10 Hacks for Packing a Lighter Carry-on (that airlines will NEVER question)

Here are 10 ways to pack a lighter carry-on, including how to choose shoes!
I’m so excited I finally get to share the Nomad Lane Bento Bag with you! Check it out here nomad-lane.mys... and use code: ALY10 for a 10% discount!
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► BAGS:
Travelpro 19”: amzn.to/4eKQlqV
Bric’s Carry-on: amzn.to/3Y5YwIH
July Carry-on Light: go.shopmy.us/p...
Nomad Lane Bento Bag: nomad-lane.mys...
► Toiletries:
Liquid toiletry pouches: amzn.to/3zGVqBE
Toiletry bottle skins: amzn.to/4eIaDRR
Silicone cream jars: amzn.to/3BtFweq
►Shoes:
My white sneakers (Puma): amzn.to/4dtpu1l
My New Balance sneakers: amzn.to/4esp50x
Black sandals: amzn.to/4gNNIGr
► Other items:
Retro Handheld ‘Gameboy’: amzn.to/3ZQAv9V
Merino wool clothing: shrsl.com/4p4nr
Yellow crossbody bag: amzn.to/3TNgnlq
My necklace: go.shopmy.us/p...
My white t-shirt: amzn.to/4dwEhID
Tan backpack-purse: amzn.to/4dxUwFi
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[@alysmalls]

Hope you enjoyed my 'baigs'! 🤭😅😉 Here are 10 ways to pack a lighter carry-on, including how to choose shoes! I’m so excited I finally get to share the Nomad Lane Bento Bag with you! Check it out here nomad-lane.myshopify.com/discount/ALY10?rfsn=8318354.ddb71b and use code: ALY10 for a 10% discount! ► BAGS: Travelpro 19”: amzn.to/4eKQlqV Bric’s Carry-on: amzn.to/3Y5YwIH July Carry-on Light: go.shopmy.us/p-7389891 Nomad Lane Bento Bag: nomad-lane.myshopify.com/discount/ALY10?rfsn=8318354.ddb71b ► Toiletries: Liquid toiletry pouches: amzn.to/3zGVqBE Toiletry bottle skins: amzn.to/4eIaDRR Silicone cream jars: amzn.to/3BtFweq ►Shoes: My white sneakers (Puma): amzn.to/4dtpu1l My New Balance sneakers: amzn.to/4esp50x Black sandals: amzn.to/4gNNIGr ► Other items: Retro Handheld ‘Gameboy’: amzn.to/3ZQAv9V Merino wool clothing: shrsl.com/4p4nr Yellow crossbody bag: amzn.to/3TNgnlq My necklace: go.shopmy.us/p-7737258 My white t-shirt: amzn.to/4dwEhID My travel shoes blog post: likewhereyouregoing.com/best-shoes-for-traveling-light/ ► Buy Me a Coffee? If you found this helpful and would like to support me, you can 'buy me a coffee' (thank you!!!!) buymeacoffee.com/alysmalls

[@ErikaEmody]

Nomad Lane Bento Bag also fits wonderfully under the seat. I LOVE THAT BAG!

[@AuthorChrisAlex]

I have a fall/winter capsule and a spring/summer capsule wardrobe of items I only wear when traveling. They are all coordinated with a scarf so I can mix all pieces and have a seemingly endless # of outfits with only 4 shirts, 2 layering tops, and 2 pants/shorts.

[@juliasurtshin2770]

Would love to know how you did this.

[@donnaschindlbeck7457]

I used your 3x3 method for packing on a recent 24 day Alaska , Yukon and multiple City trip. While I didn’t use a carryon, it still worked great and I wore everything I brought! Hubby overpacked😂

[@alysmalls]

That's amazing!

