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. 

Belt bags might be in style right now, but they're also incredibly practical for travel. This mock-croc bag holds my phone and money, keeps valuables close to my chest, and makes my usually basic travel wardrobe look a bit more fashion-forward. 

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. 

Smart design goes a long way when you're traveling. This genius cosmetic case has two compartments: one for liquids and large items, and a second small section with an elastic to keep brushes and tubes in place. It's transparent and TSA-approved. 

It's admittedly bulky, but this leather jacket is warmer than most and has a zip-off fur collar to change the look. 

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. 

Made from thin, ribbed fabric, this black bodysuit barely takes up any space in a bag. The square neckline is flattering and it can be dressed up with a slick of red lipstick or down with a leather jacket. 

I've owned Topshop's black Jamie jeans for four years, and they're the only pair comfortable enough to wear on a plane. 

There are only a few weeks left until it's too cold to wear loafers, so make the most of it! These slip-on options by Byron Bay brand, St. Agni, are perfect for spring travel, too. 

Comfortable and sleek, these all-white sneakers are in my carry-on, no matter the season. 

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. 

There's a lot to love about Lunya's sleep mask: The thick band won't crease your hair, the wide design completely covers eyes, and it's made from 100% silk, which is a naturally moisturizing material. 

This nourishing anti-aging lip treatment is small enough to fit in any purse or pocket and contains hyaluronic acid, marine algae, and collagen to keep lips hydrated, plump, and nourished. 

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.

This intensive hand moisturizer helped my skin adjust to the change in temperature and doubles as a fragrance. 

These flavored powders contain a blend of "good" bacteria Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium lactis BL-04 to boost your immune system. 

Next up, check out one editor's Amazon packing list