Packing for a trip is one of those things that we’ve done hundreds of times, maybe. 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 that at all, like a multi-tool keychain on a city trip.
For that reason, I have compiled several packing checklists for men especially. 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 more or less 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.
Hygiene packing checklist for men
I support personal hygiene a lot, so things for dental and personal hygiene are a must to bring on every trip. Some other items, like sunscreen, aren’t always necessary. And other items like contact solutions, creams, and gels aren’t needed for 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
- A comb
- Moisturizing cream
- 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 competed (or a complete first aid kit)
- Handgel
Tech packing checklist for men
Everyone’s technology needs are different, though most people probably bring a smartphone and 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
- Laptop
- Laptop charger
- Camera
- Camera charger
- Camera lenses
- Camera memory card
Travel documents packing checklist for men
We live in a world where we need to prove who we are, so bring the pieces of paper that should do that. Depending on where you go and what you plan to do, these might vary.
- Your passport
- 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 couldn’t categorize yet, so let’s put them in this misc list.
- A travel wallet
- Paper tissues
- A universal charger
- A booklet + pen to write down your adventures
- Medicines
- Condoms
- A book to read in slow moments
- A reusable water bottle
- Sunglasses
Hostel packing checklist for men
If you stay at a hostel, it might be worth bringing these extra items. Of course, some of these might be provided by the hostel itself. Or you don’t like using them.
- Eye mask
- Earplugs
- A lock
- Sleeping bag and bed linen, if not provided
- A quick-dry towel (take two)
- Flipflops for in the showers
Items to share with others
The following items are essential to bring with you, but if you’re going with friends, you can share these. Make sure to be very clear about who brings what items. Sharing a tube of toothpaste, for example, can save some baggage space already.
- Soap and shampoo
- Toothpaste
- Sunscreen and aftersun
- Deodorant
- Hair products
- Universal chargers
- Contact solution
- Chargers
- Medicines
Clothing packing checklist for men
Let’s talk about those pieces of fabric we use on our bodies daily. Clothes are one of those essential items that you need to change often. You only need one smartphone for any trip between 1 night and one 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 per amount 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
- 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
- Extra pair of shoes
- A bag for laundry (unless you use an old t-shirt like me)
4 days / 3 nights away
- 6 pieces of underwear
- 6 pairs of socks
- 5 T-shirts
- 1 Shirt for more special occasions
- 1 extra pair of pants
- 1 extra sweater
- 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
- 7-8 pieces of underwear
- 7-8 pairs of socks
- 6-7 T-shirts
- 1 Shirt for more special occasions
- 1-2 extra pairs of pants
- 1-2 extra sweaters
- 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
- 8-9 pieces of underwear
- 8-9 pairs of socks
- 7-8 T-shirts
- 1 Shirt for more special occasions
- 1-2 extra pairs of pants
- 1-2 extra sweaters
- 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
- 9-10 pieces of underwear
- 9-10 pairs of socks
- 9-10 T-shirts
- 1 Shirt for more special occasions
- 1-2 extra pairs of pants
- 1-2 extra sweaters
- 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
- 14-15 pieces of underwear
- 14-15 pairs of socks
- 10-12 T-shirts
- 2 Shirt 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 Shirt 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
What items would you add to this list? Let me know in the comments!