Foolproof Carry-On Packing List For All Travels

With a good carry-on packing list, you’ll have one less thing to worry about during your journey.

We all know the classic pre-trip anxiety that makes you go, “Did I forget something?”. Having all you need for a comfy trip together is one thing. Keeping your luggage compliant with strict airline restrictions is another. After you do all that, you may still run the risk of… You guessed it, overpacking. 

Our carry-on packing list will show you how to do it like a pro. It’s not just for one-trip use either. You can breeze easily through the check-in gates for all sorts of adventures: multi-day international trips, weekend getaways, and even beach escapades.

Most airlines allow 7-10 kg of carry-on luggage.

What A Perfect Carry-On Packing List Looks Like?

Your carry-on packing list should begin with these travel essentials. It doesn’t matter if you’re flying for pleasure or for business, having the right (and adequate, too) travel items is the key to a hassle-free journey. 

Clothing Items

Think of the number of days. Think of the weather. It should tell you how many sets of clothes you need and what kind they should be.

An unbeatable tip is keeping things capsuled-size. A travel capsule wardrobe contains all your essential pieces that can be combined together to create multiple outfits.

Different destination/weather calls for a different spin on the wardrobe, but most of the time, you should have these basic pieces in your bag: 

• Some lightweight neutral t-shirts

• 1 or 2 button-ups

• 2-3 pairs of trousers

• Shoes (trainers + sandals/slippers are an unbeatable combo)

• Outerwear (number of pieces and materials depending on your destination)

• Underwear and socks

• And then some accessories (leave those earrings and dangling necklace at home, we’re talking about a hat, scarf, or belt).

• Other items include specific clothes for the activities/destinations/cultures. For example, if you’re travelling to Vietnam, bring a cover-up for your visit to a sacred pagoda.

CabinZero’s Packing Tips To Swear By

• Stick with neutral colours. Bold colours require some mixing and matching to avoid awkwardness. And when you mix and match, you ought to layer.

• Layering is key to packing light. Plus, nights in the tropics can be more chilly than you think, so it's good to have one or two more layers on hand.

• Lightweight materials fold better than thick ones. They perform better in the heat as well. But not all lightweight stuff is travel-friendly, meaning they might crease or don't dry as fast. Look for clothing made specifically for the weather and the move. For example, Uniqlo’s airism and heattech lines.

• Jeans seem like the obvious choice, but have you considered chinos? They have the firm appearance of denim but don’t wrinkle and are pretty stretchy. Perfect for long-haul flights. 

Packing a versatile wardrobe saves you from overpacking.

Packing Shoes In A Carry-on

You can pack up to three pairs of shoes in a carry-on, which is the popular “3-shoe-rule” of packing. But that is still being too generous, we know from experience.

Unless you’re planning on hiking or other adventurous activities, you can do well with just two pairs. Some pro minimalist packers even carry only one pair of waterproof walking shoes.

The catch of packing your shoes in a carry-on is that there are not many ways to save space with them. If you bring a pair of hiking shoes, then you have to account for when it’s not in use and when it’s dirty after use.

One of the most useful tips is to use a packing cube solely for your shoes. It keeps shoes from touching your clothes and makes sure they stay put and organised during transport.

Toiletries

A carry-on packing list of toiletries is surprisingly easy to accomplish. The basics are: shampoo, shower gel, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrush, and deodorant. After you have the basics, add routine-specific stuff, like make up, face wash, lip balm, and moisturiser.

You just have to keep two things in mind:

• The TSA Liquid Rule

• Pack the essentials only, leave the “just in case” items

The TSA liquid rule can play a part in your advantage. Instead of thinking you’re being restricted to a certain quantity, think you’re having a guide on lightening the load.

If your basic routine consists of washing your hair, your face, and your body, bring only shampoo, shower gel, and skincare. Don’t bring an extra bar of soap just in case the show gell spills. Once you fall into this overpacking trap, you will feel inclined to do it for every item onwards.

