This is a complete guide on the must-have Sri Lanka packing list essentials.
Having traveled to Sri Lanka, I have a pretty fair idea of what you need to add to your Sri Lanka packing list and why.
Two to four weeks in Sri Lanka is a perfect amount of time to explore and discover all the hot spots and hidden gems. There are awesome adventures to be had for everyone.
SRI LANKA PACKING LIST
WATERPROOF PHONE CASE
Most likely you are going to get up to a lot of adventures overseas whether it be hiking volcanoes, exploring waterfalls, or beach hopping!
A waterproof phone case is a must-have item to keep your phone safe from water damage, sand, and scratches. Suitable for all smartphone models.
Check Prices → Waterproof Phone Case
REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE
A reusable water bottle is an essential Sri Lanka packing list item and something I take with me on all of my adventures.
Not only will the GRAYL GeoPress keep your water clean but you will also be helping the environment by reducing the use of plastics in Sri Lanka.
The BEST reusable water bottle for travel!
The GRAYL GeoPress is a top-rated reusable water bottle perfect for backpacking, hiking, and traveling.
It allows you to purify water from anywhere and keeps you safe from all waterborne diseases.
Get a GeoPress today and never buy single-use plastic bottles again. Mama Earth will thank you for it!
DAY BAG
If you are searching for the best day bag to take with you on your next trip to Sri Lanka, then look no further.
The Nomatic 20L day bag is one of the best backpacks on the market and perfect for those everyday adventures!
This particular Nomatic bag is water-resistant, anti-theft, lightweight, and incredibly durable.
The Most Functional Day Pack EVER!
The Nomatic 20L Travel Pack is perfect for everyday use and for those shorter 1-3 day adventures.
With 20+ innovative features and a minimalist design, this functional day pack gives you confidence for life on the move!
RAIN JACKET
A lightweight rain jacket is an absolute must when deciding on what to pack for Sri Lanka.
The weather in Sri Lanka can be very sporadic due to the tropical climate and a downpour can happen at any moment.
The best rain jackets I have come across for men and women are the North Face waterproof rain jackets with a breathable mesh lining and adjustable hood that can be tucked away inside the collar.
Be prepared and add this essential item to your Sri Lanka packing list.
Check Prices → North Face Lightweight Rain Jacket (Mens)
Check Prices → North Face Lightweight Rain Jacket (Womens)
TRAVEL INSURANCE
There’s an old saying, ‘If you can’t afford travel insurance, you shouldn’t be traveling’.
I have been traveling for almost a decade and in that time I have tried many different travel insurance providers.
As of late, I have been using Heymondo Travel Insurance on every trip, and in my opinion, they are without a doubt the best travel insurance provider on the market.
Have you got travel insurance for your trip?!
We all know accidents can happen and having Heymondo Insurance will save you thousands of dollars if something goes wrong.
Heymondo offers low-cost Travel Insurance to keep you covered on all your adventures.
UNIVERSAL POWER ADAPTER
Arriving in Sri Lanka and not being able to charge your phone, laptop, camera, and other accessories is a nightmare for most travelers.
I highly recommend equipping yourself with a universal power adapter that can be used everywhere in Asia and also in the UK, Europe, Africa, the United States, and Australia.
Check Prices → Universal Power Adapter
PACKING CUBES
Packing Cubes are honestly my favorite item in my backpack! Perfect for organizing your shirts, pants, jackets, socks, underwear, and more!
Packing cubes make packing easier and more efficient, adding extra space and reducing packing frustration for your next trip to Sri Lanka.
Check Prices → Packing Cubes
PORTABLE POWER BANK
One of the best things about having a portable power bank is that you can keep your phone and accessories charged on those longer adventures throughout Sri Lanka.
This Anker Power Bank features 2 USB charging ports, and a rechargeable battery, and works with iPhone, iPad, Samsung, Oppo, and more!
Also included are a micro-USB charging cable, travel pouch, and 18-month warranty.
Check Prices → Anker Portable Power Bank
GOPRO HERO 11 – WATERPROOF CAMERA
One of the most popular cameras on the planet, the GoPro Hero 11 is great for everything involving water shots and fast-paced adventures.
It captures all of the best moments with its wide range of functions that are very simple to use and I highly recommend this camera when backpacking.
Capture All Your Adventures!
I’m sure y’all know by now that GoPro’s are arguably the best action cameras on the planet!
The new GoPro HERO 11 boasts 5.3K video, 27MP photo, HyperSmooth stabilization, and waterproof up to 10m!
SELFIE STICK
Everyone loves a good selfie, right?
This slick and stylish selfie stick can extend to 1.2 m and I find it much easier to shoot photos and videos with the GoPro Hero 11 when it is mounted to the SandMarc Selfie Stick.
