Our Ultimate Packing List: How to Pack for Carry On Only Travel

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Deciding what to bring on a trip is one of the hardest parts of planning. We always go back and forth about what to pack but ultimately know that we don’t need as much as we think we do. Our list has certainly evolved over the years and we hope this guide acts as a starting point for your own packing list. It’s so liberating to travel with less!

Backpacks

Before you decide on what to pack, lets talk backpacks. The best backpack is going to be one that is most comfortable for you. We keep all our backpacks under 40L so that they stay carry on sized. The most convenient travel backpacks are the ones that open from the front instead of top loading. Full disclosure: I travel with the Osprey 36L Kyte which is a top loading backpack simply because I find it incredibly comfortable. Packing cubes are an absolute must with this backpack due to the top loading style. And even though I can’t access things as easily as a front opening backpack, I find that it has lots of space for everything I need and it works quite well for me. Not saying I won’t hand this one down to my oldest and try a front loading one in the future though!

Ryan travels with the 40L Osprey Farpoint which is front loading and comes in men’s and women’s fit. It is much more convenient because you can access things without taking everything out of your bag. Compression straps keep everything organized inside and it also comes with a padded sleeve for a 16 inch laptop. It has a detachable shoulder strap so it can be carried duffel style which has come in handy more than once. We tend to pack somewhat together and put the things that we might need to access quickly into Ryan’s pack.

Packing Cubes

These little wonders are essential when packing in a carry on sized backpack and I never go on a trip without them! Osprey has a wonderful set of multi-sized packing cubes. I appreciate having a smaller cube for things like underwear and socks and bigger ones for shirts and shorts. All of Osprey’s products come with their “All Mighty Guarantee” which means they will either repair or replace damaged products regardless of when you bought it. “Any Reason, Any Product, Any Era”. I also appreciate Osprey’s commitment to sustainability which is why we continue to use their products. Read their full statement about sustainability here.

I use one packing cube for underwear/socks/bathing suits, one for shirts and pj’s, one for shorts and one for skirts/dresses. Sometimes I can make it work in 3 but 4 is usually my go-to. I roll everything before placing it in the packing cubes to maximize space.

Packing Lists

The following is what Ryan and I each pack for ourselves:

Clothing

I find it better to keep everything in somewhat neutral tones but throw in a splash of colour now and then. This way everything will mix and match well together and allows for more variety while travelling. We always try to pack quick drying clothing whenever possible. I always wear my pants, light jacket and running shoes on the plane for 2 reasons, I always get cold on airplanes and they are the bulkiest items to pack.

  • 5 short sleeved shirts
  • 1 long sleeved shirt
  • 3 pairs of shorts
  • 1 pair of pants
  • 7 pairs of underwear
  • 2 bras (Kelly)
  • 7 pairs of socks
  • 1 skirt (Kelly)
  • 2 dresses (Kelly)
  • 1 lightweight jacket/fleece
  • 1 packable rain jacket
  • 2 long sleep t-shirts (Kelly)
  • 2 swimsuits
  • 1 lightweight scarf to cover shoulders (Kelly)
  • 1 pair runners/walking shoes
  • 1 pair comfortable sandals/flip flops
  • Hat

Toiletries

We always pack liquids at 100ml or less and swap them out for a solid alternative whenever possible. For example, I pack solid shampoo and conditioner bars. These aren’t for everyone so you could always just purchase shampoo and conditioner when you arrive at your destination. This goes for any other liquids as well. I have never found it difficult to find what I need once we arrive.

  • Shampoo/Conditioner Bars with travel case
  • Bar of soap
  • Toothpaste
  • Toothbrush
  • Dental floss
  • Deoderant
  • Face Creams/Serums
  • Reef safe sunscreen
  • Makeup (Kelly)
  • Hair brush
  • Hair ties
  • Hair products
  • Razor
  • Tweezers/nail clippers

Electronics

Miscellaneous