The Ultimate Egypt Packing List

Main Luggage: Travel Backpack

A trip to Egypt is generally more adventurous than your average trip to Europe. Therefore, for this Egypt packing list, I recommend that your main piece of luggage be a solid backpack!

Getting a travel backpack was the single best investment in my travel gear that I’ve ever made. I’ve been traveling with the Osprey Kyte 36 (pictured here) for years and it has done me well! What I love about this backpack is that you can access the inside multiple ways: from the opening on the top and also a zipper that goes down the right side. There is also a separate bottom compartment with bottom access that’s meant for a sleeping bag, but I use it for shoes! It’s an awesome way to make sure your shoes don’t get the rest of your stuff dirty.

You definitely don’t need a bigger travel backpack for the intents and purposes of this Egypt packing list. However, if you’re interested in a slightly larger backpacking backpack, I would suggest:

• The Osprey Fairview 40,
• Its larger counterpart the Osprey Fairview 55 (with a detachable day pack!),
• The Osprey Farpoint 40, or
• Its larger counterpart the Osprey Farpoint 55 (also with a detachable day pack).

I’ve met many travelers with these bags who love them. I’ve also seen them widely suggested on ladies’ travel Facebook groups.

Day Bag/Backpack

Next, you’ll want a good day bag/backpack for your adventures in Egypt! When I went to Egypt, I traveled with the 18-liter Ortovox Trad and it was a great size for hiking.

Keep in mind that this Egypt packing list is meant to fit inside the Osprey Kyte 36, the Ortovox Trad 18, and a medium-sized cross-body bag. (My beloved L.L. Bean cross-body bag is no longer sold unfortunately but you can find a comparable one here.) So, by all means, you can also get a larger day bag, but it’s not needed.

If you are interested in a versatile day backpack that you can use all over the world, I recommend the SINOTOP 30-liter dry bag waterproof backpack that I use now when I travel! There won’t be many (if any) opportunities that your stuff might get wet in Egypt, but I love that this dry bag is actually a proper backpack that you can still use for hiking and walking around town. And it’s great to use on trips in the future when you do need it, like in Costa Rica or island-hopping in southeast Asia!

Cross-Body Bag

Finally, as I mentioned above, you’ll want a good cross-body bag for this Egypt packing list. I always like to have a purse-type bag along with a day bag/backpack in case I’m just running out to the store or walking around town. I also like to have a cross-body bag to carry my camera and lenses for easier access than a backpack!

The most comparable bag to the one that I love using right now is this canvas cross-body camera purse from Amazon. However, I’ve been lusting after one of these beautiful leather messenger bags that’s even meant to carry your camera equipment! Talk about some beautiful packaging.

Related: Wondering what’s the best camera to get as a beginner travel photographer? Or the best lenses and accessories to get for traveling? Find out all about it here!

Packing Cubes

Okay, so if a travel backpack was THE best investment in my travel gear that I’ve ever made, then packing cubes are a close second! This Egypt packing list wouldn’t be complete without these.

Seriously, gals. Do not continue to travel without these bad boys! Most importantly because they make fitting this ultimate backpacking packing list into your backpack possible. The medium 4-piece set pictured here is the best one I think. You get a variety of shapes that are perfect for separating different types of clothing.

Related: Discover these 13 travel essentials that will change your life!

Bottoms

• Pants – 4
  • Jeans – 1 // These are a good staple that you can mix and match with everything. Denim is a bit hot during the day in Egypt but it’s perfect for cooler nights in the desert.
  • Lightweight cotton pants – 3 // Lightweight, loose-fitting, breathable cotton pants will generally be your main attire in Egypt. They cover your skin without making you too hot.

• Comfy shorts – 1 // Bring these shorts just for sleeping and/or if you go to a beach or resort on the Red Sea. These adorable, lightweight beige shorts are one of my favorites.

Dresses/Jumpsuits

• Jumpsuit – 1 // As long as you can get it on and off yourself (make sure to check before you buy!), jumpsuits are magical. They’re a top and bottom all in one. They’re also a breezy way to cover up skin in the Egyptian heat while still looking cute!
• Midi/maxi dress – 1 // Make sure it covers your shoulders as well as your knees. If it doesn’t cover your shoulders, it’s not the end of the world. Just be prepared to always cover your shoulders with a scarf or cardigan.
• Midi/maxi skirt – 1 // A breezy way to add some versatility to your wardrobe and still look cute.
• Sarong/maxi wrap skirt – 1 // Not only can you wear these, but you can also use them on the beach as a towel! That way, you don’t get your actual bath towel all sandy. I also use my Back from Bali sarong as a scarf!