[@DaveM-FFB]

Congratulations on your Bento Bag! I've been using the Bento Bag for my personal item airline bag for 5 years, and I love it. It's been on a lot of trips and it still looks almost brand new. I hope I get another 5 years of use out of it because the newest version has more of a feminine handle (IMO). My Bento Bag carries my tech bag with Bose headphones, my toiletry bag, my 3-1-1 liquids pouch, my global hotspot, my 13 inch Surface Pro laptop, a 65W global power adapter, a secondary toiletry bag with my electric shaver, and a 10x10x3 inch packing cube with sleepware and other clothing essentials. btw, your bag is a cool color.

[@morrisyarnell6083]

I have gotten a complete wardrobe for a European trip at a thrift store. Some items were left behind to allow for goodies I bought on the trip.Leaving behind a shirt I bought for $2.00 was no loss. No liquid toiletries only solid or use the hotel stuff, if that is not your style go to the pharmacy and pick up some stuff there. They have stuff. Thanks for the tips.

[@davesaunders7080]

I bring an empty container or 2 and if there is bulk shampoo or body wash in our first hotel fill a 100ml container with it. Generally we find the EU products of a higher quality and do the job very well.

[@MaraMara89]

That is still pretty bad for environment, unless you take time to find a place to donate those clothes (in Poland we do have containers for clothes in many places, I don't know how it is in different countries as I never had need to look for them). Better option would be doing laundry during your trip - stil having less clothes and space for souvenirs. Another option is taking less clothes and buy them in your destination - you have souvenir AND something to wear without laundry (I love my Lisbon T-shirt)

[@marie-claudegauthier2207]

I have a similar travel bento bag from another good company. Once full, these bags are heavy to lug around, Be careful if you are over sixty. So I prefer a good backpack.

[@mykiird96sf]

Aly! I love you channel! It’s making me want to travel again! Keep up the great work!

[@vanessabanyas164]

You’re traveling and packing for a lighter warmer vacation. It would be nice to see you. Do one for a winter vacation. Let’s say winter in Ireland!

[@magietagie]

I just flew back yesterday from a trip to Alberta, both to and from I was required to check my carry on! I wasn’t charged for it to be checked, but because so many people are flying carry on only. They are NOT allowing a lot of carry ons on the plane. On the first trip, we had idea they would make us check our carry ons and had we known we had to do that. We would have taken the much needed medication and the flight essentials out of the bags before hand and put them in our personal item bag. as it was I flew over 4 hours with medication and was having a panic attack that all my medication would be lost (causing me to end up in the hospital). I knew better the next time and, took out my medication and travel essentials before boarding and gate checked the bag.

[@SMElder-iy6fl]

I learned to just pack for my bag to be gate-checked

[@davesaunders7080]

Lots of good info. You can bring a few empty 100ml containers and fill them from the bulk shampoo/body wash that you may find in your first hotel stay. I find that the EU products are often top quality and will last you for the rest of your stay. If you don't like then find the nearest store and explore what you find, that can be fun too.

[@donkiml5805]

I love love my TravelPro 19” international spinner. It is the 3rd or 4th version, having it since 2019. It works great for seniors, light weight easy to move around. Fits so well on hotel luggage stands. It is smaller so you have to limit to 2 shoes. I check it at the gate for free as my arthritis prevents me from getting it in the overhead bin. I also have a Baggallini tote for my personal item. HINT: sephora has a set of 3 size travel jars for only $6 on sale, good price!

[@Jane-he4xx]

Though I have definitely improved with the over packing, I still have a way to go! One problem I have is that I buy these gorgeous dresses that I can't wear at home (even in summer) ...so then I want to bring them ALL on holidays😮

[@maccosmeticsfan5973]

Don’t know if you’ve left for your trip yet, but safe travels! Psst… maybe you can convince Chris to do the voice over video while on travel? A girlie can dream 🤣

[@SteveMrW]

A suitcase goes in the hold, a small lightweight soft bag can be carried onboard and placed in the overhead locker.

[@elysah470]

I think if the bag had backpack straps that could tuck away, I would like it as an option. Unfortunately, I can't use heavy shoulder bags anymore since I dislocated my shoulder.

