Clothes for the weekend trip

Short answer: For two nights, two sets of underwear, two pairs of socks, two tops and one set of nightwear are enough. It all fits in a small bag if the clothes are thin and you choose items in neutral colours that go together.

Underwear and socks

Count on one set per day plus what you are wearing when you leave. For a weekend with two nights, that is two extra sets. Thin underwear takes up almost no space and can be rolled into a corner of the bag. Choose pairs you know fit well. See bamboo underwear for men.

Tops

Two tops in neutral colours can be combined with the same trousers all weekend. A white and a grey, or a black and a blue, cover both the day and a dinner out. A soft fabric that does not crease much in the bag saves you the iron. See bamboo T-shirts for men.

Trousers

One pair of trousers is usually enough for a weekend, especially if you wear them while travelling. Choose a pair that goes with both tops and works for a walk as well as a dinner. Only pack more if you know something special is planned that calls for different clothes.

Nightwear

One set of nightwear is enough for two nights. If you sleep at someone else's home or in a hotel, a set you can move around in makes the morning easier. A thin set takes up little room and can go at the bottom of the bag. See bamboo nightwear for men.

A sweatshirt

A sweatshirt for the evening covers most weekends, even when the weather changes. It works over a T-shirt on a cool walk and as an extra layer if it is cold where you sleep. Wear it while travelling so it does not take up room in the bag. See sweatwear.

For women

For women the same rule applies, one set per day plus what you are wearing. Two tops and a pair of trousers or a skirt that go together cover most needs. Pack underwear in a small pouch so it is easy to find. See the matching items in bamboo underwear for women.

Packing

Roll clothes rather than folding them. They take up less room, crease less, and you can see each item when you open the bag. Put heavy things at the bottom and what you need first at the top. For longer trips, see our packing list.

Washing

Wash the clothes when you get home rather than leaving them in the bag. Worn clothes packed together in a closed bag can start to smell, and sweat settles into the fabric. Wash at 30 to 40 degrees and let them air dry. See the washing guide.

An extra pair of socks

Socks take up almost no space and are what you most often run short of. A wet pair after a walk in the rain, or a long day on your feet, is enough for an extra pair to make a difference. Keep them in a side pocket. See all bamboo socks for men.

Frequently asked questions

How much should I bring on a weekend trip?

Two sets of underwear, two pairs of socks, two tops and one set of nightwear, plus what you are wearing. Add an extra pair of socks, as they take up very little space.

Do I need to bring nightwear?

If you stay with others or in a hotel, a set of nightwear makes the stay easier. It takes up little room and makes it simpler to move around in the morning.