My Carry-On Packing List for 1 Week or More (2025 Edition)

Last Updated: August 15, 2026

Carry on travel packing items in a black backpack
My 2025 Carry-On Packing List

I’ve been traveling light and using packing lists for years, and I’ll never take for granted how good it feels to travel carry-on only.

Because I’ve seen how exhausting traveling with excess can be.

That’s why I’m going to give you an up-close look at my do-everything, all-season travel setup.

I want to show you precisely what a lightweight and practical approach to travel looks like.

So, take a look inside my pack and check off the boxes of my carry-on packing list as you get ready for your next adventure.

Maybe you can transform your travel bag into something lighter and more mobile, or perhaps you’ll find a game-changing piece of gear to help liberate your life on the road.

Must-Bring Travel Essentials

There are certain items you cannot travel without.

IDs. Visas. Money. Cell phones. Medications. Important travel documents.

The items below will likely stop you dead in your tracks if you’ve left one (or more) of them behind.

While many of the items below (tickets, insurance info, travel documents, etc.) can be saved and accessed digitally, don’t forget to bring hard copies as well.

Passport/Visa

ID Card/Drivers License

Wallet/Purse

Cash/Credit Cards

Cell Phone

Tickets

Medications

Insurance Documents

Copies of Passport/Visa

Maps/Guidebooks

Travel Itineraries

Travel Reservations

iPhone 13 Pro smartphone

Do-it-All Cell Phone: iPhone 13 Pro

A quality smartphone is a wise investment when putting together your travel packing list. My iPhone 13 Pro has loads of storage (512 GB), a fast processor, an incredible camera, and a beautiful display. Yes, it was expensive, but it was worth every penny.

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Black soft shell travel wallet

Wallet: Slimfold Soft Shell

The thinner the wallet, the better. That’s why I love the Slimfold Soft Shell. Its minimalist design makes it barely noticeable in my pocket. The wallet is soft, simple, easy to access, and holds everything I ask of it. What more could you ask for in a travel wallet?

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Capital One Venture Rewards credit card

Travel Rewards Credit Card: Capital One Venture

I’ve travel hacked with credit cards to earn dozens of free flights, and I recommend the Capital One Venture to anyone who wants to do the same. For signing up, you’ll get 75,000 points, $100 in statement credits for TSA PreCheck, two lounge passes, and 2x points per dollar spent.

VIEW THE CAPITAL ONE VENTURE

Carry-On Travel Bags

Carry-on travel begins and ends with the luggage you bring along.

Ensure your main piece of travel baggage meets the airline’s carry-on size guidelines, and you’ll be in great shape.

The age-old question, “Should I use a rolling suitcase or a backpack?” is entirely yours to answer.

I use a personal item backpack simply because I can move around more easily while wearing it.

Main Travel Backpack

Daypack

Camera Bag

 

TOM BIHN Techonaut carry on backpack

Backpack: TOM BIHN Techonaut

My TOM BIHN Techonaut is technical, comfortable, durable, and stylish. Sure, it’s a bit spendy, but it’s the best travel bag I’ve ever laid hands on and should be my go-to carry-on pack for the next decade (or two). It’s also made in the USA, which is always a good thing.

READ MY REVIEW

Black waterproof packable daypack

Daypack: Matador Freerain22

I fell in love with the Freerain22 before I ever ordered it. This bag is completely waterproof, weighs only ten ounces, and packs down into the palm of my hand. It’s great for day trips or hikes when bringing along my main travel bag would be overkill.

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Hyperlite Mountain Gear ultralight camera pod

Camera Bag: Hyperlite Mountain Gear

This ultralight camera pod perfectly fits my Fujifilm X-T4 camera, lens, and spare batteries. If my camera and lens kit were any larger, I’d be forced to find another solution. For now, it does everything I could ever ask of it.

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Lightweight Travel Luxuries

Below are the non-essential odds and ends that always find their way into my bag anyway.

Sure, I don’t need to pack a single one of these items, but that’s not the point.

This particular gear enhances my travel experience enough to warrant a permanent spot on my packing list and in my carry-on bag.