[@mdubb4855]

If you like tee shirts, bring different colors or your friends will think you never change them (assuming that.. you don’t have the time to sink wash/towel wring/drip dry). If you are solidly committed to black because it hides stains, consider different styles (polo/tee/henley). Consider whether you can live out of your main bag without emptying it. This is where mid-opening carryons trounce lid-openers - but sometimes the full interior lid panel and exterior lid pockets make up for that (you might take a look at the Rick Steves 2-wheel rollaboard some day - 5.8 lbs, hard shell bottom that’s deep at wheels and shallow at top, with lid that does the opposite, shallow at bottom and deep at top, for even depth when stuffed but compresses into luggage testers easily). Finally, the Bento Lane is very nicely and efficiently rectangular for use as a personal item, but can’t double as a local haul bag; something that an LLBean zip tote, Longchamp zip tote, or any old 20-22L day pack can pull off. (This assumes budget travel with no checked bag; if you check a bag too, the Bento regains its apoeal. It is a sad fact of life, though, that usually our best, most highly optimized in-cabin luggage pieces, aren’t much use for edc.

[@popcorn7657]

Like your post. Grrr I just bought myself a personal item on Amazon( Lovevook purse/backpack Fashion 17in computer bag with USB charging) but I would have preferred the one you were showcasing. As for the outfits, I’m on vacation however i need to pack a nice outfit dress for 1 day business day and I refuse to wear flat shoes. So I need to bring my heels just for that one business day with my running shoes and flat sandals grrr!

[@judyhale9024]

I am good with the shoe packing, like your idea about the similar looking tops, I do tend to do that, so I will remember this tip

[@haleymctaggart]

I’m taking my Steam Deck on my next trip 😂 I’m considering it the compact option compared to a laptop!

[@NanciiiG]

I just picked up that bento bag. I’m so excited to try it out on my upcoming trip to Europe!

[@abc-wv4in]

The July bag is very shallow, though, and doesn't hold much. They also have a slightly larger and expandable bag that's still lightweight.

[@jewelleryhannah7493]

Really good video with some great points I’ve not heard of or thought about before. Thanks!

[@lindapark8467]

I have the July light carryon. I did not buy the expandable version, since I will be flying in Australia and New Zealand with strict weight limits of 7 kg.

[@zilam98]

i bought a backpack that weighs less than 3 pounds, and still almost went into most airlines' limits of 15#, including having to find the lightest 14" laptop. most people (influencers/vloggers) advertise bags like the ones here, and just the bags themselves already weigh at least 5#. good luck bringing a laptop with that, and then clothes and toiletries along with such. had to bring two checked in bags for all other things

[@swithheld9905]

any good alternatives for those of us allergic to wool (yes, even merino!)?

[@christinedigioia957]

Thanks for the tips, Aly. Your hair looks Great! 😊

[@dragonflame9615]

I personally don't even bring toiletries I find it just takes up too much space and the toiletries provided by the hotel work prefect for me and if there's something I really want its usually able to be bought once I'm at my destination

[@krismyers4940]

Love my Bento bag. Unfortunately, the price has increased at least $150 USF, since I purchased mine.🇨🇦

[@gypsybelle4757]

😂I loved the bag count at the end!

[@MiljaHahto]

Wish I could minimise on medicines, but asthma meds take the same space for 1 night as for 1 month. And trips with several very different kinds of activities are hard. Like ballroom dancing and also playing with kids in the snow fir a full afternoon - those outfits are totally separate from underwear to outer cllothes, and everything also gets sweaty in one go.

[@opendoorswithwords]

Great tips!

[@thecleaningteacher638]

The Bento bag is hands down the best personal item bag I’ve ever used! It holds so much more than you would expect.

