A Weekend Packing List for Quick Trips

Heading out for the weekend? Use this weekend packing list to figure out what to bring on your short getaway. Pop everything into a small travel backpack and hit the road.

You’re heading somewhere for the weekend, maybe visiting friends or family, seeing a concert, cutting the rug at wedding, or attending a graduation. Just Friday through Sunday and then back home again. Nothing too complicated, or open ended, about this trip. So, packing should be easy, right?

The hardest part for most people is my biggest secret: pick out the clothes you’re going to wear each day before you leave. You’ll need to do a little research on your destination, itinerary and the weather. Figure out what you’ll need then take exactly that.

Leaving behind all the “just in case” items is tough. I’ve packed workout clothes thinking I might squeeze in a run and once packed two dresses for a wedding so I could decide which one to wear when I arrived. In retrospect, I should have spent 30 seconds and made the decision before I left.

If you’re just looking for a quick checklist, here’s a basic weekend packing list you can modify for any type of getaway:

Need more specifics? Scroll down for more details on what to bring when going away for the weekend and tips to keep your list light and simple. But first, let’s take a look at what to pack it in.

You’ll need one pair of shoes you can wear all weekend. During the winter, I always bring a pair of  boots without heels. They’re sturdy for walking and work with most winter outfits.

For warmer trips, look for comfortable sandals or sneakers. Since they don’t take up much room, toss in another pair of sandals or flip flops if you’ll be at the beach or pool.

Shoes or boots can be worn on the plane or in the car if you’re driving. Volia! No space used in your backpack at all.

Most weekends, I will take one pair of jeans to wear the entire weekend, working my shirts and accessories around that single pair. Plan on bringing them clean and taking them off only to sleep.

For alternatives to jeans, see our list of the best men’s travel pants.

Pack three tops in total. Choose a top for the day on Saturday. Usually mine is some variation of a travel t-shirt or a casual sweater.

For Saturday evening, bring a dressier shirt that can still work with jeans. Think something you’d wear to a bar or restaurant. For men this typically means a collar. For women, the shirt depends on your look.

On Sunday, plan to wear another causal top or t-shirt or a simple, comfortable travel dress. Ladies, be sure you have the exact bra you need for each shirt.

If you’re going to an event, such as a wedding, graduation or show, you may need to toss in a dress or a suit (handy suit-packing tips here). This might be less efficient for packing, but do you really want to go to a wedding in jeans?

Bring the jewelry and accessories you’d usually wear with your chosen outfits. Unlike packing for a longer stay, you don’t need to worry about mixing and matching.

Pack the precise number of socks and underwear you need for 2-3 days. I recommend a spare pair of socks if there’s a lot of walking planned. Fresh socks can be a game-changer after a long day of stomping around.

For winter and fall weekends, you’ll want to add a warmer layer. Check the weather before you go to see exactly what kind of temperatures you’re preparing for. Then, grab one jacket you can wear for the full weekend and thermal leggings to wear under your jeans. Also, pack a hat and travel scarf just in case.

Don’t forget pajamas and phone charger. I always forget pajamas and a phone charger. Be sure you also have a book or your Cards Against Humanity deck.

When it comes to technology for weekend trips, ask yourself “Do I need that?” Most weekends planned for fun (not work) travel, I get by with just my iPhone and charger. Bring a Kindle or tablet if that makes you feel less techno-naked. Pack that laptop if absolutely necessary. Earbuds, I cannot live without; luckily, they’re light.

Only bring toiletries that you’ll use, not everything under your bathroom sink. Essential toiletries you’ll always want to bring for a weekend getaway include:

Confession: I use other people’s shampoo when I stay at their house. I also use hotel shampoo. C’mon, it’s free! Sometimes I don’t wash my hair for a whole weekend and pack a baseball hat instead. Often that extra 30 minutes of sleep or breakfast is totally worth it.

Be sure to pack those personal items you don’t share or others may not use. For me, that’s contact solution, hair gel, mascara, and a toothbrush. Those are the core four things I need to look, and function, like a human.