Vacation Packing List

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack is a fan favorite for a reason. It covers all the bases, from a super comfortable harness system and durable materials that create a bag built to last. Built-in pockets give you a place for everything without needing a million cubes and pouches. You heard that right—zippered mesh panels organize the main compartment storage into three sections, so you don’t even need packing cubes to keep your clothing from unraveling. Most importantly, there’s enough space for a week’s worth of travel gear, even if you don’t go ultra-minimalist. It comes in a range of sizes, but we like to use the 35L so we’re not too crunched for space. If you want to cut a few things from this list, you can easily size down to the 28L or up to the 42 if you need more space. Either way, choose between Cotopaxi’s notoriously fun and punchy colorways so everyone at the airport knows you’re off to somewhere fun.

The Moment MTW Mini Fanny Sling's design is simple, effective, and so lightweight that you hardly even remember you have it on. Plus, it comes in eye-catching colorways that easily accent your daily looks. We like to wear it across the chest; however, it also works as a hip pack if that's more your style. Though it's on the smaller side, this 1-liter sling is a great dump pocket for your everyday items like a wallet, battery bank, or even a camera. There's minimal internal organization, with only a single slip pocket at the back to hold a smartphone or similarly sized item. After all, you won't need to carry much with you on a day of relaxing beyond your chill attitude and a couple of essentials.

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Your travel bag is great for getting you to your destination, though it looks pretty out of place at the beach. We dig Nanobag Reusable bags for their versatility and ultra-small form-factor. They take up virtually no space until you need them. The diamond ripstop is exceptionally lightweight but can hold up to 66 pounds, so it’s more than capable of hauling your pool towel, speaker, e-reader, and a drink or two. It dries fairly quickly when wet and is super easy to clean with a quick flip inside out if you accidentally get sand inside. Though it comes in a few different styles, we like the 19-liter Crossbody Sling because it feels the most secure. You won’t have to worry about it falling off when both of your hands are full of ice cream cones.

The Topo Designs Accessory Bags are great for keeping like items together, whether you’re using it as a pouch for your daily essentials or to keep your camera and its accessories packed into one convenient place. They come in fun colors that feel at home in a tropical destination and are surprisingly spacious given their flat, simple design.

Sometimes it’s nice to decompress after a long day in the sun. Instead of a laptop, bring along an iPad Air to watch your favorite TV show or movie, chat with friends and family members back home, or play a few brain puzzles to tire you out. You can also just use your phone and bring a physical book if you want to get off screens.

The TiMOVO Case for iPad Air pairs protection with a ton of bright colorways, making it perfect for a fun vacation. It has a low-profile design that fits into most device pockets. Plus, the front cover folds into a built-in stand so you can watch videos and play games hands-free on the plane or while you decompress before bed. Though the case isn’t sand-proof, its tight fit reduces the number of particles that get inside.

Sure, your phone has a camera, but go all-in on vacation vibes with the Kodak PIXPRO WPZ2 Waterproof Digital Camera. Tons of people are bringing digital cameras along for nostalgia, and this one delivers. It has 4x optical zoom, it's waterproof to 15 meters, and shockproof to 2 meters, so it's safe from drops and spills. It only shoots 1080p HD video, but this one will be safe whether you take it hiking, to the beach, or anywhere else. You can share photos without loading them onto a computer first, since it has Wi-Fi. However, it's only compatible with Micro SD and Micro SDHC cards up to 32 GB, so check the cards you already have at home—you may need a new one.

To really get away from it all, swap your screens for a paperback book. You won't get distracted by work notifications when you should be relaxing, and you can really tune out without getting tempted by social media or other apps. If you finish the book before the end of your trip, donate it to a local library or swap it out at a Local Free Library. If you prefer digital books, use the iPad or your phone and load up before you leave.

We like wearing an Apple Watch because it lets us put our phones away for the day while still keeping an eye on our notifications. That way, we can determine what can be ignored for a little while longer—this is a vacation, after all. Plus, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as blowing your step goals out of the water while you’re exploring a new city. However, if you want to eliminate notifications yet still track your health, wear an Oura Ring instead.