Ready to book your flight to Egypt? Find the cheapest flight with Skyscanner below!

Tops

• Tank – 1 // If you bring a tank top, only bring one for sleeping. I wouldn’t suggest wearing a tank top outside during the day unless you cover your shoulders with your scarf.

• Short-sleeve tees/blouses – 3 // Mix and match lightweight short-sleeve tees and blouses. I always bring a few solid colors and a few patterns to bring some variation into my outfits.

• Chambray/neutral button-up shirt – 1 // This is something that is super handy to throw on over other shirts. Whether you need to cover up some skin during the day or layer during the cooler nights in the desert,  a neutral-colored button-up shirt is the perfect thing to throw on.

Related: Find out the best ways to make friends while traveling with my complete guide to making friends as a solo traveler!

Sweaters/Jackets

• Cardigan – 1 // This can be worn by itself or layered over another shirt in case it gets really chilly at night. Don’t underestimate the coolness of the desert at night!

• Pullover – 1 // A classic, lightweight crewneck sweater is perfect for layering.

• Jean jacket – 1 // A jean jacket is a great way to look cute when it’s cooler at night.

Swimwear

• Option 1
  • Bikinis – 2 // Having two bikinis will make sure you don’t have to experience that terribly uncomfortable feeling of putting on a still-wet swimsuit the next day.
• Option 2
  • Bikini – 1 // Get 25% off the bikinis at Sincere Sally boutique with discount code “CLAIRE_25”!
  • One-piece – 1 // When you wanna cover up a bit more, or just can’t deal with a bikini that day, try out this cute trend!

Related: Solo traveling for the first time? Don’t know where to start? Read my complete guide to traveling alone for the first time to plan the best first solo trip ever!

Undergarments

• Bras – 5/6
  • Proper bras – 1/2 // Know yourself when it comes to bras. If you are bigger chested and/or prefer to wear properly structured bras, then bring two proper bras. Otherwise, just bring one.
  • Bralettes – 2 // I am the bralette’s number one fan. Seriously – I love these things! They provide just enough support and coverage but they’re cute and lacy and you can barely feel that they’re there. Bralettes are essential for this Egypt packing list because they’re more lightweight and breathable than regular bras.
  • Sports bras – 2 // Sports bras are great for hiking and other activities.

• Underwear – 12 (varies depending on the length of your trip)
  • Thongs – 10 // Bring neutral thongs that won’t show under light-colored clothing.
  • Regular panties – 2 // This pair is designed not to show under your clothing. These are good for those days you want a bit more coverage and nights in the hostel when it’s too hot to wear real shorts.

Related: Below are a few tours I would definitely recommend while you’re in Egypt!

Shoes

• Sneakers // Bring a pair of sneakers that are comfortable for walking and running ALL over the place. Wear these on the plane ride over to save space in your bags.

• Flip-flops/shower shoes // Flip-flops that can get wet are ideal for the beach and are a must in hostel showers.

• Hiking sandals // I LOVE my Teva hiking sandals. These are one of my top recommended items for this Egypt packing list because they’re just awesome for desert adventures. For example, they’re super useful for warm hikes in Egypt when you don’t necessarily need to cover your toes, but still need a good tread. They’re also meant for going in the water. This is perfect for crossing rivers or going into the ocean when there’s a rocky bottom!

• Slippers // Many places in Egypt have cold tile floors. This might be nice during the day, but you’ll want a way to keep your tootsies warm come nighttime. These Snoozies slippers take up barely any room in your bag but still keep your feet warm. Bonus: they’re perfect for the plane ride there, too! No Egypt packing list is complete without them.

Related: See this tip about Snoozies slippers and more in my top 10 tips for flying internationally!

Accessories

• Pashmina scarf // A lightweight scarf is another one of my top essentials for this Egypt packing list. Besides using it to cover your shoulders, neck, or head, it can also be a pillow or blanket on the plane or bus or an extra sheet on your bed. It can also be a cover-up for the beach or a towel in a pinch. Bonus: it’s also an easy way to add variety to your outfits! I never travel without my sarong that doubles as my scarf.

• Belt (if needed) // Bring a belt if you need it for any of your pants or shorts.

