What to pack forNiger
in May
106° / 84°F
4 days of rain this month. Sunset around 7:05pm.Typical May, from ten years of weather
4 days
of rain this month
7:05pm
sunset
Type A/B/C/E/F/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 Tourist visa
Niger requires a Tourist visa before arrival. It is an online application and cannot be sorted at the border.
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 Niger, 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 XOF for markets and taxis.
Vaccinations / travel clinic
CDC lists Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Yellow fever for Niger. 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
Sunscreen SPF 50
Don't have one? Check these out.
REI members usually get 10% back on full-price gear. Membership is $30, once. How it works
Polarized sunglasses
Don't have one? Check these out.
Zeal Isabelle Polarized Sunglasses - Women's$67.03 was $149 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Smith Cheetah Polarized Sunglasses - Women's$93 was $155 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Costa Caleta Net 580G Polarized Sunglasses - Women's$174 was $248 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Knockaround Junipers Polarized Sunglasses - Women's$17.50 was $35 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comWide-brim sun hat
Don't have one? Check these out.
Brixton Mitch Packable Sun Hat Tan, L/XL$48.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
DAKINE No Zone Sun Hat Black, L/XL$24 was $40 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comInsulated water bottle
Cold water at 3pm is worth the weight.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Quechua MH900 Double-Wall Insulated 500 ml Water Bottle$15 was $24.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon AmericaElectrolyte 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 320 Caf 100$56 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
FastChews with Caffeine - 10 Count Packets$42 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Fastchews Chewable Electrolyte Tablets - Box of 12 Packets$42 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comWater 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.
Go Series Water Filter 1L Bottle$49.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comMoney and documents
RFID travel wallet / money belt
Don't have one? Check these out.
AirTag / tracker for bags
Don't have one? Check these out.
Power and phone
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
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.
Sandals (sport)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Reef Water Vista Higher Sandal - Women's$80 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Reef Water Willow Marina Sandal - Women's$31.47 was $44.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comSun hoodie (UPF long sleeve)
UV hits 9.4 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 - 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.com
Sombra Sun Hoodie - Men's$35 was $70 at CotopaxiShop at CotopaxiLightweight wind jacket
Coastal wind cuts through a t-shirt fast.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Vuelta Performance Windbreaker Jacket - Women's$65 was $130 at CotopaxiShop at Cotopaxi
Forclaz Men's MT500 Windbreaker Jacket$69.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Helly Hansen Odin BC Infinity Shell Jacket - Women's$228 was $650 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Helly Hansen Ridge Infinity Shell Jacket - Men's$293 was $650 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comNeck 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
Simond Trek 500 Merino Wool Multi-Position Hiking Neck Gaiter$17 was $24.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon AmericaLinen or lightweight shirts
Anything heavier than linen is a mistake at 106°F.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Solta Long-Sleeve Sun Shirt - Women's$59.50 was $85 at CotopaxiShop at Cotopaxi
Outdoor Research Astroman Long-Sleeve Sun Shirt - Men's$60.47 was $110 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Forclaz Men's MT500 Merino Wool Long-Sleeve Shirt$50 was $84.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Sombra Long-Sleeve Sun Shirt - Women's$32.50 was $65 at CotopaxiShop at CotopaxiMoisture-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
Quick Dry Short-Sleeve T-Shirt - Unisex$34.30 was $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 SEG 45See 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.comCarry-on suitcase (hard shell)
Fits the overhead on every airline that matters. Skip the checked-bag line entirely.
Packing cubes
Don't have one? Check these out.
Laundry bag / travel detergent
Don't have one? Check these out.
Bugs and health
Travel first aid kit
DEET or picaridin repellent
Don't have one? Check these out.
Adventure Medical Ben's 30 Deet Tick & Insect Repellent Pump$1.92 was $2.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Ben's 30 Deet Tick & Insect Repellent$1.92 was $2.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comOral rehydration salts
Don't have one? Check these out.
SaltStick Fastchews Chewable Electrolyte Tablets Coconut Pineapple$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 Salted Caramel-12 Pack Box$39.49 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comAnti-diarrheal + probiotics
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.
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 SonyNice 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
Luggage locks (TSA)
Power and phone
Short cables (USB-C)
Don't have one? Check these out.
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.comLanguage 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.
Simond Women's Travel 900 Hiking Shorts$30 was $54.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Quechua Women's NH500 Hiking Shorts$15 was $34.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon AmericaBags
Toiletry bag (hanging)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Bugs and health
Sunburn-safe insect bite relief
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
Backcountry Wasatch Ripstop Everyday Pant - Men's$49.50 was $99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Forclaz Men's Travel 100 Cargo Pants$45 was $59.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Quechua Men's NH100 Hiking Pants$20 was $29.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon AmericaThe basics
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
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.comChargers (phone)
Don't have one? Check these out.
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
Socks
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
Simond Trek 500 Merino Wool Backpacking Underwear Women's$29.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon AmericaToiletries 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
Osprey Packs Toiletry Kit Daylite Hanging Night Shift$29.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Toiletry Kit Daylite Hanging$29.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comTravel-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.comCopy of passport
Pen (customs forms)
Earbuds
Don't have one? Check these out.
Small lock
Don't have one? Check these out.
Kryptoflex Cable Lock$29.95 at Thousand HelmetsShop at Thousand Helmets
Pacsafe Prosafe 800 Combination Cable Padlock$18.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
3 Dial Travel Sentry Combination Lock$13 at SamsoniteShop at SamsoniteNail clippers
Don't have one? Check these out.
Sewing kit / safety pins
Take this list with you
Open it again when you are standing over the suitcase.










































