How to Maximize Your Packing with Only Carry On Luggage

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I am a chronic over-packer who wants 2x underwear and pack a minimum of 3 additional outfits for those last minute outfit changes. I usually am only traveling with a carry-on situation so I don’t need to wait in long lines for checked luggage at the airport and it’s easier to move between cities via train and bus. I like to think I have mastered the way to pack the absolute maximum amount of stuff with only carry on items so this article is to share these tips. If you need help with a packing list, check out my simple, all-in-one packing guide here.

Luggage: Suitcases and Duffle Backpacks

Choosing a Suitcase

If using a traditional suitcase, I highly recommend a soft shell over a hard shell luggage. Hard shell luggages have become really trendy in the past couple of years, which even led me to purchase the Monos Carry On suitcase last year. While I love a good travel aesthetic, I do find that hardshell luggages force you to pack way less since it isn’t as malleable. I use the simple Bartlett Samsonite luggage ($99.99).

Opting for a Duffle Backpack (65L)

If open to options outside of suitcases, I cannot recommend the Peak Design Travel DufflePack enough. This backpack starts at 45L and expands up to 65L which is the same amount of space that some checked suitcases hold. The duffle structure allows you to fit so many items in here and the high-quality weight management in the structure of this bag makes it surprisingly very easy to wear on your back even when full. I used this to backpack across Europe and it worked perfectly. Do note however that it is slightly too large for some of the smaller airline overhead bins so check with your airline first for dimensions.

The Personal Item: Weekender Bag or Backpack

I will nearly always bring a larger weekender bag or backpack with me to put under my seat. I currently use a tote from Amazon which does fit under most airplane seats; however if a flight has overhead bin space I will put it up to help with leg room. This is where I will pack all my items beyond clothes so my make-up, skincare, toiletries, additional shoes, laptop, and book so that only clothes go in my main luggage piece. If traveling with a travel backpack, I recommend getting a weekender bag with a long strap so you can carry it as a tote on one shoulder.

Fanny Pack

Packing: Space Saving Tips

Packing Cubes

Packing cubes can be a lifesaver in both being able to fit more clothes into your luggage and also staying organized while you are traveling. I will typically use compression packing cubes so that the air is sucked out of the clothes as you zip them shut (I own these cheaper ones from Amazon and more pricey ones from Peak Design). I will separate them out into a few different categories – undergarments/PJs, tops, bottoms, outwear.

Rolling Your Clothes + Flattening Your Socks

For clothes to take up the least amount of space, it is usually best to roll them up so that they are long and skinny. For socks, be sure to undo them from the common sock ball we make for each pair so that they lay flat. Same with underwear.

Air Suction Sealed Bags

Similar to packing cubes, but these are much larger suction bags which can either come with a vacuum or clip seal. These do a great job at sucking all of the air out of clothes you place inside so that they lay as flat as possible. Just remember to not get the one’s that require a vacuum

Overall Tips

Pick versatile shoes and jackets

While tops and most bottoms can be packed pretty thinly, shoes add a lot of weight and jackets take up a lot of space. This is the first place I would look to minimize what you pack by picking the most versatile options to wear with almost every outfit. Where your chunkiest shoes and jacket on the plane!

Pack travel size toiletries and focus on multi-makeup palettes

Any skincare, make-up items. toothpaste, etc. you can bring as a travel size will help you save a lot of space in your toiletry bag. By leaning on makeup palettes which include eyeshadow, blush, bronzer, and highlighter, you can save adding a lot of different make up containers to your bag as well. I bring this Tarte Palette with me everywhere to cover a lot of my skin make up.

Weigh Your Luggage (If you do check in your bags)

While all of these packing tips can help you fit many more items in your luggage, it doesn’t make it any lighter so you risk going over the weight limits for any checked in luggage. Be sure to weigh it before so that you don’t need to either pay the additional fee or need to pull items out at the check-in desk.