Boat Season is Here - What to Pack for a Day on the Lake

As the sun begins to climb higher and the days grow longer, we’re all getting excited for time spent on a serene lake. Especially in Minnesota, the transition to warmer months is something that excites all of us at Gigli every year, and we can’t wait to get out there again after a long winter. Whether you're planning a sun-soaked soirée, an active afternoon of water sports, or simply a relaxing time with family, preparing adequately can make or break your lake day experience. So we give to you our personal packing list for a day on the lake!

The Ultimate Packing Guide for a Day on the Lake

Before you even start wondering what to bring on a boat day trip, packing wisely ensures you maximize time on the water and aren’t making trips back to shore or wishing you had something to make you more comfortable. Here’s a comprehensive packing guide tailored for a delightful day on the lake:

The cooler, of course

Keep your drinks and food fresh with a well-insulated cooler filled with ice. This way, you will always have fresh food and cold drinks close by, for good vibes and very necessary hydration. 

It’s what’s inside that counts: Gigli

An amazing addition to your cooler is our line of refreshing summer beverages. Perfect for sipping while you drift on the water. Gigli swaps out the alcohol for THC, so you can have the same fun with no hangovers. On top of that, Gigli is made with real ingredients like fresh fruit juice, ashwagandha extract, and ginseng root, making it the perfect, all-natural drink on a hot summer's day.

Towels and Extra Clothes

Always pack extra towels for drying off after a dip in the lake, and for laying on afterwards. Especially us Midwesterners who could use a tan! Include a sweater or a light jacket in case the wind picks up, plus Minnesota evenings on the lake can get chilly.

Sunscreen

Protect your skin from the sun’s rays with a high SPF sunscreen. There are many myths that sunscreen stops you from tanning, but this is not the case. In fact, sunscreen will help you stay in the sun longer as you won’t have to stay inside from your burns. Reapply sunscreen every few hours, especially if you are in and out of the water or doing water sports. 

Best Boat Snacks

Bring a variety of healthy snacks to keep vibes and energy levels high. 

• Fruit bars
• Granola/Nuts
• Premade sandwiches 
• Crackers 
• Veggies and hummus 
• Jerky 
• Greek yogurt 
• Cheese sticks 
• Caprese salad
• Edamame 

The most important thing to remember in packing boat snacks is to pack more than you think you need, so when you meet new friends, you have something to share! Another key is to focus on snacks that aren’t messy or over-complicated.

Sunglasses and a Hat

Guard your eyes from the glare of the water with UV-protection sunglasses; polarized sunglasses are our go-to for being on the water as they reduce glare and allow you to see into the water more clearly, which is especially helpful if you are fishing. Also remember to bring a hat or a neck gaiter to shield your head and face, to minimize your chances of sunstroke in these sensitive areas.

Frisbee or Water Games

Enhance your lake day with some games like a frisbee, football or floating water mats for lounging and playing. This way, no one can complain about getting bored!

Life Jackets

We know this is not the most exciting part, but equally as important. Safety first! Make sure there are enough life jackets for everyone on board, or check that the boat is equipped with them, because even when you expect it the least, something still can happen and it's also required by Minnesota law.

Downloaded Playlist and Speaker

Prepare a playlist of your favorite songs, maybe even start a shared playlist with everyone who will be joining so that you can enjoy each other's favorite music. Remember the aux cord or a portable speaker with Bluetooth to keep the music flowing all day.

Dry Bag

Keep your electronics and valuables safe and dry, cause a fun day on the lake can turn sour by having just a little too much fun. A dry bag is essential for protecting items like your phone, keys, and wallet from water damage or loss.

First Aid Kit

First aid kits aren’t a glamorous thing to bring on your boat adventure, but you never know what could save the day for someone. Band aids, antiseptic, aloe vera, allergy medicine, and a pain killer like Advil are the boat trip basics that won’t take up much room!

Bug Spray

We hate to remind you, but Midwest summers come with bugs. You can also bring some citronella incense coils that create bug-repelling smoke and scents.

Creating the Perfect Lake Day Atmosphere

Imagine a gentle breeze over the lake, the laughter of friends, and the soothing lull of waves lapping against your boat as you take in the last moments of summer. The joy of a day at the lake is a quintessential Minnesotan summer experience. A day on the lake isn’t about the things you bring, it is about making memories that linger long after the sunset fades from the evening sky.