Packing 101: How to have everything you need in a carry-on bag
Packing for a trip can feel like a game of Tetris - especially when you’re determined to fit everything into a carry-on. But with a few smart strategies (and a little restraint), it’s totally possible to have everything you need without ever checking a bag.
I just checked the weather forecast for Vietnam and I’m glad I did. Now I know that rain is possible and humidity is definite. This will affect what I pack in my bag. Speaking of bags, I am very excited about my new Osprey carry-on bag.
What to Pack 👗
Since I am only planning to take this great new carry-on bag of mine plus one smaller backpack, I need to be intentional about what I am packing. I have been learning about the beauty of the Capsule Wardrobe. A travel capsule wardrobe is a smart traveler’s secret weapon: a handpicked set of clothing that works together to create multiple looks. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to have a variety of outfits on the road without lugging around extra luggage. All of the clothes I have gathered are made with wrinkle-resistant fabrics.
Capsule wardrobe for a warm weather trip
My warm weather trip capsule wardrobe includes:
3 short-sleeved shirts (1 off-white, 1 striped, 1 black t-shirt with a graphic)
3 tanks (1 black, 1 solid (rust-colored), 1 patterned (aka my fun shirt)
2 long-sleeved tops (1 hooded full-zip sweatshirt, 1 lightweight denim shirt)
1 pair shorts
2 skorts (1 black and more “athletic”, 1 khaki)
1 pair capri tights (to wear with or without the black skort for warmer option)
1 longer skirt (for visiting religious sites)
1 pair pants (black and lightweight)
1 dress
pjs
undergarments & socks
swimsuit & sun shirt
raincoat, lightweight down vest
sneakers, sandals, water shoes (opting for some comfy flip-flops)
cap
sarong
How to Pack It 🧳
Now that I have settled on my clothing, I am focusing on how to fit it all in my carry-on. I have been experimenting with packing cubes. They’re perfect for items that don’t require much attention to wrinkles - like undergarments, socks, swimsuits, pjs. I can stuff them in the cubes and use the compression zipper to make them even more compact. I can squeeze my raincoat, warm vest, and sarong all into a small cube. Likewise, all my undergarments and pjs can be compacted into a medium-sized cube.
When I put my tops in a packing cube during a trip last year, they came out very wrinkled. Some wrinkles are going to happen, but I have been working on strategies to minimize that disheveled look. One thing I do is take a few moments to steam wrinkles out of clothes before I pack them. Another thing that has been working for me is to fold like items together in a stack.
Other Packing Tips
Shower Caps -Whenever I stay in a hotel that provides shower caps, I take them home and use them to put my shoes in. It saves all the clothes packed around my shoes from getting dirty.
Toilet Kits - I used to have a toilet kit that was the size of a football and I always struggled with how to fit it in to my limited space. Several years ago I switched over to a flat toilet kit. It saves me valuable real estate in my bag. I can just throw it on top of my packing cubes or folded stacks of clothes.
Lip Balm - I don’t know what it is about travel, but I find my lips always get dry and chapped. I have started tucking multiple tubes of lip balm into a variety of places so that I can find one when I need one.
Packing everything you need into a carry-on isn’t about sacrifice, it’s about strategy. With a thoughtful packing list, smart organization, and a few tried-and-true tricks, you’ll travel lighter, move faster, and start your trip completely stress-free. Time to put those packing skills to use. Your next adventure is waiting.
