How to Pack Everything in a Carry-On

If you’ve ever traveled light, you know how freeing it can be. Walking past the baggage claim with your carry-on is much easier than lugging that massive suitcase Great Aunt Peggy offered to let you use on your trip. 

There’s also the travel anxiety that comes with waiting for your checked suitcase to emerge from the luggage carousel. As it turns out, you really don’t need to bring a dozen t-shirts, multiple pairs of shoes, and shorts in every color when you travel. 

The Benefits of Packing Everything in a Carry-On

Still wondering why would you want to try to pack everything in a carry-on? Here are a few major advantages to consider:

It Makes Traveling Easier

Traveling with just a carry-on is so much easier because you’re only bringing the essentials. You don’t have to lug around a heavy suitcase and it’s much easier to keep track of your luggage. And, if your connecting flight runs late, you don’t have to worry about your luggage making the transfer.

It Saves Time

Packing everything in a carry-on means no waiting in long lines to check your bags or picking them up at the baggage claim after landing. You can just hop off the plane and go! 

It Saves Money

Most airlines charge a hefty fee for checked bags these days. Keep in mind that bag charges are usually per bag and per way, so they can really add up quickly.

How to Pack Everything in a Carry-On

It is possible to pack everything you need for a week or even months without checking a bag. Want to learn how to pack everything in a carry-on? Here are our top tips for fitting all the essentials in approximately 45-inches of linear space and why it’s a great idea.

There are three key strategies that will help you fit everything you need in a carry-on: choosing the right bag, bringing only the essentials, and packing to save space. Does that sound easier said than done? Here’s how to do it:

Choose the Right Carry-On Bag

When you’re trying to fit everything you need in a carry-on, the bag matters. Be sure to verify your airline’s carry-on bag size requirements and keep them in mind when choosing your bag.

On the surface, a rolling suitcase might seem like a good option, but they’re much harder to carry around. And you have to open up the entire suitcase to access your items. They just aren’t ideal for making the most of limited space.

We recommend going with a soft-sided bag, like a duffel or backpack. An expertly designed travel duffel or travel backpack is easy to carry anywhere. They also fit a lot of stuff thanks to clever features that help you stay organized.

Here are the two best carry-on bag options to consider:

The Pakt One Travel Duffel

The Pakt One is a carry-on approved travel duffel with a zip-around, dual compartment design for optimal organization and easy access to all your belongings. It includes a padded internal pocket for your laptop, with an easy-access top zipper.

Other stand-out features of the Pakt One include:

• A dedicated TSA pocket for easy stashing of personal items as you move through security
• Zippered exterior pockets for items you want to have within easy reach
• Adjustable, padded shoulder straps for maximum comfort
• Protective corners and metal feet for durability
• 35L capacity

The Pakt Travel Backpack

The Pakt Travel Backpack is also carry-on approved. It features one main compartment that has been divided into two halves with a clamshell opening so you can pack it like a suitcase. This thoughtful design allows easy access to your essentials from the top-loading zippers.

Other thoughtful features of the Pakt Travel Backpack include:

• A padded laptop compartment that’s easy to access without digging through the entire bag.
• Top loading waterproof compartment for toiletries and other items that might leak
• Luggage pass-through to accommodate a rolling suitcase
• Harness system with the comfort and support of a trekking backpack
• Load lifters and sternum straps for optimal weight distribution
• A removable hip belt that doubles as a standalone sling or hip pack

Our travel bags also come with a lifetime guarantee. They’re made from earth-friendly materials and packaged in plastic-free packaging, too. Read our Transparency Report to learn how our bags are built to last with the environment in mind.

Pack Only the Essentials

Packing only the essentials is a key step when fitting everything in your carry-on. You simply can’t bring a full outfit for every day plus a bunch of “just in case I need it” items. Here’s how to prioritize what should go in your carry-on and what should stay at home.

A few weeks before your trip, sit down and make a list of all your planned activities. Think about what you’ll need for those activities. Be sure to include everything you can think of. That way you’ll know you’ve considered all possibilities. Don’t worry! We’re going to help you narrow it down.

2. Start narrowing down your list.

The next step is to circle the items that are truly essential. Don’t focus on what you’re eliminating or fall into the “Should I take this or not?” mindset. Focusing just on things that you consider essential will make the process much easier.

3. Plan a versatile wardrobe.

We’re all guilty of going on vacation and only wearing half of the clothes we packed. Packing everything in a carry-on helps you narrow things down, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still have a versatile wardrobe.

