Whether you’re a first-time sailor or a seasoned skipper, figuring out what to bring on a boat trip can feel overwhelming. Using a sailing packing list to pack light without missing the essentials is key to enjoying your time at sea.
Sailing brings you closer to nature, but it also demands preparation. From sun exposure to unpredictable weather and limited storage space, the right gear can make or break your experience. This guide breaks down what to bring on a boat day or trip for vacationers, crew, and skippers alike.
- What To Pack For A Sailing Trip
- What Boat Equipment To Bring On A Sailing Trip
- What Not To Pack For A Sailing Trip
Track live wind patterns and plan your perfect departure using the SailFlow app.
What To Pack For A Sailing Trip
Space is limited on a boat, so the things to bring on a boat trip should focus on versatility, function, and protection from the elements. Prioritize items that are lightweight, compact, and quick-drying. Even warm-weather trips can involve cool breezes and salt spray, so layers are essential.
Here are the basics for everyone on board:
- Quick-dry clothing and a lightweight jacket
- Swimsuit and beach towel
- Sunscreen (reef-safe), lip balm with SPF, sunglasses with strap
- Reusable water bottle
- Toiletries and medications
- Soft duffel bag (not hard luggage)
- Nutritious foods and drinks
No matter your role on the boat, these items should be part of your go-to packing list for boating.
Vacationer
Casual passengers or leisure travelers don’t need technical sailing gear, but that doesn’t mean packing without purpose. A day or week at sea exposes you to changing weather, slippery surfaces, and close quarters. Smart packing helps you stay comfortable while respecting the rhythm of the boat.
While you’ll likely spend time lounging, sightseeing, or swimming, your gear should still protect you from sun exposure, wind chill, and occasional splashes. Moisture-wicking fabrics, layered options, and easy-to-dry items are ideal. Space onboard is limited, so aim for quality over quantity.
Vacationer boat trip packing list:
- Lightweight, quick-drying shirts (long and short sleeve)
- Swimsuit (preferably two, to rotate while drying)
- Water-resistant windbreaker or light jacket
- Sun hat or cap with a chin strap
- Polarized sunglasses with a retainer strap
- Reef-safe sunscreen and SPF lip balm
- Motion sickness remedies (Dramamine, ginger chews, acupressure bands)
- Non-marking deck shoes, grippy sandals, or boat shoes
- Small dry bag for personal items
- Towel (preferably microfiber)
- Headphones, book or e-reader, and entertainment items
- Small portable speaker
- Reusable water bottle (preferably insulated)
- Light toiletries (toothbrush, deodorant, face wipes)
- Packable tote bag for beach or dock stops
If you’re unsure what to bring on a boating trip as a guest, prioritize sun protection, versatility, and respectful footwear. Comfort matters, but practicality makes the experience more enjoyable for everyone onboard.
Crew
Crew members play an active role in the success and safety of the sail. Whether you’re hauling lines, adjusting sails, or managing gear, you’ll need clothing and tools built for movement, durability, and exposure. You may get wet. You’ll definitely get salty. Preparation, like packing the right stuff or checking the UV Index, means performance.
The weather can shift quickly on open water. Be ready for sunshine, chilly winds, and sudden rain, sometimes all in a single day. Layering, waterproof gear, and quick-drying fabrics help regulate temperature and manage moisture. Sturdy shoes protect feet from stubbed toes and provide traction when conditions get rough.
Crew packing list:
- Moisture-wicking base layers (top and bottom)
- UV-rated performance shirts (long sleeve recommended)
- Quick-dry sailing shorts and pants
- Sailing gloves (fingerless or full, depending on preference)
- Waterproof foul-weather jacket and pants
- Closed-toe, non-slip deck shoes or sailing boots
- Lightweight beanie or cap for cold winds
- Headlamp with red-light mode for night sailing
- Sunglasses with a floating retainer
- Personal first aid kit
- Reusable water bottle or hydration pack
- Compact multi-tool or knife
- Waterproof pouch for phone and small valuables
- Watch with a countdown and alarm function
- Backup dry clothes in a compression sack
Knowing what to take on a boat trip as crew means preparing for hard work, unpredictable weather, and tight quarters. Versatility, safety, and reliability should guide your choices.
