Travel
Yes, You Can Pack For Your Vacation In A Carry-On—Here's How
Photography by Monos
Travel
Yes, You Can Pack For Your Vacation In A Carry-On—Here's How
This luggage set showed me I can pack for any vacation in a carry-on—and you can too.
A few weeks ago, my husband and I booked a 20-day trip to Japan and Korea for next spring. Having previously visited Asia for a similar amount of time last year, I made one goal for myself: learn how to pack.
Last time, I showed up with a full-size suitcase, plus a carry-on, a backpack, and a belt bag. But it isn't exactly overpacking that's the problem. That would imply I bring more than I need. In some cases, I do—I'll have six pairs of shoes but only use three—but then don't think to include a sweater. For some reason, I can never get packing right.
Over the last three months, I've been travelling quite a bit and using it as practice for the real test: only take a carry-on suitcase for my upcoming three-week trip.
The first step was to find the best suitcase for my needs.
Photography by Monos
I've had plenty of experience using luggage from Winners, but zippers and wheels always seem to break, and the handle is never sturdy. This time, I went to a few places to see the difference in what a more elevated bag could do. I ended up picking the Expandable Carry-On from Canadian company Monos. It ticked all the boxes when it came to features and specs.
- Sturdy, telescopic handle with four height settings
- Lightweight (7.8 lbs)
- Smooth, 360-degree spinner wheels
- TSA-accepted lock
- Hard shell
- Water-resistant
- Compliant with airline carry-on size requirements
- Expandable, with capacity from 35 L to 40 L
- Removable compression pad with zippered pocket
- Comes with anti-microbial, silver ion-coated laundry bag, two shoe bags, and vegan leather tag
- Guaranteed limited lifetime warranty
- 100-day trial
Tricks for packing a carry-on suitcase
Outfit planning
One trick I've learned is that packing starts before you even pull out a suitcase. The process begins by pulling outfits based on days/events, and taking photos of them. Then I add the photos to a trip album and can reference them whenever I need. It also creates my packing list for me. If I have a photo with a pair of jeans and a top, they are now coming with me.
Packing cubes
Once you've made your outfits (the more you can mix-and-match, the better), it's time to put everything in your bag. Some people use packing cubes—I've tried cheap ones from Amazon in the past but never really got the point—but thought I could give them another chance if it meant being able to fit more in my suitcase. I got the set of four compressible packing cubes from Monos because they fit perfectly in the suitcase. Although I found them helpful for organization and space-saving when it came to underwear and socks, jeans and heavier clothing items made it harder to see advantages. Most of the time, I packed without them. I usually use clothes to protect hair tools, etc. That being said, these packing cubes always compressed when I needed them to, thanks to the extra durable zippers that never split.
Make space
I did, however, make use of the compression pad—I swear that adjustable piece made it so I could add up to two more outfits in the same amount of space. I also used the shoe bags to protect my clothing from getting dirty.
The importance of your personal item
Photography by Monos (right)
This is what either makes or breaks your packing. Finding a great carry-on bag or tote to use as a personal item will hold your water bottle, electronics, snacks, liquids, jewelry, a book, and maybe even a pair of shoes.
Up until this summer, I relied on my Everyday Backpack from Lululemon. It has enough pockets and compartments for all of the above, plus a rectangular shape that allows you to fit almost any size laptop and just more tech in general. It also has a strap on the back that slides over your luggage handle.
Photography by Monos
I recently upgraded to the Metro Duffel because it has a few more litres of space and a horizontal vs. vertical layout—there's less digging through your bag. I was able to bring everything I needed for a 10-hour flight, including my own meals and enough water to be that person who has to get up and use the washroom every hour. I also fit in a change of clothes for when I landed in my warm-weather destination. The duffel fit beneath my seat (on its side) with enough room left for my feet, and the water-resistant vegan leather didn't get scratched once.I only wish it had a longer zipper to make access a little easier.
Using my previous personal item, I would separate everything with Stasher bags, like snacks, headphones, charging cords, and my passport and wallet. Now, I use the attached Metro Classic Kit that organizes all of these things for me. It clips onto the outside of the Metro Duffel and makes all of your essentials so much easier to access.
And although not a packing tip, I was complimented three times on my luggage, including someone asking where my Metro Duffel was from, something I've never experienced before and motivation to keep up the good work.
How many days can you pack for in a carry-on?
I first challenged myself to use a carry-on for a four-day trip. This may not sound difficult, but for someone who loves sneakers and having her hair done, it's always a challenge. I did it by not bringing my own shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. I decided to just go with whatever the hotel had for me.
Next was five days out west. Again, I relied on hotel products and outfit planning.
Then came a 10-day stay in New York. Thankfully, it was July, so the less clothing, the better—but I knew I was going to sweat through everything. The compressible pad in my suitcase once again made it possible to fit enough tanks, tees, shorts, and skirts to get me through the entire trip, even without a chance to do laundry. I also had to cut down on the number of shoes I packed. It turns out I end up in comfortable walking shoes most of the time, use a second pair of sneakers to give my feet a change of pace, and then wear a simple sandal for dinners out.
So far, the Monos Expandable Carry-On has made it all possible, without ever being gate checked—a win!
The next test I face is another ten days away, but this time to two locations, one of which includes a wedding. I'm hoping my carry-on and Metro Duffel can get me through!
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