Humbly, I’d like to declare myself the Queen of Light Packing. Among my credentials: Moving to Paris with just a checked bag, carry-on and backpack; packing for a three-week international trip with just a carry-on and, probably most importantly, the willingness to wear the same pair of jeans four days in a row with aplomb. (Go ahead, call me nasty, IDGAF!) When traveling, I value light packing over everything else—in fact, I’m even that girl who can and happily will eschew a handbag for some oversized coat pockets whenever I can get away with it. I don’t like being bogged down by stuff. When it comes to what to pack for a weekend trip, you can bet I’m paring it down to only the absolute essentials. Here’s how I do it, plus tips and a printable packing list so you can, too.
What to Pack for a Weekend Trip Without Hauling Your Entire Closet
You’ll survive with two pairs of shoes, promise
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The Best Type of Luggage to Pack for a Weekend Trip
I think this is most dependent on your lifestyle and mode of transportation. Personally, as a New York City dweller, I tend to want something with wheels or in backpack form. As I’ve learned the hard way, top-handle duffles and the like will get heavy no matter how much or little is in them, if you must haul them seven miles across town to Penn Station. Rollers and backpacks distribute the weight much better.
If you have a car and packing is a matter of walking two steps to throw the bags in the trunk, it matters less. Go for the impractical or the pretty if it suits you. My only advice is don’t over complicate things. Don’t pack a checked bag for a two-day trip. Being weighed down by all your belongings can get stressful.
What to Pack for a Weekend Trip
Think of this as the ultra pared-back version of TikTok’s 333 packing rule. If you’re a chronic over packer who needs variety, sticking with the 333 Rule is actually the best option, because it instructs you to pack three each of your tops, bottoms and shoes for a grand total of 21 outfits.
Should you be like me, my weekend packing list is as follows, and assumes you’ve already taken into account personal items like bras and underwear.
Toiletries
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Facial cleanser
- Facial moisturizer
- Tinted sunscreen
- Pillow case
Optional Makeup
- Concealer
- Blush
- Eyeliner
- Mascara
- Lip product
Clothes & Shoes
- 2 tops
- 1 pair of bottoms
- 1 pair of pajamas
- 2 pairs of socks
- Sneakers OR shoe of choice
Seasonal Items
Choose based on the weather you’re traveling in.
- 1 sweater
- 1 coat
- 1 silk or wool scarf
- 1 bathing suit
- Sunglasses
Below are some of my favorite products I tote with me whether I’m on a short jaunt out of town or spending weeks on the road.
1. Quince Expandable Carry-On
Quince
Admittedly, this is a HUGE suitcase for a weekend trip, but the ergonomics are amazing if you need to lug it through town. The expandable feature is also great if you’re planning on bringing home a lot of goodies, which was, in one instance, the case for me. It’s similar in size to the Away Bigger Carry-On but over $100 less. I love the organized inner compartments and pockets, which make it easy to store smaller toiletries.
Feeling ambitious to actually pack only a couple day’s worth of necessities? I like the July Carry All. Lugging it to my aunt’s house in Jersey can get tough if I’m overzealous, but if you’re throwing it in the back of a car, the bag itself is light and compact, while still able to easily hold enough clothes and shoes for a weekend. There’s a handy exterior pocket, shoulder strap AND the newest iteration (shown above) has a clamshell-style zipper that splits into two compartments.
3. Nordstrom Moonlight Pajamas
Nordstrom
I own a pair of pajamas in a similar design to the uber-popular Nordstrom Moonlight PJ’s. These just so happen to be a PureWow reader AND editor favorite. Dainty piping, fun colors and fabric that’s soft and stretchy make for sleepwear that’s both stylish and lounge-worthy. For me, there’s nothing quite so nice as getting dressed for bed, and these pajamas deliver.
4. Kitsch Satin Pillowcase
Kitsch
I’ve previously shared that the silk pillowcase is the one random-but-useful thing I always pack. For me, it eliminates bed head and therefore the need to worry about any serious styling. I love Kitsch’s satin pillowcases for their affordability—it takes the stress of accidentally leaving one in a hotel…something that I’ve nearly done on multiple occasions.
5. Versed Good Defense SPF 50
Versed
When it comes to paring down my beauty routine for travel, the one thing I will never skimp on is sunscreen. After testing over 40 different brands, I find myself consistently veering back to Versed’s Good Defense SPF 50. It is the best intersection of price (SPF 50 at $20?!) and formula (not greasy, doesn’t clog pores) that I’ve come across. The sunscreen gives you a gentle glow if you go out bare-faced, but also won’t pill under makeup. This is always in my toiletry bag, no exceptions.
6. Naked Sundays BeautyScreen SPF 50
Naked Sundays
As a light packer, I love a product that does double duty. The only time I’m forgoing my Versed Good Defense is if I am planning to wear makeup. In that case, I’ll reach for Naked Sundays’ Beauty Screen, which doubles as SPF and color corrector. Trust me when I say you can skip the foundation.
7. Sézane Clyde Trench Coat
Sézane
Both I and former PureWow Associate Fashion Commerce Editor Stephanie Meraz are obsessed with Sézane’s signature Clyde trench coat. This is a peak transitional piece going into spring or fall, lightweight but sturdy and never fails to haul in the compliments. The slightly oversized fit makes it easy to layer up if you want extra warmth, and isn’t too bulky in the plane/car.
8. Quince Cashmere Crewneck
Quince
Here’s another great transitional wardrobe staple that’s great for layering on chilly nights and brisk mornings, while being thrown stylishly over your shoulders at midday. I’ve been living in this sweater and plan to take it on my travels this year. It’s easy to style alone or with a button-up, while being thin enough to wear under a coat. Don’t mistake its lack of volume for lack of warmth, though—this thing powered me through a three-hour Broadway show where the indoor temps were probably in the 60s.
9. Margaux Demi Flats
Margaux
These are my favorite shoes of all time. In fact, I’m wearing a pair as I write this. I own multiple Margaux flats and have had them for a number of years. You can log MILES in these shoes. Provided I’m not doing any physical activity that requires more athletic attire, I’m perfectly happy to travel with just a pair of Demi flats on my feet. There are tons of colors, three widths and sizing from 3 to 14.
10. Birkenstocks Bend Low Sneakers
Birkenstock
Hands down, the Bend Low is the best lifestyle sneaker I have ever worn. I walked nine miles in these guys straight out of the box, and by day’s end, my feet and knees had absolutely nothing to say. When I know I’m going to be doing a ton of walking, the Bend Lows are my secret to staying polished and comfortable without compromise.
