Photo by Timur Weber

You can pack in one bag for any adventure! Read on to find my suggestions and carry-on only packing lists!

Packing light isn’t just about saving baggage fees—it’s about freedom. With a single carry-on, you can hop on trains without dragging a big suitcase, skip the wait at baggage claim, and move from mountain trails to museum halls without missing a beat. In addition, if you book your flights with points like me (wanna learn how? Check out my post on How to Book Business or First Class Trips With POINTS), you may have complicated itineraries. Packing only a carry on minimizes hassle and eliminates your risk of having a bag lost.

The trick? A smart packing list that works as hard as you do. From solid shampoo bars to space-saving outfits, here’s how to fit everything you need for both city breaks and outdoor escapes into one trusty bag. And, I’ll recommend a few bags that will fit all your stuff and keep it organized.

Since the TSA regulations limiting carry-on liquids to one quart ziplock full of 3 oz or less bottles, traveling with only carry-ons has become more difficult. On the other hand, it has prompted companies to come up with solutions. Solid shampoos, solid sunscreens, chewable toothpaste tabs, and concentrated mouthwash are a few of the innovative ideas that have been developed, and today’s versions give lots of options. I tested out several products and share my favorites with you!

Click on the photos for links to purchase these products. I may receive commission if you use these affiliate links. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, and it pays me pennies on the dollar, but it is really helpful to boost my visibility and opportunities for advertisements, so I’d really appreciate it if you’d use them!

Toiletries:

Solid Shampoo and Conditioner

I admit, I was skeptical. I have naturally wavy/curly hair that frizzes if you look at it funny… I usually use specially formulated products for it (Ouidad is my everyday shampoo and I love it). I tried several options and most of them were actually pretty decent! Here are the ones I really liked:

 

 

 

You may need a way to carry your solid shampoo and conditioner if you are moving around.

 

Solid Lotion

Total transparency here. I did not think these options were great. Maybe pick up some lotion when you get to your destination. If you really need a solid lotion option, here are my top choices. They do smell wonderful. I would suggest the following to optimize the performance of your solid lotion:

1. Run the container under HOT water for a minute or so. This may cause the label to peel off, but it helps soften the bar.
2. Rub the bar vigorously between your hands, maybe even chip a little off with your nail and rub that between your palms until it liquefies.
3. Allow time for the lotion to soak in. Some tend to be greasy, and they may stain your clothes.

 

 

Solid Sunscreen

If you are snorkeling, surfing, diving, or otherwise putting yourself in the ocean, please use reef safe sunscreen! We need to keep our ecosystems healthy for the good of the planet, as well as for future generations to appreciate. Here are a couple I like:

 

 

Toothpaste

When every cubic inch counts, add a solid toothpaste to your bag. I love these chewable toothpaste tabs. Put them in your mouth, chew a bit, and then brush. They lather up like regular toothpaste and are strong enough to make your mouth feel minty fresh.

Shower Pouf with Built-In Gel

A friend gave me one of these and changed my travel game! Shower poufs with the shower gel built in! Spongelle is my favorite and comes in lots of different scents.

 

Bug Wipes

For protection from the world’s deadliest animal (the mosquito), as well as biting flies, ticks, and stinging insects, you need heavy duty chemicals. Sorry, but lemongrass is not going to cut it when you are traipsing through the deep jungle in search of gorillas.

DEET and Picaridin are the top choices.DEET and picaridin are two of the most common insect repellents, and both are effective at preventing mosquito and tick bites.  DEET has been widely used since the 1950s and is considered very reliable, but it can feel oily on the skin, has a strong odor, and may damage plastics or synthetic fabrics. Picaridin, introduced more recently, is nearly as effective as DEET, but with a lighter, non-greasy feel, little to no odor, and no damage to plastics. While DEET remains the “gold standard,” many people prefer picaridin for its comfort and cosmetic advantages.

These are my go-to choices:

Consider soaking your clothing and other cloth gear in permethrin before a particularly buggy trip. It’s a pain in the butt, but worth it to avoid all the nasty mosquito-borne illnesses. Having your clothes treated with permethrin doesn’t add weight to your bag, either!

Cleaning Wipes

No one likes to be stinky or to be around stinky people, and showers aren’t always available. Here are some of my favorite wipes:

 

 

 

 

Liquids

Here are some recommendations for bottles and containers to carry your liquids and gels. I don’t usually buy travel sizes, I just fill my labeled bottles from my full-sized products I use at home. Also, I never use the plastic bags that come with these bottles. I can fit more into a quart-sized ziplock.

These are all great too:

I still travel with certain items in liquid form.

Febreeze- A wise friend recommended traveling with Febreeze and now I never leave without it!

Concentrated Mouthwash- This is such a cool idea! One drop in a half cup of water and you’ve got mouthwash! Be careful, though… if you try to gargle with this stuff undiluted, you are in for a rude awakening! It’s intense!

