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!
In this post:
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?
Lucky - interesting that you continue to stick with your traditional two-wheeled bags. I remember years ago, you posted that you preferred these to the spinner bags. Since then, I have watched spinner bags seem to take up 66% of the carry-on market, including tons of people with shiny expensive metal Rimowa bags.
Personally, I find that packing cubes, sized to accommodate the appropriate clothing and suitcase/bag, etc, are indispensable.
When travelling in Africa and the ME, soft bags are better than hard cases when light and rotary wing aircraft flights are expected.
The same applies when enjoying the luxury train journeys, a soft bag with wrap around formal wear/suit holder is sufficient.
It is easy to spot the experienced travellers by the absence of large heavy pieces...
Personally, I find that packing cubes, sized to accommodate the appropriate clothing and suitcase/bag, etc, are indispensable.
When travelling in Africa and the ME, soft bags are better than hard cases when light and rotary wing aircraft flights are expected.
The same applies when enjoying the luxury train journeys, a soft bag with wrap around formal wear/suit holder is sufficient.
It is easy to spot the experienced travellers by the absence of large heavy pieces of luggage.
My #1 tip on a "vacation trip" is to bring a duffel bag. They pack small and are perfect for extra bag space on the way back. Stuff them with your laundry and check them in. Now you have plenty of space for whatever you've acquired on your trip.
This x1000. Doing it tomorrow to help fit Christmas gifts on my return flight/won't have to check a nearly empty bag on the outbound
As a suggestion, would it'd be possible for the blog to allow emojis? It doesn't have to be modern, something like what you'd find on airliners would be sufficient. It's something that has been on the back of my mind for a while!
Will that help you with your trolling on articles about Philippine Airlines?
I'm not sure what your deal is.
Do you or others have an athleisure long pants recommendation? (Asking for all the guys like me who did not know this existed)
If you have an Amex Platinum, check out Lululemon. You might be surprised.
I used my last credit on a few pairs of socks.. I'll have to look into pants once it resets.
Hopefully they have some relaxed fit styles that fit my fat thighs lol
Lululemon ABC 5 pocket pant
I hated on athleisure for years until my sister bought me a pair. I honestly don't know how I flew without them in the years before. Perfect blend of comfort and class.
Class. Yeah, low class.
"since having (at least) one clean pair per day is nice; some might say that’s an overkill"
Those people are nasty.
Depending on the trip, I'll use either the hotel or neighborhood laundry. For example, in London, there are neighborhood laundries that are even in-by-9, back-by-5.
I've found hotel washer/dryers in Japan to be too weak to handle a ton of cotton clothes.. I've had them sit in the drying cycle for 2-3 hours and still come out damp so I go to a nearby laundromat which is a lot quicker even with the time needed to walk there.
How are they in other parts of the world?
I remember watching your piece on ABCs Nightline with Bill Weir (now with CNN as a climate correspondent) (even stayed up for it actually) and one tip that stuck with me was wrapping your shoes with shower caps.
I just pack everything into plastic bags. Grouping clothes per bag and shoes separately of course. I can't watch people opening suit case and everything is randomly thrown in, including shoes.
Another tip I leaned from him was stuff extra socks in the shoes to save space. Very clever.
You can also put underwear in shoes as well.
I use gallon ziplock bags to store my socks and underwear, usually fits a week's worth and they can be somewhat compressed as well if you squeeze them as you zip it up.
I usually steal a laundry bag once I get to my first hotel to use as a dirty laundry bag till I can get to the laundromat or home depending on length of trip.