How this packing list generator works
The hardest part of packing is judging quantities. Pack too little and you run out of clean clothes; pack too much and you lug a heavy bag for days you never needed. This generator solves that by tying your clothing counts to your trip length, then layering on items chosen for your climate, trip type and any extras you select.
Clothing scales with days: tops are suggested at roughly one per day, bottoms at one for every two to three days, and underwear and socks at one more than the number of days. On longer trips the counts are capped on the assumption you'll do laundry, so a two-week trip doesn't ask for fourteen pairs of jeans. The rest of the list — documents, toiletries, electronics, health items and climate or activity extras — is fixed essentials plus anything triggered by your selections.
Suggested clothing by trip length
| Trip length | Tops | Bottoms | Underwear / socks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 days (weekend) | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| 4 days | 4 | 2 | 5 |
| 7 days (one week) | 7 | 3 | 8 |
| 10 days | 8 | 4 | 10 |
| 14+ days (with laundry) | 8 | 5 | 10 |
Reference note: counts are a starting point. Adjust for laundry access, dress codes and personal preference. Carry-on travellers should re-check airline size and liquid limits before flying.
Frequently asked questions
- What should I pack for a beach, business or hiking trip?
- It depends on the trip type. For a beach trip, prioritise swimwear, a cover-up, sandals, sun cream and a beach towel. For a business trip, pack formal outfits, dress shoes, a charger and your documents. For hiking, focus on broken-in boots, moisture-wicking layers, a rain shell, a water bottle and a small first-aid kit. Pick your trip type above and the relevant items are added automatically.
- How many clothes should I pack for a week?
- A common rule for seven days is about one top per day, a bottom for every two to three days, and one more pair of underwear than the number of days — roughly 7 tops, 3 bottoms and 8 pairs of underwear. The generator scales these for you and caps them on longer trips where you'll do laundry.
- What do I need for international travel?
- Carry your passport, any required visa, travel insurance, an itinerary and a backup copy stored separately. Bring the right plug adapter, some local currency or a travel card, and any medication in its original packaging. The Documents and money section keeps these essentials front and centre.
- How do I pack carry-on only?
- Tick "Carry-on only" and the list trims bulky items and reminds you of liquid limits. Choose mix-and-match clothing, wear your heaviest items on the plane, use packing cubes to compress soft goods, and keep all liquids in containers of 100 ml or less in one clear bag.
- What toiletries can I bring on a plane?
- For carry-on bags, security typically follows the TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule: liquids, gels and aerosols in containers of 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less, all fitting in one quart-sized (about 1 litre) clear resealable bag, one per passenger. Larger bottles go in checked luggage; solids like bar soap and toothpaste tablets aren't restricted.
- Can I save or print my list?
- Yes. Use the Print / Save button to open your browser's print dialog and print on paper or save as a PDF. Items you tick stay checked while the page is open, and on most browsers your checked items are remembered next time you return.