Carry-On Packing List: This Is How to Pack Light

Packing light, getting everything needed into a carry-on bag, takes a bit of skill and a trim packing list. But, when you've done it successfully once, it becomes easy.

I believe that it is important to pack light, especially as a solo traveler. It puts you in control. You will:

• be more mobile. Walking a few blocks or carrying your bag up a few stairs is not a problem with a carry-on.
• face fewer lineups at airports. Arrival and departure are easier and faster with a carry-on.
• save money. A carry-on makes taking buses and trains rather than taxis possible.
• evade the attention of thieves. Someone who has a large suitcase or multiple bags likely has more stuff to steal than you.
• avoid losing luggage in transit. With you in control of your bag at all times, the hassle of lost luggage doesn't exist.
• save on extra fees. This is especially true on budget flights that often save the hold for commercial revenue.

For the last 15 years, I've only owned carry-on sized luggage. I have a roller bag and a backpack. That's it. They both work for trips of a week or a month. It doesn't matter. All my travel essentials are there.

As an example, a couple of years ago, I went to Los Angeles for four days (it was hot), then to London for four days (it was cool and damp), on to Wales for a lot of walking, then north to Liverpool and Edinburgh. I traveled for 19 days in total and for the first eight I was at conferences. Needless to say, the weather and activities between LA and Edinburgh were very different, but I had everything I needed in one carry-on and a day pack.

Below is my packing list. It is tried and true, developed from 15 years of writing about solo travel. I turn to it every time I'm going on a trip. Whether it's a weekend getaway or a month-long tour, this post is my resource every time.

Use this packing list and you'll be hooked on an easier way to travel.

The 3 Rules of Packing Light

Below are the three packing rules to live by if you want to travel light. This approach allows you to have all the travel essentials and a bit of fashion too.

1. Everything must be pack-worthy. Pack-worthy means multi-purpose. Everything must go with many things. Nothing can have a one-time, one-purpose use.
2. Your feet are of prime importance. Shoes make the outfit but they can also break a trip. Take shoes that have proven to be comfortable.
3. One color palette only. To have clothes for a range of activities that work together, choose one color palette. Working with a base color like black, navy, or brown, along with a contrasting color such as gray or beige, plus an accent color makes sure that everything you're carrying works together.

One-bag packing tips:

• Follow carry-on rules according to your airline. Be really careful about the weight. Just because you can fit it into a carry-on suitcase does not mean they will let you on the plane with it.
• Watch the restrictions on the size of bottle liquids and other items you are allowed to carry on board.
• Pack the bulky items rather than wear them so that you know you'll have space in your bag when traveling around. However, if the bulky item is also heavy, wear it to beat the weight limit.
• Be considerate of other passengers and don't hog the overhead space.
• People rave about either rolling or folding. I don't think it actually makes that much difference. Do what works for you.

Clothing List for Women Wanting to Pack Light

Here is your carry-on packing list.

• Shoes. As above, your feet are of prime importance. You need at least 2 pairs total. To be successful with a carry-on, it can't be more than three. Most importantly, you need street shoes. I turn to French women for advice here, as their classic shoe choices are typically practical and comfortable as well. For sneakers, Supergas is hot in France but they're not known for their support. I have a pair of Sperry sneakers that are surprisingly affordable and come in an amazing range of colours. For a classic loafer, these Sam Edelman shoes are great. I don't have these shoes but I've bought Sam Edelman before and they have really lasted. For a solid, supportive, all-day sandal, you can't go wrong with Ecco's Yuchatan. For dressier shoes, go to your closet. They need to be comfortable but they don't have to be so for a full day of walking. Also:
  • Take a pair of light flip-flops if you're staying in a hostel. Best to wear them around and in the shower.
  • For hiking, I'm now more inclined to take hiking shoes rather than boots. These are my Merrell Hiking Shoes. If space is a problem, wear them on the plane and tie them onto your carry-on or backpack at your destination.
• Pants. 3 pairs total or two pairs and one dress or skirt (wear your most comfortable on the plane).
• Tops. 4 tops, including 1 light sweater, and 1 camisole that works as an under layer for hiking and under a jacket for a dressier look.
• Cardigan or light jacket. Something that you can dress up or down depending on jeans/pants and accessories.
• Accessories. Belt, inexpensive jewelry, one scarf to dress up casual clothes.
• Jacket. I have my second Marmot Women’s Precip Jacket. It took me over 12 years to wear out my first one.
• Basics. Umbrella, scarf, gloves, rain pants, hat, vest, pair of sunglasses (depending on the weather of your destinations, you may not need all of these).
• Bathing suit. (Depending on your trip.)
• Fundamentals. Pajamas, 5 pairs of underwear that are breathable and quick-drying, 2 bras, 3 pairs of socks (fresh socks every day if hiking).

It sounds like a lot, but it’s not. Rinse clothes out when necessary. When you return, take note of what you didn’t use and don’t pack it next time.

