Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

SXSW Packing Essentials

It’s about that time to head down to America’s favorite music throw down, SXSW. The event involves a lot of running around, food trucks and most likely a hot down and dirty dance-a-thon. To be sure you have what you need, The Manual has provided some essentials we bring to make the trip a breeze and of course make us look good.

Let us know what your favorite part of the festival is in the comment section below.

Wolverine’s Orville in Blue

Recommended Videos

Known for their superior work and outdoor boots, Wolverine has recently launched the No.1883 line. This desert boot is the perfect kick to run around Austin in since it is stylish yet has that Wolverine durability.

Prism Copenhagen Sunglasses

Prism has been the talk of every cool town for the last couple of seasons so it’s time to start the buzz in Austin. Hand crafted in Italy they feature graded brown lenses with 100% UV protection, much needed in the Texas sun.

Dockers Alpha Khaki in Dark Pebble

The Alpha is Dockers golden pant. The slim fit, 100% cotton pant has revived the brand and is a favorite nation wide. They are comfortable enough to wear for days at a time (we know this will happen at SXSW, party man) and dark enough to hide the dust, beer stains and general festival wear and tear.

Goorins Blues Straw Hat

There is most likely major sun and heat during your sojourn South so to avoid a harsh burn and possible overheating bring along this crushable ribbon straw Fedora. The wider brim is necessary for that Texas sun.

Amico Blue Alloy Mini LED Flashlight

There are countless reasons to bring a flashlight on any trip but especially a festival as busy as this one. You never know when you may need to ‘find a contact’ at a concert, read a karaoke list, sneak out of a hotel room or dig deep in your bag for an ID. Just bring it, you will thank us.

Platypus Platy Bottle

For various reasons we are not getting into, you will need mucho hydration from the flight to the drive to the nights out to the mornings after. This collapsable 100% BPA and taste free bottle can be rolled up into your duffle or even your coat pocket.

Fjällräven Duffle

Heavy zippers, reinforced bottom and outside pockets make this Swedish duffle the perfect carry on to bring along. The heavy waxed G-1000 fabric can standup to the elements and a wild road trip if such things ensue.

Cator Sparks
Former Former Digital Trends Contributor, The Manual
Cator Sparks was the Editor-in-Chief of The Manual from its launch in 2012 until 2018. Previously, Cator was covering…
From court to curb: New Balance Numeric reintroduces the 770 as a skate hybrid
New Balance revives the 770 with a brand new aesthetic
new balance 770 sneakers

Throughout its history, New Balance has been home to many iconic silhouettes that remain as trendsetters to this day. One of the lineups that continues to deliver premium craftsmanship and quality is the brand’s New Balance Numeric collection. In its most recent release, the line has reintroduced its famed 770 silhouette. A once cross-trainer, the 770 has gone through various phases, including a stint as a popular tennis shoe. Now, New Balance has reengineered the sneaker to embrace a brand new group, the skateboarding community. Around thirty years after its initial launch, the 770 returns with the same retro look of the ‘90s but with a brand new set of features that make it ideal for skaters and non-skaters alike. 

New Balance’s 770 returns with a brand new style

Read more
Jordan Davis’s collab with Wolverine blends style with workwear grit
Country singer Jordan Davis and Wolverine team up for new collection
jordan davis wolverine boot on creates

In a natural step for the pair, country singer Jordan Davis and work boot brand Wolverine are taking their partnership to the next level. On the cusp of Davis’ “Ain’t Enough Road” tour, the duo is rejoining forces for a continuation of their collaboration that debuts four new boots and several apparel pieces. The four boots come in rounded toe and steel toe options, honing in on Wolverine’s mission to provide the best in rugged footwear. 

Previously, Davis and Wolverwine worked together on a curated collection of the country singer’s favorite pieces. Now, this co-designed collection represents some of Davis’ personal style and influence, along with the grit and durability that Wolverine offers. "It was important to me to include clothes and boots in the line that were versatile," said Jordan Davis in a statement. "I wanted to have pieces that looked and felt good no matter where I was.” 

Read more
Grand Seiko’s golden sunrise Tentagraph gets precious metal treatment
Grand Seiko's Golden Sunrise Tentagraph Gets Precious Metal Treatment
Grand Seiko. Evolution 9

Grand Seiko has unveiled the SLGC006, the fourth reference in its Evolution 9 Tentagraph series and the first to incorporate precious metal accents, continuing the Mt. Iwate theme with a sunrise-inspired copper-pink dial.

The 43.2mm chronograph features a textured dial that represents the scored landscape of Mt. Iwate as viewed from above, with deeper three-dimensional relief than previous Tentagraph models. The copper-salmon hue emulates dawn's first rays illuminating the mountainside, while 18k rose gold plating adorns the applied hour markers, hands, and date window frame.

Read more