The Ultimate Packing List For The Lost City Trek in Colombia (2024 updated)
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I’m about to embark on another outdoor adventure and this time I’m gearing up for
The Lost City Trek. Nothing gets me more excited than packing for an international trip. Packing means the trip is finally here! I get it, most people loathe packing and wait until the last minute. If that’s you, I hope this packing list makes the process a little less cringey.
A packing list isn’t super important for most trips because you can bring as much as you can cram into your suitcase! When you’re carrying everything on your back it’s a different story. Every ounce counts. This is where “Travel Light” comes into play. The more meticulous and strategic you can be when packing for treks like
The Lost City Trek, the more comfortable you will be on the trail. There are many items listed below that will make your trip more enjoyable so please read carefully. There are no convenience stores in the Colombian jungles so we want to be prepared.
I have enjoyed dozens of multi-day treks around the world and have learned that packing light is critical because that's exactly how you want to feel on the trail. You don’t want to feel weighed down by your backpack. I’ll never forget meeting a guy on the “W” Trek in Patagonia who brought two full-sized sticks of deodorant and an electric shaver among other unnecessary items. He was exhausted! Don’t be that guy. Here is the list of items you should bring for the Lost City Trek.
What items should you pack for the Lost City Trek?
Backpack
One of the most important decisions you’ll make when gearing up for The Lost City Trek is which backpack to purchase. I bought my first Osprey backpack in 2015 and have been using it on every international adventure since. The quality is unmatched and they are the perfect combo of comfortable, durable and lightweight. My favorite product is the Osprey Eja 48 for women and the Osprey Exos 48 for men. These packs have a mesh system that acts as a barrier between your back and the backpack - trust me - this is a game changer for breathability and comfort! If your backpack does not fit properly, is too heavy or just uncomfortable in general, you will struggle more than you need to. I find that 48 liters is the perfect size. Any bigger and you’ll be tempted to overpack. You can certainly go smaller and I’ve seen people bring 30 liter packs on adventures like this because you don’t need bulky gear (tent, sleeping bag, etc.). However I stick with my 48 liter and don’t have it packed to the brim. Another important note is that backpacks come in sizes i.e. Small, Medium, Large. Your local REI can measure you and tell you what size you need.
Packing List Group 1: Clothing, Footwear, Accessories
Due to the high humidity and possible rainfall during the Lost City Trek you need to bring breathable materials that dry quickly.
Pack clothes that are made of moisture wicking fabric such as polyester, nylon, or wool. These fabrics are non-absorbent and will allow moisture to move to the outer layer of the fabric so it can dry quickly. Do not bring anything cotton. Every piece of clothing I recommend below is one that I use myself. I am a big believer in traveling light while also having the necessary gear to not only enjoy, but thrive on my treks.
(3-4 Shirts) Patagonia Capilene Cool Shirt
These are my #1 hiking shirt! They are comfortable, dry quickly, and don’t get very stinky. I wear them a few days in a row before washing.
Men Options:
(1-2 Shorts) Columbia Sandy River Short
Classic and durable outdoor shorts
Men Options:
(hiking pants, optional) REI Trail Pants
Most people do this trek in shorts but if you have sensitive skin, or absolutely hate bugs, pants are an alternative option. These are my favorite hiking pants. They are loose fitting and have tons of zipped pockets.
Men Options:
(1 Poncho) FROGG TOGGS brand
You are going to the jungle, it's going to rain. Make sure you have a poncho that is durable and lightweight. I love this one because it covers both you and your backpack.
(4-5 Socks) Darn Tough Socks
These are hands down the best hiking socks. They are thick enough to protect your feet while also allowing them to breathe and they come with a lifetime warranty.
Men Options:
- 1 Pair of pants or leggings for evenings, comfortable enough for sleeping in
- 1 Long sleeve
hike hoodie or sweatshirt for evenings
- 2 Sports Bras (quick-dry material)
- 4-5 Pairs of Underwear
- 1 Swimsuit
(1 pair hiking shoes) Brooks Cascadia Trail Runners
Your shoes are the most important piece of gear that you’re packing. If your feet aren’t happy, no one is happy. Hikers generally choose between trail running shoes and hiking boots. My go-to is the Brooks Cascadia trail runner. I’ve worn these shoes on every trail from Everest Base Camp to Machu Picchu. I highly recommend trying on several pairs of shoes at your local REI to see what you prefer. You should know right away if they are comfortable or not. If you feel any discomfort you will not want to walk 39 miles in them. If you prefer ankle support, stick to hiking boots. Other popular brands include Salomon, Altra, and On Cloud.
Men Options:
(1) Teva Women's Original Universal Sandal
After a long day of trekking it is important to let your feet breath and take a break from your hiking shoes. I recommend bringing a pair of the Tevas as your camp shoe. These are great for evenings and also for walking through rivers. They dry quickly and are lightweight.
Men Options:
(1 sunglasses) Goodr OG Sunglasses
These are my favorite durable & inexpensive glasses. Also, they come in fun colors!
(1 hat) Columbia Unisex Bora Bora Hat
This hat might be a little dorky but it’s a darn good hat. The mesh on top keeps your head cool while giving you 360* protection.
(1 set packing cubes) Expandable Packing Cube Set
If you have never owned a pair of packing cubes, this is the time. They make packing so much easier and allow you to fit more in your pack while staying organized.
Packing List Group 2: Gear
One of the great things about hut-to-hut hiking is the fact that you don't have to bring a lot of gear. You don't need to bring a tent, sleeping bag, cooking supplies, or food when you know you have a bed and a warm meal waiting for you at your next destination.
That being said, there are still items you need to bring to be prepared for this hike.
