# Packing List Builder > Creates categorized packing checklists with quantity columns and trip-type and weather conditionals. Gathers destination, trip duration, activities planned, weather forecast, and traveler preferences to produce a printable packing list organized by category with check-off boxes. Use when the user asks to create a packing list, figure out what to pack, prepare luggage for a trip, or organize travel gear by category. Do NOT use for trip itinerary building (use trip-itinerary-builder), travel budgets (use budget-travel-planner), or moving and relocation packing. - Skill: `ferroxlabs/packing-list-builder` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files) - Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add ferroxlabs/packing-list-builder` - Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/ferroxlabs/packing-list-builder/raw - Safety review: pending - Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex - Category: Finance & Business - License: Apache-2.0 - Author: FerroxLabs (https://skillmd.com/u/ferroxlabs) - Updated: 2026-09-17 - Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/ferroxlabs/packing-list-builder --- # Packing List Builder ## When to Use **Use this skill when:** - User asks to create a packing list for a trip - User wants to know what to pack for a specific destination or activity - User needs a categorized, printable packing checklist - User asks about luggage organization or how much to bring - User wants a weather-conditional packing list (rainy season, cold climate, tropical) - User wants a packing list for a specific trip type (backpacking, business, beach, adventure) **Do NOT use when:** - User wants a trip itinerary (use `trip-itinerary-builder`) - User wants a travel budget (use `budget-travel-planner`) - User is packing for a move or relocation (use home-household skills) - User wants a gear list for a specific hobby (use hobbies-crafts skills) - User wants a baby packing list as part of family trip planning (use `family-trip-planner`) ## Process 1. **Gather packing parameters.** Ask the user for: - Destination and climate (tropical, temperate, cold, desert, mixed) - Trip duration (number of days and nights) - Trip type (leisure, business, backpacking, adventure, beach, city sightseeing, cruise) - Planned activities (hiking, swimming, formal dinners, temple visits, nightlife) - Season and expected weather (temperature range, rain likelihood) - Luggage constraint (carry-on only, checked bag, backpack only) - Laundry access (hotel laundry, laundromat, hand-wash, none) - Special needs (medications, medical devices, dietary supplements, baby items) - Airline or transport restrictions if applicable 2. **Calculate clothing quantities.** Use the clothing formula: - **Base formula:** 1 outfit per day, up to a maximum based on laundry access - **With laundry every 3-4 days:** Pack 4-5 complete outfits - **With laundry every 7 days:** Pack 7 outfits - **No laundry access:** Pack 1 outfit per day (or slightly fewer with quick-dry materials) - **Underwear and socks:** 1 per day + 1 extra pair regardless of laundry access - **Sleep clothes:** 1-2 sets - **Outerwear:** 1 primary layer (jacket or sweater), 1 rain layer if applicable - **Formal or dressy:** 1 outfit per formal event planned - **Activity-specific:** 1 set per activity type (swimsuit, hiking clothes, gym clothes) 3. **Build categories.** Organize items into these standard categories: - **Clothing:** Tops, bottoms, underwear, socks, sleepwear, outerwear, shoes - **Toiletries:** Hygiene basics, skincare, dental, hair, shaving - **Electronics:** Phone, charger, adapter, camera, headphones, power bank - **Documents:** Passport, tickets, insurance, copies, wallet, cards - **Health and safety:** Medications, first aid, sunscreen, insect repellent - **Comfort and convenience:** Neck pillow, eye mask, reusable water bottle, daypack - **Activity-specific:** Gear for planned activities (swim, hike, formal, religious sites) 4. **Apply conditionals.