Everything you’ll need for a trip to the Texas capital, from clothing essentials to weather-resistant baggage.
Heading to Austin? The first thing you’ll think of packing will be the summer wardrobe. While this is an excellent and accurate assumption, it’s worth noting that the city is more than just flip-flops and bikinis. Yes, the weather can be unbearably hot where only swims will do, but there are times—even in those three-digit months—when layers need to be applied. Mainly because Texans love blasting rooms with arctic air-conditioning. Then there’s allergy season, festival season, sporting activities, and hitting the nightlife, and that carry-on just got a whole lot heavier. If it’s your first time and you’re unsure where to begin, we’ve compiled a detailed packing guide so that you’re armed no matter what season you visit or what activity floats your boat. Here’s all you need to know before landing at AUS.
Flip-Flops and Swimwear
Let’s start with the basics. Flip flops and swimwear will be your mainstays most of the year in Austin. Whether you’re paddling along Lady Bird Lake or Lake Travis, joining a rooftop pool party downtown, or relaxing at Barton Springs, there’s bound to be plenty of splash. And since it’s especially hot out and businesses are full of patios, the general dress code is casual. You can even wear flip-flops for an evening at the Four Seasons. Just bring a shirt and sarong to cover your bits.
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Quick Dry Towel
As stated above, there’s a high chance you’ll be dipping in and out of water constantly, and when you’re not in the comfort of a resort pool, you’ll need a fast dry towel. Microfibre towels don’t retain moisture and are quickly dried by hanging. They’re ideal for road trips out to West Austin and are light and compact for your day bag. Speaking of which, a sports backpack that’s water resistant and has pockets for your essentials will double up as your hiking bag. Castore has a number of options available.
A Cooler and Flask
When taking advantage of the great outdoors, refreshments need to be kept cool. You’ll notice every Austinite has a YETI, and that’s because this is where the brand was born, and they cleverly sponsor the local football team, AFC. There is a huge range of hard and soft coolers available, all designed to keep those cakes and beers ice-cold for as long as possible.
For trips where you plan on eating out, all you’ll need is an insulated water bottle to stay hydrated. Other decent cooler brands include Igloo and RTIC. Remember though, that coolers are pricy, so if you don’t plan on using one beyond the trip, consider a disposable styrofoam version instead.
A (Non-Cowboy) Hat
You’ll burn if you stay out too long without coverage, so bring a large brim hat, or at least a baseball cap to keep those rays out of your face (along with sunglasses, and if you’re going all-out, an umbrella). Contrary to popular belief, the folks here do not wear cowboy hats day in and day out, and you’ll really only see them worn in novelty format in bachelorette groups along Sixth Street, or on a ranch. A regular hat will do while you’re exploring and you’ll fit right in. Also, and this probably goes without saying, you’ll need sunscreen to protect the parts the hat doesn’t shade.
Bug Repellent
There are mosquitos and ticks in Central Texas all year round, and they balloon in population during the summer months. Bring a bug repellent you know is effective. DEET formulas work but tend to be oily and have an unpleasant smell. Sawyer has an alternative made with Picaridin, which works just as well without spoiling your clothes. Tip: If you’re bat-watching, go easy on the dosage. Bats feed on mosquitos, so the Congress Avenue Bridge area is surprisingly quite bug-free between March and October.
Allergy Medication
Cedar Fever season in Austin is no walk in the park. This is when pollen counts are at their peak, between the end of December and March, and they travel in the wind for hundreds of miles to torture Austinies every year. Your best allergy medication is required, and even that might not be enough. If you know you’ve got it bad but have no choice but to come in spring (perhaps for a conference or festival), then have a facemask and glasses for extra protection.
First Aid Kit
Have you got travel insurance? Whether you do or you don’t, you might need emergency care, no matter how small the scrape on your hike up Mount Bonnell. Especially if time is of the essence. Lifesystems has travel-sized first aid kits, which have dressings, wipes, pins, tapes, and more in light, waterproof bags. Some of them can be attached to belts or easily slipped into the pocket of a backpack.
Hiking Gear
Obviously, you can’t hike in those flip-flops. If you’re going to explore Blunn Creek Nature Reserve, Barton Creek Greenbelt, or McKinney Falls State Park then you’ll need a sturdy pair of hiking shoes. Ones with grip and are made with a breathable material. Then there’s the rest of the ensemble—shorts, socks, hoodies (if you’re here outside summer, it can be chilly in the morning), and the like. The complete set can be found at adventure stores like REI-Co Op.
Outdoorsy Electronics
Outdoor activities mean outdoor electronics. If you’re out for long periods and need to stay juiced up, bring a portable charger for your phone so you’re not without navigation for the journey back. Likewise for festivals and parkside events. When doing water activities, such as kayaking on Lady Bird Lake with friends, bring a waterproof phone pouch, and perhaps a waterproof speaker in case you decide to join an impromptu party by Lou Neff Point.
Earplugs and Noise-Canceling Headphones
Downtown hotels are noisy, especially on party destinations such as Sixth Street and Rainey Street. Ask for a room that doesn’t face the street, but if you’re not able to switch, then turn to earplugs. When renting a home, know that Austin houses are typically made of wood, and not well soundproofed. They’ll also require earplugs. Some noise-canceling headphones may come in handy too. Master and Dynamic, for example, uses Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation technology to adjust the level of noise cancellation to match the surroundings.
Face Scrub or Exfoliator
Not used to the heat and humidity? Mix that with sunscreen and those with sensitive skin will have breakouts galore. Bring a good face scrub or exfoliator to unclog those pores, such as pots from Lush, which are natural and kinder to the environment. It also might be worth bringing some aloe vera, in case you’re prone to heat rash or other heat-induced irritations.
And Finally, Snacks for the Journey Back
Something important to remember before you head back is to pack something to eat. The restaurants at Austin Bergstrom International Airport are inconsistent in their opening and closing times. Many of them shut surprisingly early (read: before dinner time), and yes, there’s a self-service Costa coffee machine but we’ve seen it out of service on multiple occasions. If you’re the type who’ll get hangry, know that this is a small (yet busy) airport and you may not be able to count on getting the grub you want when you’re there. So depending on the time of your flight, pack treats accordingly. Thank us later.