Packing List
Below is a list of common and specialist travel necessities that cover seasonal variances.
Remember to check the weather forecast of the area/s you are going to and there climatic
changes – hot days/cold nights. Also be aware of cultural, religious and legal legislation
when packing clothing and equipment.
Please check with your airline regarding what you can carry on a plane as rules and
regulations often change. We recommend that you pack light and check how much
baggage/weight you are entitled to.
Be aware of criminal attraction to rob or steal kit. Kit insurance is a must
Luggage can be lost so it a good idea to split essential items - medication, contact lenses
and items need to keep you going for a day or 2 - Wash kit, change of underwear, socks,
jumper between hand and hold luggage.
Register with FCO locate
At Home
Advise Post office you will be away (Heaps of letters behind your door is a give-away for
burglars)
Inform banks/credit card providers you are going away
Arrange Care of Pets
Ask Neighbours to Report Anything Suspicious
Cancel Milk & Papers
Dispose of Perishable Food
Set Security – inform alarm company
Lock up!
Notify local Police
Turn Down/Off Heating (Frost protection)
Turn Appliances off or on Stand-by
Turn Off Water
Turn Off Lights or place on timers
Disconnect car battery (seek guidance)
Documents and Essentials (in Advanced)
Confirm Flight Bookings
Copies of essential documents (hard and have a copy available in safe online area )
Passport Make sure you have at least 3 months validity after your due return date.
Visas
Spare passport and visa photographs
Tickets or e-ticket
List of Flight & Accommodation Details/Reservations
Inform banks/credit card providers you are going away
Register with FCO locate
Travel Insurance which covers location and activities
Health/Vaccination Certificates Required for entry to some countries.
Keys to neighbours
Address Book
BBC World Service schedule of times and frequencies. Varies depending on the part of the
world you are in.
Books for Leisure or Interest Reading (kindle types)
Car ownership documents or copies i.e. Logbook
Foreign Currency/Travellers Cheques Keep a separate list of cheque numbers.
Debit/Credit Cards Remind yourself of PIN numbers before you go.
Diary or Note Book with Pen Essential!
Driving License or International Driving Licence
Car insurance for location
Important Contact Numbers/Addresses i.e. Travel Co., Airline, Credit/Debit Card helplines,
Travellers Cheque issuer, Your bank, Next of Kin, Neighbour.
Language Guide for Destination Or Translator.
List of Serial Numbers For Valuables & Key Documents e.g. Passports.
Travel Guide for Destination Really useful and available for most destinations now.
Useful Addresses at Destination i.e. Embassies or Consulates, Travel Company Agents,
Airline Offices, etc.
Download apps
Update Satnav/GPS with country maps
Map/Road Atlas
E1-11 Medical document - completed
Games or Cards While away time during your journey
Pen and/or Pencil Likewise.
Identity cards/Press ID
Identification
Identity cards
PRESS ID/ Badge
Blood Group
Country Flag
ID wallet
Name Tag
Communications
Smart phones + apps (beware of criminal attraction to smart phone.
Local telephone sim card
2 way radios
Base and car fits
Satellite phones
ECM
IT
Calculator
Camera
Currency converter
Harddrive - films
Laptop /tablet/ereader
Memory stick – (tough)
Protective covers
Smart phones + apps
Toughbook
Photo – Be aware of where and who you are taking photos of – Government areas)
Camera
Protective case
Lenses
Camera Batteries
Film/Disks/Tapes
Flash
Memory Cards
Photo Video Daypack Padded compartments for cameras or video.
Trekking Pole with Photo Mount (monopod) Keeps a camera steady and can be used as a
walking pole.
Tripod
Ultrapod Mini tripod.
Navigation
Altimeter
GPS If your going off the beaten track.
Map Measurer
Maps
World-wide Compass - An ordinary compass doesn't work in all parts of the world.
Satnav
Watch
Hardware
Tactical torch
Headtorch Great for camping, cycling and walking Binoculars or Monocular
Candle Lantern & Candles
Night vision (be careful in military control states)
Cyclums/glow sticks
Emergency Strobe – attracting attention
MP3 player
Currency Converter Helps keep a grip on your spending and prevent you being ripped off.
Karabiners Attach small items of kit quickly and safely.
Key Rings Separate the keys you need from those you don't.
Knife Sharpener A pocket sharpener for knives and blades.
Machete For jungle bashers.
Matches or Lighter
Minefield extraction kit
Para Cord Handy.
Penknife or Pocket Multitool
Car window breaker with seat belt cutter
Solar Chargers Re-charge batteries from the sun.
Swim Goggles or Mask
Thermometer
Travel Adapter Check which voltage and socket they use before you go.
Travel Clock Copes with different time zones and has an alarm.
Trekking Pole(s) Good for balance and strain relief when walking.
Watch
Survival tin
Gifts – for people you are staying with
Sledge hammer and Crow bar for emergency extraction from a vehicle
Clothing
Good to have high quality activity clothing that can be worn to more formal occasions.
