I haven't checked a bag in 3 years. Not for a weekend trip, not for a 2-week European adventure, not even for a month-long work trip to Asia. Once you master carry-on-only travel, you'll never go back. No waiting at baggage claim, no lost luggage anxiety, no $50 checked bag fees. Just grab your bag and go.
Here's exactly how I pack for 2 weeks in a single carry-on, tested across 40+ countries.
The Right Bag Makes All the Difference
Your bag is the foundation. I use a 40L backpack that fits airline carry-on dimensions (22" x 14" x 9" for most US airlines). Key features to look for:
- Clamshell opening: Pack like a suitcase, not a stuff sack
- Laptop compartment: Separate access for security
- Compression straps: Cinch down when not full
- Lockable zippers: For hostel lockers
Popular options: Osprey Farpoint 40, Tortuga Setout, Peak Design Travel Backpack. Budget pick: Cabin Max Metz (under $40).
The Core Principle: The 5-4-3-2-1 Rule
This is my packing formula for any trip:
- 5 tops (mix of t-shirts and button-downs)
- 4 bottoms (2 pants, 1 shorts, 1 swimwear)
- 3 pairs of shoes (wearing one, packing two)
- 2 jackets (light rain jacket, warmer layer)
- 1 week of underwear/socks (do laundry weekly)
This gives you enough variety without overpacking. You can mix and match to create different outfits.
Clothing Strategy
Choose the Right Fabrics
Forget cotton. It's heavy, slow to dry, and wrinkles easily. Instead:
- Merino wool: Naturally odor-resistant, wear 3-4 times before washing. Perfect for t-shirts and underwear.
- Synthetic blends: Quick-dry, lightweight. Great for athletic wear and button-downs.
- Nylon/polyester: For pants and jackets. Durable and packable.
Real talk: Merino wool t-shirts cost $60-80 each, but I've worn the same 3 shirts for 2 years of constant travel. They still look new and never smell. Worth every penny.
Stick to a Color Palette
This is crucial. Pick 2-3 neutral colors (black, navy, gray) and 1-2 accent colors. Everything should mix and match. My palette: black, gray, olive green. Every item works with every other item.
Layer Instead of Bulk
Instead of one heavy jacket, bring layers:
- Base layer (merino wool t-shirt)
- Mid layer (fleece or light down jacket)
- Outer layer (waterproof shell)
This system works from 40°F to 80°F. Adjust layers as needed.
The Packing Technique
Roll, Don't Fold
Rolling clothes saves 30% more space than folding and prevents wrinkles. Here's how:
- Lay item flat, smooth out wrinkles
- Fold sleeves in (for shirts)
- Roll tightly from bottom to top
- Secure with a rubber band if needed
Use Packing Cubes
Game changer. I use 3 cubes:
- Cube 1: Tops and underwear
- Cube 2: Bottoms
- Cube 3: Dirty clothes (keeps clean separate)
Compression cubes can save an additional 15-20% space.
Toiletries: The 100ml Challenge
TSA liquid limit is 3.4oz (100ml) per container, all fitting in a 1-quart bag. My setup:
- Solid shampoo bar (no liquid limit!)
- Solid deodorant
- Travel toothpaste (20ml tube)
- Sunscreen stick (solid, no liquid limit)
- Contact lens solution (60ml bottle)
Pro tip: Buy full-size products at your destination. A bottle of shampoo costs the same everywhere, and you don't waste carry-on space.
Use our Packing Rules Checker to verify what you can bring in carry-on for your specific airline.
Electronics and Accessories
Keep it minimal:
- Phone + charger: Your most important device
- Laptop/tablet: If needed for work
- Universal adapter: One adapter for all countries (see our Plug Type Checker)
- Power bank: 10,000mAh is the sweet spot
- Headphones: Noise-canceling for flights
- Cables: USB-C for everything if possible
Skip: Hair dryer (hotels have them), extra cameras (phone is enough), kindle (use phone app).
Shoes: The Hardest Choice
Shoes take up the most space. Here's my 3-shoe system:
- Wearing: Comfortable sneakers (Allbirds, Vessi, or running shoes)
- Packing: Sandals or flip-flops (for hostel showers, beach)
- Packing: Dress shoes if needed (otherwise skip)
Stuff socks and underwear inside shoes to save space.
The Laundry Strategy
This is the secret to packing light. Plan to do laundry every 5-7 days:
- Hotels: Hand wash in sink, hang dry overnight. Merino wool dries in 4-6 hours.
- Airbnb: Use washing machine if available.
- Laundromats: Wash and fold service costs $10-15 and saves hours.
Bring a small packet of laundry detergent sheets (TSA-friendly, no liquid).
My Complete 2-Week Packing List
Clothing
- 3 merino wool t-shirts
- 2 button-down shirts
- 2 pairs of pants (1 jeans, 1 chinos)
- 1 shorts
- 1 swimwear
- 7 underwear (merino wool)
- 7 pairs of socks
- 1 fleece jacket
- 1 rain jacket
- 1 belt
Toiletries
- Shampoo bar
- Solid deodorant
- Toothbrush + toothpaste
- Sunscreen stick
- Razor
- Nail clippers
- Medications
Electronics
- Phone + charger
- Laptop + charger
- Universal adapter
- Power bank
- Headphones
- USB-C cables (2)
Accessories
- Sunglasses
- Watch
- Wallet
- Passport
- Credit cards
- Small daypack (foldable)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- "Just in case" items: If you haven't used it on your last 3 trips, don't pack it.
- Too many shoes: Stick to 2-3 pairs max.
- Full-size toiletries: Buy at destination or use solids.
- Books: Use Kindle app on your phone.
- Overpacking clothes: Remember, you'll do laundry.
The Mental Shift
The hardest part isn't the physical packing - it's the mental shift. You don't need as much as you think. I've traveled for months with this setup and never felt like I was missing anything.
Benefits of carry-on only:
- Save $50-100 per flight on baggage fees
- No waiting at baggage claim (save 30-45 minutes per flight)
- Zero risk of lost luggage
- More mobility - easy to hop on trains, buses, walk further
- Forces you to be intentional about what you bring
Final Tips
Start by packing everything you think you need. Then remove 30%. You'll still have too much, but it's a start.
Test your system on a weekend trip before a long journey. Adjust based on what you actually use.
Remember: You can buy almost anything at your destination. Forgot something? It's not the end of the world.
Ready to travel lighter? Check our Packing Rules Tool to see what you can bring in your carry-on, and use our Plug Type Checker to make sure you have the right adapter for your destination.