How to Pack for 7 days in a Carry On Only | BAGSMART, by Alex goes Coconuts on YouTube. 16 min 20 s.
- Video length
- 16 min 20 s
- Time to do it
- 45 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Check your airline's carry on size and weight limit before you pack. Most allow about 22 x 14 x 9 inches, but budget airlines are stricter.
Plan seven days of outfits around a few colours so every top matches every bottom. Lay the clothes out on the bed first.
Roll or fold each day's clothes into packing cubes. Use one cube per category, like tops, bottoms and underwear, so you can find things fast.
Put heavy items like shoes and jeans at the bottom of the backpack, close to your back, to keep the load balanced.
Fill gaps between cubes with socks, chargers and small items. Stuff socks inside shoes to save space.
Decant toiletries into travel size bottles and pack them in a clear quart bag. Keep each liquid at 3.4 ounces or less for TSA.
Pack medication in its original labelled container in a small pouch. Keep it in your personal item if you need it during the flight.
Zip the bag and lift it. If it feels too heavy or will not close, remove one outfit and one pair of shoes.
Tips and common mistakes
Wear your bulkiest shoes and jacket on travel day to save bag space.
Roll clothes instead of folding them to reduce wrinkles and save room.
Keep your clear liquids bag at the top of the pack so it is easy to pull out at security.
Do a test pack a few days early so you can swap out anything you do not really need.
Questions
How many outfits should I pack for 7 days?
Aim for about five to six tops and three to four bottoms that mix and match. Plan to rewear items and do a quick sink wash mid trip.
Can I bring full size toiletries in a carry on?
No. Liquids must be 3.4 ounces or less and fit in one clear quart bag. Anything larger has to go in checked luggage.
Will a 38 litre backpack fit as a carry on?
Most airlines accept a 38 litre backpack as a carry on, but check your airline's exact size limits first. Budget carriers often measure bags at the gate.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
