17 Top Vegas Packing List Items + What to Wear & NOT to Bring (2018)

Updated on May 11, 2018 by Asher Fergusson

What should I bring on my Las Vegas trip?

Las Vegas is the notorious party playground for adults. Whether you’re going for a getaway, a conference, a bachelor/bachelorette party, or a spontaneous trip with your friends, it’s the perfect destination to let loose.

The key is knowing what to bring, what to wear in Vegas, and what NOT to pack. I also include general FAQs about Las Vegas.

Whether you’ll be spending your time at the exclusive casino pools, air-conditioned shops, fancy acrobatic shows, or night clubs, this packing list has everything you need for a great trip to Sin City.

1) Gorgeous Outfit – A night out in Las Vegas is a great reason to wear a killer outfit. If you’re going out on the town, go bold with a super sparkly dress or a bold halter jumpsuit like the one pictured. This one is not too expensive, and will have all eyes on you!
View on Amazon.com ➜

2) Rosewater facial spray – The combination of sun, alcohol, smoke from various sources, dry air, and dust from the surrounding desert can really take a toll on your face. This spray is a great soother, and will help you maintain the health of your delicate facial skin while you’re in Vegas. Plus, it smells heavenly.
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3) Handheld cooling fan – Deserts tend to be hot… no kidding, right? This fan will help you keep cool when needed. Don’t worry about looking touristy – the ratio of tourists to locals in Vegas is already so high that you won’t need to worry about sticking out. Save yourself the discomfort of being overheated with a personal, hand-held cooling fan!
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4) Portable lipstick-sized charger – Whether you’re out hiking in the Nevada desert or exploring the Vegas Strip, you don’t want to be repeatedly interrupted by having to go back to your lodgings to recharge your phone, camera, or other electronics. This charger holds multiple charges that you can use to power up your devices. It’s also tiny (the size of a tube of lipstick) so it’s very portable and can even be recharging your item while it’s tucked safely in your daybag. You may find that some casinos and event locations have recharging stations, but it costs quite a bit to use them, so having your own portable charger is ideal.
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5) Packing Cubes – Packing cubes are well worth the investment – they make packing and finding your items afterward much easier. We have tried 5 different kinds of packing cubes, and these Shacke Pack “cubes” are by far the best quality for the lowest price. They’re compact, come in several different sizes, are washable, and will last a long time so you can continue to use them on your other trips.
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6) Cute swimsuit for pool parties – It’s hard to overstate just how dressed-up people get in Vegas. Even pool attire tends to be on-point! Choose a swimsuit that makes you feel great, and that’s a step up from your typical day-at-the-beach swimwear.
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7) Swimsuit cover-up – A fashionable swimsuit cover-up is a must-have. It’s fun to wear, looks great, and is a sexy way to protect your skin from sun over-exposure too. Plus it’ll give you more comfort and style than wearing a damp towel around while you’re not in the pool!
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8) Travel garment steamer – Packing compactly and efficiently often means scrunching up certain items, including your best party outfit. Irons provided by accommodations are often dirty and their heat levels can be unpredictable, so a hand-held steamer is the best way to avoid ruining your favorite getup. This one is incredibly highly rated and works very well. It’s definitely worth it to bring it!
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9) Partying / Hangover Kit: Activated Charcoal, Alka-seltzer, OTC pain medicine, electrolytes – Without getting into too much detail about the kinds of shenanigans that most people get up to while in Las Vegas, I’d like to suggest a quality hangover kit. Make a quick pack of your preferred pain killer, Alka Seltzer, electrolytes to help rehydrate you, and activated charcoal to absorb any lingering toxins that may be in your system. It’s a fantastic way to ensure that you’ll still be able to enjoy daytime activities after a night of taking in the nightlife that Vegas has to offer. Many hotels offer these kits at the front desk, but they’ll charge you an arm and a leg for them, so bringing your own is definitely the way to go.
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10) Cute but practical daybag – A daybag is a good idea for carrying the items (camera, water bottle, sunglasses, wallet, etc.) that you need with you during the day. As a bonus, you’ll also have a handy bag that can hold any of the purchases you make while you’re out! With as much fantastic shopping as there is in Vegas, you’re sure to bring home a few souvenirs, and you’ll need a place to carry them until you get back to your accommodations.
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11) Filtered Water Bottle – Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Not to sound too much like your mom, here, but it really cannot be stressed enough. Vegas is in the middle of a desert, and the heat from the sun is only magnified by all of the reflective surfaces all around the Strip. Pair these elements with the fact that most people indulge in dehydrating activities while in Vegas, and it’s a recipe for potentially dangerous health issues. Bring a water bottle with you to help you stay on top of the matter, and to help you save on purchasing bottled drinks while you’re out! It’s a great money-saver.
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12) Fashionable walking shoes – You’ll be walking – a LOT. Cabs are expensive in Vegas, so you’ll want to walk anywhere you can. Plus, walking is the best way to see various street performers and to do window-shopping. These ones are super comfortable and cute as well.
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13) Hanging Toiletry Bag – You’re going to bring along a lot of standard toiletries and styling items, and I doubt you’ll want to pack and unpack all of those things every single time you use them. The best way to make toiletry packing and use as efficient as possible is to bring a hanging toiletry bag. It will give you easy, shelf-like access to your products without you having to pack and unpack every item just to get to the one you need.
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14) RFID-blocking wallet for going out: women’s and men’s – As fun as Vegas is, it also tends to attract certain unsavory types – thieves chief among them. A great way to protect your credit/debit card information from being digitally stolen is to use RFID-blocking technology to protect them. It’s not an expensive technology, and there are tons of wallets and purses on the market that contain the right equipment to keep your financial info safe. These two options are great, and stylish too!
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15) Portable white noise machine – Trust me, Vegas is noisy ALL THE TIME. There’s a reason it’s called “The City That Never Sleeps.” It’s a good idea to bring a white noise machine to use in your room while you sleep. It may also be advisable to bring a face mask to help shut out the bright lights from outside.
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16) Travel Insurance – Travel Insurance is a no-brainer. Anything can happen in Vegas, and if something bad happens you really don’t want to be stuck footing the bill for whatever it is. If you get sick and need to see a doctor your local insurance company may very well refuse to cover certain costs. We use and recommend World Nomads, which will also replace lost or stolen items and will pay for hotel rooms and plane flights if yours get canceled. Things can always go wrong, and for a tiny fraction of your trip cost, travel insurance will take care of you if they do. The peace of mind alone makes it worth it!

