Methodology
The packing list generator follows a short set of fixed rules. There's no guesswork behind the scenes. Here's exactly how a list is built, so you know what to trust and what to check.
1. The item catalog
Every list is drawn from one catalog of 103 everyday travel items in 11 categories: documents, clothing, toiletries, tech, health, money, kids, camping/outdoor, beach, winter and misc. Each item is tagged with:
- the trip types it suits (beach, city, camping, business, digital nomad, family, winter sports, carry-on only)
- the climates it suits (hot, temperate, cold, mixed)
- a quantity rule (see section 3)
- whether it's left off carry-on only trips because it's too bulky
2. Which items go on your list
An item goes on your list when all of these are true:
- It's tagged for your trip type. Some presets add a second type. Family beach, for example, also pulls in beach items.
- It's tagged for your climate.
- Its section is switched on:
- Toiletries only if "Include toiletries" is on (on by default).
- Tech only if "Include tech / work" is on (on by default for business and digital nomad trips). Carry-on only trips always keep a phone and phone charger.
- Kids items only if you add at least one kid.
- Passports, visas or entry forms, boarding passes and a luggage lock only if "Flying or crossing a border" is on. It's on by default, and off by default for camping.
- It isn't a bulky item on a carry-on only trip. Tents, sleeping bags and pads, camp stoves, cooksets, camp chairs, strollers, beach umbrellas and luggage locks are left off.
Items are then shown in category order, starting with documents.
3. How quantities are counted
| Rule | Quantity | Used for, for example |
|---|---|---|
| One shared | 1 | Toothpaste, first-aid kit, packing cubes |
| Per traveler | adults + kids | Toothbrushes, passports, sun hats |
| Per adult | adults | Razors, wallets, deodorant |
| Per kid | kids | Kids' swim gear, comfort items |
| Tops | one per night + 1, up to 10 per person | Tops and shirts |
| Bottoms | one for every 2 nights (rounded up) + 1, up to 7 per person | Pants, shorts |
| Underwear and socks | one per night + 1, up to 10 per person | Underwear, socks |
On carry-on only trips, tops are capped at 5 per person however long you're away.
The caps assume you'll do some laundry on longer trips. They're suggestions, not rules. Every quantity on your list can be changed from 1 to 99.
Worked examples
| Trip | Tops | Bottoms | Underwear |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-on only, 5 nights, 1 adult | 6, capped to 5 | 3 + 1 = 4 | 6 |
| Camping, 2 nights, 2 adults | 3 × 2 = 6 | 2 × 2 = 4 | 3 × 2 = 6 |
| Family beach, 7 nights, 2 adults + 2 kids | 8 × 4 = 32 | 5 × 4 = 20 | 8 × 4 = 32 |
| Digital nomad, 14 nights, 1 adult | 15, capped to 10 | 8, capped to 7 | 15, capped to 10 |
4. Presets
Presets fill in the questions for you. You can change any field before you generate.
| Preset | Trip type | Climate | Nights | Travelers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-on only | Carry-on only | Temperate | 5 | 1 adult | Tech off (phone and charger still included) |
| Family beach | Family, plus beach items | Hot | 7 | 2 adults, 2 kids | |
| Camping weekend | Camping | Mixed | 2 | 2 adults | "Flying or crossing a border" off |
| Digital nomad | Digital nomad | Mixed | 14 | 1 adult | Tech on |
Every combination of trip type, climate and toggles produces a list, because the basics (documents, clothing and health items) are always included. The list is empty only if you remove every item yourself. If that happens, you'll see "You removed every item. Press Generate my list to start again."
5. Where the numbers come from
None of the quantities or caps come from an official source, because none exists. Nobody publishes a standard for how many shirts to pack. They're practical rules of thumb, and the generator presents them as suggestions.
Where a list touches a real rule, our guides cite the official source:
- Liquids in carry-ons. In the US, TSA allows travel-size containers of 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less in one quart-size bag. In Canada, CATSA allows containers of 100 ml or less in one clear, resealable bag of up to 1 L. Both have exceptions for medications and baby food. "3-1-1" is TSA's US name for the rule.
- Batteries. The FAA says spare lithium batteries, including power banks, go in carry-on bags only.
- Passports. The US State Department says some destinations require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your trip. See the travel documents checklist.
6. Limits
| Input | Allowed |
|---|---|
| Nights | 1–60 |
| Adults | 1–8 |
| Kids | 0–8 |
| Quantity per item | 1–99 |
| Trip name | Up to 60 characters |
| Saved trips | 5 per browser. Saving a sixth removes the oldest, with a notice. |
Progress counts items ticked off, not total quantity: ticking "Socks × 6" counts as one item.
7. What the generator can't know
- Your itinerary. Entry, visa and passport rules depend on your citizenship and route.
- Your health needs. Add your own medications and medical items.
- Your airline's rules. Bag size, weight and battery limits vary by airline and fare.
- Your weather. Climate is a broad setting. Check the forecast.
- Where you're staying. Laundry, towels and toiletries supplied by your lodging can shorten the list.
Edit the list to fit your trip. Add your own items and remove what you don't need.
8. Where your list is stored
Your current list and saved trips stay in your browser on this device. They aren't sent to us unless you email the list to yourself. See the privacy policy.
Report an error
Spotted a missing item, a quantity that looks wrong, or a rule that's out of date? Email info@sitewisesoftware.com with the trip type, climate, nights and travelers you chose, and what you expected. We'll check it and fix it.
Packing lists are suggestions only. Verify passport, visa, medication and airline liquid rules for your itinerary. Not affiliated with airlines or booking platforms.
Sources
- TSA, "Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels Rule": https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/liquids-aerosols-gels-rule
- CATSA, "Liquids, Non-solid Food & Personal Items": https://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/en/what-can-bring/liquids-non-solid-food-personal-items
- FAA, "Airline Passengers and Batteries": https://www.faa.gov/hazmat/packsafe/airline-passengers-and-batteries
- US Department of State, "Frequently Asked Questions about Passport Services": https://travel.state.gov/en/passports/contact-support/faq.html