Sharing everything I packed in my backpack for a Spring weekend in Cleveland, Ohio.
A sub-$90 fare brought Michael and me to Cleveland one weekend in late May – an almost unthinkable price at this point in 2023.
The catch? It was on one of my least favorite airlines, with the worst reputation for baggage restrictions.
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Well, at this point I feel like a seasoned pro at packing a personal item – particularly after sourcing an efficient model that I know fits Frontier’s sizer. The secret to doing so, however, will likely elicit some groans from my maximalist friends:
Basics
Yes, they’re, well… basic.
But basics are anything but boring when you’re traveling light.
They’re little miracle workers.
Looking for more packing content? Check out my packing lists by season: Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter
But you know what else is the secret to a great personal item packing list?
A coat.
Throw on a great coat, my friends, and even a sweatsuit turns into an outfit that feels intentional.
With cool nights and comfortable days (and a splash of rain) in the forecast, I started assembling my Cleveland packing list by browsing the coat section of my closet. And I didn’t just pull one to wear on the plane – I pulled two. From there, it was as easy as grabbing a few mix-and-match neutrals.
If you’re new to traveling with just a personal item, I think you just might be amazed at how much you can squeeze into a backpack:
CLEVELAND PACKING LIST
Silk Tank* | Cashmere Tee* | Linen Sweater* | White Denim* | Wide-Leg Pants* | Leather Jacket℅ (save 15% with code WAYWARD15) | Gingham Trench℅ | Pajamas | Sneakers | Waterproof Boots℅ | Sunglasses | Leather Belt | Crossbody Bag* | Toiletries
WHY I CHOSE THESE ITEMS
Tops
Silk Tank* | A silk tank feels so lovely on the skin when the temperatures start to rise a little, and this is one of my faves.
Cashmere Tee* | There’s a short window of temperatures when one can wear a cashmere tee, and this weekend was in that range. How could I not?
Linen Sweater* | A linen sweater offers lightweight coverage from the sun, and this one goes with everything.
Bottoms
White Denim* | Packing light denim feels like a bit of a risk, but I’m trying to be a bit more adventurous rather than leave my favorites behind.
Wide-Leg Pants* | These can somehow come across as cool and relaxed in some contexts, and perfectly polished in others. Yes.
Outerwear
Leather Jacket℅ (save 15% with code WAYWARD15) | Oh my gosh, this jacket. It’s so soft and I love that it has really minimal hardware. This was my first time traveling with it, and all I can say is expect to see it often!
Gingham Trench℅ | I travel with this trench often because it simply does make an outfit. Find my review here.
Pajamas
Pajamas | I’d rather fill my limited backpack space with clothes I’ll wear out and about, not pajamas – so I always reach for pieces like this lightweight silk tank and pants.
Shoes
Sneakers | Are you bored of these yet? I wear them all the time, and they’ve molded to my feet comfortably.
Waterproof Boots℅ | Rain was in the forecast for our first night in Cleveland, and I’m so glad I had these waterproof leather boots on when the downpour started.
Accessories
Sunglasses | My go-to for travel, because they have a lifetime warranty and replaceable lenses. I’m already eyeing buying another color…
Leather Belt | A belt ties a look together, and this one doesn’t set off the metal detector at the airport.
Crossbody Bag* | It’s tough to imagine traveling without my trusty crossbody purse (it’s been with me for five years now!).
Toiletries
Toiletries | I try to streamline every part of my grooming routine when I travel, but I reduce it even further when I’m traveling with just a backpack. Inside this toiletry pouch, I packed my usual deodorant, travel toothbrush, mini curling iron, hairbrush, and a few makeup items (liquids go in a quart bag, of course!).
Not Pictured
Undergarments | Two bras (one for the plane, one in the bag), too many pairs of underwear, and two tank tops. Gotta keep things fresh in order to rewear my bulkier clothes!
Hosiery | One pair of compression socks for both plane rides, two pairs of no-show socks*, and two pairs of quarter socks*.
Jewelry | I skipped packing a jewelry case, and just wore the same pieces all weekend: my gold hoop earrings, stud earrings, chain necklace, pendant necklace℅, rings℅, and watch*.
Tech | I left my laptop at home and just packed my iPad, my wireless charger, and my wall charger for this trip. Oh, and my digital camera, of course!
*this item is no longer available from the retailer, and a similar product is linked
CLEVELAND OUTFITS
PACKING TIPS FOR CLEVELAND
Packing for Cleveland in the Spring was a breeze, but I’m certain packing for Cleveland in the Winter would make for quite the challenge. Scrutinize the weather forecast in the days leading up to your trip and take comfort in the fact that most of Cleveland’s style (and in the rest of the Midwest) is pretty laid back.
Of course, you should also pack according to your itinerary. If you are heading to Cleveland’s theatre district or have a reservation at one of the city’s fine dining options, you might want to pack something a little more elegant.
If you choose to take away only one packing tip for Cleveland, make it this one: Pack a comfortable pair of walking shoes, as the city beckons you to explore on foot.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON MY CLEVELAND PACKING LIST
Leather, silk, cashmere, linen…
I admit, it does seem like I packed four seasons’ worth of fabrics for one weekend, but it was just the luckiest weekend of weather so far this year. Cooler mornings meant starting the day wearing a jacket and then finally shedding the extra layer when it warmed up enough. I never felt like holding my coat was a burden (but then again, I travel with a small tote in my purse to hold such things when needed), and liked making the small change to adjust my comfort level.
Though my packing list was nearly all black and white, I never felt bored or uncomfortable in any of these outfits; I felt polished and put together. And though I only traveled with a backpack, I still didn’t get through all of my possible outfit combinations over the four-day trip. What was left? A monochrome look in all-white (I know said I was trying to be more adventurous with my clothing – but I had no plans to tempt fate!).
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So impressed you fit everything in a backpack! Did you fit both coats into the backpack, or did you wear one on the flight?
Thank you! It’s surprisingly roomy, honestly. I wore my trench on the plane and packed the leather jacket – but I feel like I could have squeezed it in if I tried (maybe!).