The Ultimate Mission Trip Packing Guide

“Trips like these aren’t vacations. They are so much more. These experiences show you what’s possible and challenge you to examine the paths you’ll take in the future.” -Blake Mycoskie, the founder of Toms

Mission trips are incredible! None of them are ever the same, even when returning to the same location. Knowing what to bring/ not to bring can be a bit tricky. Having gone on mission trips for the past couple of years, I’ve compiled a packing guide that I think is super helpful!

I made a downloadable PDF packing guide down below so you can easily print it out. I like to print it out and take it with me on my trip so I can easily remember what I packed and need to return back home with.

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Packing Tips

1. Pack Light

Room is most likely limited, so packing light is not only important for you, but for your whole team. Only bring what you need.

2. Tightly Secure Any Items That May Come Open While Traveling

I recommend packing your liquid items in gallon size freezer bags. That way if there is a leak or spill, it was contained. A trick I learned to do with my liquids is to tape the opening shut. For example, if I am packing a bottle of shampoo I would take off the lid of my shampoo bottle and place tape over the opening. Put the lid back on and voila, no spill!

3. Borrow What You Can

There is no reason to go out and buy items (especially for a short term mission trip) if you know someone who is willing to let you borrow. On my last mission trip, I had a teammate who did not own a suitcase. Instead of going to the store and spending money on a brand new suitcase, he borrowed one from a friend at church. This saved him around $100.

4. Break in New Shoes Before the Trip

If you are wearing a new pair of shoes for your trip, break them in first. This will save your feet from a ton of blisters and making your serving experience feel more pleasant.

5. Only Bring Items You do not Mind if They Get Damaged

This goes for luggage too. Do not bring anything that you would be devastated if it got damaged or ruined on the trip.

6. Carry a Change of Clothes in Your Carry-on if Flying

Sometimes luggage gets lost and/ or delayed. Bring an extra change of clothing with you in your carry-on in the event of this happening.

7. Take Items You Won’t Mind Leaving if You See a Need

Some items that you are traveling with may be nearly impossible to get ahold of where you are serving. If you see someone in need of an item you have, you may want to consider leaving it with them.

On one mission trip we went on, we served at a women’s shelter which had a program where they helped women relocate after they graduated their recovery program. Some of the women needed suitcases to pack their belongings in. Luckily we had a few extra suitcases we could spare and gladly left it for them to use.

8. Leave some room for souvenirs or mementos.

You may want to bring back a small gift for your family or a souvenir to remember the experience by, so leave a bit of room in case you see something you’d like to bring home!

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Some of these items may be hard to find. I linked the ones I purchase, so you can easily shop for the same ones. This post contains affiliate links, which, means that when you shop using my link I make a commission. (This is at no extra charge or cost for you)

This list is not perfect for every trip, do your research on the place you are going to and make any necessary adjustments based on weather and the activities you will be doing.

Mission Trip Packing List

• toothbrush
• toothpaste
• dental floss
• razor
• shaving cream
• sunscreen
• towels
• deodorant
• towelette packets (baby wipes)
• soap
• shampoo
• hand sanitizer
• hair brush
• flashlight
• batteries
• reusable water bottle/ canteen
• Bible
• journal
• pens
• personal snacks
• camera w/ extra batteries and sd cards
• mosquito repellent
• rain poncho/ jacket
• hat
• socks
• walking shoes/ working shoes
• flip flops
• shower slippers
• over the door hook for bath towels
• bag for dirty clothes
• poo pourri

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Hope this post was helpful for you! What items do you pack on a mission trip? I’d love to read about it in the comments below!