The Best Gear for Costa Rica (From Two People Who Actually Live Here)

Packing gear for Costa Rica is genuinely tricky, and we say that as people who’ve been living here since 2016. You’d think after all this time we’d have it figured out immediately, but the truth is it took a while. You’re not packing for one climate or one kind of trip. You’re packing for a rainforest, a cloud forest, a beach, and everything in between, sometimes all in the same week.

Because we live here, we’re constantly on the move with weekend trips, day hikes, coastal drives, you name it. Over the years we’ve tested a lot of gear, ditched what didn’t work, and landed on a setup that’s basically always ready to go. At this point, we can pack for a Costa Rica adventure in under 20 minutes.

So in this post, we’re sharing the exact gear we rely on, broken down by category so it’s easy to shop. Whether you’re a first-time visitor trying to figure out what to bring or a repeat traveler looking to upgrade your setup, this list will help you pack smarter and feel way more prepared when you land.

Bags & Luggage

Camping Style Backpack

If you’re not staying at an all-inclusive resort the whole trip, a camping-style backpack is going to be your best friend. So many hotels and vacation rentals in Costa Rica are tucked up on hills with parking way at the bottom. Hauling a rolling suitcase up a muddy path is nobody’s idea of fun. Trust me on this one. A good backpack keeps your hands free and your sanity intact.
⤷ We like Osprey for all backpack needs

Waterproof Day Pack

This is a must, especially during rainy season. A waterproof day pack keeps your phone, camera, and snacks dry when the afternoon downpour hits out of nowhere. Plus, it’s super helpful on and boat trips or even at the beach. We use ours constantly.

⤷ We like this waterproof backpack. You can also use it as your carry-on

Longchamp Purse (optional)

If you’re someone who likes to carry a purse, I swear by my Longchamp. Things get dirty and damp here fast, and having a bag you can just wipe off is a game changer. It’s not fancy, but it’s practical and can fold up small in your luggage.

Packing Cubes

If you’ve never used packing cubes, it is time to start. They’re especially clutch when you’re living out of a camping backpack and moving between destinations every few days. Instead of unpacking everything to find your charger at the bottom, you just pull out the right cube. Genuinely one of those things you don’t think you need until you have it.

⤷ Get your packing cubes here

Money Belt (optional)

We feel pretty safe in most parts of Costa Rica, but a money belt is a smart idea if you’re spending time in San José or busy tourist areas. It’s not a necessity everywhere, but having some way to keep your valuables close and hidden is never a bad call.

💡 Bonus Tip: Ziplock Bags: Pack a handful of ziplock bags in different sizes. Costa Rica is humid. When things get wet they stay wet. Ziplock bags are lifesavers for keeping your phone dry on a boat, protecting documents, or storing a damp swimsuit when you’re on the go.

Tech & Electronics

GoPro or a Good Camera

A GoPro is amazing for Costa Rica adventures such as ziplining, snorkeling, waterfall hikes. We’ve had ours for years and it still goes everywhere with us. The newer models are waterproof right out of the box, which is huge here.

That said, I don’t think you should buy a GoPro just for your trip. if you have a solid phone camera or a DSLR (we have the Canon 90D and love it), that works too. This one’s a nice-to-have more than a necessity, depending on how much adventure you’re chasing.

Anker Power Bank

Your phone is your map, your translator, your camera, and your booking system. You cannot let it die. The Anker power bank can fully charge most phones in about 30 minutes, which is a lifesaver when you’re out all day and forget to charge the night before. It is also helpful here because sometimes the power goes out, especially during the rainy season.

⤷ Purchase the Anker power bank

Kindle (optional)

I resisted buying a Kindle for years and now I genuinely can’t imagine traveling without it. Beach days call for a good book, and having your whole library in something lighter than a paperback is just smart packing. The one thing to watch, don’t leave it sitting on the sand while you’re in the water.

If you need some reading suggestions, I’ve got you with my list of favorite books about Costa Rica

Universal Travel Adapter

Costa Rica uses the same outlets as the US (Type A/B), so if you’re coming from North America you’re fine. But if you’re traveling from elsewhere (or if you just want a handy multi-port adapter to charge several things at once) a universal travel adapter is worth throwing in the bag.

Outdoor & Adventure Gear

Pocket Binoculars

Wildlife watching is one of the biggest reasons people come to Costa Rica, and you’ll be scanning the treetops constantly looking for sloths, monkeys, toucans, and more. Pocket binoculars take up almost no space in your bag and make such a difference when something’s hiding way up in the canopy. Don’t skip these.

