These are a list of our Amazon favorites that correspond to a general packing list—these are items that almost every Builder will need for their trip! Make sure to check out your trip-specific packing list, which can be found in your Builder Portal. For more packing tips, click here.
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Basics
Osprey Travel Backpack:
These are the best travel packs in the world! They are carry-on sized and designed specifically for airline travel. In 2024, Builders will receive a Cotopaxi backpack, but it’s great to have an option for travel that has lots of compartments and plenty of space.
Travel Towel:
Lightweight, quick-drying, and available in a bunch of colors! We gifted these towels to all of our Trip Leaders last year and they were a game changer during weekend sightseeing trips.
Hard Hat:
Each Builder is responsible bringing a hard hat for the worksite. Here are some of our favorites:
Worksite gloves:
Gloves are required on the worksite for all our Builders. Below are two options! We suggest thicker gloves to protect from concrete burns and blisters.
Headlamp:
Flashlight:
Inexpensive, Durable Watch:
Remember, you won’t have your phone with you on the trip! All of our trips are pretty scheduled out (click here to view a typical “day-in-the-life” on an HXP trip), so a watch is a great thing to bring if you want to stay on top of things.
Packing Cubes:
Packing cubes make it easy to stay organized while you’re living out of a suitcase during your trip, especially if you’re a heavy packer.
Travel Passport Holder:
It’s your responsibility to keep your passport safe while you’re traveling, so make sure you have a designated place for it. Passport holders are one solution for keeping track of it. For more passport prep tips, click here.
Medical
Biodegradable Sunscreen:
Bug Spray:
Make sure you do some research about the area you’re going to and see how buggy the region is—this is a good way to gauge how much (if any) bug spray you’ll need.
Hand Sanitizer:
Wet Wipes:
Aloe Vera:
Travel-Sized Fingernail Clippers:
Personal First Aid Kit:
HXP provides a First Aid Kit for emergencies only, so make sure you bring frequent use items to sustain yourself throughout the duration of your trip.
Optional
Camera:
Since you can’t use your phone camera, we highly recommend bringing some sort of camera to capture memories. Anything lightweight and durable will do the trick!
Compact Games:
In the airport, on sightseeing weekend, and while you hang out with ward members and locals, it’s nice to have some games to play. Pro tip: coordinate what you’re bringing with other members of your group (GroupMe is a good place to do this) so you don’t end up with 10 frisbees on your trip!
Universal Power Adaptor:
Joggers for the Worksite:
