The ultimate travel packing checklist for men (+printable)

Packing for a trip is one of those things that we’ve done hundreds of times. And it still causes a lot of stress: Did we pack everything? Will I have enough? Wait, did I put it in my bag or just put it next to it?

Even experienced travelers forget things once in a while. And then there is the other side of the problem: overpacking. Things we think are helpful but aren’t, like a multi-tool keychain on a city trip.

For that reason, I have compiled several packing checklists, mainly for men. Because I’m only myself, and I can only write what I know. Of course, anyone is welcome to use this list and change things relevant to them.

General checklists

So, these first checklists are the same for every kind of trip. Toothpaste, for example, is equally as necessary for a one-night stay as for a 10-day holiday.

Men’s travel toiletries packing checklist

I really support personal hygiene, so dental and personal hygiene items are a must for every trip. Some other items, like sunscreen, aren’t always necessary. And other items, like contact solutions, creams, and gels, aren’t needed by everyone.

• Toothbrush + its charger if you use an electrical one
• Toothpaste – shareable item with other travelers
• Dental floss (if you are a dental floss user)
• Soap – shareable item with other travelers
• A deodorant – shareable item with other travelers
• Shampoo (and conditioner) – shareable item with other travelers
• Shaving supplies: I use an electric shaver.
• A comb
• Moisturizing cream: I use basic Nivea for men.
• Hair wax or gel – shareable item with other travelers
• Sunscreen – shareable item with other travelers
• After sun – shareable item with other travelers
• Contact solution – shareable item with other travelers
• Extra contact lenses
• Bandages or Compete (or a complete first aid kit)
• Handgel

Travel tech packing checklist for men

Everyone’s technology needs are different, though most people probably bring a smartphone and a camera. I made this list based on my needs for (most) trips. Feel free to add any piece of technology you need: e-readers, tablets, …

• Smartphone
• Smartphone-charger
• Powerbank
• Headphones or earbuds
• Laptop
• Laptop charger
• Camera
• Camera charger
• Camera lenses
• Camera memory card
• Card reader, if you’re planning on editing your photos during the trip
• E-reader

To do before your trip

• Back up your smartphone and other information
• Write down your IMEI numbers
• Charge all batteries in advance
• Download movies, maps, apps, …
• Check if your accounts for apps like Uber are still good to go

My personal camera bag when traveling

• Nikon Z7II
• 40mm f2 lens
• 28mm f2.8 lens
• 85mm f1.8 lens
• Several batteries and memory cards

Read my complete checklist for street photographers going on a city trip

Travel documents packing checklist for men

We live in a world where we need to prove who we are, so bring the documents that should do that. Depending on where you go and what you plan to do, these might vary.

• Your passport
• Your ID
• A credit card
• A copy of your documents
• A driver’s license
• Your plane tickets (if you are flying)

Miscellaneous packing checklist for men

There are some items I haven’t categorized yet, so let’s put them on this misc list.

• A travel wallet
• Paper tissues
• A universal charger
• A booklet + pen to write down your adventures
• Medicines, vitamins, and supplements you might need
• Condoms
• A book to read in slow moments
• A travel guide
• A reusable water bottle
• Sunglasses

Hostel packing checklist for men

If you’re staying in a hostel, it might be worth bringing these extra items. The hostel itself might provide some of these. It’s always good to check what is included in your booking.

• Eye mask
• Earplugs
• A lock
• Sleeping bag and bed linen, if not provided
• A quick-dry towel (take two)
• Flip-flops for the showers

Packing list for sportsmen

• Running shoes
• Sport shorts
• Sports t-shirts
• Waterbottle

Items to share with others

The following items are essential to bring with you, but if you’re going with friends, you can share them. Make sure to be very clear about who brings what items. Sharing a tube of toothpaste, for example, can already save some baggage space.

• Soap and shampoo
• Toothpaste
• Sunscreen and aftersun
• Deodorant
• Hair products
• Universal chargers
• Contact solution
• Chargers
• Medicines

Business travel essentials

Going on a trip for work? This might affect your luggage, as you may need more formal clothing at times. Depending on the type of work trip, ofcourse.