Adventure/walking/tactical Trousers
Smart Casual Trouser (can be used for walking)
Fleece lined trouser
Warm over trousers
Thermal longjohns
Waterproof trousers
Walking Shorts/trousers
Strong leather belt
Protective box
Sports shorts
Swimwear/ ¾ wetsuit
Base layers – for training or wearing under body armour
T Shirts - collared
T Shirt - sport
Light Fleece/Sweater (mid layer)
Short Sleeve Shirts (with pocket – ideal for passport when going through airports)
Long Sleeve Shirts (with pocket – ideal for passport when going through airports)
Gilet
Warm Jacket or Top Should have high warmth for weight and be highly packable High
Performance Outer Jacket or Duvet Jacket Down, synthetic insulation or high
performance fleece
Windproofs /waterproofs
Tactical vest (ideal for keeping essential items on you).
Fishing jacket
Suit, Tie, Cufflinks
Shemagh or scarf
Underwear
Gloves Tactical - Slash resistance gloves Thin/running gloves Night Wear
Warm waterproof gloves
Headwear
Casual/Lightweight Sunhat
Boonie/bush hat
Insect Protection Hat
Scarf or Shemagh
Head Scarf (for in females in Islamic countries)
balaclava
Neoprene face mask
Warm Hat You loose lots of heat through your head!
Bump cap (padded baseball style cap)
Light weight sports helmet (kayak/climbing)
Ballistic helmet + ancillaries
Sunglasses
Safety/Ballistic eyewear
Footwear
Extremely important to wear boots in below you leave.
High Wicking Sock More comfortable in hot climates.
Compression socks for flying
Walking socks Better cushioning and foot protection
Sports socks
Lightweight/Dessert boots
Safety boots (still toecaps)
Walking boots Better foot support than Travel Shoes
Smart/casual Shoes Comfortable – slip on shoes are great for flights and going through
airport security
Trainers/trekking shoes
flip flops/ jelly for showers and swimming
Gaiters
Ice grippers
Polish/dubbing and brushes
Protective Spray
Orthotics
Ballistic Protective
Bodyarmour
Armour Plates
Ballistic Helmet
Protective eyewear
Respirator – Check regulations first
Cooking
Cooking set/mess tins + Cruet Lids
Gas Stove Easy to use.
Multi fuel – Easier to get fuel in remote areas
Fuel Bottle
Volcano Kettle Burns almost anything and boils water very quickly
Cooking Utensils Ultralight If you have to carry them yourself.
Bottle opener
Can Opener,
Plastic, Plates, Bowls
Cutlery
Lighter.
Stormproof Matches
Pocket Glasses Not essential but often convenient.
Waterbottle(s)
Hydration carrier
Water filter
Thermos Flask
Themos Mugs
Wide Mouth Storage Bottles & Jars
Squeeze Tubes Versatile storage for both foodstuffs and health products
Emergency rations/ boil in the bag
Snacks for the journey
Chewing gum
Vitamins
Health
After-bite Cream Relief from rashes, stings and bites.
AIDS Prevention Kit
Anti Histamine Relief from rashes, stings and bites.
Anti Malarial Tablets Essential in some parts of the world.
Anti venom
Antiseptic
Biodegradable Soap/Shampoo
Blister Pack
Body Wash
Brush or Comb
Click.. Don't Scratch Essential relief from bites and stings.
Canulars and needles – for when travelling to remote areas
Contact lenses
Contraceptives/Condoms
Compression socks
Cotton buds
Dental Floss
Dental Kit If your going 'out in sticks' you may need it.
Deodorant
Diarrhoea Remedy You hope you won't need it but …!
DVT Stockings Useful protection on long flights.
E111 NHS abroad - get the form from the Post Office
Earplugs Block out the noise and rest.
Eyeshade Block out the light and rest.
First Aid Kit
First Aid Manual
Folding Bowl Your own washbasin for camp.
Hand Sanitizer A handy cleanser while on the move.
Joint support/protector
Laxative You don't believe you'll need it but …!
Lipbalm
Make-up
Medication – Personal, Malaria etc
Medical Braclet, Tag
Mirror Stainless Steel Doesn't break.
Moisturiser
Mouthwash
Nail Clippers
Pain Relief Tablets and gel Such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
Pegless Washing Line
Razor
Rehydration Mixture Important for adults, essential for children.
Sanitary Products
Scissors
Shampoo/Conditioner
Shower Gel
Shaving Foam/Gel/Oil
Solar Shower
Sudacream – Rash, sunburn
Sunburn Relief/Moisturiser - Sundacream
Sun Tan lotion - various factors
Sunglasses
Talcum powder
Throat Lozenges
Toilet Tissue Emergency stand-by.
Toothbrush
Toothbrush Caps
Toothpaste
Towel Lightweight Lots less weight and bulk.
Travel Bottle Set
Travel Hair Dryer
Travel Sickness Remedy
Travellers Health Book
Tweezers
Universal Bath Plug In many countries bath and basin are likely to be missing.
