A Weekend Packing List for Quick Trips

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

So, 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?

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

It’s tough to leave behind all the “just in case” items. 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 arrive. In retrospect, I should have just spent 30 seconds and made the decision before I left.

The Setout Divide is perfect for your weekend away and short trips, a full-sized carry on is too much bag. You need something compact with enough packing space for the essentials. It’s never worth it to check a bag for a weekend and risk losing it for a day or two (which is practically your whole trip). Plus, you’re only gone for two nights. Here’s a basic weekend packing list based on the minimalist mentality that I’ve adopted for quick trips.

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

Need more specifics? Scroll down for a more details on what 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 there is beach or pool time on the agenda.

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. Jeremy and Fred are talking up Outliers on the podcast, which would be the perfect pair of men’s travel pants if jeans aren’t your first choice. Plan on bringing them clean and taking them off only to sleep.

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. Ladies, it really depends on your look.

For Sunday, another causal top or t-shirt is perfect, 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?

As far as accessories and jewelry, bring what you’d usually wear with your chosen outfits. Unlike packing for a longer stay, no need for the mix’n match theory of having a couple of things that can be reworn. For three days, laundry is a waste of time. For three weeks, laundry is a necessary evil.

Because this is a short trip, you should 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 weekend packing lists, or colder destinations, you’ll also want to make sure you have 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.

As for toiletries, only bring what 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 toothbrush. Those are the core four things I need to look, and function, like a human.