My Official Madagascar Packing Guide

The time has come to bring you all my OFFICIAL Madagascar Packing Guide! Back in September, before I departed for a 2 month camping trip (for work…) to Madagascar, I posted my Madagascar Bound for 2 Months complete packing guide. Now I’m here to tell you what I loved, and what I didn’t love.

Going on a camping trip soon or know someone who is? I hope this list is helpful in guiding your equipment-related decision making! All items are hyperlinked directly to REI or Amazon for your convenience!

Camping Equipment Must Haves

Biolite Solarpanel 5+ This was so critical! We functioned entirely on solar panels to keep our gear charged, so having my own tiny and lightweight solar panel to charge my phone each night was incredibly useful! It can be clipped onto your backpack, or left out on the ground/a rock to charge as needed!

Patagonia Blackhole Wheeled Duffel Bag 100L – The best travel duffel out there, in my opinion! I’ve used this for several long-term trips already, and it has held up wonderfully!

Patagonia Ascensionist Climbing Pack 30L – Tried in tested now in 4 African countries and endless hiking trips!

Marmot Catalyst 3P Tent – Perfect size for 1 person for long term – 2 people for short-term camping. The rain fly successfully kept out the rain and moisture, and it was very cozy inside!

REI Co-op Trekker Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad – YES, this was so great and comfortable, much better than the other Sea to Summit UltraLight Backpacking Air Sleeping Pad, which I do NOT recommend (it was so noisy, and unstable). I will say though, if we were on the move often I wouldn’t have carried the self-inflating with me (doesn’t pack small enough), the UltraLight would have been the way to go, so it just depends on circumstance!

Helinox Lite Sleeping Cot – a must-have in my opinion. Look past the price tag and just do it! For long-term camping, having this to stay elevated off the ground was incredibly comfortable.

Patagonia Black Hole Cube (3 10L, 1 6L) – YES, YES and YES!!! These packing tubes are the BEST! I cannot imagine any travel that doesn’t involve using these. I have 3 large and 1 small, and will be ordering a couple of medium sized ones to have on hand for future trips. Very easy to clean, and use for just about anything. I used one for toiletries, one for electronics, one for snacks/food, and then one for dirty laundry!

Nemo Fillo Backpacking Pillow – perfect size, perfect level of comfort (when deflated slightly)

Black Diamond Cosmo 225 Headlamp – never ran out of battery in 2 months of constant use

REI Co-op Flexlite Macro Camp Chair – I loved this chair, it broke down quite small and was super lightweight. I literally carried it up a hill to sit where I had reception to work nearly daily. I didn’t want to spend the money on a Helinox Camp Chair, but linked both for you in case you’re in the splurging mood, because that’s also a great one!

Eno Hammock – we had 4 hammocks set up at camp at any given time!

Nite Ize Radiant 300 Rechargeable Lantern – This was perfect. The charge would last me anywhere from 5-7 days. I used it every night and morning as I was getting ready for bed / getting up for work. It kept my tent well lit, as I just clipped it to a carabiner on the roof of my tent.

Wise Owl Outfitters Microfiber Towel – packed 1 XL, 1 L and 2 S (all were necessary, as I alternated when they were wet / dirty. I also often used my small one to clean out my tent.

Anker Powerbank – yes, yes and YES! I carried TWO powerbanks on me at all times, and they helped me keep my phone and personal equipment charged!

Backpack Rain Cover – ESSENTIAL for us – we dealt with a lot of rain, on the daily, usually. Our packs had paperwork, laptops and tablets, etc. so we needed to keep them protected. This rain pack cover did the job!

A Couple Clothing Recommendations

Chaco Women’s Z2 Classic Athletic Sandal – I will be honest, I never got around to liking Chaco’s, it is just too much sandal for me, and I wanted me feet covered when walking in the village all day. However, most of my team wore these, and just about everyone I work with recommend them, so I wanted to throw them in here!

Patagonia Women’s Calcite Jacket – What a great rain coat. Breathable but full coverage. I got this jacket in black, and wore it very often, even in the hot humid air of Madagascar.

Most Important … Snacks

Country Life Prenatal Vitamins – I’m not pregnant, but this vitamin is totally packed with all kinds of whole foods goodies that were great for me when my diet was so limited!

RX Bars! I literally had 1 of these almost every day I was there. They helped with my sweet tooth and gave me a little extra energy in the mornings!

Trader Joe’s Speculoos Cookie Butter – If you haven’t had this … you need to order it RIGHT NOW. My husband slipped a jar of this in my luggage and I am SO grateful he did. It got me through a tough week.