The one-bag travel community has refined the carry-on packing list over decades. The realistic 2-week kit:
Clothing (5-7 days of rotation, washed mid-trip):
- 4-5 quick-dry t-shirts (merino wool — Smartwool, Wool & Prince)
- 2-3 button-downs (merino again — Outlier, Ministry of Supply)
- 2 pairs travel pants (Outlier Slim Dungarees, Bluffworks)
- 1 pair shorts
- 5-7 days underwear + socks (merino wool — ExOfficio for underwear)
- 1 light packable jacket (Patagonia Houdini)
- 1 rain shell (Outdoor Research Helium)
- Layering piece (Patagonia Nano Puff or Down Sweater)
- 2 pairs shoes max: walking shoes + dress/casual
Toiletries (TSA-friendly):
- 100ml bottles only (Nalgene 60ml + Sea to Summit silicone tubes)
- Toothbrush + travel toothpaste
- Razor + cream
- Deodorant (solid stick — not aerosol)
- Sunscreen (mineral — most TSA-friendly)
- Quick-dry travel towel (PackTowl, Sea to Summit DryLite)
- First aid kit (small — band-aids, ibuprofen, anti-diarrheal, sleep aids)
Tech:
- Universal travel adapter (Epicka or Anker)
- Portable charger (Anker PowerCore 20000 — under TSA limit)
- USB-C cables + wall charger (Anker Nano series)
- Headphones (over-ear with ANC for flights)
- Phone + laptop + chargers
Documents:
- Passport + 2 photocopies (one in suitcase, one in backpack)
- Driver's license / international driving permit
- Travel insurance details + emergency contact list (printed)
- Credit cards + debit cards (notify bank before traveling)
- Some local currency cash (~$100 equivalent)
Most-forgotten items by first-time travelers:
- Compression packing cubes (Eagle Creek, Peak Design) — game-changer
- Combination lock for hostel lockers
- Earplugs + eye mask for flights/hostels
- Empty water bottle (fill after security)
- Notebook + pen (no battery, always works)
For 3-week trips: Add 1 pair quick-dry merino socks per week. Plan to wash clothes once a week — most hotels have laundry services for $10-20.
Backpack of choice: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L, Tortuga Outbreaker 35L, Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L. All fit major airline carry-on dimensions and open like a suitcase.