October 6, 2024
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What to Bring

Home » Planning your Trip » What to Bring

Editor’s Note: After traveling to Fiji for 40 years, I’ve learned a thing or two about what to bring. That means the right gear for the right application. Better technology and manufacturing processes have improved everything from shoes to flashlights. I trust the list I’ve compiled will make your visit to Fiji safer, more comfortable. More importantly you’ll be ready for any scenario from tropical downpours to pesky mosquitos.

Phones and Laptop:

Google Pixel 6 Pro is what to bring (for me)

Of course you’ll bring your phone and if you’re a digital nomad, the laptop will also be part of the equation.

Bring your mobile phone, but plan on using it only if it’s unlocked. That way you can add a SIM card from Vodafone of Digicel in Fiji. For about $25 US or less you’ll be able to make local calls and surf the web. The issue is that service varies from island to island. I used Vodafone for about 5 weeks on a recent visit and the service was satisfactory in Viti Levu’s urban areas such as Nadi and Suva. You could usually get a call through but occasionally a text would be delayed for a few hours.

For short term visitors, Ronna Luna Pastorizo-Sekiguchi, founder of The Greenhouse Studio and Greenhouse Coworking in Suva, recommends you add an e-sim to your existing device. The Vodafone outlet at the airport can give you an e-sim and help you choose a data package right there before you leave the airport. She notes that Fiji doesn’t have a lot of free wifi so if you opt to just use your mobile, you might be offline for the times you are not connected to wi-fi (when traveling or out and about in the city, etc).  You can choose to do roaming which will keep you online. You can use Whatsapp/Viber for calls. 

On the neighbor islands such as Kadavu, Vanua Levu and Taveuni connectivity lacked big time. I depended on the service to provide myself a hot spot so I could update this website and half the time I just couldn’t get dependable bandwidth. 

Vodafone has the distinction of providing the worst of both worlds–lousy connectivity and very high prices. Texting, as the locals often do, seems to be the only way around it. You’ll go through your allotted voice time in no time. To add insult to injury Vodafone spams several times a day with ‘special offers’

Acer Spin 5 is also my answer on what to bring
I am attached to my Acer Spin 5, which I took to Fiji on a recent update.

If you are attached to your laptop or tablet by all means take it along. I’ve used my Acer Spin 5 which I’ve been very partial to. It’s sturdy, strong and dependable.

Wi-Fi is fairly ubiquitous in Fiji but as alluded to above, is not free.  Of course most of the high end properties will include it as part of your “package”. 

What to bring? A flashlight for starters. I like the Fenix UC35
The new generation of flashlights such as this Fenix UC35 model can be charged with a USB port. My index finger is holding back a rubber grommet that normally protects the port.

A Small LED flashlight is indispensable, especially if you’re travelling to an outer island. There are occasional power outages in urban areas too so be prepared. I suggest the newer breed of flashlights that will charge up on a USB port. I like the Fenix UC35 or the Streamlight Protac HL USB. Both are priced at around $90.

Plug Adapter by OREI
Plug Adapter by OREI

If you plan to bring any electronic devices or appliances you’re going to need an adapter such as this one. You can purchase four of them for about $8 on Amazon.

Clothing:

Dress in Fiji is casual at all resorts and, because of the warm, humid climate, your wear should be breathable and light. Bathing suits and shorts (for men and women) are practical and always fashionable around resorts, but scanty clothing should never be worn outside these areas, especially in or near a Fijian village.

A practical item for visitors to adopt is the sulu, or sarong, worn both by men and women. It’s perfect for casual wear around the hotel or as a local-style pajama. 

You’ll want to bring lots of underwear. Take my word for it.

A hat to shield you from the sun’s intense rays is a necessity. Baseball caps may not be enough. You’ll need something with a brim to protect your neck and ears.

Obviously choosing your clothing is a very personal exercise. I’m not a fashion maven but I do have practical expectations for any kind of “gear” (wearable or otherwise) that I take with me. For clothing it means fabrics made from polyester, nylon, rayon or acrylic which are often blended with other fibers. Microfiber fabrics are ideal for travel.  They are light, durable, wrinkle resistant, easy-care, water repellent and wind resistant. They wick and breathe as well. 

I really like crossover wear, essentially clothing that can be worn in the bush, at home, or at a resort. They are made to take punishment but look good enough to wear at just about any venue.

What to bring? A breathable shirt like the Renegade Shirt from KÜHL
The Renegade Shirt from KÜHL 

A company out of Utah named KÜHL manufactures a line of crossover apparel ideal for Fiji’s humid climate. The AirSpeed SS is made with a nylon/poly blend that feels like cotton against the skin. It has mesh panels to increase airflow and comfort but you have to look hard to see them with a casual glance. The fabric blocks the sun’s harmful UV rays, absorbs moisture and dries quickly. The other option is their Renegade Shirt (see above) which has a “breathable”, stretchy synthetic fabric that also wicks moisture and, is water-resistant. In other words it will soak up your sweat and repels light precipitation. Both shirts are durable and, stylish so you can wear them at any hotel or restaurant—or in the rain forest for that matter. KÜHL also has a line of pants that are outstanding. Figure on paying about US$70 for the Airspeed and Renegade.

