WHAT TO BRING TO THE LAKE | TIDE UP BOAT RENTALS
☀️ Lake Day Essentials
What to Bring to the Lake | Lake Travis Boat Rentals
The ultimate packing checklist for a perfect day on the water. Never forget the essentials again!
Packing for a lake day? Whether you’re heading to Lake Travis for a boat party or Lake Austin for a relaxing cruise, this complete checklist covers everything you need to bring to the lake. From absolute essentials to nice-to-haves, we’ve got you covered so you can focus on having fun.
There’s nothing worse than getting to the lake and realizing you forgot sunscreen, or that your phone is dead with no charger. We’ve compiled the ultimate lake day packing list based on years of experience on Lake Travis and Lake Austin. Use this guide to make sure your lake trip is perfect from start to finish.
⚡ Quick Reference: The 10 Must-Haves
Complete Lake Day Packing Checklist
Sun Protection
Reef-safe is best for the lake. Reapply every 2 hours.
Polarized lenses reduce glare off the water.
So many glasses have been lost to the lake!
Baseball cap, bucket hat, or wide-brim sun hat.
Sunburned lips are surprisingly painful.
Rash guard or UPF shirt for extra coverage.
Clothing & Towels
Wear it under your clothes to be swim-ready.
One to use, one to keep dry for the ride home.
Nobody wants to drive home in a wet swimsuit.
For shade breaks or if it gets breezy.
Protects feet on rocky shorelines.
Easy on/off for the boat.
Food & Drinks
Hard cooler keeps ice longer; soft cooler is easier to carry.
More than you think. Texas heat melts ice fast.
Dehydration sneaks up on you. Drink constantly.
Easy finger foods that won’t spoil in heat.
Beer, seltzers, sodas – whatever you prefer. Cans only!
Keeps drinks cold and hands dry.
💡 Hydration Tip
For every alcoholic drink, have a glass of water. The combination of sun, heat, and alcohol leads to dehydration faster than you’d expect. Bring electrolyte packets or sports drinks to replenish what you lose sweating.
Electronics & Valuables
Universal fit cases work great. Test before the trip!
Fully charged. Photos and GPS drain battery fast.
Waterproof bag for wallet, keys, phone, meds.
Waterproof models like JBL Flip are perfect.
Capture underwater shots and action moments.
You may need it for stops or if the captain cards you.
Health & Safety
Keep in waterproof container.
Dramamine or Sea-Bands if you’re prone to motion sickness.
Band-aids, pain reliever, aloe vera gel.
Especially for dusk hours or cove stops.
Useful before eating snacks on the boat.
Electrolytes, B-vitamins, or your preferred remedy.
Water Activities & Fun
Flamingos, donuts, loungers – bring the fun!
Cheap, easy to float, great for relaxing.
Lake Travis has surprisingly good visibility in spots.
For beach stops or floating catch.
Great for downtime or drinking games.
Makes swimming more comfortable.
Ready for Your Lake Day?
Now that you know what to bring, book your Lake Travis boat rental or Lake Austin cruise with Tide Up!
Best Foods to Bring on a Boat
Choosing the right food for a lake day is important. You want things that won’t spoil in the heat, aren’t too messy, and can be eaten without utensils.
✅ Great Boat Snacks
- 🥪 Sandwiches or wraps (pre-made)
- 🍇 Fresh fruit (grapes, berries, melon)
- 🧀 Cheese and crackers
- 🥕 Veggie trays with hummus
- 🥜 Trail mix and nuts
- 🍿 Chips and salsa/guac (in containers)
- 🥨 Pretzels
- 🍫 Granola bars
- 🥒 Cucumber slices
- 🍕 Cold pizza (yes, really!)
❌ Foods to Avoid
- 🚫 Mayo-based salads (spoil quickly)
- 🚫 Anything requiring utensils
- 🚫 Chocolate (melts everywhere)
- 🚫 Messy BBQ or ribs
- 🚫 Sushi or raw fish
- 🚫 Cream-based dips
- 🚫 Anything in glass containers
- 🚫 Heavily sauced foods
- 🚫 Foods that need reheating
- 🚫 Powdery snacks (get everywhere)
💡 Pro Food Tip
Pack food in separate cooler bags from drinks. You’ll open the drink cooler way more often, which lets warm air in. Keeping food separate keeps it colder longer.
Seasonal Lake Day Additions
Texas lake weather varies throughout the year. Here’s what to add to your packing list based on the season:
Summer (Jun-Aug)
- 🧊 Extra ice (doubles the amount)
- 💧 Double the water supply
- 🧴 Extra sunscreen
- ⛱️ Shade options (umbrella)
- 🌡️ Cooling towels
- ⏰ Arrive early (heat peaks 2-4pm)
Spring (Mar-May)
- 🧥 Light jacket for mornings
- 🌧️ Rain jacket (just in case)
- 💊 Allergy medication
- 🔆 Still need full sun protection
- 👀 Watch weather forecasts
Fall (Sep-Nov)
- 🧥 Warmer layer for late afternoon
- 👖 Long pants option
- ☀️ Still need sunscreen
- 🕐 Shorter days – plan timing
- 🌡️ Water gets cooler late season
Winter (Dec-Feb)
- 🧥 Warm jacket essential
- 🧤 Gloves for boat rides
- ☕ Hot beverages in thermos
- 🏊 Wetsuit if swimming
- 🌤️ Sunny days can still be nice!
Lake Day Packing FAQs
Lake day essentials include: sunscreen (SPF 50+), sunglasses, a hat, swimsuit, towels, water and snacks, a cooler with ice, change of clothes, waterproof phone case, and any medications you need. Don’t forget your ID and payment method for any stops.
Bring foods that won’t spoil in heat and aren’t too messy. Good options include: sandwiches or wraps, chips and dips, fresh fruit (grapes, berries), cheese and crackers, veggie trays, granola bars, and trail mix. Avoid anything with mayo that’s been out too long or foods that require utensils.
Bring at least 2 towels per person – one for drying off after swimming and one to keep dry for the ride home. Quick-dry microfiber towels are ideal as they’re compact and dry faster than cotton towels.
Put all valuables in a waterproof bag: phone, wallet, keys, medications, sunglasses when not wearing, extra cash, and any electronics. Even on calm lake days, splashes happen. A dry bag keeps everything safe and can float if dropped overboard.
Most boat rentals in Austin allow you to bring your own beverages, including alcohol (as long as the captain stays sober). Bring plenty of water – at least 1 gallon per person for a full day. Pack drinks in a cooler with plenty of ice. Check with your rental company about their specific policies.
Now that you know exactly what to bring to the lake, you’re ready for an amazing day on the water! Book your boat rental with Tide Up and put this checklist to good use.