What Clothes Checklist to Pack When You Go RVing

To go RVing has become more popular than ever, with sales of recreational vehicles booming. They’ve increased every year after 2009, as CNN Business reports, with 430,000 RVs of all types sold in 2016.

Thinking of an RVing Trip

If you’ve been thinking about buying one, renting an RV can be a great way to see if it fits your lifestyle, or a good option if you don’t plan to use it very often. There’s an abundance of RV rental deals that can be found across North America to suit the needs for your next cross-country road trip.

If going RVing fits your lifestyle, make sure your wardrobe corresponds to its needs. It’s hard to predict what you need to pack when you go RVing of fear you might take the wrong clothes if there is weather fluctuations.

There’s a couple of drawbacks to that. First, space, you don’t have endless amounts of it. Second, you want to make sure you are ready for weather fluctuations.

Check The Weather Carefully For Every Spot

Once you’ve determined where you’re going and for how long your entire trip will last, as well as how long you’ll stay in each spot, check the weather.

Plan those outfits on the weather of the planned location you’ll be staying in so you’re not overpacking and unprepared.

Washing Your Clothes

Based on the above, rule of thumb for me is 1 outfit per day. That’s good if you’re going for a week. When travelling for long periods of time, like 2+ weeks, you may want to plan to make stops at the laundromat.

Roadside laundromat will likely be available along your route. Just avoid bringing hand washables with you. It takes up a lot of time depending on how many pieces you have to wash, PLUS you need time to dry it. If the sun isn’t shining, good luck getting everything dried in time.

The upside of hand washing is that you can remain at the campsite to continue your daily activities. If you’re at the laundromat, it’s a good idea to plan running errands, like grocery shopping, cleaning your RV while your laundry is getting done.

Go RVing Wardrobe Basics

Here are some basics when you go RVing that you need to pack. Of course, always remain within a set colour palette to avoid having to overpack and allow to easily mix and match pieces.

While accessories could be left behind, you can always bring simple jewellery, a hat and scarf that won’t hinder your packing or movement.

For necessities, here’s what you’ll need:

• Underwear – pack enough for a week
• Socks – bring plenty for a week’s worth. Make sure they’re weather appropriate; wool socks for cooler weather; short socks for warmer weather.
• Bras – sports and underwire
• Tanks – or camis to put under when it’s cold and to remove the top layer when it’s warm.
• T-shirts and long sleeve tops – 3-4 if you’re planning on hitting the laundromat every few days. Pack 5 to 10 if you’d rather not make so many stops or just need a bit more of a variety
• Sweaters – Bring 1 or 2 along if you’re headed into cooler climates. If it’s just warm weather, a cardigan or zip-up should be enough.
• Sneakers – bring 1 pair of runners and a pair of climbing/hiking shoes because let’s face it, they take up lots of room.
• Flip flops – Bring 1 pair and if you need more in case they break, you can always stop somewhere to pick up some.
• Hats – 1 ball cap is a must that’s for sure. I don’t know that you’d need to get more because this is another item you can easily pick up. You can always get a wide brimmed hat if you prefer to keep the cap for more active events.
• Pants – stick to cotton pants that will keep you cool enough in the summer time and warm enough in the colder weather.
• Jeans – 2 pairs if you’re headed into cooler climates and 1 pair if you expect to stay on the warmer fronts.
• Shorts – Pack a few pairs for warm-weather.
• Sleepwear – 2 pairs of pyjamas or tees with boxers will suffice.
• Swim suits – 2 will get you going in warmer weather. 1 pair will be enough if you’re planning on heading to indoor water parks in colder climates.
• Sunglasses – You’ll need some to protect your eyes from the glaring sun.

Extra Optional Items

Depending on the weather and facilities you have access to, you may need a few of the below:

• Rain boots – Based on the climate you’re venturing into, these may be necessary.
• Rain jacket – If you’re packing rain boots, a rain jacket goes without saying. You’ll need one to keep you dry.
• Umbrella – If your rain jacket doesn’t have a hoody, consider an umbrella you can use for those downpours.
• Waterproof pants – these are helpful when it comes to those rainy days, to ensue you don’t get all muddied up!
• Workout clothes – You may want to bring a dedicated set for it if you’re planning on working outside or have to a gym. Avoid bringing more than 2 sets that you can use interchangeably and wash.

Do Not Pack The Following

Obviously there are many pieces you’ll need to leave off your list such as:

• Skirts
• Dresses
• Delicate tops
• High heel shoes
• Uncomfortable shoes
• Boots (other than rain boots)
• Fancy hats
• Bulky accessories
• Non-practical bags or purses

Unless you’re planning to attend a special event, like a wedding or some cocktail party at one of your stops, there’s really no need to truck any of the items above.

The Gist of it

Deciding on what clothes to bring when you go RVing can be tricky. Even with all the preps of checking the weather predicting, planning your exact spots, the truth is, things can always change.

The best you can do is pack light by bringing versatile items which can be repurposed for various weather situations. bring items that are light and worn in a variety of situations.

What wardrobe essentials do you pack when you go RVing?

P.S. If you enjoyed this post, sign up to my newsletter to get the latest advice, tips, and giveaways right into your inbox!