Water Bottle

Earplugs

Travel Locks

Towel

Packing Cubes

Headphones

Battery Bank

Headlamp

Bluetooth Speaker

Blue titanium water bottle

Water Pouch: Snow Peak Aurora

If you’re a budget-minded traveler, you know that paying for water is one of the biggest rackets out there. That’s why I always pack my Snow Peak Aurora titanium water bottle. Like my backpack, it was pretty expensive, but it should last me for the next decade (or longer).

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Lightweight earplugs to pack for travel

Earplugs: Howard Leight

I’m an earplug snob. Sure, it sounds a bit ridiculous, but I’d rather listen to a stranger snore all night than toss and turn while wearing uncomfortable earplugs. I’ve tried several brands and finally found my forever plugs, the Howard Leights. They’re comfy and effective. Second-to-none.

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Black luggage locks

Travel Lock: TSA-Approved Padlocks

I’m no travel lock expert, but I can tell you that these sturdy little padlocks get the job done. They’re well-built and make it easy to set a unique 4-digit combo. They’re TSA-approved, which means airport security will use keys, not lock-cutters, to see what’s in your bag.

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Green and black lightweight hiking and backpacking towel

Mini-Towel: Packtowl Ultralight Microfiber

Since the vast majority of hotels and hostels offer free towels, I never pack a full-sized towel of my own. I do, however, pack one of these ultra-compact Packtowls for the rare occasion that I can’t get my hands on a towel when I need one.

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Packing cube/shoulder bag combo travel organizer

Packing Cube/Shoulder Bag: TOM BIHN

Organization and functionality are key in the carry-on lifestyle, which is why I pack this handy packing cube that doubles as a shoulder bag. Without this simple piece of travel organization, my bag would be a disaster, and I wouldn’t have a stylin’ shoulder bag for day trips.

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White Bluetooth Apple AirPods headphones

Headphones: Apple AirPods Pro

I love the feel of over-ear headphones (and have traveled with them for years), but it was only a matter of time before I switched to the Apple AirPods Pro. They’re great at canceling noise, work flawlessly for phone calls, and pump out high-quality audio. What’s not to love?

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20,000mAh battery bank for laptops, cells phones, and other devices

Battery Bank: Anker

My Anker battery bank bails me out time and time again on the road. It’s durable and compact, and will fully charge my cell phone three or four times before it runs out of juice. Not to mention, it’s powerful enough to charge my laptop and is a lifesaver when I can’t find an outlet.

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Black ultralight headlamp

Headlamp: Nitecore NU25

I don’t use my headlamp frequently when I travel, but it’s sure nice to have around when I need it. Whether packing up camp on the Huemul Circuit or night fishing on the North Shore of Hawaii, my headlamp always shines bright and leads the way.

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Small black Bluetooth travel speaker

Bluetooth Speaker: JBL Go 3

Do I need to pack a Bluetooth speaker? No, but I bring my JBL Go 3 on all of my trips anyway. It’s super compact, fully waterproof, and sounds incredible. Sometimes, I just feel the need to rock out to tunes or listen to podcasts sans headphones.

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Lightweight & Packable Travel Clothing

The traveler’s tendency to bring far too many clothes along is the biggest hindrance to packing light.

Few things make me cringe more than witnessing a fellow traveler fight and struggle with a bag bursting at the seams with two weeks’ worth of clothing.

I bring a maximum of six shirts and two pairs of travel pants for every trip I take, and I usually manage not to come across as a scruffy and stinky drifter.

How?

  • I pack clothing made from highly breathable materials that stay fresh longer than cotton.
  • I pack primarily dark colors that hide the constant smudges and stains of travel.
  • I utilize laundromats or sink-wash my clothing before it reaches its stink limit.

Sweater/Jacket

Travel Pants (2)

Sandals

Rain Jacket

Athletic Shorts

Button-Up Shirt

T-Shirts (4)

Underwear (5)

Socks (5)

 Belt

Grey crew neck sweatshirt

Sweatshirt: Mack Weldon

My Mack Weldon crew neck sweatshirt is super soft, keeps me warm, and fits like a glove. My partner, Keri, never fails to get a bit perturbed if I wear another sweatshirt instead of it. It’s a quality piece of clothing that I feel great in.

