Panama Packing List

Carry on Suitcase

  • 1 pair pants (jeans or similar)
  • 1 fleece or sweatshirt
  • Trail running shoes or similar with good grip (if you plan to hike/trek)
  • Rain jacket
  • 1 pair hiking pants or yoga pants
  • 1 pair walking shoes (think allbirds or casual flats)
  • 1 pair flip flops or walking sandals
  • 1-2 casual dresses or semi nice outfit for dinner
  • 2 bathing suits
  • 2 light long sleeve button ups (linen, 100% cotton, or quick dry)
  • 8 pairs undergarments (including 1 sports bra for women)
  • 8 pairs socks
  • 1 lightweight shirt appropriate for hiking
  • 2-3 pairs shorts
  • 8 t-shirts or tank tops
  • 1 swim shirt/rash guard (the sun is brutal in the water)
  • Brimmed packable hat +/- baseball hat
  • Pajamas

Toiletries

  • Bug spray – recommend DEET or one with picaridin, though potentially lemon eucalyptus oil is also affective (though less studied)
  • Sunscreen – make sure it’s reef safe and without oxybenzone and octinoxate); consider Sun Bum, Badger or Klar
  • Shampoo and conditioner in reusable travel containers
  • Bar of soap and soap container
  • Razor
  • Basic makeup (BB cream, mascara, lip/cheek tint)
  • Face moisturizer
  • Travel toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Deodorant
  • Hair elastics
  • Nail file
  • Ear plugs

Backpack

  • Kindle or tablet (or both)
  • Portable phone charging battery
  • Earbuds
  • Small notebook + pen
  • Camera and lenses
  • Binoculars
  • Mini cross-body purse
  • Passport
  • Wallet
  • Phone
  • Charging cords
  • Sunglasses
  • Reusable water bottle (wide mouth lets you get to go coffee in it too)
  • Reusable utensils and straw
  • Hand sanitizer
  • SPF chapstick
  • Pocket tissues
  • Matador droplet bag (recommend for wet clothes/bathing suits or picking up trash on the beach)
  • Mini med kit (bandaids, tylenol/aspirin, neosporin, etc)
  • Packable tote bag