What to pack forThe Black Forest
in July
73° / 57°F
14 days of rain. Sunset around 9:20pm.
Typical July, from ten years of weather
14 days
of rain
9:20pm
sunset
Type C/F
plugs
0 of 57 packed
Before you go
None of these fit in a bag. Sort them first and the packing gets easy.
Download offline maps
Download the offline map before you lose signal.
Some cash in local currency
Cards fail more often than you'd think. Carry EUR for markets and taxis.
Passport valid past your dates
The Black Forest wants 3 months left on a passport past July. Check the expiry date now.
Copies of your documents
Photograph your passport, cards, and insurance. Email them to yourself. Ten seconds now saves a very bad afternoon.
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 The Black Forest, with no SIM counter to find.
The essentials
Tick the box when it is in the bag
Rain shell (hardshell jacket)
14 rain days a month finds every seam. A real shell, not a windbreaker.
14 rain days a month finds every seam. A real shell, not a windbreaker. Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Fineline Stretch Rain Shell - Women's$123 at Backcountry.comFineline Stretch Rain Shell - Women's$123 was $189Shop at Backcountry.com
Storm Splitter Rain Shell$135 at Howler BrothersStorm Splitter Rain Shell$135Shop at Howler Brothers
Quechua Women’s NH500 Waterproof Hiking Rain Jacket$50 at Decathlon AmericaQuechua Women’s NH500 Waterproof Hiking Rain Jacket, women's$50 was $69.99Shop at Decathlon America
Quechua Men's Raincut Fullzip Waterproof Rain Jacket$15 at Decathlon AmericaQuechua Men's Raincut Fullzip Waterproof Rain Jacket$15 was $29.99Shop at Decathlon AmericaSunscreen SPF 50
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Badger SPF 50 Daily Mineral Sunscreen$24.95 at REIBadger SPF 50 Daily Mineral Sunscreen$24.95Shop at REI
Project Reef SPF 50 Sunscreen$26 at REIProject Reef SPF 50 Sunscreen$26Shop at REI
Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray$20.50 at REISun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray$20.50Shop at REI
Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Stick$14.50 at REISun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Stick$14.50Shop at REIPolarized sunglasses
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Knockaround Fast Lanes Sport Polarized Sunglasses Matte Black/Smoke$38 at Backcountry.comKnockaround Fast Lanes Sport Polarized Sunglasses Matte Black/Smoke$38Shop at Backcountry.com
Knockaround Premiums Sport Polarized Sunglasses Orange Rose$25.93 at REIKnockaround Premiums Sport Polarized Sunglasses Orange Rose$25.93 was $38Shop at REI
Knockaround Fast Lanes Sport Polarized Sunglasses Desert$38 at Backcountry.comKnockaround Fast Lanes Sport Polarized Sunglasses Desert$38Shop at Backcountry.com
Fast Lanes Sport Polarized Sunglasses$38 at Backcountry.comFast Lanes Sport Polarized Sunglasses$38Shop at Backcountry.comTick remover
Check ankles and, if there's a dog, paws and ears every night.
Check ankles and, if there's a dog, paws and ears every night. Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Travel first aid kit
Don't have one? Check these out.
Plug adapter, Type C or F
The Black Forest uses Type C or F sockets. An adapter with USB-C ports charges several things from one outlet.
