The Carry-On Packing List That Works for Any Trip
A tested carry-on packing list covering clothing, tech, toiletries and documents so you can travel a week or a month with one bag.
Start with the bag, not the stuff
A good carry-on is 38-45 litres, fits every major airline sizer and opens flat like a suitcase. Everything else on this list is built around that constraint.
Clothing
Pack a five-day rotation and do laundry once a week: five tops, two bottoms, one layer, one rain shell, five pairs of socks and underwear. Merino wool tops resist odour for several wears and dry overnight.
Tech and power
One multi-port GaN charger replaces four bricks. Add a 20,000mAh power bank, a short USB-C cable for the bag and a longer one for hotel beds, and a universal adapter with built-in USB.
Toiletries
Solid shampoo and toothpaste tablets remove the liquids problem entirely. Keep everything in a hanging pouch so you never unpack it.
Documents and safety
Carry a paper copy of your passport, a spare card in a different pocket than your wallet, and an AirTag in the bag itself.
The one-hour test
Pack the bag, carry it around your neighbourhood for an hour, then remove anything you did not think about. That is your real list.
Gear mentioned by our reviewers
20,000mAh USB-C power bank
20 — travel tech pick. High-capacity charging for long travel days, layovers, flights, and dead-phone emergencies.
ANKER MagGo Power Bank, Slim 10,000mAh Magnetic Battery Pack, Qi2 Certified 15W Ultra-Fast MagSafe Compatible Portable Charger, Ergonomic Design, for iPhone17/16/15/14 Series, and More
ANKER MagGo Power Bank — travel tech pick. Pocket-size charger for day trips, city exploring, and carry-on travel.
Anker Laptop Power Bank, 25,000mAh Portable Charger with Triple 100W USB-C Ports, Built-in Retractable Cables, Flight-Approved for Travel, iPhone 17/16 Series, MacBook, Samsung, and More
Anker Laptop Power Bank — travel tech pick. Easy "no extra cords needed" hook for quick travel-content demos.
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