[@MaraMara89]

for that price I have backpack (for example Quechua 23l) AND round tickets to Lisbon ;)

[@janicepottie802]

Another great video and I loved the end😆😆

[@lilayogaom]

Hey Aly! Thanks for the tips! Wondering if you could do a video on the best personal item bags? I know you’ve reviewed a few, but it would be great to see them compared to each other. Also wondering what you think about the weekender bags ❤

[@alysmalls]

great suggestion, will add it to the list!

[@Sal79.]

What would you recommend for winter shoe options?

[@Kkun-qs2gt]

Travel pro max light 5 is the best

[@twizardt]

I appreciate all this and you're fantastic, but as a guy I'm just finding it incredibly hard to pack a carry-on for business trips that are around 3 to 5 days with other activities.. especially packing a size 12 shoes

[@chris_talls]

I gotchu bro! kzbin.info/www/bejne/n32whpJ-i6-Loq8si=uikx8lUZjEt9iIZS

[@James_posts]

Same principles apply. I use pants that both go with a t-shirt or a jacket. Shoes are the most bulky so I try to only take the ones I’m wearing, ones that work both business and casual. Haven’t checked a bag in 20 years of business trips.

[@TLhike]

New Nomatic method epic!

[@chris5706]

“If you have small kids or a husband.. bring a Gameboy..” I love it 👍😂

[@patborecky900]

I would like to see you pack that case if you are going to a Xmas market in a very cold country. You need furry winter boots, mitts, a scarf, toque, wool sweater - so much more than going to a sun destination.

[@maryellenwalter7000]

I’m heading to Prague in December and know EXACTLY what you mean!

[@carolinacadabra8278]

The only practical way to do this is to wear your bulky coat and boots on the plane with hat and gloves tucked in the pockets. However, unless there is deep snow you can usually get by with sneakers worn with wool socks.

[@spoontobe]

Hi Aly, I've really been enjoying your videos about luggage lately! Just wondering if you have ever tried the Heys Xero Elite 21". It looks interesting and would love to get your opinion.

[@alysmalls]

Ooo I haven't yet but that one looks like it checks all the boxes!

[@เจ้วาอิสานขอน-ฉ9ถ]

Happy journey my dear friend.

[@txteach]

What brand is the smaller, slim backpack you are wearing at the beginning of the video? Thx!

[@parinazaz4044]

Hi 😊, where is your white shirt from?

[@alysmalls]

Amazon! amzn.to/4dwEhID

[@TankZane]

05:24 Ouch. I felt that one.

[@cannuckchick7522]

I think my idea of what constitutes a lightweight bag. My 40 liter Arcteryx duffel backpack weighs just over 1.5 pounds.

[@andrewpettola6097]

Packing shoes is the bane of my travel existence! Lol! I have a Bento bag from Nomad Lane. I've used it for about 5 years now. It is the best weekender nag I own. It's also a great personal item for longer trips with check-in luggage. And, yes, I am guilty of packing those "what if" outfits!

[@mflong100]

If you are traveling with your husband and kid to a sunny place, buy the sunscreen at your destination. You should be using a full bottle easily in a week if you are applying correctly. FYI, sunscreen is no longer cheap in US drugstores. Most countries have BETTEr sunscreens than we have in the US.

[@dennisrm6912]

I am also interested in a travel program under seat bag.

[@caroline9565]

Great tips!!! I saw a similar video and did almost what was suggested and I say almost because I didn’t wear at least 5 pieces of clothing and I extended my stay in Portugal an additional 3 days. I packed a capsule (aka mix and match) and it worked fine for me!! 90% of my clothes were lightweight too.

[@novwin3169]

Tks well done

[@set921]

Best advice: pack what you need, not what you think you *might* need.

[@ruthgrady2824]

But who wants a carryon you have to lug around instead of wheeling around! Your shoulders will suffer!

[@anneinauckland2318]

Yes, a comfortable backpack might be okay, but I definitely wouldn’t want to be carrying a duffle for any length of time.

