Did you know that Americans took 1.8 billion leisure trips in 2017? That doesn’t even factor in business trips or international travel.
There’s no denying it–we’re a mobile society. But before you can travel anywhere, you first have to pack your bags.
If you’re like most men, you probably wait until the last minute to start packing. While you might be lucky enough to remember most of what you need, you’re likely to forget a few important items too.
Don’t let that happen to you! The next time you need to travel in style, consult our handy men’s packing list to ensure you have everything you need.
Men’s Packing List: Clothing
Of course, this will vary somewhat depending on where you’re going.
If you’re taking a ski trip to Colorado, you’ll need different items than you would for a beach vacation in Florida. The same goes for a business meeting in a big city versus a weekend getaway at a remote cabin.
Here’s a guide to the essentials that should cover most trips between 1-2 weeks long.
- 5-7 polo shirts or short/long-sleeved button-up shirts
- 5-7 t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, or similar casualwear
- 1 windbreaker or leather jacket
- 1 blazer or similar coat for versatile use
- 1-3 suits, dress shirts, and ties for business meetings (if appropriate)
- 1-3 pairs of long pants (jeans, chinos, khakis)
- 1-2 pairs of shorts (if traveling somewhere warm)
- 1 pair of swim trunks
- 7 pairs of underwear
- 7 pairs of socks
- 1 pair of loafers or “stylish” shoes
- 1 pair of sneakers or hiking boots
- 1 pair of dress shoes
- 1 pair of sandals or open-toed shoes
- 1-2 belts
- Pajamas/something to sleep in
If you’re traveling somewhere very cold, you’ll also need some long underwear, thermals, gloves, and scarves. Remember: layering is key!
Men’s Packing List: Toiletries
The average woman uses 16 personal products every day. You probably use a lot less, but you still want to make sure you don’t forget anything.
Here are the basics you’ll need to pack:
- Deodorant
- Razor
- Shaving cream
- Shampoo
- Bar soap or body wash
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Comb or brush
- Sunscreen and mosquito repellent (if appropriate)
- Cologne or aftershave
Depending on your destination, some of these items can be expensive to purchase. It’s better to bring what you need than to arrive unprepared.
Also, remember that any liquids in your carry-on bag must be in a container less than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters.
Other Essential Items to Pack
Clothes and toiletries are important, but they’re not the only things that belong in your pocket or suitcase.
Before you head to the airport, make sure you also have:
- Wallet
- Driver’s license
- Keys
- Phone
- Laptop/tablet
- Chargers for all electronics
- Passport (if appropriate)
- Plane tickets/confirmation
- Hotel/car rental reservation
- Sunglasses/reading glasses
- Camera
- Prescription or OTC medications
If you’re running out of space for those final important items, a high-quality duffel bag should do the trick. Read more now about this perfect carry-on item.
Packing Tips
To make sure your trip goes as smoothly as possible, here are a few more suggestions and reminders.
1. Prepare the Night Before
This is especially critical if you have an early morning flight. You don’t want to be fumbling for your passport at 4 AM while the taxi is waiting outside!
Before you go to sleep, lay out your wallet, keys, and clothes you’ll wear on the flight. We recommend placing all the important travel documents on top of your clothes so you won’t forget them in the morning rush.
2. Organize Your Chargers (And Bring Extras)
If you’re traveling with multiple electronic devices (like most of us do), don’t throw all the chargers in your suitcase.
Keep them neatly bundled in a separate travel organizer. This ensures nothing gets tangled, damaged, or lost in transit.
If you have an extra phone charger or USB cable lying around, pack it too. It’s better to be prepared than spend part of your vacation going to Best Buy.
3. Do Laundry Early
The last thing you want to discover right before you leave is that you only have 3 clean pairs of underwear.
The time to do your laundry is not 10 PM the night before you leave. Plan to do laundry at least a day or two before your departure to ensure everything you need is clean and ready to go.
This is especially important for items that have been stored or that you don’t wear often, like winter jackets or swimsuits.
4. Bring Extra Essentials
Traveling light is not the same as traveling unprepared. Don’t make it a personal challenge to see if 3 t-shirts are enough for a 14-day vacation.
It’s always a good idea to pack a few extra basics, like socks and underwear. You never know when you’ll get stuck in a rainstorm or the hotel’s laundry facilities will be closed.
5. Stuff Your Shoes and Roll Your Ties
Want to make sure your dress shoes don’t crease in the bag? Roll up your socks and stuff them inside the shoes to help them maintain their shape in transit.
If you’re packing ties for a business trip, don’t fold them! This will cause creases. Instead, roll them like a spool of tape so they don’t get wrinkled or damaged in your bag.
6. Think Interchangeable
To cut down on bulk, try to pack items that can be worn for multiple purposes.
Can you pack a sweater that’s practical for sightseeing but also dressy enough for dinner? How about a pair of shoes that work equally well for a business meeting or a night out at a bar?
Travel Checklist for Men: Now You Know
There’s nothing worse than forgetting your phone charger or running out of underwear on vacation.
Before you take your next trip, be sure to refer back to our men’s packing list. This will ensure you don’t forget anything important items–big or small!
Once your bags are packed, the only thing left to do is select a book to read on the flight. Click here for our list of essential books every man should read in his lifetime.
