About Packing List Generator

Generate packing lists based on trip type, duration, and climate. Part of the DevTools Surf developer suite. Browse more tools in the Travel collection.

Use Cases

• Generate a checklist for a specific trip type (beach vacation, business conference, winter hiking) with appropriate categories.
• Create a carry-on-only packing list for a 2-week trip with a laundry plan.
• Produce a camping or hiking packing list with weight estimates and gear recommendations.
• Build a reusable packing template for a recurring business trip route.

Tips

• Specify trip duration and climate separately — a 10-day tropical beach trip needs different items than a 10-day European city trip in winter.
• Use the 'carry-on only' mode to apply a 7-day rolling laundry constraint and remove checked-luggage items from the list.
• Add the generated list to a note app and check items off as you pack — this prevents the common mistake of mentally checking versus physically checking.

Fun Facts

• The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) 3-1-1 liquids rule (2006) — liquids in containers of 3.4 oz or less, one quart-sized bag, one per person — fundamentally changed travel packing and spawned an entire industry of travel-size products.
• Research by Tripadvisor (2023) found that 63% of travelers report overpacking as their most common travel mistake, and 78% of items packed are never used — suggesting most travelers pack at least 2x more clothing than needed.
• Space bags (vacuum compression bags) were invented in the 1990s and became a staple travel accessory after appearing on Oprah's Favorite Things list in 2005, after which annual sales increased by 400%.

FAQ

Does it account for airline carry-on restrictions?

Yes — toggle 'carry-on only' to filter out items that don't meet TSA 3-1-1 liquid rules and to apply size/weight constraints for major carriers (US domestic: 22x14x9 inches, 15-22 lbs depending on airline).

Can I customize categories?

Yes — the default categories (clothing, toiletries, documents, electronics, medicine) can be renamed and reordered. Add custom categories for specialized trips (photography gear, sports equipment).

Does it generate quantities?

Yes — clothing quantities are calculated from trip duration with a configurable laundry frequency. Other items use fixed quantities (1 passport, 2 chargers, etc.) that you can override.