How To Pack For 3 Weeks With a One Bag Carry-On

Packing for a long trip can be tough, but I’ve found a secret to make it easier – using only a carry-on. I’m fairly organized so this part is easy for me, over the years I’ve learned the perks of packing light with a one bag carry-on.

If you’re planning your next summer or winter trip then you’ve come to the right place. I’ll share tips for packing for 3 weeks with just a single carry-on. You’ll learn how to make a detailed packing list, use packing cubes, pick versatile clothing, do laundry, and pick the right backpack.

Embrace the One Bag Carry-On Mindset

Packing a large suitcase full may seem appealing which is what I used to do. The only problem was that I found myself not wearing all the clothes I brought and not even using all the extra items I had with me. Adopting the one bag carry-on mindset will change how you travel. You also avoid the stress of dealing with big bags and checked baggage fees.

By just having a single carry-on you’ll be able move easily through the airports, in crowded places, jump into Ubers without trouble, and never worry about losing your luggage.

Ditch the “Just in Case” mentality

It’s tempting to over-pack because you think you must be prepared for every possible situation. The trick to using the one bag carry-on method is to also be a minimalist traveler. Only pack what you need, make a packing list and pick the most important items. Don’t be afraid to wear clothes more than once, besides you’ll be able to do laundry when you need to. With just a few tweaks, you’ll see you can be happy with less stuff and not worry about the hassle of having too many items.

One bag carry-on Packing List

I find this to be the easiest part. I review my trip and sort the items I know I’ll need, allowing me to pack smarter. This allows me to drop the extra clothes and items I won’t need. This makes packing easier and improves your trip.

Categorize your items

This is the easiest part start grouping your items into categories like clothes, toiletries, electronics, and footwear. This helps you see everything you need to pack. It also lets you spot any missing items or too much stuff. With a clear list, you can pack light and efficiently.

With a packing list, you’ll feel more confident about your trip. You’ll know you have everything in your carry-on.

What I packed in my one bag carry-on

Personally, I prefer versatile tops and bottoms using neutral colors, black, white and grey. I also limit myself to one week’s worth of clothing. This allows me to mix and match for my 3-week trip easily. This way, I save space in my carry-on and still look good with what I’m wearing.

Here’s a list of what I packed for my winter European trip:

Clothes

• 6 tops
• 1 pair of pants
• 2 pairs of jeans
• Packable puffer jacket
• Rain jacket
• 1 sweater/flannel + beanie
• 1 set of pajamas
• 8 pairs of undies (enough for every day)
• 8 pairs of socks (enough for every day)

Footwear

• 1 pair of casual shoes (I wear these throughout the trip)

Electronics

• EU and UK travel adapter
• Portable charger
• 2 wall chargers
• Fast charging cable

Toiletries

• Travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste
• Hair stuff for dudes
• Travel-sized shaving cream + disposable razor
• Pillbox

Use packing cubes and save space

Several years ago I learned the secret to packing light, and it’s all thanks to packing cubes, especially compression cubes. These help me use every inch of my carry-on space allowing me to pack for up to 3 weeks in just one bag.

I use different cubes for tops, bottoms, underwear, and accessories. This keeps my backpack neat and from getting messy while I’m on the move. Along with packing cubes, I roll my clothes to save room and reduce wrinkles.

Prioritizing items in your one bag carry-on

By adopting the one-bag carry-on mindset you’ll naturally become a minimalist traveler. First, I make a detailed list of must-haves – clothes, toiletries, electronics, and documents. This keeps me on track and helps me avoid packing too much. Packing cubes help me to group my items into categories bottoms, tops, underwear/cocks, toiletries and electronics. This method makes sure I don’t forget anything crucial and helps me leave non-essential items behind.

Embracing minimalist travel means you get a smoother, less stressful trip.

How to do laundry while traveling?

Doing laundry for those extended trips is easier than you think. If I decide to do laundry, I can use the hostel or I use Google to locate a laundry service near where I’m staying. Skip the laundry service in hotels, they can be absurdly expensive.

You essentially have three options with laundry: sink laundry, using a laundromat or if renting a property you can use the laundry room.

• Sink laundry (inside the hotel bathroom) is okay for socks, underwear or say a shirt, but you’ll need at least 24 hours for them to dry.
• If you want to wash all your clothes, then find a local laundromat near your hotel using Google.
• For those using AirBnB or VBRO, the property more than likely has a washer and dryer you can use (just check the listing to see if they offer it).

I myself have used a laundromat that offers wash and fold service. Usually, they’re not too expensive charging by the kilo (2.2 lbs). If you drop off your laundry in the morning they can have it ready later that day.

If you go this route then pick a ‘free day’ with nothing really planned. Drop off your laundry early and go about your day. Pay attention to the close time and simply pick up your laundry.

Picking the right backpack/suitcase

My 46-liter Osprey Porter is ideal for my one bag carry-on trips. It’s very spacious with enough room to carry my clothes, toiletries and electronics with ease. Compression cubes are a must to make the one bag carry-on work.

My other one bag carry-on backpack is the budget-friendly yet functional tomtoc 40 liter backpack. Yes, it still has enough room for my clothes, toiletries and electronics.

If you need some help in choosing the best backpack for you make sure to read my post on the 10 Best Minimalist Backpacks.

These BAGAIL compression cubes are the ones I used for my last trip to Europe and they are great!

For a better idea of what I packed in my electronics bag, check out my post on the best travel tech accessories. Below is a quick snapshot of what I brought with me on my last European trip. The tech pouch below is the FYY travel tech organizer.

Here’s what I brought in my toiletry bag…as you can see, I don’t need much.

Final Thoughts

After so many years of travel, I finally cracked the code using the one bag carry-on method. All these tips I picked up from other travelers and just plain experience have made my current travels worry-free.

When you adopt the one bag carry-on mindset, focus on the essential items using compression cubes and eliminate all “just in case” things you’ll never use.

You’ll soon see how packing light as a minimalist gives you much more flexibility and freedom while traveling. It doesn’t matter if you’re planning a trip this summer or winter; I highly recommend it. Keep in mind there will always be a laundromat near your accommodation.

Wherever you go, just have fun and don’t stress….see you on your next journey!