Traveling, whether it’s a weekend getaway or long-term exploration, requires thoughtful planning, especially when it comes to packing. As a seasoned traveler who last year too 38 flights, I’ve learned the importance of having a well-curated men’s packing list for all sorts of trips, from vacations to European adventures to work trips to conferences.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to ensure you’re prepared for your next trip, regardless of the destination, duration, or weather conditions. From packing cubes to breathable materials, here's a complete packing list to help streamline your process.
1. Luggage: What to Choose?
The first decision you’ll need to make is about the luggage. I'm #TeamCarryOn, so I really try to pack intelligently for the duration of my trip. For short trips, a carry-on bag is ideal. Not only does it save you from paying additional costs for checked bags, but it also helps you navigate airport security quicker. A roller bag is a great option for ease of movement, while an L backpack is often favored by those who prefer hands-free travel.
For carrying on, I have two go-to bags: the Nomatic Travel Pack and the MVST TREK Carry-On. The Nomatic is favored in the minimalist travel community for its ability to pack up to three days worth of clothes (plus shoes!) as well as your other travel essentials in one pretty smart-looking backpack.
For my carry-on roller, it's the MVST TREK Carry-On in gunmetal. It's a gorgeous latticed aluminum finish and is zipperless, coming instead with latches, which I prefer. It's also less than half the price of other aluminum bags (looking at you, Rimowa), making it an excellent entry point into the world of aluminum baggage.
For those embarking on long-term travel, investing in a travel bag with sturdy compartments or even a travel pack may be a good idea. These bags typically provide more room for packing cubes and travel essentials like toiletries, clothing, and travel documents.
For my longer trips, I personally recommend the Calpak TRNK medium luggage. This one I have in black snakeskin pattern was given to me as a wedding present, and it's held up way better than I would have thought. It's so far been on over 50 flights with me, and it's just now starting to show signs of wear with the exterior snakeskin design rubbing off.
2. Clothing: The Key to Versatile Packing
Packing the right clothes for your destination, especially with varying weather conditions, is essential. Here’s a list of items to consider for different climates:
Warm Climates
If your next trip takes you to warmer climates, pack lightweight and breathable materials. T-shirts and short-sleeve button-down shirts are must-haves for sunny days. A couple of pairs of shorts will serve you well, but don’t forget to bring at least one pair of lightweight pants for cooler evenings or visits to locations where more conservative attire is required. Travel pants, particularly convertible pants, are a great option as they can transform from long pants to shorts easily. My absolute favorite travel clothes are:
T-Shirts: You want something breathable, lightweight and odor-fighting. For that, I love merino wool shirts from Unbound Merino. Are they cheap? No, but they're 100% worth it. If you're looking for a less odor-fighting alternative that won't break the bank, Vuori's Strato Tech t-shirt is a staple in my travel wardrobe.
Short Sleeve Button Downs: For me, I don't look past Mizzen and Main. This formal-wear company has branched out into performance attire that's slightly elevated, including their line of short sleeve button downs. They genuinely feel like you're wearing workout clothes.
Shorts: The best brand I've discovered in 2024 is Rhoback. I own 7 of their polos, one quarter zip and two pairs of their Everyday Shorts. These are absolutely perfect for travel, with a gym-short-like feel, deep pockets and a front and back zippered pocket for your valuables (or AirPods once you're on the plane and don't want them to slide between seats).
For footwear, pack a pair of lightweight shoes or sandals, depending on your activities. Always opt for moisture-wicking socks to keep your feet dry, especially when you expect warmer temperatures. For me, the winner here is Allbirds. Yes, I know that ON is all the rage now, but Allbirds are the perfect blend of breathable, extremely lightweight and durable, making them a great travel shoe.
Cold Climates
When traveling to destinations with average low temperatures, packing for warmth is critical. Start with layering: merino wool items, such as long sleeve shirts, are fantastic for insulation and are breathable materials.
A down jacket, which takes up minimal space when packed in a compression sack, is a great addition to keep warm in colder weather. My favorite? The packable down jacket from Uniqlo. For the price, you can't beat it. I've had mine now for three years and it's just as warm as it was on day one, with the added benefit of being able to be rolled up and shoved in the dark recesses of a bag.
Don’t forget to bring zipper jackets and long-sleeved shirts for layering. A v-neck sweater is a good idea for evenings, and you’ll want to bring enough pairs of socks to ensure your feet are warm. For wet weather, rain gear, such as a water-resistant jacket, should be on your packing list.
The perfect jacket for this? Assuming you don't need to go formal, the Swacket from Under Armor is the perfect lightweight jacket that does double duty: it's a sweater-like feel on the inside, while the outside is made with Goretex for water resistance if a rainstorm hits.
3. Clothing Essentials for Every Trip
Regardless of the weather, certain staples should always make your packing list. These include:
- A Pair of Jeans: Durable and versatile, jeans are a great addition to any wardrobe.
- A Dress Shirt: Whether you’re heading out for a nice dinner or have a semi-formal event, a dress shirt can come in handy.
- A Pair of Pants: Lightweight pants or travel pants can be worn on travel days, making them essential for comfort.
- Several Pairs of Socks and Underwear: This will depend on the duration of your trip, but always pack more than you think you’ll need.
- Long-Sleeve and Short-Sleeve Options: Make sure you have a mix of long-sleeved shirts and t-shirts to accommodate varying temperatures.
