Packing lists are essential to ensure you don’t arrive at your destination without…underwear. Yes, I’m speaking from personal experience. Here’s the thing - you’re more than capable of packing without a list. We have years of domestic travel & living abroad under our belts. We know there are a lot of ways to enhance your experience even by bringing a few items you may not have thought of before.

Typically I lay everything out on my bed to make sure I see everything that’s going in the bag + to ensure I have everything I’ll need. The problem is…without a list that still leaves things up to chance to be left behind. It feels so good knowing your bag is perfectly packed.

Whether you need a checklist to physically check off or just one to scan before you go - we put together packing lists that will be trusty companions every time you travel. Every trip is different - the same destination will require different items depending on weather patterns. Also - you are going to bring such different clothing to the beach vs a big city. So we split the packing list into a few different sections so you don’t make any mistakes like forgetting to check the weather to see weather patterns that may have shifted. 

No trip is the same - we made several packing lists to accommodate different trips

Packing for a 3 day trip vs 7 day trip will be different so you’ll see a pack list for either length of time. Each of those lists is the “Master” packing list to make sure you have the essentials. After each master packing list, you’ll see one consideration pack list for items that are often overlooked or forgotten (i.e. rain jacket). 

International Travel also requires its own attention - so we put together a list of things to review/bring so you don’t show up to the airport with an expired passport.

Also - we put together “Travel Checklist | What To Do Before You Leave” so you can come back refreshed. (i.e. forgetting to take out the trash before you leave…is a nasty mistake)

In-Page Jump Links To Any Packing List On This Page

Packing List | 3 Day
Packing List | 7 Day
Packing List | Consideration Items
International | Unique Items/Preparation
Travel Checklist | What To Do Before You Leave

A few things to remember before reviewing the packing lists.

Luggage

This list is made with carry-on luggage in mind. A big travel mistake is overpacking and I'm a firm believer that most trips can be packed in a carry-on bag. Of course if you need more room or don't want to lug around a bag at the airport...that makes total sense too! I currently use the 42L Carry-On Travel Backpack that's good for 7 days...and much longer if you do laundry while traveling...which I always do on longer trips!

Clothes

If you’re REALLY dedicated, it can save some time if you plan your outfits. We suggest packing clothes that can go with each other in multiple ways. I always like to pack a lot of neutrals because they’re so easy to mix and match.

Make sure to adjust your clothes to the weather you’re expecting and any activities you’ll participate in. What will you be doing while you are there? You may need to pack a dressier shirt for a fancy dinner, a couple pairs of shoes, or a rain jacket…etc. When making my own packing list I try and pack multi-purpose items. I.e. Vans shoes are great casual shoes but also good for most hikes.

Toiletries

No matter what packing list you are using - toiletries are one of the common denominators. Grab your favorite toiletry products and throw them into your Toiletry Bag. We put together an article “Travel Toiletries | Ultimate Guide” to help you check out some travel tested & exciting toiletries we’ve been using.

Gravel sells a couple rad toiletry bags that help you stay super organized & compact. Check out the Explorer SLIM & Explorer PLUS toiletry bags. Gravel also sells Travel Bottles for liquids that are an inexpensive way to take what soaps you already love vs gambling on hotel soaps. 

We put together a blog article “How To Pack A Suitcase | Pro Packing Guide” to help you pack everything…like a pro.

Packing Lists

Packing List | 3 Day 

(Savable Version so you can use it digitally/or use it as a printable packing list. Duplicate the file on Google Docs to make edits and personalize to yourself!)

Clothes

• Fresh Outfit For Trip (Lay it out the night before) (x1)
• Shirts (x3)
• Pants (x2)
• Sleepwear (Comfy Sweats OR Shorts) (x1)
• Shorts (x1)
• Underwear (x4)
• Bra's (x1)
• Shoes (x1)
• Socks (x4)
• Jacket OR Sweatshirt (x1)
• Workout Wear (x1)
• Laundry Bag (For Dirty Clothes) (x1)
• Swim Suit (Always pack one…don’t get caught without one!) (x1)
• Accessories
• Hat/Beanie
• Jewelry
• Sunglasses
• Hair Ties

Toiletries

• Toiletry Bag
• Toothbrush & Toothpaste
• Floss
• Deodorant
• Face wash
• Lotion
• Razor
• Hair products 
• Shampoo & Conditioner
• 3oz Travel Bottles for liquids
• Body Wash
• Sunscreen
• Chapstick
• Earplugs
• Medicine (Make yourself a little pharmacy with Tylenol, allergy medicine, etc in one bottle!)
• Birth control/condoms
• Makeup
• Brush
• Styling tools
• Curling Iron, Straightener, Blow Dryer
• Feminine hygiene
• Tampons, pads, menstrual cup

Electronics/Comfort/Miscellaneous

• Mask
• Phone & charger
• Headphones (AirPod Pro’s are fantastic because they have a noise canceling option)
• Power bank (under 20,000mah to meet airport security regulations)
• Laptop & charger
• Wallet & ID (Make sure ID up to date)
• Keys
• Lip Balm
• Camera
• Water Bottle
• Playing cards (perfect for downtime)
• Laundry Bag
• Travel Blanket (Gravel makes one that packs down super small & is insulated)

Packing List | 7 Day 

(Savable version so you can use it digitally/or use it as a printable packing list. Duplicate the file on Google Docs to make edits and personalize to yourself!)

