Travel Better With Our Summer Packing Essentials

It’s finally summertime, which means it’s time to start planning for our favorite part of the season: vacation. Whether you’re heading off for a stylish week in Europe or indulging in a barefoot week on the beach, there are a few travel necessities that always deserve a place in your bag, regardless of the destination.

From versatile layering pieces, to classic shades, to weapons-grade stink repellent, this is Cool Material‘s essential packing guide for summer 2025.

Looking for a pair of does-it-all pants that are comfy enough for the plane, but dressy enough for a work meeting or fancy dinner? Look no further than these chinos from Nike’s minimalist 24.7 line. Crafted from PerfectStretch fabric with four-way stretch and featuring sweat-wicking Dri-FIT technology, you’ll feel good and look slick all day. They’re available in six versatile colors, two fits (slim and standard), and dozens of waist and inseam combinations. Did we mention they have six pockets?

Buy at Nike | $125

Whether you’re hiding a hangover, doing your damndest to look windswept and interesting, or actually avoiding the sun’s harsh glare, a classic pair of sunglasses is a summer travel essential. And there’s no pair of shades more classic—and more universally flattering to a variety of face shapes—than Ray-Ban’s Wayfarers. With 17 color combos in this style alone, odds are you’ll find something that suits your wardrobe. If that wasn’t enough options, you can even customize your own pair.

Buy at Ray-Ban | Starting at $191

Some people are blessed with the ability to fall into a deep sleep almost anywhere, anytime. For the rest of us, an eye mask can be the difference between days of bleary-eyed torture and a relaxing getaway. The ergonomic and adaptive eye cups on this mask from Ostrichpillow prevent it from pinching around your nose and eyes, while blocking all light from entering. Whether you’re trying to snooze sitting up, laying down, or sideways, this comfy mask will have you in blackout bliss.

Buy at Ostrichpillow | $45

Most dopp kits look like a castoff from your wife or a hand-me down from your grandfather. That’s where Topo Designs comes in, with this compact and thoughtfully designed bag that comes in six colorways. It’s the perfect size for a guy who’s particular about his daily essentials, but doesn’t need to travel with a mobile CVS.

Buy at Topo Designs | $34

Neither the latest nor greatest in gaming tech, the Switch Lite has a handful of traits that make it uniquely appealing to the summer traveler: it’s lightweight, it gives you access to approximately a bazillion great video games, and it’s relatively cheap. If you buy a refurbished one directly from Nintendo, it’ll come in well under $200, which makes it a great option for those of us who don’t have a ton of time to play games. (And those of us who still can’t get our hands on a Switch 2.) Heck, one nasty flight delay and this little wonder will pay for itself.

Buy at Nintendo | $169

Whether you’re planning to travel carry-on only or just want to make the most of your checked baggage space, a well-designed, lightweight backpack is a must have. Cotopaxi’s best-selling Allpa bags have loads of pockets, three handles, and a built-in 15″ laptop sleeve. This 35L size can hold enough gear for a week-long trip.

Made from 100% deadstock fabrics, no two packs in the Del Día subrange are alike. Not only is that great for the environment, it also allows you to dip a toe into the ’90s revival and gorpcore trends with some seriously wild colorways. (If you’re looking for something more subdued, the Del Día Dark also uses 100% deadstock fabrics, but is mostly black.)

Buy at Cotopaxi | $215

If you’re planning on doing some serious walking this summer, you’re gonna need a seriously comfortable and supportive shoe. A classic pair of Birkenstock Arizonas goes with every conceivable daytime outfit and will keep your feet blissfully blister-free. They come in a huge variety of leather and suede colorways, and the EVA model is great for beachy jaunts . Just remember to break them in a bit before you go.

Buy at Birkenstock | Starting at $115

Whether you prefer to leave your Cartier Tank home while traveling or just need something to easily track multiple time zones, a dedicated travel timepiece can make the experience a whole lot smoother. As Cool Material‘s resident horology expert Karlton Miko Tyack noted in a recent roundup of the best travel watches at every price, this Casio “connects to your phone but isn’t flooded with bells and whistles.” So while it may not count your steps, it’s got plenty of useful travel features, including world time across 38 zones. The rugged build and double LED light also make it perfect for off-grid treks.

Buy at Casio | $250

When it comes to packing, proactive organization is half the battle. By setting aside dedicated space for undies, shirts, and larger items, you can save space, avoid wrinkles, and keep your dirties away from your fresh gear. Calpak’s water-resistant set works for long trips and short jaunts, and includes swappable labels. They’re also made of mesh, so you can see all your items at a glance.

Pro tip: choose a color—any color!—other than black. It’ll prevent you from leaving anything behind at your hotel.

Buy at Calpak | $68

You never know when you’re gonna find yourself wiling away the hours at Gate 76, or spending your first night at your destination without luggage. Dove Men+Care is one of the few carry-on-friendly deodorants that contains aluminum, and you’re gonna want that extra level of stink protection on long travel days. Get a bundle of these bad boys for your next few trips, and save the nu-wave granola deodorants for after your next good shower.

Buy at Amazon | 6 for $36

It’s a cliché for a reason: packing mix-and-matchable black clothing is the most foolproof way to travel light. Made of a smooth cotton fabric with a hint of stretch, this sleek Todd Snyder jacket designed to hold its shape and resist wrinkling. It’s available in three essential colors—navy, black, and olive—and can be paired with a matching pleated jogger.

Buy at Todd Snyder | $298

Some of you dads out there might already be familiar with YogaSleep’s white noise products, which have drawn rave reviews for their ability to send cranky infants to their slumber. Weighing in at a mere 3.8 oz, this portable version easily fits in a carry-on or backpack to help you tune out city noise or loud neighbors—or just help you feel more at home, wherever you go. You can recharge it with any USB adapter, but YogaSleep also sells one for an additional fee.

Buy at YogaSleep | $24

It does not matter if black is not one of your team’s colors, I guarantee you can find a black cap for pretty much any pro or NCAA team in the land. The secret of the black ballcap is they look good on pretty much everyone, they read more “pulled together” than more colorful alternatives, and they go with everything—especially if you’re trying to limit your luggage to a carry-on. It’ll tie together with other black pieces in your suitcase, and keep the sun out of your eyes and off your face.

Buy at ’47 Brand | Starting at $30