Yesterday I published the introduction to my next trip report series. In the comments section, reader JB asked how many items of clothing I typically pack for a trip lasting for around a week — do I bring enough of everything to last one per day, do I do laundry, or something else?
Somehow I’ve never actually written about this topic, so this seems like as good of a time as any!
My philosophy on packing a bag for a trip
Before I share the approach I take, let’s start with some caveats. First of all, while I’d consider myself to be an airline and hotel expert, and I’ve spent a lot of time traveling (I even lived in hotels full time for a couple of years!), I’m an absolute mess when it comes to packing, and you probably shouldn’t take advice from me.
I’m the guy who starts packing 20 minutes before I head out the door to the airport, and I just kind of throw everything into my bag fast. That’s quite a contrast to Ford, who starts packing a day in advance, figures out all of his outfits, folds his clothes neatly, etc. So while I’ll share the approach I take, I’m actively telling y’all not to take advice from me.
Anyway, big picture, my approach to packing factors in a few beliefs that I have:
- I tend to think that people overpack when it comes to nice outfits and special looks, and tend to underpack when it comes to the basics; this assumes you’re not someone who is big into taking pictures of themselves, and wants to carefully coordinate outfits for pictures
- As much as it might feel like a “security blanket” to take extra clothes, you’re typically going to be happier taking less rather than more, since people almost always acquire something while traveling, and then have no space in their bag
- I’m actually not as opposed to checking bags on some trips as others are, especially if traveling to a sunny climate, where it’s helpful to bring your own sunscreen, etc.
The clothes that I typically travel with
If I’m just traveling with a carry-on bag, how do I go about packing? Here’s my general approach, which typically applies across climates:
- My top priority is to pack plenty of socks and underwear, since having (at least) one clean pair per day is nice; some might say that’s an overkill, but I also like to work out when traveling, so can get a little sweaty
- I’m someone who generally wears athleisure clothes whenever appropriate or possible, so I pack nearly as many t-shirts as there are days that I’m away; I skimp on pants, and typically pack just one pair of long athleisure pants, plus a couple of pairs of shorts
- When it comes to “nicer” clothes (for going out to dinner, etc.), I typically pack at most two outfits, so they tend to repeat themselves
- I don’t care what climate I’m traveling to, I always bring a hoodie; even if you’re not traveling somewhere cold, airports and other indoor spaces are often freezing, and I consider it to be one of the most underrated travel essentials
- I generally try to limit myself to two pairs of shoes — one pair that can be used for fitness or to walk around a city, and a dressier pair that can be worn at restaurants, etc.
- If I’m traveling to warm resort destinations, I’ll also pack a pair of swim trunks, while if I’m traveling to a colder climate, I try to pack one nice, versatile jacket or sweater
Bottom line
Everyone takes a different approach to packing for travel. Personally, I tend to think that less is more, and my priority is always to have as many pairs of socks, as well as underwear and t-shirts, as possible. I try to limit my packing of other items, simply because you’ve gotta limit yourself somewhere.
What’s your approach to packing for trips?
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