The cabin trip, booked.
The group chat, giddy.
Your suitcase, soon to be stuffed.
With your getaway plans in full swing, it’s time to focus your attention on the goods that’ll come with. This cabin trip packing guide, categorically formulated for any destination (hot or cold-weather), has everything you need to comfortably leave your home for another.
Did you feel that? The separation anxiety between you and your fully stocked closet creeping up at the simple mention of your suitcase? You’re in a safe space, we too suffer from the delusions of an optimistic over packer, but we’re in this together. We know your only-worn-once black-tie dress will serve you no good in the wilderness, and we’d rather see you use that precious cargo space for good. That’s why we’ve put together this vacation checklist.
From the warm accessories for après to the board games for a cozy night in, we included everything you’ll need (and left-out everything you won’t) to be appropriately prepared while you’re away from home.
Time to dust off that luggage, it’s packing time.
(Click here to download the printable checklists)
Apparel
Let’s be clear, we want you to pack with practicality in mind, but by all means, you should still have fun with your vacation outfits. To do this we recommend sticking to a classic, dare we say capsule-like style for the basic essentials (pants, shorts, and shirts), but spicing each up with colorful accessories. We’ll dive into how to put this all together later in this piece, but for now, let’s stick to the fundamentals of what you need.
Cold-Weather Cabin Trip Apparel
Footwear
- Snow Boots
- Dressy Shoes, Sneakers or Boots for Going Out
- Optional: comfy slippers or Ugg boots
Under-things
- Sports Bras
- Regular Bra(s)
- Underwear — you know you best, pack whatever you need for the length of your trip.
Loungewear
- Sweatpants
- Sweatshirts
- Long or short sleeve t-shirts
Activewear for Cold Weather Activities, Workouts, and Lounging
- Thermal Leggings — anything made from merino wool is best.
- Thermal Tops — again, merino wool
- Basic Activewear Set(s)— Top and Bottom
Hitting the Town Attire
- Jeans
- Sweater(s)
- Basic White T-shirt — great for layering
- Button Down Overshirt — also great for layering
Outerwear
- Extra Warm Parka
- Snow Pants — for skiing or other winter activities.
- Snow Jacket — for skiing or other winter activities
- Optional: Snow Suit — this can replace the snow jacket and snow pants
Accessories
- Sunglasses
- Hats — beanie and/or balaclava (balaclavas are great because they eliminate the need for a neck warmer)
- Handbag or Fanny Pack (or both)
- Gloves or Mittens
- Scarf
Socks
- Regular Socks
- Cozy Long Socks — we recommend cashmere socks because they feel like slippers. Wear them with Uggs and your feet will never feel the same! We love this pair, but this pair is a bit more affordable.
- Warm, Wool Socks — best for skiing and other cold weather activities.
Warm-Weather Cabin Trip Apparel
Footwear
Under-things
- Sports Bras
- Regular Bra
- Underwear — you know you best, pack whatever you need for the length of your trip.
- Socks
Loungewear
- Sweatpants
- Sweatshirts
- Long or short sleeve t-shirts
Activewear for Workouts and Lounging
Hitting the Town Attire
- Jeans or Jean Shorts
- Basic White T-shirt — great for layering
- Button Down Overshirt — also great for layering
Outerwear
- Windbreaker or Fleece — great for cold nights and mornings.
Accessories
- Sunglasses
- Hats
- Handbag or Fanny Pack (or both)
Beauty + Wellness
The elements are a threat to your skin in almost any climate. In warm weather destinations, mosquito bites and prolonged sun exposure are your biggest threats. In cold weather destinations you’ll need to look out for dryness and sneaky sunburns. Stay prepared to fight off those-less-than-friendly elements with the nourishing skincare essentials.
- Sunscreen
- Lip Balm
- Moisturizer
- Cleanser
- Deodorant
- Mini Shampoo and Conditioner Set (if not provided by stay)
- Soap Bar (if not provided by stay)
- Makeup — we won’t tell you how to do your makeup, we know it’s personal.
Tech + Entertainment
Yes, you’ll be exploring the outdoors, obviously, but we all need a little enrichment time inside too. Check out everything you’ll need for passing cabin time.
- Cell Phone (le duh)
- Camera — Digital and/or Film
- Portable Speaker
- Kindle or Book
- Chargers for all Devices
- Board and Card Games
Food Storage
Most vacation rentals and cabin collectives have a partially or fully stocked kitchen, but there are few items that likely won’t be waiting for you when you get there. For all of your grocery list needs, check out our collection of the best recipes to make while on a cabin trip — dropping on December 20, 2023.
Recreation Gear + Equipment
If Skiing or Snowboarding:
Hoping to hit the slopes during your time off? We’ll pray for snow while you gather up the goods. Pro tip: for travelers flying to their destination, most airlines let you check your ski bag and boot bag as one bag. Save space in your carry-on by packing all of your ski apparel with your boots and gear.
Ski and Snowboard Gear
- Goggles
- Helmet
- Helmet Headphones
- Neck Warmer
- Ski or Snowboard Boots
- Skis or Snowboard
- For Skiers: Poles
- Optional: Ski Backpack or Fanny Pack
If Hiking:
Got some trails saved on your AllTrails favorite list? You’ll need these essentials before you leave the house.
If Surfing
Catching the perfect wave before heading back into your cozy cottage isn’t possible without your trusted gear. See the must-haves for any surf trip below.
If Swimming
Taking a dip doesn’t require much, but it requires something— mainly a bikini so you don’t have to skinny dip everywhere you go, although we won’t tell if you do.
Need some help putting all of these outfits together? Check out our Cabin Trip Outfit Inspo Guide
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