 at REISoundcore by Anker AeroFit 2 Open-Ear Wireless Earbuds$100 at REIJBL Vibe Beam 2 Bluetooth In-Ear True Wireless Noise-Canceling Earbuds$64.95 at REI
Sunglasses case
Don't have one? Check these out.
Croakies Sunglasses Case with Carabiner$9.95 at REIChums Transporter Sunglasses Case$10 at REI
Nail clippers
Don't have one? Check these out.
So iLL Nail Clippers$8 at REI
Sewing kit / safety pins
Don't have one? Check these out.
Expedition Sewing Awl$35 at Backcountry.comSpeedy Stitcher Sewing Awl with Extra Thread$33.50 at REI

Take this list with you

It keeps your ticks. Open it again when you are standing over the suitcase.
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