Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

What’s in Our Weekender Bag: Everything to Pack for a Weekend Away this Summer

There’s nothing lovelier than a weekend trip during the summer. Even if it’s only a quick excursion to a nearby town, taking the time to recharge and get away while the weather’s warm and sunny really does do wonders for the soul. However, that doesn’t mean these mini-excursions are without their stressors, especially when it comes to figuring out what to pack.

When you’ll only be gone for two days, do you go formal or casual? Relaxed or trendy? Stylish or comfortable? It’s a puzzling conundrum, but one we’re more than happy to help you solve. Below, we’ve assembled our favorite weekender essentials, which can be mixed and matched for a ton of different looks, vibes, and situations.

Recommended Videos
Olukai Waimea Flip-Flop
Olukai Waimea Flip-Flop
Image used with permission by copyright holder

A dressy yet comfortable sandal is a must for a summer weekend getaway and this pair from Olukai more than fits the bill. Premium leather and intricate embroidery elevate what would be otherwise casual flip-flops into downright stylish shoes, making them appropriate for both outdoor cocktails and long walks on the beach. An added bonus? They look great with either shorts or pants.

Bonobos Anywhere Shorts
Bonobos Anywhere Shorts
Image used with permission by copyright holder

We love Bonobos’ Anywhere Shorts for summer travel because they’re ultra-light, pack well, and go with almost anything! You can choose between either a 7-inch or 9-inch length and the shorts come in a veritable smorgasbord of fun, warm-weather colors, meaning they’ll slip in seamlessly to your clothing rotation. Dress ‘em up or dress ‘em down — a pair of easy-breezy shorts like these are a no-brainer for a weekend getaway.

Everlane Air Chino
Everlane Air Chino
Image used with permission by copyright holder

While you may have your weekend getaway scheduled to a T, you never know what sorts of impromptu plans might come up. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to keep a pair of chinos on hand in case you need to quickly class up an outfit for a fancy dinner or spur-of-the-moment party. The Air Chino from Everlane is a fantastic go-to in this situation, not only for its lightweight build but for its stylish cropped cuff.

Converse One Star CC OX Suede Sneakers
Converse One Star CC OX Suede Sneakers
Image used with permission by copyright holder

We’d also suggest sneaking a pair of minimalist kicks into your weekender, which could add a chic touch to any of the aforementioned items. These suede sneakers from Converse are especially attractive, featuring a velvety exterior complemented by a black rubber toe and subtle side detailing. Great with either shorts or pants, these shoes are bound to become a favorite go-to throughout the summer season.

Asos Design Stripe T-Shirt in Navy and White
ASOS Stripe T-Shirt
Image used with permission by copyright holder

No matter the venue, stripes are always a hit for summer, so make sure to throw a simple striped tee into the mix, like this one from ASOS. As with many of the options you’ll see here, this shirt is a true chameleon, able to transition seamlessly between different scenarios depending on how you style it. After all, that’s the hallmark of a truly perfect weekender essential — it’s fashionable, yes, but ultimately valued for its versatility.

Mollusk Summer Shirt
Mollusk Summer Shirt
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Is there anything that sings summer more than a breezy, lightweight, and super-soft short-sleeved button-down shirt? OK, maybe a few things, but truly, this has got to be one of the most classic clothing items of the season, so must be packed for your trip. Of the many choices swirling about online, we like this option from Mollusk, which has a laidback design and relaxed fit for a truly cozy feel.

Warby Parker Fisher Sunglasses
Warby Parker Fisher Sunglasses
Image used with permission by copyright holder

And of course, no summer getaway would be complete without a stunning pair of shades. You can’t really go wrong here, but if you’re looking for recs, we suggest snagging these beauties from Warby Parker, which put a modern twist on a classic silhouette.

Cody Gohl
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Cody Gohl is a Brooklyn-based writer who enjoys covering a wide range of topics, including travel, fashion, literature, LGBT…
What to Wear: The Perfect Outfit for Winter Travel
Perfect Outfit for Winter Travel

If you’ve found your next winter travel destination, the next step is getting there — and getting there in style. Balancing the demands of life on the road (whether by train, plane, or automobile) calls for functionality. Unlike the leisurely days of summer travel, winter can throw some pretty nasty elements your way in a hurry. That’s why the best outfit for winter travel gives you the ability to look great while staying warm and dry, no matter how bad it gets out there. From an insulated jacket to a classic chambray shirt, we’re pretty pleased with our roundup of the best men’s winter travel gear. We hope you are, too.
Kelvin Phantom Heated Jacket

Let’s be real — winter travel can be a beast if you don’t have the right outerwear. The Kelvin Phantom Jacket has a slim-yet-mobile fit and is heated with next-level carbon-fiber technology. Oh, and the best part? It features a USB output to charge your devices on the move — and again, it’s a stylish and effective outerwear option for getting from point A to point B.

Read more
Classy men’s winter fashion: Timeless staples to elevate your cold-weather style
Stay stylish with these timeless winter staples
Man in suede coat in the snow

The winter is here, and you are undoubtedly deep into your winter wardrobe as you find ways to guard against the cold. Every man's wardrobe needs specific staples that carry him from one season to the next, and the winter is no different. But it isn't just about buying new things every winter; it is also about picking up the right things that will last for years and never go out of style. It isn't about the trendy year-in and year-out items. It is about picking up those classic items that you can pass on to your kids after you invest in quality garments because they are iconic and never go out of style. Don't worry, we put together a list of classy men's winter fashion items that you can shop and elevate your cold-weather wardrobe.
The legendary flannel

There is no more iconic men's cold-weather staple than a good flannel. They are the ultimate in outdoor wear. While they started as a hardworking Welsh fabric to guard against the weather in the dreary UK, it has established itself as the quintessential American masculine shirt worn by everyone from lumberjacks to dockworkers.

Read more
JJJJound and adidas announce the release date for the Superstar remix
adidas, JJJJound announce new sneaker
side view of black leather adidas superstar sneakers

Any shoe with the influence and impact as the adidas Superstar sneaker will always see redesigns and remixes. Throughout the years, this sneaker has seen many differing versions, adding to its legacy as one of the hottest sneakers in recent seasons. Although it’s hard to replicate the same impact as the original design, JJJJound is taking on this iconic silhouette and creating a new sleek design. Although much of the silhouette doesn’t change, this collaboration adds new touches and materials that elevate it to another level. A more sophisticated look for the Superstar sneaker, this collaboration is perfect for those wanting to infuse their street style into any occasion. 
JJJJound x adidas Superstar 90 “Made in Japan”

Donning an all-black look, the collaborative Superstar sneaker uses JJJJound’s recognized Japanese leather for a soft and elegant look. Rather than add new features to the original shoe, this collaboration sees fewer details for a scaled-back appearance. In this latest iteration, the Superstar sneaker appears without its tongue logo and sans emblems on the heel tabs. Besides removing these features, the text “JJJJound” replaces the golden “Superstar” text along the side of the iconic three white stripes. A lowkey and subtle switch-up on a classic sneaker, this collaborative shoe draws a statement from how sleek and modern its appearance is. Ideal for those looking for a more sophisticated everyday sneaker, this collaboration is set to hit the shelves on February 1, 2025. Fans looking to purchase these sleek sneakers can do so via JJJJound’s web store.

Read more