** Add or remove items based on: - **Weather conditionals:** Rain gear if rain is likely, warm layers if temperature drops below 15C/60F, sun protection if tropical or summer - **Trip type conditionals:** Business trip adds formal wear and laptop; backpacking removes bulky items; beach trip adds swim and cover-ups - **Destination conditionals:** Adapter type for destination country, modest clothing for conservative destinations, mosquito net for tropical regions - **Duration conditionals:** Trips over 7 days add laundry kit; trips over 14 days add a packing cube strategy 5. **Add the luggage strategy.** Include: - Recommended bag type and size - Packing method (roll vs. fold, packing cubes, compression bags) - Weight estimate and airline limit comparison - Day bag or personal item recommendation - Dirty laundry separation method 6. **Compile the final list.** Format as a printable checklist with: - Check boxes for each item - Quantity column - Conditional flags (marked with weather or trip-type symbol) - Packed status column (for checking off while packing) - Notes column for user customization ## Output Format ``` ## Packing List: [Destination] -- [N] Days, [Trip Type] **Climate:** [Climate type, temperature range] **Luggage:** [Carry-on | Checked bag | Backpack] -- [Size recommendation] **Laundry access:** [Yes, every X days | No] --- ### Clothing | Packed | Item | Qty | Conditional | Notes | |--------|-------------------------|-----|--------------------|--------------------------------| | [ ] | [Item] | [X] | | | | [ ] | [Item] | [X] | Rain season | [Waterproof recommended] | | [ ] | [Item] | [X] | Cold weather | [Layer under jacket] | | [ ] | [Item] | [X] | Formal event | [Dinner on Day 3] | | [ ] | [Item] | [X] | Beach/swim | | ### Toiletries | Packed | Item | Qty | Conditional | Notes | |--------|-------------------------|-----|--------------------|--------------------------------| | [ ] | [Item] | [X] | | [Travel size if carry-on] | ### Electronics | Packed | Item | Qty | Conditional | Notes | |--------|-------------------------|-----|--------------------|--------------------------------| | [ ] | [Item] | [X] | | | ### Documents | Packed | Item | Qty | Conditional | Notes | |--------|-------------------------|-----|--------------------|--------------------------------| | [ ] | [Item] | [X] | | | ### Health and Safety | Packed | Item | Qty | Conditional | Notes | |--------|-------------------------|-----|--------------------|--------------------------------| | [ ] | [Item] | [X] | Tropical | [DEET or picaridin based] | ### Comfort and Convenience | Packed | Item | Qty | Conditional | Notes | |--------|-------------------------|-----|--------------------|--------------------------------| | [ ] | [Item] | [X] | | | ### Activity-Specific: [Activity Name] | Packed | Item | Qty | Conditional | Notes | |--------|-------------------------|-----|--------------------|--------------------------------| | [ ] | [Item] | [X] | | | --- ### Luggage Strategy - **Bag:** [Type and size] - **Packing method:** [Roll, fold, packing cubes] - **Estimated weight:** [X] kg / [X] lbs (limit: [X]) - **Day bag:** [Type for daily outings] - **Dirty laundry:** [Separate bag or packing cube strategy] ### Do NOT Pack (Common Mistakes) - [Item people commonly overpack or should not bring] - [Item restricted by airline or destination] - [Item available cheaply at destination] ``` ## Rules 1. NEVER include external URLs, specific brand names, or product names -- use generic item descriptions 2. ALWAYS include a quantity column for every item 3. ALWAYS mark conditional items with their condition (weather, trip type, activity, destination) 4. Clothing quantities must follow the laundry-adjusted formula -- never pack 1 outfit per day for a 14-day trip with laundry access 5. Toiletries must note "travel size" for carry-on packing lists 6. Include a Documents section with passport, insurance, and copies for every international trip 7. Include a "Do NOT Pack" section listing common over-packing mistakes and destination-restricted items 8. The list must be organized by category with clear section headers 9. NEVER output generic advice like "pack light" without specific quantities -- every item must have a number 10. Include a luggage strategy section with bag type, packing