This article has been produced in partnership with TESSAN. JohnnyJet.com may earn a commission on purchases made through the links below.
There’s something about a fall weekend getaway that sounds wonderfully simple in theory. Throw a few things in a carry-on, hop in the car or catch a quick flight and spend a couple of days admiring changing leaves, wandering around a new city or checking into a cozy hotel.
Then you look at the weather forecast. It’s 48 degrees in the morning, 72 by mid-afternoon, there’s a 40% chance of rain and somehow you need clothes for sightseeing, dinner and possibly the hotel pool. Suddenly, that little weekend trip requires some serious packing strategy.
The answer isn’t to bring more. It’s to pack things that work hard, along with a handful of travel essentials that make a short trip noticeably easier. From layers you can wear multiple ways to smart charging gear, here are 20 things worth making room for on your next fall escape.
Pack It
Before deciding what to wear, start with the things that make packing (and unpacking) a whole lot easier. A good carry-on, compression cubes and an emergency extra tote can help you bring what you need without turning a two-night getaway into a major luggage operation.
1. July Carry On Pro
First things first: You need somewhere to put everything. The July Carry On Pro is particularly well suited to a short getaway because it combines a sleek hard-shell suitcase with a convenient front compartment that fits up to a 15-inch laptop. There’s also an ejectable power bank, an integrated TSA lock, compression system and hidden laundry bag.
For a two- or three-night trip, a carry-on also imposes some much-needed discipline. If it doesn’t fit, you probably don’t need it.
2. Quince Eco Compression Packing Cubes
I’ve tried a lot of packing cubes and the Quince Eco Compression Packing Cubes are genuinely among the best I’ve ever used. They’re deeper than many packing cubes, which makes a surprisingly big difference, the zippers work well and they hold an impressive amount.
Quince says the cubes can compress their contents by up to 60%, and they’re made from water-repellent recycled polyester. But what I love most is really just how practical they are. For a weekend trip, use one for clothes and another for underwear, pajamas and smaller items and your carry-on will instantly feel more manageable.
3. keote Keychain Tote
This may be one of the cleverest “just in case” bags around. The keote Keychain Tote folds down to just 3.5 by 2 inches and clips onto your purse or keys. When you need it, it unfolds into a 20-by-24-inch tote capable of carrying up to 50 pounds.
Use it for farmers-market finds, an impromptu shopping spree, snacks for the ride home or the inevitable overflow that somehow appears between check-in and check-out. Cute and genuinely useful is a winning travel combination.
Wear It
Fall is where smart layering really pays off. Instead of packing separate outfits for chilly mornings, warmer afternoons and evenings out, bring pieces you can mix, match, layer and dress up or down.
4. Aviator Nation Venice Hoodie
Every fall packing list needs a great hoodie and the Aviator Nation Hoodie is the kind you’ll end up living in all weekend. It’s handmade in California, has a perfectly lived-in feel and may be the softest, most comfortable hoodie you’ll ever own.
Wear it for the journey, throw it on for an early-morning coffee run and keep it handy when temperatures dip after sunset. One note: It’s unisex and the brand recommends that women size down.
5. Nike V5 RNR Women’s Shoes
The “dad sneaker” isn’t going anywhere, which is excellent news for travelers because chunky sneakers and comfort are a match made in heaven. The Nike V5 RNR Women’s Shoes from Famous Footwear have that cool retro-runner look, along with a lightweight foam midsole, plush collar lining and breathable mesh.
Pair them with casual pants and a hoodie for sightseeing and make these the shoes you wear in transit so you don’t sacrifice precious suitcase space to another bulky pair.
6. Yaykio Women’s Barrel Pants
The best weekend-trip pants are the ones that don’t feel like “real pants” but don’t look like pajamas either. These women’s barrel pants hit that sweet spot: relaxed and comfortable enough for a travel day but polished enough to dress up once you arrive.
