The rumors are accurate – the perfect California getaway necessitates the perfect California packing list. California is full of fun outdoor trips, coastal beaches, and big-name cities. What to pack is dependent on what activities you wish to participate in in the golden state and which regions you plan to explore.
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Table of Contents
California Packing Checklist
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Hiking Boots
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The Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Boots are the sturdiest pair of hiking footwear for all terrain types. Completely waterproof with Gore-tex technology, these boots enable exploration of the finest CA trails.
Toiletry Bag
To avoid a disorganized collection of toiletries in your travel bag, consider an organized toiletry bag such as the REI Co-op Shower Roll, a bag that can hang from multiple locations for traveling.
This toiletry bag can be condensed to a compact carry-on size or expanded to accommodate all your travel items. I enjoy using this bag for tent camping in California.
Travel Backpack
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Travel becomes much simpler when packing only essentials. Who desires lugging a large suitcase when visiting California?
It’s not possible to over prepare with the Osprey Porter Travel Pack 46. This bag is ideal for all essential items and fits perfectly in plane overhead storage. The Porter 46 pack also saves stress from waiting for checked luggage at baggage claim, uncertain if it arrived at your destination alongside you.
Flip Flops
They may not be the most fashionable but flip-flops are the most convenient travel sandals. Use your flippies at the beach, in your hotel shower, as water shoes, and more goes on.
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Waterproof Phone Case
Explore the beautiful SoCal beaches next time you’re in town. It’s impossible to visit the golden state and not unwind on a sunny CA beach or hire a board and try your luck surfing some sizable Pacific Ocean waves.
Safeguard your mobile phone from the damaging effects of saline sea water with the Newppon Water Resistant Mobile Case. You have the option of taking underwater photographs with this long-lasting twin-pack waterproof phone enclosure.”
Power Bank
Remain connected while traveling through using the durable Zippo Heatbank 3. You can charge your phone and keep it ready whether exploring the cities of San Francisco or going on hikes in magnificent Yosemite National Park.
This unique portable battery is both a hand warmer and a power bank, the perfect twofold solution for outdoor travelers.
Quick-drying Towel
This fast-drying covering can be used after showering, at the seaside, or following a water hike in California. The PackTowl packs down to occupy nearly no space, making it a must-pack for visiting California.
The microfiber blend of this towel is delicate to the touch and can retain 4 times its weight in water. The towel additionally folds specifically into its connected bag for travel benefit.
Sleeping Bag
Camping is among the best ways to tour California’s state parks. Pitch a tent in the desert, by the ocean, or in thick pine forests in California.
The North Face Eco Trail Synthetic 20 is the best item for the ideal California camping excursion. The bag is rated at 20 degrees which is ideal for the mild California climate.
👉Pro Tip: For camping in cooler locales like the California nationwide parks, I recommend coordinating your sleeping bag with a sleeping bag liner. This sleeping bag liner includes the ideal amount of heat for your overnight quest.
Bathing Suit
For the purpose of this itinerary, we’ll presume you’re arriving the evening before and leaving late in the evening/the morning after, so you have a full day to explore.
Throughout my adult life, the bikini set from Zaful has been my go-to bathing suit choice. There are many colors available that can flatter all skin tones and the bra pads are removable, making this bathing suit very comfortable to wear.
👉 Obtain a Printable Version of this Checklist Here
Camping Stove
Preparing your own meals is the best way to spare money on an epic California road excursion. As the name indicates, the Jetboil Flash boils your water in a flash so you can satisfy your hunger speedily.
Out of all the various stoves I`ve tested, the Jetboil is not only the most efficient but also the lightest in weight and worth every penny spent.
Day Pack
A quality day pack truly enhances comfort while traveling. The Osprey Daylite remains Travel Lemming’s go-to day pack owing to its lightweight and durability.
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Travel Insurance
Anything can happen on the road. Consider if travel insurance is right for your trip.
Sun Hat
Safeguard yourself from heatstroke during your trip to California by wearing a broad-brimmed sun hat. The Scala Levanzo Raffia Big Brim Sun Hat is the ideal hat to keep your shoulders, neck, and head safe from harmful sun exposure.