This is definitely something you will not regret adding to your packing list for Sri Lanka.
Check Prices → SandMarc Selfie Stick
INSECT REPELLENT
The last thing you want when visiting Sri Lanka is a body covered in itchy mosquito bites or worst-case scenario, dengue fever.
As I mentioned earlier, Sri Lanka has a very tropical climate, and mosquitoes along with other nasty insects like to hang out almost everywhere on the islands.
Be sure to get a bottle of insect repellent to throw in your check-in baggage when packing for Sri Lanka.
Check Prices → Insect Repellent 100% Deet
SUNSCREEN
Yes, sunscreen! Some of us hate it, others can’t live without it.
Nevertheless, it won’t hurt to throw in a tube of sunscreen when packing for Sri Lanka and I guarantee you will end up using it every single day when you are out exploring!
In my experience, sunscreen is quite expensive in Sri Lanka so it’s best to pack some before you go.
Check Prices → Sun Bum 50+ Sunscreen
ORGANIC ACTIVATED CHARCOAL TABLETS
I think it is safe to say that 9 out of 10 of us have been a victim of travelers’ diarrhea.
I personally eat a lot of street food and enjoy the odd seafood BBQ on the beach, but typically these types of eateries are known for bacteria-infected or out-of-date foods.
So to be better safe than sorry, I recommend purchasing these Organic Activated Charcoal Tablets which are fast-acting and a safe way to rid your system of the toxins that cause stomach upset.
Check Prices → Organic Activated Charcoal Tablets
SLIP-ON WATER SHOES
I know for sure that you are likely to visit at least one waterfall or find an epic cliff-jumping spot during your travels in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka is a mecca for water adventures and muddy hikes so definitely consider purchasing an affordable pair of slip-on waterproof shoes when deciding on what to pack for Sri Lanka.
Check Prices → Slip-On Waterproof Shoes
MICROFIBRE TRAVEL TOWEL
To pack a towel or not to pack a towel? It’s a question I ask myself too often when planning a trip to Sri Lanka.
A standard beach or bathroom towel can take up quite a lot of space in your travel bag, though a quick-dry travel towel is a perfect alternative!
This lightweight, microfibre travel towel is perfect for the beach, camping, backpacking, and general traveling.
Check Prices → Quick-Dry Travel Towel
KINDLE
Kindles are the best alternative for books when traveling. They’re perfect for long-haul flights, a relaxing read on the beach, or a quiet evening away from the beach bars.
The new Kindles are waterproof, linked with Audible, paired with Bluetooth headphones or speakers, have adjustable light settings to suit indoor/outdoor conditions, have 8GB – 32GB storage, and rechargeable batteries that last for weeks!
Check Prices → Kindle E-Reader
HIDDEN MONEY BELT
I never go on a trip without my hidden money belt. The best thing is that they are always out of sight, hidden beneath your clothing to prevent pickpockets.
They are perfectly designed to keep your cash and other valuables safe for when you are out and about enjoying Sri Lanka’s nightlife.
Protect Yo’ Thangs!
Keep your cash and other valuables safe with the Pacsafe Anti-Theft Hidden Waist Wallet.
With RFID-blocking and a slash-resistant strap, you’ll never be pick-pocketed again!
TRAVEL PASSPORT WALLET
Along with the money belt, a travel passport wallet is a great addition to your Sri Lanka packing list.
I find it best to always keep my passport, valuables, travel documents, credit cards, and cash all in one place, stowed away in this easily organized travel wallet.
Check Prices → Travel Passport Wallet
DRY BAG
A dry bag is always a good item to consider packing on your next trip to Sri Lanka, especially if you plan to go snorkeling, spend some time at the beach, explore waterfalls, or island hopping.
Best to keep your phone and other valuables safe from water damage.
Check Prices → Earth-Pak Dry Bag
HEAD TORCH
Something that I have surprisingly been using quite often is a head torch
It may not be an essential Sri Lanka packing list item for everyone but if you do plan on hiking one of the volcanoes, which I highly recommend, then this waterproof and USB rechargeable head torch will quickly become your best friend on your Sri Lanka adventures!
Check Prices → Foxelli Head Torch
CAMERA GEAR
Whether you’re going on a weekend getaway or a month-long trip, everything listed below is all the gear you will need to take quality travel photos, and not have to carry too much weight.
Camera – Canon EOS R Full Frame Mirrorless
This model of Canon is one of the most affordable, compact, and best mirrorless cameras on the market.
I shoot with this camera every day and the quality of my images has increased dramatically since I made this purchase.
You can browse through all of the images in my blog to give you an idea of what this camera is capable of.
Camera Lens – Canon Lens RF 24-70mm F2.8
The 24-70mm is my go-to lens for this camera. It is dust and splash-proof, also included are a lens hood, and cap.
