The carry-on-only philosophy is simple: if it doesn't fit, you don't need it. But arriving at that simplicity requires knowing exactly what to include. This is the complete checklist — everything you actually need, nothing you don't, organised by category.
Documents & Identification
These live in your personal item or document pouch — always accessible, never in checked luggage.
- ✅ Passport — valid for 6+ months beyond your return date
- ✅ Visa documentation — e-visa confirmation or embassy visa in passport
- ✅ Boarding passes — in wallet app AND screenshotted offline
- ✅ Travel insurance documents — emergency number in phone contacts offline
- ✅ Accommodation confirmation — first night, address in local language
- ✅ Emergency contact card — physical, not only digital
- ✅ Passport photocopy — stored separately from original passport
- ⬜ International driving licence (if renting a vehicle)
- ⬜ Vaccination certificate (if required for destination)
Clothing — The 5-Day System
Pack for 5 days regardless of trip length. Plan one laundry stop for trips over 5 days.
- ✅ 3–4 tops (merino preferred)
- ✅ 2 bottoms (one versatile trouser/jean + one lighter option)
- ✅ 1 smarter piece for dinners/events
- ✅ 1 packable lightweight layer (merino cardigan or thin down jacket)
- ✅ 1 waterproof shell (packable rain jacket)
- ✅ 5–6 pairs underwear (merino or quick-dry)
- ✅ 5 pairs socks
- ⬜ Swimwear (if relevant to destination)
Shoes (maximum 2): Primary versatile pair + secondary for trip's specific need. Wear heaviest pair through airport.
Toiletries — The 100ml System
All liquids in containers of 100ml or less in one clear 1L zip-lock bag. Consider solid alternatives to eliminate liquid restrictions entirely.
- ✅ Toothbrush + toothpaste (travel size)
- ✅ Deodorant (solid stick or 100ml roll-on)
- ✅ Shampoo (100ml decanted or solid bar)
- ✅ Moisturiser (100ml)
- ✅ Sunscreen (100ml)
- ✅ Razor
- ⬜ Conditioner (100ml or solid bar)
- ⬜ Contact lenses + solution
Medications & Health
- ✅ Ibuprofen or paracetamol
- ✅ Antihistamine
- ✅ Imodium (anti-diarrhoeal)
- ✅ Plasters/bandaids (assorted)
- ✅ Prescription medications — original packaging + doctor's letter
- ⬜ Insect repellent (tropical destinations)
- ⬜ Rehydration sachets (tropical travel)
⚠️ Prescription medications: Carry in original packaging with prescription documentation. Research any medications you rely on — some OTC medications in your home country are controlled substances in other countries (notably Japan, UAE, parts of Southeast Asia).
Electronics & Tech
- ✅ Smartphone (fully charged, offline maps downloaded)
- ✅ All charging cables
- ✅ Universal travel adapter
- ✅ Power bank (under 100Wh airline limit)
- ✅ Earphones or noise-cancelling headphones
- ⬜ Laptop or tablet (if needed)
- ⬜ E-reader (for 7+ day trips)
Skip: Multiple device chargers (one multi-port USB suffices), Bluetooth speaker (poor weight-to-use ratio), extension cord (replaced by compact travel power strip).
Comfort Essentials
- ✅ Reusable water bottle (empty through security, fill after)
- ✅ Packing cubes (2–3 sizes)
- ✅ Luggage lock (TSA-approved for US travel)
- ⬜ Travel pillow (long-haul flights)
- ⬜ Eye mask + earplugs
- ⬜ Small packable day bag
Money & Cards
- ✅ Primary debit card (fee-free: Wise, Revolut, Schwab)
- ✅ Backup credit card (stored separately from primary)
- ✅ Local currency for arrival
- ✅ Small USD/EUR emergency backup
What Most Travelers Pack But Shouldn't
- Full-size guidebook — download relevant sections as PDF or use an app
- Multiple pairs of jeans — one maximum, worn through the airport
- Full-size towel — most accommodation provides them; a quick-dry microfibre towel weighs 200g
- Books you might not read — one or switch to digital
- "Just in case" outfits — for occasions you haven't planned
💡 The weight check: Weigh your fully packed bag. If it exceeds 8–9kg for a carry-on trip, something comes out. The lightest bags I've traveled with for 3-week trips weighed 6.5–7.5kg. Every extra kilogram gets carried up every staircase and through every cobblestone street for the entire trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
A standard 40L carry-on fits 5 days of clothing (4 tops, 2 bottoms, underwear, socks, and a light layer) using packing cubes and rolling. Sufficient for any trip length with a planned laundry stop. Merino wool and quick-dry synthetic fabrics pack more compactly than cotton — the investment pays off in bag space and performance.
Safety razors with replaceable blades and cartridge razors (including disposables) are allowed in carry-on luggage on most international airlines. Straight razors with exposed blades are not allowed in carry-on. Electric shavers are permitted in both carry-on and hold luggage.
For panel-loading backpack carry-on: Osprey Farpoint/Fairview 40L ($160–180) — the consistent benchmark. For urban/nomad travel: Aer Travel Pack 3 35L ($230). For budget testing: Cabin Max Metz 40L ($35–45). Always test with a loaded bag before committing — fit to your body is the most important variable no review can assess for you.
Use a luggage scale at home targeting 7–8kg. Biggest offenders: shoes (limit to 2 pairs), books (go digital), full-size toiletries (travel or solid sizes), redundant electronics. Wearing heaviest items through security is legal and effective. A well-packed 40L with merino clothing, solid toiletries, and minimal tech can weigh under 7kg for a 2-week trip.