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Black lightweight and breathable travel pants

Travel Pants: Outlier Slim Dungarees

Versatile pants are essential for carry-on travel, and the Outlier Slim Dungarees check all the boxes. They fit super well, match all my shirts, and are lightweight and durable. My uncomfortable days of traveling in constricting pants are now far behind me.

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Black minimalist travel sandals

Athletic Sandals: LUNA OSO Flaco

My LUNAs are compact, versatile, and well-built. Their durable zero-drop soles provide the support and stability of a hiking shoe while enjoying the convenience and breathability of a sandal. These shoes are much more practical than flip-flops and thrive almost everywhere. 

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Black lightweight travel packing rain jacket

Rain Jacket: Marmot Precip

While this isn’t my favorite rain jacket for trekking and backpacking, it works well as a lightweight travel jacket. It blocks rain nicely and keeps me warm when worn as a shell with my sweatshirt when life on the road gets chilly.

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Black running, hiking and backpacking shorts

Athletic Shorts: Patagonia Multi Trails

A good set of athletic shorts will always have a place on my packing list, and these are my absolute favorites. They’re feather-light, fit comfortably, and dry quickly. They also have three zippered pockets, so I’m not at risk of losing my important travel essentials.

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Blue button-down Japanese Oxford travel shirt

Button-Down Shirt: Everlane

I’ve owned my Everlane Japanese Oxford for years, and wear it when I need to transform from ‘scruffy ultralight backpacker‘ to ‘respectable, cultured traveler’. From what I can gather, it works like a charm (I hope).

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T-Shirts: Wool&Prince

These Wool&Prince t-shirts are perfect for my minimalist travel style. They’re a blend of 78% Merino wool and 22% Nylon, making them soft, breathable, odor-resistant, and moisture-wicking (without stretching out). To top it off, they fit my frame better than any other t-shirt I’ve ever worn.

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Dark blue travel boxer briefs

Boxer Briefs: Mack Weldon

The Mack Weldons are my go-to everyday boxer briefs and get the job done for travel, hiking, blogging, you name it. They’re comfy, breathable, and odor-resistant, which makes them especially great for travel. Never underestimate the importance of a good set of undies.

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Black athletic sock

Socks: Darn Tough No Show

Darn Tough makes the most comfortable and durable socks I’ve ever put on. They’re a perfect blend of Merino wool, nylon, and Spandex, keeping my feet feeling fresh and comfortable during travel. Pricey? Yes. Worth it? Definitely.

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Brown and black reversible travel belt

Travel Belt: Perry Ellis

I used to wear a zippered money-hiding belt, but I’m good enough at deterring pickpockets that I don’t really need it. I now rock this black and brown reversible belt instead. It can be dressed up or down, goes well with all my travel wear, and doesn’t set off metal detectors at the airport.

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Cold Weather Travel Clothing

Sometimes, travel takes you to chilly destinations, so you’d better be prepared with warm, lightweight, and packable travel clothing when the conditions are downright cold.

With all the warm and well-made winter gear on the market, there’s no excuse to let cold weather cheapen or derail your trip.

And, no, preparing for a frosty weather adventure doesn’t mean you have to ditch your carry-on travel mantra either.

Winter Jacket

Long Underwear

Warm Hat

Warm Socks

Gloves

Black down jacket

Down Jacket: Arc’teryx Cerium LT

The Cerium LT is by far the warmest down jacket I’ve ever owned. It keeps me comfortable in below-freezing temperatures and is a must-bring on all my cold-weather backpacking adventures. It’s remarkably lightweight and packs down conveniently into its built-in stuff sack.

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Black long underwear

Long Underwear: Patagonia Capilene

I love my lightweight travel pants, but they don’t always keep my legs warm when temperatures drop. That’s why I bring these along to all of my cold-weather travel destinations. They provide an extra layer of warmth and take up barely any room in my bag.

