Whether you’re renting a cabin for a weekend or spending a week at your family’s joint property up north, you may struggle when figuring out what to pack. You don’t want to pack too much, but the fluctuating temperatures may mean that you need to prepare for all sorts of weather. If it’s your family’s first time taking a trip out to a remote cabin for some quality time away from technology, make sure everyone knows how to pack for a trip to a cabin before loading into the van.
Bring Supplies for All Activities You Want to Do
Nature allows you to introduce your family to a new hobby that they can explore at their own pace. Be sure to bring along equipment and supplies that you won’t be able to rent at a nearby lodge once you get there. Each activity requires different supplies, even if they seem similar in what they do, so try not to take any shortcuts as you pack.
Some activities you may try as a family while at the cabin include:
- Fishing
- Geocaching
- Hunting
- Hiking
- Campfire cooking
- Exploring nature
If you intend on fishing or hunting, make sure that everyone involved has the proper permits and follows local and state laws.
Pick the Right Clothes for the Weather
Keep an eye on the weather that you’ll experience during your visit to the cabin. No one wants to spend most of their time indoors because they didn’t bring the proper clothes. As you pack, try to bring things that are good for multiple types of weather—for instance, a jacket that protects you from the rain without warming you up will also work well for milder temperatures.
Know the purposes between different jackets, such as fleece jackets and down jackets, before committing to one for your trip. By reducing the number of bulky clothes you bring and sticking to one type of clothing, you’ll reduce the clothing weighing you down during the trip.
Don’t forget to bring heavy clothing and shoes that will protect you from all the dangers of nature, such as bugs, poison ivy, and unseen creatures. The right pants and hiking boots can make all the difference as you trek through plant life.
Bring Some Comforts of Home
Depending on how long you’ll be away, bringing along some items from home can keep the family happy even when everyone (inevitably) gets a bit testy. Since you’ll be far away from any type of store when you’re at the cabin, make sure you stock up now rather than regret not packing something when you’re there.
Keep everyone supplied with some of their favorite snacks and drinks. Stuff your car with cans of bug spray and sunscreen. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly when learning how to pack for a trip to a cabin, don’t forget to bring several rolls of toilet paper—seriously. Unless your cabin has modern plumbing, you won’t regret remembering to bring your favorite brand of toilet paper when you’re in the outhouse.