Men's Packing Guide: How to Pack for a Weekend Getaway
A Guide to Maximizing Your Weekend Wardrobe, Without Weighing Down Your Bags
Learning how to travel efficiently is a skill that will pay benefits over a lifetime of travel.
— Doug Dyment, travel speaker and creator of OneBag.com
The end of the week is edging closer, and you're looking forward to the weekend getaway you've been planning for months. Travel guide? Check. New music on the iPod? Check. But there's still one nagging question: What to pack? If you don't leave the task to the last minute you will often save more time than you think -- not to mention cash and unneeded stress. One of the greatest self-inflicted problems travelers face is packing far more than they need. Too much stuff can lead to baggage fees, long waiting times at airport carousels and reduced mobility and flexibility once at your destination. And with many domestic airlines having made the unprecedented leap into charging their passengers to check even one bag, traveling light has become more important than ever.
Make a List
Before you start packing your bags, make a list. From shirts to toiletries to shoes, once everything is in written form, it's much easier to plan for the necessities and eliminate the redundant items.
When making your list, cover all elements of your trip. Think about the activities you're planning. Will there be hikes? Is it likely you'll swim? Will you attend formal affairs?
Once you've pored over this list, stick to it. In the moments leading up to your getaway, it's often tempting to persuade yourself that you need those seven pairs of socks. Chances are, you won't.
"Learning how to travel efficiently is a skill that will pay benefits over a lifetime of travel," said travel speaker Doug Dyment, creator of OneBag.com. "Determine what you need to pack -- not what someone else thinks you should pack -- and figure out how to accomplish that in the most travel-friendly manner."
Clothing
While traveling light is key, there is no reason to compromise on style. Your aim is to maximize use of what you bring, so if you toy with the idea of packing that hole-ridden "comfy" sweater you wear on quick jaunts to the supermarket, forget about it. And that pair of shoes that goes well with only one shirt? Leave those behind, too.
For a weekend trip, you'll likely need no more than three button-down shirts, and as many polo shirts or T-shirts. Go for T-shirts that aren't too casual -- think solid color V-necks -- so that you're still somewhat presentable, should your daytime activities bleed into your evening plans. A pair of jeans, a pair of shorts and a pair of dress pants -- if you know you'll definitely need them -- should serve your clothing needs. Also, a modest number of socks and underwear is recommended. Packing 10 pairs of either is unnecessary. Carry only what you know you will use.
For Dyment, color coordination is also a great help. "Sticking to a fixed color palette means that everything will match everything else, and a little accessorizing (a scarf, a tie, a sweater), can dramatically alter the look of an outfit," he said.
Footwear
Again, as you're thinking about versatility, carefully consider your choice of footwear. Steer clear of shoes that have little use away from the gym or hiking trail, unless your trip is specific to those requirements.
"Most men are fond of running sneakers; however, more fashionable men would wear Top-Siders, fashion sneakers (Diesel, PUMA or Cole Haan), driving shoes or a loafer," said Michelle T. Sterling, founder of image consultant service Global Image Group. "If you opt to wear loafers with shorts and a polo, although quite preppy, the shoes easily transition into evening attire along with jeans and a button-down shirt to keep it simple."
"Two pairs of shoes (one casual, one dressy) should address the needs of most people," Dyment advised.
Toiletries
"If you take my advice and eliminate liquids, it really doesn't matter how you pack them," Dyment said. "I carry all of mine in a small (7.5-by-4.5-by-2.5-inch) fabric container, along with vitamins and medical supplies. Bring what you can't manage without, and everything in appropriately small quantities."
His list of toiletries: toothbrush (and a cap or cover), floss, razor, blades, shaving oil/cream, comb and/or hairbrush, shampoo, bar soap (and container for soap), deodorant, nail clippers, small unbreakable mirror, small viscose towel, sunscreen, lip balm, antibacterial wipes and detergent/spot remover.
Quick Tricks
Wear some of your bulkier attire on your journey to your destination. Pull on a blazer over your shirt with jeans and a comfortable pair of shoes. While it ensures comfort, it also takes some of the heavier items out of your bag.
With your clothing, shoes and toiletries packed, you will have all that you need for most situations. For example, if you're going out during the day, opt for a T-shirt or polo with shorts or jeans and loafers or (if you must) sneakers. Should dinner at a restaurant be on the agenda, a button-down shirt with jeans and loafers or slip-on shoes should suffice. And if brunch is on the menu, jeans and a button-down or polo will prevent any disapproving stares from fellow diners.
Dyment added that there are ways around packing for unpredictable temperatures. "Deal with temperature by layering, not with specialized clothing," he said. "My own packing list provides seven clothing layers, and fits easily, along with business paraphernalia, in a small carry-on-sized bag. I never check luggage."
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