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Black fleece beanie

Warm Hat: Carhartt Knit Beanie

This fleece beanie is a staple of my cold-weather outfit, whether I’m traveling or not. I love it not only for its warmth and comfort but also for its affordable price tag. When I lost my first Carhartt beanie, I had zero hesitation in replacing it immediately.

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Grey wool sock

Warm Socks: Smartwool Extra Heavy

My travel shoes often need a little help insulating my feet in frosty weather, so I pack a pair of Smartwool Extra Heavy socks when the temperatures call for them. These socks are ultra warm, however, so consider a pair of Darn Tough Hikers if your feet tend to run hot.

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Black waterproof glove

Gloves: Sealskinz Waterproof

I bought these waterproof gloves solely for hiking and backpacking, but they’ve also proven to be great travel gloves. They’re compact, stylish, and comfortable, and they keep my hands toasty warm on even the coldest winter days.

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Travel Photography Gear 

It’d be a pity to travel the world without quality photography gear to capture life’s vivid moments on the road.

Not only do I cherish the thousands of memorable photos my camera has taken, but these images enhance my blog and bring it to life for you, my reader.

Nearly every photo on this blog was captured using the camera and lenses I’ve listed below or my trusty iPhone 13 Pro.

Camera

Extra Lenses

Tripod

Camera Bag

Extra Batteries/Charger

Black travel camera with all-in-one lens

Camera + Lens: Fujifilm X-T4

After tireless research into travel cameras, I bought the Fujifilm X-T4 in 2023. It’s been a proud part of my carry-on packing list ever since. It’s sleek, durable, effortless to use, and captures reliably excellent photos and video.

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Lightweight packable travel tripod

Tripod: Ultrapod

The Ultrapod II is one of the most compact and affordable travel tripods on the market, so adding it to my travel photography setup was a no-brainer. Sure, its short stature limits its capabilities, but it does everything I ask of it (and nothing more).

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Connectivity & Organization Items 

Blogging is my passion, and my professional life revolves around it.

To leave on a trip without the necessary tools to blog would send me into a spiral of panic and sadness.

Thankfully, I’ve found a place in my packing list for each essential piece of my lightweight blogging gear.

That’s right; I can fit all my personal and professional needs into one bag and carry it onto an airplane.

That’s freedom.

Here’s my simple, powerful, and efficient travel blogging setup that allows me to live a lightweight and mobile life on the road.

Laptop

Laptop Stand

Laptop Case

Pocket Journal

Pen

Travel Adapter

13 inch laptop

Laptop: MacBook Pro 14″

Travel blogging could get annoying quickly without a fast and reliable computer, so I invested in the MacBook Pro 14″. This trusty machine has the speed and power to answer all my blogging needs. It’s portable, durable, and lightweight and has never disappointed me.

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Black foldable laptop stand for travel and remote working

Laptop Stand: Roost

Elevating my laptop to eye level has been a complete game-changer while working remotely. Gone are the days of slouching over to type, which creates bad posture that can lead to back and neck problems. The Roost is the lightest and most portable stand on the market.

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White bluetooth keyboard

Bluetooth Keyboard: Apple Magic Keyboard

Because I use my Roost to elevate my laptop, I need a keyboard to keep my hands at a comfortable level. My Magic Keyboard is essentially a replica of my MacBook’s keyboard, allowing me to type as comfortably as I had before I started using a stand.

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White Apple Magic Mouse

Bluetooth Mouse: Apple Magic Mouse

I went all-out Apple and sprung for one of their Magic Mouses (Mice?). So far, it has worked flawlessly for me and has stood up admirably to the abuses of travel. Incredibly, it can last nearly a month between charges. How in the world is that possible?!

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Black laptop case for lightweight travel

Laptop Case: tomtoc 360°

Protecting my MacBook Pro while I travel is mandatory. That’s why I carry this generously padded and water-resistant case. I love its external pocket, which is handy for storing cords, pens, notebooks, and other travel essentials.

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Leather bound pocket journal

Pocket Journal: Moleskine Soft Cover

I’m a forgetful writer, so my pocket journal is one of my most valuable blogging tools. It has a thick leather-like cover and durable pages that withstand the relentless abuses of travel. With it, I capture fleeting details that otherwise might fade from my memory.

