Packing the Weekend Warrior for Vietnam
Although I’m currently stuck at home in a sling recovering from a long-overdue shoulder reconstruction (yes, this is me asking you to feel bad for me), that hasn’t dulled my excitement for this summer’s travel plans.
So what does an injured 25-year-old do when all he can think about is his upcoming itinerary?
You guessed it - mock pack.
The ideal selfie.
That’s right. I’ve been actively practicing how I’ll pack my Weekend Warrior to maximize space and avoid dragging around extra luggage.
Where am I going? Vietnam.
Arguably an even better selife.
With everything going on, it felt like the right time to visit our incredible manufacturing and product teams.
I haven’t been back since November 2023, when we had to basically find a new factory and restart our production from scratch. This trip is all about checking in on our winter order and working on a few new samples that are in development. More on that once I actually get there.
The trip is about a week long, and I’m pretty committed to packing everything into just the Weekend Warrior. The main reason being that I plan to bring home a bunch of samples, and the last thing I need is to check another bag.
So, naturally, I found myself sitting in my childhood bedroom and putting in that work practicing my packing.
Most of you know the boot compartment in the Weekend Warrior as just that: a boot compartment. But if it can fit ski boots, it can definitely fit clothes.
Two packing cubes easily fit in the boot compartment giving you extra storage and organization.
I swear by packing cubes (ours are coming soon, btw). They’re easily one of the most underrated hacks used by frequent travelers. The top one is a Thule dual-compartment cube that’s my go-to, and the other is a no-name Amazon that still gets the job done.
In the Thule:
6 t-shirts,
2 pairs of athletic shorts
2 athletic tees.
Athletic gear is great for travel—super thin and compressible. All the shirts I’m packing can be dressed up or down, which is perfect for Vietnam where I’ll go straight from a factory visit to dinner.
In the other cube:
1 pair of jeans
1 pair of linen-style pants,
2 extra pairs of shorts.
Vietnam is hot - like really hot - so shorts are key, but I like having light pants for the evenings too. I’ll also be stuffing every little crevice with extra underwear and socks, because let’s be honest, you can never have enough of those.
During ski season, the central compartment of the Weekend Warrior holds my on-mountain gear. For a summer trip, it becomes an ideal area for the small non-clothing items I need with me.
I try to leave extra space where I can because I just know I will end up filling it.
In the top zippered pocket, I’ve got a small toiletry kit. I’m a fan of travel-sized products (less space, same function), and I refuse to bring full-size cologne because those bottles take up way too much room. Travel cologne thingies (what is the name??) for the win.
In the elastic pockets I’ve packed my Insta360 and a film camera. Yes, I’m that guy now. One day my content will bring in some form of income.
Now to the other side of the interior.
The built in packing cube gets stuffed to the brim whenever I travel - ski trip or other.
I try to leave the top mesh pocket empty in case I grab anything last-minute or end up shopping. It’s always helpful to have one “just-in-case” space.
The built-in packing cube has more socks and underwear. Given the heat, I’ll wear socks less frequently and bring my Birkenstoks instead. Nothing like letting the dogs breathe. I’ll keep them separated from everything else using a cheap Amazon shoe sleeve that works wonders
The outside of the bag is simple. I use the side pockets for essential tech - stuff I need to grab quickly. The front pocket gets whatever’s left over. I know some people are obsessed with tech pouches, but I try to keep my cord situation minimal.
The goggle pocket is perfect for sunglasses and any other delicate items.
These pockets fit a ton and are clutch for items you need often during your trips.
The padding in the pocket is perfect for a variety of items you want to keep protected - think watches or jewelry.
Of course, I’ll be bringing my laptop and my iPad. I know it’s a little posh, but working on a plane with an iPad just feels easier. I stand by that.
I’m also packing one of our Daypacks. The last thing I want to do is carry a heavy backpack while bouncing between meetings and factory visits. This one slides right into the hidden front pocket and unfolds when I need it. Lightweight, packable, and perfect for bouncing around town.
You can honestly fit even another laptop in here - this pocket is massive.
The left side i the bag packed up and the right is the bag unpacked in full form.
I usually bring a little Lululemon sling when traveling internationally. It’s technically a fanny pack, but we’re calling it a sling these days. That’s where I keep the must-haves: passport, charger, headphones, and most importantly, my sleeping mask.
This thing is awesome but I think it’s time for an upgrade. Any recs??
The one thing I don’t bring is my big YETI water bottle. It takes up way more space than it’s worth. I know, I know - plastic bottles are terrible - but the one I grab at the airport usually lasts the whole trip. That said, I should probably just invest in a smaller bottle already.
If absolutely necessary, I’ll bring a small duffle. Still undecided. The trip’s not until June, so I’ve got some time.
I’m not claiming to be some packing expert or ultralight backpacker. Someone reading this is probably laughing at the way I packed.
But that’s kind of the point: this bag does way more than just ski trips.
Make the most of it.
Great success!
