The Complete Packing Guide: 10 Days in a Carry-On

Packing for a 10-day trip doesn't require a checked bag. The secret lies in choosing versatile, performance-driven pieces that work as hard as you do. By focusing on multi-functional fabrics and a smart layering strategy, you can travel light without sacrificing style or comfort.

What to Pack for Hot Days and City Exploring

These are the clothes you'll wear most often, for walking around, grabbing lunch, or seeing the sights. You need pieces that breathe, don't wrinkle, and can handle a little sweat without looking or smelling rough.

Tees

Pack three to four short-sleeve tees. Look for natural fibers like Supima cotton or performance fabrics that wick moisture. These can be rotated throughout the trip and won't hold odor the way cheaper cotton blends do. If one gets sweaty or dirty, you can rinse it in the sink and it'll be dry by morning. A tee like our Midweight Supima Tee doesn't cling, doesn't look beat up after a sweaty day, and has a bit more structure than a basic tee. Wear it on the plane, then again on day four.

Shorts

Two to three pairs of shorts are all you need. Choose ones with a bit of stretch and an elastic or drawstring waistband for comfort. You can wear the same pair for two or three days before switching. Cotton-spandex blends like our Stretch Short won't wrinkle and dry fast if you spill something or get caught in the rain.

What to Pack for a Workout, Hike, or Sweaty Day

You don't need a separate gym outfit. One moisture-wicking tee and one pair of quick-drying shorts will handle any active day. Look for fabrics with antimicrobial properties so they don't stink after one wear. A performance tee like our Tech Tee can be worn, rinsed, and dried overnight if needed.

For shorts, a hybrid style that works for both land and water is ideal. Our Hybrid Short has 4-way stretch and quick-drying fabric, so you can hike in it, swim in it, and wear it to lunch after. No need for separate swim trunks.

What to Pack for the Pool or Beach

If your trip includes a beach or pool day, you only need one swim-ready piece. A hybrid short that doesn't look like traditional swim trunks is your best bet. It dries fast, so you can swim, towel off, and keep wearing it. This eliminates the need to pack separate swimwear.

What to Pack for Dinner or Going Out

When you want to look a bit more put-together, a couple of key pieces will do the trick. Pack one polo or button-up shirt that you can layer over a tee or wear on its own. A polo like our Midweight Supima Polo is a step up from a tee but just as comfortable. A casual button-up like our Everyday Corduroy Shirt works as a shirt or a light jacket.

For bottoms, pack one or two pairs of long pants. Look for performance fabrics that resist wrinkles and stains. A pant like our Transit 5-Pocket Pant looks like a chino but performs like a travel pant. The stretch and stain resistance mean you can sit on a dusty train platform, wipe it off, and still wear it to dinner. It also packs smaller than denim. You can wear pants like this three to four times before they need a wash.

Here's Exactly What to Pack

Let's break it down by the numbers. This is what goes in your bag:

Tops

• 6-7 short-sleeve tees (rotate and rewear)
• 1 performance/tech tee (for active days)
• 1-2 polo or casual button-up (for nicer occasions)
• 1 hoodie or sweatshirt (wear on plane)

Bottoms

• 2-3 pairs of shorts (wear each 2-3 times)
• 1 hybrid short (for swimming and hiking)
• 2-3 pairs of long pants (wear each 3-4 times)
• 1 pair of joggers or sweatpants (wear on plane and when lounging)

Underwear and Socks

• 10 pairs of underwear
• 10 pairs of socks
• One per day—if you can do laundry or hand wash, you can cut back (but these don't take too up too much space).

Look for underwear with antimicrobial properties like our Modal Boxer Briefs. They stay fresh on long travel days. For socks, cushioned, ventilated styles like our Performance Sock handle both city walking and hiking.

How to Make It All Fit in a Carry-on

You've got the list. Now here's how to pack it so it actually fits.

Wear Your Bulkiest Items on the Plane

Your hoodie, joggers, and sneakers should be on your body, not in your bag. This is the single biggest space-saver.

Roll Your Tees and Shorts

Rolling prevents wrinkles and lets you pack more efficiently. Stack rolled items vertically so you can see everything at once.

Fold Your Pants

Long pants should be folded in half lengthwise, then rolled from the waist down. This keeps them relatively wrinkle-free.

Use Packing Cubes

These cubes compress your clothes and keep you organized. Use one cube for tops, one for bottoms, and a small one for socks and underwear. If you don't have packing cubes, stuff socks and underwear inside your shoes to save space.

Pack Smart

Put your heaviest items (shoes, toiletries) at the bottom of your bag near the wheels.

Your Packing Questions, Answered

The Final Packing Checklist

Print this, check it off, and you're good to go.

Tops

Bottoms

Underwear & Socks

Packing Strategy

You're all set from here. Pack your bag, grab your passport, and catch that flight.