How To Pack If You're A Carry-On-Only Traveler

Traveling is stressful enough without having to worry about lost bags. Hopping on a plane can also be expensive with the skyrocketing costs of airplane tickets, many travelers are reluctant to fork over their hard-earned cash to check a bigger bag. As a result, more travelers are traveling with a carry-on only.

With the right gear and some strategic choices, its possible to travel carry-on-only for longer trips, even if passing through places with vastly different climates.

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Away Travel

It all starts with the right suitcase.

When traveling carry-on-only, the right suitcase makes all the difference. Many airlines have their own requirements for carry-on luggage. U.S.-based airlines tend to be more generous with weight limitations and allow slightly larger bags than international carriers. Be sure to check your airlines requirements before packing.

When selecting a good carry-on, choose one with deep interior spaces. The best carry-on suitcases will have straps and zippered interior covers that help compress clothing so you can fit in even more. They will also be easy to maneuver.

The Away Travel carry-on comes in two sizes. The smaller carry-on is allowed by most international airlines while the larger version will fit in the overhead bin for most U.S. carriers. Inside, there are several mesh pockets and compression straps to maximize how much you can squeeze into your suitcase. Plus, it's lightweight and easy to roll.

$275+ at Away

MZ Wallace

Maximize the size of your 'personal item.'

When traveling carry-on-only its important to maximize the usefulness of your personal item (which most people think of as a purse). Choosing the largest bag your airline allows is a good idea. To cut down on what you need to pack, find a personal item that can double as a day bag once you reach your destination. Look for an option with lots of pockets to help keep you organized.

The MZ Wallace large Metro quatro tote is a great choice. It is lightweight, has a luggage sleeve, and there are plenty of pockets to help keep you organized. The bag's outer pockets are perfect for travel documents and the interior, removal pouch is great for small items you want to keep handy on your flight. The bag's simple styling means it goes with almost any outfit, making it a great choice for a day bag once you land.

$325 at MZ Wallace

Monos

Use compression packing cubes, not just regular packing cubes.

Packing cubes are great for keeping clothing organized on the go, especially when switching locations frequently. However, not all packing cubes are created equally. Compression packing cubes press clothing down so it takes up less space in your luggage. That means you can pack more.

Mix and match the type of clothing you put in each cube to get the most value out of each cube. For example, if you have extra room in the packing cube you used to pack shirts, find a pair of socks to squeeze in.

Once your suitcase is full of your must-have items, pay attention to any space left between packing cubes or in the corners of your suitcase. This valuable space is often overlooked but can be used to fit in an extra shirt or more undies. Or, leave that space empty for small souvenirs.

Monos compressible packing cubes do an exceptional job of compressing clothing. The mesh tops make it easy to keep track of what's in your suitcase while allowing for airflow that helps prevent odors.

$90 at Monos

Sea to Summit

Tame the toiletries.

Traveling carry-on-only means paring down toiletries to the essentials. It also means keeping them under the 3.5 ounces allowed by the Transportation Security Administration. If you need more than you can fit in your carry-on, consider visiting a supermarket at your destination to stock up. You may discover a new favorite product and get an inside look at how locals live. To avoid messy spills, choose your liquid containers and toiletry bags carefully.

The Sea to Summit hanging toiletry bag has multiple interior pockets to help keep you organized. Its made from a lightweight, waterproof material that is great for traveling. Pair the toiletry bag with Sea to Summits clear zip pouch with bottles for even more protection and better organization.

$46.95 at Sea To Summit

Stnky

Don't ignore the dirties.

No matter how neat and tidy you are, your clothes will get dirty. Thats especially true for socks and underwear. Throw a couple of laundry detergent sheets in your bag and wash clothing as needed in a hotel sink. Toss a dryer sheet into your suitcase to help tame odors between washings. To help keep your clean clothes clean (and dry), consider packing a small laundry bag for dirty clothing. These are also useful for packing wet clothes, including swimsuits and any clothing that is damp from the rain or recent laundering.

Stnky laundry bags are light and fold up small when not in use. They lock in odor and moisture, which can be a lifesaver when living out of a suitcase.

$28 at Amazon

COR Surf

Ban the bulk.

Traveling carry-on-only shouldnt mean sacrificing comfort.

Even travelers who are committed to traveling light need to pack bulky items from time to time. No one wants to forgo a winter coat or rain pants they need because they dont have space in their luggage. Look for packable coats (and other clothing items) that fold up into one of their own pockets or a small pouch for the best of both worlds.

The COR Surf travel rain jacket is a good choice for those who need an extra layer to throw in their suitcase. It is waterproof and has multiple pockets to help keep you organized while traveling. It can do double-duty as a rain coat or as an extra layer on cooler days.

$89.99 at Cor Surf

Anker

Don't overdo the tech.

It's tempting to pack tons of charging devices and cables to make sure you are always connected. Resist the urge. Instead, pack your tech wisely. A slim device with multiple charging ports cuts down on clutter in your bag. Choosing quick-charging backup batteries and high-speed charging cables is a great way to limit how much tech you need to pack. Put it all in a padded tech bag to stay organized.

The Anker Nano charging station allows you to quickly charge up to six devices at a time. It's slim and light so it won't take up too much space in your luggage. Plus, you can use it every day when you get home.

$65.99 at Amazon

8. Pack multi-use clothing.

To avoid overpacking, focus on clothing that travels well and is versatile enough to wear multiple times throughout your trip. Choosing items that coordinate and layer well will help you make the most of your carry-on-only wardrobe.

Stick with one color palette, such as black and gray, or neutrals like beige and brown. If that sounds too boring, choose accessories in one accent color that goes with everything.

Select clothing that resists odors and wrinkles to extend the time between washings. Merino wool clothing is an investment but ticks all the boxes for travel all year long thanks to its temperature-regulating properties.

9. Bring just one pair of shoes.

Shoes take up a ton of space in luggage. To free up space, try to limit yourself to one pair of shoes and wear them on the plane. Selecting a pair of shoes that is ultra-comfortable and goes with everything is key.

If you really need to pack more than one pair of shoes, wear your biggest, bulkiest pair on the plane and pack smaller items like socks and undies inside the shoes you put in your suitcase.