Start with the activities you chose
Write down the few things you expect to do and what each requires. A long walk, a formal meal, and a swim may need different items. If an activity is only a vague possibility, consider whether it justifies extra luggage. Pack for your likely weekend rather than every version of it.
Choose items that work together
Pick comfortable clothing that can be combined in more than one way. Consider the forecast and the environments you will move between. Set out everything before placing it in the bag; duplicates are easier to spot when they are visible. Wear footwear you already know is comfortable for the walking you plan.
Keep the essentials easy to reach
Put travel documents, booking details, necessary personal items, and charging equipment where you can find them without unpacking. If you carry medication, follow the relevant storage and travel guidance for it. Keep a copy of essential arrangements available offline. A compact bag is useful only if you can get to what you need.
Check the rules for your actual journey
Bag dimensions, weight limits, and permitted items depend on your transport operator and route. Look up the current rules directly before you pack, including any separate restrictions at security or a border. A generic packing list is not a substitute for those requirements.
Leave a little space
An overfilled bag can make every move a small chore. Remove an item you are carrying only out of habit, and leave room for rearranging what remains. The aim is not to win a contest for packing the least. It is to have what you need without managing a second project all weekend.