Lake Trip Packing List: What To Pack For A Lake Vacation

Headed to the lake soon and want to make sure you’ve got the essentials? Whether you’re lounging on the dock, paddleboarding with friends, or just enjoying the peace and quiet, the right gear makes all the difference.

When you’re gearing up for a day by the lake, it’s all about finding those perfect products that tick the boxes of comfort, durability, and functionality.

Each item I’ve picked here in this lake trip packing list is designed to make your lake day as enjoyable as possible. These choices are all about making sure you can kick back and truly enjoy every moment by the water.

Here are 10 tried-and-tested lake trip must-haves I actually use and recommend — including waterproof bags, comfy sandals, and a game-changing cooler.

Table of Contents

Top Picks

Best Overall: AiRunTech Waterproof Fanny Pack
Best Value: HEETA Dry Bag Waterproof
Best for Wet Items: Wet Bag for Swimsuit
Best Quick-Dry Towel: Turkish Beach Towels
Best Footwear: Water Shoes for Women Men
Best Sandals: shevalues Orthopedic Sandals
Best Cooler: Titan Deep Freeze Cooler
Best Beach Bag: Extra Large Beach Bag
Best Swimwear: Aqua Eve Two Piece Women’s Tankini
Best Backpack Cooler: Cooler Backpack Soft Insulated

Families lounge on fold-out chairs beside Rolley Lake in British Columbia while swimmers and floaties enjoy the water—highlighting lake trip packing list must-haves like floaties, chairs, and drinks for a summer day trip. — Lake vacation at Rolley Lake, BC

1. AiRunTech Waterproof Fanny Pack

The AiRunTech Waterproof Fanny Pack is your go-to companion for a lake getaway. Whether you’re kayaking, swimming, or just lounging by the water, this pack keeps your essentials safe and dry.

With its triple zip lock protection, you can dive into your adventures without worrying about your valuables. It’s spacious enough to hold your phone, wallet, and keys, yet compact enough to wear comfortably around your waist.

Plus, it’s touch screen friendly, so you can easily check messages without taking your phone out. If you’re looking for a practical and stylish way to keep your belongings secure while enjoying the great outdoors, this fanny pack is a must-have.

Ideal For Your Next Adventure

Perfect for beach days, water sports, or any outdoor activities where you want to keep your essentials safe and secure.

I often head to the lake on solo trips, so I like having the security of a waterproof fanny pack like this to make sure I have my valuables on me at all times (instead of keeping them on my beach towel or blanket with no one I know nearby).

Rating: 4.5 (Total: 15,530+)

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2. HEETA Dry Bag Waterproof

The HEETA Dry Bag Waterproof is an essential item for your lake packing list. Whether you’re planning a day of kayaking, swimming, or just lounging by the water, this bag ensures your belongings stay dry and secure. With a roll-top closure and a variety of sizes, it’s perfect for any adventure.

Plus, the transparent design allows you to quickly find what you need without rummaging through. It’s lightweight and easy to carry, making it a practical choice for both daily outings and special trips. If you want peace of mind while enjoying water activities, this dry bag is a great pick.

Perfect For Your Next Lake Getaway

Ideal for beach outings, boating, camping, or any outdoor activity where you need to keep your essentials safe from water.

I use these dry bags for securely storing my items when I’m in a kayak or boat (to make sure things stay dry).

Rating: 4.6 (Total: 32,456+)

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3. Wet Bag for Swimsuit and Travel

The Wet Bag for Swimsuit and Travel is a must-have for your lake getaway packing list. This versatile bag is designed to keep your wet clothes separate from your dry ones, making it perfect for beach days, pool visits, or even just a day out.

Made from waterproof material, it’s not only practical but also stylish with its tropical palm leaves design. Whether you’re storing your swimsuit after a dip or packing up your gym clothes, this bag has you covered. It’s lightweight and easy to carry, making it a great addition to your travel essentials.

Essential for Your Lake Getaway

Perfect for beach days, pool parties, or any outdoor adventure where you need to manage wet and dry items efficiently.

I use this wet bag to store my swimsuit when I’m finished swimming and ready to head back home or elsewhere, so that the rest of my things don’t get wet…much better than the plastic bag we all used to use as kids, right?

Rating: 4.4 (Total: 431+)

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Towels, water shoes, and swim noodles scattered on a quiet pebbled beach by a forested lake—capturing lake trip packing list essentials for a peaceful day by the water in BC. — Lake Vacation on Lindeman Lake area, BC

4. Turkish Beach Towels

These Turkish Beach Towels are your go-to for a perfect day at the lake. They’re not just stylish with their vibrant colours, but they’re also incredibly practical. Designed to dry quickly and repel sand, they make your beach or pool day a breeze.

