There’s a certain kind of freedom that comes with traveling carry-on only — no waiting at baggage claim, no lost luggage panic, no dragging a giant suitcase over cobblestones while you curse your life choices. Just you, your bag, and the road ahead.
Over the years, I’ve refined this packing list to a point where I can pack in 15 minutes, know exactly where everything goes, and trust that I’ve got what I need.
Whether it’s a two-week trip through Europe or a quick hop to a nearby city, this is what I bring when I’m traveling with a backpack-only setup; my go-to for mobility, simplicity, and that personal satisfaction I get from of traveling light.
Suitcase Lovers, Don’t Come for Me
Let me just say: I love a suitcase. But there’s a time and place.
When I know I’ll be navigating airports, subways, narrow stairwells, and uneven city streets, a backpack wins every time. It keeps my hands free, makes public transit a breeze, and lets me move through cities quickly without the added anxiety of dragging a suitcase through crowds, curbs, or cobblestones.
It’s not for everyone though, and that’s okay! It’s all about preference. My girlfriend and her sister, for example, love that I travel with a backpack… because it means my hands are free to carry their suitcases. (Teamwork, right?)
I’m far from anti-suitcase. If I know I’ll be in one place for longer, staying somewhere with easy access, or won’t need to be hauling gear through train stations and up metro stairs, I’ll opt for a roller bag. It’s all about picking what makes sense for the trip.
But most of the time, it’s my backpack and this list!
Why I Keep a Bag Half-Packed at All Times
People often assume traveling with a backpack means I’m a minimalist, but really, I just like packing with intention and keeping things simple. Over time, I’ve narrowed it down to the most efficient and compact versions of what I need to feel good and stay organized when away from home.
One of the biggest game-changers for me? Keeping a dedicated set of travel essentials permanently packed. That means things like power cords, travel adapters, toiletries, and other small-but-critical items stay in my bag. So, when it’s time to pack, all I need to think about is clothing and destination-specific items. No more last-minute “where’s my charger?” panic. No more forgetting an adapter or wishing I packed that set of nail clippers. Just grab, pack, go.
My Go-To Travel Bags: The Perfect Duo
For most of my trips, the Peak Design 45L Travel Backpack is the bag I trust the most. It’s incredibly versatile — compact enough to carry-on, but spacious enough to hold everything I need. There are just enough compartments to stay organized, but not so many that I’m stuck playing “guess the zipper” every time I need something. It also expands just enough to give me a little breathing room if I pick up something new on the trip without suddenly feeling bulky or oversized. If I had to pick one bag to travel with for the rest of my life, this would be it.
When a suitcase makes more sense for the trip, I reach for the Away Softside Bigger Carry-On. It’s easy to pack and the spinner wheels make it super easy to glide through even the busiest airports (or dodge crowds like you’re in an airport obstacle course). It’s sturdy without being heavy and handles travel days like a champ.
For those quick-access essentials and the airport security shuffle, I rely on the Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag. Whether I’m carrying my backpack or suitcase, this keeps my pockets empty and my valuables close, making TSA checkpoints a breeze. Because let’s be honest, getting through security like a pro is practically a travel sport in itself.
Let’s Get into the Packing List
I use a few different organizers in my bag to keep things simple and efficient, so I’ve broken this list down by how I pack it. There will be a separate post diving into the clothing I bring and why, but for now, this is the breakdown of what I pack for travel. I’ve also created a downloadable version of my packing list to make things easier if you want to save or print it for your own trip.
What’s in My Belt Bag (a.k.a. My In-Flight Survival Kit)
My belt bag is basically my personal item and travel-day command center. It holds everything I want easy access to during airport security, flights, and transit. No digging through my backpack required.
- Passport – Always the first thing I check for… And double check before leaving for the airport.
- Wallet – With driver’s license and credit cards.
- Phone – Usually in hand, but if not, it lives here.
- Phone Charging Cable – Because outlets at airports are a gamble.
- AirPods – Essential for flights, trains, and tuning out gate announcements.
- AirFly – So I can use my AirPods with in-flight entertainment systems.
What’s Always Packed in My Backpack
These are the items that live in my backpack, no matter where I’m going. Having this core set ready to go at all times saves me from packing stress and last-minute scrambles. They’re small, practical, and have earned their permanent spot in my travel setup.
- AirTag – Stays hidden in the bag for peace of mind while in transit.
- Deck of Cards – Great for long layovers, down time, or travel delays.
- Sunglasses – Always.
- Tide-to-Go Pen – Because spills happen.
- Heroclip – A small but mighty tool for hanging your bag just about anywhere.
- Small Pill Container – To carry a couple pills around when out exploring.
- Ginger Snacks – My go-to for motion sickness or an iffy stomach.