The Black Forest uses Type C or F sockets. An adapter with USB-C ports charges several things from one outlet. Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Matador Global Travel Adapter$39.95 at REIMatador Global Travel Adapter$39.95 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at REI
Global Travel Adapter USB 30W$40 at Eagle CreekGlobal Travel Adapter USB 30W$40 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle Creek
Global Travel Adapter Micro$25 at Eagle CreekGlobal Travel Adapter Micro$25 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle Creek
Eagle Creek Global Travel Adapter 45W$69 at REIEagle Creek Global Travel Adapter 45W$69 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at REIPower bank 10k–20k mAh
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Goal Zero Venture 75 Power Bank$120 at REIGoal Zero Venture 75 Power Bank$120Shop at REI
Anker MagGo Power Bank (10,000 mAh, Slim)$80 at REIAnker MagGo Power Bank (10,000 mAh, Slim)$80Shop at REI
BioLite Charge 80 PD Power Bank$99.95 at REIBioLite Charge 80 PD Power Bank$99.95Shop at REI
Anker Zolo Power Bank (20,000 mAh, 22.5W, Built-In USB-C Cable)$40 at REIAnker Zolo Power Bank (20,000 mAh, 22.5W, Built-In USB-C Cable)$40Shop at REICarry-on backpack (35–45L)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickMatador 45L Global Travel PackSee price at MatadorMatador 45L Global Travel PackSee price 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Matador SEG 45See price at MatadorMatador SEG 45See price 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Go Carry-On 44L Backpack$180 at Backcountry.comGo Carry-On 44L Backpack$180Shop at Backcountry.com
Osprey Packs Archeon 30L Backpack$132 at Backcountry.comOsprey Packs Archeon 30L Backpack$132 was $265Shop at Backcountry.comDaypack (15–25L)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Consuelo 22L Daypack$120 at CotopaxiConsuelo 22L Daypack$120Shop at Cotopaxi
Arcane Large 20L Daypack$65.97 at Backcountry.comArcane Large 20L Daypack$65.97 was $110Shop at Backcountry.com
Stio Basin Daypack$75.93 at REIStio Basin Daypack$75.93 was $109Shop at REI
Osprey Packs Arcane Large 20L Daypack Stargazer$49.50 at Backcountry.comOsprey Packs Arcane Large 20L Daypack Stargazer$49.50 was $110Shop at Backcountry.comCarry-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.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Dry bags
For the passport, the chargers, and the one dry pair of socks.
For the passport, the chargers, and the one dry pair of socks. Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Tuff Sack 5-55L Dry Bag$79.95 at Backcountry.comTuff Sack 5-55L Dry Bag$79.95Shop at Backcountry.com
Osprey Wildwater Dry Bag 15$33.73 at REIOsprey Wildwater Dry Bag 15$33.73 was $45Shop at REI
Osprey Packs Wildwater 35L Dry Bag Tunnel Vision$35.75 at Backcountry.comOsprey Packs Wildwater 35L Dry Bag Tunnel Vision$35.75 was $65Shop at Backcountry.com
Race Dry Bag - Double Roll$43.99 at Backcountry.comRace Dry Bag - Double Roll$43.99Shop at Backcountry.comMoisture-wicking t-shirts
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Simond Women’s MT500 Merino Wool T-Shirt$35 at Decathlon AmericaSimond Women’s MT500 Merino Wool T-Shirt, women's$35 was $54.99Shop at Decathlon America
Simond Men's Merino Resist Long-Sleeve T-Shirt$45 at Decathlon AmericaSimond Men's Merino Resist Long-Sleeve T-Shirt$45 was $69.99Shop at Decathlon AmericaSun hoodie (UPF long sleeve)
UV hits 8.9 here. Long sleeves beat reapplying sunscreen every hour.
UV hits 8.9 here. Long sleeves beat reapplying sunscreen every hour. Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Topo Designs Sun Hoodie - Women's$74.25 at Backcountry.comTopo Designs Sun Hoodie - Women's$74.25 was $99Shop at Backcountry.com
La Sportiva Cloud Shadow Sun Hoodie - Women's$66.50 at Backcountry.comLa Sportiva Cloud Shadow Sun Hoodie - Women's$66.50 was $95Shop at Backcountry.com
Sombra Sun Hoodie - Women's$52.50 at CotopaxiSombra Sun Hoodie - Women's$52.50 was $75Shop at Cotopaxi
Royal Robbins Salathe Sun Long-Sleeve Hoodie - Men's$120 at Backcountry.comRoyal Robbins Salathe Sun Long-Sleeve Hoodie - Men's$120Shop at Backcountry.comWide-brim sun hat
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Pistil Women's Tegan Wide Brim Hat$39.73 at REIPistil Women's Tegan Wide Brim Hat$39.73 was $68Shop at REI
Brixton Mitch Packable Sun Hat$48.95 at Backcountry.comBrixton Mitch Packable Sun Hat$48.95Shop at Backcountry.com
Orilla Sun Hat$35 at CotopaxiOrilla Sun Hat$35 was $50Shop at Cotopaxi
Forclaz MT500 UPF 50+ Hiking Hat$20 at Decathlon AmericaForclaz MT500 UPF 50+ Hiking Hat$20 was $29.99Shop at Decathlon AmericaReusable water bottle
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Collapsible Water Bottle$24.95 at Backcountry.comCollapsible Water Bottle$24.95Shop at Backcountry.com
Que Collapsible Water Bottle Cloudy$24.95 at Backcountry.comQue Collapsible Water Bottle Cloudy$24.95Shop at Backcountry.com
Water Bottle$7.20 at Backcountry.comWater Bottle$7.20 was $12Shop at Backcountry.com
Bidon Water Bottle$14.40 at Wild RyeBidon Water Bottle$14.40 was $18Shop at Wild RyeMulti-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.
