Packing for the Lake
This simple packing guide keeps your boat ready all season and makes spontaneous lake days easy.
Boat Box
Stays on the boat
(Essentials, safety gear, tools)
Lake Stash
Stays in car or garage
(Backup items, towels, sweatshirts, sunscreen)
Night Before Prep
10 minute reset
(Food, charges, check weather)
Grab & Go
Food, Drinks, Personal Items
Boat Box - Essentials for the Season
Keep these items onboard all season. Store them in a dry box so they’re easy to grab and carry.
Boat registration & launch permit
Driver’s license
Fishing license
Boat keys
Multi-tool
Electrical tape & zip ties
Sunscreen & bug spray
Baby wipes & paper towels
Trash bags
Phone charger & battery pack
Microfiber towel
Required Safety Items
Life jackets (one per person)
Throwable cushion
Fire extinguisher
Working navigation lights
Boat registration & launch permit
Drain plug (if required)
Safety Basics
First aid kit (include commonly used medications such as; ibuprofen, Antacid, Allergy meds, something for motion sickness)
Emergency whistle
Flashlight
Keep everything in one dry box so you never scramble for essentials. Carry it with you to and from the boat.
Pack This First: Dry Box
Lake Stash
Store these items in a tote in your garage or car so you're always ready for a spontaneous lake trip.
Extra towels
Sweatshirts & socks
Blanket
Spare shoes or flip flops
Spare sunglasses
Backup sunscreen
Night-Before Prep
Prep the night before for smooth mornings
Prep snacks or lunch
Freeze water bottles
Put drinks in the fridge
Charge portable battery packs
Collect wallet, keys, & sunglasses (or keep in the dry box)
Check the weather
Tip: Freeze whatever makes sense—it keeps the cooler cold longer.
Grab & Go Checklist
Set it up once - lake days get easy.
Dry Box
Wallet & Id
Boat Key
Phone & Charger
Cooler/Drinks
Frozen water bottles
Snacks/Food
Sunglasses
Hat