⤷ We love these pocket binoculars

Lifestraw Water Bottle

Tap water is technically drinkable in most towns in Costa Rica, but we still prefer to play it safe. The Lifestraw bottle has a built-in filtration system that blocks bacteria and other nasties, so you can fill up from a tap or stream and feel confident about it. Great for hiking days when you don’t want to carry a bunch of plastic bottles.
⤷ Get a Lifestraw bottle

Microfiber Towel

Hands down one of the best travel purchases we’ve ever made. Microfiber towels dry incredibly fast (which matters a lot in a country where humidity means everything stays wet forever). Leave it in the sun for a bit after a swim and it’ll be ready to use again in no time. The texture takes a little getting used to, but once you’re converted, you’re converted. Plus, it rolls up small for your luggae.
⤷ Get a microfiber towel

Headlamp

The sun sets around 6pm year-round in Costa Rica, no matter what time of year you visit. That means you’ve got a solid chunk of evening hours where it’s dark out. A headlamp is so much more useful than a flashlight because it keeps your hands free. Navigating a bumpy path back to your accommodation, or just finding your way around a dark hotel pool area, it comes in handy more than you’d think.
⤷ Purchase your headlamp

Glasses Strap

If you wear glasses or sunglasses, please bring a glasses strap. Between boat rides, ziplines, and big ocean waves Costa Rica is full of moments where your glasses can just… disappear. I know this from personal experience and it is not a fun feeling. The strap is tiny, weighs nothing, and could save you a whole lot of panic.

⤷ Get a glasses strap

Health, Safety & Toiletries

First Aid Kit

You never know what minor things might come up when you’re out exploring such as splinters, cuts, blisters, bug bites. A compact travel first aid kit covers the basics and gives you peace of mind. We’ve used ours more times than we expected.

⤷ Get a travel first aid kit

Blister Band-Aids

These are a total game changer. If you’re anything like me, you’ll show up in a pair of shoes you haven’t fully broken in and then spend all day walking and regret it by hour three. Blister band-aids create a little cushioning bubble over the blister and let you keep going instead of being stuck at the hotel while everyone else explores. Pack a few, seriously.
⤷ Get blister bandaids

Sunscreen + After Sun

Costa Rica sun is intense. You will burn faster than you think, especially on the water or at higher elevations. Bring reef-safe sunscreen (good for you and for the ocean) and an after sun cream for when you inevitably forget to reapply. You can find sunscreen locally but it’s more expensive, so bring enough from home.

Bug Spray

Mosquitoes here can carry dengue and Zika, so it’s worth taking seriously. They’re worst in coastal areas, especially once the sun goes down. DEET-based formulas are the most effective in heavy jungle areas, but there are solid natural options too if you prefer to go that route.
⤷ Purchase bug spray

Motion Sickness Pills + Pain Killers

Boat rides, winding mountain roads, bumpy jungle transfers etc., Costa Rica has a lot of scenarios where motion sickness can hit. Pack motion sickness pills if you’re at all sensitive. I find i often need them here.

And pain killers like ibuprofen or Tylenol are just a smart thing to have on hand for headaches, sore muscles, or general travel aches.

💡 Bonus: Electrolyte Packets: The heat and humidity in Costa Rica will dehydrate you faster than you expect, especially if you’re hiking or doing activity-heavy days. Electrolyte packets are tiny, lightweight, and make a noticeable difference in how you feel at the end of a long day. Toss a handful in your bag and thank yourself later. ⤷ Purchase electrolyte packets

A Few More Tips Before You Pack

Pack lighter than you think you need to. Seriously. Costa Rica involves a lot of moving around, and every extra pound matters when you’re hauling your bag up a steep driveway or fitting it into a tiny shuttle. When in doubt, leave it out.

Bring everything in carry-on if you can. Checked bag delays are more disruptive here than most places because you might be connecting onward to a domestic flight or a shuttle that won’t wait. Traveling light pays off. Of course, that means you can’t bring full size sunscreen, bug spray etc. You can always buy that stuff in Costa Rica, it is just a bit more expensive.

Rainy season isn’t a reason to skip the trip, but pack for it. May through November brings afternoon rains to most of the country (the Pacific side dries out in December). A waterproof bag, a packable rain jacket, and a good attitude will take you far. We have a rainy season packing list here

Things take longer than Google Maps says. Roads are slow, potholes are real, and river crossings happen. Build buffer time into every driving day and don’t stress it. That’s just the Costa Rica experience.

Leave expensive jewelry at home. It’s not worth the worry. Costa Rica is casual. Nobody needs to know you have nice things.

Have an amazing trip! If you have questions about anything on this list, drop them in the comments. We’re happy to help. 🌿

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