Carry-On Packing List: Essentials for Smart, Light Travel

Packing for your travels should never be about jamming as much as possible into a bag, and this is even more true when it comes to your carry on packing list. It's about thoughtful selection, strategic planning, and accepting that you never, ever need as much as you start out with.

It’s a skill that serves you two fold: a perfectly packed carry-on makes any flight more comfortable but also, do it right and you might be able to get away with only carry on, which is infinitely better.

Check a bag with most airlines and you're looking at $30-$60 each way domestically, more internationally. Then there’s the very specific travel challenge of standing tired-eyed after a long flight waiting for your bag to drop onto the carousel. 

Carry on only travel is freedom. No queuing at check-in counters. No panic when your bag doesn't appear on the belt at all and you've got a connecting flight in 45 minutes. No weight-lifting as you lug a heavy suitcase in and out of taxis and buses or up and down the streets of your travel destination.

This is your guide to the essential items and important considerations for your carry on packing list.

Building the perfect carry on packing list requires strategy. Quality not quantity. Your clothing strategy should revolve around a capsule wardrobe built on neutral colours and mix-and-match pieces:

• 2-3 versatile tops in breathable fabrics (bamboo, merino wool, or quality cotton blends work across seasons)
• 1-2 bottom pieces that work for multiple occasions (dark jeans or lightweight pants in linen)
• One layering piece like a lightweight cardigan or zip-up hoodie
• Underwear and socks for each day plus one spare set
• One comfortable pair of shoes (wear your heaviest pair when travelling)
• Sleepwear that can also double as lounge wear
• Swimwear if your destination demands it
• Climate-specific items like a compact rain jacket or sun hat - but just one

The trick is choosing pieces that work together. A good white shirt works with shorts for beach days, jeans for dinner, or under a blazer for a night out. 

Packing cubes to compress clothes can be a game changer and make accessing specific items without unpacking everything. Roll t-shirts and casual clothes, but fold structured items like blazers.

Wear your heaviest items on travel day. Boots, thick jackets, and heavy jeans don't count towards your carry on weight when you're wearing them. Just remember you'll need to remove shoes at security.

Your carry on needs to be able to handle all minor health issues and unexpected situations, but airport security rules can make this a bit tricky. You'll never be caught out if you work within these constraints:

• Travel-sized toothpaste and toothbrush
• Shampoo and conditioner in 100ml containers or solid bars - this is also when you can use all those samples you’ve been saving for years
• Body wash or soap (solid soap gets around liquid restrictions)
• Deodorant in travel size
• Moisturiser and sunscreen (always pack sunscreen in a ziplock bag)
• Papaw ointment is the amazingly versatile Aussie essential that can be used for everything from nappy rash on babies, to scratches, mozzie bites and lipgloss
• Basic first aid supplies: pain relief, antihistamines, any prescription medications in original packaging
• Razor and small comb or brush
• Hand sanitiser and antibacterial wipes
• Face masks (some destinations still require them)
• Basic medications: paracetamol, anti-motion sickness tablets
• Small bottle of electrolyte powder - trust us on this one
• Roll on insect repellent 

Find good quality, multi-purpose products. A proper moisturiser with SPF - tinted for anyone who wants an extra glow - covers 2-3 bases. Solid shampoo bars last longer and eliminate liquid restrictions entirely.

Long flights and surprise delays are an inevitable part of travel, but smart packing can make them bearable. Modern travel is a golden age - we get to be both connected to the rest of the world and reap the benefits of innovation in compression socks. 