[@kristineabueg4600]

Agreed.. but I think that there are some destinations where a roller just doesn't work. I just got back from a trip to Amalfi coast and the folks trying to bring roller bags on the ferries, the cobblestones, and stairs just looked absolutely ridiculous

[@mrlogboy]

Real truth to packing light or carry-on, only or any way to simplify air travel……. Is to be mega rich. Lolol. Then you don’t have to worry about any of this stuff.

[@richardlynngarst3728]

My thoughts exactly, especially since I hit my 70’s. Heavy bag on my shoulder does not work for me so I found a light roller carryon and just get brutal about what goes on the trip with me.

[@katherinekatherine8512]

I never bring a roller bag. Small convertible backpack-duffle.

[@rockymountainfoothills]

Thank you

[@ryanmcdougall22]

@allysmalls - Wanting the Travel Pro 21", can you recommend this for a carry on piece? I know you have the 19" but that 2" feels like a favorable extra...

[@alysmalls]

I also have the 21" and have used it many times. Technically it's 23" though once you count the wheels. I have tested it in airport sizers in this video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKOqiIGZobubf8ksi=sth_vcMN2FDO5zio and a few other airlines in this video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXaYcqJmqNaJppYsi=DTb7L8L2YMNuuthQ

[@mariap2481]

I can’t wait to see your video on Portugal. Have a wonderful vacation! Safe travels!

[@alysmalls]

Thanks!

[@NikkiCN]

Thanks❤❤

[@louisacuriel4651]

❤❤❤

[@mikeleone1347]

My biggest issue is .. .I'm on one and only vacation for the year. No WAY do I want to do laundry while I'm on vacation. So there's no real way to pack for a 2 week visit to Switzerland in the fall in just a carry on, and not have to do laundry, either in your room or waste an afternoon at a laundromat. When you have morning temps of 48F/8C, and less for some mountain excursions, you need to pack warmly, which means bulky. Plus, if you're doing physical exertions, like hiking, then you're quite likely to be getting all sweaty, and you can't re-wear your outfits without washing them ... well, you can, but who wants to stink on vacation? LOL

[@dressmaking]

Some accommodations will offer laundry service but barring that, I have a few tricks: - pack small, quick-drying underlayers that absorb sweat. You can look up "sweat blockers" and search for reusable, washable versions - when it's time for that post-hike shower, I wear the underlayers into the shower with me and give them a soap and a rinse. Wring them out and hang them on a clothes hanger so they can air dry. Continue with the rest of the shower as needed. - remember that if you're warm enough for the first 10 minutes of the hike (or bike ride) then you're probably overdressed and will need to shed some of those layers as you work up a sweat.

[@drewrichardson8789]

Merino shirts, do not smell

[@mikeleone1347]

​@@drewrichardson8789Much too expensive, for something I'll only need for a week or two, once a year.

[@mikeleone1347]

@@drewrichardson8789 I'd need 4 shirts for a 2 week trip, probably. At approx $90US per shirt. And I wouldn't need them again during the rest of the year, because I will be doing laundry periodically at home anyway, if I go hiking here. Much too expensive, I'll live with the aggravation, it's only a week or two, once a year.

[@AuthorChrisAlex]

I find if I wash at night, lightweight items and hang them out, the lightweight items are dry by morning. Heavier items like jeans are dry by the next evening. I just wear my other pants during the day.

[@Petra.Disney]

I’ve used a number of your toiletry hacks which are great. But, I must have my very fashionable clothing choices for those great pics, and it adds to my enjoyment. I’ve learned though to choose thinner versions of these outfits and still manage to take a carryon. I also use your 3 shoe max rule, wearing my bulkiest on the plane. Thanks for your info!

[@steevie76]

Aly's Audit should be a MasterClass course

[@beaterose3759]

Bag Bag :)

[@AkiUtada]

I would reconsider taking sandals to Portugal in October. It’s Autumn! Open shoes are not in season.

[@paradiselover7580]

Is that an underseater?

[@alysmalls]

For most North American airlines yes!