Start by choosing a neutral color scheme so that all of your pieces will work together easily. Then add a pop or two of color in the form of a scarf, a button-down shirt, or even a hat. Remember, you don’t have to bring as many items when you have a button-down shirt that can be worn in a bunch of different ways.

4. Focus on wrinkle-resistant fabrics that hide stains.

Nobody likes to iron their clothes at home, and you definitely don’t want to do it on vacation. And dark colors that hide stains won’t need to be changed or washed as often. Save yourself the stress and choose wrinkle-resistant fabrics in darker colors for most of your wardrobe.

5. Only bring one week’s worth of clothes.

Bring only one week’s worth of clothes and do laundry when you need to. You can find a laundromat just about anywhere, so there’s no need to bring a separate outfit for every day of your trip. If you need to, lightweight items can even be hand washed in the sink at your hotel.

6. Look for multi-purpose items. 

Are there things on your essentials list that can do more than one thing? Can something take the place of another item and free up space? For example, a large scarf can double as a blanket on the plane or at the beach, saving a considerable amount of space in your carry-on.

7. Prioritize items that make you happy.

Now consider the items you haven’t circled as essential. Is there something that you really love to have when you travel, such as your nice camera with tons of bulky accessories? Decide if you want to prioritize space for it this trip, or simply take photos with your phone instead.

8. Keep TSA rules in mind as you pack.

Remember that your liquids, pastes, creams, gels, and aerosols must be  3.4-ounces or smaller. Don’t miss this post for tips on packing sustainable travel toiletries that won’t take up a ton of space in your carry-on.

Packing to Save Space

Once you’ve decided what to bring, here’s how to make the most of the limited space in your carry-on.

Pack in categories, use packing cubes, and roll, don’t fold.

Packing your items in categories will make things easier to find. For example, you can pack clothes in one section and electronics in another. You can break things down even further with packing cubes to help you condense items and save space. Rolling your items, instead of folding, will also help save space, and it will create fewer wrinkles.

Make use of all available space.

While this might seem like a no-brainer, be sure to fill every available space. For example, stuff your shoes with extra socks and pack things tightly into the corners of your bag. You can even fill your bra cups with underwear, which also helps them hold their shape.

Keep track of what you didn’t use and leave it at home next time.

Minimalist packing is something you learn and get better at with practice. Consider keeping a few notes about what you didn’t really need and what you wished you had to help you decide what to prioritize next time.

Make the most of your personal item allowance.

Most airlines allow you to bring a smaller bag in addition to your carry-on. Your personal item should be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you, but spacious enough to accommodate the items you just can’t seem to fit in your carry-on bag.

If you’re carrying the Pakt Travel Backpack as your carry-on, consider the Anywhere 25L Duffel as your personal item. This will still allow for hands-free carry, and the duffel can serve as your day bag, gym bag, or beach bag when you reach your destination.

Wear your bulkiest items through check-in.

If you’re traveling to a destination that requires heavy clothes to keep you warm, consider wearing the bulkiest items through check-in. This could mean wearing your jeans and a sweater, plus a jacket or blazer that you can take off and use as a pillow or stow away once you board your flight.

What Fits in a Carry-On?

Are you still feeling a bit unsure about fitting everything you need in a carry-on? Here’s a sample packing list to help you visualize what you can bring.

• An extra pair of shoes plus a lightweight jacket or sweater
• Seven day’s worth of clothing plus your packing cubes
• A suit (if you really need one)
• Small electronics plus a laptop and accessories
• A book, notebook, pen, and all of your travel documents
• Your camera, charger, and a travel adaptor
• Your toiletries, basic makeup, and a minimal first aid kit
• Travel accessories, like a travel pillow or coffee kit

Wrapping Up: Three Final Things to Keep in Mind

Here are three final things to keep at top of mind when you’re packing your carry-on.

Accessibility: Remember to keep items that you’ll need at the airport or during your flight in the outside pockets of your carry-on. This includes your small electronics, your travel documents, and items that will need to be taken out at security checkpoints.

Balance: Keeping items in your bag balanced can make a huge difference in how comfortable your bag is to carry. Place heavier items on the bottom of the bag and closest to your back. Lighter items should be placed near the top of the bag and further from your body. And, try to keep the weight as equal as possible on both sides of your bag. This will help you maintain your center of gravity when you’re carrying your bag.

Organization: In addition to using packing cubes to categorize your clothes, be sure to take advantage of the inside pockets of your carry-on to organize small electronics and accessories.

Looking for more ways to travel like a pro? Shop our selection of minimalist travel gear for conscious travelers!