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Oval shaped pen

Pen: Fisher Space Bullet

I’d be doing my journal a disservice if I didn’t bring a suitable pen. The Fisher Space Bullet is sleek, reliable, and versatile. It uses pressurized cartridges, allowing me to write at any angle, at any livable temperature, and even underwater.

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Grey travel adapter

Travel Adapter: Anker

The Anker is the lightest adapter on the market that’ll charge my MacBook Pro at a reasonable speed. It’s far smaller than anything I’ve ever used and comes in handy during domestic and international travels. It has two USB-C ports and one micro-USB port.

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Travel Toiletries

Remember when I said that despite carrying minimal clothing, I usually manage not to come across as a scruffy and stinky drifter while I travel?

My lightweight travel wardrobe deserves a lot of credit, but my compact and high-quality toiletries set should get some recognition too.

I’ve somehow managed to squeeze all my hygienic travel needs into a small, durable toiletries bag that weighs almost nothing

Toiletries Bag

Soap

Hair-Styling Product

Toothbrush

Toothpaste

Deodorant

Dental Floss

Glasses/Contacts

Contact Solution/Case

Ear Cleaner/Swabs

Razor

Nail Clippers

Tweezers

Advil

Sleep Aid

Multivitamins

Black ULTRA material ditty bag for travel toiletries

Toiletries Bag: UltraLite Sacks

This nifty ditty bag isn’t advertised as a toiletries kit, but it works perfectly for my current setup. It’s ultralight, durable, waterproof, and fits nicely inside my travel bag. I use an ultralight trail wallet and a small zippered pouch inside my dittyfor extra organization.

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Two bottles of liquid soap

Soap: Dr. Bronner’s

Dr. Bronner’s is a practical and versatile soap with 18 different uses. I use it along my travels as an effective body wash, shampoo, and laundry detergent. It smells great and is full of healthy and sustainable ingredients. A little of this soap goes a very long way.

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Bamboo travel tooth brush

Toothbrush: Bamboo

What you see is what you get. This simple toothbrush is cheap, lightweight, and eco-friendly. As long as I rinse it thoroughly and let it dry after every use, it stays clean and germ-free in my ditty bag.

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Peppermind toothpaste

Toothpaste: Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint

I’m a sucker for Dr. Bronner’s products. Their toothpaste, just like their soap, is made from simple ingredients that have withstood the test of time. Some natural toothpaste brands (like Tom’s) don’t seem to leave my mouth feeling completely fresh, but Dr. Bronner’s does.

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White stick of natural deodorant

Deodorant: Schmidt’s

It took me years of searching and sampling to find an all-natural deodorant that keeps my travel musk at bay. Finally, I came across Schmidt’s, which boasts loads of different scents of healthy, long-lasting deodorants full of natural ingredients you can pronounce.

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Sleek, silver shaving razor

Razor: Dollar Shave Club

I stock up on Dollar Shave Club razors whenever I’m back in the US because they’re affordable, convenient, and they get the job done. I’ve tried the mail-in alternatives (Harry’s and Gillette), and DSC beats them in price and quality.

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Teeth flosser sticks

Dental Floss: Plackers Micro Mint

For whatever reason, I can’t stand flossing my teeth the old-fashioned way – with a string of floss and nothing else. Thankfully, someone invented these nifty little ‘Plackers’ to make dental hygiene much more bearable for struggling flossers like myself.

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Metal ear cleaner for travel toiletries

Ear Cleaner: Mudder Ear Pick

Traveling with dozens of pesky Q-tips was an annoying reality until I discovered the wonders of the metal ear pick. My shiny new tool is more compact than a handful of Q-tips, and it’s a far healthier device to remove wax from my ear.

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Bottle of multivitamin capsules

Multivitamin: Naturelo ‘One Daily’

My diet is all over the place when I travel, so I always pack daily multivitamins to ensure that my immune system stays strong. While I prefer eating fresh fruits and vegetables to swallowing capsules, at least I can guarantee that I’ll get the nutrients I need one way or another.

