Tired of Overpacking? These Carry On Must-Haves Are All You Need
Are you fed up with lugging around a heavy suitcase every time you travel? If packing light seems impossible, you’re in the right place!
Let’s be honest overpacking is a travel pitfall we all fall into. You start off with the best intentions, but before you know it, you’re cramming your carry-on with all those “just in case” items that end up sitting unused. Sound a bit too familiar? You’re not alone!
In this guide, I’ll share some fun and practical carry-on essentials that will help you pack smarter and travel lighter while still feeling prepared. Say goodbye to cluttered suitcases and hello to the joys of stress-free travel!
Our Top Picks
BEST PASSPORT ORGANIZER:
Passport Holder & Travel Wallet with RFID Blocking | $18.99
BEST TSA-APPROVED TOILETRY KIT:
Trektote Travel Toiletry Kit For Men And Women | $12.99
BEST TRAVEL ADAPTER:
Universal Travel Adapter, Worldwide All in One | $12.99
BEST NECK PILLOW:
Napfun Neck Pillow for Traveling | $15.86
BEST NOISE-CANCELING HEADPHONES:
Soundcore Active Noise Cancelling Headphones | $39.98
BEST COMPRESSION SOCKS:
Physix Gear Compression Socks – Men & Women | $14.24
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT E-READER:
Amazon Kindle – Lightest and most compact Kindle | $109.99
BEST TRAVEL JOURNAL & PEN:
CAGIE Compass Leather Notebook Journal | $19.99
BEST PORTABLE POWER BANK:
INIU Portable Charger in & Out Power Bank Fast Charging | $26.98
BEST SANITIZING KIT:
PURELL SINGLES Advanced Hand Sanitizer Gel | $14.39
BEST MINI FIRST AID KIT:
Band-Aid Travel Ready Portable Emergency First Aid Kit | $10.98
BEST COMPRESSION BAGS:
BAGAIL Compression Packing Cubes | $19.99
BEST FOLDABLE TOTE:
SYZY World’s Most Compact Travel Tote Bag | $25.00
Passport Holder & Travel Wallet with RFID Blocking
Why Love It:
Protects your identity and valuables while you explore the world.
What to Consider:
Neck wallet style may not suit all fashion preferences.
Product Description:
Travel smarter and safer with the Zero Grid RFID-Blocking Passport Wallet. Engineered with cutting-edge RFID-blocking technology, this lightweight neck wallet shields your personal data from electronic theft. Designed for real-world travel, it features durable rip-stop nylon, YKK zippers, and moisture-wicking materials to keep your essentials dry and organized. Bonus: it comes with two ReturnMe tags—attach them to your valuables and boost your chances of recovery if lost. Whether you’re exploring a bustling city or crossing borders, this travel wallet offers peace of mind and practical comfort every step of the way.
Pro Tip:
Tuck it under your shirt for discreet, hands-free security.
Trektote Travel Toiletry Kit For Men And Women
Why Love It:
Everything you need for hygiene, packed and ready to travel.
What to Consider:
Never compromise your hygiene routine on the road. This 15-piece TSA-approved travel toiletries set is your all-in-one solution for staying clean, fresh, and organized anywhere life takes you. Featuring travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant, shaving cream, and more, it’s perfect for weekend escapes, business trips, or extended journeys. The compact, reusable toiletry bag keeps everything neatly stored and within TSA limits for stress-free airport checks. Designed for both men and women, this hygiene kit is a must-have for travel lovers or a thoughtful gift for the adventurer in your life.
Pro Tip:
Refill bottles for future trips to keep your kit travel-ready.
Universal Travel Adapter, Worldwide All in One
Why Love It:
Charge up in over 200 countries with one compact adapter.
What to Consider:
Does not convert voltage—check device compatibility first.
Product Description:
Explore the world without worrying about your devices. This compact universal travel adapter includes 4 interchangeable plugs (Types A, C, G, and I) covering 200+ countries, from the USA to Europe, Asia, and beyond. Power up to three devices at once with a universal AC socket, 1 USB-C, and 1 USB-A port—perfect for your phone, tablet, or camera. Safety comes first with built-in fuse protection, fireproof materials, and an LED power indicator. At just 3.3 oz., it fits snugly into your bag, making it an essential for travelers, students, or business professionals abroad. Note: Not a voltage converter—check your device’s requirements before use.
Pro Tip:
Pair with a voltage converter if using high-powered devices.
Napfun Neck Pillow for Traveling
Why Love It:
Ultimate chin and neck support for pain-free travel rest.
What to Consider:
Say goodbye to neck pain while you travel. The napfun ERGONOR memory foam travel pillow is expertly crafted to cradle your neck and support your chin—preventing your head from falling forward on planes, trains, or in the car. Made with high-quality memory foam that rebounds in 5 seconds, it offers cloud-like comfort and long-lasting durability. The ergonomic shape hugs you just right, and it compresses into a compact travel bag for easy portability. Whether you’re jet-setting or road-tripping, enjoy rest that feels like home. Plus, it comes with a lifetime replacement guarantee—so you can travel with total peace of mind.
