Pack This, Not That: 16 Items a Travel Editor Takes on a Fall Weekend Away

Packing a carry-on when the seasons shift always requires extra care. By summer's end, I could pack my luggage in about 15 minutes flat (and often did when I had back-to-back trips), but now that fall is here, every piece of clothing, beauty product, and accessory needs to be re-evaluated. Sunscreen is swapped out with travel-size moisturizer, sandals replaced with airport-appropriate loafers, and cotton dresses subbed for easy-to-layer tops and sweaters.
This weekend, I put the new fall packing list to the test during a visit to Montreal, the largest city in Quebec. Though it's geographically quite close to New York—an hour and a half flight, to be exact—Montreal is much colder, ranging from 50 to 60 degrees in early October. Here's exactly what I packed on the fall weekend getaway, the new travel accessories I tested out, and a few extras I forgot to pack (and froze, as a result) and plan to add to the list next time.
Away's The Everywhere Bag is my go-to. It has a laptop compartment so I can leave my case at home, there are ample pockets for cords and accessories, it's structured so holds its shape when tucked under an airplane chair, and it slides onto the luggage handle so it stays in place.
Choosing a bag to take on a two- to three-day trip is tough. Do you opt for a suitcase so there's extra space for new purchases or opt for a small weekender duffel instead? Pack Paravel's fold-up bag just in case—the origami-like duffel zips up to roughly the size of a book.
I miscalculated how cold it would be in Montreal and in a rookie move, forgot to pack a sweater. This mock neck option from & Other Stories will be the first thing I pack on my next fall trip. It's cozy, good for layering, and loose enough to comfortably wear on a plane or during a long drive.
The plus-side of forgetting to pack a sweater was that I had to buy warm accessories when I arrived in Montreal. This lamb wool beanie by local brand Frank and Oak became the perfect souvenir. Next time you're in Montreal, stop by its store in Mile's End, which has thoughtfully made, well-designed menswear and womenswear as well as a barbershop at the back.
Lightweight and super-hydrating, this night serum is perfect to use on the plane and on cold-climate trips. It's fast-absorbing and contains soothing ingredients like aloe.
Next up, check out one editor's Amazon packing list.
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