packing-assistant

name	packing-assistant
description	Comprehensive packing list generator covering climate-based packing, trip-type lists for business, beach, hiking, and city trips, carry-on optimization, packing techniques including rolling and cubes, documents checklist, toiletries, electronics, and a universal packing template. Use when the user asks about packing assistant, or needs help with comprehensive packing list generator covering climate-based packing, trip-type lists for business, beach, hiking, and city trips, carry-on optimization, packing techniques including rolling and cubes, documents checklist, toiletries, electronics, and a universal packing template. Do NOT use when the request requires professional specialized advice or falls outside the scope of packing assistant.
license	Apache-2.0
metadata	{"author":"foundry-skills","version":"1.0.0","tags":"travel itinerary packing","category":"travel-experiences","subcategory":"trip-planning","depends":"","disclaimer":"none","difficulty":"intermediate"}

Packing Assistant

When to Use

Use this skill when:

• User asks about packing assistant
• User needs guidance on packing assistant topics
• User wants a structured approach to packing assistant

Do NOT use when:

• Request requires professional consultation beyond educational guidance
• User needs emergency assistance

Questions to Ask the User First

1. Where are you going? (destination and climate)
2. How long is the trip? (number of nights)
3. What type of trip? (business, leisure/city, beach/resort, hiking/outdoors, road trip, multi-type)
4. What is the weather forecast? (temperatures, rain expected)
5. Carry-on only or checked luggage?
6. Any formal events? (dinners, weddings, business meetings)
7. Will you have access to laundry?
8. Any special activities planned? (snorkeling, skiing, cycling, etc.)
9. Do you have any medical needs? (prescriptions, first aid)
10. Are you traveling with children?

---

Step 1: Universal Packing Template

The Foundation List (Every Trip)

UNIVERSAL PACKING LIST:
DOCUMENTS AND MONEY:
[ ] Passport (valid 6+ months beyond return date)
[ ] Visa/entry documents (if required)
[ ] Driver's license/ID
[ ] Travel insurance documents
[ ] Flight/train/bus tickets (printed + digital)
[ ] Hotel/accommodation confirmations
[ ] Credit/debit cards (at least 2 different networks)
[ ] Small amount of local currency
[ ] Emergency cash (USD/EUR as backup)
[ ] Copies of all documents (separate from originals)
[ ] Vaccination records (if required)
ELECTRONICS:
[ ] Phone + charger
[ ] Power adapter (for destination country)
[ ] Portable battery pack (10,000+ mAh)
[ ] Earbuds/headphones
[ ] Camera (if separate from phone)
[ ] E-reader or tablet (optional)
[ ] Laptop + charger (if needed)
[ ] Universal power strip (1 adapter, multiple devices)
TOILETRIES (3-1-1 compliant for carry-on):
[ ] Toothbrush + toothpaste
[ ] Deodorant
[ ] Shampoo + conditioner (travel size)
[ ] Body wash or soap
[ ] Face wash
[ ] Moisturizer + sunscreen (SPF 30+)
[ ] Razor
[ ] Hair styling product
[ ] Lip balm
[ ] Medications (in original containers)
[ ] Pain reliever (ibuprofen/acetaminophen)
[ ] Allergy medicine
[ ] Band-aids
[ ] Hand sanitizer
[ ] Tissues/wet wipes
[ ] Contact lenses + solution (if applicable)
[ ] Glasses (backup pair)
PERSONAL ITEMS:
[ ] Wallet
[ ] Keys (leave non-essential keys at home)
[ ] Sunglasses
[ ] Reusable water bottle (empty through security)
[ ] Pen (for customs forms)
[ ] Small day bag/backpack
[ ] Luggage lock(s)
[ ] Earplugs + eye mask (for flights/hostels)
[ ] Neck pillow (long flights)
[ ] Reusable shopping bag
[ ] Snacks for travel

---

Step 2: Climate-Based Packing

Hot Climate (75-100+F / 24-38+C)

HOT CLIMATE ADDITIONS:

CLOTHING (base for 7-day trip):
[ ] 5-7 lightweight T-shirts or tanks
[ ] 2-3 pairs of shorts
[ ] 1 pair of lightweight long pants
[ ] 1 light long-sleeve shirt (sun protection)
[ ] 7 underwear
[ ] 4-5 pairs of lightweight socks
[ ] 1 swimsuit (2 if beach trip)
[ ] 1 cover-up or sarong
[ ] Sandals/flip-flops
[ ] Comfortable walking shoes (breathable)
[ ] 1 hat (wide-brimmed for sun protection)

ESSENTIALS:
[ ] High SPF sunscreen (SPF 50)
[ ] Aloe vera gel (for sunburn)
[ ] Insect repellent
[ ] Cooling towel
[ ] Refillable water bottle (stay hydrated)
[ ] Light rain jacket (tropical destinations)