What’s a vacation without some killer tunes? The Altec Lansing HydraMini 2.0 offers an IP67 waterproof rating, meaning it can withstand submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes and resist dust and dirt. This Bluetooth speaker has great sound quality for something this small, and you can attach it to any bag with a carabiner, making it the perfect companion for the pool or beach. It's also magnetic, so you can rock out while cooking dinner with your friends at the Airbnb.

The Anker Prime Charger has three available ports for charging every device on the full vacation packing list. It has a skinny form factor and flip-in prongs, which packs away nicely. With a maximum capacity of 100 watts, it quickly gets you the juice you need. Top up more of your entertainment at once, whether you prefer to do it overnight or while getting ready for the day.

We like to bring a small wall charger to set up a charging station in the bedroom, leaving another charger in a common area. However, you can leave this one behind if you find it redundant. We like the Anker Nano Charger because its prongs rotate, so you can choose whether the port faces forward or up and down. That comes in handy when you're at older hotels or Airbnbs with weird or tightly spaced outlets. And the fun graphics on the smart display show how much power your device is getting, whether it's in gentle or quick-charge mode.

Bringing universal cables is an easy way to save space in your bag when you only have a few devices. The Rolling Square inCharge XL looks like a typical cable but has swappable adapters, so you can charge up to six different ways. Bring the 6.5’ version to reach any outlet at your accommodations. The included case is a little bulky, so we opted to ditch it and keep it in our tech pouch instead.

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Create your own charging zone in the hotel or bedroom with the ESR CryoBoost Foldable 3-in-1 Magnetic Charging Station. It powers up your phone, AirPods, and Apple Watch on the nightstand overnight, so you're ready in the morning. It can also charge your phone quickly without overheating, thanks to a built-in fan, when you need more power faster, too. We bring the cable that comes with it, though you can use another multicable instead.

You never know when your phone will pop into low-power mode just as you need to make a dinner reservation or get back to the hotel. Get more power with the Anker Zolo Magnetic Power Bank. It has a 10,000 mAh capacity, so you and a friend can make it through a usage-heavy day. You can use the attached USB-C charging cord, which can get a phone to 58% in 30 minutes, or the MagSafe wireless charger. You have to turn it on to use it; it doesn't just charge when it connects to your phone. Why would you keep it on when you don't need more power? Because of the included stand, which will keep you hands-free as you stream a show or chat with family back home.

Whether you typically bring a full DSLR set-up or simply enjoy capturing casual memories, the iPhone 13 Pro has you covered. While the standard lens is great for most shots, the second two lenses are ideal for group photos and detailed shots of native flowers. Plus, 12 megapixel photos are more than adequate for sharing on social media. If Android phones are your cup of tea, look for one with multiple lenses to ensure you can get the perfect shot!

Protect your phone, charging cables, and power bank from sand and surf with the Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Travel Pouch. Its IP67 waterproof design acts as a barrier between your tech and sand or spilled margaritas. In the meantime, use it as a tech pouch within your travel bag to stay organized. Plus, you can even attach a strap or weave paracord through the side loops to create a makeshift sling and go hands-free.

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Whether you’re looking for some peace at the airport or a cabana overrun by Spring Breakers, Apple AirPods Pro 4 have noise-canceling technology that allows you to find your beach no matter where you are. Plus, they fit into the palm of your hand, your pocket, or your sling with ease.

If you’re traveling internationally, it’s essential to be prepared to charge your phone, tablet, or headphones once you arrive. The EPICKA Air 40W Travel Adapter has you covered in more than 200 countries and regions to juice up your devices around the globe. The 40-watt capacity is enough to power everything on this list at once, but be aware that it adapts the outlet—it doesn’t convert power—so double-check the specifications of the country you’re visiting. If it's different from what you use at home, make sure the AC-powered device you intend to use abroad supports dual-voltage (most laptops and wall chargers do). If you’re staying local, you can leave this adapter behind.

On days when you want to go straight from the beach to dinner, store your wet bathing suit in the Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Bag to keep it separate from the rest of your dry gear. It has 1.5 liters of storage space and includes a D-ring at the buckle to secure it to your sling or packable bag. Its materials are waterproof, so it can also keep gear inside dry, as long as you don’t submerge it. The oval base does a good job of keeping it standing upright, though, so you don’t have to worry about it accidentally rolling into the pool.

