Why Packing Light Matters

Packing light means you can travel smart. A well-packed carry-on gives you the freedom to move through airports, stations, and hotels without dragging extra weight behind you. No checked luggage means fewer queues, less chance of delays, and no need to stand around a baggage carousel hoping your case made it.

But can you really pack for a week in just a carry-on? Yes. And it's easier than most people expect. You just need to be selective. Bring what earns its place and skip what doesn't.

Stay in Control, Wherever You're Headed

You also avoid the risk of lost luggage, which is reason enough for many travellers. But beyond that, carry-on travel means less to carry, less to keep track of, and more time doing what you came to do. With one well-organised bag, you stay in control from departure to arrival.

We design our carry-on luggage and cabin bags to make this approach simple. Smart compartments and thoughtful dimensions mean you can bring exactly what you need and leave behind what you don't.

The Essentials: Your One-Week Packing List for a Carry-On

Travelling with a single cabin bag calls for a wardrobe that you can easily mix and match. The key is versatility—items you can wear more than once, pieces that layer well, and a list that keeps you focused.

Here’s your one-week packing list for a carry-on. It covers city breaks, beach escapes, and business trips; just adjust the mix based on your destination.

Clothing

• 3 tops (lightweight, easy to mix and match)
• 2 bottoms (trousers, jeans, or shorts)
• 1 dress or versatile outfit (optional, depending on trip type)
• 1 jumper or jacket (wear your heaviest layer on the plane)
• 1 set of loungewear or sleepwear
• 1 swimsuit (if relevant)
• 5-7 pairs of underwear
• 2-3 pairs of socks (adjust for climate)
• 1 pair of trainers or walking shoes (wear on travel day)
• 1 additional pair of shoes (e.g., loafers, sandals)

Toiletries (travel-sized only)

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Solid or refillable shampoo and soap
• Razor
• Deodorant
• Sunscreen (if needed)
• Any skincare or prescription items
• Comb or travel brush

Extras

• Mobile and charger
• Universal adapter (if needed)
• Travel documents (passport, printed confirmations)
• Lightweight tote or day bag
• Book or e-reader
• Sunglasses

Sticking to this list helps avoid overpacking, and it leaves room for anything you pick up along the way. You'll also find it easier to stay organised when everything has its place.

How To Pack a Carry-On for Seven Days: Space-Saving Techniques

Knowing how to pack a carry-on for seven days requires a few essential steps. Once you've mastered these, packing a cabin bag for a week is simplicity itself.

Start with a Flat Base

Begin by placing your heaviest items, such as shoes, at the base of the case to create a stable foundation. Follow with neatly folded clothing. A flat packing surface is crucial here; it prevents wrinkles and lost space. Keep everything as close to the base of the bag as possible to prevent shifting. If your bag has a wide interior and minimal obstructions, even better. That's why we developed the Outsider® handle. With the handle mounted on the exterior, you have a flat packing surface that maximises space and minimises wrinkles.

Use Packing Cubes—Or Don't

Some travellers swear by packing cubes. Others roll their clothes tightly and tuck them directly into the case. Both work—it depends on your style. Just make sure each cube or section serves a purpose. Use a consistent packing system so you're not rummaging.

Layer by Use, Not by Item

You don't need to separate every piece of clothing. Think in terms of outfits. Layer items together by how you plan to wear them: day 1 shirt, trousers, and socks in one cube or roll; day 2 in another. That makes dressing quick and packing faster when you're on the move.

Fill Every Space—Smartly

Tuck smaller items like socks and chargers into shoes. Use inside pockets for slim accessories and flat items like documents or a paperback.

Know the Limits

Most airlines allow a carry-on that fits under 56 x 45 x 25 cm. We design ours to meet that standard without giving up space or structure. Knowing the size you're working with keeps your packing efficient and airline-friendly.

Learning how to pack for a week in a cabin bag isn't difficult. It's just a matter of knowing how to use the space you've got and using travelware designed to make it easy. Once you get into the habit, you'll wonder why you ever packed any other way.

What To Wear on the Flight

Your flight outfit pulls double duty. It should be comfortable enough for hours in a seat but able to suit whatever you're doing after you land. Soft trousers or smart joggers, a breathable tee or button-down, and a layer like a jumper or lightweight jacket usually do the trick.

Wear the Bulky Items

The heaviest or most awkward pieces shouldn't go in your cabin bag. They should go on you. Trainers, coats, jumpers, and even hats take up a fair amount of space. Wearing them on the plane keeps your bag lighter and gives you more room to pack efficiently.

Pockets Are Your Friend

Keep your mobile, passport, headphones, and any charging cables on you. A jacket with zip pockets helps avoid digging through your bag mid-flight. That also means fewer interruptions at security.

Be Airport-Smart

Avoid belts, complicated boots, or anything that slows you down at security. Choose slip-on shoes and easy layers. You'll move through checkpoints quickly and board feeling sorted, not flustered.

Planning what to wear on the plane isn't just a travel hack. It's part of how to pack a carry-on for a week. Every decision adds up, and your outfit is the first one that saves space.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Our checklist simplifies learning how to pack a carry-on for a week, but there are still missteps that could derail your plans. Watch out for these pitfalls.

Packing 'Just in Case' Items

It's tempting to bring extras "just in case," but those are the first things that waste space. A third pair of shoes, another formal outfit, or three extra tops rarely get used. Stick to your list and trust that you've packed what you'll wear, not what you might wear.

Ignoring the Weather Forecast

Packing a carry-on for a week without checking the forecast first usually ends in regrets. You don't need to bring rain gear for a dry week or sandals for a chilly city break. A five-minute check helps you pack right the first time.

Overloading on Shoes

Shoes take up more space than anything else. You'll wear one pair, so at most, bring one more. If they don't serve a clear purpose—walking, formal wear, or weather-specific—leave them behind.

Filling Every Pocket Without a Plan

A bag with multiple compartments helps with organisation, but only if you use those compartments intentionally. Shoving things into every pocket turns your luggage into a guessing game. Group items by category and keep your essentials easy to reach.

Skipping the Airline's Bag Policy

Not all carry-on limits are the same. Some airlines enforce size and weight strictly. Always check your airline's policy before you pack. Briggs & Riley's carry-on luggage fits most major airline requirements, but it's worth confirming, especially on budget carriers.

Avoiding these common missteps keeps your packing focused and your trip frustration-free. It also makes packing a carry-on for a week feel like second nature.

Final Tips on Packing a Carry-On for a Week

By this point, you've seen how efficient carry-on travel comes down to making a few smart choices. Stick to your list. Don't second-guess it. Everything you've packed should serve a clear purpose across the full week—no extras, no "just in case."

Lay It Out Before You Pack It

Before anything goes in your bag, lay it all out on a flat surface. Seeing everything at once gives you one last chance to swap something out or leave an item behind. It's a quick step that helps avoid overpacking.

Rewear and Rethink

Choose items you can rewear without a second thought. Go for breathable fabrics, neutral colours, and pieces that work across different settings. That's how you make packing a carry-on for a week look easy.

Keep It Clean, Not Complicated

Packing light works because it removes friction. You don't have to dig through layers of stuff or haul a massive case through the airport. A carry-on keeps your trip simple, sharp, and manageable, and that's the point.