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Welcome to Day 25 of 30 Days to Packing a Better Bag.
We’re assuming you’ve decided not to check a bag for your flight. What can we say… we believe in you and your ability to pack carry-on only!
This means we need to focus on what to pack in your carry-on bag and your personal item. That’s right, today’s post is all about your carry-on packing list.
Make sure that your personal item is one that will be versatile enough to wear at your destination. You can also opt to bring only a carry-on OR personal item (yes it’s possible!).
Also ensure that your essentials to get you through the next ten to twenty hours of flying, as well as what you’ll need to start your day in a new city, are easy to access.
And don’t worry: If you are planning to travel with checked in luggage, we have tips near the end of the post as to the most important things you should still take with you into the cabin.
Get the Companion Workbook!
This workbook is your dedicated space to work out each day of the 30 Days to Packing a Better Bag series. It’s available as both an editable and printable PDF as well as a Google Doc version.
Choosing the Right Carry-On
Ideally, the bags you bring with you on the plane should be easy to carry and have plenty of compartments for your belongings. We have some recommendations for backpacks, suitcases, and purses in a wide range of sizes.
But first… the difference between a carry-on bag and a personal item.
Carry-On Versus Personal Item
If you decide to not check a bag for your flight, you still have two bag options: a carry-on bag and a personal item.
A carry-on bag is a bag that fits into the overhead bins. This can be a backpack or a suitcase. The average maximum dimensions for this bag are 22 x 14 x 9 inches and the average maximum weight is 15-22 lbs. You may be charged for a carry-on bag depending on the airline.
A personal item is a bag that fits underneath the seat in front of you, usually a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack. The average maximum dimensions are 18 x 14 x 8 inches. A personal item is free.
NOTE: Always check bag limits and dimensions for the airline you are flying with as these weight limits and dimensions can vary between airlines.
Backpack Options: Carry-on & Personal Item Size
16L Fjällräven Kånken Backpack – This is a great pick for minimalist travelers aiming to pack ultralight. This popular Swedish bag is lightweight, water-resistant, and durable. You can even purchase shoulder pads to make it more comfortable for long-term wearing. Plus there are lots of fun colors to choose from.
Cotopaxi Batac Del Dia 24 L Pack – Another colorful option. This backpack is ultralight and packable. It contains an internal hydration sleeve (perfect for hikes), a padded laptop sleeve (perfect for a business trip), and plenty of other compartments. If you’re in the market for something unique, this is a great choice because they use a one-of-a-kind colorway for every order.
Tom Bihn Aeronaut 30L – The Aeronaut combines the easy packing of a duffle bag with the convenience of a backpack. This durable bag has 5 exterior pockets and stowable backpack straps.
The Osprey Kyte 36L Backpack – This is a great bag for both multi-day treks and city traveling. Guest writer Emma loves it for its fit and comfort and the great hip and back support. Plus it comes with a host of great features; a removable raincover, a zippered sleeping bag compartment, and mesh water bottle holders to name a few.
Osprey Fairview 40L Backpack – 40L is the biggest backpack you’re going to want to take for traveling carry-on only. This backpack is a great choice for petite women and is super durable. Guest writer Kate loves it for its awesome hip belt and harness that takes the weight off your back.
- For more carry-on backpack options, check out this Backpack Guide.
Suitcase Options: Carry-on Size
If you would prefer to travel with a suitcase, take a look at these Lightweight Carry-on Suitcases.
Purse Options: Personal Item Size
6L Manhattan Portage – Caroline has been using the Manhattan Portage bag for almost ten years without it showing any signs of wear and tear. It includes a zippered front pocket and a flap that buckles. It’s a simple black bag, but doesn’t look too touristy in any destination.
Travelon Anti-Theft Shoulder Bag – Guest writer Kristin loves her bag which prevented her from being a victim of theft. It has side pockets, a long mesh-lined strap, and clasps to keep the zippers secure. The main compartment has enough room to hold your camera and other essentials.
Travelon has a wide range of anti-theft bags to choose from.
8L Pacsafe Convertible Crossbody – This bag transitions from a crossbody bag to a backpack. Like Travelon bags, Pacsafe bags have a whole host of anti-theft features like cut-resistant materials, an RFID-blocking pocket, zip clips, and more.
Brooke packed her whole travel wardrobe for 2 and a half weeks into the 8L Pacsafe Convertible Crossbody only. If you want to learn to pack as ultralight as her (light enough to travel for a week in a personal size item only, take a look at the Baggage Freedom Express.
- For more purse options, check out this post: How To Choose the Perfect Travel Purse (with Options).
What to Pack In Your Carry-On Bag
You should already have your packing list ready to go from Day 5: Prepare Your Packing List and the following posts that have hopefully helped you to refine it. However, you may want to add a few things to your carry-on to make your flight more comfortable.
Plus there are the flight essentials (like your passport and medications) that you need to have on you at all times. Keep these items in easy to access areas of your personal item bag.
Note: You don’t NEED to pack all these items. Take a look at the carry-on packing list below and pack only what you think will be valuable to you.
Comfort
- Eye mask – So you can sleep in bright places.
- Ear plugs – To cancel out noises around you. Earbuds and relaxing music can be a good alternative.
- Travel pillow – To support your neck while sleeping.
- Sarong – It can double as a blanket in a pinch.
- Tissues – Always.
