When travelling you are often packing lots of bags, a backpack, suitcase, fanny pack and more. Packing can get overwhelming, so having a go-to packing list is very helpful.
After going on many trips myself I have curated the ultimate carry-on packing list that helps lower my stress while packing as I know I am not forgetting anything for my trip.
This post is all about the ultimate carry-on packing list.
Carry-On Bag Requirement
Every flight company may have slightly different requirements for carry-on luggage. You need to take into account the dimensions of your bag and check the company’s carry on size requirements. I know there are lots of bag brands marketed as carry on sizes but they do not fit all flight companies’ size requirements and they will make you check your bag. On average the sizes are 22 x 14 x 9 inches. The other thing you must keep in mind when packing a carry-on bag is you cannot bring any liquids over 100 mL. This includes shampoo, conditioner, sunscreen, and more so pack carry-on size bottles or get non-liquid forms of these items such as shampoo and conditioner bars. These are all requirements you have to keep in mind when planning on bringing a carry-on bag.
Why Carry On Bags?
Some people see all the requirements for carry-on luggage and wonder why you would choose to only bring a carry-on bag but there are many reasons why.
First is price, often flight companies charge you extra to check your bags which can add up to a lot of money sometimes. Another reason is the worry of losing your bag, there have been many cases of checked luggage getting lost or misplaced during your flights causing you to arrive in a new country and not have your bag with all your clothes, toiletries and more. Also, carry on bags are sometimes more convenient, you don’t need to check your bag when you arrive at the airport or wait to pick it up when you land. Also once you are in your travel destination, you do not have to travel around with a large bag or suitcase which is always nice. Those are just a few reasons people prefer travelling with a carry on bag.
Packing Carry-On Bag Tips
Use Compression Packing Cubes
Compression packing cubes are going to be your best friend if you are like me and sometimes overpack. With carry on bags you have a limited amount of room in your bag so packing cubes help you organize your clothes but compression packing cubes help take out all the air in your packing cube to make it as small as possible. Click here to see the compression packing cubes I use on ALL of my trips.
Pack Plain Clothes That You Know You Will Wear
Since you have limited space, you will have to pack fewer clothes. I like to pack plain clothes I can mix and match to make different outfits. Also, I realized if you are unsure if you will wear a piece of clothing during your trip you often will never wear it. So only bring clothes you know you will wear so clothes are not taking up room in your bag that you are not going to wear.
Minimize the Pairs of Shoes You Bring
Shoes are something that take up a lot of room in your bag so you want to bring the least amount as possible. For my last few trips I have brought three pairs of shoes and I hope to bring two on my next trip. The shoes I bring are one pair of runners and two sandals one white pair and one black pair. If you can bring one two pairs, wear one and pack one, that would be ideal to save room in your carry on bag for other carry on bag essentials.
Top Travel Carry-On Bags
Osprey Fairview 40L Backpack
There are lots of travel carry on bags out there but the carry on bag I have is the Osprey Fairview 40L backpack and I LOVE it! It is on the pricer size but it’s great quality that will last long and Osprey has a great return and exchange policy if you have any problems with your bag. This bag may seem small when you look at it, it did for me when I got it, but it fits way more than you expect. Click here to see the Osprey Fairview 40L backpack but this bag is also on Amazon and other stores so always check those out to find the best price.
Carry On Packing List
That is everything you need to know about carry on bags, carry on bag essentials, and carry on bag packing list. I hope this helped anyone that is currently packing for a trip or is planning a trip soon. Have an amazing trip and safe travels!
