The Baja California Packing List: What To Pack And Why
Baja California is an incredibly unique part of Mexico. The deserts full of cacti (I mean FULL) meet the sea on both sides of this peninsula. For most people, there is always at least one thing they forget, or realize they would've wanted while on their journey (myself included). This Packing List will help you eliminate that. Whatever adventures you are looking to get into, this post will help you be ready.
There is a very good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, I may receive a small commission (for which I am deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you.
UV Sterilizer
The old saying "don't drink the water" stands true within all of Mexico. Most places have filtered water, but if you are in a place that does not, you need an emergency option. Boiling is definitely one avenue, the only problem being it takes forever to cool down. This SteriPen is a great way to get clean drinking water, fast. 50 seconds of stirring the wand in a glass of water, and you are good to go. You have the equivalent of 15,000 liters of clean drinking water with one pen, so you should be good for quite some time.
Baja Packing List Item: SteriPEN Water Purifier
Bug Spray
Luckily, Baja California is a part of Mexico that does not have Dengue Fever or Malaria. Regardless, bugs are still in these parts, even if they don't carry deadly diseases with them. If you have been unable to sleep because of mosquitoes in your room, you know how crucial it is to have some bug repellant with you.Baja Packing List Item: Bug Repellant
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance is a must whenever you are on the road. It is great to know you have coverage wherever you are in case of an accident. I suggest World Nomads, because they cover more than just physical injury. Lost or stolen items, including tech gear, are all covered as well. I wouldn't get caught leaving on a trip without insurance, and World Nomads has had my back from the start.
Backpack Cover
A cover for your pack is always great to have. It is an insurance policy, just like a rain jacket, in case you get stuck in some rain while traveling. They are cheap enough, and super compact, so you don't really have to worry about it taking up crucial space. I use this one with my big backpack, and it has worked like a charm, even while on the motorcycle.
Baja Packing List Item: Gryps Waterproof Backpack Rain Cover
Hydro Flask
When it is really hot out, nothing seems better than some cold water (well, maybe some other cold beverages as well..). Hydro Flask keeps your water at your desired temperature for longer, and is easy to travel with.
Baja Packing List Item: Hydro Flask Water Bottle
Master Lock
I have had my bag stolen before because I did not keep it locked up at the hostel. Don't make the same mistake I did. The Masterlock Luggage locks are great because they are small, and fit all hostel lockers I have run into. This very small item can save you a lot of potential headache on your trip.
Baja Packing List Item: Masterlock Luggage Lock (2-Pack)
Waterproof Phone Case
With so many beaches in Baja, it is inevitable your phone will be near (or in) the water. OUNNE makes a great waterproof case that is both cheap and durable. I have used this one for over a year with no problems, and it is half the price of LifeProof.
Baja Packing List Item: OUNNE Waterproof Phone Case
Anker Power Bank
Nothing is worse than needing to charge your phone on the go. It helps guide you around new places, and keeps you safe if you need to make a phone call. Anker Power Bank has you covered. You can recharge your phone about 7 times before having to plug it in. It is compact enough where you won't sweat having to pack it, and will be thankful later when you will need it (trust me, you eventually will).
Baja Packing List Item: Anker Portable Charger
GoPro Hero 7
I think the biggest reason I have chosen the GoPro Hero 7 Black over other models is the HyperSmooth image stabilization. Especially as I am traveling on a motorcycle, this has helped in my video recordings immensely. There is nothing worse than checking over footage and realizing it is too shaky to even enjoy the memory you were trying to savor.
Two extras I would suggest when buying are extra batteries and Micro SD Cards. The bundle I have linked here covers both of those, plus a dock charger for the batteries.
Baja Packing List Item: GoPro Hero 7 Black Bundle
Waterproof Dry Bag
Being around beaches and water so much, it is crucial to have a dry place to store your valuables. This Nelson-Rigg Dry Bag is designed for motorcycle travel, and comes with straps to tie it down. Even if you are not traveling via motorcycle, this dry bag is of exceptional quality. It even comes with straps that turn it into a backpack so you don't have to carry it in your hand all day. Of all the dry bags I have used in the past, I suggest this to anyone traveling, regardless of your mode of transportation.
