Packing can be a nightmare especially for gentlemen who are not used to packing light. It is important that you keep your baggage light and manageable for a comfortable and hassle-free weekend trip – regardless of where you are heading. With this, you need to know how to pack for a weekend trip.

Many take packing lightly because they just stuff the entire contents of their wardrobe into an oversized suitcase the evening before the scheduled flight. This is not an ideal solution. As with anything, it is better to plan and think ahead what you want to wear so you can figure out how to put everything in your limited baggage space.

Whether you go for a business trip or leisure, here’s how you should pack for a weekend trip:

Decide what bag to bring
When deciding what to pack, the easiest thing to do is to consider what type of bag you presently own. The bag should be able to withstand the wear and tear of travel. If you are looking for something more luxurious, you can consider Combatant Gentlemen weekender bags. Keep in mind that it is not necessary to purchase a suitcase for a weekend trip but if you need to bring one, do not consider checking it in. You should opt for a cabin bag measuring 56 cm x 40 cm x 25 cm.

Choose what to pack
As mentioned, the bag will determine what you need to pack. Once you have decided what type of bag or case to consider, you should get on with packing. Since you are only going away for a weekend, there is no need to go overboard by doing a little bit of holiday shopping. When planning, you should take into consideration the weather and the activities that you will be undertaking.

If you are traveling for business, you should have a suit. Bring at least a wool two-piece suit in grey or navy. Make sure that you fold it correctly to avoid creases. For a casual evening, having a blazer can make a difference. After the business meeting, you can change into an oxford. It is always a good idea to bring a shirt or undershirt. Do not forget to bring two pairs of socks and underwear.

If you are traveling for pleasure, think about packing neutral-colored shirts (at least three), raw denim, loafer or Oxford, two pairs of socks and underwear and other accessories like sunglasses. If swimming is included, you should bring at least one pair of short sleeves and another pair of shorts. You need sandals or fit-flop for this.

How to pack the necessities
As soon as you secured all you need, the next task is to pack it. When packing, start with durable items or shoes. The top portion should be fragile pieces. You should also bring your toiletries in a kit. Do not forget to pack all the necessary chargers. Keep in mind that a dead smartphone in a new city is never a good thing.

Packing should not be that stressful. As a gentleman, you should always look your best even for a weekend trip. You can look good while traveling lightly if you planned ahead.