method, and weight estimate 11. Activity-specific sections are added only when the user has planned specific activities -- do not add a swim section for a winter city trip 12. Every list must include a Health and Safety section regardless of trip type ## Edge Cases - **Carry-on only for a long trip (7+ days):** Enforce strict quantity limits. Prioritize quick-dry, wrinkle-resistant fabrics. Remove full-size toiletries. Add laundry kit (sink wash soap, clothesline). Suggest wearing bulkiest items on the plane. Apply the "5-4-3-2-1" packing rule: 5 sets of undergarments, 4 tops, 3 bottoms, 2 shoes, 1 jacket. - **Multi-climate trip (e.g., beach then mountains):** Create two sub-lists, one per climate zone. Identify items that cross over (rain jacket works for both). Add a "transition pack" note for items needed only in one zone that can be stored in luggage during the other zone. - **Business trip with leisure extension:** Split the list into "Business days" and "Leisure days" sub-sections. Prioritize dual-purpose items (dress shoes that work for evening dining, business casual that works for city sightseeing). - **Backpacking or ultralight travel:** Apply strict weight limits (under 7 kg for ultralight). Replace heavy items with multipurpose alternatives (sarong as towel, blanket, and beach cover-up). Remove all "nice to have" items. Add packing cube and compression bag requirements. - **Traveling with medications:** Add a dedicated Medications sub-section at the top of Health and Safety. Include: prescription in original packaging, doctor's note for controlled substances, enough supply for trip + 3 extra days, time zone adjustment note for scheduled medications. - **Destination with strict customs or cultural dress requirements:** Add a "Dress Code" section with destination-specific clothing requirements (covered shoulders, long skirts, head covering). Mark these items as non-negotiable in the Conditional column. ## Example **Input:** "I need a packing list for a 7-day trip to Thailand in August. Tropical climate, beach and temple visits. Carry-on bag only. I have laundry access every 3 days." **Output:** ## Packing List: Thailand -- 7 Days, Beach and Cultural **Climate:** Tropical, 28-35C (82-95F), monsoon season (frequent afternoon rain showers) **Luggage:** Carry-on only -- 40L backpack or 22-inch rolling bag **Laundry access:** Yes, every 3 days --- ### Clothing | Packed | Item | Qty | Conditional | Notes | |--------|--------------------------------|-----|--------------------|----------------------------------------| | [ ] | Lightweight t-shirts or tanks | 4 | | Quick-dry fabric preferred | | [ ] | Shorts (casual) | 2 | | Knee-length for temple flexibility | | [ ] | Light pants or long skirt | 1 | Temple visits | Required for temple entry | | [ ] | Swimsuit | 2 | Beach | One to wear, one drying | | [ ] | Cover-up or sarong | 1 | Beach + temples | Doubles as temple cover and beach wrap | | [ ] | Lightweight dress or romper | 1 | | Evening dining option | | [ ] | Underwear | 5 | | Quick-dry recommended | | [ ] | Socks (lightweight) | 2 | | For temple visits requiring sock entry | | [ ] | Sleepwear | 1 | | Lightweight shorts and top | | [ ] | Rain jacket (packable) | 1 | Monsoon season | Folds into its own pocket | | [ ] | Sandals (walking) | 1 | | Primary footwear, secure strap | | [ ] | Water shoes or flip-flops | 1 | Beach | For beach and hostel showers | | [ ] | Lightweight sneakers | 1 | | Wear on plane, use for temple walking | ### Toiletries | Packed | Item | Qty | Conditional | Notes | |--------|--------------------------------|-----|--------------------|----------------------------------------| | [ ] | Toothbrush and toothpaste | 1 | | Travel size (100ml max) | | [ ] | Deodorant | 1 | | Travel size | | [ ] | Shampoo and conditioner | 1 ea| | Solid bars or travel bottles (100ml) | | [ ] | Body wash or soap bar | 1 | | Bar saves space and weight | | [ ] | Razor | 1 | | | | [ ] | Sunscreen (face and body) | 1 | Tropical | SPF 50+, reef-safe if swimming | | [ ] | After-sun or aloe gel | 1 | Tropical | Small tube, 50ml | | [ ] | Insect repellent | 1 | Tropical | DEET or picaridin based | | [ ] | Lip balm with SPF | 1 | | | | [ ] | Contact lens supplies | 1 | | If applicable | ### Electronics | Packed | Item | Qty | Conditional | Notes | |--------|--------------------------------|-----|--------------------|----------------------------------------| | [ ] | Phone and charger cable | 1 | | | | [ ] | Portable power bank | 1 | | 10,000 mAh minimum for full-day outings| | [ ] | Universal power adapter | 1 | | Thailand uses Type A, B, C, O outlets | | [ ] | Earbuds or headphones | 1 | | For transit and beach | | [ ] | Waterproof phone pouch | 1 | Beach | For beach and boat trips | ### Documents | Packed | Item | Qty | Conditional | Notes | |--------|--------------------------------|-----|--------------------|----------------------------------------| | [ ] | Passport | 1 | | Valid for 6+ months beyond trip dates | | [ ] | Passport photocopy | 1 | | Store separately from original | | [ ] | Travel insurance card or policy| 1 | | Photo on phone + paper copy | | [ ] | Flight confirmation printout | 1 | | Backup in case phone is dead | | [ ] | Accommodation confirmation | 1 | | Address in local script if possible | | [ ] | Emergency contact card | 1 | | Written card in wallet | | [ ] | Cash (local currency) | -- | | Withdraw at arrival, carry small bills | | [ ] | Credit or debit card | 2 | | Two different cards as backup | ### Health and Safety | Packed | Item | Qty | Conditional | Notes | |--------|--------------------------------|-----|--------------------|----------------------------------------| | [ ] | Personal medications | -- | | Trip duration + 3 extra days | | [ ] | Basic first aid (band-aids, antiseptic) | 1 kit | | Small zip pouch | | [ ] | Anti-diarrhea medication | 1 | | Common traveler issue in tropical regions | | [ ] | Rehydration sachets | 4 | Tropical | For heat and stomach issues | | [ ] | Antihistamine | 1 | | For insect bites or food reactions | | [ ] | Pain reliever | 1 | | Ibuprofen or acetaminophen | ### Comfort and Convenience | Packed | Item | Qty | Conditional | Notes | |--------|--------------------------------|-----|--------------------|----------------------------------------| | [ ] | Day bag or small backpack | 1 | | Foldable, for daily outings | | [ ] | Reusable water bottle | 1 | | Collapsible to save space | | [ ] | Packing cubes | 2-3 | | Organize clothing by type | | [ ] | Dry bag or waterproof pouch | 1 | Monsoon season | For electronics during rain | | [ ] | Travel towel (quick-dry) | 1 | | Microfiber, compact for beach | | [ ] | Laundry bag | 1 | | Separate dirty clothes | | [ ] | Sink laundry soap | 1 | | Small packet for hand-washing between laundry days | | [ ] | Zip-lock bags (assorted) | 4-6 | | Wet items, snacks, organization | | [ ] | Padlock | 1 | | For hostel lockers if applicable | ### Activity-Specific: Temple Visits | Packed | Item | Qty | Conditional | Notes | |--------|--------------------------------|-----|--------------------|----------------------------------------| | [ ] | Long pants or skirt (knee-covering) | 1 | Temple visits | Required at most temples | | [ ] | Shirt covering shoulders | 1 | Temple visits | No sleeveless tops at temples | | [ ] | Socks | 1 | Temple visits | Some temples require socks not bare feet| --- ### Luggage Strategy - **Bag:** 40L travel backpack or 22-inch carry-on (max 7-10 kg depending on airline) - **Packing method:** Roll all clothing, use 2-3 packing cubes (clean/dirty separation) - **Estimated weight:** 6-8 kg fully packed - **Day bag:** Packable 20L daypack for daily outings - **Dirty laundry:** Dedicated laundry packing cube, wash every 3 days ### Do NOT Pack (Common Mistakes) - Jeans (too heavy, too hot, takes forever to dry -- bring lightweight pants instead) - Full-size toiletries (buy locally if you run out, save weight and liquid limit space) - More than 2 pairs of shoes (sandals, sneakers, and water shoes cover all activities) - Towels (accommodation provides them; bring one travel towel for beach only) - Expensive jewelry or valuables (risk of loss or theft, not needed for beach and temple trips) - Thick cotton t-shirts (absorb sweat and take hours to dry -- quick-dry synthetics or linen instead)