Headed to the lake 🌊🚤? Say less. Welcome to your ultimate lake packing list + lake girl survival guide ✅✨. AKA how to get a drink 🍹 in hand, a tan ☀️ going, and your besties 👯♀️ posted up dockside all day ⚓️💅.
There’s just something about lake life 😍: glassy water, boat days 🚤, golden hour swims 🌅, and that “we’ll just stay one more hour” that turns into all night 🌙. Whether you’re planning a weekend lake trip, a cozy family getaway 🏡, or a chaotic (in the best way) girls’ lake house weekend 👯♀️💃, our lake trip packing guide has you covered.
HOW TO PACK FOR A LAKE TRIP ✈️🚗
Lake trips = a lot of stuff 😅. Think layers, snacks, swimsuits, and somehow… 4 pairs of shoes 👟🩴.
You need lightweight, functional travel bags that can handle a little splash 💦.
If you’re heading out for a longer stay, your ride-or-die is The 24+7 Weekender Duffle bag 👜✨. It fits everything you actually need (and everything you think you might need). Bonus: the secret stash bottom 🤫 = perfect for separating sandy slides, wet swimsuits 👙, or that extra pair of “just in case” sneakers 👟. It's machine washable and water resistant too! 🧼💦
WHAT TO PACK FOR A LAKE TRIP 👗
Your lake weekend outfits = cute, comfy, and effortless 💁♀️✨
-
Tank tops 🤍
-
Shorts 👖
-
Sweatshirt (lake nights get chilly 🌅❄️)
-
Sundress👗
-
Bikinis 👙
-
Pajamas 💤
-
Undergarments
-
Toiletries (toothbrush, shampoo, etc.) 🧼
-
Sneakers 👟
-
Socks 🧦
- Flip Flops 🩴
BEST BAG FOR LAKE LIFE 👜
Once you’re there, it’s all about the perfect lake tote bag for dock hangs ⚓️, boat days 🚤, and lakeside lounging 🍹👙🕶️.
Maxed Out Wanderlust Tote 👜✨
Big bag energy ONLY 😌. If you’re the friend who brings everything (speaker 🔊, snacks 🍿, SPF 🧴, backup snacks… again), this one’s for you. It fits your lake day essentials and non-essentials (yes, including the wine 🍷😉). Plus, the crossbody option = hands-free for drinks. 🍹
Knotted Herringbone Tote 🌾🤍
Lightweight, water-resistant 💦, and lowkey the MVP. Fits your towel, sunscreen 🧴, snacks, and all your lake day must-haves with a chic woven texture to elevate your lake style. There’s even a secret stash pouch for all your little essentials 🤫✨. Perfect if you’re biking to the lake 🚲, walking to the dock, or keeping it cute + minimal 💅.
LAKE DAY ESSENTIALS PACKING LIST ✅
-
Sunscreen 🧴☀️
-
Sunglasses 🕶️
-
Hat 🧢
-
Towel 🏖️
-
Reusable water bottle 💧
-
Portable speaker 🎶
-
Phone + portable charger 📱🔋
-
Snacks (non-negotiable) 🍿
-
Change of clothes 👕
ORGANIZING YOUR LAKE BAG ⚓️
Lake days = activity marathons 🔁: swimming 🏊♀️, boating 🚤, tanning ☀️, snacking 🍿… repeat.
KST Cosmetic Cases 💋
Stay organized so you’re not digging for lip balm at the bottom of your bag 😵💫.
Use cosmetic cases + packing pouches to keep SPF 🧴, makeup 💄, and random essentials in check ✔️. Toss them in your tote and thank yourself later 🙏✨.
BEST SHOES FOR THE LAKE 🩴
Hot take 🔥: bad shoes can ruin a lake day. Between docks, boats, and random gravel paths 🪨, you need something comfortable, cute, and water-friendly 💯.
Wingwoman Comfort Recovery Flip Flops 🩴
Lightweight, cushioned ☁️, water-resistant 💦, AND machine washable 🧼 (because lake = dirt… always). Perfect for everything from early morning coffee runs ☕ to sunset hangs 🍹🌅. Your feet deserve the trip too 💅.
About The Real Oliver Thomas:
Oliver “Ollie” Thomas is the Co-Founder and Chief Inspiration Officer of the brand Oliver Thomas who makes the ultimate in lightweight, functional, washable and customizable bags, duffles, backpacks, totes and accessories.
He has appeared in Forbes and Time, Inc and major fashion publications. Ollie is a sucker for anyone with good treats, belly rubs given or long walks. When he is not being an Dogpreneur, Oliver enjoys bringing together his squirrel, feline & all furry friends in order to promote a more peaceful world.
