I will cut straight to the bare bones of my super light travel packing list. After 16 years and 85+ countries, this is what survived the cuts. This list should be more than adequate for a week-long trip – or even more. In reality, I pack exactly the same whether I’m going for one week or three months.
In fact, the reason I’m revisiting this post now is that we’re about to head out for two months in Italy and Spain, and, yes, things do change over time. I now have some different shoes. I’m trying a couple of new gadgets, and this trip will be a combination of weather from early fall to early winter. But we’re up for a challenge – as usual.
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This is my ultimate ultralight carry-on packing list for warm-weather travel, for men over 50. For our complete carry-on packing system—including trip planning, packing philosophy, women’s packing advice, and specialized travel packing—see our Ultimate Ultra-Light Packing Guide for Travelers Over 50.
The details on the actual products I use are below, although any equivalent garments and products should work just fine. All of this, if folded or rolled properly, will fit easily in my 35-liter Cotopaxi backpack.
I roll most of my clothes, and I do use packing cubes. I fold my button-up shirts and pants flat.
In case you’re wondering what I wear for “nicer” occasions, such as a dinner in a good restaurant, I go with one of my button-up shirts over the black pants and black shoes. Not exactly a suit, but it looks fairly nice.
If you’d like a visual aid for your packing know-how, see Kris’s Packing Light Video.
Warm Weather Packing List for Men
- 1-2 pairs of lightweight walking shoes
- 3-4 pairs of boxer briefs
- 3-4 pairs of mid-weight wool socks
- 3 merino wool t-shirts
- 2 long-sleeve shirts
- 2 pairs of pants
- 1 pair of shorts/swimsuit
- 1 belt
- 1 rain jacket
- 1 lightweight wool Buff
- 1 pair of sunglasses
- 2-3 handkerchiefs
- Microfiber towel
- Optional: 1 lightweight down vest
- Optional: 1 wide brim hat
- Reading glasses
- Compression socks, for long flights
- A sink laundry kit, with detergent sheets
The Backpack
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack is my first choice. Everything above easily fits into it. And I’ve converted to a backpack instead of a roller bag because I just find it much easier to navigate airports and cobblestone streets without a wheeled bag. Packing the way I do, it’s light enough to carry easily.
The Cotopaxi also has a separate padded sleeve for a laptop and tablet, if you don’t feel like carrying a separate hand item.
Specifically, when this bag is packed as I describe, it weighs between 9 and 10 kg (20 to 22 lbs). But if you use the hip belt, it takes most of the weight off your shoulders and back. If you still think that is more than your back can handle, by all means use a roller bag, but keep in mind how that works up and down hilly European cobblestone streets.
Here is some more info on all the various bags we use.
The Shoes
Nearly 100 percent of the time, unless I’m in for some serious country hiking, I take one pair of my favorite city walking shoes, the Xero Prio Coast, in black. (In black, they can pass a little bit for dressier shoes. At least that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.) I wear them on the plane and every day. I have a second pair, in light grey, that I take on slightly longer trips. It’s good to alternate shoes if you have the room. And these are small and light and if you stuff your socks into them when you pack, they really don’t subtract much from your available space.
If I am doing any outdoor hiking, where I want a little more tread, I substitute the second pair of Prio Coasts with the Xero Mesa Trail 2, which are more suitable for country rather than city use.
If you’re interested in the many types of Xero shoes, let their Find Your Shoe feature help you select the right Xero shoe for you.
Boxer Briefs
I’ve been wearing ExOfficio Give-N-Go boxers since I discovered them years ago. They’re lightweight. They don’t retain odor. And when you want to wash them out in your hotel sink, they’ll dry overnight.
Mid-weight Wool Socks
I have several sock brands I like, but Point6 are my favorites. They wick moisture, which is essential.
T-shirts
The only t-shirts I travel with are Unbound Merino. They’re light. They resist odor for days. And, you can wash them out in your sink and they’ll dry overnight. Here’s more on the merino wool clothes we both carry.
Long-Sleeve Shirts
I’ve recently converted to Clothing Arts pickpocket-proof shirts. I like the zipped, passport-size pocket, and that they rinse out and dry overnight.
Pants
I’ve been wearing Kuhl pants for a few years now. I usually pack one black pair and one khaki. They’re lightweight, washable, and comfortable.
Shorts/Swimsuit
Since I discovered Vuori shorts a few years ago, I haven’t found any better.
Belt
I really like Arcade Belts for a couple of reasons: They come in dozens of colors and styles; and they have plastic buckles so you usually don’t have to take them off at airport security.
Rain Jacket/Shell
Patagonia is my go-to brand for weather resistant clothes. I love my Torrentshell Rain Jacket. Kris has the same jacket in a lighter color.
The Buff
A merino wool Buff neck gaiter keeps the sun off your neck. You can twist it into pretty much any shape you want for sun and wind protection. In cooler weather, it subs for a scarf.
Sunglasses
Since I had cataract surgery which corrected my nearsightedness, the world of sunglasses has opened up for me. I like the wraparound kind.
I’m actually intrigued by the idea of trying out camera glasses on my next trip, since they’d eliminate the need for a separate point-and-shoot camera and double as my everyday sunglasses.
Lightweight Vest
The REI lightweight vest is a great product. It provides just another layer of warmth, has a large internal pocket and two zippered external pockets that can stow your phone, keys, wallet, etc. And it stuffs small into its internal pocket for packing ease.
Hat
I recently adopted a new hat. I’m now traveling with the American Hat Makers Nero straw fedora. It folds down flat for packing and springs back nicely when you want to wear it. It’s also, shall I say, kinda stylish. And, the real reason to wear a hat: it blocks the sun nicely.