CabinZero’s Tip: Leave what you can buy at your destination home. For example, towels and shower caps. Unless you're somewhere really off-the-beaten-path, most local grocery stores should have a generic product you can sub for the one at home. 

Check airline guidelines before packing your liquids, gels, and aerosols. 

TSA Carry-On Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels Rule

TSA restriction for liquids, aerosols, and gels is 3.4 ounces (or 100 mil) per container, and all containers must fit inside a 1 quart-sized (1L) clear bag. Each passenger is allowed one bag. Hence, its other (thankfully more memorable) name: the 3-1-1 rule.

While the TSA is mainly a US-based system, many airline security systems around the world follow similar rules. 

Some UK-based airports are believed to have adopted a new limit of 2 litres of liquid allowed, but you should always check their latest regulations.

So, what about those duty-free stores that sell bigger bottles? Theoretically, you can skip packing toiletries entirely and purchase them in bigger ounces after you’ve gone through security.

However, each airport has their own regulations. Oversized products might be confiscated at the boarding gate. And if you’re in a layover, you will have to go through security again, where liquid restrictions are applied. Bottom line is, while it sounds like a street-smart way to save extra space in your carry-on bag, there are too many risks.

Travel Documents

Some things you can leave home; some you can just pack into your checked bag (if your fare includes one). Travel documents should never belong in those things. They include:

• Essentials you need to board the plane: your passport, boarding pass, and visa.

• Essentials you need after landing: immigration form, custom declaration (if required), local sim card, receipts of rentals or other services you have booked.

• Items you might not need for flying but have to keep close: cards, cash, copies of your documents, ID, driver licence, and emergency contacts.

Electronics

Keep all your tech items in one place to avoid damage during transport.

A device needs its charger. They should be packed together. For example: if you pick up a camera, pack its charger next. 

A carry-on packing list of electronics depends on your travel purpose. Generally, your phone is a must-have for all trips. If it’s a long-haul flight, bring a portable charger/power bank and headphones.

Then after that it all depends on your personal preference. Travelling for work? Don’t forget your laptop. If you want better photos, bring your digital camera. 

CabinZero’s note:

• Bring a universal adapter. It’s a lifesaver, really. You don’t want to imagine the horror of finding out your accommodation uses a Type A socket (two holes) while your charger has three prongs.

• Keep chargers and wires organised in a secure tech pouch.

• For most airlines, power banks must be under 100Wh and should be stored in carry-on bags, not checked bags.

Emergency Items & Medications

Pack a mini first-aid kit, which includes painkiller, band-aid, hand sanitiser, wipes, and ointment. Then any personal medications.

Sunscreen, allergy medicine, and digestive medicine are also must-haves, especially for a tropical vacation.

When you pack emergency items in a carry-on, focus on what’s realistic in terms of delays and personal health. I.e., don’t pack that rope or tool kit. We know some people may think of this when they hear “emergency items”. 

What you can pack, other than for health issues, are a paper copy of personal information and emergency contacts, a list of names and addresses of services you have booked with at your destination, and emergency cash.

Packing Cubes

If you’ve ever found yourself digging through a messy bag trying to find that one item you know you packed, it might be time to level up your travel game with packing cubes. These simple little organisers are a total game-changer for carry-on travellers, helping you stay neat, save space, and make the most of every trip.

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How Many Packing Cubes Fit in a CabinZero Backpack?

Good question. CabinZero backpacks are made with packing cubes in mind, so here’s what you can expect:

• CabinZero 28L – Fits 1 packing cube set comfortably

• CabinZero 32L – Fits 1 packing cube set + 1 Medium

• CabinZero 36L – Fits 1 packing cube set + 1 Medium, with space for extras like snacks

• CabinZero 42L – Fits 2 packing cube sets

• CabinZero 44L – Fits 2 packing cube sets, perfect for longer trips.

Of course, it depends on your packing style, but this gives you a solid starting point for carry-on travel.

