What to Pack & Bring: Taos

Spring & Summer Attire

Dress for comfortable daytime exploration and cool evenings.

Layering Essentials

Spring: Light to medium base layers, long-sleeve moisture-wicking shirts, fleece or light sweater. Windproof and water-resistant jacket.
Summer: Lightweight, breathable fabrics (cotton/linen), t-shirts, shorts. Light long-sleeve shirts for Sun protection.
Evenings (Both): A Light jacket, fleece, or sweater. For summer, a Light rain jacket or Small travel umbrella for monsoons.

Fall & Winter Apparel

Prepare for colder conditions with heavier, insulating layers.

Warmth and Protection

Fall: Medium to warm layers, long-sleeve shirts, sweaters, fleece. A light to medium weight jacket. A hat, sunglasses, and a Scarf.
Winter: Heavy layers, Thermal base layers (synthetic/wool), fleece mid-layer. A Down jacket or insulated Parka.
Winter Accessories: A Warm hat covering ears, Gloves or mittens, scarf, and sunglasses for snow glare.

Footwear Recommendations

General Walking

Comfortable Walking shoes or Sneakers are useful for exploring town, galleries, and the Plaza.

Urban and casual exploration.

Hiking and Trails

Sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes with good ankle support and grip are recommended for trails. Wear quality Hiking socks to prevent blisters.

Uneven terrain and elevation changes.

Winter & Water Activities

Waterproof, insulated boots with good traction for snow and ice. Water shoes or sturdy Sandals for rafting.

Snow, ice, and river environments.

Essential Documents

Critical Papers for Travel

Careful organization of your documents before and during your trip avoids unnecessary stress. Keep both physical and digital copies of important papers.

Passport and visa documentation: Valid passport, ESTA approval or physical visa (if required).
Travel insurance policy information: Printout or digital access to policy number, emergency contacts, coverage summary.
International driving permit (if applicable): Required in conjunction with original license if not in English.
Vaccination records and health documentation: Copy of medical history, current medications, allergies.

Printed and digital copies of reservations: Accommodation, flights, rental cars, pre-booked tours.
Emergency contact information: List of family/friends, embassy/consulate, local emergency services (911).
Student/senior/press IDs for discounts (if applicable): Some museums or attractions may offer reductions.
Keep physical copies separate from originals, and digital copies stored securely.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Ensure your devices are ready for U.S. Power and networks.

Technical Essentials

Power adapter and voltage: U.S. uses Type A and B plugs, 120V at 60Hz. A Universal travel adapter or Plug adapter is useful for international travelers.
Mobile phone compatibility: Most modern smartphones are compatible. Consider a local SIM from a U.S. carrier or eSIM services like Airalo.
Camera equipment: A mirrorless or DSLR camera with various lenses (wide-angle, zoom) comes recommended. Bring extra batteries and memory cards. B&H Photo has options.

Charging & Navigation

Stay powered and find your way with these useful tools.

Convenience and Security

Portable chargers and power banks: Essential for extended sightseeing or hiking. A High-capacity power bank keeps your devices charged.
Recommended apps: Google Maps or Apple Maps for navigation. AllTrails for hiking. Uber/Lyft for ride-sharing (though availability varies). Weather apps for forecasts.
Backup solutions: Cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) for photos and documents. An External hard drive or USB flash drive for larger media files. Consider a VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure browsing on public Wi-Fi.

Data Backup & Security

Cloud Storage

Utilize services like Google Drive or Dropbox for convenient remote backup of photos and documents during your trip.

Physical Storage

For larger media files, an external hard drive or a large-capacity USB flash drive offers a reliable physical backup.

Secure Browsing

A VPN service encrypts your internet connection, a smart choice when using public Wi-Fi networks in hotels or cafes.

Health & Wellness Items

First Aid & Medications

Essentials for Well-being

Basic first aid kit: Bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers (Ibuprofen/Acetaminophen), blister treatment (Moleskin), Anti-diarrhea medication.
Prescription medications: Carry in original, labeled containers with a copy of your prescription or doctor's note.
Over-the-counter medications: Cold/flu remedies, allergy medication, antacids, general pain reliever.