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.
Don't have one? Check these out.
RFID travel wallet / money belt
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Undercover RFID Money Belt$35 at Backcountry.comUndercover RFID Money Belt$35 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Backcountry.com
Silk Undercover Money Belt$17.02 at Backcountry.comSilk Undercover Money Belt$17.02 was $30.95, 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Backcountry.com
Bison Designs T Lock Money Belt$24 at REIBison Designs T Lock Money Belt$24Shop at REI
Passport Wallet$94.95 at Peak DesignPassport Wallet$94.95Shop at Peak DesignAirTag / tracker for bags
Packing cubes
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickMatador Packing Cube SetSee price at MatadorMatador Packing Cube SetSee price 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Matador Gear Cube Set$58.99 at Backcountry.comMatador Gear Cube Set$58.99 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Backcountry.com
3 Piece Compression Packing Cubes$50 at Samsonite3 Piece Compression Packing Cubes$50Shop at Samsonite
Thule Compression Packing Cube Gentle$23.95 at Backcountry.comThule Compression Packing Cube Gentle$23.95Shop at Backcountry.comLaundry bag / travel detergent
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Matador Laundry BagSee price at MatadorMatador Laundry BagSee price 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Nathan Power Wash Performance Laundry Detergent with Pump$24 at REINathan Power Wash Performance Laundry Detergent with Pump$24Shop at REI
Knack Pack Drawstring Cover and Laundry Bag-Large$10 at Knack BagsKnack Pack Drawstring Cover and Laundry Bag-Large$10Shop at Knack BagsNoise-cancelling headphones
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Soundcore by Anker Space One Pro Bluetooth Over-Ear Noise-Canceling Headphones$200 at REISoundcore by Anker Space One Pro Bluetooth Over-Ear Noise-Canceling Headphones$200Shop at REI
JBL Live 770NC Bluetooth Over-Ear Noise-Cancelling Headphones$220 at REIJBL Live 770NC Bluetooth Over-Ear Noise-Cancelling Headphones$220Shop at REI
JBL Live 780NC Wireless Noise-Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones$250 at REIJBL Live 780NC Wireless Noise-Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones$250Shop at REI
Sony WH-1000XM6 Best Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones WH-1000XM6/G$460 at SonySony WH-1000XM6 Best Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones WH-1000XM6/G$460Shop at SonyTrekking poles
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Leki Skysolo FX One Carbon Trekking Poles - Pair White 125 Cm$150 at REILeki Skysolo FX One Carbon Trekking Poles - Pair White 125 Cm$150 was $200Shop at REI
Komperdell Carbon FXP Team Trekking Poles - Pair Pink 135 Cm$148 at REIKomperdell Carbon FXP Team Trekking Poles - Pair Pink 135 Cm$148 was $270Shop at REI
Leki Sherpa FX One Carbon Trekking Poles - Pair Black 135 Cm$165 at REILeki Sherpa FX One Carbon Trekking Poles - Pair Black 135 Cm$165 was $220Shop at REI
Black Diamond Distance Carbon Trekking Poles Ultra Blue, 100 cm$117 at Backcountry.comBlack Diamond Distance Carbon Trekking Poles Ultra Blue, 100 cm$117 was $180Shop at Backcountry.comNice to have
You could skip every one of these
Waterproof boot spray
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Fabric & Leather Spray On Footwear Treatment$12.55 at Backcountry.comFabric & Leather Spray On Footwear Treatment$12.55Shop at Backcountry.com
Nubuck & Suede Proof Spray-On Footwear Treatment$12.55 at Backcountry.comNubuck & Suede Proof Spray-On Footwear Treatment$12.55Shop at Backcountry.com
Nikwax Nubuck & Suede Waterproofing Spray for Footwear$12.95 at REINikwax Nubuck & Suede Waterproofing Spray for Footwear$12.95Shop at REI
