LDS Mission Packing Checklist 2026: Everything They Actually Need

How to Use This Checklist

Every missionary's call packet includes an official packing list from the Church's Missionary Department, and that list should always be your starting point. It reflects guidelines from your specific mission president and regional leadership. This checklist supplements — not replaces — that official guidance. It incorporates the experience of hundreds of returned missionaries and missionary parents who have refined these lists through actual field use.

Two practical notes before you begin:

• Luggage limits: Missionaries are typically allowed two 50-pound checked bags plus one carry-on and a personal item. Everything on this list needs to fit within that constraint. Pack light; items can be purchased in the field or shipped later.

• Climate first: Climate determines more of your packing decisions than anything else. Review the climate tables below before purchasing clothing.

Official Church Requirements

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints publishes dress and appearance standards on ChurchofJesusChrist.org. The core standards require missionary clothing to:

• Fit well — not too tight or too loose

• Cover shoulders and not be transparent or revealing

• Be clean, in good repair, and free of wrinkles

• Be durable, easy to care for, and suitable for the mission's climate

• Be easy to pack and fit in luggage

Always check the "What to Bring" section on the Missionary Portal for mission-specific modifications. Your mission president and his companion may adjust standard guidelines based on local climate, culture, and circumstances.

Clothing: By Climate

Clothing Checklist (Elder)

• 2 suits (dark colors: navy, charcoal, or black)

• 7–10 dress shirts (climate-appropriate — wrinkle-resistant preferred)

• 4–5 pairs of dress pants

• 8–10 ties (stain-resistant fabric strongly recommended)

• 1 belt (black and brown if possible)

• 7–10 pairs of dress socks

• 7 sets of athletic/exercise clothing (t-shirts, athletic pants or shorts)

• 7 sets of garments appropriate for climate

• Pajamas or sleep clothing (modest)

• Sweaters or crew-neck pullovers for layering (3–5)

• Rain jacket or poncho

• Winter coat, gloves, scarf if cold-climate mission

Clothing Checklist (Sister)

• 5–8 modest dresses or skirt/blouse combinations

• 2–3 cardigans or blazers

• 3–4 pairs of dress pants or skirts

• 7 sets of exercise clothing

• 7 sets of garments appropriate for climate

• Modest pajamas

• Layering pieces (sweaters, cardigans)

• Rain jacket

• Winter coat and accessories if cold climate

Shoes and Foot Care

Toiletries and Personal Care

• Hanging toiletry bag (two-sided compartments)

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss

• Deodorant (bring enough for first few months; can usually purchase in-field)

• Shampoo and conditioner (travel-size to start)

• Razor and shaving supplies (or electric trimmer)

• Sunscreen (SPF 30+ for tropical/outdoor missions)

• Lip balm

• First aid kit: bandages, antibiotic ointment, blister pads, pain reliever, cold pack

• Prescription medications (3–6 month supply if possible; verify overseas transport rules)

• Thermometer

• Hand sanitizer

• Laundry detergent pods (for MTC; can purchase in field)

• Stain remover stick (Tide to Go — missionary essential)

• OxiClean pods (for keeping whites white)

• Shower caddy (compact and portable)

• Microfiber towels (dry quickly, pack small — 2–3)

• Sewing kit (needle, thread, scissors, buttons — small emergencies happen)

• Shoe polishing kit

• Lint roller (mini)

Tech and Electronics

• Tablet or smartphone (as approved by mission — check Missionary Portal for specific device guidance)

• Charger cables (bring extras — they break)

• Universal power adapter (required for international missions)

• Portable battery/power bank

• Solar charger (recommended for missions with unreliable electricity)

• Earbuds or headphones (one pair; check mission rules on use)

• Portable Bluetooth keyboard (for typing emails efficiently)

• Watch (simple, durable, water-resistant — analog or digital)

• Alarm clock (backup for mornings)

• Headlamp (useful for power outages and evening activities)

Study Materials and Spiritual Items

• Scriptures (quad combination or separate volumes as preferred)

• Preach My Gospel (available digitally, but many prefer print)

• Personal journal (lined; bring 2–3 volumes for a two-year mission)

• Quality pens and highlighters (Bible highlighters that don't bleed are preferred)

• 4-color pen for planning and planner updates

Note: Scriptures and most study materials are available at the Distribution Center. You do not need to purchase all of them ahead of time.

Documents and Important Papers

• Passport (and extra passport photos)

• Passport holder/travel wallet

• Current temple recommend

• Government-issued photo ID

• Copies of medical and dental insurance cards

• Immunization records

• Mission call paperwork

• Emergency contact information (written, not just stored digitally)

Travel and Organization Items

• Luggage (soft-sided suitcases; 2 large + 1 carry-on)

• Packing cubes (dramatically simplifies transfer days)

• Luggage scale (prevents overweight bag fees at transfers)

• Travel shoe bags (keep shoes separate from clothing)

• Cross-body bag or messenger bag (for daily carry)

• Mesh laundry bags (1 large + 2 small for delicates/ties)

• Compact umbrella

• Water bottle (spill-proof, durable)

• Apron (for cooking; protects clothing)

Budget Breakdown

Tip: Spread purchases over several months before departure. Missionaries frequently list specific items on Christmas and birthday wish lists, which can meaningfully offset this budget.

What NOT to Bring

Just as important as what to pack is what to leave behind. These items are either prohibited, impractical, or consistently cited by returned missionaries as a waste of precious luggage space:

• Hangers: The MTC has leftover hangers from previous missionaries. Don't bring them.

• Bedding: The MTC provides all bedding including pillows. Missions typically provide beds.

• Musical instruments (unless you have written permission from your mission president)

• Excessive books or study materials: Most are available digitally or at the Distribution Center

• Too much clothing: Overpacking is a universal missionary regret. Start with the minimum; items can be shipped or purchased

• Expensive personal items (jewelry, high-end electronics beyond what's needed for missionary work)

• Entertainment media not related to missionary work

• Casual clothing you won't use: Missions have limited casual time; pack for missionary life, not home life

One Last Thing to Set Up Before They Leave

Once the bags are packed and the farewell is over, there's one more five-minute task worth doing: set up an email preservation system. Your missionary will send weekly emails for 18 to 24 months — and those emails, along with all photos attached, live on a church-issued Google account that gets deleted within 90 to 120 days of the mission's end.

Services like My Missionary Book give missionaries a unique email address to add to their weekly email list. Every email is automatically captured, organized, and ultimately turned into a printed hardbound keepsake book — $149, all-in. It's the kind of thing that sounds optional until the mission ends and you realize what you almost lost.

Pack the bags. Take the photos. Then take 30 seconds to make sure the memories that come home in those weekly emails will be preserved for the rest of their life.