Pro Tip:
Attach the pouch to your bag strap for easy airport access.
Soundcore Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
Why Love It:
Immersive hi-res audio with epic 60-hour battery life.
What to Consider:
Fall in love with your music all over again. The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 headphones deliver breathtaking Hi-Res Audio, thanks to custom 40mm drivers that unlock incredible clarity up to 40 kHz. Tune out the chaos with hybrid active noise cancellation that reduces ambient noise by up to 90%—perfect for planes, traffic, and noisy workspaces. Need extra energy in your beat? BassUp™ technology deepens the lows for heart-thumping sound. Enjoy up to 60 hours of playtime or get 4 hours of power from just a 5-minute charge. Trusted by over 20 million users, these headphones are your passport to pure audio bliss.
Pro Tip:
Double-tap play for booming bass in your favorite playlists.
Physix Gear Compression Socks - Men & Women
Why Love It:
Feel energized and supported from morning till night.
What to Consider:
Snug fit may take getting used to for first-time wearers.
Product Description:
Step into all-day comfort and support with our premium compression socks—designed to energize your legs and enhance circulation whether you’re on the move, standing long hours, or recovering post-workout. Crafted for both men and women, these calcetines de compresion are perfect for work, travel, sports, or everyday wear. Experience relief from swelling and fatigue while staying focused and pain-free. With durable construction and a snug, comfortable fit, these are your go-to blood circulation socks for consistent performance and long-lasting wear.
Pro Tip:
Wear during flights to prevent swelling and improve circulation.
Amazon Kindle - Lightest and most compact Kindle
Why Love It:
Lightweight, bright, and built for reading anytime, anywhere.
What to Consider:
No waterproofing—best used away from pools or bathtubs.
Product Description:
Meet the lightest and most compact Kindle yet—crafted to immerse you in the joy of reading wherever life takes you. With a 6″ glare-free display, an adjustable front light that’s now 25% brighter, and dark mode, it’s easy on your eyes day or night. Enjoy faster page turns and a higher contrast ratio that brings every word to life. Store thousands of stories with 16 GB of space, and read for up to 6 weeks on a single charge. With Kindle Unlimited, dive into over 4 million books and audiobooks. Thoughtfully designed with 75% recycled plastics and 100% recyclable packaging—it’s a smarter way to read.
Pro Tip:
Enable dark mode for a softer reading experience at night.
CAGIE Compass Leather Notebook Journal
Why Love It:
Vintage charm meets modern function in a cruelty-free design.
What to Consider:
Leather spine may feel bulky for minimalists or slim bags.
Product Description:
Crafted for those who value meaning in every word, this vintage-style journal combines timeless elegance with everyday practicality. Bound in cruelty-free vegan leather with an embossed compass design, it features a unique spine-stitched pen holder and strong binding for durability. Inside, 288 pages of premium 100gsm acid-free paper protect your thoughts from bleed-through and fading. Enjoy a 180° lay-flat design for easy writing—ideal for both left- and right-handed users. With dual bookmarks, an elastic closure, and an inner pocket for your keepsakes, this journal becomes more than a notebook—it becomes your trusted creative companion.
Pro Tip:
Tuck notes or keepsakes in the inner pocket for safekeeping.
INIU Portable Charger In & Out Power Bank Fast Charging
Why Love It:
Charge faster and safer—power for a full week in your pocket.
What to Consider:
Slightly bulky for minimalist everyday carry.
Product Description:
Experience charging you can trust with INIU’s 20000mAh power bank—designed with safety and speed in mind. Backed by 38 million global users and an unmatched 3-Year iNiu Care, this airline-approved charger delivers 3X faster charging with a 22.5W USB-C Power Delivery 3.0 port and dual QC 4.0+ outputs. Power your iPhone 13 to 52% in just 25 minutes or fuel your week with enough capacity for multiple devices. Unlike other chargers, it’s smart enough to safely charge low-power devices like AirPods, fitness trackers, and smartwatches. Stay connected, confident, and charged—wherever life takes you.
Pro Tip:
Use the USB-C port for the fastest charging on newer devices.
PURELL SINGLES Advanced Hand Sanitizer Gel
Why Love It:
Pocket-sized, no-mess sanitizer trusted by hospitals and pros.
What to Consider:
Single-use only—pack more for longer outings or travel.
Product Description:
PURELL IN-A-PINCH SINGLES are the ultimate grab-and-go hand sanitizer packets for life on the move. Just bend and squirt with one hand for fast, effective germ-killing action—no mess, no hassle. Trusted by hospitals and proven to kill 99.99% of common germs, PURELL keeps your hands clean without drying out your skin, even with frequent use. These compact, leak-proof packets fit in your pocket, wallet, car, or even your phone case. Perfect for travel, gift bags, offices, or lunch kits. Comes in a 125-count display box from a certified women-owned business.
