I often get asked what kind of bag I like to travel with and for the most part, I like a newer type of backpack known as travel pack. These are usually some sort of hybrid bags that are part backpack but can easily be carried as a sort of duffel or side bag. I have noticed that using a soft side bag like Bag X or Bag Y is great for optimizing my carry-on luggage. So here’s a few tips for packing your carry on bag.
1. Travel Light
This is probably the best advice that I can ever give anyone when traveling domestically or abroad. It is not always the easiest to do but I have found that being ruthless when it comes to stuff elimination has been a huge time, hassle, space, weight and money saver for me. Every single trip I have ever taken overseas, I have ALWAYS OVERPACKED at least a few items. The more I travel, the more precise and short my packing list becomes. Keep it light. You will be glad that you did.
2. Use a Soft-Side Bag
Using a soft-side bag will often allow you to put more weight into a bag and not get pulled aside to check your bag because “cabin space is limited so we’re gonna have to check your bag.” Soft side bags also allow for more flexibility against rigid objects or obscure shapes that you might be carrying like my Penny Deck or girls who travel with several pairs of shoes/boots, blowdryers, curling irons and hair straighteners etc.
I personally use the Cotopaxi Alpa for all of my travels and I don’t think I will ever go back to anything else.
3. Know Your Bag Measurements
This one is not super important but it can help you make educated decisions. It’s not uncommon for sizes to be listed in metric measurements (because metric makes WAAAY more sense) at most major airports. If you’re not sure what size your bag is, I find it handy to travel with this simple measuring tape with metric on one side and American nonsense on the other side.
4. Use Packing Cubes
These are probably one of the most underrated items for keeping yourself organized while traveling. I started using a more modular system for packing a coulee years ago and I don’t think I will ever go back. I keep different type of clothing in different color coded cubes and also have a 3 piece toiletry set that I use to keep things I use multiple times a day from the things I only use when I shower or getting ready to go out.
5. Wear Your Biggest Clothes On The Plane
You biggest boots, your puffiest jacket, you thickest jeans and softest hoodies, etc. That leaves more room in your bag for other things. Traveling light is good but for some long trips it can prove to be handy to fit a few more things on a plane if a particular airline has very strict carry-on policy.
6. Place Small Items In Your Pockets
where they go unnoticed as you board the plane. This allows for more room in your carry-on. I have done this with my UE Boom Bluetooth speaker, a pair of flip flops, a pair of converse low-top chuck tailor shoes and even some pretty sizable books in my hand as I board. This one might not fly so easy with EasyJet 😉
Following these simple tips for packing your carry on bag can have a big impact on the quality of your airport security screening, flight, and arriving at your travel destination. If you know of some others, please let me know and I will see if I can can add them. Safe travels.
