13 Carry-on Travel Essentials for Minimalist Packers

Packing light comes down to strategy and, honestly, a lot of willpower. As a carry-on-only traveler, I know that every item has to pull its weight—whether it’s a dress that works for both sightseeing days and dinners out, or a sleek packing cube that keeps clothing neat and compact.

Over the years, I’ve honed my carry-on routine down to a science: a streamlined mix of versatile clothing, smart accessories, and space-saving gear that makes travel so much smoother. Below, the travel essentials I always bring to keep my bag organized (and lightweight), and my journeys more stress-free. And, with Amazon Prime Big Deal Days underway, tons of these picks are on sale, making now the best time to shop. 

Best Deals on Packing Essentials for Minimalists

Reliable Carry-on

Away The Carry-on

Away

Away The Carry-on Flex

Away

The first thing you need in order to be a successful carry-on-only traveler is, well, a reliable carry-on bag. For me, that’s my Away suitcase, which I truly feel is like the Mary Poppins bag of luggage. I’ve had this classic carry-on for nearly nine years, and I continue to be amazed by just how much I can stash in its 21-by-14-inch space. And, if I’m worried about needing a little extra room by the end of the trip, I’ll bring my Away Carry-on Flex, which expands to offer a bit more room, while remaining overhead-bin-friendly.

Ultra-organized Backpack

Caraa Stratus Medium

Caraa

When you’re trying to keep your luggage to a minimum, choosing your personal item wisely can make all the difference. I’ve tested dozens of travel backpacks over the years, and this ultralight Caraa Stratus Backpack continues to be the frontrunner in my rotation. In fact, after eight years of constant use, I just replaced mine—it’s that durable. I love that this backpack has so many compartments and pockets for all my essentials while traveling: a cushioned sleeve for my laptop, a water bottle pocket, and even an extra zippered pouch for a change of clothes or shoes. I also love that it features a pass-through luggage sleeve, so it securely stacks on top of my suitcase as I navigate the airport. 

Compression Packing Cubes 

Bagsmart Compression Packing Cubes

Amazon

To keep your luggage organized and streamlined, using packing cubes is a must. I personally love this Bagsmart set because the cubes are super lightweight, impressively compress your clothes into neat, little packages, and make organizing all your clothes a breeze. I also use these for keeping shoes separated from my clothes, and simply place the perforated side facing down to keep them extra secure.

Minimalist Purse

FP Movement Bulls Eye Sling Bag

Free People

I don’t like toting a backpack around during the day while traveling, and that’s where a reliable (yet streamlined) daypack comes into play. Recently, I’ve been loving my FP Movement Bulls Eye Sling Bag, which is perfect for trips where both sightseeing and hiking may be on the itinerary. 

However, for a nicer bag I can wear to dinner or out on the town, my latest obsession is the Hammit Kyle Crossbody Bag, which compresses down completely flat in my suitcase or backpack—so I never need to question whether I have room for a nicer purse. Although it’s small, it magically fits all the essentials (phone, keys, wallet, etc.) Plus, it has an interchangeable strap, so I can wear it as a shoulder or crossbody bag, depending on the occasion.

Hammit Kyle Crossbody Bag

Macy’s

Basic T-shirt

Everlane The Box-cut Tee in Essential Cotton

Everlane

A well-made, well-fitting T-shirt is a must for any trip—and you’d be surprised how useful a classic white tee or chic black tee can be. My favorite T-shirts of all time include the Madewell Cotton Relaxed Oversized Tee (which is almost sold out!) and the Everlane Box-cut Tee. A reliable T-shirt can pair with jeans for a classic look, with a nicer skirt or under a slip dress, or with a pair of trousers for a chic, put-together outfit. In other words, never underestimate the simple yet mighty tee—it can work wonders in your minimalist travel wardrobe.