Pro Tip:
Toss a few in your wallet or bag for instant cleanliness anywhere.
Band-Aid Travel Ready Portable Emergency First Aid Kit
Why Love It:
Compact first aid kit packed with 80 essentials for travel safety.
What to Consider:
Limited to minor wound care—add extras for extended trips.
Product Description:
Be ready for life’s little mishaps with the Johnson & Johnson Travel Ready First Aid Kit—an 80-piece portable kit designed for first aid on the go. Perfect for cars, luggage, or backpacks, this compact kit includes 30 flexible fabric and 21 TRU-STAY sheer Band-Aid Brand adhesive bandages for minor cuts and scrapes. You’ll also find a full-size Neosporin + Pain Relief First Aid Antibiotic Ointment to prevent infection, 10 sterile gauze pads for dressing wounds, and 9 cleansing wipes for quick cleanup. Housed in an organized, easy-to-carry case, it’s the smart companion for all your adventures.
Pro Tip:
Stash one in your car or backpack for everyday emergency prep.
BAGAIL Compression Packing Cubes
Why Love It:
Maximize luggage space with durable, wrinkle-resistant cubes.
What to Consider:
Slightly heavier than ultralight packing cubes due to fabric.
Product Description:
Simplify and streamline your packing with these compression packing cubes made from premium 320D high-density fabric. Designed to reduce bulk and maximize space, each cube compresses via a middle zipper to help you fit more into your luggage. Just fold and flatten your clothes, zip the front, then compress with ease—tip: hold the back of the zipper to avoid snags. Durable, smooth double-way zippers with extended cords ensure quick access, while the sturdy fabric resists wrinkles and wear. Available in multiple sizes to keep clothes organized by type, these versatile cubes are your go-to solution for stress-free, space-saving travel.
Pro Tip:
Pack bulkier items first to get the most out of compression space.
SYZY World's Most Compact Travel Tote Bag
Why Love It:
Fits in your pocket—smaller than a credit card when packed!
What to Consider:
May hold less than standard-sized daypacks due to compact size.
Product Description:
Experience ultimate portability with the world’s most compact bag—designed to compress in seconds into a pouch smaller than half a standard credit card. Whether you’re traveling light or need a backup bag, it slips effortlessly into your pocket, purse, or glove compartment. Despite its tiny packed size, it unfolds into a reliable, lightweight tote for daily essentials, making it ideal for day trips, shopping, or emergencies. Durable and reusable, it’s the perfect solution for minimalist travelers and on-the-go lifestyles.
Pro Tip:
Use as an extra carry-on for souvenirs or last-minute packing.
FAQs
1. Here are the necessary things to put in a carry-on to prevent overpacking:
The secret to not overpack is maintaining adaptable compact necessities. Some essential must-have’s are:
- A collection of light and wrinkle-proof garments you can mix and match
- Multi-purpose toiletries like 2-in-1 shampoo and body wash in TSA-compliant containers
- A travel adapter and a portable charger
- A foldable water bottle
- Noise-cancelling headphones
By emphasizing functionality and reusability, you can travel light without missing out on comfort.
2. How can I properly choose the clothes for my carry-on?
Choose neutral-colored clothes that you can layer and mix and match in various ways. Think:
- One pair of jeans or good trousers
- Two or three tops (preferably wrinkle-proof)
- One light-weight jacket or cardigan
- Socks and undergarments for every day spent traveling
- One set of sleep clothes and a single outfit for going out and dining
Rolling your clothes rather than folding will also save space and minimize wrinkles.
3. Can I pack toiletries in my carry-on?
Yes, you may bring toiletries in your carry-on, but they must follow TSA’s 3-1-1 rule:
- Containers should be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or smaller
- Everything needs to be placed in a single clear quart-sized zip-top bag
- Choose travel-sized toiletries or purchase reusable silicone bottles and fill them with your preferred toiletries. Solid toiletries or bar shampoo and toothpaste tablets also make good space savers.
4. Which tech gadgets should I carry in my carry-on?
Take only the necessary things so things remain light and tidy. Essentials to take:
- A smartphone (having travel apps and boarding passes loaded)
- A portable charger or a power bank
- Charge cables and a worldwide adapter
- Noise-reduction headphones
- An e-reader or a tablet if you’re going to read or work
- Do not carry cumbersome gadgets unless it’s unavoidable.
5. How do I remain organized when traveling only with a carry-on?
Use packing cubes or compression bags to organize your clothes and accessories. Place your toiletries and electronics in a dedicated pouch so you can quickly retrieve them at security checks. Make a packing list so you don’t overpack or miss important things. Store often-used items such as food, chargers, and documents in the top section or outer pocket of your carry-on bag.