Nikwax Fabric & Leather Waterproofing Spray for Footwear$12.95 at REINikwax Fabric & Leather Waterproofing Spray for Footwear$12.95Shop at REILip balm with SPF
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen Lip Balm$3.95 at REISun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen Lip Balm$3.95Shop at REI
Badger SPF 15 Mineral Sunscreen Lip Balm$4.95 at REIBadger SPF 15 Mineral Sunscreen Lip Balm$4.95Shop at REI
SPF 50 Hydrating Sun Balm$29 at Backcountry.comSPF 50 Hydrating Sun Balm$29Shop at Backcountry.comMotion sickness tablets / bands
Hand sanitizer
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Noshinku Ultra-Hydrating Pocket Hand Sanitizer Refill$13 at REINoshinku Ultra-Hydrating Pocket Hand Sanitizer Refill$13Shop at REI
Dr. Bronner's Organic Hand Sanitizer$5.50 at REIDr. Bronner's Organic Hand Sanitizer$5.50Shop at REI
Noshinku Refillable Ultra-Moisturizing Pocket Sanitizer$9 at REINoshinku Refillable Ultra-Moisturizing Pocket Sanitizer$9Shop at REIShort cables (USB-C)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
USB-C CableSee price at Peak DesignUSB-C CableSee priceShop at Peak Design
Anker 2-in-1 USB-C to USB-C Cable (4 ft., 140W, Braided)$26 at REIAnker 2-in-1 USB-C to USB-C Cable (4 ft., 140W, Braided)$26Shop at REI
Anker Prime USB-C to USB-C Cable (6 ft., 240W, Upcycled-Braided)$35 at REIAnker Prime USB-C to USB-C Cable (6 ft., 240W, Upcycled-Braided)$35Shop at REI
Cable Kit$19.99 at Peak DesignCable Kit$19.99Shop at Peak DesignLanguage 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
Luggage locks (TSA)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Matador BetaLockSee price at MatadorMatador BetaLockSee price 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
3 Dial Travel Sentry Combination Lock$13 at Samsonite3 Dial Travel Sentry Combination Lock$13Shop at Samsonite
TSA Cable Lock$17.95 at Backcountry.comTSA Cable Lock$17.95Shop at Backcountry.com
Knack TSA-Approved Lock$16 at Knack BagsKnack TSA-Approved Lock$16Shop at Knack BagsToiletry bag (hanging)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Toiletry Bag$50 at Backcountry.comToiletry Bag$50Shop at Backcountry.com
Hanging Toiletry Bag - Small$49.95 at Backcountry.comHanging Toiletry Bag - Small$49.95Shop at Backcountry.com
DK5 ModPak Toiletry Bag$49.95 at Backcountry.comDK5 ModPak Toiletry Bag$49.95Shop at Backcountry.com
Buddy 2 Toiletry Bag$44.99 at Backcountry.comBuddy 2 Toiletry Bag$44.99Shop at Backcountry.comTravel pillow
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Blackout Travel Pillow$39.99 at Backcountry.comBlackout Travel Pillow$39.99 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Backcountry.com
Zempire Chill Pill DLX Memory Foam Camp Pillow$40 at REIZempire Chill Pill DLX Memory Foam Camp Pillow$40Shop at REI
Exhale Neck Pillow$29 at Backcountry.comExhale Neck Pillow$29 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Backcountry.com
Foam Core Pillow$34.95 at Backcountry.comFoam Core Pillow$34.95Shop at Backcountry.comThe 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.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickMatador Toothbrush Caps 2-PackSee price at MatadorMatador Toothbrush Caps 2-PackSee price 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Matador Refillable Toothpaste TubesSee price at MatadorMatador Refillable Toothpaste TubesSee price 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Peppermint Toothpaste Tablets in Tin$12.99 at Backcountry.comPeppermint Toothpaste Tablets in Tin$12.99Shop at Backcountry.com
Dr. Bronner's Travel Toothpaste - 1 oz. Peppermint$2.95 at REIDr. Bronner's Travel Toothpaste - 1 oz. Peppermint$2.95Shop at REIDeodorant
Don't have one? Check these out.
