How To Pack Light When You’re Only Traveling With A Carry-On

Traveling with just a carry-on offers a streamlined, stress-free way to explore the world. The art of packing light not only saves time but also cuts down on travel headaches like lost luggage, long waits at baggage claim, and extra fees. Here are some strategies and tips to help you pack smart, avoid overpacking, and make the most out of your carry-on for a hassle-free adventure.

1. Pack Merino wool. “This stuff just doesn’t stink, so you can wear it for a few days between washes,” says Richard Campbell, founder of 10Adventures. “I travel with merino wool socks, undies, t-shirts, shorts and pants.”

2. Hand wash on the go. Bring laundry detergent sheets—they way nothing and are easy to use. “After wringing out your clothes, lay flat on a dry towel and roll the towel up,” says Campbell. “Clothes are almost always guaranteed to be dry by the morning.

3. Feel comfortable wearing the same clothes (but clean). Most people you meet while traveling will never see you again, so if you’re wearing the same clothes every other day, it’s not a big deal notes Campbell.

4. Make sure you love your limited travel wardrobe. “In my case every piece I have fits and feels great and looks good,” says Campbell. If you’re only going to pack a few items, make sure you love everything you put in your bag. If you’re on the fence, don’t bring it.

5. Pack only essentials. “Similar to how most people only wear half of what is in their closet, it is not unusual to pack clothes that you never end up wearing,” says Stefanie Lambert, founder of the travel planning company Eurotravels by Design. “After laying out everything you want to pack, try taking away at least one third of the items.” Try to pack things that can mix and match, or that can be dressed up or down. Use small items like jewelry, belts and other accessories to create different looks.

6. Limit shoes. Since shoes take up so much room in luggage, try to take only two pairs. Wear one on the plane and pack the other. “One pair should either be hiking boots or very comfortable walking shoes like sneakers,” says Lambert. “The other pair should be a style that can be dressed up or down such as a loafer or ballet flat.” Lambert also suggests using the inside of the shoes as more storage—to place socks, jewelry or other small items. A pair of flip flops could be an exception to the two pair rule. Flip flops can double as shower shoes, beach sandals, casual footwear or even slippers in the hotel.

7. Utilize compression bags. “Compression bags compresses your clothes substantially by getting rid of the extra air, so you can fit more in the suitcase,” says Lambert. These come in all different sizes.

8. Don’t underestimate the power of a scarf. “Scarves take up relatively little room in luggage but are very useful,” says Lambert. They can be used as a pillow, blanket or head covering. They also make a huge difference when the temperature dips. A scarf will help keep you warm without having to wear a bulky coat.

9. Wear your bulkiest items on the plane. This can be a winter jacket, big hiking boots or heavy fleece.

10. Do laundry on the road. “Many travelers assume they’ll be unable to do a load of laundry while away, but that’s rarely the case,” says David Lepeska, publisher and editor of Escape Artist. Many hotels and short-term rentals have washing machines and dryers. You can also often find a DIY laundry place nearby.

11. Write out your packing list. “Before I even put a single piece of clothing in my luggage, I write down my packing list with everything I think I’ll need,” says Kelly Tolliday, travel advisor and founder of RNR, a boutique wellness travel company. “I write down each day of the trip with activities that might occur, and work backwards from there, selecting clothes that are versatile and can be styled together. Once I do pack, I always go through two or three edits, removing items with each round, until I finally reach my final draft.”

12. Never pack for more than a week’s worth of clothes. “Even if you are traveling for 3 weeks, only pack for a maximum of seven days’ worth of clothes,” says Tolliday.

13. Light on liquids. Downsize your skincare and self-care routines to the core basics. “I tend to bring liquids that I absolutely need or don’t think I’ll be able to find, and then I’ll go to a local store to pick up the rest,” says Tolliday. She notes that shampoo bars, soap bars and face wash bars are a great way to avoid carrying liquids.

14. Pack smartly. Maximize space by rolling your clothes tightly and use packing cubes.

15. Pack neutral colors. Use neutral items that you can layer, and then switch out different color scarves or jewelry to make each outfit look different.

16. Consider renting. “When I go on trips where I want to pack light, but I also want to do activities like include scuba diving, I decide which equipment I’m happy to rent from my dive operator, and which equipment I’d rather not share, like my mask and snorkel,” says Tolliday. “I’ll bring my dive socks so that I don’t need to bring my fins and I know I won’t get blisters from the rental fins. If I’m going on a multi-day liveaboard dive trip where diving is the main focus, then I will prioritize bringing my dive equipment over other items.” No matter what type of adventure trip you’re going on (surfing, hiking, diving), there’s usually an option to rent some of the equipment when you arrive so you don’t have to travel with your whole kit.

17. Travel with lightweight luggage. When you’re only traveling with carry-on luggage, every ounce helps. Make sure to buy the lightest-weight luggage you can find. Then, before you go to the airport weigh your luggage at home to make sure you’re not over the weight allotment.