How To Pack a Carry-on for One Bag Travel

Do you want to save on baggage fees and get to your trip faster? Try one bag travel! Get 4 months extra on a 2 year plan at nordvpn.com/packhacker. It’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee!
0:00 - Intro
0:16 - Picking The Right Bag For Your Trip
4:22 - Sort Your Gear
5:53 - Lay It All Out
7:29 - Let’s Get Packing
Packing just one bag for your next trip is easier than you think. From choosing the right bag to choosing a travel capsule wardrobe, we have tips to help you get started. Should you opt for a boxy travel backpack or rolling carry on luggage? We’ll share what works for us so you can find the best way to pack for you.
GIVEAWAY: closes March 18, 2024 at 11:59 PM EST 👉 packhacker.com/guide/best-lap...
Check out all of our sponsors here 👉 packhacker.com/deals/
#howtopackacarryon #onebagtravel #personalitembag
RELATED CONTENT
More Tiny Travel Essentials for One Bag Travel: • More Tiny Travel Essen...
Why You Should Try One Bag Travel In 2024: • Why You Should Try One...
20 Scams You Should Avoid While Traveling: • 20 Scams You Should Av...
Travelpro Maxlite 5 21″ Carry-On Expandable Spinner Review (2 Weeks of Use): • Travelpro Maxlite 5 21...
UNDERSEAT PRO 17.5″ Travel Backpack Review (2 Weeks of Use): • UNDERSEAT PRO 17.5″ Tr...
View more travel gear reviews on our website: packhacker.com/travel-gear/
CONNECT WITH US
Join Pack Hacker Pro: packhacker.com/pro/
Sign Up for our Newsletter: packhacker.com/newsletter
Subscribe to Pack Hacker on KZbin: packha.kr/youtube
Subscribe to Pack Hacker Reviews on KZbin: packha.kr/youtube2
Follow Pack Hacker on Instagram: packha.kr/instagram
Like Pack Hacker on Facebook: packha.kr/facebook
Follow Pack Hacker on Twitter: packha.kr/twitter
Follow Pack Hacker on Pinterest: packha.kr/pinterest
Follow Pack Hacker on LinkedIn: packha.kr/linkedin
TERMS
Pack Hacker utilizes affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of our product links, Pack Hacker will receive a small commission at no cost to you. This helps support us, and allows us to keep providing reviews, guides, and content for you. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Thanks for your support!

[@PackHacker]

Get 4 months extra on a 2 year plan at nordvpn.com/packhacker. It’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee!

[@stkuj]

You guys should do a video on backpacks that fit under the airline seat...

[@PackHacker]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXO5c56sntytoNE 🤙

[@theranman0000]

You should also keep in mind that airline seats vary in size, mainly in countries outside of the US.

[@robertwilliamson922]

I’m 72 years old now. Never liked “wheelie” luggage. I like both hands free. Still carrying a backpack. One with hide away shoulder straps if I want to carry it like a duffle with shoulder sling. 21 litres…. (Minaal Daily). I travel lite ….together with a small crossbody sling. They are all I need even when gone for months at a time. I travel to the hot tropics only…. so don’t need any heavy clothing. Carry on….no checked baggage fees, no heavy multiple bags. Pick up and go…..no waiting at carousels. Freedom.

[@Qaptaininsano]

I’m not going anywhere for a bit I just like these videos lol

[@ronanrock2550]

I would love if you did a one bag travel for professional conference-related travel. My needs are a lot different than when I'm traveling for leisure (like carrying a poster tube or packing a fabric poster and needing a blazer) and I'd love to hear more advice on one-bag professional travel.

[@patrick1992]

Impossible. Your company pays it anyway why you don't take luggage?

