Deciding what to pack for a weekend away is often a struggle. With only a few nights away, packing light is often important, so knowing what to take and what to leave is a useful skill!
Weekend breaks are always fun, no matter where you decide to go. But, your weekend packing list will depend on various factors including destination, weather, and of course personal preference.
You can use this blog as a guide of what to pack for a weekend away, so feel free to take the different items as suggestions rather than strict necessities. The activities you have planned, as well as personal preferences with outfits, will determine how you might chop and change this list.
Weekend getaway packing list
Clothing
- 1 pair of shoes to wear all-day
- 1 pair of trousers/leggings/shorts (depending on weather and temperature)
- 2 t-shirts or tops
- 2 pairs of undergarments
- 2 pairs of socks
- 1 set of pyjamas or nightwear
- 1 lightweight jacket, preferably waterproof
Additional clothing for winter breaks
- Warm winter coat e.g. parka
- Thermal wear or long johns
- Scarf
- Gloves
- Warm cap or wool hat
Essential documents
- Cash, credit cards, and wallet
- Booking confirmations for hotels and events
- Passport (if going abroad!)
Toiletries
- Moisturiser
- Sunscream (if expecting sun)
- Hand cream
- Toothpaste & toothbrush
- Medications/ contact lens solution
Electronics
- Mobile phone
- Portable charger
- Camera (optional, as we rely on our phone for taking pics)
- Headphones (optional)
- Kindle (optional)
Other Accessories/Essentials
- Weekender bag (e.g. duffel bag or spacious rucksack)
- Sunglass
- Hat
- Beach mat & towel (if heading for a beach trip for the weekend)
- Packing cubes
- Reusable water bottle
The ultimate weekend packing list
Now you’ve seen the weekend break packing list, here’s a breakdown of the main items to pack and additional things to consider.
1. Weekend bag
Before you can even begin packing, you need to choose the right bag to put everything in! There are a few things to consider when picking the right luggage for a weekend break:
- How long will you be going away? If it’s just a night or two, maybe a simple rucksack will do, but a longer trip will require a bigger bag.
- How will you be getting around? If you’re driving, it doesn’t matter too much what bag you choose, but if you’re flying or using public transport then a suitcase with wheels makes it much easier to get around.
- How much are you planning on bringing with you? While we’ve covered the essentials for a weekend break packing list, other items like a laptop or sports equipment might influence the bag you choose to take.
We recommend a duffel bag as a typical choice for a weekend break. If you’re going to be out and about, however, a rucksack like the Patagonia Arbor is a great choice.
2. Comfortable shoes
No matter what you’re planning for your weekend away, your choice of footwear is always going to be important.
Make sure they’re comfortable, especially if you’re going to be on your feet all day exploring.
Good hiking shoes are necessary if you’re heading into the wild, but for a city break you can opt for something more casual like sneakers.
3. Jacket
Picking the right jacket is one of the most important things to consider for a weekend packing list.
If you’re packing light and only have space for a single jacket, then versatility is key. Something that’s waterproof is crucial (unless you’re really confident about the weather), and warmth is of course important if it’s not expected to be warm.
Something like a Patagonia Torrentshell is a great option due to its practicality – you’ll be well-protected come rain or shine!
4. Other essential clothes
If you’re trying to pack light with your other clothes, you need to make sure to stick to the essentials:
- 1 pair of trousers/leggings/shorts
- 2 t-shirts or tops
- 2 pairs of undergarments
- 2 pairs of socks
- 1 set of pyjamas or nightwear
5. Seasonal clothes
While the essentials will go a long way for a weekend break all year round, certain seasons will always require some extra thought when it comes to packing.
Hot weather is easy – just stick with short-sleeved tops and shorts or skirts – but if the weather’s going to be cold then make sure to pack a few extra items:
- A warm jumper
- A winter coat
- Thermal clothing (such as long johns)
- Hat, scarf, and gloves
6. Toiletries
When it comes to toiletries, what you pack will be partly down to your preference (such as if you’ve got a skincare regime to follow). However, you’ll need also need to check travel restrictions, especially if you’re flying and need to limit the liquids you bring with you.
These are the most essential toiletries:
- Moisturiser
- Suncream (if the forecast is looking sunny!)
- Hand cream
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Medications
Other toiletries to consider (if you need them) include makeup, contact lens solution, and other things like cleansers or serums.
7. Other essentials
Other items to pack for your weekend away include electronics such as:
- Headphones/earphones
- Portable charger
- Travel adaptors (if needed)
- Phone charger
- Camera (if you have one)
Also, consider packing the following:
- Water bottle
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat/baseball cap
- Packing cubes
- Beach mat
Depending on where you’re travelling and your plans for the weekend, these are also essential things to pack:
- Passport
- Travel insurance documents
- Booking confirmation for accommodations
- Tickets/confirmation for any events you have planned
Summary
Whether you’re planning a weekend away in the UK, looking to explore things to do in Bruges, or travelling anywhere else in the world for a short getaway, we hope this guide helps you when it comes to packing.