Skipper
The skipper holds the highest responsibility onboard, encompassing navigation, safety, and leadership. That means being ready for anything: shifting wind, sudden squalls, mechanical issues, or medical needs. Beyond personal gear, the skipper must also carry backup tools, documentation, and communication devices.
Attire should allow for freedom of movement but also signal readiness. Skippers often shift between physical duties and oversight, so functional layers, waterproof options, and practical accessories matter. More than anything, a prepared skipper is a calm skipper.
Skipper packing list:
- Proper certifications if needed in the area you’re sailing
- Full foul-weather gear (jacket, pants, waterproof boots)
- UV-protective shirts and sun-blocking neck gaiter
- Sailing watch with barometer, compass, and GPS functions
- Waterproof dry bag for gear and paperwork
- Laminated tide charts, current maps, and printed navigation references
- Secondary GPS unit or handheld chartplotter
- Portable VHF radio or satellite communication device
- Smartphone with navigation apps downloaded offline
- External battery pack or solar charger
- Notebook and waterproof pen for logs
- Safety whistle, signaling mirror, and emergency flares
- Backup flashlight and spare batteries
- Emergency cash and ID in waterproof storage
- Copies of boat documents, permits, and emergency contacts
Knowing what to bring on a boat as the skipper goes beyond personal needs. Your equipment should support visibility, planning, and the ability to make informed decisions when conditions change. The goal is control, foresight, and confidence, no matter what the weather delivers.
Looking to improve your on-the-water accuracy? Use the Tempest WEATHERmeter for handheld wind and weather data. Also, explore our guide on the best sailing wind speed.
What Boat Equipment To Bring On A Sailing Trip
Not all chartered boats come fully equipped, especially when it comes to personal or safety equipment. Before departure, check the inventory list with your charter provider. This avoids bringing duplicates while ensuring nothing critical is missing.
Recommended things to take on a boat include:
- U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices (PFDs)
- Flashlights and spare batteries
- Cooking tools, such as a portable stove or utensils
- Snorkel gear if you plan to explore
- Extra dock lines or fenders
- Waterproof dry bags or bins for electronics and documents
Packing these items can make a big difference in safety and convenience, especially on longer voyages or less-furnished vessels. Knowing what to bring on a boating trip means preparing beyond just your suitcase.
What Not To Pack For A Sailing Trip
Packing too much or bringing the wrong items can take up valuable space or even become hazardous. Boats have limited storage, and unnecessary clutter can affect mobility and comfort.
Avoid these common packing mistakes:
- Hard suitcases or rolling luggage, which are bulky and hard to stow
- Fancy clothes or shoes unless your itinerary includes upscale stops
- Excessive electronics, including laptops or large cameras
- Scented candles, glass containers, or anything that breaks easily
- Jewelry or valuables you don’t want exposed to saltwater or risk losing
- Full-size toiletry bottles that take up space
The key to packing for a successful boat trip is minimalism. Choose multipurpose items and travel-sized versions to maximize function without compromising comfort. For anyone finalizing their packing list for boating, think about what you’ll actually use on the water.
Get Accurate Sailing Weather Readings With The SailFlow App
Every successful sailing trip begins with accurate weather data. The SailFlow app provides real-time wind, tide, and marine forecasts, enabling you to make informed decisions during your outdoor hobby and stay one step ahead of changing conditions.
Whether you’re planning a day sail or a weeklong voyage, SailFlow helps you choose the right time to set out and the best routes to take. Its precision wind readings, interactive maps, and location-based alerts are trusted by skippers and sailing teams around the world.
Get the WEATHERmeter for even more control over your journey. From route planning to mid-sail adjustments, having reliable weather data on hand improves safety and performance. And while you’re sailing, monitor your home’s weather with the Tempest Weather System, a personal weather station that sends you local weather forecasts and information from your backyard.
Download the SailFlow app to chart your course with confidence and precision.