Games are a great way to pass the time, whether you’re waiting for a storm to pass or just looking for a way to spend a few hours without screen time. When you're traveling with a group, break the ice with TableTopics Not a Chance. Each card contains topics for discussion, so you'll have things to talk about well after the game is over. You could also bring a standard deck of cards for more versatility, but we always make space for at least one game in our travel bag.

Simply put, the Waboba’s name is a shortened version of what it is: a WAter BOuncing BAll. It fits into the palm of your hand and skips across water with ease, offering endless opportunities for fun at the beach or pool. The gel core doesn’t get saturated with water, so you can play with it for hours. However, it can skip a long way, so be careful how hard you throw it!

A hammock is a perfect place to unwind after a long day of exploring a new destination. The Kammok Roo Single UL Camping Hammock makes that possible without adding weight to your pack. It weighs less than 6 ounces and packs into itself, so it’s easy to stow away until you need it. However, it takes a few tries to get used to the repacking process, so practice makes perfect.

An ultralight hammock is nothing without a set of ultralight hammock straps to pair with it. The Kammok Python 10 UL Hammock straps compress easily and slot nicely into your pack. Despite their small size, they can hold up to 300 pounds. They come with an included carrying case, though rolling the straps to fit inside can take some getting used to.

One of the best things about a tropical vacation is enjoying the sunset from the beach, though sand can deter you from sitting on the ground in your dinner clothes. The Matador Pocket Blanket 4.0 fits in your pocket for easy storage and has enough coverage for up to four people to sit. However, we’ve found it’s best suited for two, or three at the max. Plus, with the included stakes on each corner, you won’t have to worry about it blowing away.

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Insulated water bottles are a dime a dozen, so get one with a unique design. The Owala FreeSip Water Bottle lets you sip from a straw or swig from the bottle, and it keeps your water cold for hours. It comes in a ton of fun colors, so you can tell yours apart from your friend's, and the lid lock doubles as a handle, making it easy to carry.

Tropical climates usually mean sun and surf, but it’s worth being prepared for inclement weather. We chose the DAVEK MINI umbrella for its compact size and lightweight construction. It’s so small that you won’t regret lugging it around town even if you don’t end up needing it. Plus, it comes in a ton of bold colorways, so there’s something for everyone.

To really lighten things up, ditch a separate bag and carry your phone with the Orbitkey Crossbody Phone Strap. You don't need a specific phone case to use it—just stick the tab between your phone and your case, and a little loop will stick out where it's open for the charging port. The strap clips on with a carabiner, allowing you to carry your phone crossbody, even if your sundress or swimsuit doesn't have any pockets. That does mean it won't work with a case that plugs that hole, but you can always leave it open when you want to use the strap and remove the tab when you're through.

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Do you often travel to music festivals or concerts? The Loop Experience 2 earplugs protect your hearing when you embark on a cruise ship that thinks louder music is better, or take in a street festival with live music. They also work well enough to block some noise at the hotel, so you can easily get a few more hours of shut-eye. Choose between four different silicone ear tip sizes to find the right fit for you. Plus, they come with a small carrying case, so you can tuck them into your sling to have at all times.

The Orbitkey Key Organizer Pro is a minimalist key ring that holds a handful of the keys you need, like your house key for your place back home or the Airbnb you're staying at for the week. Leave it inside your travel pack or throw it in your pocket when you head out for the day.

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Carabiners are always useful, but Nite Ize S-Biner SlideLock takes function to a new level. It’s separated into two sections, so you can secure small items like your keys on one side and attach them to your everyday bag with the other. Plus, it has a built-in lock so you won’t lose your keys if something bumps into the gate the wrong way.

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Whether you plan to take a few day-long excursions or don’t plan to leave the pool for more than an hour, it’s always best to be prepared with first aid. This one has different size bandages to cover bug bites or the scrape we got diving for that beach volleyball, plus a few other essentials for slightly larger emergencies, all in a water-resistant case. That way, we can look cool while we tend to a blister from walking around town all day!

Eating a frozen snack from a cart vendor is a great way to cool off; however, it can be a little tricky if your hands are covered in sand. Hand wipes are the perfect way to clean up before eating to ensure no sand or saltwater makes its way into your mouth. We like disinfectant wipes both for our hands and sanitizing public bathrooms or changing surfaces before using them.