Recon AC pants from Triple Aught Design
The Recon AC pants from Triple Aught Design are perfect for Fiji’s heat and humidity. You can wear them anywhere and the pockets come in very handy. I love these pants.

If you don’t want to drop the money for crossover pants, a decent pair of khaki pants are fine for anything remotely formal or just walking the streets of Suva.

If you want something really cool, a crossover wear company called Triple Aught Design manufactures some excellent products. I really like their “Recon AC Pant” and wore it quite a bit during my last Fiji update. They are formal enough to wear at dinner and plenty tough enough to use on a day hike. They are made from a super durable, light nylon, and have nine pockets so you can squirrel away stuff things like hotel pass keys, passports, coins, etc. There’s even a “hidden” pocket so you can keep a key handy. They also dry quickly.  Price is $135.

Stowaway Rain Jacket from LL Bean
The Stowaway Rain Jacket from LL Bean is perfect for Fiji, where you need protection and breath-ability. It’s particularly good if you’re going to be on the water.

Rain Gear: As I’ve disclosed, the odds of getting rained on in Fiji are pretty good. (Welcome to the tropics). It’s a smart idea to bring one of those small umbrellas, but if you plan to be in the rain forest or outdoors for any length of time, you’ll want something more substantial. I’m a big fan of LL Bean which makes an excellent Stowaway Gore Tex rain jacket that is both seriously waterproof and highly breathable. This is really important in a humid environment like Fiji’s and it works wonderfully elsewhere.

It’s also really good if you’re going to be on a boat for an extended period of time. That was the case with me on a recent trip to Fiji and it worked wonderfully on a rather chilly, wet evening coming back from a fishing trip. The rain jacket easily packs into itself in a very small pouch and is stylish. It got a baptism by fire in Hawaii when I used at the onset of Hurricane Lane, about the time I finished up this version of the website. Price is $200.

What to bring in the way of shoes?

This will be one of your most important decisions because Fiji is hot and often quite wet.

This Consider the Chaco brand of sandal. You’ll need them because it can rain buckets in Fiji and you’ll ruin your leather shoes (and presumably not want to drench your athletic shoes).

Chaco Sandals
I love my Chaco sandals. If I’m not in Fiji I wear them when working in my garden in Hawaii or use them on other travel assignments.

The Chaco brand was recommended by a former Fiji-based Peace Corps volunteer who swore by them. She is right. They are a durable and practical item to have. There are two types to consider. The classic Chaco is a sort of sandal with heavy duty straps that you can use as everyday wear. It has great arch support and is strong enough to hike or ford creeks with. You can get them with soles that have incredible grip. You can actually hike with them on day trips but it’s probably better to have a closed-sole shoe for serious hiking. I like the Z-Cloud series because it has a antimicrobial treatment for odor protection. I got the model without the toe straps, but that’s a personal choice. Price is $90.

 
You can use the LOWA’s Innox Pro GTX Lo for hiking or as a street shoe
LOWA’s Innox Pro GTX Lo–the ultimate hybrid hiking/street shoe

For serious trekking (as opposed to strolling the sidewalks of Suva) our friends at Talanoa Treks, the premier hiking operation in Fiji, suggest a trail shoe–preferably one that is not waterproof. There are good reasons for this. A waterproof shoe by definition doesn’t let water in, but if you’re ankle deep on muddy trails water will get in. The problem is once it’s in your shoe, it won’t get out. You don’t want to be walking around incessantly with soggy feet. Thus a ‘non-waterproof’ shoe by allowing water to go in and out, will dry out more quickly. 

Lowa Innox Pro Mid
The Lowa Innox Pro Mid is also a great choice if you need more support.

This is what you want.

My choice is the Innox Pro GTX Lo or Innox Pro Mid from Lowa, a German manufacturer that has been in the business for  nearly 100 years. Call it a hybrid between a shoe and a boot but this is one of the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn.  It exceeds all the standards for hiking in Fiji–it’s an excellent fit for the tropics.

The Innox GTX Pro series shines because it’s incredibly versatile–it performs equally well in wet or dry conditions and on various types of terrain. I had a chance to test it out in Hawaii, which has very similar geography to Fiji and it was superb on lava rock and rain forest trails. In short, it’s high quality, lightweight, and robust. It’s really comfortable too, which helps if you’re on a rough track for 8 hours a day.  

To read more about why this shoe is ideal for Fiji, I suggest you read How to choose the best shoes for hiking in Fiji

Other items to in the what to bring department:

Start with a Nalgene water bottle with an optional carabiner clip. Both will come in handy.