H2. Carry-On Packing List For All Trips & Lengths

It’s important your carry-on packing list should have a personal spin. It means that apart from the basics, prioritise items that are truly necessary to the kind of travels you’re having. 

Carry-On Packing List For Long Flight

For flights 5 hours up, you need to pack for your comfort. Bring a travel pillow, headphones, and entertainment (phone, book, and game console).

Before you land, you might want to freshen up, so keep your hygienic items, such as toothpaste, toothbrush, and face wash, in easy reach.

We recommend packing a pair of compression socks to prevent thrombosis.

Carry-On Packing List For The Beach

Spending most of your time by the water and the sun? Ditch the chunky trainers and grab an extra pair of flip-flops. Here are a few things you need on your carry-on packing list for the beach, whether you’re heading to Hawaii or the Maldives:

• Swimsuit/wetsuit

• Some lightweight cover-ups, such as a sarong, a linen shirt, and crochet summer shorts

• A sun hat (preferably a canvas one which you can fold and pack)

• Travel-sized sunscreen/reef-safe sunscreen.

Microfibre towels are obvious for beach trips, but they might take up some considerable space when folded. If you’re on a one-bag-only trip, you can leave them home. Most commercial beaches have stores where you can buy one.

Carry-On Packing List For 7 Days & 2 Weeks

For a 7-day trip, you can follow the 5-4-3-2-1 packing method, which is

• 5 tops

• 4 bottoms

• 3 pairs of shoes

• 2 dresses

• 1 piece of outerwear.

If you don’t wear dresses, switch them for something more itinerary-specific, such as swimsuits or a set of formal outfits.

Can you even fit 14 days' worth of travel essentials into a carry-on? Yes. 

For a 2-week trip, the 1-2-3-4-5-6 rule can help you pack ultralight: 1 hat, 2 pairs of shoes, 3 bottoms, 4 tops, 5 pairs of socks, and 6 sets of underwear. 

Honestly, you can always carry less. Many first-time travellers don’t factor in washing clothes when they plan their carry-on packing list, so sometimes we end up with a big pile of dirty clothes that we could have re-worn. 

CabinZero’s tip:

• If your accommodation has no washing machine, wash them as you shower. This is why we always recommend lightweight, travel-friendly materials. They dry much faster and are not prone to wrinkles. 

• In the meantime, for other travel essentials such as toiletries, skip the unnecessary stuff. And skip the stress, too.

• When you travel with only a carry-on, or mainly with a carry-on, as long as all of your most realistic essentials (passport, money, clothes, and phone) are with you, you should be fine. Running out of shampoo on the fifth day? Why not buy a new bottle at a local store and focus on making the best memories out of your trip?

How Do I Maximise My Carry-On Packing?

Separating things is how you stay organised, and you can do so by using packing cubes. For example, keep your shoes in one cube, your clothes in one, and your toiletries in another. It’s one of the best packing advice for a carry-on you can get out here.

Another good tip for maximising your carry-on packing is getting the right backpack. You need one that is spacious enough yet still under airline restrictions, handles wear and tear well, and won’t stress out your back muscles. 

Not all bags are cut out for hand luggage, but our classic line can do like a champ. 

CabinZero’s classic backpacks are made to deliver exactly this. They can fit either under the seat or in the overhead compartment of the aircraft with ease. 

Your packing techniques also matter. Roll instead of folding. Rolled clothes take up less room and leave no weird creases.

Printable Carry-On Packing List

This is what we’ve compiled based on our experience. You can treat it as a reference and start your own packing list from here. Everyone’s needs and wants is different, and no two trips are ever the same.

Fit All Of Your Carry-On Packing List With CabinZero

You’ve made your carry-on packing list. You’ve learnt how to pack it lightly and easily with CabinZero. What’s left is just looking forward to your wondrous trip, with a reliable carry-on by your side. Remember to focus on what is truly essential for your travel and not the “just in case” items. 

Nguyen Tran Gia Khanh