At the best of times, your weekend packing list should function a bit like a Swiss Army Knife, filled with versatile tools aplenty. And when you think of your weekend kit as a toolbox, we’re talking about selections that can take you just about anywhere that promises a combination of rugged adventure and good times in the great outdoors.
Think of your ultimate one-bag weekend packing guide as less of a guide to more formal situations (wedding dress codes come to mind) and more of a ‘flint and tinder’ firestarter to get you thinking about packing (relatively) light, with utility in mind. Fabrics that breathe easy and stand up to repeat wear come to mind, like the anti-microbial wonder that is merino – in your T-shirt, your socks, your briefs and more. There’s also some wiggle room: Add an extra item or two as you see fit, and as room allows (especially useful for your assortment of basics).
A light step on your feet is also advised, from the trail to the brewery and back, so you’ll find an ever-versatile selection below. Your EDC – your trusty shades, a do-it-all watch and perhaps even a real-life pocket knife – also should come in mighty handy as you hit the road for a weekend away from the grind of it all. Feeling the pull of some much-needed time in the sun, on the trail or around a fire pit? Join us and dive into the life of a weekend warrior.
Topo Designs Global Travel Bag, 30L
If ever there were a bag that could do it all in terms of casually rugged travel, it just might be this one. From its main compartment to its array of interior zipper pockets and the ability to be hauled three ways (even the backpack straps stow away), it’s every bit as convertible as that trusty multi-tool you’re packing. Not that you’ll be concerned with work, but it even features a 15-inch laptop compartment alongside sturdy recycled nylon construction throughout.
ThruDark Oryon Shirt
Designed for intensive high-heat performance and built with plenty of SPF protection, this sleek and streamlined shirt draws on tactical design inspiration, all the while looking clean and crisp enough for a round at the trailhead brewpub. It packs plenty easily, it boasts accessible snap buttons plus chest and hip pockets, and raglan sleeves aid in ease of motion. For (slightly) dressier situations, perhaps accent this option with something like a classic chambray shirt in your pack.
Rhone Pursuit Pants
The key with one-bag weekend packing is to not overthink it. And with the durable fabric and stretch of a jogger, plus a clean, tapered finish that’s not too “athleisure,” these are fit enough for travel, for the trail and for kicking back in town afterwards. Ultra-light and ultra-packable, the neutral color options also pair easily with everything in your wardrobe, as this writer found out during a recent wear test. Consider subbing in a pair of performance chinos or even blue jeans based on the occasion on your itinerary.
Proof PatinaTech T-Shirt
The good folks at Huckberry dreamed up the Proof line with 72 hours of rigorous wear in mind, then put those specs to the test. This PatinaTech tee boasts the company’s proprietary CoolSoft fabric, designed to cool your skin down seven degrees, while it also boasts remarkable anti-odor protection and quick-dry capabilities. The mineral dye process also just so happens to give it a lived-in, surprisingly stylish look and feel, rather than coming off overly technical.
Danner Logger 917 GTX Boots
A guy’s gotta have options and he’s got to be prepared for what awaits over the weekend, from a distillery tasting to a farm-to-table dinner and a morning trail hike. Danner meets the moment in rugged fashion with classically inspired boots packed with modern bells and whistles aplenty. They’re built atop a Vibram EVA midsole and lined with waterproof GORE-TEX, and the rich full-grain leather and overall profile wears as well with dark indigo jeans as with trail-approved joggers.
Citizen Attesa Super Titanium Watch
There’s something to be said for a trusty, super-affordable trail watch (the Timex Expedition comes to mind), but if you want to keep it simple, stylish and yet highly functional all weekend long, Citizen’s remarkable Attesa Super Titanium absolutely overdelivers. The company takes its commitment to craft with incredible attention to detail in mind, as this writer found out when visiting Citizen factories in Japan, and after 50 years of light-powered Eco-Drive technology, they’ve mastered that craft.
Boasting Eco-Drive Satellite Wave GPS technology within its remarkably precise movement (Citizen says it “ delivers the world’s fastest time-only signal reception in as little as 3 seconds”), the watch is crisp and sharp enough for evening cocktails, yet plenty durable and hard-wearing, with 333 feet of water resistance.
Huckberry Explorer Hat
Shield your face from the sun and look great while doing it with this newly fabricated Huckberry Explorer Hat. Crafted from washed denim for style that’ll only get better with time, it’s even built with a Coolmax sweatband for a dash of performance. And on the back of the cap comes Huckberry’s inspiring tagline: “See You Out There.” We’ll cheers to that.
Huckberry Sunseekers Sunglasses
Highly durable, highly affordable and as wearable with stretch chinos and a chambray shirt as with a moisture-wicking trail T-shirt, the Sunseekers line is a wonder to behold from Huckberry. Classic looks meet do-it-all design, with polarized lenses meeting the moment for hours on the trail or hanging out at a prime brewery picnic table spot. These are the one pair of sunglasses you need this weekend.
Duluth Trading Co. Armachillo Care Package Boxer Briefs
Comfort is king as you travel and zip from point A to point B, and Duluth Trading Co looks to keep you cool with lightweight, moisture-wicking nylon-blend boxer briefs with all kinds of integrated features (like a seamless waistband to avoid chafing). When you’re done with ‘em, they fold in on themselves for easy-as-can-be packing.
WideOpen Merino Striped Socks
Style points meet performance in these hard-wearing merino socks, designed to regulate the temperature of your feet while resisting odor and signs of wear. Of course, this is a situation where more than one pair is prudent, but the sentiment remains the same: Gear that goes with you, moves with you and wears well with just about anything.
