What to Pack for Grappler's Retreat

Going to Grappler's Retreat? Wonderful! Here's a handy packing list to make sure you have everything you need.

If you're wondering what to pack for Grappler's Retreat, the answer is thankfully, not that much. This post will provide a basic guide for everything you need (as well as what's provided), but do keep in mind, that each retreat is a different experience.

Close to your retreat date, the Grappler's Retreat team will email you with some packing information too.

What is Grappler's Retreat

Grappler's Retreat is a Jiu Jitsu training vacation retreat that takes place several times each year. If you're not sure whether you want to attend it, check out our Grappler's Retreat review for an honest opinion on the retreat as well as what to expect while you're there.

Below is a breakdown of everything I think you'll need (and not need) based on my trip there.

Note: The Grappler's Retreat team will also reach out to you shortly before your trip with a packing list, this is just for those of you that want to know in advance.

Essentials

The essential items you'll need at Grappler's Retreat. Please note, this is in addition to your usual travel essentials (like basic clothing, appropriate travel documents, etc.)

Training gear

Two gis and two sets of no-gi attire (if doing). For the sake of hygiene, most people wear rash guards under their gis so you may want to bring an extra rash guard or two. (If you're attending a retreat that's exclusively gi or no-gi, you can still get by with only two sets, but I'd consider packing a three or even four sets for the sake of convenience - remember, you're training twice daily.)

There are plenty of laundry machines available on site, so if you only have room for one gi, you can certainly make it work.

Warm clothes

If you've never been there before, North California can be get colder than you'd expect. On my last visit in September, we saw temperatures as low as 48 degrees F (9 degrees C), and high as 70 degrees F (21 degrees C).

A few warm layers are useful to have with you. Keep in mind that one of two dinner tables is outdoors, and there usually isn't enough room for everyone to sit around the indoor dinner table at once.

Refillable water bottle

A simple refillable water bottle will stop you from constantly running back and forth from the kitchen. It's also great to have water nearby in between training rounds. (The training room is about two minutes walk away from the kitchen.)

The hikes and excursions aren't long but it's certainly recommended to have some water with you when you go.

Toiletries

Make sure to bring all your usual toiletries (including sunscreen). The retreat doesn't provide toothpaste or moisturiser.

Flip-flops (or water shoes)

There are no shoes allowed in the training room or on the mats. Flip-flops or a pair of sandals will make entering and exiting the area quickly a lot easier.

If you're planning to use the hot tub or sauna at the retreat, flip flops are a convenient option. If you're attending retreat with any sort of water immersion, you may want to consider a pair of water shoes.

Backpack

A small day pack is ideal for any excursions. You'll be using it to carry water bottle, a towel, and maybe some extra clothes. It doesn't need to be waterproof or super rugged, but I recommend not bringing anything too fancy as you will be putting it down on the sandy beach, or maybe even on a muddy hiking trail.

Recommended items

I recommend taking all of these items to Grappler's Retreat with you. You'll still be able to get by without them, but you may miss out on some activities with your group.

Bathing suits

Even if you're not planning to jump into the cold river, a bathing suit is nice to have. It'll let you enjoy the hot tub, sauna, and outdoor showers at Grappler's Retreat.

As you're not ziplining or splashing into anything, any type of bathing suit will be fine.

Extra towels

You're provided with two bath towels upon arriving at Grappler's Retreat. If you want to use the hot tub or sauna regularly, it is recommended you bring at least one more. If your retreat has excursions that involve getting wet, you may want to bring along a lightweight towel that you can easily store in your backpack.

Mobile phone

You're meeting a lot of people. It's great to have your cell phone handy so that you can swap contact details or snap a quick selfie!

A camera

If you enjoy recording your rolls or want to record the instructions in the class without having to constantly get up to adjust the direction your camera is pointing, I'd recommend looking at an Insta360 camera (this link provides you with a discount and some extras bundled in for free). The wide view lets you capture everything easily, and then choose what you want later.

Optional items

Flashlight

Most of the retreat property is very well lit. However, it does get very dark at night, so should you want to walk around, it's handy to have a small flashlight with you.

Waterproof pouch

While you can bring along a waterproof phone pouch, it's probably not necessary (unless you really want a photo in the river).

Sunglasses

Your regular pair of sunglasses is fine. You likely won't need to wear them while doing any activities. Use your judgement on this one though, if it's a particularly sunny week, then sunglasses are a great idea.

(When I visited in September, I didn't need to wear my sunglasses even once.)

Tripod

If you intend on recording any training, a small tripod is very handy. While the training room does have shelves and walls that your phone can be propped up against, it's much more reliable to carry a small tripod with you.

(This is actually something I forgot to take. Don't make my mistake!)

Things you won't need

The below are things that will mostly just be a waste of luggage space. If you have the room, there's no harm in bringing them along, but you likely won't miss them at all if you don't.

Waterproof camera

While a GoPro is always handy to have, you won't need one for it's waterproof capabilities here.

Shampoo & body wash

Shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel are provided in the retreat (they even have more than one option to choose from). If you have a special product you need to use, you may want to bring that along, but otherwise you're fine.

Heavy winter gear

The Mendocino area is cooler, but it's not a frozen wasteland. You likely won't need to bring winter boots, thermals, or a down coat (unless you get very cold, very easily).

Pocket knives

Yes, you're in the woods...but you're not in the WOODS woods. You're at a modern, luxury retreat. Leave your survivalist gear at home.