What To Pack for Your Beach Adventures – Packing Lightly

A good beach vacation is one of the best ways to relax and unwind after weeks of grueling work. See the stress of the city life slowly melt away as you plunge into crystal clear waters. Witness a gorgeous sunset that will surely recharge your batteries. This leaves you energized and ready to get back to the grind with renewed vigor. So to get you straight to the action here is a quick and light packing guide for your next beach adventure

Essentials

Although everyone has different needs, here are a few items we believe should e in everyone’s beach packing list

1. First-Aid

This is often an overlooked item but can be a life-saver when you do need it. A basic first aid pack should include bandages, antiseptics, topical ointments, and a few cotton balls. It is also ideal to include several over the counter drugs that you might need such as anti-histamines, some pain-killers, and upset stomachs.

2. Sunblock

If you are heading for the beach, chances are it’s going to be sunny out. And although soaking up some sunlight is ideal, prolonged exposure can lead to problems in the future. Protect yourself with a suitable sunblock with at least SPF 50 or greater. Make sure that it is also reef safe so you don’t pollute the waters while keeping safe from the sun. Win-win.

3. Bug repellant spray

Imagine this: you’re at the beach feeling the moment, watching the waves crash, feeling the breeze on your face. Then all of a sudden you hear buzzing near you and all of a sudden the ambiance comes crashing down as bugs start swarming you. Avoid this by bringing along a good bug repellant spray.

4. Water shoes

We know feeling the sand and water between your toes is great but hear us out. Sometimes accidents can happen. Stepping on sharp objects like shells and dead coral on the beach can surely put a downer on your beach holiday. Protect your feet with reliable water shoes so you can enjoy the beach safely.

Apparel

Next up are clothes. Seems simple enough, but when you get down to it there are a lot of things to consider. Here are a few pointers on what to pack:

1. Lightweight clothes

The clothes you would want to bring to the beach should be breathable and lightweight. This not only keeps you comfortable but it also saves you a lot of packing space and weight. Plus these tend to dry a lot quicker so there are no worries when they do get wet. Shirts and tank tops made from synthetic materials are great options. Swim Shorts can double as swimwear too in a pinch.

2. Swimwear

Swimwear comes in all shapes and sizes to choose from. This can be quite overwhelming if you are buying for the first time. Whatever you choose, the two important things are fit and comfort. It should suit your body type and fits just right. The material should also be comfortable to wear. Pro tip: it’s best to bring a couple of extras just in case. If you’re still undecided about what to buy, make sure to check out this website and find the bikini that fits you.

3. Rash Guards

Sun protection rash guards are great to have with you especially if you are planning to spend the day doing a lot of activities. The materials used for these are designed to protect you from the harmful UV rays as well as add a protective barrier for your skin underwater. It can help protect you from jellyfish stings and other potential irritants that you may encounter.

Accessories

Here are other items that, although not essentials, are still great to have with you on your beach trip. However, people’s needs aren’t the same so you can add or remove items depending on your preference.

1. Beach umbrella

Nothing beats a good beach umbrella from keeping the Sun away from your skin. They are durable and easy to set up. Just prop one open and stick it in the sand. They can be quite bulky but since the rest of the packing list is quite light, having one won’t weigh you down much. An alternative would be a beach tent or a sizable lightweight tarp and some cords.

2. Sand-proof beach blankets

Getting sand between your toes is okay but into your blanket? Not a very great experience! Sand-proof blankets are made from materials that keep the sand from sticking in between the fibers. This makes it easier to clean and maintain while keeping the sand away. An alternative would be fitted blankets propped with coolers and bags at the corners.

3. Beach Towel

Ordinary towels can be very bulky to bring but these days, there are more lightweight solutions to this problem. Beach towels made from microfiber material are super absorbent, lightweight, and easily packable. They are also pretty quick to dry making them great to have especially when you’re traveling.

4. Sports gear

Swimming isn’t the only fun thing to do at the beach. There are tons of great water sports to try and some of them don’t need that much gear to do. Beach volleyball only needs, well, a ball and some friends for countless hours of fun. Another portable sport to try is standup paddleboarding or SUP. Unlike surfing, SUPs have an inflatable board variant which makes them very easy to store and bring with you wherever. GiliSports also suggests to paddle board with your dog, so bring him too!

Others

These are other items to include in your packing list.

1. Waterproof bags

Waterproof bags and pouches are great ways to keep your valuables safe from the elements. This can let you keep your valuables with you while you go for a dip.

2. Water jugs

Staying adequately hydrated is a must when spending a lot of time under the sun. Having a few water jugs with you will certainly make your whole beach experience a whole lot better.

3. Hats, caps, and sunglasses

Relying on sunblock alone isn’t ideal. The shade is still the number one protection against the sun so have a few items that can provide you this. Wide-brimmed hats provide protection for your face and shoulders. Sunglasses, on the other hand, protect your eyes from glare.