View their plans at WorldNomads.com ➜

17) Virtual Private Network (VPN) – If you’re unfamiliar with VPNs, now is an excellent time to learn. Whenever you use public WiFi at a hotel, nightclub, restaurant, or any other place, you’re putting all of your data at risk if it’s not shielded via encryption. A VPN adds a layer of encryption for your internet data to prevent hackers from accessing your personal or financial information! Don’t learn the hard way (like I did on a recent trip) how crucial this technology is.

Another handy feature of VPNs is that in countries or locations where the internet is censored, it can act as a “key” to unlock your access. Plus it’s very affordable, and as easy to use as touching a button on your device!
View NordVPN.com Options ➜

Other packing list items for Vegas:

Makeup removing wipes
Deodorant
Kindle
Sewing kit
Small Notebook (Journal)
Pens
Stain Removing Supplies
Plastic Packing Bags

Scarf
Mini manicure kit
Luggage tags
Small Flashlight
Extra Flashlight Batteries
Sunglasses
TSA-approved locks
Mini hairbrush

Aloe
Camera
Extra phone chargers
Shaving kit
Headphones
Headphone splitter
Kindle Cover
Sleep mask

What to wear in Las Vegas:

Las Vegas holds a spot on the bucket lists of party-seekers from all over the world. On your trip to Sin City, you may find yourself relaxing at exclusive pool parties, watching thrilling circus shows, dining at world class restaurants and dancing at pulsing nightclubs.

Make sure you pack for every occasion – think swimsuits, trendy daytime outfits, and some nicer clothes to wear out at electro concerts. If that’s not your scene, Las Vegas has plenty to offer in terms of outdoor adventures and day trips – so bring some athletic clothes! Bolder is better in Las Vegas, so go for bright colors and statement accessories.

What should WOMEN wear in Las Vegas?

Below is a sample women’s clothing list. (All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).

For most ladies who come to Las Vegas for a weekend, the standard nighttime attire is a tight, short, possibly sequined dress. Bring one of these if you’d like to fit in with the crowd, or opt for a more adventure-friendly romper or jumpsuit. Everybody will be dressed in flashy, sometimes revealing clothing, so don’t worry too much about modesty. During the day, you are likely to end up at a brunch with bottomless mimosas, or at a fancy hotel pool (or pool party!). Bring casual but cute daytime outfits, like high-waisted shorts and a tank top or bodysuit. Make sure to bring a few swimsuits as well.

What should MEN wear in Las Vegas? – (Click to expand)

Below is a sample men’s clothing list. (All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).

It’s time to break out the v-necks, pastel trousers and hawaiian shirts. For nighttime, anything goes, but I would recommend bringing some black slacks, nice button-down shirts, dress shoes, and a tie. For daytime, bring swim trunks, shorts, and a few v-necks or tank tops. Make sure you bring a blazer or jacket if you are planning on dining at any of the five-star restaurants or getting into any clubs.

Packing appropriately for the seasons in Las Vegas:

WINTER – December & January: Believe it or not, Las Vegas can get fairly cold in the winter. If you are visiting during this time, make sure that you bring jeans and a jacket, and possibly an umbrella or rain jacket. Winter gets the most rainfall of any season during the year in Vegas!

SPRING – February, March & April: Spring is definitely one of the best times of the year to visit Las Vegas. The temperatures are cooler that in summer, but you still get plenty of sunshine. Pack what you would pack for summer, plus a light jacket and close-toed shoes.

