As the title suggests, this is an all-encompassing checklist of items I have brought on horse treks, and useful extras that complement the riding holiday when the trip is book-ended with some free time to explore cities. It is a consolidated list built off the treks I have already done, and does not include specific numbers of items, as you would be adjusting this based on the length of your trek. This list could also be used help with packing for a hiking, camping or sightseeing trip.
Please note that if you were to pack everything on this list, you will not be able to fit it into a single carry-on bag! This is just a broad list to reference while you finalize your travel preparations.
My Packing List for Travel and Horse Trekking
With “optional” sections for the less important stuff
Please note that I earn a commission if you purchase items through the affiliate links that are included in this list. Thank you!
Clothing for Riding
- Riding helmet – Alternatively, you can also check and see if your hosts offer helmet rentals to save space in your carry-on
- Trekking pants – Find a pair of versatile pants that could double as a riding pant and something you can walk around town in. Neutral hiking pants or comfortable bombachas de campo work well. Look for waterproof or water-resistant pants if rain is in the forecast for your trip
- Riding breeches – Classic, comfortable in most weather conditions, and they pack small
- Riding boots, or trekking shoes – Bring footwear that is also comfortable to wear while walking around town to save space in your luggage
- Half chaps
- Riding gloves – Protect your skin from the reins and the sun
- Riding shirts – Long sleeve shirts, button-up safari shirts with pockets, or short-sleeve shirts. Check the weather at your riding location
- Tank tops or base layers – For layering under your riding shirts. Remove your extra shirt when you’re too warm or add a merino base layer if you’re cold
- Scarves – Tube scarf or regular long scarf to protect against the sun or to keep your neck warm in cool conditions
- Tall Riding socks – Alternatively, you could bring fewer of these, and just use your regular-length socks to save space
- Rain coat – Check the forecast to see if it may be needed. A raincoat can also block biting winds, so may be worth packing even if there is no rain forecast
- Sports bras – Spare your nice bras the sweat, and bring your most comfortable ones on your trek
- Thigh or belt bag – If you are riding in gear without pockets, having the belt bag to keep your camera or phone close by will be very helpful. You can also use it to store extra gear like sunscreen or SPF lip balm
Clothing to wear when not riding
- Elegant outfit – For dinners or evenings out. Bring something versatile like flowy pants that could be dressed down for walking around town and then dressed up for an evening meal if you need to save space
- Pants – Or swap this for a skirt if you prefer that style
- Shirts – Nice, but comfortable shirts for touring around
- Sweater/jumper – A warm layer that looks nice for walking around town
- Hat – Consider a sunhat or ball cap to protect against the sun, or a warmer tuque/knit hat if temps will be cold
- Pyjamas – Depending on the season and accommodation, you may need lighter sleepwear or thicker, more insulated clothing
- Shoes or sandals – One pair of nice shoes that aren’t your riding boots, if you will be going out for dinner or walking around town
- Shower sandals – May be needed if you are in shared accommodations
- Bathing suit – Check and see if there are opportunities to swim, or if there might be a nearby spa to visit
- Bra – If you don’t want to reuse the sports bras for activities outside of riding (it’s nice to have at least one clean one to change into)
- Socks
- Underwear – My personal rule is two pairs per day away, plus a few extras for luxury or emergencies. We can call these luxurious emergencies
Toiletries
- Toothbrush – Bring a non-electric toothbrush if you want to save space, or bring your electric one if you can’t live without it
- Toothpaste or tabs – I love tablets for travelling, but you can also stick with a regular toothpaste
- Hairbrush – I bring my smallest one to save space
- Shampoo, conditioner – I always bring these in solid format (I like the ATTITUDE Volume & Shine shampoo bar), but you may not need to pack these at all if you are staying in hotels. Check your trek accommodation inclusions
- Soap – Similar to the above, you may not need to pack this depending on the trek inclusions
- Pain relief medications – For headaches or muscle pains (ibuprofen, acetaminophen, etc)
- Other medications – Allergy, indigestion, antacids, prescriptions, etc
- Sunscreen/sun creams (for body) – Liquid or solid format. I like to bring a solid one to apply to my arms when I am riding. This Sunly Mineral Sunscreen stick is what I use on my arms and neck.
- Sunscreen/sun creams (for face) – Liquid or solid format. I really like this La Roche-Posay Tinted Mineral Sunscreen. It protected my face very well when I was riding in Morocco
- SPF lip balm – protect your lips from intense sun! This Oceanly tinted lip balm from ATTITUDE is my favourite because it adds a bit of colour while also giving you some sun protection
- Tissues – To use as serviettes, napkins, or toilet paper
- Antiperspirant or deodorant – I prefer to use antiperspirant on multi-day treks that have limited shower access
- Moisturizer – solid or liquid format moisturizer for your face and body
- Other hygiene products – Menstrual products (pads, tampons, silicone cups). Even if you don’t think you’ll need them, it’s better to bring a few, just in case!
