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How To Pack For Central America

December 18, 2013 by The Runaway Guide 20 Comments

DSC02124Central America is characterized by a warm tropical climate with two seasons, the dry and wet. The dry season begins around November and lasts till about April.

The weather is hot and unless you decide to travel to Guatemala and climb a volcano, you really only need to pack summer clothes. It is by far the best time of year for a backpacking adventure and allows you to pack light.

In the following guide you will find everything I bring when I tour Central America and learn the best combination of clothes and gear to bring with you for your trip.

Backpack

This year I replaced my old 60 liter pack with a smaller 50 liter one. I find the size to be perfect. The pack is called Samurai 50L by Guerrilla Packs. The quality is excellent and for 80$ I don’t think there is a better deal out there. For more info on this pack, check out Guerrilla Packs.

Samurai 50L by Guerrilla Packs

Samurai 50L by Guerrilla Packs

Clothes

2-3 Pairs Of Socks

Most of the time you’ll want to wear sandals. I always go with Rainbow Sandals.  If you do bring shoes, try and find “bare foot” style shoes because they’re super light.

7 Pairs Of Underwear

A weeks worth of underwear is a good amount considering you’ll be sweating quite a bit. The thinner and more breathable fabric, the better.

1 Pair Of Shorts

Cargo shorts with lots of pockets are the best kind to travel with. If you can fit everything you need in them, you won’t have to haul around a day bag. I’m sporting some Dockers.

1 Pair Of Swim Trunks

Aside from swimming, swim trunks can double as good hostel pajamas, and secondary shorts when your cargo pants become disgustingly dirty. Since they’re pretty light,  you might even consider bringing two pairs. I go with Quicksilver for swim trunks.

1 Pair Of Jeans

Night’s can become chilly, especially if you’re in the Highlands of Guatemala or climbing a volcano. Jeans are also a good idea to wear if you’re traveling through remote towns where wearing shots might come off as disrespectful. I go with Levi’s cause they are cut well for my size.

1 Pair Long Johns

Long-Johns go great under jeans and can also double a comfy pajamas. They will keep you warm in case you find yourself sleeping out at night. Marks and Spencer’s long johns are my favorite cause they last for ages and don’t lose their softness in the wash.

1 Wind Breaker

A small compactable windbreaker adds a vital layer of warmth. I use a down windbreaker from Uniqlo because it scrunches down small and is deceivingly warm.

1 Beanie

A beanie will not only keep you warm but it can also double as a blinder to keep out the sun in bright hostel dorms after a long night of partying. Mine is from Norway.

1 T-Shirt

You’ll want to pack something breathable and dark. This way all the sweat and dirt stains won’t show as much. I recommend just bringing one because chances are you’ll want to pick up a cool local shirt along the way. I love t-shirts from Uniqlo because the fabric is very breathable and it only costs around 12$.

1 Dress Shirt

A breathable and dark dress shirt is a good idea for when you want to look good for a party or sneak in to a hotel or someplace fancy. I go with a salmon color just in case I manage to spill my wine. Mine’s from Old Navy.

1 Rope Belt

If you’re belt is made of rope, airport security won’t make you take it off. It’s generally lighter than a normal belt. Plus, you never know when you might need a bit of rope. My Norwegian uncle made mine.

Electronics

Laptop

I travel with a Macbook Air, which I consider the best laptop to travel with. But if you don’t need a laptop for work then I definitely recommend leaving it at home. 13″ MacBook Air.

Smart Phone

A smart phone is all you really need if you want to browse the web or keep in touch with family. I travel with a Samsung Galaxy Note 3. I prefer it to an Iphone because it takes an external sd card and allows me to store all my music and videos on it. Plus if you get the international version you can local country sim cards wherever you go. International Galaxy Note 3.

GoPro

The GoPro is great if you’re going to be doing a lot of water and action footage. If not, I would recommend using a regular digital camera.

Digital Camera

I’m using a Sony Cyber Shot 20v. The video quality, as you’ll see in the video below, is great, and I find the image quality to nearly match that of a DSLR at times. For a more detailed review, check out Runaway Travel Tech.

Nook

I never thought I would use a reader until I got one. There’s just something about reading on a non-glare book like screen that makes me want to read more. And for just 80$, I’m glad I made the investment. Barnes & Noble NOOK.

Accessories

Travel Wallet

This year I came across a travel wallet by Bellroy. It’s probably the coolest and most practical wallet for the traveler I’ve ever seen. It’s large enough to hold my passport and slim enough to slip effortlessly into my pocket. Check out this article for a full review, James Bond’s Travel Wallet.

Conclusion

Packing for any backpacking adventure is about going light. And the warm climate of Central America allows you to do this. When packing, you generally don’t as much as you think you do. If there is something you need, like an extra shirt or a warmer sweater, you can almost always buy it at a cool street market and for loads less than home.

The lighter you pack, the more liberating your trip.
Good luck and stress free packing,
-Leif

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Filed Under: Preparation, Runaway Travel Gear Tagged: central america, costa rica, el salvador, guatemala, honduras, mexico, nicaragua, panama

Let Me Know What You Think!

