Packing for a trip always feels like a dance between art and science—and attempting to pack light complicates things even further. As a travel journalist, I often find myself on the road several times a month—sometimes for weeks at a time navigating various modes of transportation. This means being self-sufficient with my luggage is key. I also don’t want to be concerned about lost luggage when I travel, so I opt to bring only a carry-on whenever I can. My mantra while packing for any trip, whether it’s a domestic weekend getaway or a weeklong international adventure, is that every piece of gear has to be multi-functional to maximize space. Below, my tried-and-true tips for packing light with only a carry-on.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
Our best tips for packing light:
Choose the right luggage
A key consideration for any trip is choosing the right luggage to fit all your essentials without weighing you down. If you’re traveling with just a carry-on-sized bag, you want it to be lightweight yet roomy—expandable options are always helpful. My go-to is the Monos Carry-On Plus, a 7.8-pound hard-shell suitcase sized to fit in overhead bins. The wheels have a 360-spin, making it a breeze to maneuver in tight spaces, and the side handle makes it easy to lift into the overhead bin and in a rental car. The padded front compartment fits my 15-inch laptop, a scarf, and a book in there easily. The suitcase comes with an antimicrobial laundry bag and two shoe bags that further help with packing and organization.
Another smart carry-on option is the Cotopaxi Allpa Roller Bag. The hybrid look of a hardcover back and adjustable softcover front brings the right amount of support and expandability of a traditional carry-on suitcase. It only has two wheels but when I saw how easily the bag moved on different surfaces, I was hooked. Cotopaxi’s fun and vibrant colors also make these suitcases easily identifiable among a sea of like-looking bags at the airport.
Next up: choosing a functional personal item. I paired my suitcase with the Chelsea Backpack from Antler. As a professional photographer, I always travel with my gear and I find the Chelsea is spacious enough to pack my camera, an extra lens, and in-flight essentials: snacks, my Otterbox 3-in-1 MagSafe charging station that helped cut down on extra cords, and my insulated Camelbak water bottle. It even has a zipped, padded laptop area with a separate slip pocket for a tablet. The backpack’s trolley sleeve is a lifesaver, slipping onto my rolling suitcase and allowing me to keep one hand free. And I always pack my Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole tote as an extra bag (for souvenirs or as a daypack for a quick hike). It folds down into a small pouch, making it both packable and functional.
Don’t skip the packing cubes
Anyone who struggles with optimizing space when traveling knows that packing cubes are the ultimate solution. Not only are they perfect for organization, but compression ones like these from Monos and Béis save space in your bag. I routinely use about three to five cubes and organize my essentials by category. The bigger cube is for bulky items like jeans, pants, and sweatshirts, the medium is for shirts, and the smaller one is for undergarments and socks. The clear-view window on the Monos packing cubes allows me to see what’s inside at a glance, making it easier to get ready. I also carry an extra one to separate dirty laundry on my return trip home.
Opt for lightweight, multi-functional fabrics
I will admit that choosing the right clothes for a multi-week trip is the most challenging part of packing, especially when dealing with different climates. My Duer jeans are my favorite denim. With the right amount of stretch, softness, comfort, and a water-repellent fabric, I wear them on planes, around town, and even hiking. My top picks are these fleece-lined relaxed Girlfriend fit for flights, and the mid-rise performance slim straight for backup. Another new favorite is the Freeflex Roll-Up pants from Kühl. The roll-up feature quickly converts it into a capri, increasing the usability. Plus, they are quick-drying, moisture-managing, and water-resistant.