Optional but useful
- Hand sanitizer – Useful when travelling through airports or around in cities
- Dry shampoo – A small amount can be helpful as backup
- Makeup – Bring your personal basics. I bring kohl powder (for eyeliner), and mascara
- Makeup remover – A tiny amount can go a long way, so I bring a little travel tub of it (around 10 ml)
- Wet wipes – They are useful when camping but I would only suggest bringing a small package if staying in comfortable accommodations
- Razor
- Nail clippers & nail file
- Tweezers
- Cotton swabs
- Face cleanser – I like to bring a cleanser, as well as a toner spray if I am staying in hotel-based accommodation
- Laundry Soap – I love laundry strips as they take up negligible room in my bags, and they are not messy. The ones I use are the Tru Earth Laundry Detergent strips, and I usually pack 2
- Ointment for cuts – Polysporin, or vaseline are good to pack along with bandages so your cuts will heal quickly and not affect the enjoyment of your trip
- Tooth floss – a tiny container should last you most or all of your trip (I did not originally have this listed in the optional section, but I decided to be honest and drop it down here)
- Mouthwash – I usually bring a very small bottle of this to swish after the plane ride (or if I suspect I was seated near someone with a cold/illness)
Electronics
- Power adapter – If needed
- Cellphone
- Cell phone charge cord
- Action camera – GoPro, Insta360, etc. Or just use your phone!
- Action camera mount – Stick or helmet straps
- Action camera batteries – If your chosen camera uses batteries, bring at least two so you can swap them out
- Headlamp – Great for walking around campsites at night. Get a rechargeable one or make sure you have batteries in it before you leave
- Power banks – Useful when camping or for long day excursions. I bring one smaller 10 000mAh Anker power bank (similar to this one on the Anker store) as well as a 20000 mAh Anker power bank when I am trekking for more than 4 days
Optional but useful
- USB hub/multi-port USB adapter – Very useful when you only have one wall-to-USB adapter and about three different items to charge! I use this atolla USB hub
- Ear buds/headphones – For listening to music or entertainment on the plane ride, or in public spaces
- Smartwatch
- Smartwatch charger
- Solar lamp – You can have less dependency on your power banks with solar lights (when camping)
Accessories & Extras
- Glasses and/or contact lenses – If you need these to live, you should bring them along
- Sunglasses – I hope you get sunny days on your trip! And I hope you don’t forget sunglasses
- Travel towel – If you are camping, or staying in hostels, or moving from place-to-place and need a fast-drying option
- Water bottle – Always great to have when travelling. Fewer plastic bottles in the environment is a great thing
- Travel size first aid kit – One with bandages of varying sizes. Open it before you travel so you know what’s inside. OR just bring some bandages in a plastic sandwich bag
- Hair scrunchie – Or hair elastics, if you prefer
- Sleeping bag – Some rides require that you bring a sleeping bag. I have one from Décathlon that packs very small.
Optional but useful
- Horse Treats – Check and see if you are allowed to bring treats for the horses
- Small notebook & pen – For jotting down words learned or packing details for your next trip
- Candies or food from your country – To share with people on the trip
- Eye mask – For sleeping
- Cleaning cloth for lenses – For cameras or eyeglasses
- Mesh laundry bag – If sharing a laundry machine with friends, you can keep your clothes separated by throwing them in a mesh laundry bag
- Ear plugs – Very useful when you need to sleep in shared accommodations
- Small trash/recycling bags – useful if you are camping and have little access to garbage bins. Also useful for separating muddy shoes or clothes
- Snack bars, protein bars – Never a bad idea to have one or two in your bag in case you have a busy travel day
- Thermal knee braces – Entirely optional, don’t buy or pack these if you don’t experience any pain when riding
The most important things
- Passport
- Photocopy of passport (stored separately from passport)
- Driver’s license (if applicable)
- Credit card, debit card
- Copy of travel insurance policy and contact information
- Cash (either in your home currency to convert on arrival or some of the local currency)
- Mailing addresses of friends and family – if you would like to send postcards
Extra packing tips
The list of little things I brought but never (or rarely) used while travelling
- Eyelash curler
- Eyebrow pencil
- Hairspray
- Perfume
- Concealer
- Very warm hats or sweater/jumper
- Inflatable pillow
- High heeled shoes
- Jewellery
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