Picks of the Week: Long Weekend

The weekend getaway has become something of a panacea in the age of the "always on" work ethic. There are few better feelings than sitting at your desk on a Friday afternoon, wrapping up the last few emails of the week, knowing that in just a few hours you'll be road-bound or hurtling through the sky on your way to restorative pastures excitingly new or comfortingly familiar. To ensure you make the most out of your well-deserved sojourn, we've hand-picked the perfect short-haul items to take with you, from elegant leather weekend bags to the optimum garments for travelling light.

Tom Chamberlin, Editor

Distant shores, turquoise sea, coconut refreshment and wanton abandon of worldly worries is always welcome, but not always (almost never) practical. The world is not black and white so the weekend away is that cathartic grey area that can be rather restorative to the soul if timed well. So pack well and bring everything that gives you joy that can fit into a weekender bag like this from Troubador. The inclusion of sneakers is my own personal admission of the lengths that they have come to fit themselves into the classical wardrobe of someone who enjoys wearing loafers and chooses their trousers to fit accordingly. Sneakers are a departure from this but these from Ludwig Reiter are the perfect combination of elegance, craft and adaptability. The safari shirt is an entry that correlates with a new trend of mine for these garments (look out in the next issue of The Rake). The primary appeal is pockets, which, as far as I am concerned, you can never have enough of.

Ryan Thompson, Digital Editor

The term "weekend break" is something of a misnomer to me. The only "breaking" that occurs is of my sweat as I invariably stomp all over town and country absorbing as much of the local culture and landscape as I can fit into a 36hr window. It's anything but restorative, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Hence, embroidered slippers and silk dressing gown do not hitch a ride in my weekender. Travelling light is a must, which is why I opt to carry the bare minimum in Thedi Leathers' rugged military rucksack. Not all khaki needs to be of a military nature, however: my current absolute favourite polo shirt is King & Tuckfield's 100% merino number, a perfect blend of functional and fabulous. Delicate Belgian loafers certainly don't measure up to the miles I put in, which is why Walsh's moss green melton wool sneakers get the nod. A tonal green ensemble sure to make everyone green with envy.

Jessica Beresford, Managing Editor Having spent too many breaks with more outfits than days off, I am now a fully-fledged convert to travelling light. Confining yourself to a bag that's just the right size, like this handy weekender from Troubadour, means over-packing is impossible. Throw in only the essentials – a tidy pair of jeans, a lightweight jumper in case of a chill, a versatile shirt and downsize to a travel-size shaving kit – and you're on track for an easy-going holiday. Benedict Browne, Editorial Associate

Regular readers of this column will know that I’m heading to my first wedding next weekend. It’s in Hungerford, Berkshire, which is quintessential postcard England. I’m only there for one night and one night only, so a suitable bag to transport my suit, shirt, tie and other bits and bobs is vital. Enter G. Lancelot and its Costa weekender bag. Made from a robust cotton canvas with Barenia calfskin leather trimmings, it’s lightweight and elegant. The bag doesn’t cater for shoes, though, which is no problem as Stubbs & Wootton’s velvet slippers will take me through day and night in comfort and style. Finally, Nackymade’s sunglasses are my current favourite at this moment in time and will come in handy when the sun eventually rises.

Megan Plenderleith, Copywriter

Organisation is a forte of mine, but attempting to successfully coordinate a weekend jaunt for myself and my friends tests even my finely-tuned (albeit self-proclaimed) credentials. I have, therefore, concluded that it is in my best interest to just leave my comrades to organise themselves, and instead focus on what to pack. A couple of days only calls for a compact bag, and this new canvas offering from Ettinger is surely the only sartorially acceptable answer. I suggest, because grooming essentials have around a 50/50 chance of leaking everywhere, housing all of your toiletries in a George Cleverly Russian hide leather wash bag. And finally, to round off the ease of the weekend, take this Enlist blue cotton shirt with you, as it can be dressed up or down.