Minimal Long Weekend Essentials
For light travelers who need little to have a good time
Packing light has a way of making all long weekend trips better. There’s no real need to lug around extra anything when only going away for three or four days. The following eight items represent our ideal travel essentials. There are two swimsuits—because even in the midst of seasonal change, a pool or pond can be undeniably alluring. But we also propose bags, blankets, sunglasses, sandals and more. Labor Day is on its way (to the States), but these really apply to all long weekends. And to match the pared-down packing approach, all of these products excel at minimalist design.
Angie Round Weekender Bag
Pack for your next weekend trip with this deceptively spacious bag. Available in subtle blue or gray, the circular bag expands to fit everything you need for a couple days away. With two interior mesh pockets and extras on the outside, the Angie Round Weekender Bag ($168) features blue striped lining and is made from durable polyester.
Sand Escape Outdoor Blanket
This huge beach blanket ($40) is big enough to fit the whole gang (it measures nine by seven feet) but packs down into its own little bag, making it super-easy to transport from beach to park—whether you’re cycling or taking the bus. Made from parachute nylon, it’s lightweight and won’t let sand stick to it. Also featuring anchor pockets, the blanket can be secured in the sand (or grass) so it doesn’t blow away.
Paul Smith Pink Board Shorts
Made from mostly recycled pink polyester, these lined board shorts ($125) are as functional as they are fun. They feature the standard two angled pockets, as well as a zippered back pocket for your valuables. The block color is simple enough not to feel gaudy, but the pink hue is perfect for channeling your inner flamingo. They also come with a waterproof bag for when you need to transport your wet duds.
Solid & Striped Annemarie Striped Swimsuit
From NY-based brand Solid & Striped comes another new classic. The Annemarie one-piece swimsuit ($119) is at once traditional and modern—with a time-honored shape and pattern, but made with the finest new materials. A cutesy take on a preppy look, the thick stripes are gently noticeable in the pretty peachy pink and white colorway.
Leica X-U Digital Camera
Perhaps not an essential, but this is a dream camera. Leica knows that some of the best shots are taken on the move or in less than perfect conditions. Their X-U digital camera ($3,295) comes wrapped in an anti-slip rubber exterior and is water-, dust- and shock-proof, so it can take on the rigors of action photography. A great option for adventure photographers and klutzes alike, with a 16.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor and a 23mm Summilux lens, it’ll never compromise on image quality.
Beams + Teva XLT Adventure Sandals
With Japanese lifestyle and clothing brand Beams lending design flourishes (notably, the two colorways and non-mirrored strap choice), Teva’s limited run Hurricane XLT Adventure Sandals ($100) might just be some of the nicest looking we’ve seen released. As for the inclusion of adventure in the product name, that’s referring to the thick footbed, with a proprietary “Shoc Pad” in the heel and a durabrasion rubber outsole. Of course, these are sandals—but certainly sturdier than most.
KNEW “Overjoyed” Cap
Made from soft reversed French terry, this range of caps from KNYEW features embroidered words inspired by Stevie Wonder lyrics. From “pastime paradise” to “higher ground” and “living in the city,” each hat is a different mellow hue—though they’re all super-wearable. Our pick is the peachy, salmon-colored iteration which states “overjoyed” ($48) so you can share positive vibes on your hat with all your fellow vacationers.
Ray Ban RB4266
Very rarely do sunglasses stand out without coming across as ostentatious. With Ray Ban’s new RB4266 ($205) there’s just enough distinct variation to convey the contemporary essence. Two light titanium bridges connect nylon fiber rims. The copper mirror lenses cast a poppy sheen. Altogether, they’re super-light, comfortable and surprisingly durable.
Images courtesy of respective brands