Microfiber Towel
If you’re staying in a hotel, this microfiber towel is probably optional. Even if you’re not going to use it to dry yourself, however, it’s great for rolling up items you’ve washed out in your sink to get the last bit of water out of them before hanging them up to dry.
A Sink Laundry Kit
We use this handy Waschii plastic washing bag to do small loads in the sink. We bring a handful of detergent sheets, which we cut in half before we go. Being able to do a little laundry is the key to packing light for longer trips.
Cold Weather Additions
When I’m going somewhere colder, I pack the warm weather package with the following adjustments. Of course, if you’re going somewhere really cold, like Minnesota or Sweden in the winter, you’ll need even more rugged stuff.
This list will take care of you down to freezing and a little below.
- Switch 3x mid-weight socks for 3x heavyweight socks
- Switch down vest for down jacket
- Add 1 pair of lightweight gloves
- Add 1 lightweight wool hat
- Switch t-shirts for long-sleeve undershirts
Heavyweight Socks
Again, I’m partial to Point6. These Point6 Merino wool socks are my standard winter socks.
Down Jacket
Again, a Patagonia down jacket is as good as any. A lighter jacket will keep you warm down to the freezing mark, if you layer it over long-sleeve undershirts and a long-sleeve shirt. In a pinch, put your raincoat over the thin down jacket for even more warmth.
Gloves
Living in Minnesota as we do, I have about 10 pairs of gloves in all weights. For lightweight gloves, I like these Black Diamond screen tap gloves. It’s nice not having to take them off to use your phone.
Wool Hat
I like this Smartwool Merino Wool beanie. It’s warm enough if it’s above freezing, and it packs down really small.
Long-Sleeve Undershirts
Unbound Merino again. Unbound Merino’s long-sleeved shirts are the best for layering when it’s cold.
Hot Weather Swaps
When traveling somewhere we know is going to be hot, i.e. consistently above 80°F (27°C), I pack the basic package and make some adjustments. Note: even for hot environments I usually pack long-sleeve shirts and pants to add a little bit of protection from mosquitoes and other pests.
- Switch 3x mid-weight socks for 3x no-show socks
- Add 1 pair of shorts/swimsuit (see above)
- Optional: 1 pair of sandals
Minimal Toiletry Kit
Other than recommending the Sea to Summit lightweight hanging toiletry bag, I’ll leave it up to you to pick your own toiletry brands. For the toothbrush, floss, and travel-sized toothpaste, I use what my dentist gives me at my semi-annual cleaning.
- Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag
- Toothbrush
- Floss
- Razor
- Lip Balm
- Sunscreen SPF 50 or higher
- Small insect repellent, if you’re going where you’ll want it
- Nail clippers and file
- Tweezers
- Travel-sized toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Medications (and this might be a good time to also mention travel insurance.)
If you have any questions about packing medicines and medical equipment, it would be a good idea to look at the TSA guidelines here. Also, keep in mind the TSA liquids rules.
Minimal Electronics
- iPhone, loaded with apps
- Charger/adapter, auxiliary power source, and cables, see our complete recommendations of chargers for travel and home here.
- A Kindle or iPad for books
- Optional: headlamp or small portable light. (Lately, we’ve ditched the headlamp for the small light, which is also very useful as an auxiliary light for photography.)
Homemade First Aid Kit
This entire homemade travel first aid kit will fit into a sandwich-sized zip-top bag, although I recommend something a little more durable.
Frequently Asked Questions: Ultralight Packing for Men Over 50
What should be on an ultralight packing list for men over 50?
For a week or more of warm-weather travel, I pack one or two pairs of lightweight walking shoes (one pair on my feet), three or four boxer briefs, three or four pairs of wool socks, three merino wool t-shirts, two long-sleeve shirts, two pairs of pants, shorts that double as a swimsuit, a rain jacket, a small sink laundry kit, and a few accessories. For cold weather, I add a down jacket, gloves, and a wool hat. It all fits in a 35-liter carry-on backpack, and I pack the same whether I’m gone one week or three months.
What size bag do I need to travel carry-on only?
A 30 to 40 liter backpack or roller bag is plenty big enough for everything on this list. If you like to bring home souvenirs, go with the slightly larger 40-liter size. I use the 35-liter Cotopaxi Allpa and still have room left over.
How many pairs of shoes should a man pack for travel?
Usually one versatile pair, worn on the plane so it takes up no space in your bag. On longer trips I bring a second lightweight pair so I can alternate, and in hot weather I sometimes add sandals. The exception is a trip built around serious hiking, like the Camino de Santiago, where you may need specialized footwear.
What should a man wear to a nice dinner when packing light?
I don’t pack anything special for it. One of my long-sleeve shirts over black pants and black shoes looks fairly nice. It’s not a suit, but it works for a good restaurant.
Is a backpack or a roller bag better for travelers over 50?
I switched to a backpack because it’s much easier to handle in airports, on stairs, and on cobblestone streets. Packed this way, my bag weighs about 9 to 10 kg (20 to 22 lbs), and the hip belt takes most of that weight off my shoulders and back. If that’s more than your back can handle, a roller bag is a fine choice.
Is merino wool worth the money for travel clothes?
Absolutely. Merino costs more than an average t-shirt, but a quality merino garment lasts for years. It resists odor, so you can wear it several times between washes, and it dries overnight after a rinse in the hotel sink.
Can you really travel for months with only a carry-on?
Yes. We’ve traveled for as long as nine months with nothing but one carry-on bag and a personal item. The trick is packing clothes that layer well and wash easily, then doing laundry along the way.
How often should you do laundry while traveling?
We end up doing laundry every 7 to 10 days, depending on how active we are. If we’re hiking or walking a hot city in summer, it’s closer to every 7 days. A wash bag and a few detergent sheets let us do small loads in the hotel sink, and quick-dry clothes are ready by morning.
