With travel restricted (or almost non-existent!), the only thing still left to do is take a weekend trip to a nearby tourist attraction or a family house in the country.
But what to pack for only a night or two? We’re all familiar with the two extremes of either taking an entire suitcase or forgetting even an extra pair of socks!
But once you know your destination and itinerary, it’s not too difficult to make a packing list and to be honest, most men’s clothing is quite versatile, which makes the endeavor much more effortless.
Here’s how to pack a weekender bag, men’s edition.
Choose a proper bag
According to Stichfix.com, large suitcases are too bulky for an off-the-cuff two-day trip, but you’ll still want something durable that can handle getting thrown around.
That’s why the best options are either a backpack, duffel bag, or the aptly named weekender bag. It’s a unisex bag that’s spacious, has separate compartments for various items, and a soft body that allows packing a decent amount of cargo.
As Travelbagexperts.com explain, weekender bags are usually made
of leather, canvas, nylon, or combination materials, so they’re great for those who want to keep it classy (sorry, duffel).
Consider the plans
As you’ll be away only for a couple of days, you don’t need to cram half your closet into the bag, but make sure you consider your plans.
Will you be spending time in nature? Is dinner at a local restaurant in the books? We often cram in as much as possible under normal circumstances, but we can still do some things even in these uncertain times.
Knowing what you’ll be doing will make this process much easier.
Just the essentials
Firstly, you should wear your coat or jacket during travel days, you’ll save a lot of space.
Then get a men’s basic tees pack from Fresh Clean Tees. They will serve as your base under sweaters in winter and as main tops in warm climates.
For bottoms, pack dark denim, chinos (or chino shorts for summer), swim trunks if there’s a beach, or warm outdoor gear for winter walks in nature.
Depending on your plans, pack either a warm knit, light sweatshirt, or a fleece.
Don’t forget sweatpants and a simple top for sleeping and hanging around in your room.
Finally, load the appropriate shoes – sneakers, brown dress shoes, or comfortable hiking shoes.
The last essentials include 3 pairs of underwear, socks, a belt, and trip specific things like flip-flops, warm gloves, or a beanie.
Devices & accessories
You might be tempted to take your laptop, tablet, and phone, but unless you need them all for work, you’ll do fine with just your phone.
Don’t forget the headphones for the ride and walks and, of course, the charger.
It’s also useful to take sunglasses for sunny climates and a watch just in case.
Toiletries
Even if you’re not going to fly, still pack all your toiletries in a separate bag: best-case scenario – in a nice leather necessaire, worst – in a ziplock bag. It will be neater and protect from spills.
All you need is an aftershave, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, a hairbrush, floss, and mouthwash. It’s really convenient to use small containers as they will save a ton of space.
How to pack
Roll your pants and t-shirts and place them at the bottom of your bag.
The best place for shoes is either the bottom or on the sides of the bag. To save space, stuff them with socks and other small items. Place the shoes in plastic or cotton bags to prevent staining any items now or after the trip.
Layer the wrinkle-sensitive such as dress shirts on top. Use a pouch or sealing bags for underwear.
Have spare bags
A secret trick to a successful trip is taking a few extra bags. You might need to take a few items for your walk to the beach, mountains, or town, and you surely don’t want to take the entire weekender with you.
You might also buy some souvenirs or local foods.
Finally, you’ll need a laundry bag and a bag for things like wet towels and other clothes if it rains. It’s a simple yet effective way of preventing bacteria and foul odors.
Reusable and foldable bags are your best choice.
