Between rising checked-bag fees and the potential for luggage to miss tight connections, it’s no wonder that many travellers are opting to go carry-on only even for a weeklong getaway.
Of course, fitting five or more days’ worth of clothes in a standard carry-on (that’s 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches for Air Canada and 21 x 15 x 9 inches for WestJet, including wheels and handles) may take some preplanning and strategic packing, even for warm-weather travel.
You’ll want to use packing cubes, roll (instead of fold) some of your clothes, and wear your bulkiest pieces on the plane. Think: jacket, long sleeve sweater, any bulky denim and even clunky shoes. But it’s also key to bring just the essentials, selecting items that will easily mix and match together, can work for a variety of activities and will be easy to care for on the road.
Saving on baggage fees means getting a bit creative with your layering and outfit combinations, and nixing any niche items you wouldn’t wear on repeat. But it also means you can focus more on your vacation and less on what to wear.
For any destination, here’s the basic kit
Unisex must-haves
Icebreaker Men’s 150 MerinoFine Ace t-shirt, $139 through icebreaker.com.Supplied
Merino wool is naturally odour-resistant, and you can typically wear 100 per cent merino wool tees multiple times between washes, even during the summer months, thanks to its breathability and temperature-regulating properties. Choose from men’s and women’s sizes.
Icebreaker men’s 150 MerinoFine Ace T-shirt, buy at icebreaker.com.
Allbirds Men’s Tree Loungers, $135 through allbirds.ca.Supplied
When it comes to footwear, these lightweight, breathable, eucalyptus-tree fibre slip-ons, also available in women’s sizing, are great for days with lots of walking.
Allbirds men’s Tree Loungers, buy at allbirds.ca.
Birkenstock Kyoto sandals, $190 through birkenstock.com.Supplied
Try dressier Birkenstocks, available for men and women, that can be worn with jeans, khakis or even a summer dress.
Birkenstock Kyoto sandals, buy at birkenstock.com.
Men’s must-haves
The North Face TNF Easy Wind Coaches men’s jacket, $150 through thenorthface.com.Supplied
This jacket is wind-resistant and water-repellent and styled in a modern, boxy fit with a camp collar. Plus, it folds into a compact size perfect for travel.
The North Face TNF Easy Wind Coaches men’s jacket, buy at thenorthface.com.
Duer Live Free Adventure Short, $109 through duer.ca.Supplied
These men’s cargo shorts feature roomy zippered pockets and the cotton-and-Lycra fibre blend offers both stretch and breathability.
Duer Live Free Adventure short, buy at duer.ca.
Vallier Leknes men’s pants, $160 through altitude-sports.com.Supplied
Designed in Montreal, these straight-leg pants come with features such as zippered back pockets and seams and darts at the knees for more comfortable movement.
Vallier Leknes men’s pants, buy at altitude-sports.com.
Women’s must-haves
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Made in part with recycled polyester, this easy-to-stow parka works for both sun and rain. It’s water-repellent, rated UPF 50+ and offered in a wide range of colours.
Uniqlo Pocketable UV Protection parka, buy at uniqlo.com.
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This midi-length cotton dress, made with certified OEKO-TEX fibres, is dressy enough for dining out but also comfortable enough for travel.
Kotn women’s ballet dress, buy at kotn.com.
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Tailored denim shorts in a medium-blue wash can be styled with everything from a tank top to a linen blouse on your travels.
RW&CO. denim shorts, buy at rw-co.com.
Add-Ons: Beach Holidays
For everybody
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This limited-edition version of Lululemon’s minimalist foam-and-rubber slide features a stylish floral print. Available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
Lululemon Team Canada Restfeel men’s slide, buy at lululemon.com.
For him
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These quick-dry swim trunks are lightweight and made with recycled materials. There are side pockets, and a mesh lining for comfort.
Lacoste men’s swim shorts, buy at lacoste.com.
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Available in five colours, this rash guard is made with recycled polyester and rated UPF 50+. It even comes with a convenient zip bag for travel.
Tilley Packable Adventure Sun top, buy at tilley.com.
For her
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Great for water sports, volleyball on the beach or just lounging by the pool, this short-sleeve zip swimsuit by Toronto label Knix is self-lined and has an internal shelf bra.
Knix one-piece swimsuit, buy at knix.ca.
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The notch collar and full-button closure elevate this affordable swim cover-up, made with a sheer, cotton-blend fabric.
Joe Fresh cover-up, buy at joefresh.com.
Add-Ons: City Trips
For him
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This woven shirt offers some sun protection, and the fabric is quick-drying, crease-resistant and designed to feel cool on your skin.
Muji Cool Touch men’s polo, buy at muji.ca.
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A soft, organic-cotton cardigan will keep you comfortable in transit and air-conditioned spaces. It can also help dress up a plain T-shirt or tank top.
COS cardigan, buy at COS boutiques.
For her
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Made from recycled fishing nets, these pants are sweat-wicking, wrinkle-resistant and designed to be almost as comfortable as your favourite pyjamas.
Lezé the Label Kendal pant, buy at lezethelabel.com.
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For both travel and unpredictable weather, layering is key – even when you’re packing light. This viscose-blend, open-front cardigan comes in four colours and is available in sizes XXS to 4XL.
Mango cardigan, buy at mango.com.
Add-Ons: Nature Escapes
For everybody
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Offered in both long and short-sleeve versions for men and women, this button-up is made with a ripstop, moisture-wicking fabric that offers UPF 50+ sun protection for sunny-day hikes.
Kathmandu SUN-Scout men’s shirt, buy at kathmanduoutdoor.ca.
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Whether you go for this luxe version – made in Europe using a water-repellent, sturdy textile – or something more affordable, a packable hat with a chin strap is a must-have for outdoor getaways.
Canada Goose Venture bucket hat, buy at canadagoose.com.
For her
Merrell Alpine 83 Sneaker Recraft, $140 through merrell.com.Supplied/Supplied
Lightweight and breathable, these slip-on shoes offer an EVA foam footbed for comfort and a rubber outsole with plenty of grip.
Merrell Alpine 83 Sneaker Recraft, buy at merrell.com.
For him
Keen WK400 men’s walking shoes, $170 through keenfootwear.ca.Supplied/Supplied
If you’re planning on hiking, consider bringing a pair of shoes that will perform on the trails but won’t look too out-of-place when you’re back at the hotel or going out for dinner.
Keen WK400 men’s walking shoes, buy at keenfootwear.ca.