This sun hat is also foldable and can be packed into the smallest bag or suitcase. I strongly propose this hat for backpackers who don’t have a considerable amount of storage space.
Sun Protection
Thinksport Sun Protecting Lotion is my preferred sunscreen for all outdoor scenarios when prolonged sun exposure is expected.
The high quantity of zinc in Thinksport sunscreen ensures that your skin won’t easily burn at the California beach, hiking in the CA mountains, or while shopping in Los Angeles.
Water Filtration Bottle
Thirst quenchers abound throughout California, with water refill stations and fountains ready to replenish one`s hydration. Skip single-use plastic by relying on a reusable bottle to remain hydrated during travel through Southern or Northern California.
Lifestraw Go water bottles have the ability to sanitize contaminated liquid and make it safe for human consumption. Rather than rely on plastic water bottles, this provides a reusable and eco-friendly alternative.
Headlamp
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Torchlights are among the primary camping necessities. I’ve utilized my Petzl Tikka Core Headlamp for hiking nearby California peaks and elevated mountains globally.
A standout quality of this headlamp is the rechargeable battery, enabling up to 110 hours of run time on low lighting and compatibility with AAA batteries for backup. As one of the top-rated headlamps on the market, this Petzl lamp is fundamental equipment for a thorough California packing list.
Earplugs
Whether camping alone or with company, the equipment I have relied on for a good night`s rest is a pair of earplugs.
Lysian Foam Earplugs provide excellent noise protection when participating in activities like camping in wooded areas, staying in a hostel with other noisy guests, or taking long flights. The soft material of these earplugs allows for comfortable wear without causing any painful ringing in the ears afterward.
Other California Essentials to Pack
- Sunglasses
- Reusable coffee mug
- Hand sanitizer
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Passport & license
- Binoculars
- Cell Phone charger
- Vaccination paperwork
- Pajamas
- Reusable bags
- Camera
- Online Security System (VPN)
- Light jacket
- Cross body bag
- Universal waterproof phone case
Clothing to Pack for California
California has varied terrain and different ecosystems throughout the region. The outfits one should pack differ depending on the area of California but some standard packing list items for the state include a bathing suit, a quick-drying towel, hiking sandals, a rain jacket, and some sturdy jeans.
You will most likely need beach and other hot-weather items if traveling to the south, and warm layers and jackets if traveling to the north.
So what clothing should you bring for California? Here is a quick packing list for California attire:
- 2-3 lightweight t-shirts
- 2-3 tank tops
- Hiking Sandals
- Bathing Suit Coverup
- Wetsuit
- Lightweight Jacket
- Rain Jacket
- Beach Towel
- 1 pair of jeans
- 1 pair of hiking pants
- 2 dresses
- 1 dress shirt
- Gloves
- 8 pairs of underwear
- 7 pairs of socks
This list is standard for most destinations in California. If you are going exclusively to visit Southern California coastal communities, you may have the option to rent a wetsuit. Be sure to pack and secure all other items on the list before travelling to California.
Hiking Sandals
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Teva sandals are my preferred travel sandals. They can be worn as water shoes in the Pacific Ocean, as hiking sandals on an epic San Francisco hike, or as everyday wear while exploring San Diego or Los Angeles.
The most comfortable Teva model mentioned in the strong hyperlinked text are the Teva Tirra Sandals, which also arrive in enjoyable colors. The most comfortable Teva men’s sandals identified in the strong linked text are the Teva Strata Universal Sandals.
Beach Towel
Towels meant for beaches can fulfill multiple purposes. A lightweight option like the Slowtide Compact Beach Towel can be utilized to dry off after swimming, relax on the sand, or as an alternative to a cover-up.
I own this towel and enjoy wearing it as a sarong after a day of surfing. Not only is it stylish, but it also dries you as you wear it. This great piece of gear should be on every California packing list.
Gloves
California is known for its warm, seaside atmosphere but the winters do see fairly chill weather. Waterproof gloves are a fundamental gear item for visiting California.
