How The New York Times’s Frugal Traveler Packs for Any Trip Imaginable

“You don’t have to reinvent yourself,” Glusac said when I asked her about packing clothes. “You are yourself wherever you go.”

She tries to pack versatile pieces that she can easily mix and match. She also recommends being respectful to local customs: “Pay attention to what the locals are wearing and maybe try to mirror that,” she suggested.

Among her most-worn pieces are the PrAna Stretch Zion Halle Pants, which have a whopping six pockets. “I just love pockets when you’re traveling; there’s just so much you’re trying to keep track of,” she said. She uses them to stash local currency, receipts, her phone, and even a power bank. The pants also have a side zippered pocket and a hidden zippered pocket for items you want to keep a little extra secure. Beyond that, the pants don’t wrinkle, they’re lightweight, they’re forgiving, and they’re comfortable in many different climates, she said. (In fact, she loves them so much, she now owns four pairs.)

Glusac’s go-to travel pants have six pockets, including a hidden zippered pocket for stashing valuables. They also have a water-resistant coating and UPF 50+ sun protection.

For tops, she usually packs Tasc’s All Day Short Sleeve T-Shirts, which she said are super soft and long-lasting. Plus, she likes that they wick moisture away, don’t seem to smell, and dry quickly, so they’re great for hiking and other activities.

Glusac raved about this simple T-shirt, noting that it’s incredibly soft and lasts a long time. Plus, it wicks away moisture, doesn’t seem to smell, and dries quickly, so it’s great for activities like hiking.

Glusac always brings a long-sleeved button-up shirt as a lightweight layer that she also uses for sun protection. Although she owns shirts from several brands, she particularly likes the Columbia Women’s Silver Ridge Utility Long Sleeve Shirt because it has several pockets. It also packs down small and is made with breathable, moisture-wicking material that has a UPF 50 rating.

For a lightweight layer and sun protection, Glusac loves this long-sleeve button-up, which is made from moisture-wicking material, offers UPF 50 protection, and has back vents for breathability. It also has two front pockets, which you can open from the side and top, as well as an interior pocket.

For cooler weather, she packs a long-sleeved base layer. She loves Kari Traa’s base layers because the shirts are long, partly going over the hips to keep more of the body warm. They’re available in different weights, as well as neutral colors and fun designs, which add a little variety to a neutral travel wardrobe; Wirecutter mentions the wool-blended shirts as an option worth considering in our guide to the best thermal underwear. She also frequently travels with a SmartWool Gaiter, which is soft, warm, lightweight, and easy to put on and take off.

Kari Traa’s base layers — which are available in different weights and colors, including patterns and solids — are Glusac’s go-to, in part because they’re extra long. This slim-fit style is made from a merino-wool blend that is quick-drying, moisture-wicking, and odor-resistant. The shirts have performed well in our testing but are sold only in women’s sizes.

And she always travels with a knit beanie, even in the summer. They’re great for cooler outings, such as a trip on a ferry. Another staple is a baseball cap from Mammut that has a unique folding brim, which makes it easy to pack or carry around in your day bag.