Before I went on my backpacking trip through Central America, I thought long and hard about what to pack. I didn’t know exactly where I would go or how long I would be gone. All I knew is that I was going to Central America and probably would continue to South America afterwards.
If you are are about to start your big adventure to Central America and are just as lost as I was – Keep reading!
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In this post you will find:
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Backpacking Essentials
Although your first thought might be what clothes to bring – let’s discuss the Backpacking Essentials first!
Which Backpack Should I get?
If you want to start backpacking, the first thing you will have to get is a backpack. Now there are a ton of different models and brands out there – how should you decide which one to buy? Well here are some important characteristics that you should look for:
Size
First of all, you will need 2 backpacks: One big one to carry all your stuff and a smaller day pack to keep your valuables or use for day trips. Personally, I have a 50 L backpack and a 30 L daypack.
Now if you are planning to visit warm places only you won’t need to pack many warm/thicker clothes. In that case a 40 L backpack should also be enough. Those also have the advantage of counting as hand luggage with most airlines. This means you would save money on having to check-in your backpack on every flight you take.
However, if you do plan on doing some high altitude hikes or want to visit areas that might get colder – you will need warmer clothes as well. Then I would recommend at least 50 L. I have all of that stuff with me and was totally fine with 50 L. Sometimes it might get a little tight to pack or you won’t have much space to add stuff along the way. If you want to have more room or want to take more stuff, you can opt for a bigger backpack, about 60-70 L.
But remember: Everything you pack you will also have to carry around with you. And sometimes less is more.
Hip Belt
Your backpack will probably weigh between 12-18 kg and there will be times when you have to carry that backpack for a while – trust me and use those hip belts!
I personally also chose my smaller backpack with this hip belt. It makes it bulkier when you have to store it under a seat on a plane for example and it might also not look the coolest when you use it on a daily basis. BUT if you go on a day hike and take that backpack with you – the belt is worth gold.
Rain Cover
Most backpacks will have one included when you buy them, but make sure to take a rain cover for both backpacks. In Central America it can happen very fast that you’ll be in the midst of heavy rain and you will want to make sure to protect your stuff from getting soaking wet. Also always take these rain covers on any hikes, cause you never know how the weather might turn.
Packing Cubes
Trust me when I say “Packing cubes will be your best friends”. They really make packing a lot easier and allow you to organize your stuff. In my backpack I have 4 half-moon-shaped ones from Decathlon that honestly just fit in perfectly.
What to Pack for Central America
Now, finally, let’s talk about everything you should pack for your trip to Central America. First of all, you need to think about the weather: mostly hot (depending on the season), can get a lot of rain, can be cold if you are planning to do some high altitude hikes.
What Clothes You Should Pack
This part was definitely a long thinking process. Especially when it came to quantities – I was lost. How do you pack for a few months of travelling if you can only take two backpacks with you?
To make this whole process easier for you, here is a list of all the clothes I packed in my backpack. Keep in mind that I did not know 1.) How long I would be gone and 2.) Where exactly I would be going. I knew I wanted to go to South America as well and therefore prepared for any hikes that I might come across.
Here is what’s in my backpack for 5+ months of travelling through Central and South America:
- 10 crop tops (don’t ask, I know 5-7 would definitely be enough)
- 3 t-shirts
- 1 sports t-shirt
- 2 tank tops
- 1 long sleeve shirt
- 1 long sleeve button up shirt – thin
- 1 long sleeve shirt – a bit thicker
- 1 warm jacket
- 1 fleece jacket
- 1 sweatshirt
- 2 sports bras
- 2 sports shorts
- 1 skort
- 1 pair denim shorts
- 1 linen shorts
- 2 leggings/sports pants
- 1 pair long jeans
- 1 pair long loose pants
- 1 short dress
- 3 bikinis & 1 bathing suit for surfing
- Underwear for 14 days
- 7 pairs of socks
- 3 pairs hiking socks
- Beanie hat, gloves & ski mask (for high altitude hikes and possible cold temperatures up there)
- Hat
- Packable rain jacket
- Hiking shoes
- Sneakers/trainers
- Flip flops (that can get wet)
- 1 pyjama
Okay, some things like 10 crop tops or underwear for 14 days might be too much, I know. However I am trying to only have to do laundry every two weeks instead of every week. And as for the crop tops – don’t ask – I like to have a little variety and I like crop tops.
Other Stuff You Should Pack
But keep in mind everyone: Clothes are not the only things you will pack for your trip to Central America.
Here is a list of stuff I carry with me apart from clothing items:
- Travel Documents
- 2 padlocks (with numerical code)
- Powerbank + Charger
- Headphones
- Travel Adapter (US-socket in Central America)
- Laptop + Charger, Phone Charger
- Disposable Camera
- Head lamp for night hikes
- Toiletry Bag
- Toiletries: soap bar, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, hair mask, razor + new blades, shaving gel, face cream, tampons
- Nail clippers
- Cotton Swabs
- Sleeping mask + ear plugs – personally never had them, but could be useful if you are a light sleeper
- Make Up (mascara, concealer and lash curler)
- Comb and hair ties
- Medication (fever + pain medication, Imodium, plasters/Band-Aids, desinfection alcohol for wounds, wound cream)
- Bug repellent
- Sunscreen (SPF 50!)
- 1 big & 1 small microfiber towel
- Laundry bag
Those are pretty much all the things I have in my two backpacks at the moment. I will be sure to keep the list up to date and I hope you found this post helpful.
If you are planning your trip to Central America make sure to check out my post about 11 Things You Need to Think About Before You Leave.
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