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In-Transit Travel Clothing

Whether on a bus, train, or airplane, personal comfort is paramount when I’m in transit for long periods.

This fact of life is why I’ve put together the most comfortable travel outfit possible from head to toe.

The clothes listed below will never actually make it into my fully packed carry-on bag simply because I always sport them on my travel days.

Long Sleeve Shirt

Sweatpants

Travel Shoes

Hat

Sunglasses

Wallet

Underwear

Socks

Black long sleeve wool travel shirt

Long Sleeve Shirt: Wool&Prince

In many ways, this Wool&Prince Long Sleeve Raglan is the perfect ‘in transit’ top. It’s breathable enough to keep me from overheating in hot and muggy climates but also substantial enough to keep me warm when the A/C blasts down. It’s the best travel shirt in my arsenal.

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Grey pair of casual jogger pants

Athletic Pants: Bluffworks Ascender Jogger

A comfortable pair of pants is essential when I’m in transit for long periods, so I always wear these ultra-cozy joggers during my travel days. They’re a cotton/polyester blend, which makes the material soft, stretchy, and breathable – the perfect combo for long hauls.

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Black leather minimalist travel shoes

Athletic Shoes: Lems Primal Zen Leather

The Primal Zens are tremendous everyday zero-drop travel shoes. I’ve put hundreds of hard-earned travel miles on them and have also worn them into the mountains for long-distance hiking adventures. They’re stylish and versatile and are my go-to travel kicks.

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Black Carhartt five panel travel hat

Hat: Carhartt

I cycle through travel hats as the seasons change, and this Carhartt five-panel cap is my current flavor. It’s breathable and stylish and helps me hide my messy mop when I’m out and about. I tend to procrastinate haircuts, so a baseball hat is a must-have piece of travel gear.

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Black and gold travel sunglasses

Sunglasses: Knockaround Brooklines

At only $35 a pop, my Brooklines wear like a much higher-end pair of sunglasses. These polarized shades fit right in on trains, planes, trails, or crowded city streets. For me, they strike the balance of affordability, quality, and style I’ll be able to rely on for years to come. Looking for a more athletic set of shades? Check out the Fast Lanes.

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Dark blue travel boxer briefs

Boxer Briefs: Mack Weldon

As I mentioned before, these are my go-to everyday boxer briefs. That means I definitely wear them on days I travel. For women with undie-envy, check out the ExOfficio Give ‘n’ Go Bikini Briefs, which are also lightweight, breathable, and highly reviewed.

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Black wool sock

Socks: Darn Tough No Show

These are such exceptional socks that I had to mention them twice. They work wonders for my feet on busy travel days, keeping them cozy, dry, and fresh. For a higher-cut sock, check out the Darn Tough Hiker 1/4 Cushion.

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Packing Light: The Benefits of Carry-On Only Travel

A black backpack rests against a van in a driveway
Pack Light, Travel Right

I’ve preached that traveling light and utilizing a carry-on packing list is the way to go, so let me tell you why:

Traveling Light is Far More Comfortable

In the world of travel packing, less is more.

  • Less baggage to carry means more freedom and mobility.
  • Less stuff to lug around means more energy to focus on the world around you.
  • Less weight to carry means a more comfortable travel experience.

Who doesn’t want that?

Checking Bags Doesn’t Always End Up So Well

I’ve seen and heard horror stories of checking baggage, and I want no part of the drama.

Friends have shared painful stories of bags getting lost and taking weeks to return.

I’ve seen a relative’s luggage zipped wide open with clothing spilling out as it rotated slowly along the luggage carousel.

I’ve watched my girlfriend’s heart drop as she opened her checked bag, revealing a mess of scrambled and broken belongings inside.

While situations like these aren’t the norm, there’s always risk involved when you hand your baggage off to a set of busy strangers.

Carry-On Only Travel Saves Time

Packing lists eliminate the stress and guesswork that often accompany organizing your luggage.

By knowing precisely what to pack and what to leave behind, you’ll get ready for your travels much faster and more efficiently.

By choosing not to check bags, you’ll never have to wait around anxiously at baggage claim either.

