What to Pack for a 3 Day Trip: Ultimate Weekend Packing List

Your short trip is booked and you are ready to rock! Except when it comes to packing. Knowing what to pack for 3 day trip can be stressful when you have so much on your mind! But you are in the right place because this post will make sure you pack everything you need and includes a list, while also motivating you to PACK LIGHT.

No matter what type of trip you are going on—a short business trip, a fun weekend getaway, or a little bit of both, reviewing the lists below are a good idea! First, let’s get started with some tips.

5 Tips for Your Weekend Trip Packing List

Here are a few things to have in mind in order to keep packing as simple as possible.

1. Start Early

Make a list and start laying clothes out that you’re interested in bringing the week before your trip begins. This will give you a chance to weigh options and make decisions on what you really need vs. doing it in a panic and taking your entire closet with you.

I prefer to set up my list by day. For instance, in an iPhone Note I will list out Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday. Underneath each day I’ll type out everything I’ll need to wear that day. TIPS:

Include EVERYTHING down to pairs of underwear and socks. I put my pairs of shoes as well.
It does not mean you need to wear it that specific day, but this will help you not overpack and help you feel confident that you will have enough clothes.

This brings us to our next tip…

2. Pack in Outfits

Do not, I repeat do not, pack clothes by individual item. You want to bring your best-fitting jeans? Great, what are you going to wear with them? Your favorite leggings? Grab them and figure out what top(s) are your best option.

Envision your days away and imagine which types of clothes you will need. From there, make individual piles for each outfit/day.

And don’t forget to check the weather forecast. Warm weather or cold will obviously be a huge indicator for what you need to bring.

In the photo below, you’ll see three “columns” with each day’s outfit. And remember, there is actually no law stating that you can’t wear something more than once—especially things like cardigans and jeans. This brings us to…

3. Mix and Match is Key

Can you bring interchangeable outfits? Triple points for you. Pack a cute, comfortable, black dress with a cardigan that will be perfect for exploring the city. The next night, replace the cardigan with a scarf and you’re ready for the bar. That’s three pieces of clothing for two outfits instead of a day-time outfit plus three night-time outfits because you might want to wear the green dress, maybe the pink one and this yellow one is cute too.

If you are only gone for a weekend, your bag can be small—cheaper and easier to manage. That said, you need to be smart with your space…

4. Roll Into More Space

Tightly rolled clothes will go much farther in your backpack, carry-on suitcase, or duffel bag than folding and they will actually be less wrinkly. Roll everything, place the largest items on the bottom like jeans and jackets and work your way up from there. When you don’t have much space, this goes a long way!

5. Your Travel Outfit

Think layers. Wear your jacket, your biggest top, and bulkiest shoes in order to avoid all of this going into your small bag. You might get a little toasty but you can de-layer once you are at the airport gate. PRO TIP: I’ve never been told I couldn’t have a jacket (or two) in my arms when boarding.

What to Pack for 3 Day Trip: Bonus Tips

Here are a few extra things to keep in mind when you are packing for a weekend trip.

Packing Cubes: These is the BEST WAY to utilize more space in a small bag.
Use. Your. Pockets.: Jacket pockets, jeans pockets, personal item pockets, use them all! These are the perfect place for smaller items (makeup, lip balm, phone chargers, sunglasses, etc.) when you can’t fit one more thing in your carry-on bag.
Dryer Sheets: Throw a few between layers of clothes to keep everything smelling fresh!
Backpack = Purse: Invest in a cute backpack and not only do you have luggage but a purse to walk around the city with—hands-free, mind you.
Plastic Bag or large Ziploc Bag: Bring one with you to store dirty underwear, socks, wet swimsuits, etc.
Cold Weather Travel Tip: If you are going somewhere cold, think more in extra layers vs. bulky items. A base layer, light fleece, and water-repellent outer layer will pack better than one oversize sweater – and you will have more items as options throughout your trip.

What to Pack for 3 Day Trip—Checklist!