[@medioreblatherskite]

​@@patrick1992the fact u think its impossible shows u dont travel for work hahaha

[@medioreblatherskite]

Anyway, the OneBag and HerOneBag forums for help as well! Lots of people do a carry on and personal item route

[@SergioSchvezov]

While I do not carry a poster tube, I do travel for work, sometimes 3 weeks at a time. Aside from my formal clothing and work laptop I pack: cycling gear, gym gear, m43 camera and 3 lenses. I pulled off all the tricks, like Shimano shoes that had pads that could be replaced with SPD clips and made my cycling gear good for the gym. Wash in hotel room every night and then do heavier work attire laundry during the weekend. For reference, this specific trip I traveled from the Brazilian Sprint to the Czech Fall. I fit this all in a Wandrd Prvke 31l bag.

[@LadyHavoc]

Have you done a video on one bag travel for larger people? It can be hard to fit larger clothing in one bag. I usually have to end up checking a bag when I'd rather not. Thanks for doing what you do!

[@yaowsers77]

I'm a plus size traveler and I pack in a carry on! Currently on a 10 day trip to London/Edinburgh. It's my first long trip aboard and the carry on is working great! I tend to run hot so I've got packed 7 lands end long sleeve v neck tees. 2 pairs of pants not including what I wore on the plane. 11 Old pairs of underwear that I will throw out after each use (= more room for souvenirs). 2 pairs of bras. 11 pairs of socks. Old tank and shorts for bed and also will get thrown out at the end. Some toiletries and chargers/cables, meds, and a flannel cover for the pillow because it helps me sleep. I'll be doing a load of wash a little over half way through. I wore a sweatshirt and also have a packable raincoat (also from lands end).

[@tkozikow]

A year ago I wore 2XL/3XL clothes (now L/XL) and with a capsule wardrobe and a few strategic pieces of merino I easily packed for 15 days in Italy with plenty of room leftover in my 22" rollaboard. Thinking that being a larger/plus size traveler is not the issue, but rather overpacking or not packing the right items.

[@t.h.2605]

6:10 - The way Tom did with his eyebrows… it’s a rare talent.

[@dayeah765caoni3]

Really? Then I too have a rare talent

[@elizabethrush2102]

I have no trouble fitting everything in my carry on bag, and the bag is smaller than the airline allows. But it still weighs too much. I would love a video that focused on weight.

[@ZitoVino]

Great suggestions and I like that you are using more B-roll. There were a couple of bags that you showed, like the orange one at 02:27 that I would like to check out. Have you ever thought about adding corner captions for what is being shown in the B-roll shots?

[@Qaptaininsano]

If you haven’t found the bag name yet I think it’s the topo designs global travel bag at 40l. I didn’t see the orange on the website though but I am fairly sure that’s the one.

[@ZitoVino]

@@Qaptaininsano Hey thanks! I checked it out. I'm intrigued by that one. 45 liter at less than 4 lbs. That beats my Outbreaker by 1.5 lbs!

[@islandsnow]

Seriously these charges are ridiculous. It was in place to help them not go into bankruptcy in the 2008 market crash. It supposed to go away. We should get money back if the flight is delayed

[@laplthelullemann]

Companies removing fees after learning that they can get away with charging extra for something? Oh my sweet summer child…

[@islandsnow]

@@laplthelullemann yup let’s start charging for everything. Usage of seats and seatbelt. Even bathrooms.

[@laplthelullemann]

@@islandsnow don’t give airlines any ideas, they might go through with it lol

[@Mehaara]

@@islandsnowYup, I have been waiting for a credit card charger at bathroom doors for a while now!

[@than1967]

A personal item only bag with packing tips would be much appreciated!

[@mareklacina5766]

I was watching your videos and it moved me from a carry-on with another small back to just a backpack. Didn't believe it, but it works

[@yaowsers77]

I have the farpoint40 but i leaned that standing in customs or wandering the airport is hard on the back so i bought a collapsible trolley. Lol I've used it more than i can tell but when there are lots of stairs like the tube stations, i break out the straps. It's been really handy. I've gotta figure out a better way to stow it when i need to switch back and forth. Also, if you rarely travel, might i suggest packing old underwear and tank tops/shorts for bed so you can throw them out as you go out throw away at the end of your trip? Makes for a little more space for souvenirs 😉

[@696969bold]

Jappard loadable collapsible cart (Amazon). Lightweight, not too long, and can fit in the bag if a trolley is absolutely needed.

