Electronics gear minus the Canon T1i and 18-55mm lens that shot this photo

Packing List for Central America

This afternoon I will be catching my flight to Central America, thus I have just done my packing.  I’ve never done these types of posts before since I would never want to risk my website looking like a (gasp) blog. However, if I’m being quite honest I’m low on material, lacking the will to write what I have in cue and, well, really excited about my trip to Central America.  

You’ll notice that my packing list is extensive, but not overboard.  

I think that over three-quarters of the weight of my bags is electronics.  I am leaving my big bag behind in Medellin and packing just my very small light weight Mountain Equipment backpack along with my camera bag (which is starting to get to be too small to pack all my gear). The reason I am leaving my big bag at home is that I’m planning on crossing a part of the Darien Gap and may need to hike several hours.  If you’re interested in where I’m going on this trip you can see my schedule at the bottom of the post.

Pre-packing spread

Clothing

I’ll admit that when I came down to South America this time I packed far too many clothes, and not exactly travel clothes.  I had been planning on living either in Peru or Argentina and, thus, all my clothes are related to living in the city.  I have lots of collared shirts and blue jeans.  I’m going to leave most of my clothes behind to save room for important stuff like camera lenses and laptops.  Besides, you can wear underwear 4 ways and socks 2 ways before you have to clean them can’t you?

Clothes to be packed
  • 6 shirts
  • 1 pair of jeans
  • 1 swim trunk
  • 1 pair of shorts
  • 1 light rain jacket
  • 7 pairs of socks
  • 5 pairs of unmentionables
  • 1 pair of running shoes
  • 1 pair of flip flops
  • 1 toque (outside of Canada known as a beanie)

Electronics

I am a digital nomad of sorts.  I need my electronic gear to earn a living.  As such, the greatest value I have placed on items for this trip are my electronics, and electronics related items.

Electronics gear minus the Canon T1i and 18-55mm lens that shot this photo
  • 1 Camera body for photos. I use the Canon Eos R6
  • 1 Camera body for video. I’m using the Canon RP for video
  • 1 Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 lens
  • 1 Canon 35mm f/1.8 lens
  • 1 Canon 14-35mm f/4 lens
  • 1 Canon 100-400mm lens
  • Really Good Travel Tripod
  • 1 Camera cleaning set (blower, lens glass cleaner, lint free paper wipes, soft brush)
  • Filters (3 UV filters, 2 Polarizing filters)
  • Dell XPS 15 Laptop
  • 3x SanDisk SSDs. I use the 2tb versions.
  • Camera bag. Currently I’m using the Shiomda Action X50.

Other Things to Pack?

I tend to pack very few extras since I can always buy things along the way.  You’ll notice that I don’t pack a first aid kit or anything like that.  Those things are a waste of space in my bag.  When I get off the plane and to Playa del Carmen I’ll head to the grocery store to pick up some ziplock bags (good for storing shampoo/sunscreens/etc but also for protecting camera gear) and duct tape which are invaluable.

My bags and some extras
  • Non-aerosol shaving cream (better for the environment, less likely to explode)
  • Razors
  • Aftershave cream
  • Toothbrush, paste and floss
  • 2 in 1 shampoo conditioner.
  • Pocket knife (after watching 127 hours I always make sure mine is sharp)
  • Sunglasses (not to protect my eyes but to look cool)
  • Sunscreen
  • Money pouch
  • Wallet
  • A Good Book
  • Zip-able leather binder