• Watch // Especially when you’ve got lots of planes, trains, and buses to catch, you’ll be happy to have the time conveniently on your wrist! I love the timeless classiness of my rose gold Kate Spade watch.

• Necklaces + chokers – 2-5 // These are the best way to change up and style any outfit when packing light. Follow the link here to get 25% off all jewelry with discount code “CLAIRE_25”!

• Rings/earrings // Rings and earrings are also an easy and very packable way to style outfits.

• Sunglasses // It’s summer, after all! Make sure to add some stylish sunnies to your Egypt packing list to protect your eyes. Make sure to get some that are polarized to really block out harmful rays! I really like Cassette Eyewear‘s handmade polarized sunglasses which focus on durable, high-quality products that won’t break the bank. Their shades have some of the strongest hinges I’ve found – no more annoying arms bending or breaking! Check them out here and use discount code “CLAIRE” at checkout for 20% off!

• Change purse // Egypt almost exclusively uses cash for all transactions. So, you need a non-bulky way to organize all of that moola. Enter: the change purse.

• Bandana // A bandana is one of my top travel essentials! I wear one on my head practically every day that I’m traveling. It keeps my hair out of my face and also blocks sweat from getting in my eyes (I know, gross – but useful).

• Hat // Bring a cute, foldable hat that will protect you from the sun while you’re out exploring or lounging on the beach.

Related: Find the best rates on hotels and accommodation in Egypt with Booking.com below!

General

• Makeup + cosmetic bag // Try to be minimal about the makeup that you bring, if any. You look more natural and beautiful with less makeup on anyway!

• Tangle teezer hairbrush // The tangle teezer hairbrush is the most amazing hairbrush you’ll ever try and belongs on every Egypt packing list. It gets through ANY tangles, even the toughest ones. It’s even small enough to perfectly fit in the top compartment of your backpack! I use my tangle teezer even when I’m not traveling.

• Razor + blades // It’s not fair, but believe it or not, men’s razors are both cheaper and better than women’s razors. The Gillette Mach 3 razor works well for me!

• Nail clippers + file // Nail clippers are necessary if you’re traveling for even just a few weeks.

• Face cleansing makeup-remover wipes // One of the best ways to save room in your liquids bag is to bring these awesome face cleansing wipes instead of a liquid face wash. They’re perfect not just for washing your face and removing makeup, but also if you need a refresher on the plane ride over to Egypt. These are a top pick for this ultimate Egypt packing list.

• Organic shampoo bar & conditioner bar // One of my favorite ways to save room in my liquids bag for this Egypt packing list is to use shampoo and conditioner bars instead of regular liquid shampoo and conditioner! I love these bars from Aspen Kay that lather really well and smell like lemongrass and sweet orange. They even make my hair healthier than products back home and I love that they save the equivalent of three plastic bottles.

• Pee funnel (if hiking long distances/camping/climbing) // For my hiking ladies: stop what you’re doing right now because if you’ve never heard of the pee funnel, it’s about to change your life!! Basically, it allows you to stand up and pee like a guy behind that bush. The pee funnel has totally changed the way that I hike. It makes everything easier when you’re going camping, hiking, climbing, and more.

• Hair ties // You’ve gotta keep that hair out of your face. Make sure to bring plenty because you know how they disappear mysteriously.

• Headbands – 2 // Headbands are useful for getting your hair out of the way at night to wash your face and when exercising.
  • Regular headband – 1
  • Athletic headband – 1

• Soap bar + container // Bring a soap bar for cleaning your body and shaving. Bonus: this one’s organic! This travel container is a perfect match and I love that it drains the water off the soap bar inside the case.

• Travel-size deodorant // Again, bring this for basic hygiene. This deodorant is organic, vegan, aluminum-free, and perfect for sensitive skin.

• Toothbrush // This bamboo toothbrush comes with a travel holder and is eco-friendly and totally biodegradable. Take care of precious Mother earth!

• Feminine hygiene products (pads, tampons, menstrual cup, etc.) // Ladies – you know what you need. Keep in mind that if you particularly like tampons with a plastic applicator, Egypt might not have many (if any) available. So you might want to bring some of your own versus depending on buying them there. Also, many girls have ranted and raved about menstrual cups! I personally am not a fan, but that’s just me. If you’re interested, check them out! It’s better for the environment too because it produces less waste.