SUMMER – May, June, July, August, September: Summer in Las Vegas can get stiflingly hot. This calls for cut-off shorts and tank tops, sun dresses, and swimsuits. Pack all of the above, plus airy scarves, sturdy sandals, breezy tops and comfortable cotton shorts.

FALL – October & November: Fall is another popular time to visit Las Vegas. The heat of the summer has passed, but you still have plenty of daylight hours and a very slim chance of rain! Think about bringing layers. Pack a few sweaters or jackets that can be layered on top of each other. A cute beanie and some heeled booties are a good idea.

How to dress correctly for the activity – (Click to expand)

Shows & Concerts – A night out in Las Vegas may mean heading to a concert or circus show! Going out to an event is a great excuse to dress glamorously and wear a killer outfit. You can go bold with a super sparkly dress or jumpsuit, or keep it classy with a little black dress. For men, chic slacks and button-downs are key.

Sightseeing – Maybe you’re headed to Belaggio Gallery of Fine Art , or the iconic Madame Tussauds wax museum, or possibly the Stratosphere Tower Observation Deck to catch a great view of the city. When you’re out sightseeing for the day, bring comfortable clothing and comfortable shoes. Shorts and tank tops are great, as well as comfortable sandals and a pair of sunglasses!

Clubs – The rule of thumb for dressing at Las Vegas clubs is to be stylish and sleek. Flashy and gaudy is okay, too. For women, wear a pair of comfortable heels, and whatever dress or sparkly outfit your heart desires. For men, wear dress shoes, nice pants, button downs, and maybe even a jacket, depending on where you’re going.

Restaurants – Las Vegas is known around the world for its high-class and varied restaurant scene. Don’t be afraid to dress to the nines if you’re headed somewhere nice. If you’re going to a chilled-out brunch by the pool or patio of your hotel, jeans, a t shirt, and a sunhat is perfectly fine.

Outdoor activities – If you have any outdoor activities or tours planned during your Vegas trip, make sure you pack accordingly. For tours of the Grand Canyon , or the Hoover Dam , bring comfortable walking or hiking shoes, and workout attire. If you are doing a cruise on Lake Mead , a swimsuit and sleek coverup are key. It may be a good idea to bring some athletic clothes, in case you want to zipline down the strip or end up at SkyZone Trampoline Park.

What NOT to take to Las Vegas:

Hair Dryer – Almost every hotel and lodging has one!

The following items are banned from casinos:

1) Hula Hoops
2) Megaphones
3) Vuvuzelas

4) Pets
5) Bath Salts

These items are TSA prohibited:

1) Flammables
2) Firearms
3) Sharp objects
3) Liquids (unless you follow the liquids rule)

4) Household tools
5) Camping equipment
6) Medical tools
7) Various miscellaneous items

What clothing should I NOT to wear in Las Vegas? – (Click to expand)

To be totally honest, you cannot go wrong with what you wear in Las Vegas. No matter what you wear, there will always be someone on the strip who is dressed more outrageously than you. Leave the warm winter jackets and ugg boots at home, since temperatures remain fairly mild year round. Cast your worries aside and enjoy Sin City!

FAQs about my Vegas trip:

1) How can I plan the ultimate girls’ getaway weekend?

Take a look at Skyscanner.com and set an alert for cheap flights to Las Vegas! If you’re road tripping, use the Roadtrippers app to find awesome hidden gems off the beaten path.

2) I always break out when I travel. How can I keep my skin healthy on the road?

Bring everything you normally use on your skin with you on your trip. The dry airplane air and weird hotel food definitely don’t do your skin any favors. Face masks are a great idea, and always use a face-specific sunscreen!

3) How can I avoid overpacking?

Before you commit to bringing anything, make a list of what activities you’ll be doing throughout the whole trip. Plan out each day’s outfit, and try to stick to items that can be reworn and repurposed. For example, a simple black dress that you can wear during the day with sandals can also be dressed up for going out at night by adding some lipstick and cute jewelry. By bringing multipurpose clothing items (a sort of capsule wardrobe), you can pack much lighter.

4) How do I choose the right bag to bring with me?

It’s all about personal preference! A rolling bag is always a good option if you want to save yourself shoulder or back pain.

5) What is the rule for carrying on liquids?

According to the current Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations, you are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item.

6) What counts as liquids?

Any liquid, aerosol, gel, cream or paste. This includes contact solution, mascara, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, etc. Keeping your liquids in a separate zip lock bag will make the security process go so much more quickly.

7) How do I choose the right carry-on bag?

Think about what you’re bringing. If you’re taking your laptop with you, you’ll want a bag that can accommodate it. If you prefer to keep weight off of your shoulders, use a rolling bag. If you’re going to be doing some backpacking at your destination, just use your backpack!

8) How can I keep my bag organized?

Keep your liquids in ziploc bags, and your clothes in packing cubes or more zip lock bags. Keep your toiletries separate from your electronics. Make use of your carry-on pockets to stay extra organized.