Ultimate Guide to Pack for a Relaxing Gateway at the Lake

Taking a break from life’s hustle and bustle is necessary every now and then, and what’s more relaxing than spending the great days by the lake? Whether you’re planning to spend some quality time alone or bringing your loved ones, it’s the perfect activity to recharge your mind and body.

Probably you’re going to be hours away from home, and you have to be properly prepared to chill. Forgetting about small things like a pair of flip-flops or an adhesive bandage could ruin your vacation; that’s why, in this article, we’ve put together a list of essentials you must pack before going out on your trip.

Plenty of Water

There is no need to go over the importance of staying hydrated throughout your trip . While drinking water could be available at your destination, there is a slight chance of not finding any; therefore, the number one essential item to pack on your list should be drinking water.

It’s recommended to bring along twice what you need of water; two gallons of water per person daily would be enough; moreover, bring some other drinks alongside water to keep your hydration level up; for example, peppermint tea will be a good option.

Food and Snacks

Carelessly packing your food and snacks is enough to ruin your lake trip; while you might not be hungry by the time you’re packing, you’ll be starving by the lake at the end of the day. Here is a list of the most recommended food to bring:

1. fresh fruits and vegetables that need no fridge
2. Bread of any sort will do the trick
3. Canned food like tuna fish or baked beans
4. Nuts, crackers, and dried fruits
5. Homemade sandwiches of any type with no mayonnaise or other ingredients that require cooling

If you’re planning to rent a cabinet by the lake and spend some days there, bring a few kitchen tools because you might need them to prepare food for several days.

Clothes and Footwear

Packing comfortable footwear suitable for the lake could make or break your whole lake journey; a pair of flip-flops and water shoes will do the trick.

Although shorts would be the only thing on your mind while packing clothes, remember that lake vacations are not just about swimming or spending some time by the lake; therefore, a pair of light jeans or joggers are necessary.

In addition to the above, we prepared this checklist for you:

1. Swimsuit
2. One or two t-shirts
3. A clean set of underwear
4. A pair of socks, just in case
5. Light jacket in case it got cold at night

However, if you’re planning a lake vacation in autumn or spring, pack the right clothes to keep you warm day and night.

Umbrella and Sunglasses

While you can rent an umbrella on some lake sites, others don’t offer any, and you need to bring your own. Sunglasses should also be on top of your list; polarized sunglasses can protect your eyes around water by blocking the glare reflected off the lake’s surface.

In fact, having a quality pair of sunglasses is not just for the lake time but also for the road trip to keep your eyes safe and stay focused while driving; it increases visual clarity and comfort.

Comfortable Beach Chair

Just like umbrellas, some lake sites provide all required facilities like chairs and tables; however, you might need to pack a comfortable foldable chair for every person accompanying you. It’ll become handy at the end of the day while gathering around the fire or having a cup of coffee by the lake. Foldable chairs are affordable, and you can get them online for a good deal. Ensure you’re buying a reasonable quality because you’ll use them repeatedly for many trips.

Quick-Dry Travel Towel

Many people confuse regular towels with quick-dry travel ones. Although packing regular towels is not a problem, the quick-dry travel towel has many advantages on a lake vacation. It’s the perfect choice when you get out of the water; it dries fast, is compact, and fits inside your bag easily.

Easy-To-Transport Cooler

It can be hard when it comes to deciding which kind of cooler you want to go with, soft or hard. While soft coolers are lightweight and easy to transport, hard coolers are more durable, provide larger space for food, and preserve it for longer.

Basic First Aid Kit

No matter how old you are or how many times you’ve been on lake trips, there is always a chance for a surprising accident or injury; having an aid kit is the perfect solution to be on the safe side. We’ve combined all the necessary items you must have in your aid kit:

1. Plasters in various sizes and shapes
2. Sterile gauze and eye dressings
3. Scissors, triangular bandage, and tweezers
4. Basic OTC pain relievers

It’s also important to keep a list of emergency phone numbers to call in case of injury.

Conclusion

Lake trips are always a source of happiness and peace of mind, it reduces anxiety and increases mental health, besides the memorable moments you will share with your loved ones. However, enjoying your time at the lake requires packing the correct items in advance and not worrying about any of that while you’re there.