Whether you’re lounging on the shore or wrapping up after a swim, these towels provide ample coverage and comfort. Plus, they’re lightweight and easy to pack, making them a must-have for your spring lake trip packing list.

Perfect for Your Lake Day

Ideal for beach days, poolside lounging, or even as a picnic blanket, these towels are versatile enough to meet all your outdoor needs.

I use a pink Turkish beach towel to put over a chair on my balcony when I go out to read with a cup of tea each afternoon.

Rating: 4.6 (Total: 1535+)

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5. Water Shoes for Women, Men, Quick-Dry Aqua Socks

These water shoes are a fantastic addition to your spring lake trip packing list. They’re designed for both comfort and functionality, making them perfect for a variety of activities, whether you’re swimming, kayaking, or just enjoying a day by the water.

The quick-dry material ensures you won’t be stuck with soggy shoes, and the anti-slip sole provides the grip you need on wet surfaces. Plus, they’re lightweight and easy to pack, so you can take them anywhere without hassle.

Great for Any Water Activity

Perfect for beach outings, lake adventures, or even casual strolls by the water, these shoes are versatile enough to meet all your aquatic needs.

I like wearing these Aqua Socks because I can easily go from walking along a rocky beach to getting into the water and not have to worry about getting out at the same spot where I got in (to get back to wear my shoes).

Rating: 4.4 (Total: 18617+)

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Boaters and families enjoy a sunny afternoon by the wide riverbank in Merritt, British Columbia—showcasing why swim gear, water shoes, and portable snacks top a lake trip packing list. — Lake Vacation near Merritt, BC at Nicola Lake

6. Shevalues Orthopedic Sandals for Women, Arch Support, Recovery Flip Flops

These sandals are a must-have for your spring lake trip packing list. Designed with comfort in mind, they feature ergonomic arch support that helps alleviate foot pain, making them perfect for long walks along the shore or casual outings.

The soft, cushioned footbed feels like walking on clouds, while the slip-on design makes them easy to wear. Whether you’re lounging by the lake or exploring nearby trails, these sandals will keep your feet happy and supported.

Perfect for Any Summer Adventure

Ideal for beach days, lake strolls, or casual outings, these sandals are versatile enough to complement any summer wardrobe while ensuring your feet stay comfortable.

I suffered from plantar fasciitis for one summer and a fall, and one thing that helped my feet feel better was shoes and sandals with arch support. I’m actually wearing these flip flops right now at home!

They’re great for walking around the house in summer because they have good arch support, and they don’t leave my feet feeling hot. I also found that these Vessi Waterproof Weekend Sneakers have great arch support.

Rating: 4.3 (Total: 10255+)

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7. Titan Deep Freeze Cooler Zipperless Hardbody Cooler

This cooler is an essential for your lake getaway. With its innovative zipperless design, you can quickly access your snacks and drinks without fumbling around with zippers. It keeps ice for up to three days, making it perfect for those long days by the water.

The removable HardBody liner with SmartShelf allows you to separate hard items from soft ones, ensuring your sandwiches stay intact. Whether you’re packing for a picnic or a day on the water, this cooler has you covered.

Ideal for Your Next Lake Adventure

Perfect for a day at the lake, this cooler is versatile enough for picnics, tailgating, or even just keeping your drinks cold at home. Its durable design means it can handle any adventure you throw at it.

Rating: 4.6 (Total: 51292+)

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8. Extra Large Beach Bag, XL Mesh Tote with Zipper and Pockets

This extra-large beach bag is your go-to companion for a spring lake getaway. With its spacious design, you can easily fit all your essentials, from towels and sunscreen to snacks and toys.

The mesh material allows for breathability, ensuring your wet items dry quickly, while the multiple pockets help keep everything organized. Whether you’re heading to the beach or a family picnic, this bag is practical and stylish, making it a must-have for any outing.

Perfect for Your Next Adventure

Ideal for your next lake or beach getaway, this beach bag is versatile enough for picnics, pool days, or even grocery shopping. Its sturdy construction ensures it can handle whatever you throw at it, making it a reliable choice for any adventure.

I love having a mesh beach bag like this because it means I won’t waste time trying to find the essentials I need!