• Burt’s Bees lip balm – 2 // Burt’s Bees is my go-to lip moisturizer, always. It’s all-natural and feels and smells so nice!

Liquids

• Body lotion // This travel-size orange blossom and honey-scented body lotion is made with 70% organic ingredients and rich in natural moisturizers like honey and hyaluronic acid. It’s especially important for application after days in that dry desert heat and sun to maintain beautiful, healthy skin!

• Face moisturizer (with SPF!) // The Body Shop’s glow-protect Vitamin C moisturizers are the only moisturizers that have consistently moisturized my face without making it too oily while also fading spots and scars left-over from past acne! To save space in my liquids bag, I prefer to have a daytime moisturizer that includes SPF, like the glow-protect SPF 30 vitamin C moisturizer. However, if you prefer to add SPF separately, the SPF-free glow-boosting vitamin C face moisturizer is amazing too (and great for at night)!

• Coconut oil // This extra-virgin, raw, 100% organic coconut oil is an all-around beauty superpower. It works as a moisturizer, skin soother, natural highlighter, and more! I use coconut oil on my face at night. And no, amazingly it doesn’t make me break out! (And this is coming from a girl with historically very sensitive and acne-prone skin)

• Toothpaste // Keep those teeth clean – brush twice a day! Just bring a travel-size tube with you and buy new toothpaste as you go.

• Febreze fabric spray // Once you’re traveling for a week or two, especially in really warm weather, you’ll understand why this is on the ultimate Egypt packing list. Things can get a bit, erm, smelly. This travel-size Febreze spray will keep odors at bay and is a worthwhile occupation of space in your liquids bag.

• Microplastic-free, all-natural sunscreen // Here’s a not-so-fun fact! Most sunscreens contain millions of harmful microplastics that are slowly poisoning our oceans!! Do both yourself and the environment a favor and get this delicious pina colada-scented organic sunscreen from Coola! It’s a clear spray, which makes application easy-peasy, is free of nanoparticles, and is water resistant for up to 80 minutes. It’s a win-win-win-win…win! Whew, that’s a lot of wins.

• Hand sanitizer // It’s important to keep up proper hand hygiene when traveling in order to fight off infection and to stay healthy. Sometimes, hostels and other bathrooms don’t have soap. Keep bacteria at bay by bringing one of these tiny 1-ounce hand sanitizers with you.

• Any liquids from your makeup (BB cream, liquid concealer, etc.) // I can’t tell you how much room this will take up – hopefully not a lot because I told you to be minimalistic with the makeup you bring! But do yourself and everyone else in the airport security line a favor and put these liquids in your liquid bag ahead of time. Then you won’t risk getting stopped by airport security, having to ruin your perfectly-packed backpack to dig out the culprit liquids, hope that they can fit in your liquids bag, go back through security… You get the picture. And it ain’t pretty. Keep your liquids in the right-size container with this TSA-approved reusable quart bag with bonus silicone travel containers!

• Acne spot treatment // If you’re like me and you’re an imperfect human, you’ll need a quick acne spot treatment for when those annoying little zits come up, especially if you’re sweating a lot in the heat. This spot treatment from Clean & Clear is an Allure Best of Beauty 2018 award winner and features the same acne formula prescribed by doctors for over 10 years, but without a prescription!

• Dry shampoo // If your hair easily gets oily without regular washes or if you have bangs, dry shampoo is your best friend. I’ve tried all kinds of dry shampoos, and I have to say – Not Your Mother’s Clean Freak dry shampoo is my favorite! It actually works, doesn’t leave an annoying white residue, and it smells nice too.

Related: Find out exactly how to pack these liquids and more in your backpack and carry-on with my step-by-step guide to packing your luggage like a boss!

First-Aid Kit

A good first-aid kit is a must for any Egypt packing list. You hope that you won’t need it, but you’ll be happy that you have it when you do. Seriously – it is well worth space in your baggage!

• Travel (medical) insurance // First, no Egypt packing list would be complete without travel insurance! Across the world, it can cost well over $100 for a simple consultation with a reliable doctor. I have had to visit the doctor for minor things in countries ranging from the Netherlands to Denmark to Costa Rica, and I can tell you that I was really happy I had insurance to cover my bills. Personally, I use GeoBlue medical insurance and have had good experiences with them. For insurance that covers your equipment, accidents, emergency medical evacuation, and more, I recommend World Nomads travel insurance! Take it from me – it is not fun to have to pay for broken or stolen equipment out-of-pocket when you could have paid a fraction of the price for World Nomads coverage.

