What to Pack for Reno. Clothes, Accessories, Essentials

Summer June-August Essentials

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing. Think cotton or linen. Shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses are suitable for daytime. A Light jacket, sweater, or long-sleeved shirt becomes useful for cooler evenings when temperatures drop.

Items

Lightweight tops and bottoms.
A light jacket or sweater for evenings.
A Wide-brimmed sun hat and Sunglasses protect from strong sun.

Winter December-February Warmth

Wear warm, insulated layers. Thermal underwear and wool Socks provide a base. A waterproof and windproof Winter coat, a Warm hat, Gloves, and a Scarf are necessary.

Winter Essentials

Insulated winter coat and layers.
Warm hat, gloves, and scarf.
Waterproof Pants and boots are good if snow activities are planned.

Footwear Recommendations

Comfortable Walking Shoes

Comfortable walking shoes or Sneakers are necessary for exploring the city. You will do a good amount of walking, especially downtown and on the Riverwalk.

Ideal for city exploration.

Hiking Footwear

Sturdy Hiking boots or Trail shoes with good ankle support and grip are good if you plan to explore trails in the surrounding mountains.

Essential for mountain trails.

Winter Specific Footwear

Waterproof, insulated boots with good traction are necessary if visiting in winter or going to snowy areas around Lake Tahoe.

For snowy conditions.

Essential Documents

Documentation Checklist

Careful organization of your documents supports a trouble-free trip.

Passport and Visa Documentation: International travelers need a valid passport. If you are a Visa Waiver Program traveler, carry a printed copy of your ESTA approval.
Travel Insurance Policy Information: Have both a physical copy and a digital backup of your policy details.
International Driving Permit (if applicable): If your home country's driver's license is not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
Vaccination Records and Health Documentation: Carry any necessary medical documents, especially for prescription medications.

Printed and Digital Copies of Reservations: Keep confirmations for your hotel, flights, car rental, and any pre-booked tours.
Emergency Contact Information: Prepare a list of important contacts, including family, friends, and your embassy or consulate.
Student/Senior/Press IDs: Bring any relevant identification if you qualify for discounts on attractions or transportation.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Stay connected and capture your memories with the right tech gear.

Device Preparation

The U.S. uses Type A and B plugs. Voltage is 120V at 60Hz. International travelers need a Universal travel adapter.
Most modern smartphones support U.S. cellular bands. Purchase a prepaid SIM card or consider an eSIM (Airalo).
A good Smartphone camera is often sufficient. For higher quality, consider a mirrorless or DSLR camera with a versatile lens. A Tripod is useful for low-light.

Portable Power & Apps

Keep devices charged and navigate with ease.

Travel Tools

Portable Chargers and Power Banks: Helpful for keeping devices charged on the go.
Recommended Apps: Google Maps, Apple Maps, Waze for navigation. Uber, Lyft for ridesharing. NordVPN and ExpressVPN for secure browsing.
Backup Solutions: Utilize cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) for photos and documents.

Data Backup & Security

Cloud Storage

Sync important files and photos to cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox for off-site backup.

Physical Backup Drive

Consider a portable hard drive if carrying a laptop and generating large amounts of data.

Device Security

Enable strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and remote wipe features on all devices.

Health & Wellness Items

Personal Care Kit

Pack these items to stay healthy and address minor issues during your trip.

Medical Essentials

Prepare a Basic first aid kit with Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers (Ibuprofen/Acetaminophen). Consider a Pre-assembled travel first aid kit. (Adventure Medical Kits)
Carry all prescription medications in their original, labeled containers. Bring a copy of your prescription and a doctor's note for controlled substances.
Pack remedies for cold/flu symptoms, antacids for indigestion, and Anti-diarrhea medication.

Altitude or Motion Sickness Remedies

If prone to car sickness on winding mountain roads (e.g., going to Lake Tahoe), pack over-the-counter motion sickness pills (e.g., Dramamine).

Prevention Essentials

For altitude, staying hydrated and taking it easy initially helps. Consult a doctor for more severe remedies if you are prone to altitude sickness.
Insect Repellent: Useful if spending time near water bodies or in natural areas. Look for DEET-based repellent.
Sun Protection: High SPF sunscreen, Lip balm with SPF, a Wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses are useful due to Reno's high altitude and clear skies.

