Packing is the one thing that is universal to all travelers, though it isn’t always a skill that comes easily. And, especially if you’re packing for rainy season travel, putting together a bag requires a few more logistics.

You’ll need specific gear, which is often bulkier and heavier to pack, and you’ll also need to ensure you pack in a way which keeps your luggage both safe and dry. 

A waterproof bag like Rains bag is a given (designed from material that is highly durable and lined, and with specific features like carabiners and waterproof zips), but how do you then pack everything efficiently?

After-all, you’ll likely need necessities like waterproof hiking boots, quick-dry socks, a raincoat, microfiber towel, water-resistant packing cubes – to this end, we’ve put together the following hacks for packing during the rainy season.

Packing Hacks For Rainy Season Travel

Make a List

While most travelers may believe they’re capable of packing off the top of their head, you should never underestimate the importance of creating a focused packing list. Especially if you’re traveling during wet weather.

A focused list is essential to ensuring you don’t forget anything, and equally, that you don’t over-pack. And it’s easier to forget things when you’re traveling in a season you’re not used to packing for – ie rain, and cold weather.

The weather is the single factor most likely to positively or negatively affect your trip, and people quite often find themselves caught off guard when traveling during rainy season, having forgotten essential items.

Not being prepared, and taking the risk of packing without a check-list can result in unhappy and very soggy travelers.

Compartmentalize

It’s a great idea to compartmentalize your bag – ie group your clothes, shoes, bags, and other wear together. And even though your main bag should already be waterproof, reduce the risk further by grouping with waterproof packing cubes.

Packing cubes are a great way to compartmentalize a bag, and keep everything organized within your luggage. Making sure they’re waterproof is a great way to further protect your gear should anything happen to the main case which allows water to seep in.

It’s likely that you’ll start accumulating wet, damp, dirty laundry as the days wear on, and it’s important to keep these clothes separate from your clean gear. Packing cubes for this purpose allows you to reduce on the number of plastic bags you use, which is better for the environment.

Typically, travelers have separated dirty clothing, toiletries or other items in plastic bags, only to discard them once you have used them. This kind of usage causes so much plastic waste and it is becoming an increasingly prevalent environmental problem.

Roll, Don’t Fold

This is a pretty standard tip for regular packing, as it’s been proven that rolling is substantially better than folding for saving space (it also cuts down on wrinkles).

But it’s even more important for packing during the rainy season as you’ll likely be traveling with gear that is both heavier and bulkier, hence the increased need to maximize your luggage space, and pack efficiently.

Roll up pants and put them in your shoes, roll up socks and stuff them down the side. Roll up breakables in your t-shirts and tie belts around your bulkier items (hoodies, hello) to make them even smaller.

Extra Protection for Electronics

While we recommend using waterproof packing cubes for your clothes, we also recommend finding waterproof casings for your electronics, whether this means utilizing your sunglasses case, or ziplock bags (but try to cut down on the single use plastic!)

Not only does this prevent damage from tangling or knotting, this protects them from any unnecessary water damage when you’re traveling through the rain.

As you’ll likely be traveling with electronics in your carry-on, make sure your carry-on bag is waterproof, just as your main luggage should be. You can consider looking into specific rain bag options for any other items you carry separately, like a camera, or laptop case.

Pack Shoes That Can Get Wet

It’s important when packing to make sure you only travel with the shoes you need (after-all, these are often bulky), but when traveling during rainy season, it’s even more important to have shoes that can actually get wet.

Weather these are waterproof hiking boots, or rubber sandals, you should also designate a space in your luggage where your shoes will be packed, knowing that they’re going to be wet, and probably dirty.

It’s unlikely you’ll be able to take advantage of typical packing hacks, like stuffing your shoes with socks etc when you need to keep everything separate and dry, so make sure you plan for this in your packing strategy.

Megan is an Australian Journalist and award-winning travel writer who has been blogging since 2007. Her husband Mike is the American naturalist and wildlife photographer behind Waking Up Wild; an online magazine dedicated to opening your eyes to the wonders of the wild & natural world.

Having visited 50+ countries across all seven continents, Megan’s travels focus on cultural immersion, authentic discovery and incredible journeys. She has a strong passion for ecotourism, and aims to promote responsible travel experiences.