Sun & Insect Protection

Protect yourself from the elements in Taos's high desert environment.

Outdoor Protection

Sun protection: High-SPF sunscreen (30+), Lip balm with SPF, wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
Insect repellent: Repellent with DEET or Picaridin for warmer months, especially near water.
Water purification (if needed): For backcountry hiking, a Portable water filter bottle or Purification tablets may be useful.

Altitude & Motion Sickness Preparedness

Altitude Remedies

Common over-the-counter pain relievers can relieve altitude headaches.
Consistent hydration is for altitude adjustment.
Rest on your first day to aid acclimatization.

Motion Sickness Remedies

If prone to motion sickness, bring Dramamine or similar remedies.
Useful for scenic drives or guided tours on winding roads.
Consider ginger candies or pressure point bands for natural alternatives.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking Gear

Essential items for comfortable and safe trail exploration.

Trekking poles for stability.
A Daypack like an Osprey Talon 22 for water, snacks, layers.
Physical trail map and compass/GPS.
A Headlamp for early morning/late evening walks.

Skiing/Snowboarding

While equipment rental is common, personal gear adds comfort.

Waterproof and insulated jacket and pants.
Base layers (synthetic or wool) and fleece mid-layers.
Ski socks, goggles, and a helmet.
Much of this equipment can be rented at Taos Ski Valley.

Rafting Essentials

Gear to keep valuables dry and enhance your river experience.

A Dry bag for protecting electronics and valuables.
Secure eyewear straps to avoid losing sunglasses.
Quick-drying shorts or a Swimsuit and a t-shirt.
Water shoes or sturdy Sandals with straps for foot protection.

Rent vs. Bring Decision Matrix

Consider Renting

Ski/snowboard equipment is readily available from outfitters in Taos and Taos Ski Valley.
Rafts, kayaks, and mountain bikes are also widely available for rental.
Renting these items saves on baggage fees and travel hassle.
Local shops maintain equipment for optimal performance in regional conditions.

Consider Bringing

Personal hiking boots, especially if well broken-in, offer comfort and fit.
Specialized Camping gear or climbing equipment for specific pursuits.
Very specific technical apparel, prioritizing personal fit and quality.
Bringing these items is feasible if you have ample luggage space.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

Beyond the basics, these items can greatly enhance your travel comfort, security, and convenience.

Travel Aids

Comfort items for transportation: A Neck pillow, Eye mask, and Earplugs for restful journeys.
Security items: A Money belt or neck pouch for documents and cash. A small Travel padlock for luggage.
Consider RFID protection for your wallet or passport, especially if you use contactless payment methods.
Reusable items: A Reusable shopping bag (stores often charge for plastic bags).

Eco-Friendly & Unique Items

Support sustainable travel and enrich your Taos experience.

Sustainable & Local Picks

A reusable water bottle is for hydration at high altitude and to reduce plastic waste.
Travel utensils can be useful for picnics or market food.
Region-specific essentials: A good quality guidebook or detailed New Mexico map for areas with limited cell service.
Items difficult to purchase locally: Very specific prescription medications, specialized dietary items, or highly niche outdoor gear.

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Bag

Reduces plastic waste from shopping.

Water Bottle

Stay hydrated, minimize single-use plastics.

Solid Toiletries

Shampoo/conditioner bars reduce plastic bottles.

Reusable Mug

For coffee or tea, avoiding disposable cups.

Destination-Specific Items

For Exploration & Observation

A good Pair of binoculars (e.g., Celestron Outland X Binoculars) aids wildlife viewing and distant landscape observation.
A physical trail map is always a good backup for hiking in areas with spotty cell service.
A guidebook focusing on Northern New Mexico provides insight into local attractions and history.

For Pueblo & Cultural Visits

Be mindful of specific photography rules, especially at Taos Pueblo.
Respect cultural protocols and local customs, notably during traditional events.
Comfortable walking shoes are ideal for exploring historic sites and art districts.

Smart Packing Tips

Pack lighter by choosing multi-purpose clothing items that can be layered. Use packing cubes to organize your luggage and save space.

Roll clothes instead of folding to minimize wrinkles and maximize suitcase room. Leave some empty space for souvenirs!

What to Pack & Bring