Let’s head north, friends! That means we’re packing up and going to the cabin. But what to pack for a cabin trip? Here’s one thing you probably didn’t know about me: I love lists. I have random notebooks, notepads and half-full planners all over the place filled with grocery lists, to-do lists, house chores lists, pros and cons lists and of course — the cabin weekend packing list. Each check mark I make next to the items on my cabin list means we are one step closer to that northwoods getaway!
So today, I want to share with you my go-to cabin weekend packing list. From clothes to food and drinks, entertainment and decor for ambience, you’ll find it all below!
A huge thanks to CobornsDelivers for sponsoring this post! My ideas and lists on packing up for the cabin are 100% my own. This post may contain affiliate links, including the Amazon Influencer Program. If you buy something through one of these links, you won’t pay a penny more, but I will get a small commission to keep Girl of 10,000 Lakes afloat.
DRESSING FOR THE CABIN
- Weekend duffle
- Comfy sweatshirt
- Leggings
- Pullover sweater
- Flannel
- Rain gear
- Midi Tops
- Jean shorts
- Comfy Matching Set
- The cutest, comfortable All Day dress and Swim Cover
- Plenty of swimsuits
- Flip flops or slide sandals that can get wet
- Running shoes
- Hiking boots
- Indoor moccasin slippers
- Wool socks
- Baseball cap
- Sun hat
EATING AT THE CABIN
When I pack up food for the cabin, I’m actually saving time by ordering it in advance to my door from Coborns. They offer store pickup as well as delivery and have been doing so since pre-COVID era. It’s perfect for cabin weekends when I’m too busy to go grocery shopping. That means more time at the cabin and less time grocery shopping. Here are a few of my favorite food items to pack:
- Ready-to-Cook Meals (meals kits are a lifesaver!)
- Simple Sides from the Deli
- Charcuterie Board Items:
- Assorted cured meats: Prosciutto, salami, pepperoni, and chorizo
- Cheese selection: Mix of soft, semi-soft, and hard cheeses. Brie, Camembert, cheddar, gouda, and blue cheese
- Crackers and bread: Assortment of crackers and sliced baguette or artisan bread
- Fresh and Dried Fruits: Grapes, apple slices, figs, and berries add sweetness and freshness to balance the savory meats and cheeses
- Nuts: Add some crunch with almonds, walnuts, cashews, or mixed nuts
- Olives and Pickles: Include a selection of olives such as Kalamata, green, and stuffed. Pickles, gherkins, and pickled onions also provide a tangy contrast.
- Spread and Dips: Mustard, honey, fig jam, or olive tapenade for spreading on crackers or pairing with cheese
- Extras: Add some additional treats like dark chocolate squares, marinated artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers for extra variety
- Fun S’mores Ingredients:
- Traditional graham crackers, chocolate chip cookies, peanut butter cookies, chocolate sandwich cookies
- Gourmet chocolate bars; dark chocolate with sea salt, milk chocolate with caramel, white chocolate with raspberry
- Fruit infusions like strawberries or bananas
- Caramel drizzle on top of marshmallow
- Flavored marshmallows like vanilla bean, cinnamon, or toasted coconut
- Spicy kick with pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder
- Gourmet spreads like almond butter, cookie butter, or flavored cream cheese
- Breakfast Items:
- Pancakes or waffle mix, maple syrup, fresh fruit, and whipped cream
- Eggs, cheese, cooked sausage or bacon, diced peppers or onions, and tortillas for make-your-own breakfast burritos
- Overnight oats with rolled oats, chia seeds, almond or coconut milk, yogurt, and toppings like honey, maple syrup, fruit, nuts, and seeds
- Bagels and spreads like cream cheese, peanut butter, almond butter, or Nutella or go the savory route with cream cheese + salmon, tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocados
- Cereal buffet with variety of cereals, dairy and non-dairy milk options, sliced fruit, dried fruits, and nuts
- Beverages:
- Sodas and sparkling water
- Iced tea and lemonade
- Mocktails with fruit juices, soda water, and fresh herbs/fruit
- Coffee and hot chocolate
- Local beer, cider, and seltzers
- Versatile wines like rosé, sauvignon blanc, or light red like pinot noir
- Pre-mixed cocktails like canned margaritas, mojiors, or craft distillery cocktails
- Coborns also supports local farmers across the upper Midwest. From vegetables to meat and dairy, consider supporting our farmers too by finding some of those products at Coborns!
OUTDOORSING AT THE CABIN
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen, SPF 35
- Fishing license
- Telescopic fishing pole for easy travel
- Variety of fishing tackle
- Bait bucket
- Extra camp chairs
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Cooler to bring out to the campfire or boat
Looking for a great cabin for your next outdoor adventure? Then check out this list of amazing cabins near Ely, MN.
HAVING FUN AT THE CABIN
- Bluetooth speaker
- Games
- Floaties
- Inflatable SUP
- Camera gear to capture the memories
- Lily Pad Floating Mat
- Dry bag for gear I want to take on dock or boat
SETTING THE VIBE AT THE CABIN
- Battery operated string lights
- Plaid wool blankets
- Cozy pillow cases
- Rug for the pups to lay on
- Lantern
- Pine scented candles
I am a sucker for cabin ambience and sometimes it’s those extra items like a cozy blanket, twinkle lights, or special s’mores or glass of wine that makes all the difference – but more often that not, it’s who you’re with, the natural elements of nature, and the experiences you have at the cabin.
Have a great cabin trip!
Xoxo,
Jenny