Versatile Sneakers 

Puma Palermo Leather Sneaker

Nordstrom

No matter where you’re headed, a versatile pair of sneakers is a must. I personally like to opt for classic white sneakers, which go with literally everything—dresses, jeans, shorts, etc. There are so many great sneakers to choose from, but my go-to lately has been the Puma Palermo sneakers, which are the perfect neutral shade, with just a bit of personality. They’re incredibly comfortable, even after walking thousands of steps, and they look great paired with just about any outfit. 

Lightweight Jacket

Levi’s Original Trucker Jacket

Amazon

If I’m only going to bring one jacket (layers are bulky, and space is precious!), there’s nothing more reliable than a good old denim number that will match just about everything. My personal favorite is the classic Levi’s Trucker Jacket, which is the perfect early fall layer—it’s lightweight, so I won’t overheat when the sun is out, but it has some room, so I can wear a long-sleeve or light sweater underneath if it’s chillier out. 

A Compact E-reader

Amazon Paperwhite

Amazon

It took me years, and I mean years, to finally cave and embrace the e-reader life. Prior to this concession, I would pack multiple paperback books (and even the occasional hardcover). Not only would this take up a good chunk of my precious packing real estate, but it also made my bag so heavy. Now, I can’t imagine traveling without my Kindle—I can bring an entire library’s worth of literature, all in one small, streamlined device that fits effortlessly into my backpack or even a small purse.

A Uniform Toiletry Set

Cadence Travel Containers

Amazon

There are so many packing containers and toiletry bottle sets out there, but I have yet to find any more streamlined and sturdy than the Cadence travel containers. I am obsessed with this brand and its minimalist travel containers. Not only are they aesthetically lovely, but they magnetically join together, making them a breeze to keep nice and organized in my toiletries case. This particular set has a container for cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen—but the brand also makes a number of container types and labels to suit your packing needs.

Multifunctional Trousers

Aritzia The Limitless Pant Crepette

Aritzia

On my list of must-pack clothing, a reliable pair of trousers is always filed under “clothing essential.” The best trousers are extremely versatile: dress them up with a little kitten heel and blouse, or dress them down for a day of sightseeing (ahem, pair them with that aforementioned quintessential T-shirt). Personally, I don’t go anywhere without my Aritzia Limitless Pant or the Aritzia Effortless Pant (the former has belt loops, and the latter does not). These comfortable trousers absolutely refuse to wrinkle during transit, plus they make me look instantly put together. The best part: I can make dozens of outfits with one pair alone, saving me ample space in my luggage. 

A Silk Scarf

Dissh Rae Black Stripe Silk Scarf Top

Dissh

When it comes to minimalist packing, you really want to get the most bang for your buck with every item you choose—meaning, you want to pack something that can serve many uses on your trip, and ideally doesn’t take up too much space. One such item: a silk scarf. While this may seem very simple, don’t underestimate the power of this accessory. You can wear a scarf in your hair, as a belt, around your neck…the list goes on. Most importantly, it’s an item that takes up virtually no space in your luggage—yet it can transform any outfit and make it look brand new. 

Multi-port Charger

Epicka Universal Travel Adapter

Amazon

Whether you’re traveling abroad or simply want to streamline your chargers (there’s simply no space for multiple bricks in our luggage, as minimalist packers), then I’d highly recommend the Epicka travel adapter. It includes four different plugs that cover over 200 countries and regions, and provides the option to charge up to six different devices simultaneously. Translation? It’s the only adapter and charger you’ll need to pack.

Slip Dress

Dissh Darcy Rust Silk Maxi Dress

Dissh

I love bringing a gorgeous slip dress while traveling, namely because it’s so versatile—and, yet again, it takes up very little space. A slip dress can, of course, serve as a formal going-out look, but it can also do so much more. Pair it with sneakers and layer a T-shirt on top for a chic daytime look, or put on a sweater and boots as the seasons transition to fall and winter weather. I personally adore Dissh’s dresses, including this silk maxi dress—but you can also opt for a more budget-friendly satin dress like this gorgeous one from Old Navy. 

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