Are you ready to hit the road but can’t decide exactly what to pack? With a few clever packing techniques and an understanding of wardrobe essentials, you can travel in ultimate comfort and style.
Whether it’s carry-on bags specific for short trips or checked baggage on longer journeys, this guide has all the information needed on what garments should be included in your wardrobe–no matter if you’re going abroad, taking weekend trips within the country, or simply traveling by plane.
So stop wondering what clothing is right for your journey; check out our comprehensive list of items that will ensure every man looks stylish and fashionable while exploring his new destination!
Different Types of Travel Bags
Your bag will be your best friend throughout your whole trip. It’ll carry all your essentials, plus, if it isn’t the right type for the activities you’re going to do on your trip, you might end up with sore shoulders and back so make sure to use the appropriate bag for your upcoming adventure.
Backpack
Backpacks can fit everything you need on the road quite effortlessly – from laptop chargers to books and snacks. Throw in a few extra layers and all of your documents you might need for your trip, and you’re set!
However, of course there are cons, too! Backpacks can be bulky and difficult to store when not in use, plus all that weight adds up quickly too. Nonetheless, a backpack is an excellent companion for the modern traveler.
Organizers
Organizers are a great way to keep your things in order, plus they make the most of any carry-on item. Organizers have many benefits such as allowing you to have a more organized and structured look, keeping all your items separate, and ensuring no items get lost in the shuffle while on the go.
On the flip side, they can add bulk and weight to a bag that may already be full, take up space that could otherwise be used for carrying other items, and impose some stiffness when trying to fit it into an overhead bin. Nonetheless, they’re great for people with so much stuff to bring.
Stuff Sacks
Stuff sacks are a convenient way to bring just the essentials when you need to travel light. As a carry-on, they can save time at the check-in counter and allow you to have greater control over what items you bring along with you.
The main pros include that they’re foldable and ideal for fitting in many tight spaces. One of its cons however is that stuff sacks do not offer as much protection from prospective damage as other bags might provide—so be sure to pack extra carefully if you do decide this is the way to go.
Travel Tote
Travel totes are an option for those who need to quickly grab and go, without having to worry about the size limitations of traditional carry-ons. They offer more room and can easily be stored wherever you decide to have your vacation.
The pros include their accessibility and ease of use when packing and unpacking. The cons however are that they may take up more space in public areas, and that they can become too heavy to carry after only a few hours of use.
Duffel Bags
Duffel bags are ideal for weekend trips and longer journeys. The great thing about a duffel bag is that it can handle just about anything, no matter how much you need to bring. Plus, they come in different sizes and can be used as either a carry-on or checked baggage item.
The only downside of using a duffel bag is that it can be difficult to organize the items within – it’s so easy for things to get lost and jumbled together. So, try packing light or using an organizer inside of your bag if you choose this style.
Clothing and Shoes
Packing the right clothes and shoes is essential to your travel! Make sure to check the weather and climate of your destination to make sure that you are packing exactly what you need.
For summer
Summer clothes should be light and airy, able to keep you cool and move around!
Shirts
Make sure to pack some light material shirts that will keep you cool from the summer heat! Dri-fit and cotton shirts will be your bestfriend for when you’re traveling in or into the summer!
Leggings
Leggings can help you keep on walking, running, or hiking on your summer trip! The added compression on your legs will help with blood circulation, giving you that needed extra push.
Shorts
Shorts are an essential for a summer trip, there’s no need to explain further on this one! Make sure to pack a couple of pairs because you will surely be wearing this all the time especially if your summer destination is a tropical country like Thailand or the Philippines!
Swimwear
No summer trip is complete without a beach trip or a dip into a pool! Make sure to have a few pieces of swimwear or clothes that you can turn into swimwear.
Shoes/Sandals
A pair of sturdy walking shoes or sandals will be your go to on a summer trip! Make sure to check your itinerary and see if you will need a specific type of shoe or sandal for your activities. This is especially true for those who might have some trekking or hiking activity on their itinerary.
For Winter
Winter is a whole different animal to tame, so make sure to have these in your travel wardrobe!
Base layer
Your base layer will keep your body warm all throughout your winter trip! Make sure to have some great thermals like lightweight leggings for men to keep you toasty. Your base layers are supposed to help trap body heat and keep you warm, so make sure that you buy thermals or base layers that do that! There are heattech clothing you can buy in-stores too so check out for those.
Outer layer
Your outer layers need to be as warm and toasty as your base layers! Make sure that you pack on a few because this is basically the layer wherein you can style it up a bit and show your personality.
Jackets/Sweater
Your jackets and sweater need to be able to keep you warm from the hard winter winds, and waterproof from the melted snow! Sometimes people mess up on this and pack a jacket that is too warm or too light. Like always, check your destination’s climate and weather before packing.
Hats/Beanies/Scarves
Headwear is essential for any winter trip to keep your head warm from the cold. Most people think of beanies, but there are other options too like scarves and hats that can also help keep your head warm.
Shoes/Boots
Winter shoes and boots are key, make sure that they are waterproof and sturdy enough to walk on slippery surfaces. Investing in good footwear will make sure that you stay safe from any harm and will keep your feet warm!
Accessories
Accessories can make or break your whole travel wardrobe, make sure to plan them out and use pieces that can work with all of your travel outfits!
Eyewear
Some may think that sunglasses are just for summer trips, but you will also need some eyewear for a winter trip! As much as the cold may not bother you, the sun can still get to your eyes. Pack your aviators and Ray Ban’s because you’ll be getting them out for a spin!
Watch
A watch is a great piece to have when traveling, and is also an essential piece of accessory for men. Make sure to bring with you a versatile watch that will match with all your outfits from your tropical summer bum looks to your all-year round travel fits.
Traveling is all about planning, so make sure to plan ahead.
Before you pack your wardrobe, make sure to check out your itinerary to see how big of a bag you need to bring. Also check your destination’s weather and climate so that you will pack the needed clothes to keep you safe from the elements!
