summer go bag :: always be prepared… for fun

Summer has officially arrived, which means that my kids and I are constantly on the go having fun and adventures. Park dates, beach days, pool parties, impromptu picnics, and last minute escapes to the lake keep us on the go between all the other activities we have scheduled. The thing is, you just never know when a picnic with friends will turn into a visit to a splash pad, or a trip to feed the fish at a park ends with a mud-coated child. I like to be prepared for the unexpected with a summer go bag and it’s all planned around extending our fun.

You’ll find that keeping this relatively small can really help, as we have tried to do here. Then it’s easier to carry wherever you go, and you’ll find that you are much more likely to easily store it in a Radical Storage unit as well. All in all, that size is what matters here, so you should bear that in mind when you are building this up.

A few years ago I shared my original summer go bag, but today I’m rather excited to let you know how I still use the same sturdy canvas tote to now fit 4 people instead of 3! Plus, I’ve had a few years to streamline my packing. Below is my suggested list of items to stock in your summer fun go bag, but keep in mind that every family is different so think about yours and add or remove items as appropriate. I also have to note that I could not have fit all the clothing, bathing suits, and beach towels for 4 people without my travel Space Bags. You can pick them up online or in your local stores but they really do make it possible to pack a lot of stuff into a small space.

For each person I packed

• beach towel
• bathing suit (not pictured, because Oops!)
• socks
• underwear (including sports bra for me – you never know when a kid will do something that prompts your complete change of clothing)
• lightweight jacket/zip-up
• shorts
• t-shirt
• toothbrush
• PJs (just for the kids, this included pants in case of cold weather with adult sized t-shirts)

 

To share I packed a single

• toothpaste
• travel sized bodywash
• travel sized shampoo & conditioner
• travel sized lotion
• sunscreen
• bug spray (not shown but added after the photos)
• cotton swabs
• cotton rounds
• hairbrush(es)
• baby wipes
• baby powder (good for removing dry sand from feet)
• hair ties
• plastic grocery bags (for dirty/wet laundry as well as emergency trash bags)
• fully stocked first aid kit
• spare phone charger cord and wall plug

 

Stuff we needed that you may not but are also great prompts for unique items you may need

• swim diapers
• regular diapers
• contacts
• face wash, toner, and moisturizer
• deodorant
• pacifier with clip/bib
• prescription medication doses (always follow any warnings or directions from your doctor/pharmacist for storage of medications and keep in mind the ages of children traveling with you – i.e. are they going to try to get in to your meds?)
• dry bag to keep important items from getting wet or sinking if we go boating (phone, keys, wallet, etc.)

 

After consolidating the above toiletries into a small bag and the clothing/towels into the Space Bags I was able to fit all of these items into a single canvas bag from Lands End and I was SUPER excited about my packing skills. Make sure the clothes are items you won’t miss if they don’t get used for a few weeks or even all summer. Any items you always keep handy during the summer months?

 

*I was compensated in no way for any of the above listed, or photographed, items. All opinions are my own.*