FABRIC TIPS:
- Linen, cotton, and moisture-wicking synthetics
- Light colors reflect heat
- Loose-fitting is cooler than tight

Cold Climate (Below 40F / 4C)

COLD CLIMATE ADDITIONS:
CLOTHING (layering system):
BASE LAYER (moisture-wicking, against skin):
[ ] 2-3 merino wool or synthetic long-sleeve tops
[ ] 2 pairs thermal leggings/long underwear
MID LAYER (insulation):
[ ] 1-2 fleece or wool sweaters
[ ] 1 down or synthetic puffy jacket

OUTER LAYER (wind/rain protection):
[ ] 1 waterproof, windproof shell jacket
[ ] 1 pair waterproof pants (if snowy/rainy)

BOTTOMS:
[ ] 2-3 pairs warm pants (wool blend, fleece-lined)
[ ] 7 warm socks (merino wool recommended)

ACCESSORIES:
[ ] Warm hat (beanie/toque)
[ ] Gloves or mittens (mittens are warmer)
[ ] Scarf or neck gaiter
[ ] Hand warmers (disposable)

FOOTWEAR:
[ ] Insulated, waterproof boots
[ ] Indoor shoes/slippers

ESSENTIALS:
[ ] Moisturizer (cold air is dry)
[ ] Lip balm with SPF
[ ] Thermos for hot drinks

Rainy Climate

RAINY CLIMATE ADDITIONS:

[ ] Waterproof jacket (packable, with hood)
[ ] Waterproof pants or rain pants
[ ] Waterproof bag cover or dry bag
[ ] Waterproof phone case
[ ] Quick-dry clothing throughout
[ ] Extra pair of socks in day bag
[ ] Waterproof shoes or boots
[ ] Compact umbrella
[ ] Ziplock bags for electronics
[ ] Microfiber towel (dries fast)

---

Step 3: Trip-Type Specific Lists

Business Trip

BUSINESS TRIP PACKING:

CLOTHING:
[ ] {{NUMBER}} dress shirts/blouses (1 per day + 1 extra)
[ ] 2 suits or blazers (mix and match)
[ ] {{NUMBER}} ties or accessories
[ ] Dress shoes (1 pair, comfortable for walking)
[ ] Casual outfit for evenings
[ ] Exercise clothes (if hotel has gym)
[ ] Pajamas

BUSINESS ESSENTIALS:
[ ] Laptop + charger + mouse
[ ] Business cards
[ ] Notebook and quality pen
[ ] Presentation materials (backup on USB)
[ ] Portfolio or professional bag
[ ] Lint roller
[ ] Wrinkle-release spray
[ ] Shoe polish cloth
[ ] Sewing kit (emergency button repair)

TIPS:
- Wear your heaviest suit on the plane
- Pack shirts folded around tissue paper to reduce wrinkles
- Hang everything immediately upon arrival
- Steam wrinkles in the bathroom with hot shower running

Beach / Resort

BEACH TRIP PACKING:

CLOTHING:
[ ] 2-3 swimsuits (rotate to allow drying)
[ ] Cover-ups or sarongs (2)
[ ] Lightweight sundresses or casual outfits
[ ] Shorts (3-4)
[ ] Tank tops/T-shirts (5-6)
[ ] 1 nice outfit for dinner
[ ] Flip-flops (beach)
[ ] Water shoes (rocky beaches, coral)
[ ] Casual sandals (town/dinner)

BEACH ESSENTIALS:
[ ] Reef-safe sunscreen (protect marine life)
[ ] After-sun/aloe vera
[ ] Beach towel (or check if hotel provides)
[ ] Waterproof phone pouch
[ ] Snorkel gear (or plan to rent)
[ ] Beach bag
[ ] Insulated water bottle
[ ] Sunhat
[ ] Sunglasses (with strap)
[ ] Waterproof camera or GoPro
[ ] Good book or e-reader

Hiking / Outdoors

HIKING TRIP PACKING:
CLOTHING (layering system):
[ ] Moisture-wicking base layers (2-3)
[ ] Insulating mid-layer (fleece/down)
[ ] Waterproof outer shell
[ ] Hiking pants/shorts (2-3)
[ ] Hiking socks (merino wool, 4+ pairs)
[ ] Liner socks (blister prevention)
[ ] Sun hat and warm hat
[ ] Buff/neck gaiter
[ ] Gloves (lightweight)
[ ] Gaiters (muddy/snowy trails)
FOOTWEAR:
[ ] Broken-in hiking boots (do NOT bring new boots)
[ ] Camp shoes/sandals for evening
[ ] Extra insoles (optional)
GEAR:
[ ] Daypack (25-35L)
[ ] Trekking poles (if needed)
[ ] Headlamp + extra batteries
[ ] Water treatment (filter or purification tabs)
[ ] First aid kit (blister treatment, pain relief, bandages)
[ ] Trail snacks (nuts, bars, dried fruit)
[ ] Map/GPS (do not rely solely on phone)
[ ] Whistle
[ ] Knife/multitool
[ ] Sunscreen + bug spray
[ ] Bear spray (if in bear country)
[ ] Emergency blanket (lightweight)
OVERNIGHT BACKPACKING ADDITIONS:
[ ] Tent or shelter
[ ] Sleeping bag (rated for expected temps)
[ ] Sleeping pad
[ ] Stove + fuel
[ ] Food and bear canister
[ ] Water bottles/bladder (3+ liters capacity)