Trekking Poles
Unless you are an experienced hiker and you know that trekking poles are not for you - I recommend anyone doing a multi-day hike to bring trekking poles. According to TSA, trekking poles are not allowed in carry-on baggage. However most of the time I have no issues bringing them in my carry-on backpack. There is a risk of having to throw them away, check a bag, or mail them home, so I do not suggest investing a lot of money in poles.
Daypack,Water Resistant Lightweight Packable Backpack
This Ultra Lite Daypack is one of my FAVORITE travel items and serves a dual purpose - use it before the trek while exploring Colombia’s cities, and use it while visiting the Lost City (you’ll leave your larger backpack at the final camp and just bring the daypack up to the Lost City). I have the 16 Liter.
Sleeping Bag Liner
A sleeping bag liner will help you feel clean and cozy at the end of the day and add a touch of warmth on chilly evenings. This one is made for warm, humid climates and has built in protection from bugs!
Quick Dry Towel
Make sure you get a size that is big enough to wrap around your whole body
Chilly Sport Cooling Towel
All you do is add water and the chilly towel works wonders to keep you cool. It weighs next to nothing.
Rechargeable Headlamp
I bring a headlamp on all of my outdoor adventures. They come in handy on early starts.
Buff
A buff is a super versatile, scarf-like piece of fabric that wicks away sweat and protects your skin from the wind and sun. I often use it as a headband.
2-3 Liter Water Bladder
Water bladders are a must for long hikes. If you don’t have a bladder you’ll need to stop more frequently and ask someone else to get your water bottle from the side of your backpack. Don’t skimp on the brand - pay a little extra otherwise it will be leaking in your bag. I recommend Camelbak or Osprey brand bladders.
Water Filter
This water filter is ultra light and can be helpful in a pinch. You may not need it, but I bring one on all of my hikes.
Nuun Hydration Tablets
You will sweat a lot so you want to make sure to stay hydrated. A daily Nuun tablet gives your body the electrolytes it needs to keep going.
Luggage Scale
Weigh your backpack to make sure you aren’t hiking with excess weight. Your pack should weigh under 20 pounds including 1 liter of water.
Sitting Pad
I picked up my first sitting pad before hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc and now I’m hooked! It’s nice to have a little cushion when you’re taking breaks and having lunch on the trail.
Packing List Group 3: Toiletries
Don't bring your entire medicine cabinet, bring small travel friendly bottles and creams kept in ziploc bags in case they spill.
- Bronner’s Soap / Shampoo / Conditioner - Bronner’s soap is environmentally friendly and I often use it as shampoo / body wash. Shampoo/conditioner are optional, if you bring them bring tiny bottles.
- Hairbrush/ Headband/ Hair Ties
- Face & Body Moisturizer
- Toothbrush/ Toothpaste/ Floss
- Razor
- Chapstick with sunscreen
- Pain medication / Zicam / Vitamin C / Melatonin / Pepto / Any other supplements - Any supplements you think you will need to help your body recover, help you sleep in a different environment than you are used to, etc. I always travel with Zicam and start taking it at the first sign of sickness.
- Hand Sanitizer
- travel size
- Sunscreen
- Band Aids /
MoleSkin /
Blister band aids -
Blisters happen and when they do you want to patch them up so you can keep on moving. MoleSkins and Band Aids are a quick fix for any pesky blister.
- Bug Spray
- Feminine Hygiene Products
- Tweezers/Nail Clippers/ Little Scissors - these always come in handy
- Deodorant - travel size
- Tissues/ Wet Wipes/ Toilet Paper
- Body Glide (anti-chafing Product)
- Laxatives - Traveling causes constipation for some people, it’s good to have some laxatives just in casies!
- Mini first Aid Kit
- Tiger Balm -
After a long hike it's a little luxury to rub some tiger balm on those sore muscles.
- Kula Cloth - This is for the ladies!
Packing List Group 4: Snacks (yes, snacks get their own group)
You can pick up snacks in Colombia but if you have some favorite, lightweight, high protein snacks you should bring them from home
- Protein Bars - Protein bars are a great and efficient source of energy for this hike. Avoid protein bars with lots of added sugars.
- Jerky - Always a good snack on the go. Easier to store, doesn't take up a lot of space, and a great source of protein.
- Nuts / Trail mix
- Energy Goo -
These are game changers! This is like a shot of espresso in the form of a gusher. They are great.
Packing List Group 5: Personal Items
- Passport/ copy of passport - Put your passport inside a ziploc bag. Make a copy of your passport and tuck it away in your backpack for emergencies.
- Driver’s License - Having a second form of identification on you is always smart.
- Vaccine Card Copy - Bring a copy of your vaccine card handy just in case. If you are not vaccinated, don’t worry! We will likely not be asked to show it.
- Credit Card / Debit Card - Make sure to bring a card with no foreign fees
- Cash - Stash $100 emergency USD in your backpack
- Phone / Phone Charger - Colombia uses the same outlets as the US so adaptors are not necessary
- Headphones (optional)
- Power Bank - (optional) We should have no issues charging our phones during the trek but this is a backup just in case
- Eye Mask
- Ear Plugs
- Travel Pillow - This is optional. I love mine and bring it everywhere, even on hikes
- Small Journal - For writing down your beautiful thoughts
- Deck of cards - A deck or 2 per group. If you have any lightweight games bring them!
- Cork Ball - For sore muscles and feet rolling
Do you have any questions or suggestions about my Lost City packing list? Send me an email and don't forget to download my printable checklist. Follow me on social media and subscribe to my email list to get updates on upcoming trips. Thanks for reading and as always,
Travel Light.
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