4. Packing Hacks and Space Savers
To ensure your carry-on luggage or travel bag doesn’t get overstuffed, here are some space-saving techniques:
- Packing Cubes: These are your secret weapon for keeping everything organized and maximizing space. You can sort your clothing by category—shirts, pants, underwear, and socks—making it easier to find items without unpacking your entire bag. I personally am still getting used to the packing cube lifestyle, but these have been working pretty well for me so far.
- Compression Sacks: Especially useful for bulky items like jackets or sweaters, compression sacks use a unique double zipper to squeeze out air to make your clothing take up a ton of space less. Here are the ones that changed the game for me.
- Plastic Baggies: For wet clothes, dirty laundry, or even toiletries (especially if you're traveling within Europe as these are mandated for your toiletries), plastic bags are a great way to keep items separate and avoid messes in your luggage.
5. Travel Accessories: The Little Things Matter
Packing isn’t just about clothing—travel accessories are equally important. Here’s a list of items to consider:
- Travel Documents: Always pack your passport, visa (if needed), and other essential documents in a secure, easy-to-access zip pocket of your bag.
- Credit Cards: These are a must for travel, especially in the United States, where credit card use is widespread. It’s a good idea to inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid unexpected blocks on your cards.
- Water Bottle: A refillable water bottle is a great way to stay hydrated without having to purchase overpriced bottled water. Yes, Stanley cups are all the rage right now, but they don't seal. You need one that seals, which is where my new favorite, Owala, comes in. It's new lip system allows you to drink from a straw or pouring water, and it snaps closed. It's perfect for a long travel day.
- First Aid Kit: While you may not think of it as an essential, a small first aid kit can save you a lot of trouble on your next trip, especially if you plan on doing outdoor activities.
- Shaving Cream and Toiletry Bag: A well-organized toiletry bag will ensure all your grooming essentials are in one place. Make sure it’s leak-proof and travel-size compliant. For the more well-manicured of you out there, I highly recommend the Briggs and Reilly Executive Dopp Kit. Featuring a ton of storage and a hook to hang it, it's the perfect dopp kit for longer trips.
- Luggage Tracker: If you’re checking in a bag, a luggage tracker is a great way to ensure your bags don’t get lost. In Norfolk, VA, this summer, my checked bag got lost. Because I had an AirTag, however, we were able to find the bag in a fraction of the time and the baggage handler told me "everyone needs one of these. I cannot tell you how much time it saves all of us." It’s a small investment that can save you stress later.
6. Technology and Gadgets
Long flights and travel days can be tiring, but having the right technology can make your journey smoother:
- Travel Apps: Download travel apps to manage your itinerary, track flights, or find local recommendations. These apps are incredibly helpful and can serve as a digital version of travel documents if necessary.
- Headphones - whether you're an over-ear guy or an in-ear one, the Airpod line of headphones is the travel gold standard. With the newest generation Airpods, you don't even need the pro version to get noise cancelling, saving you your sanity when the baby behind you fires up.
7. Health and Hygiene
Packing a few health essentials can make a big difference, especially if you're traveling to areas where certain items might be difficult to find:
- Hand Sanitizer: Staying germ-free while traveling is more important than ever, so keep a small bottle of hand sanitizer in your day bag.
- Wet Wipes: For long flights or layovers, wet wipes are a great way to freshen up.
- Face Masks: Depending on your destination or personal preference, it might be worth packing a few masks.
8. Clothing Care and Laundry
If you’re traveling for an extended period, or traveling with children, laundry options become a key consideration. Many hotels or Airbnb accommodations offer laundry services, but packing a small laundry kit can be useful. Here are some tips:
- Dirty Laundry Bags: Keep your dirty laundry separate from clean clothes by using a dedicated laundry bag. This prevents your clean clothes from smelling musty. These generally come in sets of packing cubes, or even with your luggage!
- Plastic Bag for Wet Clothes: After swimming or hiking in wet conditions, you’ll want to store wet clothes in a plastic bag until you have the chance to wash them.
9. Budget Considerations
Traveling doesn’t have to come with high costs. By sticking to a carry-on packing list, you’ll avoid extra costs associated with checking bags. Using affiliate links to purchase gear and accessories can often save you money, and in some cases, the companies offer small commissions to bloggers and content creators like myself (thank you for the support!). In addition, choosing lightweight, multifunctional items can help you reduce the number of things you pack, eliminating the need for larger, more expensive luggage.
10. Packing for Special Occasions or Activities
Certain trips may require special gear or clothing. For instance:
- Hiking: If you plan to go hiking, make sure you have sturdy, water-resistant shoes and comfortable clothes.
- Business Travel: You’ll want to pack a dress shirt, slacks, and a pair of formal shoes. And don't forget that undershirt!
- Adventure Sports: Be sure to bring any specific gear you may need, like wet clothes for water sports or rain gear for unpredictable weather.
Conclusion
With the right preparation and this ultimate men’s packing list, you’ll be ready for any adventure—whether it’s a weekend getaway or a longer trip. By focusing on versatility, organization, and key travel essentials like packing cubes, merino wool clothing, and the right luggage, you can enjoy your travels without the stress of overpacking.
Always consider the weather conditions, average high temperatures, and average low temperatures of your destination, and adjust your packing accordingly. Have a great time, stay organized, and enjoy the journey!
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