Wear them with sneakers and a hoodie during the day, then swap in a fitted bodysuit, jewelry and a cute bag for dinner. That’s exactly the kind of versatility you want when every inch of carry-on space counts.
7. Quince Second Skin T-Shirt Bodysuit
A great base layer is a fall travel MVP. This Quince bodysuit is made from a soft, breathable nylon-spandex blend and is double-layered, with a flattering neckline.
Wear it under your hoodie or rain jacket during the day, then lose the outer layers and you’ve got an easy dinner look. It also stays neatly tucked in, one less thing to fuss with when you’re trying to pack light.
8. Quince Weather Proof Oversized Rain Jacket
Don’t let a little rain ruin an otherwise gorgeous fall weekend. The Quince Weather Proof Oversized Rain Jacket is waterproof and windproof, with a relaxed, mid-length silhouette that leaves enough room underneath for layers. It’s also made from recycled polyester and has a mesh lining for breathability.
The oversized shape is especially useful in fall: Toss it over a tee when it’s mild or layer it over your hoodie when the temperature drops.
9. zestt organics Dreamsoft Travel Scarf
Fall travel is all about layers but you don’t necessarily need another bulky sweater. The zestt organics Dreamsoft Travel Scarf adds an extra layer of warmth without taking up much luggage space.
It’s an especially smart piece to wear on the plane or in the car, where it can double as a cozy wrap, and then use as a scarf once you arrive. That’s two jobs from one item, the unofficial rule of successful weekend packing.
10. Swimsuit and Skirt Set
Here’s my rule: Always pack a bathing suit. Even in fall. You may discover that your hotel has a heated pool, hot tub or fabulous spa … or you could luck into an unexpectedly warm afternoon. This swimsuit and matching skirt set is an especially clever choice because the coordinating skirt gives you another wearable piece if the weather cooperates.
A swimsuit takes up so little room that you’ll rarely regret bringing one. But you will regret leaving it at home when you see everyone else heading for the hot tub.
Tech Essentials
A weekend away shouldn’t require a tangled bag of chargers, cables and adapters. A few strategically chosen tech essentials can cover everything from keeping your phone alive while sightseeing to creating one convenient charging spot once you get back to the hotel.
11. TESSAN Portable Charger
Between navigation, restaurant reservations, photos, texts and scrolling during travel downtime, weekend trips can be surprisingly brutal on your phone battery. That’s why this TESSAN portable charger deserves a permanent place in your travel bag. The best features? Charging cables are already attached, it has a foldable plug on the back so you can charge it without having to remember an extra cable and the small digital screen tells you just how much battery it has left.
Keep it charged and toss it into your bag before heading out for the day. You’ll have back-up power when you need it without having to head back to the hotel or camp out beside the one available outlet in a coffee shop.
12. TESSAN Magic 65W Charging Station USB Phone Charger With Wireless Charging
If you’ve ever arrived at a hotel room and immediately started crawling behind the nightstand looking for an outlet, you already know why a compact charging station belongs on this list.
The TESSAN Magic 65W Charging Station USB Phone Charger With Wireless Charging gives you a central spot for powering up your tech instead of packing multiple charging blocks and fighting over hotel-room outlets. Set up one charging hub when you arrive, put everyone’s devices there at night and you’re far less likely to leave a cable or a phone plugged into some random outlet when you check out.
13. Apple AirPods Max 2
A good pair of headphones can make the actual getting there part of a getaway infinitely better. The Apple AirPods Max 2 are the kind of travel splurge you’ll use well beyond your weekend getaway.
Whether you’re catching up on a podcast, watching a movie on a flight or simply trying to tune out the world for a while, noise-canceling headphones are one of those items you don’t appreciate quite enough until you travel without them.
Out-and-About Essentials
Once you’ve checked in and dropped your suitcase, these are the things you’ll be glad you brought along for sightseeing, shopping, wandering and whatever else the weekend has in store.