Live the Carry-On Travel Lifestyle

So, there you have it, an up-close glimpse at every single item inside my lightweight and portable travel bag.

Thanks to my carry-on travel packing list, I can go wherever I want and do as I please in the most efficient way possible.

Now, it’s your turn to take a step back and look inside your travel luggage.

Whatever the inside of your bag looks like, remember this:

Traveling light is a mindset; it’s a conscious decision.

Freedom and mobility are enjoyed by those who lighten their load.

Photo of author

Noel Krasomil

Hey, I'm Noel Krasomil, the founder of The Packable Life. I pack light and explore the globe searching for awe-inspiring hiking trails, rich cultural experiences, and ways to continue traveling indefinitely.

Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Affiliate links help support this website and keep it 100% ad-free.

19 thoughts on “My Carry-On Packing List for 1 Week or More (2025 Edition)”

  1. For too long I have sat at a tilt, with one side of my body precariously and painfully settled atop a bulky, firm wallet. Now, thanks to Noel and the Herschel Charlie, I can rest easy and flatly with no pain to my rear end while knowing my cards and cash are safe and accounted for.

    Reply
  2. Hey Noel, love your blog! One question, I am contemplating the carry-on travel livestyle for a trip to South America. With the intention to hike a lot. Would you recommend bringing trail runners or walking boots?

    Reply
    • Thanks for commenting, Mimi! It really depends where you’re planning on traveling and what kind of hiking you’d be doing in South America, but my instinct is to tell you to bring trail runners. They’ll be much lighter, more breathable, and more mobile, and won’t be a burden in hot weather. If you’re planning on spending a lot of time in chilly, wet climates (ie Patagonia) then maybe you should consider bringing your boots. Can you tell me a bit more about your trip?

      Reply
  3. Love what you’re up to, Noel. Truly. Two questions about the passport cover: 1) Have you found the need for a passport cover to be waterproof? 2) In foreign territory, do you carry your passport in your bag, in your pocket, or elsewhere?

    Reply
    • Clif, I don’t think passport covers need to be waterproof, as you shouldn’t be carrying your passport around for 95% of the time after you reach your destination. The chances of an in-transit spill that ruins your passport are very low. I always carry my passport in a zippered pants pocket and stash it somewhere safe once I reach my hotel/hostel/Airbnb. Hope this helps!

      Reply
      • In some countries you HAVE to carry your ID with you all the time. I remember being questioned by the police in Kharkiv, Ukraine, back in 2011 and the first thing they wanted was passports – somebody the other side of a bar/restaurant was kicking off and the police spoke to EVERYBODY.

        Reply
  4. Thanks for sharing your experience on backpacking and essential needs. I’m always looking for new ideals, I’m new to the backpacking adventures. And every little bit helps. Thanks

    Reply
  5. Hi! Great packing list. Ever since I started travel with carry-on only, it’s been life-changing. What’s the total weight of your luggage?

    Reply
  6. Don’t forget that keys for “TSA Approved” padlocks are freely available from places like AliExpress for a few dollars. If you value all those high end, expensive gewgaws DO NOT put your trust in a TSA padlock. You might as well leave the bag open with a note saying “Help Yourselves!”

    Reply
  7. Great post, really liked how you emphasized the perks of traveling light. I’m curious if your list changes much depending on the type of trip you’re taking? Also, do you have suggestions for minimizing electronics to make packing even lighter? Thanks for sharing your insights!

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    • Yes, my packing list changes for every trip that I take. To minimize electronics, I recommend getting a phone that can take really nice photos and leaving the professional camera at home! Thanks for the feedback.

      Reply
  8. Please tell us what this weighs. It sounds like minimum of 15 kilos, and I don’t believe it will all fit into a bag of a size accepted by budget airlines.
    A complete photo of everything listed here alongside a budget airline bag, plus a second one that shows the bag packed is essential.

    Reply
  9. I have some of this exact gear and can testify you’ve made some good picks. One thing I need to get is a new power bank but I’m not sure on how high a capacity I can take anywhere in the world. Recommendations?

    Reply

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