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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

Petra And The South, Jordan

Season-Specific Attire

Wadi Rum's climate calls for adaptable clothing. Layering is .

Seasonal Guidance

Cultural & Activity Attire

Modesty shows respect in Jordan's conservative culture. Tailor clothing to your activities.

Dress Considerations

  • Cultural Modesty: Women should aim for shoulders and knees covered, especially when interacting with Bedouin communities. Loose-fitting clothing is preferred.
  • Hiking/Trekking: Sturdy, broken-in Hiking boots or comfortable, closed-toe Walking shoes with good ankle support. Avoid open-toed Sandals on uneven terrain.
  • Religious Sites: If visiting mosques elsewhere in Jordan, women should carry a scarf to cover hair.

Footwear for Desert Terrains

Main Footwear

Closed-toe shoes with good grip are for walking on sand, rocks, and uneven desert terrain. Hiking boots or sturdy athletic shoes are ideal for protection from dust and stones.

Protective and supportive.

Camp Footwear

Sandals or flip-flops provide comfort around the camp at night. Sand will get everywhere, so easy-to-clean footwear is useful.

Comfort around camp.

Water Shoes

Not typically needed in Wadi Rum unless specific water activities are planned, which are rare in this arid environment.

Generally not needed.

Essential Documents

Documents for Entry & Travel

Proper documentation prevents delays and travel disruptions. Keep physical and digital copies.

  • Passport & Visa: Original passport, valid 6 months beyond departure. Printed Jordan Pass, if applicable. Digital copies on phone/cloud.
  • Travel Insurance: Printed and digital copies of policy, emergency contacts, policy details.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP): If renting a car outside Wadi Rum.
  • Health Docs: Copies of vaccination records, doctor's notes for prescriptions.
  • Reservations: Copies of Wadi Rum camp/tour bookings, onward travel (flights, buses, hotels).
  • Emergency Contacts: Physical card with emergency contacts (family, embassy, insurance), separate from phone. Program numbers into phone.
  • IDs for Discounts: Not typically relevant for Wadi Rum, but may be useful in other parts of Jordan.
  • Onward Travel Proof: Immigration officials may request confirmed flight tickets.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Power access in Wadi Rum camps can be limited. Plan your electronics accordingly.

Items

  • Power Adapter: Jordan uses 230V, 50Hz, with Type C, D, F, and G sockets. A Universal travel adapter is recommended.
  • Mobile Phone & SIM: Most modern smartphones are compatible. Local SIM cards are available at airports/major cities. Coverage in Wadi Rum is spotty.
  • Portable Chargers: Essential due to limited power outlets. A High-capacity power bank charges phones multiple times.

Photography & Software

Capture the desert's beauty. Prepare your photography gear and digital tools.

Gear & Apps

  • Camera Equipment: Good low-light camera for stargazing. Wide-angle lens for landscapes, Telephoto lens for wildlife. A Sturdy tripod for night photography. Spare batteries are important.
  • Dust Protection: Bring a Lens cleaning kit and dust blower for your camera gear.
  • Recommended Apps: Offline maps (Google Maps, Maps.me), translation (Google Translate), stargazing (SkyView Lite, Star Walk 2), weather apps.

Data Backup & Security

Cloud Storage

Use cloud services for backing up photos and important documents. Accessibility relies on internet connection, which can be spotty in Wadi Rum.

External Hard Drive

A physical External hard drive offers a reliable backup solution for large photo and video files.

Secure Devices

Password-protect all your devices. Consider using a VPN for public Wi-Fi access (if available outside Wadi Rum). NordVPN or ExpressVPN are options.

Health & Wellness Items

Personal First Aid Kit

A well-stocked Personal first aid kit and medications are for any trip, especially to remote areas like Wadi Rum.

Essential Contents

Medication & Protection

Ensure you have all necessary medications and protection from the elements.

Prescription & OTC

  • Prescription Medications: Carry in original containers with a copy of prescription and doctor's note. Pack extra.
  • Over-the-Counter: Cold/flu remedies, antacids.
  • Sun Protection: High-SPF Sunscreen, After-sun lotion, Lip balm with SPF.

Special Needs & Hygiene

Altitude & Motion Sickness

  • Altitude Sickness: Not typically relevant for Wadi Rum itself, as it is at a relatively low elevation.
  • Motion Sickness: Relevant for long jeep tours if you are sensitive.
  • Insect Repellent: A small bottle of repellent (DEET or Picaridin-based) is useful.

Water & Hygiene

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking Gear

Prepare for desert trails.

  • A Daypack (20-30L) for water and essentials.
  • Hiking poles are optional but helpful on sandy/rocky terrain.
  • A Headlamp for navigating camps or early morning hikes.
  • Adequate water storage, such as a Hydration pack.

Rock Climbing Gear

Specialized gear for climbers.

  • Harness, ropes, belay device (often rented locally).
  • Helmet for safety.
  • Climbing shoes.
  • Inquire with local climbing operators in advance for rentals.

General Exploration

Enhance your desert experience.

  • A Keffiyeh (Arab scarf) for sun, dust, and warmth.
  • Binoculars for spotting wildlife or distant landscapes.
  • Dust mask or buff for jeep tours.
  • Small trash bag to pack out waste, keeping the desert clean.

Rent vs. Bring Your Own Gear

Consider Renting When:

  • You are not a regular rock climber and only plan a single climb.
  • You plan wild camping but do not own suitable sleeping bags for desert temperatures.
  • You have limited luggage space and want to travel light.
  • The rental cost is less than the cost of purchasing and transporting gear.

Consider Bringing Your Own When:

  • You prioritize comfort and familiarity with your own equipment (e.g., hiking boots).
  • You are a serious climber and require specialized or custom-fitted gear.
  • Items like daypacks, water bottles, and headlamps are compact and frequently used.
  • High-quality sunscreens, specific medical items, or specialized outdoor gear are not easily found locally.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

These items enhance comfort during travel and security of your belongings.

Travel Aids

Sustainable Travel Items

Contribute to responsible tourism by reducing waste.

Eco-Friendly Choices

  • Reusable Water Bottle: Hydro Flask for keeping water cold, reduces plastic waste.
  • Reusable Shopping Bag: For any purchases.
  • Reusable Utensils: A small spork is useful if eating street food outside camps.
  • Small Trash Bag: To pack out any waste from your tours, keeping the desert clean.

Destination-Specific Items

Wide-Brimmed Hat

For maximum sun protection in the open desert.

Keffiyeh

Multi-functional for sun, dust, and warmth. Support local crafts.

Sunglasses

To protect eyes from intense glare and dust.

Warm Sleepwear

Desert nights can be very cold, even after hot days.

Items Difficult to Find Locally

Best Brought From Home

  • High-quality sunscreens (specific brands/SPF levels).
  • Specific medical items or prescription medications.
  • Specialized outdoor gear like specific hiking boots or climbing equipment.

Locally Available Items

  • Bottled water is widely available.
  • Keffiyehs (traditional scarves) are available for purchase from local vendors.
  • Basic batteries are available in Wadi Rum village.

Packing Pro Tips

Pack light but smart. The desert calls for versatility. Roll your clothes to save space and reduce wrinkles. Use packing cubes for organization.

Consider a backpack instead of a suitcase for easier transport, especially in desert camps where paved paths are rare.