The versatility of this lens allows me to shoot detailed portraits and also offers a wide dynamic range for shooting landscapes.
Drone Camera – DJI Mavic Pro 2
The DJI Mavic Pro 2 drone is at the top of the game when it comes to high-quality images and video, easy-to-control functions, and traveler-friendly capabilities.
The Mavic Pro 2 shoots high-resolution images in JPEG + RAW and high-definition 4K video.
Purchase a DJI Mavic Pro 2 drone today and take your photography and videography to new heights!
Laptop Computer – Apple MacBook Pro 15″
The MacBook Pro laptop is very lightweight and perfect for backpackers traveling the world.
Apart from my camera, the MacBook Pro is my most used accessory when it comes to uploading images, editing photos and videos, writing all of my blog posts, and booking flights and accommodation when I am on the road.
Waterproof Camera – GoPro Hero 11
The most popular camera on the planet. I love using the GoPro 11 for anything involving water shots and for all of my fast-paced adventures.
It captures all of the best moments with its wide range of functions that are very simple to use.
Camera Gimbal – Feiyu Tech AK2000 Camera Stabilizer
The Feiyu Tech AK2000 is an easy-to-use hand-held stabilizer suited for DSLR and Mirrorless cameras of up to 2.8 kg.
Whether you are a travel vlogger or a filmmaker looking to create smooth cinematic video then this is the accessory for you!
Works with Canon, Sony, Nikon, and Panasonic.
Travel Bag – Nomatic 40L Water-Resistant Travel Bag
The 40L Nomatic Travel Bag is the best purchase I have ever made.
This bag has a designated water bottle pocket, RFID-protected pocket, shoe compartment, laptop pocket, compression bag, and more!
The Nomatic Travel Bag is designed to fit the maximum size allowed for carry-on luggage so you’ll never have to spend money on check-in baggage again!
Camera Bag – Lowepro Protactic 450 AW II Camera Bag
The Lowepro Protactic Camera Bag is one of the best camera bags on the market.
It includes a waterproof rain cover, drink bottle holder, padded compartments for DSLR cameras, mirrorless cameras, drones, lenses, accessories, and a laptop pocket.
This is my bag of choice that I take with me on all of my adventures.
Selfie Stick – SandMarc Selfie Stick – Metal Edition
Everyone loves a good selfie, right? This stylish selfie stick can extend to 1.2m and I find it much easier to shoot with the GoPro when it is mounted to the SandMarc Selfie Stick.
GoPro Dome – Underwater Dome Port for GoPro
Have you ever wanted to know how to get those under/over water shots with the GoPro?
This nifty little dome housing can create that perfect shot you are chasing. I use mine every time I am in the ocean!
Memory Card – SanDisk Extreme Pro 64GB SDXC
The best thing about SanDisk Extreme Pro is that it delivers maximum speed for performance and uncompromising images and 4K video quality from my DSLR.
Having 64GB of storage means that I can store my images on the SD card for 2-3 days and not have to worry about running out of space.
Spare Camera Battery – 2 Pack Camera Battery for Canon
Don’t make the same mistake as me by taking hundreds of photos on a big adventure day and running out of battery.
Be prepared with this 2-pack of spare batteries for Canon.
Camera Tripod – Joby GorillaPod
The Joby GorillaPod is suitable for all DSLR and Mirrorless Cameras.
This tripod is lightweight easy to use and perfect for setting up a time-lapse photo or even using it as a selfie stick.
The legs are flexible so you can wrap it around a tree or a pole to get creative with your shot.
External Hard Drive – WD Elements External Hard Drive 4TB
As a photographer, my images and video files take up a lot of space on my MacBook so I use this compact external hard drive to store everything.
With 4TB worth of storage space, this is more than enough for a good year worth of content.
THINGS TO DO IN SRI LANKA
I spent 2 weeks backpacking in Sri Lanka and have put together the perfect 14-day itinerary that you might like to check out!
Must Read: 2 Week Sri Lanka Itinerary
BEST TIME TO VISIT SRI LANKA
The best time to visit the west coast, south coast, and hill country of Sri Lanka is December through to March, which is the dry season.
Definitely try to avoid these areas of Sri Lanka during the monsoon season which is between May and September.
If you plan on heading over to the east coast of Sri Lanka to Arugam Bay, the best time to visit is between April and September.
FINAL THOUGHTS – WHAT TO PACK FOR SRI LANKA
I hope this article finds you well when it comes to your Sri Lanka packing list.
If you have any questions, please leave me any comments or questions below and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.
TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!
Search and book accommodation worldwide.
Compare and book cheap flights to anywhere.
Find tickets, tours, and experiences around the world.
Book buses, trains, and transfers online in advance.
Search all rental cars in your next destination.
Need travel insurance for your next trip?
THANKS FOR READING
Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide!
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