  1. Kaye Herl says

    July 14, 2016 at 9:32 pm

    Wow, I just found your website and I’m nearly speechless! I’ve always known that I wanted to do something where I could travel, and as I’m slowly inching towards becoming an adult (hah, more like 2 months away now) the idea of just buying a backpack and a one way ticket to some foreign land sounds more and more appealling. I think I’ll do it. Maybe after a couple of years of community college just to make my parents happy and then I’ll spend a few years backpacking the world.
    Anyway, thank you so much, this website is a huge inspiration and I’m loving it!

    Reply
    • The Runaway Guide says

      July 27, 2016 at 2:10 pm

      Hey Kaye, glad you like the guide!!! Thanks for commenting :)

      Reply
  2. Katie says

    January 17, 2014 at 1:03 pm

    I have been so torn on how many “warm” things I shold bring to Central America! This is helpful! I feel like I will be spending just as much time on the beach as I will in the mountains. I don’ think long johns will make my list but definitely some yoga pants and a sweatshirt/fleece. Thanks!

    Reply
    • The Runaway Guide says

      January 20, 2014 at 2:37 pm

      Hey Katie, no worries, happy to help. You can always layer stuff up, that’s what I do. I’m having a friend write a packing guide for girls soon. Enjoy your trip!

      Reply
  3. IndieTraveller Marek says

    January 6, 2014 at 1:55 pm

    Good tip on the Long Johns. I’m travelling Central America now and it’s occasionally quite cold in higher-elevation mountain towns. Froze my butt off in the morning in San Christobal in Mexico, and it was very cold climbing up Tajamulco volcano in Guatemala…

    Reply
    • The Runaway Guide says

      January 13, 2014 at 4:09 pm

      Hey! Yea, I never leave without them! Sounds cool. I think I’ll be heading to San Christobal soon, I hear it’s awesome there.

      Reply
  4. Joe says

    December 19, 2013 at 5:14 pm

    Great tips man, but I was just wondering if you’ve ever tried out buffs. They’re a bit pricey but they seem to have many uses, I’ll be buying one this summer on my next trip to the United States. Ever used one before? http://www.buffusa.com Keep up the cool blog, and happy travels!

    Reply
    • The Runaway Guide says

      December 21, 2013 at 6:14 pm

      Hey, cool. Not sure if they’re for me though. I prefer my scarf and beenie, but those look pretty efficient and light. Thanks for letting me know!

      Reply
      • Joe says

        December 23, 2013 at 4:36 pm

        Don’t fix something that isn’t broken right? I understand that, I’m always looking for versatility though! I’ll review mine when I get it. Keep up the good work!

        Reply
        • The Runaway Guide says

          December 25, 2013 at 11:16 am

          Thanks Joe! Let me know if you ever need help planning a trip or packing.

          Reply
  5. Gwen A Rowland says

    December 19, 2013 at 4:26 pm

    Yes! This is a helpful post. Although as a ‘lady’ I’ll change your dress shirt for a dress, and add a pair of tights, flips flops and a bra.

    Reply
    • The Runaway Guide says

      December 21, 2013 at 6:12 pm

      Hey Gwen!!! I really got to make a list for ladies as well. A friend of mine wrote one for me and I’ve been meaning to post it. Hope you’re well! play the lotto!!!

      Reply
  6. Jimmy Dau says

    December 18, 2013 at 10:36 pm

    Don’ forget the hat and bug spray especially if you’re going to be around Utila. The sandflies are killer!

    Reply
    • The Runaway Guide says

      December 21, 2013 at 6:10 pm

      O, that’s a good one actually. Yea, we have a few little mosquito like fruit fly things here. I’m gonna add bug spray to the list. But best to buy it down here if you’re carrying on.

      Reply
  7. Kristy says

    December 18, 2013 at 6:12 pm

    Very logical list
    .
    Enjoy South America!
    Pretty jealous you are going to a warm place :))

    Reply
    • The Runaway Guide says

      December 21, 2013 at 6:09 pm

      Hey Kristy, thanks! I will!!! Hop the next flight! :)

      Reply
      • Kristy says

        December 22, 2013 at 7:11 am

        Keep us posted on your journey.
        How long are you there for? Do you work or just move around and explore?
        I wish I could fly there. I’ll be in Korea for the next year.
        Reading your Korean blogs for tips and tricks.
        Being a vegetarian is super difficult here …

        Reply
        • The Runaway Guide says

          December 22, 2013 at 11:45 am

          Hey Kristy, I will!
          I’m planning on hanging here for at least a few months. It’s too beautiful and cheap to live in to leave.
          I write for work.

          I hear ya, Korea is meatatarian land! Good luck! Check out Lotte World if you get the chance.

          Reply
          • Alex says

            April 21, 2014 at 11:09 am

            Hey, man, I’ve just been wondering, how is it possible to write for work? I mean, when I finally turn 18 and start travelling like you (hopefully :3), that seems like it would come in pretty handy. What kind of writing is that? Anyway, keep up the good life :D

          • The Runaway Guide says

            April 22, 2014 at 10:54 am

            Hey Alex, I think you’re talking about freelance travel writing yea? If so, check out MatadorU, they have a great online course.

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Who Is The Runaway Guide?

When I was 16 I ran away from home and traveled the world with nothing but the clothes on my back. Over 10 years later and I'm still "on the run," surviving in style, thriving off adventure, searching for that elusive road to enlightenment, and cultivating the life of travel that I want to live. More...

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