TripPacker

What to pack forUS Virgin Islands
in May

82° / 81°F
14 days of rain this month. Sunset around 6:40pm.Typical May, from ten years of weather
One email. Free, and it stays free.
0 of 66 packed

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.comSmith Cheetah Polarized Sunglasses - Women's$93 was $155 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comZeal Isabelle Polarized Sunglasses - Women's$67.03 was $149 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comKnockaround Junipers Polarized Sunglasses - Women's$17.50 was $35 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
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 REIThinksport Clear Zinc Active Face SPF 50 Sunscreen$15.95 at REIShop at REISun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Stick$14.50 at REIShop at REISun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion$17.50 at REIShop at REI

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

Reef-safe sunscreen
Some islands fine you for the regular stuff.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Thinksport All Sheer Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray$18.95 at REIShop at REIBadger Sport Mineral Sunscreen Cream - SPF 40$18.95 at REIShop at REISun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion$17.50 at REIShop at REISun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray$13.93 was $20.50 at REIShop at REI
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 REICamelBak Fit Cap Insulated Stainless-Steel Water Bottle$20.73 was $30 at REIShop at REICamelBak Peak Fitness Chill Insulated Water Bottle$9.73 was $15 at REIShop at REIQuechua MH900 Double-Wall Insulated 500 ml Water Bottle$15 was $24.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
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.comCTR Women's Summit Crushable Wide Brim Hat$30.73 was $43.99 at REIShop at REIOrilla Sun Hat$25 was $50 at CotopaxiShop at Cotopaxi

Beach and water

Snorkel set
Don't have one? Check these out.
Snorkel set - Amazon searchSee price at AmazonShop at Amazon
Waterproof dry bag 10–20L
Don't have one? Check these out.
Osprey Wildwater Dry Bag 35$48.73 was $65 at REIShop at REIWatershed Goforth 10.5L Dry Bag Safety$177 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comGoforth 10.5L Dry Bag$177 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comOsprey Packs Wildwater 15L Dry Bag Tunnel Vision$24.75 was $45 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com

Bugs and health

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 REIBen's 30 Deet Tick & Insect Repellent$1.92 was $2.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comAdventure Medical Ben's 30 Deet Tick & Insect Repellent Pump$1.92 was $2.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comBen's Spray Pump Insect Repellent - 30 Percent DEET$5.95 at REIShop at REI
Travel first aid kit
Don't have one? Check these out.
HART Outdoor All Seasons Weatherproof First-Aid Kit$37.95 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 Weekend First-Aid Kit$30.95 at REIShop at REI
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
Oral rehydration salts
Don't have one? Check these out.
SaltStick Fastchews Chewable Electrolyte Tablets Coconut Pineapple$19.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comTailwind 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.comUnsweetened Hydration Sport Drink Mix$33 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

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 REILifeStraw Go Series Insulated Stainless-Steel Water Filter Bottle$59.95 at REIShop at REIHydraPak Breakaway+ Water Filter Bottle$50 at REIShop at REIGo Series Water Filter 1L Bottle$49.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com

Money and documents

AirTag / tracker for bags
Don't have one? Check these out.
AirTag / tracker for bags - Amazon searchSee price at AmazonShop at Amazon
RFID travel wallet / money belt
Don't have one? Check these out.
Silk Undercover Money Belt$17.02 was $30.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comSoho Wallet - Women's$12.50 was $25 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comPassport Wallet$94.95 at Peak DesignShop at Peak DesignUndercover RFID Money Belt$35 at Eagle Creek15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle Creek

Power and phone

Power bank 10k–20k mAh
Don't have one? Check these out.
Goal Zero Venture 75 Power Bank$120 at REIShop at REIBioLite Charge 80 PD Power Bank$99.95 at REIShop at REIAnker Zolo Power Bank (20,000 mAh, 22.5W, Built-In USB-C Cable)$40 at REIShop at REIAnker MagGo Power Bank (10,000 mAh, Slim)$80 at REIShop at REI

