Ah, work travel. It’s a mixed bag, isn’t it? On one hand, you’ve got the excitement of new places and the chance to escape the daily grind. On the other, there’s the stress of packing, making sure you’ve got everything you need to nail that presentation or close that deal. As someone who’s been on more business trips than I care to count, I’ve learned a thing or two about packing efficiently.
Now that we’ve established the general stuff, let’s give in. I hope someone gets some value out of this post.
Work Travel Packing List
I’ve never find posts specifically about packing or choosing a travel wardrobe, so I took it upon myself to create one.
Travel Bags
I travel with the Osprey backpack. I always strive to avoid checking a bag unless absolutely necessary. However, when I need a suitcase, I opt for a 21-inch one.
Before diving into the packing process and essentials list, let me explain why I choose specific items. One of the key pieces I always bring is shoe trees to help extend the life of my shoes. I usually travel with a chestnut pair of boots, alternating between these and any other dress shoes I pack, swapping the shoe trees between them each day.
Packing Tips for Suit Pants
When it comes to suit pants, it’s best to pack them separately rather than wearing them on the plane unless absolutely necessary (like if you’re meeting clients directly after landing).
Essential Items in My Dop Kit
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Band-Aids | For minor cuts |
| Motion sickness pills | To avoid nausea |
| Diarrhea medicine | Stay prepared for stomach issues |
| Eye drops | To refresh tired eyes |
| Toothpicks | Keep teeth clean |
| Allergy medication | In case of unexpected reactions |
| Q-Tips | For cleaning and detail care |
| Collar stays | Keep shirt collars crisp |
| Collapsible lint roller | Remove lint and hair from clothes |
| Nail clippers | Keep nails trimmed |
| Nail file | Smooth out rough edges |
| Tweezers | For grooming needs |
| Toothbrush and toothpaste | Stay fresh on the go |
| Stain pen | Clean accidental spills |
| Benzoyl peroxide | Manage acne while traveling |
| Face lotion | Hydrate skin |
| Hair product | Style on the go |
| Wrinkle release spray | Quick fix for wrinkled clothes |
| Baby powder | For freshness and comfort |
| Anti-chafing cream | Prevent irritation |
Packing Process
Now, let’s get into the packing process. I always start by looking at the empty suitcase and its internal framing. Effective use of space is key here.
The “Tetris” Method
Remember the game Tetris? I apply the same principles when packing: socks go in the center between the handle frame, while items like my beard trimmer, gym clothes, and tie are placed around the frame edges. This ensures that everything is either flush or below the frame level, leaving space for other items.
Stagger Your Clothes
To save even more space, avoid stacking seams on top of each other. Stagger and alternate the seams whenever possible. For example, with my four pairs of socks, I alternate their placement to ensure they pack more compactly. The same strategy applies when packing pants, shirts, and underwear.
For trousers, I typically lay them lengthwise in the suitcase with the legs first, placing sweaters or t-shirts on top before folding the trousers over. This minimizes wrinkles and saves space by reducing fabric folds.
Packing Cube for Underwear
For my underwear, I use a medium-sized packing cube to store my boxers and undershirts. This cube fits perfectly on the inside “door” of the carry-on. As with other clothing, I alternate the seams to reduce bulk.
The Garment Envelope
Next, I stack my pants in a garment envelope, again alternating the seams and folds. This envelope is an essential piece of my packing system. After packing the pants, I add shirts, stacking them alternately as well. The garment envelope compresses the clothes, making them much easier to pack. You can really see the difference before and after using the envelope.
Once everything is compressed, the envelope is ready to go into the suitcase.
Layering the Rest
I place my Dop kit at the base of the suitcase, right next to the wheels. Then, I position the garment envelope inside. Belts go on either side of the Dop kit, while the ice scraper and clothing repair kit are packed along the suitcase walls.
Next, I place my sweater in the external compartment of the suitcase for easy access.
Both pairs of shoes go on top of the garment envelope. By alternating and nesting the soles, I save even more space.
Packing for Weather
If the forecast predicts bad weather, I also pack an easy-to-carry coat, which I can drape through the handles of my suitcase. During the flight, I keep the coat on my lap for convenience. With everything packed, my suitcase, jacket, and messenger bag are ready to go.
Travel Wear
You may have noticed that I haven’t packed casual clothes or a dress jacket. That’s because I wear these items while traveling. Similar to the tie, I always wear a sport coat or suit jacket that complements the wardrobe I packed for the week. I also wear a comfortable shirt and jeans for the evening.
When traveling, I wear my Travel boots. Since they rarely need to be removed, they’re perfect for travel. Chelsea boots like these are ideal for airports due to their easy removal. Plus, their rubber bottoms provide good grip on the thick carpets often found in airports, unlike leather-soled shoes that can be slippery.
Final Thoughts
This packing method works well for me. Sometimes I manage to fit five outfits instead of four, but I have to be mindful of fabric thickness. Feel free to ask questions or offer suggestions on how I can improve my packing technique.
I hope this guide is helpful, especially for new frequent travelers or anyone looking to maximize space in their luggage.