As pro treasure hunters know, flea market shopping is practically a sport. It’s important to come prepared for a full day because you never know what you’ll find. Packing the right items will help you make the most of your day, whether you’re inside or outside, browsing or on the hunt.
Take a look at our ultimate list of flea market bring-alongs for a successful trip!
Wide Brimmed Hat
Many flea markets happen outside, which makes headwear an immediate must-have for your shopping day. Wide brimmed hats provide enough coverage to protect you from sunburns or light rain while you browse.
Davek Compact Umbrella
Better check the forecast! If will be windy, rainy or blindingly sunny, a compact umbrella will protect you from all kinds of weather.
Lunch Bag
An insulated floral lunch bag is perfect to carry cold snacks in. Throw in fruits, vegetables, cheese and whole-grain crackers for tasty midday pick-me-ups.
Soft Sided Folding cart
A collapsible cart is the next step up from a shoulder bag. This option has wheels and comes in a cute teal! Fabric sides make it ideal for squeezing in a few last-minute finds, and the folding feature is storage-friendly.
Hand Sanitizer
Keep the vintage goodies but leave the germs. It’s important to feel something in your hands before you buy it, but remember that a hundred other hands have touched it too. Just one or two drops of hand sanitizer will help protect your health.
Keen Sandal
You might be walking around for hours, so good shoes are a must. If warm weather is the order of the day, these Keen sandals are fashionable but most importantly, comfortable. You’ll have these for years to come.
Field Notes Journal and Wallet
This field notes journal is amazing. It has room for credit cards, a pen, notebook, and a small map if you find yourself in unfamiliar territory. Jot down observations, dream lists and contact info in this full-grain leather journal cover.
Quilted Belt Bag
The hip pack has made a comeback this year, and boy, are we glad! Hip packs make it easy to keep your valuables close and allow you to shop hands free.
Water Bottle
The key to everything: Stay hydrated. This cute mint water bottle has an attachment loop so you can take it with you everywhere, hands free. Take frequent sips throughout the day to keep your energy up.
Pocket Magnifier
It’s all about the fine print. This travel-size magnifier will help you see dates, product info and small cracks. Plus, it comes with a leather cover to protect the glass from scratches.
Magnets
Just in case anything metal manages to catch your eye, it's always a good idea to have a magnet or two on hand! Don't buy jewelry without testing the metal first. These are cute to keep on your fridge when you're not out and about hunting.
Keychain Measuring Tape
A measuring tape keychain essentially guarantees that you’ll never forget it at home. Flea markets are always brimming with antique furniture; you want to pick the right fit for your home, both stylistically and literally.
Shoulder Bag
I know I’ve become a master of fitting “one more thing” into my small purse, but come flea market season, it’s a different ball game. This lightweight shoulder bag has ample room for snacks, water, wallets and any other goodies you might pick up!
