What to Pack & Bring: El Paso

Spring & Fall Attire

These seasons have pleasant weather with warm days and cooler evenings.

Layering for Comfort

Daytime: Lightweight Long-sleeved shirts, t-shirts, comfortable jeans or light pants. Breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
Evening: Pack a Light jacket, fleece, or a cardigan. Temperatures can drop significantly after sunset.
Layering: Wear a t-shirt as a base, add a long-sleeved shirt, and carry a light jacket for daily adjustments.

Summer & Winter Wear

Summer expects intense heat. Winter days are cool, nights are cold, often dropping below freezing.

Seasonal Apparel

Summer: Lightweight, loose-fitting, and breathable fabrics. Shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses are suitable.
Sun Protection: A Wide-brimmed hat, Sunglasses, and UPF-rated clothing are needed.
Winter: Long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, and jeans. A warm jacket, fleece, hat, and Gloves for evenings/mornings. Thermal base layers are helpful.

Footwear Essentials

City Walking

Comfortable walking shoes or Sneakers are for exploring downtown, museums, and general city sightseeing.

High Comfort

Hiking

Hiking boots or sturdy trail shoes are highly recommended for adventures in Franklin Mountains State Park, Hueco Tanks, and other outdoor areas.

Traction & Support

Warm Weather

Sandals or open-toed shoes are suitable for summer, but closed-toe shoes give better sun protection and keep dust off your feet in desert environments.

Desert Ready

Essential Documents

Documents

Passport and visa documentation: Carry your original passport. U.S. Citizens use passport or REAL ID for domestic flights.
Travel insurance policy information: Bring a physical copy and have a digital version on your phone or cloud storage.
International driving permit (if applicable): Recommended if your home country's driver's license is not in English.
Vaccination records and health documentation: Not generally required for U.S. Entry, but helpful in medical emergencies.

Printed and digital copies of reservations: Flight tickets, hotel bookings, car rental, and tour confirmations. Store on phone, email, and cloud.
Emergency contact information: List family/friends, embassy, bank's lost/stolen card number, travel insurance emergency line. Keep separate from wallet.
Student/senior/press IDs for discounts (if applicable): Many museums and attractions offer discounts. Bring relevant IDs.
Money Belt: A discreet Money belt worn under clothing helps keep passport, cash, and credit cards secure.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

The U.S. Uses 120V at 60Hz. Plug types are A and B. Most modern smartphones are compatible with U.S. GSM and CDMA networks.

Power & SIMs

Power adapter: Travelers from countries with different voltage or plug types need a Universal travel adapter. A Voltage converter may be needed for non-dual-voltage appliances.
SIM Cards: Purchase Prepaid SIM cards from major carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon, or their MVNOs. ESIM options are convenient for compatible phones.
Camera Equipment: A DSLR or Mirrorless camera for landscapes. A compact point-and-shoot or good Smartphone camera for casual shots.

Charging & Apps

A Portable charger keeps your mobile phone and other devices charged while exploring. Useful apps enhance your trip.

Power & Apps

Portable Chargers: A High-capacity power bank keeps devices powered throughout a long day of sightseeing.
Navigation: Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze for driving directions and public transit routes. Download offline maps.
Ride-sharing: Uber and Lyft are widely used in El Paso for convenient transportation.
VPN: NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure browsing.

Data & Accessories

Data Backup

Use cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud) to back up photos and important documents. Consider an External hard drive for larger media files.

Translation

Google Translate (download offline language packs for Spanish) helps with language barriers.

Photo Gear

B&H Photo for camera and electronics. A camera with a Telephoto lens captures wildlife or detailed shots of distant landscapes.

Health & Wellness Items

First Aid Kit

Pack a personalized health kit to address common issues and ensure comfort in El Paso's climate.

Kit Contents

Standard items: Band-aids (various sizes), antiseptic wipes, pain relievers (Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen), allergy medication (antihistamines like Benadryl).
Medication: Anti-diarrhea medication (Imodium), Hydrocortisone cream for bug bites or rashes. Prescription medications (with documentation) in original, labeled containers.
Over-the-counter: Small quantities of cold/flu remedies, antacids, and motion sickness tablets if you are prone to motion sickness.

Climate-Specific Prep

The dry desert climate makes specific items helpful for comfort and well-being.