[@jennifercejpek1199]

Sooooo i keep hearing bring what you wear at home. Never works for me because I never travel where the climate is the same as home. Plus I wear nicer clothes when I travel than at home . So not always a good rule but everyone keeps it as a rule.

[@indigosue3070]

I just found you and I like your style! Cool!

[@MicheleMaBelle67]

Hi! I always enjoy your videos. I own this bag and Air Canada rejected it at the gate, as my personal item. Too big. Very sad because this bag is a beauty!

[@missmayflower]

That’s the problem with watching USA videos. Their luggage allowances are bigger than anywhere else. You have to check the website ps of the airlines you’ll be travelling on.

[@itllbesuzanarchy]

It's freaking heavy too! I own one and have yet to use it because of the weight. 😬

[@susansmith864]

Spinners lose so much space compared to recessed double wheels.

[@Gevedon]

Ha! Bag, bag, bag... Sowry

[@alice4629]

I’d love to just carry a light bag(backpack), which I did, but got penalized on Delta airline where I was told that my backpack don’t belong in the cabin of my seat, it was my ONLY Carry-On or the ONLY thing I’ve carried on flight, was told by the FA to put that under my seat, the cabin space above my seat was for those who have carry on luggages. So, to avoid getting penalized and ridiculed by obeying the rules, I WILL bring a carry on luggage. It’s ridiculous how these rules are.

[@davestevens4193]

You probably 5'4" 115lbs. Me 6'5" 285lbs. Little different packing scenario. Multi million mile flyer.

[@chris_talls]

I'm 6'9" 240. Check out the 'dude packing' vids I made for the boys! It's easy.

[@davestevens4193]

@@chris_talls sounds good

[@ginabisaillon2894]

It must be nice to be rich because those nomad bags are outrageously expensive !

[@mattlawrence7130]

I don't believe in roller bags for a carry on and I only use a 2 wheel bag for checked luggage. I see all these female vloggers constantly promoting them, while I prefer a maximum carry on size backpack.

[@Chsbobcat1]

What do you think of Take Off luggage?

[@mattlawrence7130]

@@Chsbobcat1 Never used it. Looks like extra weight, which some of the airlines I've flown on care about

[@Chsbobcat1]

@@mattlawrence7130 It’s pretty lightweight. But when every ounce counts it’s definitely not the move.

[@selfsufficientgardenmedic]

the bags you advertise for cost a pretty penny...amazon carries so many varieties and much lower cost...and not everything is you get what you pay for...

[@princessmiaxo]

And not every amazon bag is worth it, either, when they end up ripping/tearing/breaking in so few trips.

[@TheRealJBMcMunn]

Ridiculous price. I'm heading out in a few days with a 25L packable backpack that cost me $20. Even if it doesn't last you can buy a lot of replacements for the price of one of those fancy bags. The bag folds up into one of its own pockets and at 0.75 pounds weighs half of the the other bags. The key word these days is "packable". Microfiber blanket 67" x 48", weighs less than a pound and folds up into a small cylinder 6" x 4". Microfiber towel 2' x 4' and weighs 0.4 lbs (I don't know how people in other countries can stand the hotel towels.) The only place I splurge is Merino wool because you don't need a lot of clothes. I spent 10 days in Italy with 2 of each of the following: shirts, pants, socks, and underwear. Puffer jacket $44, weighs about a pound. Puffer jackets are predominantly air and compress down easily. Instead of a scottevest I have a reversible golf vest with 9 pockets. Small (11" x 7") travel pillows set of two. One neck, one low back. Also compressible. Anything is possible with compression cubes and a strong arm.

[@truepeacenik]

@@princessmiaxo I noticed a lot of no name options were weirdly heavy for their size, too. Especially in backpacks.

[@nancybogart3960]

Ban carry on completely!

[@isabelc2131]

As 'comfortable' as Merino wool is for YOU ALL, it's not so much for your victims! What are you imagining? That the animals are donating it? That it's 'ethically sourced'? There is no such thing!