Buy 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 DesignPeak Design 65W Dual Slim Charger$64.95 at REIShop at REICharger Evo Lock-On Grips$27.19 was $33.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comLizard Skins Charger Evo Lock-On Grips Electric$24.58 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

What to wear

Rain shell (hardshell jacket)
14 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 AmericaFineline Stretch Rain Shell - Women's$189 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Neck 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.comREI Co-op Merino Wool Neck Gaiter$26.95 at REIShop at REISimond Trek 500 Merino Wool Multi-Position Hiking Neck Gaiter$17 was $24.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon AmericaSmartwool Thermal Merino Neck Gaiter$25 at REIShop at REI
Linen or lightweight shirts
Anything heavier than linen is a mistake at 82°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.comSolta Long-Sleeve Sun Shirt - Women's$59.50 was $85 at CotopaxiShop at CotopaxiForclaz Men's MT500 Merino Wool Long-Sleeve Shirt$50 was $84.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon AmericaSimond Women's Alpinism Seamless Wool Long-Sleeve Shirt$40 was $59.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
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 AmericaQuick Dry Short-Sleeve T-Shirt - Unisex$34.30 was $49 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comSimond Men's MT900 Seamless Merino Wool T-Shirt$45 was $74.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon AmericaFino Tech Tee - Men's$27.50 was $55 at CotopaxiShop at Cotopaxi
Sun hoodie (UPF long sleeve)
UV hits 10.5 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
Sandals (sport)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Teva Women's Outflow Closed-Toe Water Sandals$74.73 was $100 at REIShop at REIKEEN Women's Bali Strap TG Sandals$69.73 was $110 at REIShop at REIReef Water Vista Higher Sandal - Women's$80 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comForclaz MT500 Lightweight Packable Hiking Sandals$40 was $59.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Swimwear
Don't have one? Check these out.
Chubbies Lined Classic Swim Trunks$43.93 was $59.50 at REIShop at REITofino Swim Top - Women's$47.57 was $67.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comFree Fly Men's Palmera Swim Trunks$49.73 was $74 at REIShop at REIChubbies Men's Stretch 5.5" Swim Trunks$33.83 was $69.50 at REIShop at REI

Bags

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
Daypack (15–25L)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Consuelo 22L Daypack$120 at CotopaxiShop at CotopaxiElqui 24L Daypack$100 at CotopaxiShop at CotopaxiLithium 20L Daypack$135 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comStio Basin Daypack$75.93 was $109 at REIShop at REI
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 GloberiderSee 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
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
Waterproof phone pouch
Don't have one? Check these out.
Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Phone Pouch$34.95 at REIShop at REIChrome Large Phone Pouch$25 at REIShop at REIEveryday Case for iPhone 11 Pro$26.96 was $29.95 at Peak DesignShop at Peak DesignEveryday Case for iPhone 11 Pro Max$26.96 was $29.95 at Peak DesignShop at Peak Design
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 SamsoniteLarge Expanding Packing Cube$30 at Knack BagsShop at Knack Bags
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

Nice to have

You could skip every one of these

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.comSun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen Lip Balm$3.95 at REIShop at REIBadger SPF 15 Mineral Sunscreen Lip Balm$4.95 at REIShop at REI

Bugs and health

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 Lightning Smartphone-Powered Insect Bite Relief$29.95 at REIShop at REIheat it classic USB-C 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
Hand sanitizer
Don't have one? Check these out.
Noshinku Ultra-Hydrating Pocket Hand Sanitizer Refill$13 at REIShop at REIDr. Bronner's Organic Hand Sanitizer$5.50 at REIShop at REINoshinku Refillable Ultra-Moisturizing Pocket Sanitizer$9 at REIShop at REI

Money and documents

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 BagsTSA Cable Lock$17.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comTravel Safe 4-Dial TSA Cable Lock$15 at Eagle Creek15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle Creek
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 DesignZip Passport Wallet$59 at ALPAKAShop at ALPAKAStash RFID Passport Wallet$39 at Eagle Creek15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle Creek

