Travel Gear for Egypt: A Complete Packing Guide
A trip to Egypt is nothing short of magical, with its ancient pyramids, bustling souks, and serene Nile cruises. However, Egypt’s extreme heat (reaching up to 109°F in summer) and cultural norms call for thoughtful packing. To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a list of essentials, focusing on comfort, sun protection, and respectful attire. Here’s everything you need to make your Egyptian adventure smooth and enjoyable.
When packing for Egypt, think light, breathable fabrics and modesty. Egypt is predominantly Muslim, so it’s important to dress respectfully, especially at religious sites.
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For Women:
- Long-Sleeved Top: Opt for a sun-protective shirt like the Toomet Women’s UPF 50+ UV Sun Protection Shirt. It’s breathable and offers great sun protection.
- Pants: Linen pants, such as the Amazon Essentials Women’s Linen Blend Drawstring Wide Leg Pant, are ideal for staying cool and comfortable in Egypt’s hot climate.
- Maxi Dress or Skirt: A long skirt like the Simlu Maxi Skirt or a flowy maxi dress like the Kranda Flutter Sleeve Ruffle Maxi Dress will keep you cool while adhering to local customs.
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For Men:
- Short-Sleeved Shirts: A breathable cotton-linen shirt, like the Coofandy Men’s Cotton Linen Henley Shirt, is perfect for sightseeing.
- Pants: Lightweight linen pants, such as the iWoo Men’s Cotton Linen Drawstring Pants, will help you beat the heat while remaining comfortable.
- Swim Trunks: The Lululemon Pool Short is a good pick for beach days or poolside relaxation.
Footwear
You’ll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain, so comfortable shoes are a must.
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For Women:
- Sneakers: The Adidas Women’s Cloudfoam Pure-2.0 Running Shoe provides great support for exploring ancient ruins.
- Sandals: Sandalup Women’s Elastic Flat Sandals are perfect for casual days or beach outings.
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For Men:
- Sneakers: The Adidas Men’s Kaptir 2.0 Running Shoe is durable and comfortable for long days of walking.
- Sandals: Go for the Birkenstock Men’s Arizona Slides, which are comfortable and sturdy for warmer days.
Gear and Accessories
Traveling through Egypt requires certain accessories to make your journey easier and safer from the sun.
- Camera: The Sony Alpha 7R V Mirrorless Camera is a fantastic option to capture Egypt’s breathtaking scenery, from the Pyramids of Giza to the temples of Abu Simbel.
- Sunscreen: Egypt’s sun can be intense, so pack La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Body Sunscreen for excellent skin protection.
- Insect Repellent: Mosquitoes can be a problem in some areas, so Sawyer Products Picaridin Insect Repellent will keep you bite-free.
- Sunhat: Protect your face from the scorching sun with a wide-brimmed hat. The Coolibar Women’s Aubrey Wide Brim Hat or the Sunday Afternoons Men’s Charter Hat will do the trick.
Travel Accessories
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Best Belt Bag: The Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag is perfect for keeping your essentials close at hand while exploring Egypt’s bustling markets and ancient sites. It’s compact, stylish, and easy to wear.
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Best Lightweight Backpack: The Longchamp Le Pliage Backpack is a travel favorite for good reason. It’s foldable, lightweight, and durable, making it a great companion for day trips to the Pyramids or boat rides along the Nile.
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Best Sunhat for Women: Egypt’s sun is no joke, and the Coolibar Women’s Aubrey Wide Brim Beach Hat provides excellent coverage while being stylish enough to wear throughout the day. It offers UPF 50+ protection and is packable for easy travel.
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Best Wide-Brimmed Hat for Men: The Sunday Afternoons Men’s Charter Hat is a must for sun protection while touring Egypt’s open-air sites. With its wide brim, it offers great coverage, is breathable, and even comes with UPF 50+ protection.
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Best Travel Wrap: Whether you need to cover up in a mosque or protect your skin from the sun, the Happyluxe Wayfarer Travel Shawl Wrap is a versatile accessory. It’s soft, lightweight, and perfect for layering on cooler evenings or when visiting religious sites.
Travel Bags for Egypt
Best Carry-On Luggage: The Away Bigger Carry-On is a sleek, durable option perfect for Egypt’s bustling airports. It offers plenty of space and fits overhead compartments with ease, making it great for shorter trips or as a supplement to your main luggage.
Best Checked Luggage: For those needing more storage, the Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX Hardside Luggage offers excellent durability and space. Its hard shell will protect your belongings, even during the roughest baggage handling, and its sleek design makes it easy to transport.
Best Weekender Bag: The Dagne Dover Landon Carryall is a versatile weekender bag, ideal for short trips within Egypt, such as visits to Alexandria or the Red Sea. It’s stylish, lightweight, and has multiple compartments for easy organization.
Best Daypack: For daily excursions, the Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack is the perfect lightweight backpack. It has plenty of room for your camera, sunscreen, water bottle, and other essentials while remaining compact and easy to carry.
Best Crossbody Bag: The Travelon Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag is a practical option for keeping your valuables safe while exploring Egypt’s busy markets or historical sites. With its anti-theft features and multiple compartments, it offers security and peace of mind.
Best Duffel Bag: For flexible packing, the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 55L is an excellent choice. It’s weather-resistant and extremely durable, making it ideal for Egypt’s varied landscapes, from desert tours to Nile cruises.