The Ultimate Memorial Day Weekend Packing List

For a three-day trip, you can safely skip the bulky checked suitcase. If you're traveling by train or expect to walk a lot, a travel backpack is a smart choice. We like Cotopaxi’s Allpa 28L Travel Pack —it’s compact, organized, and just the right size for a long weekend. Prefer to wheel your luggage? Try an underseat carry-on, such as Calpak’s Hue Mini Carry-On Luggage , which is spacious enough for essentials while avoiding baggage fees and the risk of gate-checking.

Weather around Memorial Day can be unpredictable, with warm days, cool nights, and even a spring shower. It’s best to bring versatile pieces that you can layer, along with a few extras, depending on your plans.

Bottoms

Bring 1–2 pairs of shorts or pants that you can mix and match throughout the weekend.

Our top picks to pack:

• Betabrand 7-Pocket Dress Yoga Pant - : The ultimate pants for the plane, these stretchy and comfortable pants feel like yoga pants but look like dress pants, and have plenty of pockets to stash all your essentials.
• Mott & Bow Stretch Chino Shorts - : Whether you’re hitting the golf course or the BBQ on your trip, these shorts have just the right amount of stretch added into their premium twill fabric so that they’re comfortable but still stylish. Dress them up or down, and wear them on repeat all weekend.
• Quince Linen Wide Leg Pants - : Memorial Day is the perfect time of year to break out the linen. Light and breezy, these are ideal for mild, transitional weather.

Tops

Pack 3–4 tops with a mix of short and long sleeves to adjust to the forecast.

Our top picks to pack:

• Saxx DropTemp All Day Cooling Polo - : Spending the weekend in the sun? Saxx’s trademarked DropTemp fabric will keep you cool all day long and offers UPF 50+ sun protection. It’s odor-resistant and moisture-wicking, so you can wear it all weekend.
• Columbia Anytime Lite Long Sleeve Shirt - : This long-sleeved button-up is an excellent option for layering.
• Mott & Bow Classic V-Neck Driggs Tee - : You’ll never regret packing a classic t-shirt, and this one is not too slim nor too loose.

Swimsuit

If your Memorial Day Weekend plans involve the beach or pool, don’t forget to pack a swimsuit.

Our top picks to pack:

• Lululemon Swim Short - : These sporty trunks feature hand pockets with a hidden phone sleeve and a back zippered pocket with a drainage hole and key loop.
• Body Glove Smoothies Long Sleeve Swimsuit - : This long-sleeved swimsuit offers extra sun protection for your trip.

Socks & Underwear

Our top picks to pack:

• Bombas’ All-Purpose Performance Socks - are our top pick for any trip, as they can handle everything from long runs to low-key walks, thanks to a secure-fit cuff that won't fall down and strategic cushioning on the foot.
• ExOfficio - : A favorite among travelers for its comfort and fast-drying fabric.

Jacket

Even if the weather is warm during the day, evenings around Memorial Day will likely still be chilly, so packing a light jacket is never a bad idea.

Our top picks to pack:

• Patagonia’s Torrentshell Rain Jacket - is the perfect light layer—it packs down into its own pouch, and adds a layer of waterproofing or warmth in case of rain or chill.

Ideally, bring one pair that can handle most activities, but consider a second if you’re heading to the beach or going hiking.

Our top picks to pack:

• Toms Kira Strappy Sandal - : Minimalist and easy to pack, the Kira’s braided design will go with anything in your travel wardrobe. Toms’ trademarked Custom CloudBound foam insoles make these sandals comfortable to walk in all day.
• Merrell Antora 4 Waterproof Low Sneakers - : Hitting the trails this Memorial Day Weekend? Merrell’s Antora trail shoes are lightweight (each shoe weighs just 8.29 ounces) yet still provide ample cushioning and protection for rocky paths. The shoes are waterproof, allowing you to wear them on wet days or through streams.
• Teva’s Original Universal Sandal - : The ultimate multitasking travel shoe, Teva’s sandal works for the beach to the bar and everything in between.

Memorial Day Weekend getaways are all about time outside. Pack plenty of sunscreen and bug spray in addition to your regular travel toiletries .

Stay hydrated, protected from the sun, and powered up. Don’t forget to pack:
- Sunglasses

• Hat
• Portable charger
• Water bottle