Ultimate Carry-on Packing Guide For Men
Sup dudes. Planning a vacation? Heading off to a conference? Here’s where you will find the ultimate carry on packing list for men.
First things first we’re going to have to get past one mental hurdle: outfits are not only for chicks.
Using an outfit-based packing strategy with the help of compression cubes ensures you stay organized and not overpacked.
The Right Way to Pack a Carry-On
Separating different articles of clothing (pants, shirts) in various packing cubes requires you to open every single cube to access your gear every time you get dressed. Instead, we recommend organizing your clothes inside of packing cubes by activity.
We’ve taken both standard carry-on sized backpacks and rolling luggage and designed a 6 piece compression cube set to fit perfectly snug in the space. Since we’ve done all of the measuring for you, all you have to do is make sure your clothes fit nicely within the compression cube set.
BEFORE YOU PACK - CHOOSE PLANE TRAVEL OUTFIT
The trick to light packing is to wear your bulkiest outfit on the plane to minimize these items in your carry on! If you’re comfortable enough to travel in jeans, by all means save space and where them on the plane. If you’re not planning on even bringing jeans on this trip, wear your dinner trousers/museum wear/khakis while you travel.
Ok. Outfit one complete: plane travel in your bulkiest outfit (including shoes!)
1. LARGE COMPRESSION CUBE 1: ADVENTURE
Whether you’re headed to Hawaii on your honeymoon or attending a business trip in Las Vegas, what you bring will definitely vary. We start this packing list with the large 14x10x4in cube (about the size of a large laptop). They will easily hold jeans, dress pants, and/or shirts and leave them folded nicely to boot.
In large compression cube number 1, pack for your “activity” day of the trip.
Are you climbing a volcano? Visiting a waterfall? Maybe you and your business buddies are heading out for a quick 9 holes between meetings. No matter your adventure level, your large packing cube will hold 1-2 days worth of adventure gear. We recommend:
1 pair of activity pants: these pants are ready for your adventure outdoors
1-2 activity tops: we recommend synthetic fabrics which are quick drying!
1-2 pairs of socks
2. LARGE COMPRESSION CUBE 2: NIGHT OUT
Tripped compression cubes allow for items to either be folded and stacked (recommended) or rolled and lined up next to each other. To keep items such as dress pants nicely creased and pressed, opt for the folding option. The compression of the cubes will keep them in place and there will be minimal wrinkles.
Pants are typically the largest items that you pack, so being able to fit them into a compression cube that shrinks down to 14x10x1in will save you room and keep your items nicely packed as well.
What types of places will you be eating dinner? On a beach after swimming in the ocean all day? With your boss at a steakhouse?
Prepare 1 - 2 dinner outfits in the 2nd large compression cube:
1 pair of slacks - need an extra pair? Consider wearing one pair on the plane.
1 dress shirt
Dress socks - include socks and underwear right in the same compression cube as your outfit to ensure you’re not the guy at dinner in your gym socks
Accessories - only wear your nice watch at dinner? Throw it in the cube and you don’t have to find it as you’re running out the door.
If traveling for work purposes, this list may look a bit different. You may choose to pack an extra dress shirt or swap out a casual shirt for a nicer one. It is all dependent on what your plans for your trip are.
If going for a more spontaneous adventure, 3 solid shirts will work great. Nights are chillier no matter where you’re headed to so wearing a sweater, sweatshirt or jacket on the plane (which is always chilly anyways) is always a good idea to have one with you.
3. SMALL COMPRESSION CUBE 1: CASUAL
The 6 pack compression cubes also come with 2 smaller compression cubes that are 10x7x4in. These cubes are perfects for your casual wear. Throw your pajamas and undershirts into one and you’re all set!
1st small bag:
2 T-shirts
2 Undershirts
4 Underwear
1 Pair of Socks
1 Bathing suit (if applicable)
4. SMALL COMPRESSION CUBE 2: EXTRAS
Once these bags are compressed, they will squeeze to a 10x7x1in size. The size of a thick iPad.
BUT WAIT! THERE’S STILL A COMPRESSION CUBE LEFT
This is what we like to save for the “divide and conquer” type of dude. Leave one compression cube for a designated extra.
This helps you to ensure that this will stay together and is perfect for quick mornings so you know exactly what you’ll be wearing. This is perfect for a quick change as well. Throw it into a backpack for a quick change from your work meeting, or for dry clothes after hitting up the beach.
Have extra dinner plans? Heading out for an extreme adventure? Use this space to pack your “extra” hiking gear, dinner shirt, whatever you need.
2nd small bag:
2 Extra casual shirt
1 Extra dress shirt
1 Extra Undershirt
1 Extra Underwear
1 Extra socks
4. SLIM CUBE: GEAR OR ELECTRONICS
THE “CATCH ALL”
If you’re anything like us, you can’t seem to leave for the weekend without 6 cords, charging cables and other various accessories. Instead of tossing them in to the bottom of your backpack or briefcase, let the slim cube be your guide.
This is a great catch all to save you from rummaging around in your “under-the-seat-personal-item” with your head between your knees.
This slim cube is about the size of narrow men’s size 12 flip flops.
6. THE LAUNDRY BAG
So this bag is pretty self-explanatory.
Our laundry bag is designed to also be compressed with the roll-cinch-clasp design. Fill up the bag as you travel and compress it down to save space on your way back home!
THE RIGHT WAY TO PACK A CARRY-ON
For more on the right way to pack for your boy’s weekend, check out Tripped Travel Gear’s very own series, PACKED.
