12 Fall Clothes Packing Mistakes to Avoid

Fall is unexpectedly one of the hardest seasons to pack for. Depending on where you’re traveling, the weather can vary. It’s often warmer than you’d hoped or cooler than expected—or it changes significantly by the hour. The uncertainty and variability are usually the top reasons for overpacking. Plus, because it’s probably your first taste of chillier temperatures in several months, you may be inclined to pack all of your favorite bulky, heavy sweaters and other layers.

But before you start to desperately (and unsuccessfully) jam everything into your carry-on suitcase, only to decide you’d just rather check your bag, let me stop you right there. In my years as a travel journalist and a packing expert—I write a packing list newsletter on Substack—I’ve developed a few tricks for this exact scenario. I’ve also pinpointed some of the most common errors travelers make when attempting to pack bulky pieces for a fall trip, and I’m sharing them, as well as the best solutions, below.

Fall Packing Must-dos

Don’t pack: A suitcase without any give

Pack this instead: An expandable suitcase

Amazon

The first step in any packing process is to decide on your luggage. Whenever I’m packing lots of layers and heavier materials, I’ll aim to bring a suitcase with a nifty expandable feature, like this Amazon best-seller. This particular model can increase packing space up to 25 percent as needed, which comes in handy when you’re trying to fit in one more sweatshirt or another base layer set. 

Don’t pack: Regular packing cubes

Pack these instead: Compression packing cubes

Amazon

There’s a time and a place for regular packing cubes—I religiously use my Away set when I’m packing light—but compression packing cubes are a necessary purchase for anyone traveling in the fall or winter. They’re designed with a clever extra zipper on the outside; when zipped up, it helps remove the bulk from the clothing inside, and, as a result, allows you to fit more inside your suitcase. If you’re packing anything made of down (like a thick vest or jacket), this accessory will be your best friend.

Don’t pack: Multiple heavy sweaters

Pack this instead: A high-quality sweater you can layer

Amazon

I love cozy, chunky sweaters as much as the next person, but I don’t love them when I’m packing. As I was getting ready for a recent trip to Vail, Colorado—right during the mountain town’s peak fall foliage—I was quickly reminded how much room one of these pieces can take up in a carry-on suitcase. So instead of packing the J.Crew striped sweater I so desperately wanted to bring, I made the executive decision to go with something more versatile and layerable—like this classic navy style.

Don’t pack: More than two pairs of jeans

Pack this instead: Reliable, versatile denim

Amazon

In the same vein, denim tends to be the nemesis of carry-on-only travelers. No matter if you roll or fold your jeans—I always fold—they always seem to take up more suitcase real estate than you expected. To combat this issue in the fall, I aim to bring just one pair, usually these drawstring jeans from La Ligne, that I can wear for multiple occasions. I also found a similar under-$50 style at Amazon.

Don’t pack: Multiple pairs of boots

Pack this instead: Comfortable boots that marry function and fashion

Amazon

It may take some time and effort to find your perfect pair of do-it-all fall boots, but the payoff is worth it. Because you end up packing even just one more pair, you’ll lose out on a good chunk of suitcase space. I tend to gravitate toward boot styles like the Blundstone Classic Chelsea Boots. They have plenty of traction and cushion, the leather material is water-resistant, and you can wear them with most outfits in your travel wardrobe.

Don’t pack: Bulky scarves

Pack this instead: A chic blanket wrap

Amazon

You know that chunky knit scarf you bring out every winter? Leave it at home. Sure, it’s warm, but it is not travel-friendly. If you tend to run cold and need an extra accessory, opt for a stylish, lightweight blanket scarf. I like the Amelia Wrap from Cozy Earth, but you can also find more affordable versions, like this one, at Amazon.

Don’t pack: “Just in case” outerwear

Pack this instead: A multi-functional piece you can layer

Amazon

I know, I know. You want to bring every vest, raincoat, and barn jacket you have—because you never know what the fall day will bring. But hear me out: You don’t need it all. Just invest in a waterproof, relatively warm jacket that you can unzip or layer as the temperatures fluctuate. This one from Amazon will get you through the next couple of months—and it’ll be a solid choice for the spring as well. 

Don’t pack: Thick sweatpants

Pack these instead: Lightweight joggers

Amazon

While those ultra-comfy, super-thick sweatpants might be your favorites for lounging on the couch at home, they’re no-gos for travel. Like bulky scarves and chunky sweaters, they have too much volume. Instead, choose something a bit more lightweight—and stylish. When I’m traveling, I’ll go with chic loungewear pants, like the ones in this matching set or this slightly sportier version from Amazon. 

Don’t pack: Chunky knit socks

Pack these instead: Merino hiking socks

Amazon

You might be packing your duffel bag for a cozy weekend in the mountains, but that doesn’t mean you should automatically reach for those slipper-like socks you’re fond of. Not only are they not exactly practical—do they even fit inside your boots?—but they’re also too voluminous for travel. Instead, bring along a few pairs of merino wool hiking socks. They’re just as warm (if not warmer), and they’re more packable. 

Don’t pack: Cotton layers

Pack this instead: Merino wool layers

Amazon

Speaking of merino wool, you may want to stock up on a few more clothing items made of the same material. Namely, layers. Merino wool base layers, for example, will give you the insulation and warmth you need on an extra chilly day, without adding too much bulk to your suitcase. Merino wool is also known for its moisture-wicking, temperature-regulating, and odor-resistance qualities, all of which are ideal when traveling.

Don’t pack: A super heavy coat

Pack this instead: A layerable, packable jacket

Amazon

Autumn travel typically doesn’t require a winter coat, so don’t pack (or wear) yours. Of course, you’ll still want to have the proper outerwear, so bring a packable coat that you can layer as needed. I like a down jacket I can easily stuff into my personal item bag; that way, I don’t have to wear it or haul it in my hands through the airport. This particular Amazon style comes in several colorways—and it’s under $40.

Don’t pack: Too many hats and beanies

Pack this instead: One neutral hat

Amazon

On a short trip, especially before winter officially arrives, you don’t need every single cold-weather accessory in your closet. You probably only need one solid hat—so make sure it goes with every single outfit you packed in your suitcase. This unisex beanie is warm, stretchy, and washable, and it can easily be tucked into your tote bag while you’re in transit. 

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