One master packing list, plus add-ons for each kind of trip

Writing a packing list from scratch before every trip means forgetting different things each time. A better approach is one master list you keep and improve, plus short add-on lists for the kinds of trips you take. Before a trip you copy the master, attach the add-ons that apply, and cross out what does not.

What goes on the master list

The master holds the things you take on almost every trip, whatever the place or season. Keep it short. If an item only comes along on some trips, it belongs in an add-on.

• Phone, charger, cable and power bank
• Wallet, cards and a little local cash
• ID or passport, and any visas or tickets
• House keys
• Medication and glasses or contact lenses
• Toothbrush, toothpaste and basic toiletries
• Underwear, socks and something to sleep in
• Reusable water bottle

Group it by where things live in the bag, not alphabetically. A "pouch" group, a "toiletries" group and a "clothes" group make the list easier to tick while you pack.

Add-on lists by trip type

Each add-on is a short block you paste under the master. A few common ones:

Flying

Clear bag for liquids, travel-size toiletries, boarding pass, a layer for the plane, headphones.

Cold weather

Warm jacket, hat, gloves, thermal layer, lip balm, waterproof shoes.

Swimming

Swimsuit, quick-dry towel, sun cream, sandals, a bag for wet things.

Working away

Laptop and charger, display adapter, smarter clothes, notebook.

Hiking

Day pack, waterproof jacket, offline map, first-aid kit, headlamp. Our day-pack list has the full version.

Keep the lists honest

After each trip, spend two minutes with the list. Delete anything you carried and never used, and add anything you had to buy on arrival. Over a few trips the master gets shorter and the add-ons get sharper. If you share trips with a partner or family, keep one master each and one shared add-on for things only one person needs to bring, such as the first-aid kit or the adapter.

Where to keep it

Any place you can copy from works: a notes app, a document, a printed sheet in the suitcase pocket. What matters is that it is easy to duplicate before each trip, so you never edit the master by accident.

Where to go next

PackPoint works in a similar way: you save your own items once, then it builds each trip's list from your destination, dates and chosen activities. You can use it as the place your master and add-ons live, or keep your lists in a notes file and use an app only for the forecast check.