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Packing Light for NYC in Summer

One travel backpack per person. Hot days. No overthinking.



New York in the summer is not the place for overpacking. It is hot, crowded, loud, and walk-heavy. You move through airports, trains, apartments, sidewalks, stairs, ferries, museums, and restaurants, often all in the same day. What you bring with you should support that, not slow you down. For this trip, we traveled backpack only, which is how we typically travel. One backpack per person for the entire trip. No rolling suitcases. No extras packed out of anxiety. And honestly, it makes everything easier. 


This post is about packing light for the trip itself, not what you carry around town once you arrive.


The Travel Backpack Rule

This is about the backpack you travel with, not a day bag. Our current bag of choice is the Peak Design Travel Backpack. Everything for the trip fits into one backpack per person. Once you arrive, you should not be carrying that backpack around the city all day. New York is dense and convenient. There are places to stop, sit, eat, get water, and regroup everywhere. Choose a travel backpack that works well in airports and on trains. Lightweight matters. Comfort matters. Easy access matters when it is hot and crowded. If something does not earn its place for the trip itself, it does not come.


Clothing for NYC Summer Reality

It is hot. Very hot. And sticky. Most days, layers are unnecessary.


Lightweight tops and breathable bottoms work best. Shorts, skirts, sundresses, and loose pants allow airflow and movement. Anything heavy, stiff, or restrictive will likely stay unworn.

The one exception is indoor air-conditioning. Some museums, theaters, and attractions blast cold air, while others leave their doors open. A very light layer can be helpful if you are someone who gets cold in air conditioning, but it is optional rather than essential. Pack outfits you can repeat comfortably without thinking about them.


One important NYC-specific note. Shorts or pants are needed for One Vanderbilt’s SUMMIT experience because of the glass floors. Skirts or dresses alone will not work. Plan accordingly.


Shoes Matter More Than Anything

Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes are non-negotiable. Pavement, stairs, and long days add up quickly. I am typically a Birkenstock or tennis-shoes gal in the summer. Bring one backup pair in case of blisters, rain, or if you are not sold on your shoes. You do not need more than two pairs ever. If your shoes fail, the rest of the trip feels harder than it needs to be.


What Would Go in Kassie’s Backpack for This Trip

This is what actually earned its place.

  • Phone

  • Portable charging bank

  • Small wallet (for US trips. Mine is a Peak Design wallet that attaches to my phone and doubles as a tripod)

  • Lip balm

  • Blister bandages

  • Sunscreen

  • Sunglasses

  • Bathroom kit. Minimal sizes and makeup kept to a minimum. Two eyeshadow pens, mascara, cream blush, tinted face cream, toothpaste, toothbrush, contact kit, dry shampoo, brush

  • Hair straightener

  • A refillable water bottle (you can buy a metal water bottle from most stands and shops, and reuse it for the whole trip. You can also find water everywhere)

  • Action camera

  • Clothing: Underwear, Bras, Tank tops, Sundress (reversible ideal), Shorts, Leggings to double as pajama, T-shirts

  • Sandals


That is it. No duplicates. No bulk. This does not include what I am wearing to fly, which is typically my heaviest clothing. Pants, tank, long-sleeve shirt because I get cold on planes, socks, and tennis shoes.


A New York Reality Check Before You Come

New York is not remote travel. There is a shop on almost every corner. You do not need to carry multiple water bottles, backup snacks, or a full day’s worth of supplies. Bodegas, cafés, bakeries, pharmacies, and convenience stores are everywhere. If you need water, a snack, sunscreen, or something you forgot, you can get it in minutes. Carrying less makes walking easier and the day more enjoyable. Buy what you need as you go and keep your load light.


What We Suggest You Skip and Won’t Miss

  • Heavy denim

  • Extra shoes

  • Multiple bags

  • Overpacking just in case items

  • Anything uncomfortable but cute


Final Thought

Packing light changes how you experience a city. You move more easily. You stress less. You notice more.


New York rewards people who can adapt and keep going without being weighed down. One travel backpack per person was more than enough.


Continue Exploring This NYC Trip

If you are planning a New York City visit, these posts from the same trip may be helpful:

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