14. Naghedi St. Barths Small Tote
Once you’ve dropped your suitcase at the hotel, you don’t want to lug a giant travel bag around town. The Naghedi St. Barths Small Tote is a chic alternative: It’s handwoven from neoprene, water-resistant and comes with both a matching zippered pouch and an adjustable, detachable crossbody strap.
That means you can carry it by the handles when you want a polished little tote for dinner or go hands-free while sightseeing. The neutral Seychelles color also works beautifully with a fall wardrobe.
15. ShedRain Automatic Compact Windproof Umbrella
Yes, your hotel probably has an umbrella. No, you don’t want to discover that they’re all being used when you’re standing in the lobby staring at a downpour.
A ShedRain Automatic Compact Windproof Umbrella takes up little room in your luggage and means an unexpected shower doesn’t derail an afternoon of exploring. It’s one of those things you hope stays tucked away in your bag all weekend but you’ll be very happy you packed it if the forecast turns.
16. LifeStraw Go Series Water Filter Bottle
A reusable water bottle is already a travel essential, but the LifeStraw Go Series Water Filter Bottle adds built-in filtration. Its two-stage system uses a membrane microfilter to filter bacteria, parasites and microplastics, while an activated carbon filter reduces chlorine and odors and improves taste.
It’s particularly handy for road trips, hikes and destinations where you’re not crazy about the taste of the tap water. Fill up instead of continually buying disposable bottles.
Beauty & Getting Ready
You don’t need your entire bathroom cabinet for a weekend away. A few well-chosen beauty essentials can handle dry fall weather, hotel-room hair and even a last-minute manicure.
17. APRILSKIN Artemisia Squalane Hydra Gel Cream
Fall weather can be lovely for sweaters and foliage and considerably less lovely for your skin. Between cool outdoor air, indoor heating and travel itself, hydration is worth prioritizing.
The Aprilskin Artemisia Squalane Hydra Gel Cream is a lightweight moisturizer that’s easy to work into a pared-down travel skincare routine. Rather than hauling an elaborate lineup of products for a two-night trip, pack a cleanser, your everyday SPF and a good moisturizer and call it a day.
18. Mario Badescu Rose Hand Cream & Lip Balm Hydration Set
Cool weather, airplane cabins, car heaters and lots of time outdoors can be a recipe for dry hands and lips. The Mario Badescu Rose Hand Cream & Lip Balm Hydration Set is an easy little addition to your toiletry bag that addresses both.
Keep the lip balm in your purse and the hand cream by the hotel bed. It’s a small packing decision that feels disproportionately luxurious after a chilly day outside.
19. L’ANGE HAIR Axia HaloRing Ionic Hair Dryer
Yes, the hotel will probably have a hair dryer. And yes, you may still wish you’d brought your own. The L’ANGE HAIR Axia HaloRing Ionic Hair Dryer is for anyone who has ever stood in a hotel bathroom wondering how a hair dryer can simultaneously make so much noise and accomplish so little (not to mention, how clean is it?) Bringing your own hair dryer can make getting ready quicker and easier, particularly if you’ve got dinner reservations and don’t want to spend half the evening battling damp hair. My favorite thing about this hair dryer (besides all the fun colors it’s available in) is just how lightweight it is. It’s so easy to hold and dries my hair extremely quickly.
20. Celebritips U-ltimate Press-On Nails
Finally, throw a pack of Celebritips U-ltimate Press-On Nails into your beauty bag. They take up virtually no space and can rescue your manicure when you decide at the last minute to dress up for dinner or drinks. I have applied press-on nails countless times when there was just no time for a salon visit and every time, I end up asking myself why I’d bother going to the salon at all. Press-on nails have come a long way and these ones are high-quality, they will last and they come in so many cute designs.
When it comes to a weekend getaway, you don’t necessarily know exactly what you’ll end up doing. Packing smart isn’t about preparing for every possible scenario. It’s about bringing a small collection of versatile things that leave you ready for most of them. And if you can fit everything into one carry-on? Even better.
