After two years of surf trips through Southeast Asia — places like Sri Lanka and Lombok — I’ve learned a lot about what’s actually worth packing. On those first trips, I definitely brought a few things I didn’t need, and missed a few things I did.
So this isn’t a list of what I packed before. It’s what I’ll bring on my next surf trip, based on everything I’ve learned so far.
The goal: keep it light, functional, and focused on what I’ll actually use, so I can spend more time in the water and less time dragging gear through airports and ferry docks.
I’ve traveled both ways — bringing my own board and renting — and next time, I’ll rent.
In places like Sri Lanka and Lombok, there are plenty of decent rentals available, or if you’re heading to a surf camp, they’ll usually have boards suited to your level. Another option is buying a board when you arrive and selling it before you leave.
What I’ll bring:
➡️ Pro Tip: If you’re thinking of bringing your own board, do your research on airline baggage fees. Some airlines charge nothing; others hit you with $100–200 fees each leg. I’ll talk more about this at the end of the post.
All of this fits into a carry-on sized duffel (mine is a ~40L REI duffel). I roll everything tight to save space and will sometimes use packing cubes for better organization.
➡️ Laundry is easy and affordable in most surf towns. You’ll find plenty of small laundry shops that’ll wash, fold, and sometimes deliver your clothes back for cheap.
I also bring a packable, quick-dry towel (I like the ones from Nomadic or REI), rolled up in the duffel.
I pack these in plastic ziplock bags first (in case anything leaks), then into a small toiletry bag before it goes in the duffel.
➡️ Pro Tip: If you check your bag, you can also bring a full sunscreen bottle. Sunscreen can be expensive in some countries, so it’s worth bringing your own.
For working on the road and creating content, I bring a separate gear bag (WANDRD PRVKE — tough and weather-resistant). This might be overkill for some people, but if you’re a photographer, filmmaker, or digital nomad, it’s worth it.
What’s in it:
➡️ Pro Tip: I carry travel insurance (Safety Wing) and add electronics theft coverage. Also — pack gear carefully and don’t leave it sitting around unattended.
For flights and travel days, I wear:
And of course, AirPods or headphones for flights.
➡️ If I check my main duffel, I always stash at least one change of clothes + swim shorts in my tech bag, just in case my luggage is delayed.
Bringing your own surfboard can be awesome — there’s nothing quite like paddling out on a board you know and love. But flying with one, especially longboards or mid-lengths, comes with some hassle.
On my last trip, I flew with my 7’4” board in a travel bag, and honestly, it was a pain. Taxis didn’t always have space, checking it at airports was a chore, and baggage fees ranged from free to over $200 per flight, depending on the airline.
If I were to bring a board again, it would probably be:
But unless you’re really picky about your board, renting is usually the way to go — especially for beginners or intermediate surfers. A lot of surf destinations have plenty of rentals available, or your surf camp will provide boards that fit your skill level.
Every surf trip teaches you something about what you actually need — and what’s just taking up space in your bag. After a couple of big trips through Southeast Asia, this is where I’ve landed for my next one:
Whether you’re headed to Sri Lanka, Indonesia, or somewhere totally new, packing light frees you up to focus on what really matters — the waves, the people, and the adventure itself.