• Any prescription medications you have (ex. contraceptives) // Make sure to get enough for the duration of your trip well in advance.

• Benadryl/diphenhydramine // For allergic reactions, itchiness, colds and congestion, and more.

• General painkillers (ex. Excedrin) // Bring the painkillers that you know work best for you, especially for your headaches.

• Anti-inflammatory and fever-reducing painkillers (ex. Ibuprofen) // Not all painkillers are created equal. For example, the painkiller that works the best for my headaches is Excedrin, but the acetaminophen and aspirin in Excedrin don’t have any anti-inflammatory effects. Ibuprofen is a great anti-inflammatory as well as fever-reducing medication. Make sure not to take more than 1200 mg in 24 hours.

• Antidiarrheals // The unfortunate truth is that sometimes food poisoning or other stomach illnesses strike while you’re on the road, usually at the most inopportune times. Have antidiarrheal medication on hand and you won’t have to worry as much about sharing a hostel bathroom with 18 other people (true story).

• Anti-nausea pills // Whether or not you get motion sickness, having some anti-vomiting and overall anti-nausea medication is also useful for those random times that stomach illness strikes. Especially when traveling, it’s easy to get dehydrated, and anti-nausea medication will combat further dehydration from vomiting.

• Altitude sickness medication (if needed) // I’m also an imperfect human in that my body just cannot deal when I ascend more than 6,000 feet in one day. But of course, that won’t keep me away from the mountains! So I bring my acetazolamide with me (prescribed by my doctor) if there’s even the tiniest chance I’ll be hiking some tall peaks.

• Band-aids (some waterproof) // Blisters, scratches, scrapes – whatever small wounds the world inflicts upon you, band-aids will keep you protected and a lot more comfortable.

• Hydrogen peroxide spray // Good disinfectant as well as for ingrown nails.
  • PRO TRAVELER TIP! Getting an ingrown nail is painful in general, and is even more annoying while traveling. Take care of this by putting some hydrogen peroxide on a Q-tip and shoving it down into the side of the nail that’s hurting at least twice a day. It should clear up like magic in a few days.

• Q-tips // Good for the tip above for ingrown nails as well as for makeup, ears, or whatever else you like to use Q-tips for. They’re a very versatile first-aid kit essential.

• Multivitamins // Staying healthy on the road is of vital importance! Bolster your diet and your immune system every day with a solid multivitamin. This multivitamin includes extra vitamin B and Ginseng to boost your energy levels!

• Neosporin wound disinfectant spray // This on-the-go antiseptic and pain-relieving spray is perfect for traveling. Spray on your wound before putting a band-aid over it and infection will be out of the question.

• Vaginal antifungal cream // Not fit for polite conversation but a very important topic nonetheless is feminine hygiene while traveling. For anyone who has gotten a yeast infection before, you know it is super not fun. Now imagine trying to get this while on the road in Egypt, when it might be difficult to get what you need right away. Just add this super-small 1.5 oz. miconazole nitrate 2% vaginal antifungal cream to your first-aid kit and you will be SO happy you have it if you end up needing it.

• Elastic bandage // You might be thinking, “Woah, Claire,  you are going OVERBOARD with the first-aid stuff! An elastic bandage? Doesn’t that seem a little unnecessary?!” Listen: I get you. But no joke, the first time I went traveling internationally, I was frolicking in a field in Salzburg, Austria (with hiking boots on with ankle support, mind you!) and I twisted my ankle. I was really lucky I had an elastic bandage with me then. I suppose if you’re not a very active backpacker/are incredibly graceful/will be staying mostly in cities, you might be able to skip this one.

• Compeed blister cushions // A British girl I met while traveling in Costa Rica introduced me to Compeed and OMG, how did I not know about this before (shoutout to Kate!)?! Unlike so many other blister pads that claim to cushion your blisters, these actually work. They have a technology that literally puffs up at the site of the blister, completely cushioning it from pressure and pain. I went hiking for a day in the middle of the most unexplored jungle in Costa Rica with, like, four of these on, and my feet didn’t hurt at all!

• Tweezers // Not just good for tweezing your eyebrows, tweezers are also good for taking out any splinters you might get. This set is perfect for both purposes.

Related: Heading to Europe? Stay safe in the 7 safest places to travel alone in Europe!