The Ultimate Swim Trip Packing Guide: What’s in Your Bag?

Embarking on a swim trip, whether it's for a competitive event or just an open-water adventure, requires meticulous preparation to ensure you have everything you need for both peak performance and comfort. From the essentials that support your swim to the gear that keeps you comfortable before and after the event, here's your comprehensive checklist and tips for packing smartly for your next swim trip. 

I typically divide my travel pack into three categories:

• Race Day

• Non-Race Day

• Travel

Essential Gear for Race Day

Tech Suit: My best tech suit for race day to ensure peak performance.

Goggles: Bring at least two pairs of goggles. Consider different tints for varying light conditions and ensure they are comfortable for long durations. Clear goggles are great for night swims!

Goggle Spray: To prevent fogging and maintain clear vision throughout your swim, goggle anti-fog spray is a must-have.

Bag Balm / Vaseline: To thwart chafing in those delicate places like armpits, between the thighs, and perhaps your shoulders and face.

Nutrition & Hydration: My personal feeding routine is Smucker’s Uncrustables (not available outside of North America), water with Mio (electrolyte solution), a few gels, and kids size yoghurt smoothies. It is recommended to feed as you train; don’t try anything new.

Support Gear:  Water bottles, dog lead (for ease of bottle handling), cooler, mesh bags, Safe Swimmer Buoy, water-proof phone case, Garmin swim watch, and maps.

Lights or Glow Sticks:  Attachable lights and glow sticks are necessary for night swims.

Other health related:  Ibuprofen and sunscreen.

Optional Gear for the Non-Race Days

Training Equipment: Include items like a kickboard, pull buoy, and paddles if the trip involves training sessions or leisure swims on off days.

Additional Sun Protection: Sunscreen with high SPF, lip balm with sunblock, and a sun hat.

Towels: Bring a mix of towels, including microfiber towels which are lightweight, quick-drying, and ideal for travel.

Chargers: Remember chargers for all your devices (phone, computer, watch), including an international power converter if you are traveling abroad.

Clothing: Be prepared for all sorts of weather conditions…rain, wind, and cold. Consider bringing a DryRobe or changing parka for convenience.  Also, think about shoes for hiking, fun, and the beach. 

Travel Items

- Passport and Travel Documents: For international trips, double-check your passport validity and any necessary visas.

- Lanyard and ID: Keep your identification accessible, especially during official events.

- Cash and Credit Cards: Ensure you have the local currency and inform your bank of travel plans to avoid any issues with card usage.

- Chargers: Remember chargers for all your devices (phone, computer, watch), including an international power converter if you're traveling abroad.

- Entertainment: Bring a book, download your favorite podcasts or TV shows for the car or plane trip and for those boring hotel nights when you can’t get to sleep. 

Packing Tips

1. Use a Checklist: Refer to this guide as you pack, checking off items to ensure nothing is forgotten. It is also good to have the checklist to remember to bring everything home (and not leave that charger plugged into the wall in the hotel!)

2. Pack Efficiently: Roll clothing to save space and use packing cubes to organize items by category (e.g., swim gear, nutrition, electronics). Use the mesh bags to compartmentalize.

3. Prepare for All Conditions: Weather can be unpredictable, so pack for various scenarios, including colder weather or rain…an umbrella, perhaps?

4. Click the image: Download a copy of the Travel Pack.

Conclusion

Preparation is key to enjoying a stress-free swim trip. By packing smartly and ensuring you have all the essentials, you'll be well-equipped to focus on what truly matters — the exhilarating experience of swimming in new waters. Remember, each trip is a learning opportunity, so take note of what items were most useful and adjust your packing list for next time. Dive in, swim strong, and enjoy every moment of your aquatic adventure!

WHAT’S IN YOUR BAG when you travel to open water events? Share your suggestions in the comment section below.