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for sharing your insights! 🤙

[@enriquediaz7547]

It’s cool/great/reassuring that even “pros” repack their bags. Thx!

[@markholden9147]

That topo backpack and all your gear you showed would be well over 8kg so your pay a baggage charge anyway and a more expensive one as well because it wasn’t booked luggage all budget airlines are the same.

[@letsgowalk]

I always like doing this one pack travel, but i ultimately always end up buying stuff when I am on trips. These days, I just bring an empty suitcase to check in, and have all of my essentials in a carry-on backpack. I know this totally defeats the purpose of minimalist travel, but when I visit interesting places, I always find items that catch my eye, either for myself or for others.

[@sandiarms4719]

So useful. We are going on an Alaska cruise in August and a one- week trip to Italy in October

[@PackHacker]

Enjoy your trip! 😃

[@jheward2006]

The last time i flew in the states i heard a couple of the airlines announcing that if you had a sling bag on it counted as a carry on and you would be charged if you had two carry on items

[@matthewrichardson666]

I do like the Bellroy lite sling for this. Keep things easily available when needed but packs down really flat when you are walking through the gate/check area into your bag but then used as a tech/personal pouch on the flight.

[@abrahamsjason_]

Well done. Win on Person who won the Giveaways…

[@hellydavidson7598]

Helps. Thanks

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for watching! 😃

[@v0rtz]

I'll be heading to Patagonia in Chile in 2 weeks so this is video came in just in time! 🙏

[@PackHacker]

Enjoy your trip! 😃

[@cindybelsher4076]

Great video. Going to Thailand for at least 1 month.

[@jenelopebean]

Can you guys do a vid on Personal Item carry? Small bags, sizes that fit, contents, etc? Thanks! ❤ This vid btw!

[@PackHacker]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXO5c56sntytoNE 👏

[@leslylopez5325]

The 28L Cotopaxi backpack has never gotten me stopped, not even on frontier or spirit! It’s the perf one bag travel bag within the country. I’m taking a carry on 35L to Europe

[@leslylopez5325]

I also wear a fanny pack in the airport and the Cotopaxi has a zippered compartment on the top so I just stuff my fanny pack in there with all my essentials so that I have easy access to it on the flight

[@patriapahleva]

Thanks for mentioned southeast asia😊

[@robertocalderonabogado1427]

As a frequent traveller, Ifound out a roller bags are way better than backpacks

[@PackHacker]

Why is that? 🧐

[@mikeg2916]

I travel with some medications and I always pack them in my carry-on bag so they won't get lost. Are there any bags or cases you recommend for medication? Do you have any tips for packing medication?

[@kennethwu115]

Thanks guys. I’ve got a one day city trip to Liverpool UK next month

[@PackHacker]

Enjoy your trip! 😃

[@usarcut8502]

Does anyone know which bag is Tom wearing at 2:25? I really like its color and shape.

[@Qaptaininsano]

I am pretty sure it’s the topo designs global travel bag at 40l. I don’t know if they still have this color on their website but another vendor may be selling it.

[@disastrously]

which osprey backpack is featured at 7:45?

[@laplthelullemann]

I‘m planning to use the Aer Travel Pack 3 Small X-Pac as a personal item, wish me luck… Technically it’s too big for personal item measurements, but so far I’ve never been asked to measure it, not even with Ryanair and the bag definitely fits underneath the seat in front, but it definitely wouldn’t fit in the tiny personal item sizing boxes…guess I’ll just keep crossing my fingers that the gate personnel doesn’t want to take a closer look.

[@MikaelaCaron]

7:28 that’s how I like to pack 🔥🔥

[@doubledecker1094]

YOU SUCK ME IN WITH A THUMBNAIL OF ORGANISED STUFF AND I LOVE IT !