Carry on packing list for connectivity: 

• Smartphone and charger
• Portable power bank (under 27,000mAh for most airlines)
• Universal travel adapter for international trips
• Noise-cancelling headphones or quality earbuds
• E-reader or physical book because reading on holiday is one of life’s great pleasures
• Passport and driver's licence 
• Travel insurance documents
• Printed itinerary and accommodation confirmations (phones die, wifi fails)
• Credit cards and some cash in local currency
• Digital copies stored securely in cloud storage

Carry on packing list for comfort:

• Neck pillow and eye mask for better sleep - a big hoodie wrapped around your neck with the hood pulled down over your eyes works surprisingly well. 
• Lightweight scarf or shawl (doubles as blanket, beach cover-up, or modesty layer).
• We weren't kidding about compression socks. Look for 15-20 mmHg compression levels. Not just to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) a potentially fatal blood clot, they also stop you arriving at your holiday destination with weirdly swollen ankles.
• Reusable water bottle (empty through security, fill afterwards)
• Quality snacks: nuts, protein bars, dried fruit. Chewing gum on long flights will keep your mouth feeling fresh. But take care, chewing gum is not welcome everywhere!
• Ziplock bags for wet clothes, toiletries, or unexpected purchases.

Solo and budget travellers: Prioritise versatility and value. Every item should serve multiple purposes. Download offline maps and entertainment to avoid roaming charges. Pack clothes you can hand-wash easily. A quick-dry fabric becomes your best friend when you're doing laundry on-the-go.

Focus on multi-use pieces: A sarong works as a towel, blanket, or cover-up. A lightweight wool top can be worn for days without washing. Invest in quality basics rather than quantity.

Family travellers: Entertainment, and keeping it powered, becomes critical. Load tablets with downloaded content, pack colouring books and small toys. Empty sippy cups to fill after security. Include extra wipes, and a complete change of clothes for children in your carry on. Kids' needs can't wait for checked luggage. There are many excellent earphones created for little ears to save your sanity, and that of every person in a 100 metre radius. 

Business travellers: Focus on wrinkle-resistant fabrics and professional appearance. Pack a lightweight blazer that transitions from plane to meeting. Keep electronics organised with cable organisers or twist ties. Include breath mints and a small grooming kit for pre-meeting touch-ups. Pack a complete backup outfit in your carry on. 

Adventure and group travellers: Coordinate with travel companions to avoid duplicate items. One person carries the group sunscreen, another the first aid kit. Pack versatile outdoor gear: a good rain jacket works for unexpected weather and doubles as a wind-cover. Share the load on bulky items but ensure everyone has personal essentials. Your hiking boots might be in someone else's bag, but your prescription medication and spare knickers should be in yours.

Carry on regulations vary between airlines and transport methods. Domestic Australian carriers typically allow 7kg carry on bags with dimensions around 56cm x 36cm x 23cm, but budget airlines can have stricter limits.

International flights may be more generous, but don't assume. Always check your specific airline's rules before packing. Train and bus travel often have different restrictions entirely. Aerosol sprays, for example, are only allowed if they're for medicinal or toiletry use (like insect repellent or hairspray) on most airlines. 

If lithium batteries are damaged, or if the terminals are short-circuited, they can catch fire. For this reason, airlines prohibit them in checked bags. Spare batteries must travel in carry on luggage only. Sharp objects, liquids over 100ml, and flammable materials are standard no-gos.

When in doubt, check the rules of the airline you're travelling with, or leave it at home. 

Smart packing is never a one-and-done, that's what makes it smart. But there are basic rules for most kinds of trips that will see you through up to around a month of travel. 

Weekend escapes: Stick to one spare outfit beyond what you're wearing. Minimal toiletries in the smallest containers possible. Focus on comfort items for the journey itself. A long weekend requires discipline but rewards you with ultimate travel freedom.

Week-long adventures: Add variety but maintain your capsule wardrobe principle. Invest in quality, multi-use pieces. Consider mailing items home if you acquire souvenirs. Remember you can buy basics almost anywhere. Seven days is the sweet spot for carry on only travel.

Two weeks plus: The key is accepting that you'll repeat outfits, possibly leaning in to hotel or local laundry services. Focus on quality over quantity. One good merino wool jumper beats three cheap cotton ones. Invest in clothes that pack small, wash easily, and work in multiple settings.