Baja Packing List Item: Nelson-Rigg Dry Bag 15L
Reliable Backpack
A big backpack is necessary for most methods of travel. It is very helpful, however, to have a smaller backpack that you can carry with you for day trips, or even just walking around town. I personally have my old college backpack as the one I use, mainly because I didn't have to pay anything for it. Chances are you probably have a backpack lying around. Considering it is just for day trips go ahead and use it!
Packing Cubes
I don't know about you, but when I get to a place other than a hostel, I like to sprawl my belongings out as much as possible. Kind of to a crazy degree. This is a great break from hostel life, although it is few and far between when it happens. Packing cubes are very helpful in keeping things contained within your backpack. I have gotten much better about staying organized while on the road, and these packing cubes have helped me greatly in this sense.
Baja Packing List Item: Shacke Pak Packing Cubes Set
General Clothing
The majority of the places you visit will be warm to very hot climates. The only time you will need clothing for anything on the colder side will be in the northern half of Baja during their winter (expect above 50 degrees), or while whale watching at the numerous points along the peninsula.
I would say the majority of your clothes should be lightweight, and suited for warmer climates. As always, packing a few extra layers can't hurt, and won't add too much bulk to your pack. You know what styles and brands you like, so I'll leave that up to you.
Wool Shirt
One recommendation I will make is a wool shirt or two. Wool keeps you cool when it is hot, and warm when it is cold. It wicks water away quickly, and is not itchy. I like this shirt as an all around one to wear, although I carry other types of material as well.
Baja Packing List Item: Merino Thermal T-Shirt
Rain Jacket
Most likely, you will not be hitting much rain along your route, although it does happen. The Marmot Precip raincoat is my go to. It is lightweight, compact, and keeps the moisture out. One of those things you probably won't need in Baja, but will be grateful to have if you do.
Baja Packing List Item: Marmont Precip Waterproof Rain Jacket
Kindle Reader
If you can believe it, I read the same two books over and over for the first 8 months of my journey. I didn't really have a choice, although one of them I still reread at least once per year (The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo). Having a Kindle Reader is a definite game changer while on the road. I was nervous I wouldn't like it as much as turning pages of a book, but the feel of it is very similar.
Whether you are indoors for a rainy day, or just needing time to relax and recharge, the Kindle is a great way to sit back and get lost in a book or two. The battery life lasts a couple weeks, and has the same charger as many other things you'll probably have with you.
Baja Packing List Item: Kindle Reader
Water Shoes
Trying to pack for all scenarios can be kind of a pain sometimes. These water shoes double as running and hiking footwear, so you have your bases covered with them. Depending on what coast you are on, you may run into stingrays in the water. Shuffling your feet will scare them away before it is too late, but foot protection offers a backup plan in case you forget to do so.
Baja Packing List Item: WXDZ Water Sports Shoes
Quick Dry Towel
Going out to the beach for the day, it is great having a towel to dry off with. Stuffing any old towel in your bag afterwards makes things a little damp. Enter the quick dry towel. If it is sunny, I've seen these dry within minutes. You can roll it back into its case, throw it in your bag, and go to the closest street taco place hassle free. While you're there, be sure to eat a taco (or a gringa) for me too .
Baja Packing List Item: Rainleaf Quick-Dry Towel
Money Belt
Keeping your passport, money, and other documents safe is essential while traveling. It is crazy how a tiny book can make or break your entire journey. A money belt is a great way to keep things hidden and secure. I like to carry an extra wallet in my pocket with a few pesos in it. I tend to use that for spending money, except in the unlikely situation of needing your passport.
Baja Packing List Item: Travel Money Belt With RFID Block
Final Thoughts
If this is your first journey somewhere for an extended period of time, it is inevitable you will forget to buy something before you head out. The other option is you buy too much, and start shedding things over the first few days. It is a constant evolution in terms of things you think you need, and you will learn along the way!
This list will help you cut to the essentials, so you can make decisions about the rest of the things you want to bring with you. Space is always a factor, so keeping organized will help you save space and time when packing and unpacking. I hope this Packing List for Baja California was helpful to you. Now go enjoy the beaches and street food!
Looking for places to see within Baja California? Check out my Top Places To Visit In Baja California post for some inspiration.
'Til next time,
Pete - A Traveling Teacher