30 Days to Packing a Better Bag – Day 25: The Perfect Carry-on (Packing List)

Welcome to Day 25 of 30 Days to Packing a Better Bag.

Assuming you’ve decided to check a bag for your flight, it now comes down to what you’ll bring with you immediately on the plane in your carry on bag. For those going carry-on only, your list will be a lot longer than this, but also probably include fewer of the non-essentials (like a pillow, or anything else that you can do without).

You’ll first need to choose a carry on bag that will be versatile enough to wear at your destination. You’ll fill it with the essentials to get you through the next ten to twenty hours of flying, as well as what you’ll need to start off your day in a new city.

Choosing the Right Carry On

The ideal carry on bag will fit comfortably underneath your seat or in the overhead storage bin and will be comfortable to carry around. It should also have plenty of compartments for your belongings. Both backpacks and purses make good carry on bags. Here are a few we recommend.

Carry On Backpacks

PacSafe Slingsafe 300 GIII– We are such massive fans of this bag as it makes both the ideal carry on and day pack. There is a pocket for your laptop or tablet, and the zippers include clasps to prevent theft, as does the exomesh lined fabric. It has two big pockets on the sides for water bottles and umbrellas as well as a front pocket with additional storage.

Tom Bihn Aeronaut– Guest writer Kit told us about her beloved Tom Bihn bag, which has been her carry on for countless years of perpetual travel. Their bags are well made and sturdy, perfect for getting shoved into overhead compartments and under bus seats. It has plenty of compartments for your items.

eBags Mother Lode TLS Weekender Convertible– Brooke reviewed this bag which was able to go from backpack to suitcase and also came with many pockets and compartments. It opens like a suitcase and is made to go with packing cubes.

Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Daypack– This bag can fold up into the palm of your hand for when you don’t need it, making it a great travel accessory or carry on bag. The nylon material is strong enough to hold whatever you need to bring, whether it be a water bottle, magazines or some snacks for a long train ride.

>>Check out our full list of female backpack reviews.

Purses

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 that 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.

What to Pack In It

For Comfort

• Eye mask – To support sleeping in bright places.
• Ear plugs – To cancel out noises around you. Ear buds and relaxing music can be a good alternative.
• Pillow – To support your neck while sleeping.
• Sarong – It can double as a blanket in a pinch.
• Journal – For writing your thoughts or making note of important information.
• Extra clothing – An extra top, bottoms and underwear will ensure you have a change of clothes should something happen to your checked luggage.
• 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.

>>See how to avoid dehydration while flying.

Important Documents

• Boarding pass
• Passport or driver’s license
• Copy of complete flight itinerary
• Address of hotel or hostel
• Guidebook
• City Map

Snacks and Entertainment

• Valuables and breakables like jewelry, glasses or electronics – Never leave these out of your sight. Remember to protect your electronics, too.
• Book or e-reader – To pass time.
• Deck of cards – To make friends.
• Water bottle – To refill and save money on beverages.
• Snacks – Just in case the in-flight meal is horrible.
• Grid-It organizer – To keep all things organized in your carry-on.

In addition, we recommend taking any medication that you cannot be without in your carry-on. This includes your birth control – or at least enough to get you through a few weeks depending on your destination.

Remember: Any liquids will need to go into a clear plastic bag for security purposes. Keep these bottles under 3.4 ounces (100ml).

Take Action: Pack Your Perfect Carry-on
Select a bag that will suit your needs as the perfect carry-on, whether it be a purse or a small backpack. Remember, this bag will probably function as your daypack at your destination. Assemble items that will make your journey more comfortable, but remember that any liquids will need to be placed in your liquids bag at security.

Is there anything we left off this 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.