Rating: 4.7 (Total: 4540+)

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View of a calm lake and sandy beach under a hazy summer sky in Osoyoos, British Columbia—ideal for a weekend lake trip packing list featuring swimsuits, towels, and sun protection. — Lake Vacation in Osoyoos, BC

9. Aqua Eve Two Piece Women’s Tankini Swimsuits Blouson Swim Tank Top with Shorts

This Aqua Eve tankini set is perfect for your spring lake trip packing list. With its stylish blue-green floral design, it combines comfort and modesty effortlessly.

The blouson top provides a relaxed fit, while the shorts offer great coverage and support. Whether you’re lounging by the water or taking a dip, this swimsuit is designed to keep you feeling confident and chic. It’s a practical choice for both casual beach days and more active outings like volleyball or swimming.

Versatile for Every Summer Occasion

This tankini is not just for the beach; it’s perfect for pool parties, family picnics, or even a day out at the lake. Its stylish design and practical features make it a go-to choice for any summer adventure, ensuring you look great while enjoying your time in the sun.

Rating: 4.3 (Total: 1499+)

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10. Cooler Backpack Soft Insulated Leak Proof

This Cooler Backpack is a must-have for your spring lake trip packing list. With its soft, insulated design, it keeps your drinks and snacks cool for hours, making it perfect for a day by the water.

The leak-proof feature ensures that you won’t have any spills in your car, and the comfortable straps make it easy to carry all day long. Whether you’re heading to a picnic, a beach day, or just a hike, this backpack is versatile enough to meet all your needs.

Ideal for All Your Outdoor Adventures

This cooler backpack is not just for the beach; it’s perfect for family picnics, hiking trips, or even a day out at the park. Its stylish design and practical features make it a go-to choice for any outdoor adventure, ensuring you have everything you need while enjoying your time in the sun.

What I like about this backpack cooler is that I can put it on my back and have my hands free for that mesh bag I mentioned earlier. I also like that there is a pocket in the front to put things that you want to keep handy (but maybe don’t want to have super cool like the drinks or whatever you’re putting in the main compartment.

Rating: 4.6 (Total: 1085+)

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FAQs for This Lake Weekend Packing List

What is good food to take to the lake?

Fresh fruit, trail mix, chips and salsa, hummus with veggies, and wraps are all easy, no-cook options that hold up well for a lake day.

What do you wear to the lake?

Wear a swimsuit or quick-dry outfit with a cover-up, sandals or water shoes, and bring a light jacket in case it gets windy or cool later.

Wrapping Up

This packing list for a lake vacation will help you ensure a stress-free and enjoyable day at the lake. From comfortable sandals for women to waterproof bags for your valuables, each item plays a crucial role in making your lake day memorable.

Remember to check off each item as you pack, and enjoy your time by the water.


AiRunTech Waterproof Fanny Pack	4.5/5 (15,530 reviews)	Waterproof, adjustable waist strap, floating design.	A single strap can be uncomfortable for long carries.	Limited storage space for larger items.
HEETA Dry Bag Waterproof	4.6/5 (32,456 reviews)	Multiple sizes, roll-top closure, lightweight.	100% waterproof, versatile for various activities.	Limited arch support may wear out quickly.
Wet Bag for Swimsuit	4.4/5 (431 reviews)	Waterproof material, compact size, versatile use.	Keeps wet items separate, durable and washable.	May not hold larger wet items securely.
Turkish Beach Towels	4.6/5 (1,535 reviews)	Quick-dry, sand-free, oversized design.	Lightweight, compact for travel, stylish.	Less absorbent than traditional towels.
Water Shoes for Women Men	4.4/5 (various reviews)	Quick-dry, lightweight, flexible design.	Comfortable for water activities, good grip.	Limited arch support, may wear out quickly.
shevalues Orthopedic Sandals	4.3/5 (various reviews)	Arch support, slip-on design, soft material.	Comfortable for all-day wear, good for flat feet.	Can shrink in sunlight, sizing may vary.
Titan Deep Freeze Cooler	4.6/5 (51,292 reviews)	Zipperless design, insulated, portable.	Keeps ice for up to 3 days, easy access.	Smaller capacity than some traditional coolers.
Extra Large Beach Bag	4.7/5 (various reviews)	Mesh design, multiple pockets, large capacity.	Perfect for family beach trips, lightweight.	Mesh may not keep sand out completely.
Aqua Eve Two Piece Tankini	4.3/5 (various reviews)	Modest design, comfortable fit, stylish.	Flattering for various body types, good coverage.	Shorts may be snug for some.
Cooler Backpack	4.6/5 (1,085 reviews)	Insulated, leak-proof, portable.	Great for hiking and beach outings, comfortable to carry.	Can feel bulky when fully loaded.