Packing Light: Carry-On Only for Any Destination

📅 March 23, 2026 | 8 min read

Why Pack Light?

Checked baggage fees are $30-50 per flight. For 5 flights round-trip, you pay $150-250 in fees alone. Luggage gets lost (2% of bags per airline annually). You move faster, no baggage claim waits. One small bag keeps you mobile and stress-free.

The Carry-On Formula

Clothing: 7 days' worth maximum. Same bottoms (1-2 pairs), rotate tops/layers. Merino wool doesn't wrinkle or smell—buy 4-5 merino shirts ($25-40 each, not cheap but reusable forever). Wear your bulkiest items on the plane.

Undergarments: 7 pairs (wash in hotel sink if needed). 1 sports bra/compression underwear.

Shoes: 2 maximum. Wear walking shoes on plane, pack 1 dressy/slip-on. (2lbs total)

Toiletries: Travel bottles only. Buy most items on arrival if trip is 2+ weeks. Toothbrush, 1 small deodorant, sample perfume, sunscreen. Leave off makeup if possible; skincare is enough.

Electronics: Phone, charger, power bank. Laptop only if essential. (1.5lbs)

Documents: Passport, travel insurance card, digital copies on phone.

Packing Strategy

• Lay out everything you think you need. Then remove 50%. You won't miss it.
• Roll clothes instead of folding—saves 30% space.
• Wear your coat on the plane instead of packing it.
• Skip the second pair of shoes if you're brave.
• Use a 40L backpack (15"x20"x35cm fits all airlines).

What You Actually Need per Climate

Summer: 4 t-shirts, 1 pair shorts, 1 pair lightweight pants, 1 light sweater, 1 pair shoes, 1 pair sandals.

Winter: 1 coat, 2 sweaters, 2 pairs thermals, 1 pair jeans, 1 pair dress pants, 1 pair walking boots, 1 pair slip-ons.

Unpopular Opinion

You don't need "outfits" curated together. Pick a color palette: black, grey, white, navy. Every piece works with every other piece. Your "fancy outfit" is clean jeans + sweater + scarf. No one notices what you wore yesterday.