- Vaseline – Or lip balm.
- Lotion – Skin dries out on planes.
- Toothpaste and Toothbrush – Unless your airline still provides travel packs.
- Wet Wipes – For freshening up in between flights or when you just land.
- Deodorant and/or Perfume – Go with the solid kind!
- Mini sanitizer bottle – Don’t travel without it.
- Travel brush or comb and hair tie – For last-minute fix-ups and tangles.
- Glasses if you use them (It’s best to avoid wearing your contacts on the plane if you suffer from dry eyes.)
- Medications
- You might want to take a look at these two posts: How to Avoid Dehydration When Flying and What to Pack to Help You Sleep on Planes
Important Documents
- Boarding pass
- Passport or driver’s license
- Copy of complete flight itinerary
- Address of hotel or hostel
- Guidebook (how about a digital version instead?)
- City Map
Snacks and Entertainment
- Book or e-reader – To pass the time.
- Journal – For writing your thoughts or making notes of important information.
- Deck of cards – To make friends.
- Water bottle – To refill and save money on beverages.
- Travel snacks – In case the in-flight meal is horrible or you have special dietary requirements.
- Grid-It organizer – To keep all things organized in your carry-on.
- Chargers
Remember: Any liquids will need to go into a clear plastic bag for security purposes. Keep these bottles under 3.4 ounces (100ml). You can find more information in this post: First Timer’s Guide to Traveling Carry-On Only
If you ARE checking luggage, make sure you pack all electronics, valuables, and breakables in your carry-on bag. It’s also important to think about adding an extra outfit of clothing to the carry-on (extra top, bottoms, and underwear) to ensure you have a change of clothes ready in case of lost or delayed checked luggage.
Take Action: Pack Your Perfect Carry-On
You should have already chosen the bag you are taking as your carry-on. If not, do that now. Also, select your personal item. Make sure it will be able to function as your daypack or purse when you arrive at your destination.
Create your carry-on packing list and assemble the items that will make your journey more comfortable, but remember that any liquids will need to be placed in your liquids bag at security.
Place these items in an easy to access spot in your bag.
Is there anything we left off of this carry-on packing list? Let us know what your essentials consist of in the comments below!
*Big thanks to Tom Bihn for supplying the Synapse 19 for our packing photos.
- PREVIOUS – Day 24: How to Pack a Backpack Step by Step
- NEXT – Day 26: How to Secure Your Travel Belongings
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Wonderful Caroline!
I’m embarking on a trip to Bali soon and was looking for some guidance on how to better back my carry-on backpack.
Cheers,
Kristi
Be sure to check with your overwater carrier(s) for weight restrictions and number of items allowed for carry-on. Many airlines limit each item to 7kg (about 15 lbs.).
I check a medium bag and always wear and pack a complete quick-dry change of clothing, plus basic toiletries. If my checked bag doesn’t arrive with me I’m good-to-go with two outfits that can be washed in a sink and will dry overnight.
Gum and mints are also great for planes to help prevent pressure build-up in the ears and ginger candies or crystallized ginger can lessen motion sickness.
Headphones or earbuds are also handy for airlines that offer in-flight entertainment or as earplugs (as mentioned). A scarf doubles as a good blanket and rolls up easily.
Never forget to pack any essential meds in your carry on (prescriptions or ones not easily replaceable)
I always make sure that I have a letter from my doctor stating that I will be traveling with certain medications because some meds are narcotics etc… I figure better safe than sorry. 🙂
I always include a few pain killers like ibuprofen for stress or postural headaches and also mints to suck on/chew for dealing with ear pressure and/or nerves and travel sickness.
Hello. I don’t fly that very often, but when I do, I have this little dilemma. this also could apply to trains or generally when you’re travelling; I am one of those people that need to eat somewhat regularily if you’re going to be your best self. I will get underweight in a day, (I am always slightly above underweight-bmi) and adhd-like if I don’t get to eat something other than your average budget airplane food; sugars. but you can’t take food on planes. And I need fat and proteins, not just carbohydrates like a musli-bar or crackers. You can’t bring liquid-ish foods, like youghurt. What to do? I can manage it though, but my travel companions will have to follow me to a fastfood-place afterwards ( and not “skip food and go straight to the trains to save time” as they usually want ;)). but are there perhaps any tricks I haven’t yet noticed? 🙂
Hi qe. I’m sympathetic to your wanting to have something other than simple carbohydrates when traveling! I always take a baggie of walnuts and almonds (often with added dried cherries and/or chocolate chips) on planes. I’ve also taken a cheese sandwich on whole wheat bread. You could make just about any kind of sandwich. I usually take an apple or two, as well, but that doesn’t meet your fat/protein needs. You can’t get liquids through security, but you can buy yogurt or salads once you’re past the TSA checkpoint – depending on the size of your airport. If my companions suggested skipping food to save time, I’d point out that everyone will be much happier if I am able to eat! 😉 Good Luck!
you can buy to-go food at the airport, after going trough security, and then get them in your purse or back pack, no body cares about you bringing food on the airplane once you have gone trough security.
All your chargers!!! Our luggage was lost for 1/2 of our trip to India, and while we were able to find clothing and toiletries, replacing our chargers (phone, camera, e-reader) was impossible. I am NOT a happy camper without my camera!!!
Eep! Good point, Cheryl! Thanks for your input!