Or you can take these convenient little mouthwash packets:

We use electric toothbrushes at home and are totally spoiled. If space is a premium, a sleek case is great to have, and having a toothbrush that can use the same charger as your electronics is also great.

Here are two options. The Suri toothbrush is the one I have. It is pricey, but it comes with a case that keeps the toothbrush charged, can be charged with the same cable as your electronics, has a UV cleaning function, and is recyclable and made with plant-based materials. I found the second option online and haven’t tried it, but it is way more affordable. It doesn’t have the UV cleaning function and requires a different charger, but it is sleek and cute.

                                                       

 

Clothes

I travel in my Bridgette Briana set from Sexy Modest and my Vuori hoodie. These items are lightweight, soft, comfy, and cute. They resist odor and wrinkles and can double as PJs. For shoes, I have found the perfect shoe for European travel. They are lightweight and fashionable.

• Stick to a neutral color palette so all clothes mix & match.

• Use merino wool if possible—it’s odor resistant and can be reworn.

• Technical fabrics are more expensive, but tend to be lightweight, resist odor, are easy to layer, moisture-wicking, and climate friendly.

• Plan to wash clothes every few days (sink laundry with quick-dry fabrics).

• Use packing cubes to save space and keep organized.

Packing

Packing Cubes

My cousin gave me a set of packing cubes for Christmas one year and changed my packing game forever. They make organizing and unpacking so much easier. You have so many options. I’ve included the ones I have, and a few other options recommended by friends. None of them require extra equipment to compress. I’ve also included shoe bags. You don’t want mud from your hiking shoes to get all over your clothes. Another option is these handy compression bags. They are like large, sturdy ziplocks, and you press out all the air.

 

 

 

 

 

Backpacks and Luggage

Some people who travel with carry-ons only prefer backpacks, others prefer suitcases. For me, it depends on what type of trip I’m taking. If I am going on an outdoor adventure or tour-heavy exploration, I use a backpack for my carry on and a smaller backpack or purse for my personal item. For a fancier trip where I’m exploring Tuscany on a wine tour or spending a week in Florence for a conference, I might take a hard-sided suitcase. Still others prefer soft-sided suitcases. Here are some of my faves in each category.

I drive my husband crazy with my quest for the perfect backpack. We have so many… in my opinion, the perfect one is the Gregory Jade 38 Liter. Unfortunately, it is currently unavailable on Amazon and the Gregory site, and I think it has been discontinued. I think this one may be even better- bigger is better, right? Just don’t overpack it. When I fill mine, it is heavy! Meet the Gregory Amber 44 Liter. Whether you choose Gregory, Osprey, or some other brand, be sure to look for a waist and chest belt. These really help distribute the weight and save your back.

 

My husband has the Gregory Zulu 40 Liter. If you can, go into a store where they carry these and get fitted. It’s always best to buy local, but you could go home and order it on Amazon. Gregory’s website also has fit recommendations. We also bought smaller day packs that we used as our personal items on the flights and for hikes. All of these packs have water bladders so you can stay hydrated. The daypacks are very small, but fit great and have very convenient pockets.

 

 

If you need a daypack with more space that is easier to pack, so you can use something else as your personal item, consider a packable day pack. These don’t tend to have the best pockets, and they are flimsy, but they have to be by design. You can fold them up into a nice little package and put them in your backpack until you need them.

 

This is a really cool option too that combines your backpack and your daypack. It is a backpack, but it also has wheels. AND, it has a detachable daypack! So instead of having a second backpack as your personal item, you can attach your daypack to your bigger backpack and it is one carry-on. Then you can take a purse as your personal item! Below:

                                                 

This hard sided carry-on from NOBL might be the perfect carry-on for people who prefer suitcases! It has all the bells and whistles and the price is right! It has a detachable pouch, a side pocket for your laptop, a cupholder, phone holder, and charging ports. And I love the color selection!

And if you prefer a soft-sided carry-on suitcase, check out this one by Travelpro. It is expandable and comes with a removable compression pack organizer. They have check-in bags as well. Great brand!

Smart lists for hikes, camps, and nights under the stars

Its kinda funny, I can spend 3-4 weeks in Africa or Asia and pack in a single backpack and personal item, but if I go home to South Carolina for 4-5 days, I have to take a big suitcase!

When we are traveling for adventure, yoga pants, tank tops, zip off pants, and travel dresses are my uniforms. Now that wearing sneakers with dresses is trendy, it has gotten even easier! Always take a packable rain jacket!!