- Instant Hydration Packets – Great for flights, hot days, and jet-lag recovery.
- Tech Pouches – Cords, chargers, travel adapters, and anything with a plug.
- Toiletries Pouch – TSA-friendly basics like toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.
- Mini First Aid Kit – Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and a blister patches.
Quick-Access Pouch: In-Flight Essentials
For items I want easy access to during flights (or while in transit), I use the Aer Cable Kit. It’s basically my go-to pouch for anything I might need mid-flight without digging through my main bag. This pouch lives near the top of my backpack, so I can easily grab it while it is stashed in the overhead bin.
- Phone Charging Cable – Lives here, if not in my belt bag.
- Apple Watch Charger – Small but essential.
- Micro USB Cable – Still needed for a few legacy devices.
- Power Bank – For topping up on the go, especially for those long days navigating the city.
- Wired Earbuds – A backup in case AirPods die for the in-flight entertainment.
- Loop Earplugs – Game-changer for sleeping, noisy airports, or just zoning out.
- Mints – For freshening up post-flight or surviving stale cabin air.
- Lip Balm – Planes are dry, lips are not immune.
- Eye Mask – For overnight flights or whenever I need to shut out the world.
- Face Mask – I still carry one just in case, because nothing ruins a trip like being sick.
- Disinfecting Wipes – Tray tables and armrests, enough said.
- Pen – For any forms that need to be filled out.
Tech Pouch: My Travel Power + Media Kit
I use the Aer Split Kit to keep tech accessories organized. Inside the pouch, I keep a few essential items that cover just about every charging or tech situation I run into on the road.
- HDMI to USB-C Converter – To connect to TVs, stream your favorite shows during some downtime.
- Anker 100W 3-Port GaN Prime Charger – This is the workhorse. Powerful enough to charge my laptop and two other devices at once, without needing multiple bricks.
- USB-C Charging Cable – For charging larger devices or a backup for a phone.
- Anker Nano Travel Adapter – I carry this everywhere now. It’s compact and covers USB-C and USB.
- Memory Card Reader – For offloading photos quickly to my laptop or editing on the go.
- Extra Camera Battery – Because one battery is never enough when you’re shooting all day.
Dopp Kit: Always Stocked, Always Ready
I use the Aer Dopp Kit 3 to hold all my grooming and hygiene essentials. It’s compact, has internal organization, and holds up well to being tossed in and out of bags. I usually restock everything as soon as I get home from a trip — that way, it’s ready to grab-and-go without a second thought when the next adventure comes around.
- GoToob+ Travel Tubes – for shampoo and conditioner.
- Airless Pump Bottles – for face wash and moisturizer.
- GoTubb Containers – for hair paste and shaving cream.
- Matador Flatpak Soap Bar Case – Keeps bar soap from turning into a gooey mess.
- Atomizer Perfume Spray Bottle – Bring cologne without worrying about broken bottles.
- Travel-Size Deodorant – Because fresh pits = better travel.
- Matador Refillable Toothpaste Tubes – Refillable, avoids half empty travel toothpastes.
- Quip toothbrush – Lightweight, sleek, and travel-ready.
- Razor + Wahl Trimmer – Keeps the scruff in check.
- Tweezers + Nail clippers – Small tools that make a big difference.
- Floss – Your dentist with thank you.
- Travel-Size Advil – Comes in handy for everything from pain to headaches.
Mini First Aid Kit
For minor scrapes, blisters, or unexpected mishaps, I keep a small but essential first aid kit in a Tom Bihn Ghost Whale Organizer Pouch (mini). It’s the perfect size for stashing away in my backpack without taking up valuable space.
- Assorted Band-Aids – Always come in handy, especially when you least expect it.
- Antibiotic Ointment – For cuts, scrapes, or whatever you bump into along the way.
- Compeed Blister Patches – These are magic. These are a lifesaver if you’re walking a lot, these will save your feet and your mood. Trust me on this one.
- Imodium – Because travel stomach issues are not the vibe, and having a couple of tablets on hand can be the difference between a good day and a very long one.
Final Thoughts: Making It Work for You
Whether you’re headed across the world or across the state, having a dialed-in setup means less stress. This packing list is what works for me, built over years of trial and error. It’s helped me travel lighter, move faster, and focus more on the adventure ahead.
Customize it, tweak it, steal from it — and find what works for you. The right gear and a bit of preparation, packing doesn’t have to be a headache.
Curious about the clothes I bring and how I keep it minimal without sacrificing comfort? Check out the separate post on what I pack and wear, it covers the travel wardrobe that pairs with this gear list.
Want to try this system for your next trip? Grab the downloadable packing list to save, print, or tweak for your own adventures.
And if you have your own go-to items or clever packing hacks, drop them in the comments. I’m always looking to improve the setup. Happy travels!