City Trip

CITY TRIP PACKING:

CLOTHING:
[ ] Comfortable walking shoes (MOST IMPORTANT ITEM)
[ ] 1 dressier outfit for nice restaurants
[ ] Mix-and-match tops and bottoms (5 tops, 3 bottoms for a week)
[ ] 1 light jacket or cardigan
[ ] Scarf (versatile -- warmth, style, temple coverage)
[ ] Comfortable day shoes (broken in)
[ ] Dressier shoes for evenings

CITY ESSENTIALS:
[ ] Crossbody bag or anti-theft daypack
[ ] Portable charger
[ ] Offline maps downloaded
[ ] Transit card/app
[ ] Guidebook or downloaded city guide
[ ] Umbrella (compact)
[ ] Reusable water bottle
[ ] Snack bars (for skipping expensive tourist food)

---

Step 4: Carry-On Optimization

The Carry-On Only Strategy

CARRY-ON MAXIMIZATION:
STANDARD CARRY-ON LIMITS (verify with your airline):
- Size: 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
- Weight: Varies (often 15-22 lbs / 7-10 kg)
- Personal item: 18 x 14 x 8 inches (fits under seat)
FIT MORE IN LESS SPACE:
1. WEAR YOUR BULKIEST ITEMS:
   - Heaviest shoes
   - Jacket/coat
   - Jeans or heavy pants
2. CAPSULE WARDROBE:
   Choose items that all mix and match:
   - Neutral base colors: black, navy, gray, khaki
   - 1-2 accent colors for tops
   - Every top works with every bottom
3. MULTI-USE ITEMS:
   - Sarong: towel, blanket, skirt, pillow, cover-up
   - Merino wool shirt: odor-resistant, wear 2-3 times
   - Packing cubes: keep things compressed and organized
   - Scarf: warmth, style, sun protection, pillow
4. TOILETRY MINIMIZATION:
   - Solid toiletries (shampoo bar, solid deodorant)
   - Multi-use products (tinted moisturizer with SPF)
   - Decant into small containers (buy at destination for long trips)
   - Use hotel-provided soap/shampoo
5. PACKING ORDER:
   Bottom: Shoes (in bags) + heavy items
   Middle: Rolled/folded clothing in packing cubes
   Top: Items needed on arrival
   Front pocket: Documents, electronics, essentials

The 5-4-3-2-1 Packing Rule

FOR A ONE-WEEK TRIP:
5 tops (T-shirts, blouses, tanks)
4 bottoms (pants, shorts, skirts)
3 layers (sweater, jacket, cardigan)
2 shoes (walking + dressy/sandal)
1 hat

Adjust numbers up by 30-40% for two weeks (plan to do laundry).

---

Step 5: Packing Techniques

Rolling vs. Folding vs. Bundling

PACKING TECHNIQUES:

ROLLING (Best for casual clothes):
- Lay item flat, fold in half
- Roll tightly from bottom up
- Best for: T-shirts, casual pants, pajamas, underwear
- Benefit: Saves space, reduces wrinkles

FOLDING (Best for structured clothes):
- Traditional flat fold
- Place tissue paper between layers
- Best for: Dress shirts, blazers, slacks
- Benefit: Maintains shape and creases

BUNDLE WRAPPING (Best for wrinkle prevention):
- Wrap clothes around a central core (packing cube or pouch)
- Each item wraps around the previous one
- Best for: Mixed formal and casual wardrobes
- Benefit: Nearly wrinkle-free arrival

PACKING CUBES (recommended for everyone):
- Categorize by type: tops, bottoms, underwear, accessories
- Compress cubes for extra space
- Makes unpacking and repacking fast
- Find items without digging through bag

COMPRESSION BAGS (for bulky items):
- Removes air from jackets, sweaters
- Can reduce volume by 50%
- Best for: Cold-weather clothing, puffy jackets

---

Step 6: Essential Documents Checklist

DOCUMENTS PREPARATION:

PHYSICAL COPIES (bring):
[ ] Passport
[ ] Visa/entry permit
[ ] Driver's license
[ ] Travel insurance card/policy number
[ ] Printed flight confirmations
[ ] Printed hotel confirmations
[ ] Emergency contact card
[ ] Prescription copies (in case you need refills abroad)
[ ] International driving permit (if renting a car abroad)