Water Safety and Personal Hygiene

Drinking Water Safety

Tap water in Reno is safe to drink. The municipal water system meets high quality standards.
Water Purification Options: Not necessary for tap water. If hiking in backcountry, a Portable water filter or Purification tablets could be considered. (LifeStraw)
Food Hygiene: Food safety standards in the U.S. Are high. Restaurants adhere to strict hygiene regulations.

Personal Hygiene Essentials

Most common personal hygiene items are readily available in Reno at supermarkets and pharmacies.
Pack travel-sized versions of your preferred brands if you have specific product needs.
Consider items like extra lip balm for the dry climate, and moisturizer for skin hydration.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking Gear

Bring or plan to rent gear based on your planned adventures.

A Daypack for water, snacks, and layers.
Comfortable Hiking shoes or boots. Trekking poles provide stability.
A Water bladder or bottles.
Moisture-wicking athletic wear. Hiking pants like Columbia Men's Silver Ridge Convertible Pant or Women's Convertible Hiking Pants.

Winter Sports Gear

Prepare for snow activities or opt for rentals.

Skis/snowboard, boots, Helmet, goggles.
Appropriate winter attire.
Rentals are widely available at Lake Tahoe resorts and Reno ski shops.
Consider bringing personal items like helmets and hiking boots for comfort.

Cycling Essentials

Cycle the city or trails with the right equipment.

A helmet is required for cycling.
Appropriate cycling clothing and water bottles.
Rentals are available for various bike types.
The Truckee River path or Lake Tahoe trails are popular spots.

Rent vs. Bring Decision

Items to Rent

Skis/snowboards, snowshoes, paddleboards, kayaks, road bikes, and mountain bikes.
These items are bulky to transport and readily available for rent at reasonable prices near activity sites.
Consider renting larger gear for convenience and cost-effectiveness.
Ski resorts and local shops stock high-quality rental equipment.

Items to Bring

Personal items like helmets (for hygiene and fit), Hiking boots (for comfort and proper fit).
Specific clothing layers, small daypacks, and Reusable water bottles.
Ensure personal items like safety gear fit well for comfort and performance.
Travelers with specific brand preferences might choose to bring their own gear.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

These items improve comfort, security, and convenience during your Reno visit.

Travel Comfort & Safety

Comfort Items: A Travel neck pillow, Eye mask, and Earplugs aid during flights or long drives.
Security Items: A TSA-approved luggage lock, a Money belt, or an RFID blocking wallet for documents and credit cards. (Pacsafe)
Reusable Items: A Reusable water bottle, a Reusable shopping bag (Nevada has a single-use bag ban fee), and Reusable utensils.
Region-Specific Essentials: Lip balm with SPF (dry climate), and moisturizer for skin hydration.

Destination-Specific Items

These are additional items that support comfort and enjoyment in Reno's specific environment.

Reno & Lake Tahoe Additions

High Desert Climate Comforts: Extra lip balm with SPF for sun and dryness, and nasal saline spray for dry air.
Lake Tahoe Adventure Additions: Swimsuit for lake activities or hotel pools, and a Quick-drying towel.
Binoculars for wildlife viewing in natural areas.
Physical maps or guidebooks for offline navigation in areas with limited cell service.

Sustainable Travel Tips

Reusable Water Bottle

Hydrate sustainably in the dry climate.

Reusable Shopping Bag

Avoid single-use bag fees and reduce waste.

Public Transport Use

Reduce your carbon footprint by using RTC RIDE.

Support Local Businesses

Contribute to the local economy and culture.

Items Difficult or Expensive to Purchase Locally

General Availability

Most common items are easily found in Reno.
Supermarkets, pharmacies, and general stores stock a wide range of goods.
Prices for common necessities are comparable to other U.S. Cities.

Specialized Needs

Specialized outdoor gear might be slightly more expensive in tourist-oriented shops near activity hubs.
If you have specific brand preferences or unique gear needs, consider bringing them from home.
Unexpected items can sometimes be difficult to source quickly, so planning ahead is prudent.

Packing Smart

Packing light and smart makes travel more enjoyable.

This approach promotes a hassle-free experience, allowing more focus on enjoyment.

What to Pack for Reno