For the months prior to my son leaving on his mission we slowly added things to the pile in our front room. And then a few weeks before he left we started packing it. OH MY GOODNESS. There was A LOT of things to fit into two fifty pound bags!
I am, by nature, a very Type-A List making kinda person. So I thought and researched and purchased my little heart out. We ended up with, um, a few things too many. .I think it was also a way of showing my son I loved him, by trying to take care of every possible need he might have while he was far away in Brazil.
My jumping off point was, of course, the packing list we received in the Missionary Portal.
I think most of us missionary moms have the same reaction when we see the church issued packing list for our missionaries…this is everything?! It is very generic and if you dig, you might find out that some items on the list aren’t even applicable for your missionary’s specific area (for example, blue shirts weren’t allowed in Brasilia but were on the packing list. Also some missions allow for open toed sandals which are not listed on the packing list.).
I’ve spoken to lots of parents that are frustrated by this, but it is important to remember that as a worldwide church which is sending missionaries all over the world, a super specific packing list is probably unrealistic. Not only are there different climates/styles/options, but we also need to remember that not all missionaries have a huge budget (or any budget at all!) to buy what they need for their mission. I think the church gives us the very basic basics for a reason!
So what’s a missionary parent to do? First, continue reading this post! I’ve created a very comprehensive LDS mission packing list (with helpful Amazon links) PLUS for my fellow list-and-checkbox lovers I have TWO options for you. A Google Spreadsheet (which you can use to track prices too!) or a free printable checklist.
I know some mission presidents send a more comprehensive and specific packing list but if you haven’t received one don’t hold your breath. Mission specific checklist seem to be the exception and not the rule (but yay if your mission president does this!).
The checklists I’ve created have the following helpful designations:
BOLDED items= These items on mission checklists sent by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the missionary portal.
*Asterisk Items=These are “extras” that you don’t necessarily need, but that can make your missionary’s life a little easier.
^ Caret Items=(I just learned that symbol is called a caret!) These are items that may or may not be helpful depending on the weather in any particular mission.
Printable/downloadable LDS Missionary Packing Lists
Now let’s get into it! You can scroll down to see the ultimate packing list for LDS Missionaries (both Elders and Sisters) with clickable product links. Most of the the items with links are the actual products that we purchased and sent with my son!
If you would like to use a DIGITAL copy of the packing list (which is perfect for Amazon Prime Day Sale tracking!) Click on this link to open a copy in your Google Sheets.
Digital Ultimate LDS Missionary Packing Checklist / Prime Day Checklist
If you would prefer to download a paper checklist you can download them here:
Printable Missionary Packing Checklist for Elders
Printable Missionary Packing Checklist for Sisters
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links. This means, if I will get paid a small commission (at no cost to you!) if you purchase products through my links. I always try to recommend products I have personal experience with and LOVE. I also read reviews and ratings to make sure that I am offering up the best possible gift option for you. You can read more in my full disclosure.
Links to recommended gear/products for LDS Missionaries
Suitcase Products Packing List for Elders and Sisters
| # | Item |
| Wallet/Passport Holder | |
| 2 | Suitcases (note size/weight limits in your missionary portal!) |
| *Carry-on Suitcase | |
| Travel Backpack | |
| Proselyting Bag/Crossbody Bag | |
| *Travel Pillow | |
| *Suitcase Strap Luggage Connector | |
| *Packing Cubes | |
| *Suitcase Locks | |
| *Compression Bags | |
| *Jewelry Travel Bag for sisters |
Clothing Packing List for Elders and Sisters
Also see these helpful (more in depth) posts:
The Best Dress Shirts for Elders
| Elders | |
| 1+ | Suit(s) (check mission portal) |
| 1+ | ^Dress Shirts (long sleeve) At least one for baptismal clothing |
| 8-10 | ^Dress Shirts (short sleeved) |
| 2-3 | ^Sweater |
| 3-5 | Dress Pants/Slacks (for every day) These were my athletic/tall son’s favs. |
| 1 | White Dress Pants (for baptisms) |
| 5-6 | Ties (1 white for baptismal clothing) |
| 1-2 | Belts |
| 1 | White Belt for Baptismal Pants |
| 8-10 | Garments |
| 2-3 | Pajamas (could wear pday shorts and shirt as an alternative) |
| *Robe | |
| 1-2 | P-day Shirts |
| 1-2 | P-day Shorts |
| 1-2 | P-day pants |
| Exercise Clothing | |
| *Dress Coat | |
| ^Winter Coat | |
| ^Rain Coat | |
| ^Gloves | |
| ^Winter Hat/Earband | |
| ^Scarf | |
| # | Sisters |
| 2+ | ^Lightweight Dress |
| 4-7 | Blouses (short sleeve) |
| 4-7 | Blouses (long sleeve) |
| 3+ | Cardigan |
| 3+ | ^Sweaters |
| 2+ | Midi Skirt |
| 2+ | Maxi Skirt |
| 3+ | Slacks |
| 2+ | ^Warmer Dress |
| 4+ | Bras |
| 8-10 | Garments |
| 2-3 | Pajamas |
| *Robe | |
| 2 | Slip |
| *Anti Chafe Shorts/Bike Shorts for under dresses | |
| 1-2 | P-day Shirts |
| 1-2 | P-day Shorts |
| 1-2 | P-day Pants |
| Exercise Clothing | |
| ^Winter Coat | |
| ^Raincoat | |
| *Dress Coat | |
| ^Gloves | |
| https://amzn.to/4niGvkW^Winter Hat/Earband | |
| ^Scarf |
Shoes/Foot Care Packing List for LDS Missionaries
Be sure to check out my very in-depth posts on Shoes for Elders and Shoes for Sisters!