[@PackHacker]

😃😃😃

[@DaemonViews]

How can you be cold in the airport. They are always unnecessary warm. Such a pain and waste of heating.

[@joemzd]

That hasn't been my experience. A lot of newer airports (like Salt Lake City) have hard floors that chill the air vs older airports (like Denver and Portland) that have carpet, which keeps the airport warmer.

[@Wilden-us3mw]

Would love to see your perspective on what bags you recommend for people who are shorter in height (5'3 & below). A lot of the "travel" bags recommended are way too big for smaller frames. Also - weight is something that some consumers care about and would be a great feature for you to talk about in your future reviews. I purchased the Evergoods Civic Travel 26L and ultimately returned it due to how heavy it was without anything in it. For someone who is smaller framed, it doesn't make sense for me to try and lug around an already 3 pound bag that's going to be even heavier once you add a laptop & other items in it.

[@mysticcove3392]

I am 62, 5'0. 98 pounds. My daughter's bought me a Patagonia Black Hole MLC 30L to carry around Asia / UK / Europe / Oceania Continent / the Middle East (usually, I traveled with Rick Steve's Tour. Yep lots of walking). Super sweet versatile backpack / crossbody / anti theft bag. Tucked under airplane seat, no problem. I'm short and small, and I can't reach overhead bin, so no carry on for me. Edit: Hope this help you to choose what's right / comfortable for you to carry around. ❤

[@katherineandini5962]

I’m also around 5ft3 (163-164cm)! My go-to travel backpack is Fjallraven Kanken 15in laptop bag: it fits about 3 days to 1 week worth of stuffs & some extras like a small book, small digital camera or laptop gears. The laptop backpack from Kanken comes with padded straps, which I think is more convenient to carry. Another alternative is a duffle bag, I have a waterproof one from Rains (I think it’s a Dutch brand). When I’m camping or interrailing, I have a 35/36L backpack from Jack Wolfskin (I think the model is called Mountaineer). I’m from SE Asia & have flown with the low-cost airlines mentioned in this video multiple times, the Kanken & Rains duffel are small enough to make you worry less about 7kg weight limit 😊

[@JasonChia-qs6oz]

What backpack is that on the thumbnail of this video ?

[@abigailm.7453]

Can you please do a review of the Briggs and Riley ZDX convertible backpack duffle bag. I can find one anywhere on KZbin

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for the suggestion! I’ll pass it along.

[@todaysgrailtomorrowsbeater]

At 900ish grams, the bellroy venture ready pack is the most epic carry on backpack, and packs like a 30 liter😊

[@PackHacker]

🤙🤙🤙

[@antoniogradilla7933]

I ALWAYS CARRY one LAST TIME wearable clothes and shoes , I ditch them throughout my trip so I have plenty of extra space on the way back home.

[@rhondafeinberg938]

Is that a brand? Or do you mean things you own that you don’t want anymore?

[@TheJosb69]

Has anyone used a cor surf travel backpack?

[@AtlasPainkiller]

This video came just in time, as I am prepping for a beach trip in April. Currently going with the PH approved standard of one backpack (aer's travel pack 3) and a sling (Alpaka bravo mini v2). Does anyone have advice for shampoos effective for chlorine/salt water? As much as I would like to trust my Bravo shampoo bar, I dont want my hair to fry.

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for sharing your insights! 🤙

[@briangabeycom]

nice video. Currently on a 2 week trip on 1 bag. I love 1 bag travel

[@PackHacker]

🤙🤙🤙

[@Phlegm_Thrower]

What's your opinion on backpack/rolling luggage hybrid?

[@robertwilliamson922]

Probably too big and heavy. Parts to break. I’m 72 and still carry a backpack. Only 21 litres. Plus a small cross body sling. Hate wheels and the accompanying handle and parts. I’ll use wheels when I’m too old and have to use a wheel chair.

[@bethanjenkins2257]

So basically you want a rucksack which can transform into rolling luggage

[@JamesShow]

I have found my people. Thank you.

