How to Pack For A Weekend Getaway

The long weekend is calling out, and it’s only a matter of time before you answer by venturing out for some much-deserved R&R. 

While we do love a spur of the moment adventure, the bag you’re taking along with you should prepare you for the journey ahead, not serve as a reminder of what was left behind in your closet or weigh you down with a lack of decisive packing.

If you’re looking to keep your luggage minimal and manageable for the weekend’s getaway, we recommend following some of our time-honored advice for packing with purpose.

Travel-minded toiletries

While a weekend trip calls for careful packing, there’s no need to sacrifice your grooming routine. Aim to slim down to what’s necessary for a short trip: body wash, face wash, shampoo, conditioner, hair product, deodorant, moisturizer, a razor and shaving cream. To save even more space in your bag, you might want to invest in travel-size grooming products —Truefitt & Hill offers a host of classic products in getaway-friendly sizing for just the occasion, including deodorant that's paraben and aluminum free and customizable sample kits.

Consider your locale

Try to be a realist about the weather that awaits you. While many of us are optimistic about temperatures for the long weekend, colder weather can often prevail, a particularly important detail when spending time in the great outdoors, especially in the spring. Whether you'll be landing in a tropical climate or a more northerly destination like a rustic lakeside cabin, it’s hugely important to check any available weather reports for the locale and plan accordingly. Preparedness prevents a multitude of pitfalls—a lesson all gentlemen can benefit from.

Minimize bulk, maximize space

Packing effectively for a trip is an art as well as a convenience. While it’s easy to over pack for a short trip, under packing for minimalists is also a concern—you should be mindful of what makes it into your weekender. 

Only pack clothes you will truly and honestly wear over the course of your time away, not what you think you might need in the off chance you partake in an unlikely activity.

Keep your bag slim by choosing clothing with solid colors, and preferably neutrals instead of prints or patterns to maximize the ease in which you can craft outfits. Packing for warm weather locales is a simpler practice—most items you’ll need will lighter, and more easily packed, while colder weather packing presents more of a challenge.

Thinner items pack more easily than bulky items, which we generally need less of, so we recommend packing from thinnest to thickest in descending order. Pack the largest number of undergarments, followed by a slightly smaller number of first layers such as t-shirts or oxfords, followed by an even smaller number of thick layers like sweaters or cardigans as well as pants or shorts, and finishing with a single outer layer, such as a coat. In most cases you’ll probably only need one coat or jacket for when the weather turns, so choose it wisely.

Choose your shoes

Your weekend should only call for one or two pair of shoes that are practical, stylish and neutral. Beyond seamlessly fitting into the outfits you’ve planned, you’ll want to be able to wear your shoes for extended periods of time and easily transition between different activities and outings. Your shoes could be anything from a pair of classic sneakers, to casual loafers, to lace up leather boots fit for walking as well as lounging. If you’re convinced you’ll need two pairs of shoes on hand for a wide range of excursions (i.e. a day at the beach vs. a black tie evening), wear the heaviest or larger pair of shoes and pack the other pair in your bag.

No matter the destination, keen attention to packing will ensure your adventure begins as it should, well prepared and carefully styled. How you spend your much-needed time away is entirely up to you.