Vitamin Supplement Your diet may not be balanced!
Wet Wipes A handy cleanser while on the move.
Water purification tablets
Medical kit – please follow link to specialist area
Chest seals
Canulars for remote areas
Dental Kit
Emergency Blanket
Face protector for CPR
Rubber gloves
Sam Splints
Suture set
Tourniquet
Trauma Bandages
Anti venom (certain regions)
Personal first aid kit
Team/Vehicle Trauma kit
Stretcher
Insect Protection
Bed Bug Sheet Not all accommodation is as clean as you'd like.
Bell Mosquito Nets Easy to put up with just one support. Spacious.
Candle Lantern Burn citronella candles safely.
Citronella (9 hr) Candles Helps keep bugs away.
Cot Mosquito Nets Don't forget the baby.
Hammock Mosquito Net Needed for jungle and forest bivies.
Headnet Can help keep you sane in some parts of the world.
Insect Repellent (DEET) Proven and very effective but can cause skin reaction and affect
some plastics.
Insect Repellent (None or Low DEET) Good alternative for sensitive skins and young
children.
Insect Repellent Fabric Treatment Not on your skin but helps prevent bites.
Mosi Coil Holder
Mosquito Coils Kill 'em. Use in ventilated area.
Permethrin Net Treatment Kit Increase the effectiveness of mosi nets.
Rectangular Mosquito Nets The best net if you staying in one place for a long period.
Wedge Mosquito Nets Ideal for travelling and easy to put up.
Luggage, Bags & Packing
Boot Bag Keeps dirty footwear off clean clothes
Bumbag More storage than pockets, less than a daypack. Your back stays drier.
Convertible Bumbag-Daypack 5-12L Bumbag that converts to daypack
Camera Bag
Carry-on Bag Ideal for avoiding baggage waits on short trips
Clothes Folders Keep suits & skirts, shirts and blouses crumple free and packed small
Compression Bags For compressing bulky sleeping bags and suchlike. Convertible Dri Bags
Keep gear dry or separate wet and dry gear.
DVD case
Dry bags – full sealable waterproof bag
Expandable Excellent hybrid combination of wheeled luggage and carry-on.
Grap bag
Glasses Case
Kit Bag / Cargo Bag If you have lots of gear but don't want lots of luggage. Wheeled Bag
Saves a lot of energy and wasted time
Laundry bag
Luggage Labels Identify your bags quickly
Luggage Locks Deters tampering and petty theft. Rucksack If your doing lots of Luggage
Straps Prevents a zip failure becoming a disaster
carrying or going off the beaten track
Re-sealable HD Poly Bags Really handy, 1000's of uses
Rucksack Bag Stops your rucksack straps getting chewed by the airport carrousel
Rucksack Rain Cover Prevents rain getting to the contents of your rucksack.
Tactical vest
Washbag
Waterproof Document Cases Keep papers and small instruments safe.
Waterproof Equipment Bags Like Dri Bags
Pelicase
Maintain & Repair
Fabric Repair
Gaffer Tape 1000's of travel uses - an essential
Sewing Kit Buttons do come off at awkward moments
Shoe Repair Extremely tough flexible adhesive suitable for leather, synthetics and rubbers
Spare Batteries
Spare Laces
Spec's Repair Kit
Stain Remover/Detergent Saves washing for minor marks.
Waterproofing spray
Washing liquid
Wrinkle Clothes Rescue
Protection & Security – Amazon shop
Door Guard Locks most hotel and toilet doors without a key
Door wedge
Door and Window alarm
Leather Money Belt Can be used as a regular belt
Leg Wallet Yet another hiding place
Money Belts Still very handy for valuables
Neck Wallets An alternative
Pacsafe Robust protection for bags, cases and rucksacks
Pacsafe Stashsafe A slashproof bumbag
Pacsafe Wrap Safe Make sure your luggage is where you left it
Padlocks Lock the zips on luggage to prevent pilfering
Personal Alarm Can be used as an attack alarm and to protect luggage
Silk Money Belt Comfortable and discreet
Silk Neck Wallet Comfortable and discreet
Travel Safe Keep smaller items safe
Wallet
Waterproof Money Belt Can be used for water sports
Women's Money Belt Smaller and discreet
Relaxation and Sleep
Basha for shelter and survival
Bed Bug Sheet Not all accommodation is as clean as you'd like
Gortex Bivi Bag for Spartan lightweight travel and survival
Bungees
Carry Cushion Extra comfort and handy size
Coolmax Sleeping Bag Liner Very comfortable, especially in warm humid conditions
Cotton Bed Liner Rectangular with pillow pocket for beds and rectangular sleeping bags
Cotton Sleeping Bag Liner Tapered fit for shaped sleeping bags.
Sleeping bag 1- 5 seasons
Down Sleeping Bag Maximum comfort, minimum weight, minimum size.
Fleece Sleeping Bag Liner Extra warmth.
Thermo rest sleeping mat Good insulation for low weight