Packing Tips

We’ve been travelling full-time with just one carry-on-sized backpack each for eight years and believe that packing light is the secret to stress-free travel.

My book The Carry-On Traveller (available on Amazon) features practical tips to help you pack light and never check luggage again. By travelling carry-on only, you’ll save time at airports, save money on checked luggage fees, and reduce the stress of hauling bulky bags.

To get started read our latest carry-on only packing list, our carry-on backpacks review, and how to use packing cubes to save space. 

See below for more packing tips, gear reviews, and packing lists. 

Tortuga Setout review - one of the best carry-on travel backpacks including a comparison of the Setout vs Outbreaker

Tortuga Setout Backpack Review: Everything You Need to Know
Our detailed review of the best carry-on backpack by Tortuga

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Horse riding on Noordhoek Beach and a True Traveller insurance review

True Traveller Insurance Review: The Best Backpacker Insurance
The most affordable and comprehensive travel insurance we've found

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Three screenshots of Trail Wallet showing the new daily summary screen, the photos screen, and the History screen.

A New Update of Our Trail Wallet Travel Budget App!
Learn about the new features of our travel expense tracking app.

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Practising with my Yoga Paws in Wilderness, South Africa

Yoga Paws Review: The Best Travel Yoga Mat
There's no need to pack a heavy yoga mat. Take these brilliant, tiny yoga paws instead.

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Tortuga Outbreaker backpack review: a detailed review of the best carry-on backpack

Tortuga Outbreaker Review: Is It The Best Carry-On Backpack in 2020?
A detailed review of this carry-on-sized backpack.

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Carry-on packing list for a ski trip. Based on the one we used for snowboarding in Tignes, France.

The Essential Ski Trip Packing List (Carry-On Only!)
Yes, it is possible to pack for a ski trip in just a carry-on bag! Here's how...

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Erin and Simon with carry on backpacks in Lubrin, Spain

How to Pack for 4 Months in Europe from Summer to Winter (Carry-On Only!)
A carry-on only packing list for men and women for a three-season four-month trip in Europe.

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AeroPress for travel review: why this is the best coffee maker for travel.

AeroPress: The Best Travel Coffee Maker
We think the AeroPress is the best travel coffee maker. It's light, compact, durable, easy to use, and makes the best coffee you've ever tasted. It would also make a great present for a coffee lover.

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Bluffworks review - Bluffs are the best travel trousers for men. They combine the functionality of technical fabrics with a smart look.

Bluffworks Pants Review: The Best Travel Pants for Men
A detailed review of the best travel pants for men

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Ably t-shirt review: how do these odour-resistant t-shirts stand up to a month of travel in Europe

Ably: The Magic T-Shirt That Is Perfect for Travel

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Best carry on backpack: A review of the Tortuga Travel Backpack and the Osprey Farpoint 40

The Best Carry On Backpack: An Update Two Years On

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The Carry-On Traveller interviews: Dave the First-timer

The Carry-On Traveller Interviews: David the First-Timer

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