DIGITAL COPIES (store in phone + cloud + email to yourself):
[ ] Passport photo page
[ ] Visa
[ ] All booking confirmations
[ ] Travel insurance policy
[ ] Driver's license
[ ] Credit card front/back
[ ] Emergency contacts list
[ ] Medical information (allergies, blood type, conditions)
[ ] Prescriptions
[ ] Embassy/consulate contact info for your destination

TRAVEL WALLET SETUP:
Organize in a travel wallet or folder:
- Boarding passes (front pocket)
- Passport (secure pocket)
- Local currency (separate pocket)
- Hotel and car rental confirmations (another pocket)
- Insurance card
- Pen for customs forms

---

Step 7: Toiletry Optimization

The 3-1-1 Rule (Carry-On Liquids)

TSA 3-1-1 RULE:

3: Each container must be 3.4 oz (100 mL) or less
1: All containers must fit in 1 quart-size clear ziplock bag
1: One bag per passenger

TOILETRY PACKING LIST (CARRY-ON COMPLIANT):
[ ] Toothbrush + toothpaste (travel size)
[ ] Deodorant (solid preferred -- not subject to liquid rules)
[ ] Shampoo (travel bottle or bar shampoo)
[ ] Conditioner (travel bottle or bar)
[ ] Face wash (travel size)
[ ] Moisturizer (travel size)
[ ] Sunscreen (travel size -- buy full-size at destination)
[ ] Razor + blade covers
[ ] Medications
[ ] Lip balm
[ ] Hand sanitizer (travel size)
[ ] Feminine products (if needed)

SPACE SAVERS:
- Solid shampoo/conditioner bars (no liquid restrictions)
- 2-in-1 products (shampoo/body wash combo)
- Sheet masks instead of liquid masks
- Solid perfume instead of spray
- Decant products into small silicone tubes
- Buy toiletries at your destination for longer trips

---

Step 8: Electronics and Chargers

ELECTRONICS PACKING:

ESSENTIALS:
[ ] Phone + charging cable
[ ] Portable battery pack (10,000-20,000 mAh)
[ ] Universal power adapter (for destination's outlets)
[ ] Earbuds or headphones (noise-canceling for flights)

USEFUL:
[ ] E-reader (lighter than books)
[ ] Camera + SD cards + charger (if separate from phone)
[ ] Small power strip or multi-port USB charger
[ ] Waterproof phone case/pouch
[ ] Car phone mount (road trips)
[ ] Hotspot device (if unreliable WiFi expected)
[ ] USB flash drive (backup photos)

POWER ADAPTER REFERENCE:
US/Canada/Mexico: Type A/B (flat prongs)
Europe (most): Type C/F (round prongs)
UK/Ireland: Type G (3 rectangular prongs)
Australia/NZ: Type I (angled flat prongs)
Japan: Type A (flat, like US but no ground)
India: Type D/M (round, 3 large prongs)
China: Type A/C/I (varies -- bring universal)

Bring a small power strip so you only need one adapter for
multiple devices.

---

Pre-Departure Final Check

THE NIGHT BEFORE DEPARTURE:

[ ] All items packed (use this checklist)
[ ] Bag weighs under the limit (weigh it)
[ ] Passport and wallet in your carry-on/personal item
[ ] Phone charged to 100%
[ ] Battery pack charged to 100%
[ ] All chargers packed
[ ] Boarding pass downloaded/printed
[ ] Check-in completed (airline app)
[ ] Alarm set for departure time
[ ] Outfit for tomorrow laid out (wear bulkiest items)
[ ] Liquids in 3-1-1 bag (if carry-on)
[ ] Snacks and water bottle ready
[ ] Home secured (lights on timer, thermostat set, doors locked)
[ ] Pet/plant care confirmed
[ ] Mail hold activated (if long trip)
[ ] Itinerary shared with someone at home

---

This skill provides packing guidance. Always verify airline baggage policies and destination-specific requirements before finalizing your packing list. When in doubt, pack less -- you can almost always buy what you need at your destination.

Output Format

PACKING ASSISTANT OUTPUT
========================

Section 1: Assessment / Analysis
- Key findings
- Recommendations

Section 2: Action Plan
- Step-by-step guidance
- Timeline if applicable

Section 3: Resources
- Relevant references
- Next steps

Example

Input: "Help me get started with packing assistant"

Output: A structured packing assistant plan tailored to the user's specific situation, following the process outlined above.

Edge Cases

• Incomplete information: Ask clarifying questions before proceeding. Do not assume details the user has not provided.
• Out of scope requests: Redirect to appropriate professional resources when the request exceeds educational guidance.
• Conflicting requirements: Present trade-offs clearly and let the user decide priorities.