If you’re wondering why anything on this list is included or want more info on styles, types or brands we recommend the full annotated list is available here
Gear for Costa Rica Plugs and voltages are the same in Costa Rica as the U.S. (120V flat prongs)
Clothes
Shoes
Toiletries & Health
Documents & Info
Books & Maps
Miscellaneous
Cool Fun Stuff for Costa Rica
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First Aid Kit (Basic)
First Aid Kit (Advanced)
Other things to have handy in your first aid kit
Unpacking List – things to leave home
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Something to Put It All In – Packs & Luggage
We’ve used suitcases, soft duffels, rolling duffels, carry-ons, backpacks and even just plain old cardboard boxes as luggage.
There’s no real ideal choice for Costa Rica. While a small rolling suitcase is great for the airport, paved areas around lodges or inside the hotel the people wearing backpacks will fare much better when they encounter gravel driveways and paths or uneven vertical curb concrete amalgams that pass as sidewalks in Costa Rica.
The best advice we can offer is instead of worrying about choosing the ideal bag try to keep whatever you carry to a minimum. You’ll be much happier carrying 20 lbs than dragging around 50lbs no matter how it’s packaged.
When we don’t have to travel with giant cases (stuff for work or U.S. shopping being delivered to expats) we use carry-on sized backpacks lined with a dry bag that double as bike panniers and keep our weight total under 25lbs.
other specialized lists: Camping | Photography | Bicycling | 25lb for Domestic Flights | First Aid Kit | Unpacking