Power and phone

Short cables (USB-C)
Don't have one? Check these out.
USB-C CableSee price at Peak DesignShop at Peak DesignAnker 2-in-1 USB-C to USB-C Cable (4 ft., 140W, Braided)$26 at REIShop at REIUSB-C to C Cable, Paracord wrapped, 3 ft PD enabled$27.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comAnker Wall Charger (33W, 2-Port) with USB-C to USB-C Cable$25 at REIShop at REI

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 REIQuechua Women's MH100 Hiking Shorts$20 was $24.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon AmericaSimond Women's Travel 900 Hiking Shorts$30 was $54.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon AmericaForclaz Men's Travel 900 Hiking Shorts$40 was $59.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Waterproof boot spray
Don't have one? Check these out.
Nikwax Nubuck & Suede Waterproofing Spray for Footwear$12.95 at REIShop at REINikwax Fabric & Leather Spray On Footwear Treatment$12.55 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comNikwax Fabric & Leather Waterproofing Spray for Footwear$12.95 at REIShop at REINikwax Fabric & Leather Proof DUO-Pack Spray$18.85 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Sarong / light cover-up
Doubles as a towel, a scarf, and a cover-up where one's expected.
Don't have one? Check these out.
O'Neill Women's Saltwater Essentials Teddy Printed Mini Cover-Up Dress$43.93 was $64 at REIShop at REIO'Neill Women's Saltwater Solids Rilee Mini Cover-Up Dress$39.93 was $58 at REIShop at REIRoxy Women's Golden Glow Cover-Up Dress$24.93 was $50 at REIShop at REIHelly Hansen Women's Shine Solen Cover-Up Dress$69.87 was $100 at REIShop at REI

Bags

Toiletry bag (hanging)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Toiletry Bag$50 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comBuddy 2 Toiletry Bag$44.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comPack-It Hanging Toiletry Bag$40 at Eagle Creek15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle CreekHanging Toiletry Bag - Small$49.95 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 RyeForclaz Men's Travel 100 Cargo Pants$45 was $59.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon AmericaBackcountry Wasatch Ripstop Everyday Pant - Men's$49.50 was $99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comAmbato Wide Leg Everyday Pant - Women's$38 was $95 at CotopaxiShop at Cotopaxi

The basics

Copy of passport
Pen (customs forms)
Earbuds
Don't have one? Check these out.
Shokz OpenDots ONE Open-Ear True Wireless Earbuds$170 at REIShop at REISoundcore by Anker Liberty 5 Active Noise-Canceling Wireless Earbuds$130 at REIShop at REIShokz OpenFit Air Open-Ear Wireless Earbuds$120 at REIShop at REISoundcore by Anker AeroFit 2 Open-Ear Wireless Earbuds$100 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.comProsafe 800 Combination Cable Padlock$18.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comPacsafe Prosafe 800 Combination Cable Padlock$18.95 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.
Croakies Sunglasses Case with Carabiner$9.95 at REIShop at REIChums Transporter Sunglasses Case$10 at REIShop at REIgoodr We Make a Good Case Sunglass 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
Chargers (phone)
Don't have one? Check these out.
LuminAID Trio Lantern + Phone Charger$79.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comSolar String Color + Phone Charger$68.99 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 Sportster 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.comSimond Trek 500 Merino Wool Backpacking Underwear Women's$29.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon AmericaREI Co-op Women's Merino Bikini Underwear$27.95 at REIShop at REI
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.comToiletry Kit Daylite Hanging$29.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comPack-It Hanging Toiletry Bag$40 at Eagle Creek15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle Creek
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 MatadorHuppy Peppermint Toothpaste Tablets in Tin$12.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comDr. Bronner's Travel Toothpaste - 1 oz. Peppermint$2.95 at REIShop at REI
Reusable shopping bag
Don't have one? Check these out.
Chrome Grocery Tote Messenger Bag Matte$125 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comGrocery Tote Messenger Bag$125 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comBoat And Tote Large Open-Top Tote Bag$49.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comPackable Tote Bag$49 at Eagle Creek15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle Creek
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

Take this list with you

Open it again when you are standing over the suitcase.
Nearby lists
What to pack for British Virgin Islands in MayWhat to pack for Puerto Rico in MayWhat to pack for Saint Martin in May