Travel Essentials Packing List

Carry-On Packing List for Men

A men's packing list is not a lot different from a women's except that it's easier. There is not as much nuance in a man's wardrobe. Throw a blazer onto a guy wearing jeans and a t-shirt, and he looks great. So, here's the men's packing list – all the travel essentials to cover just about any trip.

• Shoes. 2 pairs total. One pair street shoes (or sandals) and one pair of dressier shoes. If you need hiking boots, wear them on the plane and only bring shoes that have proven to be comfortable.
• Pants/shorts. 3 pairs total. You know your style but one pair of pants should be long and not denim.
• T-shirts. 4 (make sure at least one of them is white to wear under a dress shirt). If you're going someplace tropical or humid, make sure that they are very light and pack more of them.
• Collared shirt. 1 golf shirt or other casual shirt with a collar.
• Dress shirt. 1 for dressier occasions.
• Blazer. This is optional, of course, but really useful. Choose a light fabric.
• Belt and tie. (If you're into that look.)
• Basics. Umbrella, scarf, gloves, rain pants, hat, vest, pair of sunglasses (again, depending on the weather of your destinations, you may not need all of these).
• Bathing suit. (If needed.)
• Fundamentals. Pajamas, 5 pairs of underwear, 4 pairs of socks.

Rinse clothes out when necessary. When you return, take note of what you didn’t use and don’t pack it next time.

Travel Product Reviews

Luggage Trackers – Review by King

A luggage tracker has become a travel essential. AirTags are the most widely known tracker that people use for their luggage, but they only work with iPhones. Android users have many alternatives, and in this article, I will review the Tile Mate which is compatible with both Android and iPhone.

No doubt you have heard about the chaos at the airports and the horror stories of lost luggage. Many travelers have turned to technology to help take some of the anxiety out of checking luggage. While I recommend only using carry-on, those who cannot avoid checking bags can use a tile luggage tracker and other electronic tracking devices.

King's review is detailed, explains how luggage trackers work, and includes his and Tracey's personal experiences using them while traveling solo. Read the full luggage trackers review here.

Messenger-style Bag from Travelon – Review by Tracey

I don't like to buy many products that are only for travel. I prefer to invest in things that I can use all the time that are also useful when I'm on the road. When looking for a new bag I settled on a messenger-style bag from Travelon, for a number of reasons, including the fact that I can (and now do) use it as much at home as away. It is an essential part of my carry-on packing list strategy.

Travelon bags have a 5-Point Anti-Theft Security System which includes:

1. Lockdown Straps which help prevent grab-and-go thieves from dashing off with your bag. You can secure your bag to a stationary object or chair when seated.
2. Locking Compartments help prevent pickpockets from getting into your bag. Locking zippered pulls secure your bag contents. (These are really cool.)
3. Slash-resistant Body helps prevent slash-and-grab theft in busy areas with a slash-resistant mesh barrier in all 4 sides and bag bottom panel.
4. Slash-resistant Straps help prevent slash-and-run theft with a stainless steel wire inside the strap.
5. RFID Blocking Pockets help prevent against electronic identity theft with RFID blocking card slots and passport pockets.

I don't know how valuable the RFID technology actually is, but the pocket and slots for cards was a bit of a game-changer for me. Transferring my cards and passport to slots inside this bag, which I wore across my body meant that my hands were always free and there was no chance of me leaving my wallet behind.

The water-resistant material kept everything inside dry as I wandered around Ireland in off-and-on rain and drizzle. The messenger bag is very compact, which was really good for me and meant that I never became loaded down with extra stuff that I “might” need.

I found the quality of the materials and the utility of the organizational components to be excellent. I would not hesitate to recommend Travelon products. They offer many different styles of bags for everyone, in addition to things like packing cubes, backpacks, and a tech organizer (I just ordered this one in lime green so it will be easy to find in the sea of black that is my suitcase).

Noise Canceling Earbuds for Travel – Review by King

If you don't have them already, you have probably considered noise canceling headphones or earbuds at some point. You may be wondering if they are worth the extra money. This is understandable as they can be double the price of regular ones, but I’m here to tell you they are worth every penny. For me, they are now a travel essential. These devices do an amazing job of completely eliminating engine noise and can reduce the sound of crying babies to barely a whisper.

After much thought and research, I chose a pair of the Bose QuietComfort 20 Acoustic Noise Canceling Earbuds. There's a newer model now–without the pesky cords to deal with–called Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II. These wireless, bluetooth earbuds intelligently personalize the noise cancellation and sound performance to your ears and are going on my Christmas list.

Sony also gets high praise in the marketplace for their noise cancelation headphones, and Apple’s Airpod Pro (not the entry-level model) gets the job done well if you’d like something more stylish and are willing to pay a premium for that style.

One additional benefit, if you turn on the noise cancelation feature without any music, you’ll create your own cone of silence that will muffle the voices of annoying co-workers or that person seated next to you on the plane who can’t quite understand that you don’t want to hear about how much they made on cryptocurrencies.