Lifestyle
What to Pack for a Boat Trip in Stockholm – The Essential Checklist
Don't arrive unprepared. Our comprehensive packing guide ensures you're ready for everything from sunny deck days to cool archipelago evenings.
By Lars Johansson · · 9 min read
Whether you're boarding a private yacht for a corporate dinner or a motorboat for a day trip, packing right makes the difference between a comfortable experience and an uncomfortable one. Here's everything you need.
The Golden Rules of Boat Packing
Rule 1: Soft Bags Only
Hard suitcases are enemy number one on boats. They don't fit in tight storage spaces, they slide around, and they scratch surfaces. Use a soft duffel bag, backpack, or tote.
Rule 2: Layers, Layers, Layers
Stockholm's weather can shift dramatically in a single day. It might be 25°C and sunny at departure, then drop to 15°C with wind by evening. Layers are your survival strategy.
Rule 3: Less Is More
You're going on a boat, not moving house. Pack only what you need. Most charters are day trips — you'll be surprised how little you actually use.
Essential Packing List
Clothing
- Light jacket or windbreaker — the single most important item. Even on warm days, wind chill on the water drops perceived temperature 5-10°C
- Warm layer (fleece, merino wool sweater) — for evening or if weather changes
- T-shirts/casual tops — breathable, comfortable
- Shorts or lightweight trousers — quick-drying materials are best
- Swimsuit — you WILL want to swim. The water is irresistible
- Thin long trousers — for cooler evenings or sun protection
Footwear
- Soft-soled boat shoes or sneakers — essential. Hard soles and heels damage teak decks and are unsafe
- Flip-flops or sandals — for on/off convenience when swimming
- NO black-soled shoes — they leave permanent marks on deck
Sun Protection
- Sunscreen SPF 30-50 — water reflection doubles UV exposure
- Sunglasses (polarised preferred) — essential, bring a retaining strap
- Hat or cap — with a strap or tuck-in (wind will try to steal it)
- Lip balm with SPF — often forgotten, always needed
Swimwear & Towel
- Swimsuit — bring one even if you don't plan to swim. Plans change.
- Quick-dry towel — microfibre towels are compact and ideal
- Waterproof bag — for wet items after swimming
Personal Items
- Waterproof phone case — protect your phone from splashes and drops
- Camera (optional) — water-resistant or in protective case
- Motion sickness medication — if you're prone, take BEFORE boarding (Dramamine, ginger tablets)
- Personal medications — bring what you need, the archipelago has no pharmacies
- Hand sanitiser — practical after handling ropes or rails
For Day Trips (4-8 hours)
Food & Drinks
If your charter doesn't include catering:
- Water bottle — reusable, at least 1L per person
- Snacks — fruit, nuts, sandwiches, energy bars
- Cooler bag with ice packs — for drinks and perishables
- Drinks — check with your charter if you can bring alcohol
Entertainment
- Book or e-reader — for relaxing at anchor
- Bluetooth speaker (small) — check with crew first, some boats have systems
- Playing cards or small games — for downtime
- Binoculars — for birdwatching and island spotting
For Overnight Charters
Everything above, plus:
- Change of clothes for Day 2
- Sleepwear — nights on the water can be cool
- Warm socks — boat cabins have cold floors
- Toiletries in small containers
- Headlamp or small torch — for moving around at night
- Earplugs — boats make sounds (halyards, water, wildlife)
- Sleeping bag liner — some boats provide bedding, but a liner adds comfort
For [Corporate Events](/guides/corporate-event-boat-stockholm)
- Business casual clothing — smart but practical for a boat
- Flat shoes — no heels, regardless of how formal the event is
- Business cards — if networking
- Light blazer or cardigan — transitions from professional to casual
- Small clutch or pocket wallet — you don't need a full handbag
For [Sunset Cruises](/guides/sunset-cruise-stockholm)
- Warm layer — temperatures drop significantly after sunset
- Camera with good low-light capability — sunset photos require it
- Mosquito repellent — evenings in sheltered bays can bring mosquitoes (June-August)
What NOT to Pack
- ❌ Hard suitcases — no storage space, scratches surfaces
- ❌ High heels — unsafe and damages decks
- ❌ Black-soled shoes — permanent marks on teak
- ❌ Excessive luggage — nowhere to store it
- ❌ Valuables you'd stress about — saltwater and jewelry don't mix
- ❌ Heavy books — use e-reader instead
- ❌ Banana — old maritime superstition, but many captains take it seriously! 🍌
Weather-Specific Additions
Cold/Windy Day
- Waterproof outer layer
- Beanie or warm hat
- Gloves (thin)
- Thermal base layer
Hot/Sunny Day
- Extra sunscreen (reapply every 2 hours)
- Spray bottle for cooling
- Light, loose clothing (linen ideal)
- Extra water
Rainy Day
- Rain jacket (waterproof, not water-resistant)
- Waterproof trousers (optional but helpful)
- Dry bag for electronics
- Positive attitude — rain on the water has its own beauty
Pro Tips from Our Captains
- Arrive wearing your boat shoes — don't waste time changing at the dock
- Apply sunscreen before boarding — hard to do properly while moving
- Bring a small daypack — keeps essentials accessible on deck
- Charge your phone fully — charging points may be limited
- Bring cash as backup — some island shops don't take cards
- Dress for the forecast +/- 5°C — sea conditions are less predictable than land
Pack smart, and you'll be free to focus on what matters — enjoying Stockholm's magnificent archipelago. See you on the water!