Vertx Rolling Contingency Duffle
The Vertx Rolling Contingency Duffle will take care of everything

Consider a Vertx Rolling Contingency Duffle. It’s essentially a “bullet-proof” (an apt metaphor) carry-on compatible pack. Built to handle the heat, moisture, third-world air strips, and bad roads that you’ll find in the tropics, you can either pull the pack with the luggage handle to roll it or “grab-and-go” (with 3 padded exterior handles) so you can carry it backpack style. With Fiji’s often muddy tracks you’ll definitely need this option. There’s plenty of room (45 L) and the upper bag separates from the pan to create two separate bags which almost double (about 80 L) the storage capacity. There are three large zippered abrasion-resistant mesh gear pockets so you can organize your belongings. Vertx makes some of the most durable clothing and travel gear on the market. Their products are designed for the military and covert “operators” whose life often depends on the quality of their equipment. This will last you a long time. Price is $274 on Amazon.

Stowaway Day Pack from LL Bean
The Stowaway Day Pack from LL Bean fits easily into your suitcase and will come in very handy to lug your laptop and just about everything else around.

You’re also going to need a good day pack–something that you can store in your suitcase. I did a lot of research on this acquisition and found the Stowaway Day Pack from LL Bean. Wirecutter rated this #1 and I can see why. It’s comfortable, extremely light, has excellent organizational features and compresses down next to nothing in your luggage. It has an external kangaroo pouch that you can toss your groceries in. Inside the pack you’ll be able to accommodate all your gear, including laptop, Chaco sandals, poncho, umbrella or what have you. It’s manufactured with rip stop-nylon to shed rain and it’s quite sturdy. It’s good for day hikes or trips to the mud baths and, you can slip your Nalgene water bottle in a side pocket. It’s covered by L.L.Bean’s one-year guarantee. Price is $59.

 I didn't care for the “side shields” (at left) which can be removed.
Aesthetically the Monarch looks pretty cool. I love the strap.

Sunglasses: You absolutely need decent eye wear in Fiji. The sun is wickedly intense and it’s smart to spend a few bucks on glasses that will protect you from UV and other nasty forms of radiation. I really like the new series of shades from sports manufacturer, Hobie. Called the Monarch, this model is durable, light, incredibly strong, scratch resistant and, they even float. 

Great litte container
The Monarch comes with it’s own little ‘luggage’. Perfect for travel. (photo by Rob Kay)

They are polarized and offer protection from UVA/UVB radiation as well as screening out around 100% of visible light. They differ from typical eyewear because of a more complete wrap at the temples which will protect you from just about anything (such as wayward gravel hurled from a vehicle on an unpaved road). They also come with a strap to mine). They come with a strap and a cool storage container with a case slip so they will be safe enroute to your destination. Price is $70 on Amazon.

Juice 4 Multi Tool
The “Juice 4” is a multi-tool is perfect for my travel needs.

A Swiss Army-type knife is a must for serious travellers. I use a Leatherman Juice CS4 multi-tool that comes in handy for a multitude of applications. I used it to cut my morning papaya the last time I was in Fiji and a half a dozen other things. Just don’t pack it with you on your carry on, or it will be confiscated.

Snorkeling & Diving Essentials:

Most resorts have snorkeling gear for rent or loan, but we recommend bringing your own. You never know whether a rental mask will fit well, and what kind of shape it will be in. If you have your own you know how it fits and can use it at any time. A dive operator in Fiji use American equipment almost exclusively in their rental programs, and the vast majority is fairly new and well maintained. Wetsuits take a beating though, and again due to fit issues we recommend that you bring your own. We always bring our own dive gear, but many divers weigh the inconvenience of bringing their gear against the daily cost and other drawbacks of renting. Tanks, weights and belts are always provided by the dive operator.

You will see some people diving in shorts and a t-shirt and others in a full 5mm with hood, both on the same dive. Your own comfort level depends on metabolism, water temperature, how many dives you’ve done that day and that week, and many other factors. You’ll find that you tend to get colder toward the end of each dive, more on repetitive dives, and further along your trip after having done multiple dives. We usually take a shorty and a 3/5mm full wetsuit. A lightweight hood is a good addition in case you get just a little cold.

Odds and Ends:

Chap Stick - items to bring
Chap Stick

Of course bring good sun block, insect repellent and Chap Stick, which is nice to have on the plane as well.

If you do bring a towel bring a quick dry towel. In the US, REI sells some good ones.  As I’ve alluded to , it can be really humid in Fiji so a real towel is going to take a while, if ever, to dry. Quick dry towels don’t smell like mildew all the time either.

What to bring in the way of gifts:

Folks, here’s the all time best gift for Fijians, particularly if  you’re going to be in a rural area. Guitar strings will make you a beloved guest. Everyone plays the guitar but it’s often tough to get strings in the countryside and in Fiji they are overpriced.

T-shirts also make fine gifts for villagers.

Both these items also don’t take up too much room in your suitcase.

Vertx Rolling Contingency Duffle

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