Travel

The Ultimate Weather-Wise Packing List

It’s easy for some important items to slip your mind in the rush of packing before a trip. (Xavier Lorenzo / Getty Images) — It’s easy for some important items to slip your mind in the rush of packing before a trip.
(Xavier Lorenzo / Getty Images)

Sign up for the Morning Brief email newsletter to get weekday updates from The Weather Channel and our meteorologists.

No one wants their vacation foiled by being unprepared for the weather. That's why we've pulled together a packing list to keep you covered for the unexpected chilly day, rain or heat. Read on to make sure you haven't forgotten to pack any of these important items in your suitcase next time you're planning a trip.

(MORE: Five Tips To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint While Traveling)

1. Sunscreen

A man coats his shoulder with sunscreen while looking out into the ocean. (Frederik Löwer / EyeEm / Getty Images) — A man coats his shoulder with sunscreen while looking out into the ocean.
(Frederik Löwer / EyeEm / Getty Images)

If you're planning any outdoor activities on your trip, you won't want to be caught without a good sunscreen. If you're headed somewhere warm where you might take a dip in the ocean, it's a good idea to pack some reef-safe sun protection. Check if your sunscreen has zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are kinder to coral reefs than the commonly found oxybenzone and octinoxate. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are not absorbed by the skin and are generally recognized as safe and effective by the Food and Drug Association.

2. A Good Hat

A man wears a bucket hat while posing for a selfie with a woman with blue water in the background. (Getty Images) — A man wears a bucket hat while posing for a selfie with a woman with blue water in the background.
(Getty Images)

Whether you're headed for the beach or out for a hike in a new location, a hat is a great way to protect oneself from the elements. A bucket hat can keep the sun off of your face and neck, and a baseball cap can protect your face and head from the sun's rays or the rain. Hats can also help protect you from ticks and other pests if you're headed to a woodsy area.

3. The Right Walking Shoe

Hiking boots will help protect your feet from mud, water and rugged terrain while hiking. (Maria Fuchs/Getty Images) — Hiking boots will help protect your feet from mud, water and rugged terrain while hiking.
(Maria Fuchs/Getty Images)

Sneakers can go a long way for exploring cities and venturing on light walks, but if you're headed on rougher terrain, you may want to pack a pair of hiking boots. They'll help keep your feet dry if you encounter any mud or rain, while protecting your ankles when trekking on uneven ground. Some companies even make hiking sandals, which offer a rugged sole but more breathability for the foot on warm-weather hikes.

4. A Bathing Suit

A woman floats in clear water wearing a red bikini. (Marco Bottigelli / Getty Images) — A woman floats in clear water wearing a red bikini.
(Marco Bottigelli / Getty Images)

Even if you're not headed to the beach, it's always a good idea to have a bathing suit handy. Your hotel might offer a pool or hot tub, which is always a nice way to relax. Indoor waterparks have been all the rage in recent years, and you don't want to be caught without a suit if the opportunity arises.

5. A Waterproof Passport And Phone Case

Travelers may want to invest in a waterproof passport case to protect against any accidents. (Getty Images) — Travelers may want to invest in a waterproof passport case to protect against any accidents.
(Getty Images)

In case you get caught in the rain, you'll want to keep your most important items dry. Even if you plan to keep your passport in your suitcase or in the hotel safe, there's no such thing as being too prepared.

6. Layers

A couple hikes in layered clothing. (Alistair Berg/Getty Images) — A couple hikes in layered clothing.
(Alistair Berg/Getty Images)

Even in summer, mornings and evenings can be much cooler than the afternoon, so it's a great idea to dress in layers when adventuring. A t-shirt and jeans or leggings work as a great base layer. A sweatshirt or hoodie layers on well next, and if it's particularly cool, don't forget your jacket.

7. A Raincoat Or Poncho

Three people enjoy street food while wearing ponchos in the rain. (Carlina Teteris/Getty Images) — Three people enjoy street food while wearing ponchos in the rain.
(Carlina Teteris/Getty Images)

Ponchos are great for travel because they fold down small and won't take up too much space in your suitcase or carry-on. They're easily layered over a warm coat, while they won't easily overheat you on a hot day when worn over lighter clothing. If you've got the real estate in your luggage, a raincoat will help you keep dry as well if you get caught in a rainstorm.

8. Waterproof Speaker

A good wireless speaker is easily portable and waterproof, so you can bring it virtually anywhere. (Getty Images) — A good wireless speaker is easily portable and waterproof, so you can bring it virtually anywhere.
(Getty Images)

This one's just for fun, but it's a great idea to bring a wireless speaker that's also waterproof. This can come in handy on the beach, on a boat, on a hike, on a picnic or just about anywhere a bit of music can enhance the atmosphere. Investing in a waterproof speaker will keep you covered in case you get caught in the rain or you're somewhere that you might catch a splash.

9. UPF Clothing

Some UPF clothing can be worn in the water as well. (Getty Images) — Some UPF clothing can be worn in the water as well.
(Getty Images)

For those who are extra sensitive to the sun, ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) clothing may be your new best friend. You can find apparel that's as high as 100 UPF, from long-sleeved shirts to hats and bathing suits. A fabric must be 30 UPF or higher in order to qualify for The Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation.

10. Sunglasses

Sunglasses are important eye protection for sunny days. (Stephen Zeigler/Getty Images) — Sunglasses are important eye protection for sunny days.
(Stephen Zeigler/Getty Images)

Last but not least, don't forget your sunglasses. It's so easy for this item to slip your mind, but it really is important to protect your eyes from the sun. Opt for sunglasses that offer UV protection, says Columbia University Irving Medical Center, and invest in a good eyeglass case to keep them from getting crushed in your luggage, or scratched by sand on the beach.

MORE FROM WEATHER.COM: 10 Places You Have To See In May

1/10
1. Experience the Midnight Sun in Northern Norway
Midnight sun in is seen above the clouds in North Cape, Norway. (Getty Images)

1/10
1. Experience the Midnight Sun in Northern Norway
Midnight sun in is seen above the clouds in North Cape, Norway. (Getty Images)

The Weather Company’s primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment and the importance of science to our lives. This story does not necessarily represent the position of our parent company, IBM.