Mexico Packing List
Welcome to our most comprehensive backpacking Mexico packing list.
When it comes to backpacking classics, Mexico is one of our absolute favorite countries and it’s not difficult for us to explain why.
With ancient ruins, tropical beaches and steaming jungles all to be explored, you’re sure to have a wild adventure in this awesome country.
After booking your flights to Mexico, it’s time to think about what you’ll need to pack. In this guide, we’ll cover every checklist item you need for Mexico.
More importantly, we’ll also explore what you shouldn’t bring, as well as an FAQ section that answers any further questions you may have.
Mexico Packing List
So, let’s start with what NOT to bring to Mexico first, shall we?
One of the most common issues we’ve found when it comes to packing for Mexico is that travelers end up bringing all the wrong things.
Whether they’re packing too much, or stuffing items of no need, it’s important to really think through what will travel with you.
Below are our top 5 things that are best left at home when backpacking Mexico:
- An Oversized Backpack – Nowadays there’s an absolute ton of different-sized backpacks on the market, and you’d be forgiven for thinking the biggest will be the best. However, in our experience, they actually cause more issues than help. Not only will they cost more, they’ll also be much heavier (remember you’ll have to carry it around for good distances) and potentially pay extra baggage fees when flying. Try and aim for a backpack of between 50-70 liters.
- Lots of Books – This one is quite a surprise, but it tends to happen more often than you think. Books are great and are a great way of recharging or having some much-needed personal time. However, they are also very heavy, and can easily tip the scale when it comes to a backpack being put in hold (and paying for it) rather than taking it as hand luggage. A better alternative is to download Kindle and get all of your top reads in one digital, easy-to-access place.
- Too Much Cash – Don’t get us wrong – The last thing you’ll want is to arrive in Mexico with none of the local currency! However having lots of cash on you makes you more vulnerable for theft, not to mention you sweating it for a reason that’s completely unnecessary. You can easily take out a Monzo Card instead, which will allow you to take out what you need, when you need it. It’s also better than most domestic banks as they have fewer exchange and withdrawal fees.
- Expensive Jewellery – When you head to Mexico, of course, you’re going to want to look as dapper as possible. Especially since you can get some really good beach-side photos here. However try to limit how much expensive jewelry you bring, as again having too much on you makes you a nice target for theft. Or if you will regardless, then try to limit it to safer areas or within the hotel or restaurants (basically not on the streets).
- Cramming in too many Nonessentials – When you’ve got your backpack in front of you, it’s all too tempting to make use of every inch of space possible. What happens is that you start bringing things that aren’t so necessary, like a third pair or sandals or a heavy towel. Aim to fill your backpack to 3/4 full when leaving home. Not just for the weight, but also so you’ve got space for those awesome Mexican souvenirs you’ll pick up along the way.
Checklist for traveling to Mexico
Below we’ll share a list of things you need to bring when traveling to Mexico.
Now that we’ve left the unneeded stuff in the corner of the room, let’s come back to our backpacks and start packing the right stuff.
Once we’ve booked our flights, it’s now time to pack. Below is our essential checklist for a backpacking trip to Mexico (for both the ladies and gents):
Part A: Important Items
- Passport
- Phone
- Wallet
- Credit Cards
- Travel Insurance Document
- Driving Licence
- First-Aid Kit
- Visa (if necessary)
- Any Medications
- Anything else you Personally CANNOT travel without
Part B: Clothes
- Baseball Cap / Hat
- Polarised Sunglasses
- T-Shirts (4-5)
- Vests (4-5)
- Jumpers (1 Max)
- Rainproof Jacket
- Playsuit
- Sundress (2 Max)
- Bikini (1-2)
- Swimming Trunks (1-2)
- Jeans (1 Max)
- Shorts (2-3)
- Ankle / Normal Socks (7-8)
- Shoes (1-2)
- Sandals (1-2)
- Hiking Boots (1 Max)
Part C: Miscellaneous
- Digital Camera / GoPro
- Drone
- Laptop
- Electrical Items
- Travel Adapter
- Mosquito Repellant
- Sunscreen (Dan’s favorite)
- Toiletries
- Spare Wallet
- Swimming Accessories
- Water Bottle
- Padlocks
- Anything else that’s necessary for you (emphasis on necessary)
As Mexico is mostly hot, you’ll see lots of lighter clothes and garments in the list above.