Here are some recommendations for travel-friendly, packable clothing:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What Goes in my Bag (changes based on the weather; for 2 weeks, doing laundry once):

Clothing (lightweight, quick-dry, layerable)

• 3 moisture-wicking t-shirts or tank tops

• 2 long-sleeve shirts (1 lightweight, 1 thermal or merino)

• 1 fleece or midlayer

• 1 packable down or synthetic jacket

• 1 rain jacket (waterproof, breathable)

• 2 pairs hiking pants (lightweight, quick-dry; one could be zip-off shorts style)

• 1 pair leggings or base layer bottoms (for warmth or sleeping)

• 1 pair shorts (if warm climate)

• 1 dress or casual outfit (optional, compact, for town days)

• 7 pairs underwear (quick-dry, easy to wash)

• 2-3 sports bras

• 4–5 pairs hiking socks (wool or synthetic)

• 1 pair camp/sleep socks (warm, cozy)

• Sleepwear (lightweight set)

• Buff or bandana (multi-use: sun, sweat, dust, warmth)

• Hat (sun hat or cap)

• Beanie + gloves (if cooler nights expected)

• Swimsuit (if near water, hot springs, or showers)

• Footwear

  • 1 pair sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes

  • 1 pair lightweight camp shoes or sandals (packable, can double for water)

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  Gear & Essentials

  • Carry-on backpack (35–45L) with hip belt

  • Daypack or packable backpack (10–20L, folds down)

  • Sleeping bag liner or compact travel blanket (if hostels or camping; optional depending on lodging)

  • Headlamp + extra batteries

  • Reusable water bottle (1L) or hydration bladder

  • Compact travel towel (quick-dry microfiber)

  • Sunglasses (polarized if possible)

  • Trekking poles (collapsible, optional depending on terrain) CHECK WITH YOUR AIRLINES to be sure you can carry these on.

  • Small dry bag / packing cubes (to separate clean/dirty and keep gear dry

    Toiletries & Health

    • Travel-size toiletries (see above)

    • Sunscreen + lip balm with SPF

    • Bug repellent (wipes or small bottle)

    • Menstrual supplies (cup, discs, or compact pads/tampons)

    • Small first aid kit (bandages, blister pads, pain relievers, personal meds)

    • Hand sanitizer + wet wipes

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    Tech & Extras

    • Phone + charging cable + power bank

    • Travel adapter (if abroad)

    • Camera or GoPro (if desired, with extra card/battery)

    • Notebook + pen (for journaling or logistics)

    • Multi-tool or small knife (if checked; not TSA carry-on allowed)

    • Lightweight travel book/Kindle

    • Eye Mask
    • Ear Plugs

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From gelato stops to gallery strolls: how to fit chic travel into one tiny bag

The key here is to pack coordinating colors, stylish but comfy walking shoes, and febreeze. I personally stick to mostly black when traveling to Europe, and add scarves for pops of color. For Africa, Asia, and beyond, I often pack casual workout style clothes that can double as touring outfits. I love packing travel dresses.

What Goes in my Bag (7-10 days):

Clothing (mix & match capsule wardrobe)

• 3 tops (nice blouses or casual tees that layer well)

• 2 bottoms (one pair of jeans/trousers + one skirt/versatile pants)

• 1 lightweight dress (works for day-to-night)

• 1 layering piece (cardigan, light sweater, or blazer)

• 1 jacket (packable raincoat or stylish lightweight jacket)

• 1 scarf (adds warmth + style)

• 7 pairs underwear (quick-dry if possible)

• 3 bras (2 everyday, 1 sports if you’ll be active)

• 4 pairs socks

• 1 pair sleepwear

• 1 pair leggings or comfy pants (for plane/train or lounging)

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Shoes

• 1 pair comfortable walking shoes (sneakers or supportive flats)

• 1 pair versatile shoes for evenings (ankle boots, flats, or sandals depending on season)

  Accessories

  • Crossbody or anti-theft bag (small, secure, for daily use)

  • Sunglasses

  • Compact tote or packable day bag (for markets, museums, excursions)

  • Jewelry (minimal, lightweight)- don’t take expensive jewelry! It makes you a target and you could lose it.

  • Eye Mask
  • Ear Plugs
  • Kindle

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  Toiletries (travel-size, TSA-friendly)

  • See above

  • Light makeup kit (just essentials you use daily)

  • Razor

  • Menstrual supplies (cup, discs, or compact tampons/pads)

    Tech & Travel

    • Phone + charger

    • Power bank

    • Plug adapter (Europe uses Type C, E, or F plugs)

    • Headphones/earbuds

    • Kindle or small book (optional)

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    Documents & Money

    • Passport + photocopy/digital backup

    • Wallet with credit/debit cards + some cash (euros or local currency)

    • Travel insurance info

    • Tickets/reservations (digital copies saved offline)

Links to Additional Items on Packing Lists

 

Cruises

Packing carry-on only for a cruise is beyond my capabilities. I always check bags when I’m cruising. There are just too many different events, outfits, shoes, room decor, etc… Check out my cruise packing list for more…This is not a comprehensive packing list, but a list of items that will level up your cruise!

Let me know what you think! Do you have tried and true items or lists you use? Share them with me and I’ll get them out to the world.