Let’s get an actual what to pack for 3 day trip checklist going. Use this as a guide when you are creating your packing list in your phone or on a sheet of paper. Remember, START WITH THE ESSENTIALS. From there, you can add in a couple of extra items or outfits you “might” want to wear—IF there is space.

Bottoms

One pair of bottoms for number of days. For three, you will have a pair of jeans (or jean shorts), one pair of leggings, and a pair to wear while traveling. Remember, if you have room at the end, you can easily get another pair of pants in.

Tops

One top for number of days that you matched with a pair or bottoms. Wear the bulkiest top when you travel and put the rest in your bag. Neutral, everyday tops are the way to go for convenience and being happy with what you decided to bring.

Bonus: Dresses. No pants = more space!

Cardigan/Sweater

One total. It’s best if you wear it but you should have room to pack. The best option is a black or neutral color sweater that works well with all of your top options and can be worn more than once, if needed.

Jacket (Optional)

If a jacket is necessary, make sure you wear it on travel day (even a rain jacket!) so you don’t take up a ton of space in your bag!

Bathing Suit + Cover Up (Optional)

One of each for the weekend. If you happen to have space and want to bring an extra, go for it. These items can be rolled up and made small.

Pajamas

One pair. A sleep shirt and a pair of light sweats or shorts. If you have space, throw in an extra. Remember, a top that you bring might work just fine, too.

Socks/Underwear/Bras

One set of each for number of days. Keep in mind that this will give you one extra just in case since you are wearing a set on travel day.

Shoes

The biggest pair on your feet + 1 extra. Comfort is key. You do not want to be walking around in uncomfortable shoes. Pro Tips when it comes to your shoes:

Store your socks in your shoes for extra space—and to keep your shoes in form.
If your backpack has a spot for a water bottle, think of it as a spot for flip flops.
Tie your shoes to the top of your backpack. Remember, this is efficiency—not fashion 🙂

Extras + Bathroom Essentials

Fit what you can. Don’t forget: Hotels are going to have towels, shampoos, lotions, hair dryers, etc. so don’t waste space with these items. The rest is for a book, phone charger, jewelry, small makeup bag, workout shirt, wallet, etc.

Overall Rule of Thumb: If you question it, leave it at home.

Lastly, Why You Will LOVE to Pack Light

Even if you think you won’t or proclaim yourself to be an “over packer,” you will be hooked to packing light after the first time. And here are the added bonuses:

Saves Time

You have fewer options. You eliminate the hmmm, what am I going to wear today? Or the ew I hate this, I’m changing. It’s simple and efficient with no time lost. Instead of bringing 10 outfits you like, focus on 4 that you love. And before you hit me with I just like options, stop.

You’re not going to worry about more options if you don’t have them. Quit wasting precious vacation time wishing you had the off-the-shoulder striped shirt when you have the cute, v-neck blue one. You look great! And should spend less time in your hotel room and more having a good time on your trip.

Saves Energy

Post-vacation laundry. I know you’ve been in the situation where you open your suitcase to unpack, realize you have no idea what’s clean and what’s dirty so you do a monster load of laundry that’s likely half full of clean clothes. Double the loading, double the switching, double the folding, and double the dreaded putting away. No thanks. Pack only what you know you will wear and come home with one, small size load of laundry.

Saves Money

We know how a lot of the airines charge for bags now! What a joke. But you should not have to incur an additional cost just for your clothes! Keep things in a small personal item bag for an even more afforadble trip!

Reduces Stress

Traveling is a breeze when you are doing it lightly. Everything you have is on your back! It’s easier to get around, store and there are fewer moments of oh my gosh, where’s my [insert super important thing here]?!”

What to Pack for 3 Day Trip: Weekend Packing List

There you have it. You are now a 3 Day Trip Packing Pro! Or at least on your way to packing a little bit less…baby steps. And if this What to Pack for a 3 Day Trip post inspired you to start planning your next trip, check out a few of my city reviews as recommendations and all of the great things you can do!

Did this post help you out? Support the work and pass along $5 for a Coors Light 😉 VENMO: @Amber-LBB or PAYPAL: amber@littlebluebackpack.com. THANK YOU.