Packing Lists

For trip context, see Trip & Itinerary Planning. For the bag's tracker, see Lost Luggage & Trackers. For the gear that goes in it (adapters, power), see Power, Adapters & Electronics.

Packing lists are one of those rare categories where free templates from REI / backpackinglight.com / Reddit communities consistently beat paid apps. The apps are convenient on mobile but offer minimal value over a Notion page once you've built it once.

Packing-list apps

• ★ PackPoint — free + paid Pro (~$3/mo or one-time $30); generates a list from destination + activities + dates + weather. Free is sufficient for casual use; Pro adds calendar sync, custom lists, business templates.
• Packr — paid + free; iOS-first; weather-aware list generation.
• Stylebook — paid (~$5 one-time); ★ for outfit-planning — photograph your wardrobe, build outfits, pack from there.
• Packing Pro — paid (~$3); long-running; manual but flexible.
• Apple Reminders templates — free; share with travel partners; surprisingly good.
• Notion / Obsidian / Google Keep templates — free; build once, copy per trip.

Free templates / community lists

• ★ REI Co-op packing checklists — free; PDFs for camping, backpacking, ski, climb, raft, travel. The default for any outdoor trip.
• ★ backpackinglight.com gear lists — free + paid forum; ★ for ultralight backpacking — sub-10lb base-weight builds, gear shakedown threads.
• Lighterpack.com — free; web tool to build, weigh, and share a gear list. Standard format for ultralight community.
• Reddit r/onebag, r/HerOneBag, r/Ultralight, r/HeavyOneBag — free; gear-list link sharing.
• WikiVoyage Packing list — free OSS; generic baseline.

Specialty lists

• Carry-on only / "one bag" travel — r/onebag wiki has the canonical list; aim for 30–35L pack.
• Digital nomad — Nomad List has a community packing wiki; r/digitalnomad threads.
• Family / kid travel — TakeThemOutside, Lonely Planet Kids resources.
• Cold-weather — REI's winter / mountaineering lists; backpackinglight winter gear shakedowns.
• Diving — DAN packing checklists; PADI logbook + gear list.
• Hiking thru-hike — see Hiking & Cycling Routes; FarOut Guides each have community gear lists.
• Festival / overlanding / van life — see RV, Van & Camping.

TSA / aviation rules (US, 2026)

• Liquids in carry-on: 100ml / 3.4oz containers in a 1-quart bag (US still mostly 3-1-1 even as some EU airports have 2L scanners that lift the rule).
• Power banks: must be in carry-on, ≤100Wh without airline approval, ≤160Wh with approval. ★ Apple AirTag in checked baggage is allowed by FAA + most airlines.
• Lithium batteries: spares always carry-on; protect terminals.
• Pepper spray / pocket knives / certain medications — check TSA's "Can I Bring" tool.
• EU 2L liquid limit — the new standard (with 3D-X-ray scanners) is rolling out unevenly; revert to 100ml if unsure.

Practical rules (2026)

• Pack one outfit in your carry-on even when checking — bag delays still happen.
• Photograph the contents of your checked bag before zipping; helps with claims (see Lost Luggage & Trackers).
• Roll soft fabrics, fold structured ones; packing cubes (Eagle Creek / Peak Design) genuinely save time at hotels.
• Compression cubes halve volume for laundry.
• Don't pack what's on sale at the destination — toiletries, hats, basic clothes are usually cheaper there.
• One spare of: phone charger, cable, debit card, glasses (if you wear them), cash currency.

Pick this if…

• Quick app-driven list, generic trip: PackPoint.
• Outdoor / camping / ski trip: REI Co-op checklist (free PDF).
• Ultralight backpacking: Lighterpack + r/Ultralight gear shakedown.
• One-bag / digital nomad: r/onebag wiki.
• You already live in Notion / Obsidian: roll your own template once.
• Outfit-planning visual learner: Stylebook.