There are of course some parts that can be cold, so we recommend taking a jumper and jeans too (because you never know).
If heading during the rainy season, then a solid rainproof jacket and sturdy hiking boots are a must. Even during the dry season it could rain (depending where you visit), so it’s good to bring these regardless of when you’ll come to Mexico.
Lastly, as always, don’t stock up on too many toiletries, as you can replenish these with ease whilst on the road (and usually for much cheaper too).
Mexico Packing List
Now we’ll take a look at some of the handiest stuff you can bring with you when backpacking through Mexico.
Having used them on our own backpacking trips here, we can personally vouch for them.
Backpacker Poncho
Product Features:
- Reliable and High Quality Materials
- Perfect for Longer Hikes
- Takes up Little Space
Mexico is a really varied country, meaning some parts will always be prone to some showers. If heading during the wet season, then it’s pretty much guaranteed. This Poncho is perfect since it’s not too hot, unlike some rainproof coats with all the extra layers (Mexico is quite a humid country so you’ll want breathable and light).
GoPro – GoPro MAX
Product Features:
- Best Definition and Quality Possible
- 360° Spherical Capture
- Ultimate Stabilisation
Even if you’ve never owned a GoPro before, you’ll probably know that it’s the #1 choice among adventure travellers and those into extreme sports. When traveling through Mexico, there is nothing better than having a GoPro ready, since you’ll be able to catch all your moments in the best quality possible.
SealLine Skylake Dry Pack
Product Features:
- Intuitive Sealing Design
- Convenient and Compact Storage
- Removable Shoulder Straps
As we’ve already mentioned a few times, Mexico’s climate can be difficult to predict (especially in the wet season). This Dry Pack is the perfect solution since you’ll always be prepared no matter the weather forecast. It’s essential for those heading into the jungle or tripping around the Caribbean or Pacific coasts.
TYR Special Ops 3.0 Polarised Swim Goggles
Product Features:
- Optimal Underwater Clarity
- Comfortable Watertight Seal
- Filters UV rays from the Surface
If heading to Mexico, there’s a good chance you’ll be doing some underwater exploring. Whether in the Caribbean, Pacific or Gulf of Mexico, some of these spots are notorious for snorkelling and their marine wildlife. These swim goggles by TYR have every advantage possible going for them, and are a great price for the value they bring.
Pacsafe Coversafe X100 Waistpack
Product Features:
- Keep Money Safe
- Comfortable on the Skin
- Good Value for Price
Unfortunately, theft is a big risk when traveling through many parts of Latin America, and Mexico especially. This money belt is a great way to keep your valuables safe, and also with comfortable straps that won’t irritate your skin.
BioLite Charge 80 PD Power Bank
Product Features:
- Compact and Light
- Use with Various Electronics
- Full Charge in a few Hours
This is essential when backpacking Mexico. Considering the number of day trips and hikes possible, you’ll want both a high-quality and multifunctional power bank. This power bank by BioLite is something we swear by because when you’re not exploring, you can also use it to charge other important electrical items like your laptop.
Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Traveller Pillow
Product Features:
- Very Comfy
- Perfect for Long Trips
- Weighs Very Little
Given how big Mexico is, some of the buses can be quite daunting between destinations. It’ll be highly likely you’ll need to take a night bus, and having a comfy travel pillow will prove to be your best amigo here. This travel pillow by Sea to Summit has saved us more neck and back aches than we can remember!
Mexico Packing List FAQs
Mexico Packing List
And that’s all for our guide on what to pack for Mexico.
One of the ultimate backpacking destinations in Latin America, Mexico is full of tropical climates and a range of different environments. This means you’ll need to pack properly, given it’s likely you’ll be visiting a few of these extreme climates.
In this guide we’ve covered everything you’ll need to pack when heading to Mexico. This also includes what to leave at home, and our FAQ section where we answer your most burning questions.
If you want to read more about Mexico, see our mega guide to backpacking Mexico which covers (more or less) everything you need to know.
👉🏽 P.S. If you’ve found this guide helpful, buy us a coffee here to say thanks! Or, support us by downloading our South America Travel Bible to get our best content.
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