Clothes

• Fresh Outfit For Trip (Lay it out the night before) (x1)
• Shirts (x7)
• Pants (x3)
• Sleepwear (Comfy Sweats OR Shorts) (x3)
• Shorts (x3)
• Underwear (x8)
• Bra's (x2)
• Shoes (x2)
• Socks (x8)
• Jacket or Sweatshirt (x1)
• Workout wear (x1)
• Laundry bag (For Dirty Clothes) (x1)
• Swim Suit (Always pack one…don’t get caught without one!) (x1)
• Accessories
• Hat/Beanie
• Jewelry
• Sunglasses
• Hair ties

Toiletries

• Toiletry Bag
• Toothbrush & Toothpaste
• Floss
• Deodorant
• Face wash
• Lotion
• Razor
• Hair products 
• Shampoo & Conditioner
• 3oz Travel Bottles for liquids
• Body Wash
• Sunscreen
• Chapstick
• Earplugs
• Medicine (Make yourself a little pharmacy with Tylenol, allergy medicine, etc in one bottle!)
• Birth control/condoms
• Makeup
• Brush
• Styling tools
• Curling iron, straightener, blow dryer
• Feminine hygiene
• Tampons, pads, menstrual cup

Miscellaneous

• Mask
• Phone & charger
• Headphones (AirPod Pro’s are fantastic because they have a noise canceling option)
• Power bank (under 20,000mah to meet airport security regulations)
• Laptop & charger
• Wallet & I.D.
• Keys
• Camera
• Water bottle
• Playing cards
• Laundry Bag
• Travel Blanket (Gravel makes one that packs down super small & is insulated)

Packing List | Consideration Items

(Savable version so you can use it digitally/print it off. Duplicate the file on Google Docs to make edits and personalize to yourself!)

• Raincoat
• Formal wear
• Heavy jacket
• Hiking shoes/boots (Tip! Multi-purpose shoes like Vans are casual & great to hike in)
• Mini towel
• First Aid kit (I typically carry a few essentials…band aids)
• Headlamp/Flashlight
• LifeStraw/ water filter
• Hammock
• Drone

International | Unique Items/Preparation

(Savable version so you can use it digitally/or use it as a printable packing list. Duplicate the file on Google Docs to make edits and personalize to yourself!)

• Packable Blanket (Longer flights will mean you’ll likely need to sleep on the plane. Gravel makes one that packs down super small & is insulated)
• Eye mask
• Passport (Ensure it’s not expired)
• Visa
• Get COVID test (if required)
• Upload COVID test to country visiting (if required) 
• Download content (movies, audiobooks, music, etc)
• Book
• Money Belt (keep money close and not stored into bags)
• Lockable zippers with locks
• Check currency exchange rates. Typically US banks give terrible exchange rates but it’s nice to get a little before you go)
• Universal adaptor plug (Layovers in foreign countries have different outlets)
• Power bank under 20,000 mah capacity (Some countries require this rule for air safety and will confiscate your power bank if it’s over)
• Download Google Translate (Most powerful & free translation app available! You can have a conversation with somebody and it will translate as you talk. The camera will also translate any foreign language to your language of choice)
• Unlock cell phone (You can buy SIM cards for cheap in every country and if your phone is unlocked you can use it. It’s a huge hassle to unlock while you are abroad. Just call your provider or go into a physical store and they will unlock your phone for international travel)
• Bank card arrangements to prevent card from getting frozen
• Snacks for the plane (Cheap & you always eat what you want)
• Rental Car booked on credit card to get automatic rental insurance (Unless in Israel or Ireland…credit cards don’t cover those countries)
• Download Agoda (Book inexpensive rooms)
• Travel insurance (Optional)

Travel Checklist | What To Do Before You Leave

(Savable version so you can use it digitally/or use it as a printable packing list. Duplicate the file on Google Docs to make edits and personalize to yourself!)

Trip Preparation

• Arrange lodging, travel, rental vehicle, activities
• Wallet, passport, boarding pass, fishing license, parks pass
• Check weather
• Buy any food/treats for travel
• Fill water bottles

Home Preparation

• Do dishes, laundry, take out garbage
• Check mail
• Set thermostat schedule
• Lock windows/doors
• Turn off fans, lights, turn on exterior front door light
• Make bed
• Ask neighbor or friend to watch the house
• Arrange care for pets while gone

Electronics

• Download movies, music, audiobooks
• Update & charge electronics

Summary

I hope you learned a ton about packing lists! Comment below if there’s anything you think we missed or could improve. Packing lists are something you should personalize for sure…so the links we provided should be a great way to make these your own. Have fun on your upcoming trip!