| 1-2 | Dress Shoes (1 pair kept nice for church/meetings/conferences) |
| 2 | Proselyting Shoes (utilitarian for walking!) |
| 7-10 | Socks (wool are GREAT) |
| ^Rainboots | |
| ^Snowboots | |
| Tennis/running Shoes (p-day/exercise/service) | |
| Shower Sandals | |
| *Home Sandals/Slippers/Recovery Sandals | |
| *Shoe Inserts | |
| *Shoe Shine Kit | |
| Moleskin | |
| Bandaids/Neosporin | |
| *Shoe moisture absorber | |
| *Extra shoelaces | |
| *Shoe bags for travel | |
| *Shoe Dryer | |
| 2-3 | Tights/Nylons for Sisters |
Electronics to Pack for LDS Mission
| # | Item |
| Plug Adaptor (foreign countries) | |
| *Watch (non-smart) | |
| *Bluetooth Keyboard | |
| *Headphones | |
| *Camera | |
| *Alarm Clock | |
| *Bluetooth Speaker | |
| *Selfie Stick/Tripod | |
| *Apple Airtags |
Hygiene Products for LDS Missionaries
| Toothbrush | |
| Toothpaste | |
| Dental Floss | |
| Facewash | |
| Moisturizer/Lotion | |
| Sunscreen | |
| Hand sanitizer | |
| Deodorant | |
| Razors | |
| Shaving Cream | |
| *Portable Shower Caddy Bag | |
| Comb/Brush | |
| Shampoo/Conditioner to last MTC Stay | |
| Hairspray/Hairgel | |
| Fingernail/Toenail Clippers | |
| Sisters | |
| Hair Dryer | |
| Curling Iron/Flat Iron | |
| Maxi Pads to last through MTC and a few weeks in new location | |
| Tampons to last through MTC and a few weeks in new location | |
| *Menstrual Cup | |
| *Non-heat Curlers | |
| *Hair sleeping bonnet | |
| *Makeup removing Cloths | |
| *Primer | |
| *Foundation | |
| *Concealer | |
| *Bronzer | |
| *Blush | |
| *Mascara | |
| *Brow gel | |
| *Lip Gloss/Lipstick | |
| *Eyeshadow | |
| Hair Accessories (clips, elastics, bobby pins) |
Health Items to Pack for Missionaries
| Basic First Aid Kit (including thermometer) |
| Multivitamin |
| Fever reducer/pain reliever |
| *Antihistamine |
| *Probiotics |
| *Allergy Medicine |
| *Cold Medicine |
| *Sinus Medicine |
| *Antacid (TUMS) |
| *Stomach medicine (anti-diarrhea) |
| *Anti-itch cream |
| *Anti-fungal Cream |
| ^25-35% DEET Mosquito Repellant |
| *Anti-chafe Stick/Balm |
Laundry Items for Missionaries
| Laundry Bag |
| *Laundry soap/Sheets |
| *Dryer Sheets |
| *Stain Stick/Spray |
| *Iron or Steamer |
| Sewing Kit |
| *Clothesline |
| Clothing Hangers/Tie Hanger |
| *Lint Remover |
Towels and Bedding to Pack for LDS Missionaries
| *Travel Sheets (great for exchanges) | |
| 1-2 | Bath Towel (fast drying for humid locations!) |
| 1-2 | Hand Towel |
| 2 | Wash Cloths |
| 1-2 | Sheet set and pillowcase |
| *^Blanket | |
| *^Compact Sleeping Bag | |
| *Bedbug mattress cover | |
| *Bedbug Pillow Case | |
| *Mosquito netting/Pop up mosquito |
Exercise Items to Pack for LDS Missionaries
| Item |
| *Jumprope |
| *Resistance Bands |
| *Pedometer |
| *Cooling Towels (Frog Toggs) |
| *Neck Fan |
Extras to pack for LDS Missionaries Sisters and Elders
Also check out this SUPER list of 100 extras recommended by missionaries and missionary parents!
| Umbrella/Umbrella w/flashlight |
| Flashlight |
| Eyeglasses |
| Extra Contact Lenses |
| Contact Lens Solution (enough to last MTC plus a few weeks) |
| Scriptures in Native Language |
| Sharing the Gospel Manual |
| *Reading Light |
| *Scripture Highlighters |
| *Post-it Notes for marking books/scriptures |
| *Journal |
| *Small Notebook for Note taking |
| *Photo book with pictures of family/friends |
| *Card Games |
| *Small ball/toys/yo-yo, rubix cube |
| *Compact Measuring Cups |
| *Recipes |
| *Spices (like taco seasoning, ranch, etc) |
| Apron |
| *Inspirational Quotes |
| *CTR Rings for investigators |
| *Duct Tape |
| *Multi-Tool |
| *3M Removable Hooks |
| *Small Portable Fan *Earplugs *Sleeping Mask |