The prime feature of REI Co-op Gauntlet Gloves is their Gore-tex trait, implying they are simultaneously watertight and water-resistant. They can also be layered with other fleece gloves or down mittens in severe situations.
Hiking Pants
With an abundant number of fantastic hiking paths in California, you will want a sturdy pair of hiking pants in your California luggage. I’ve trekked throughout the state in my Kuhl Frost Soft Shell Pants and cannot recommend them more highly.
From hilly tracks in San Francisco to coastal routes in San Diego and Santa Barbara, the Kuhl soft shell trousers are suitable for any terrain.
Lightweight Jacket
Incredibly popular for its distinctive color palettes, Cotopaxi creates some of the toughest and highest quality outdoor clothes. Their jackets make ideal gifts for outdoor enthusiasts and complement any complete packing list.
The jacket produced by Cotopaxi keeps the body warm yet remains lightweight enough for layering. This layered fleece material and the jacket`s recycled fabric give it environmental friendliness and convenience for comfortable warmth.”
👉 Obtain a Printable Version of this Checklist Here
California Packing Tips
Pack Layers
Northern and Southern California weather can be unpredictable at times. Even if the forecast predicts a brisk 45 degrees in Yosemite National Park or Lake Tahoe, you can warm up quickly in the California sun. Pack layers to stay as comfortable as possible during your trip to the golden state.
I prefer having multiple layers of clothing in the morning with a short sleeve top, a long sleeve layer, and a sturdy outer layer that I can don or doff as conditions demand. Refer to this link for guidance on navigating the ideal time to visit California.
Maximize Your Suitcase Space
Choose your packing list carefully for your upcoming California trip. You never want to stuff your suitcase (or backpack) fully without leaving room for souvenirs you may acquire.
These compact packing accessories help maximize the interior area in your bag so you don’t have to sacrifice essential items. They also provide an effective means to retain organization and allow quicker access to needed contents within the luggage.
Consider Your Activities
What you bring depends on the activities you wish to do. For example, you likely won`t need hiking boots if surfing is your primary focus for your California road trip.
Most of the items in this ideal California packing list are omnipresent and can be utilized for an assortment of exercises, yet consider what explicit exercises you need to do in California and pack the essential gear.
Utilize Multi-functional Clothing
Similar to using a beach towel as a cover, many clothing items can serve multiple purposes. A scarf is a great item to pack since it can also be worn as neck protection, a beanie, a top, a skirt, or even a dress.
The Coolibar Scarf is one of my favorite versatile travel scarfs. It can be used in all of the mentioned ways and is also SPF-protected.
Prioritize Safety
The Golden State is normally a protected place to travel but you ought to still contemplate your protection in California, even if journeying to pleasant spots like the California coast or a refreshing California lake. Pack a first aid kit, a multipurpose tool, and pepper spray to guarantee your maximum protection while on holiday.
FAQs About What to Pack for California
What do I need to pack for California?
Sunglasses, sunscreen, swimwear, relaxed footwear for walking and flip flops, and a reusable drinking container are all important items to bring with you in California. Other useful things to pack are photo identification, cash money, and a camera for tourist photographs.
What should I pack for 4 days in Los Angeles?
You should pack 3 tee shirts, a pair of denim jeans, 1 pair of shorts, a tank top, comfortable shoes, 1 dress, earplugs, a reusable water bottle, and toiletries for 4 days in Los Angeles.
How should I dress for a California vacation?
Attire yourself in layers for a California trip. Even if you are visiting in summer, evenings can be chilly so you will want to have a warm outer garment with you constantly. If touring in winter, carry boots, thick socks, and multiple long-sleeved layers for your California journey.
How do I not look like a tourist in California?
Do not wear too many clothes and photograph everything to avoid appearing like a tourist in California. In addition, avoid tours using double-decker buses and walking itineraries if you do not wish to seem like a visitor.
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🖨️ Obtain a printable version of this checklist
That wraps up our ultimate packing list for California! Remember you can also get the printable version here.
Keeping this California packing list in mind, you are sure to have a perfect California trip! Be sure to also check out my best towns in California guide to hit all the top spots in the golden state!