Medications + prescriptions
Chargers (phone)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Dual Slim Charger$64.95 at Peak DesignDual Slim Charger$64.95Shop at Peak Design
Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station (3-in-1, Foldable Pad) with Charger and USB-C Cable$100 at REIAnker MagGo Wireless Charging Station (3-in-1, Foldable Pad) with Charger and USB-C Cable$100Shop at REI
Anker Wall Charger (33W, 2-Port) with USB-C to USB-C Cable$25 at REIAnker Wall Charger (33W, 2-Port) with USB-C to USB-C Cable$25Shop at REIUnderwear
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Smartwool Women's Merino Bikini Underwear - Boxed$35 at REISmartwool Women's Merino Bikini Underwear - Boxed$35Shop at REI
Everyday Merino Bikini Underwear - Women's$34 at Backcountry.comEveryday Merino Bikini Underwear - Women's$34Shop at Backcountry.com
Simond Trek 500 Merino Wool Backpacking Underwear Women's$29.99 at Decathlon AmericaSimond Trek 500 Merino Wool Backpacking Underwear Women's$29.99Shop at Decathlon America
REI Co-op Women's Merino Bikini Underwear$27.95 at REIREI Co-op Women's Merino Bikini Underwear$27.95Shop at REISocks
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Injinji Ultra Run No-Show Wool Socks$21 at REIInjinji Ultra Run No-Show Wool Socks$21Shop at REI
Balega Women's Enduro No-Show Socks$13.73 at REIBalega Women's Enduro No-Show Socks$13.73 was $18Shop at REI
Balega Hidden Contour No-Show Socks$14.73 at REIBalega Hidden Contour No-Show Socks$14.73 was $19Shop at REI
Woolrich Merino Solid Ragg Socks$14.73 at REIWoolrich Merino Solid Ragg Socks$14.73 was $20Shop at REISleepwear
Reusable shopping bag
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Packable Tote Bag$49 at Eagle CreekPackable Tote Bag$49 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle Creek
Packable Tote Bag - Geo$24.95 at rumplPackable Tote Bag - Geo$24.95Shop at rumpl
Grocery Tote Messenger Bag$125 at Backcountry.comGrocery Tote Messenger Bag$125Shop at Backcountry.com
Chrome Grocery Tote Messenger Bag Matte$125 at Backcountry.comChrome Grocery Tote Messenger Bag Matte$125Shop at Backcountry.comPen (customs forms)
Copy of passport
Small lock
Don't have one? Check these out.
Earbuds
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Shokz OpenDots ONE Open-Ear True Wireless Earbuds$170 at REIShokz OpenDots ONE Open-Ear True Wireless Earbuds$170Shop at REI
Soundcore by Anker Liberty 5 Active Noise-Canceling Wireless Earbuds$130 at REISoundcore by Anker Liberty 5 Active Noise-Canceling Wireless Earbuds$130Shop at REI
Shokz OpenFit Air Open-Ear Wireless Earbuds$120 at REIShokz OpenFit Air Open-Ear Wireless Earbuds$120Shop at REI
JBL Tune Flex 2 Bluetooth In-Ear True Wireless Noise-Canceling Earbuds$110 at REIJBL Tune Flex 2 Bluetooth In-Ear True Wireless Noise-Canceling Earbuds$110Shop at REISunglasses case
Don't have one? Check these out.
Nail clippers
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Sewing kit / safety pins
Don't have one? Check these out.
Take this list with you
It keeps your ticks. Open it again when you are standing over the suitcase.It keeps your ticks. Open it again on your phone when you are standing over the suitcase.