• Proper shoes
• A suit in a travel bag to prevent creases
• A lint-roller might come in handy
• Business cards

Clothing packing checklist for men

Let’s talk about those pieces of fabric we use on our bodies every day. Clothes are among the essential items you need to change often. You only need one smartphone for any trip lasting from 1 night to 1 year. But the same trip with one piece of underwear… let’s not even think about the smell.

So for that reason, I made the clothing checklists based on the number of days away from home. Though I have a handy formula ready for underwear, I already noted the numbers for you here. To make your life even easier.

2 days / 1 night away

• 2 pieces of underwear
• 2 pairs of socks
• 1 T-shirt
• 1 Shirt for more special occasions
• A bag for laundry (unless you use an old t-shirt like me)

2 nights / Weekend away

• 3 pieces of underwear
• 3 pairs of socks
• 3 T-shirts
• 1 Shirt for more special occasions
• 1 extra pair of pants
• 1 extra sweater
• An extra pair of shoes
• A bag for laundry (unless you use an old t-shirt like me)

4 days / 3 nights away

• 4 pieces of underwear
• 4 pairs of socks
• 4 T-shirts
• 1 Shirt for more special occasions
• 1 extra pair of pants
• 1 extra sweater
• An extra pair of shoes
• A bag for laundry (unless you use an old t-shirt like me)
• For warmer destinations
  • 1 pair of shorts
  • Swimming trunks
  • Pool towel
• For colder destinations
  • A hat
  • A pair of gloves
  • A scarf
  • A coat

5 days / 4 nights away

• 5-6 pieces of underwear
• 5-6 pairs of socks
• 5-6 T-shirts
• 1 Shirt for more special occasions
• 1-2 extra pairs of pants
• 1-2 extra sweaters
• An extra pair of shoes
• A bag for laundry (unless you use an old t-shirt like me)
• For warmer destinations
  • 2 pairs of shorts
  • Swimming trunks
  • Pool towel
• For colder destinations
  • A hat
  • A pair of gloves
  • A scarf
  • A coat

6 days / 5 nights away

• 7-8 pieces of underwear
• 7-8 pairs of socks
• 7-8 T-shirts
• 1 Shirt for more special occasions
• 1-2 extra pairs of pants
• 1-2 extra sweaters
• An extra pair of shoes
• A bag for laundry (unless you use an old t-shirt like me)
• For warmer destinations
  • 2 pairs of shorts
  • 2 pairs of swimming trunks
  • 2 pool towels
• For colder destinations
  • A hat
  • A pair of gloves
  • A scarf
  • A coat

7 days / A week away

• 8-9 pieces of underwear
• 8-9 pairs of socks
• 8-9 T-shirts
• 1 Shirt for more special occasions
• 1-2 extra pairs of pants
• 1-2 extra sweaters
• An extra pair of shoes
• A bag for laundry (unless you use an old t-shirt like me)
• For warmer destinations
  • 2 pairs of shorts
  • 2 pairs of swimming trunks
  • 2 pool towels
• For colder destinations
  • A hat
  • A pair of gloves
  • A scarf
  • A coat

10 days / 9 nights away

• 12 pieces of underwear
• 12 pairs of socks
• 10-12 T-shirts
• 2 shirts for more special occasions
• 2-3 extra pairs of pants
• 2-3 extra sweaters
• Two additional pairs of shoes
• A bag for laundry (unless you use an old t-shirt like me)
• For warmer destinations
  • 2 pairs of shorts
  • 2 pairs of swimming trunks
  • 2 pool towels
• For colder destinations
  • A hat
  • A pair of gloves
  • A scarf
  • A coat

14 days / 13 nights away

• 21-22 pieces of underwear
• 21-22 pairs of socks
• 15-16 T-shirts
• 2 shirts for more special occasions
• 3-4 extra pairs of pants
• 3-4 extra sweaters
• Two spare pairs of shoes
• A bag for laundry (unless you use an old t-shirt like me)
• For warmer destinations
  • 3 pairs of shorts
  • 3 pairs of swimming trunks
  • 2 pool towels
• For colder destinations
  • A hat
  • A pair of gloves
  • A scarf
  • A coat

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