[@PackHacker]

🤙🤙🤙

[@sageata_verde]

i don't get it..i always went with a stroller and a backpack. its the standard fee for charters with go and return in europe to visit a country. my parents just went to portugal from transylvania now and there wasn't any problem, a stroller and a backpack for each. and they always went like this and visited the whole europe. so i dont understand the checking...it must be an american thing. when i went to japan 5 years ago i did it the same, a stroller and a backpack. also only my filming gear takes up a lot of space so its impossible. if i was travelling with someone else maybe, but for solo travel and a film enthusiast, its kinda hard, and still don't see the limitations.

[@averoes4029]

U got a new subscriber

[@PackHacker]

😃😃😃

[@DisabledPrepper]

I am an aeronautical engineer, and there is nothing more depressing than hearing these low cost airlines and even the non low cost commercial airlines stinging passengers for baggage. Totally depressing. Also not a minimalist. I am lucky I do not have weight restrictions due to my job.

[@gareth449]

If your worried about weight , wear Cargo shorts over long trousers , a thin waterproof softshell with lots of pockets and a fishermans waistcoat ( which has loads of pockets ) fill all the pockets with heavy items , then when you get through check:in just put all the items in your backpack , including the clothes

[@blackbeardsdelight]

Yeah and plus side is nobody will speak to you because you’ll look like a nut wearing cargo shorts over you pants lmao

[@JaimeLopez-sr1mi]

I’m going to be traveling to work to save up for a real trip 😂

[@MichelleDiana]

It’s really hard to pack in a personal item only😰🫣🎒 or not really when going but coming home is difficult… I had 1,5 kg Arabic coffee and the same in dates😬

[@rhondillon5056]

Check out HPL (Her Packing List) to learn how. Loved the course. ❤️

[@digitalgo-getter2123]

Can I bring a nail clipper and a small scissor? 🤔

[@Carlosviolante666]

We need a video with a personal size bag !

[@PackHacker]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXO5c56sntytoNE 😉

[@P0WSEETr]

You don't have to open clamshell backpacks all the way to take stuff out either

[@Jcnth8]

He! Have you ever seen, tried and heard about Aevor backpacks? I'm curious to see what you guys think :)

[@TheSwimpsu99]

if you travel so much, you should have points or have a status with an airline to get free bags....haha I mean come on

[@effys7716]

What airlines are doing this because… I’ve never encountered this

[@effys7716]

Can you guys do a video on doing laundry during a trip?

[@zerocarbdoc]

Tom where are you?

[@sageata_verde]

And before everyone says anything...i can run the same clopsthes for a week because i am only temporarly there. so i susually only keeep 2 pair of clothes...why match, i alwayhs in my irl life use a black T shirt with a jenas...so dont get iot...whats the mix and match...you always wear the same thing....what you showened is just a basic for people that dont understand what basic is...and im starting tonthink you dont either!

[@spacezombe]

If its Boeing I'm not going......

[@rhondillon5056]

Mmm... If only we had great train services, like Europe.. Fyi... How many crashes has Airbus had? The following is a list of accidents and incidents involving the Airbus A320 family and Airbus A320neo family of jet airliners. As of January 2024, 180 aviation accidents and incidents have occurred, including 38 hull loss accidents, and a total of 1505 fatalities in 17 fatal accidents.

[@spacezombe]

A friend and I have discussions about how bad the train and bicycle inferstructure is in this country, its not good at all...@@rhondillon5056

[@Anonom2012]

What about medicine/first aid? Am I the only one who gets sick 10 minutes after I land in a foreign country?

[@motherofthots69]

I’d recommend getting some Dramamine I always get sick on planes but that’s what helped me

[@elanthys]

I remember when I did my 2-week SF-NY roadtrip years ago, I checked in a big suitcase for the flights but I used a smaller bag for every day check ins at hotels/motels, the suitcase never left the trunk of the car and I just shifted stuff to and from it. It was very practical.