Desert Readiness

Sunscreen: High SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen is a must. Also, pack Lip balm with SPF, a wide-brimmed hat, and good quality sunglasses.
Electrolyte packets: To mix with water, helping to prevent dehydration in the dry heat. Carry a reusable water bottle.
Insect repellent: A product with at least 20-30% DEET or picaridin helps protect against mosquitoes, especially during warmer months or after rain.

Altitude & Motion Sickness

Altitude

El Paso’s elevation is around 3,740 feet (1,140 meters). This elevation is generally not high enough to cause altitude sickness for most people.
If you are specifically sensitive or plan to visit higher elevations in nearby New Mexico (e.g., Cloudcroft), consider bringing remedies.
Staying hydrated is always a good strategy to mitigate any potential effects of elevation.

Motion Sickness

If you are prone to motion sickness, pack relevant tablets for long drives.
Consider remedies for extended bus journeys or winding roads in mountainous regions.
Over-the-counter options for motion sickness are widely available in pharmacies.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking Gear

Sturdy, broken-in Hiking shoes or boots. A daypack for water and snacks.

Trekking poles for steep trails.
Multiple water bottles or a hydration bladder.
A Daypack for essentials.
Moisture-wicking Socks to prevent blisters.

Climbing Equipment

For Hueco Tanks climbing: specific climbing shoes, chalk bag, crash pad for bouldering.

Harness, ropes, belay device, and other safety gear for rope climbing.
Local outfitters in El Paso or Las Cruces offer specialized climbing gear rentals.
Ensure all gear is in good condition.
Bring your own personal comfort items for climbing.

Camping Essentials

For camping at Franklin Mountains State Park or Hueco Tanks: a tent and sleeping bag.

Sleeping bag (rated for cold nights).
Sleeping pad for comfort.
A Portable stove and cooking gear.
Check park regulations for primitive camping rules.

Rent vs. Bring Decisions

Rental Options

Most specialized climbing gear for Hueco Tanks is rentable from local outfitters.
Bicycles are available for rent from local bike shops or through the city's bike-sharing program.
Car rentals are widely available at the airport.
Consider renting larger, cumbersome items rather than bringing them.

Items to Bring

Personal items like preferred hiking boots, daypacks, and technical clothing are better to bring yourself.
All prescription medications should accompany you.
Your passport, IDs, and essential travel documents.
Your camera equipment, especially if it's specialized or personal.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

These items enhance your journey and protect your belongings.

Smart Packing

Comfort items: A Neck pillow, Eye mask, and Earplugs can improve rest for long travel segments.
Security items: TSA-approved luggage locks, Pacsafe anti-theft bags, a Money belt, and RFID-blocking wallet/sleeves.
Reusable items: A Reusable water bottle, Shopping bag, and Travel cutlery set to reduce plastic waste.
Region-specific: Lip balm and hand lotion for the dry climate. A Small, Quick-drying towel can be useful for sweat or spills.

Travelers with Purpose

Some items cater to specific interests or sustainable travel practices.

Mindful Packing

Water Filter: A LifeStraw personal water filter for remote backcountry hiking where potable water sources are uncertain.
Navigation: Binoculars for birdwatching or appreciating distant mountain views. A camera with a Telephoto lens.
Cold Weather: Thermal base layers under clothes on colder days. Warm outerwear for comfort in winter.
First Aid: Adventure Medical Kits for comprehensive first aid supplies, particularly for outdoor activities.

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Water Bottle

Reduces plastic waste and keeps you hydrated in the desert.

Reusable Shopping Bag

Useful for purchases at markets or grocery stores, helping to reduce plastic bag use.

Travel Cutlery Set

For street food and picnics, avoids single-use plastics.

Sun Protection

Reef-safe sunscreen protects your skin and water ecosystems.

Destination-Specific Items

El Paso Specific

Lip balm and hand lotion are necessities due to the dry climate.
A dune sled, available for purchase near the park, is good for a day trip to White Sands National Park.
A phrasebook or translation app for Spanish is helpful if you do not speak the language.

General Advice

Portable chargers are indispensable for keeping all your devices powered throughout your travels.
Small denominations of cash are good for smaller purchases or at some independent street vendors.
Copies of important documents stored separately from your originals add a layer of security.

Packing Pro Tips

Break in new hiking boots before your trip to avoid blisters. This prevents discomfort during your outdoor excursions.

Pack light but prepared for temperature shifts. Layering is in a desert climate like El Paso's where daytime and nighttime temperatures can vary greatly.

What to Pack & Bring