Travel Essentials
How to Travel Carry-On Only
As minimalist Bucket List Travellers, we have spent the last 3 years travelling across 21 countries and 4 continents with just one carry on bag each. Throughout this journey we have experienced climates between -20°C and 40°C (-4°F and 104°F). We were concerned at first that going from relaxing on a beach in balmy Hawaii one day to dogsledding in the middle of a Canadian winter the next would be too challenging. However we were able to adapt to these vastly different environments thanks to a well thought out packing list. In this page we share our packing list of carry-on only travel essentials.
Given our extensive first hand experience of travelling full time with carry on only, we can categorically say it is entirely possible and actually more practical to travel with just carry on only. Regardless or the duration or the different climates that you might experience in your trip you will benefit from going carry on only. Not only will you save money in not having to pay checked luggage fees, but you will also free yourself of the burden of having to carry too much. You will be more nimble in moving between destinations, and it will be easier to keep track of all your gear during your trip.
Vlogging Essentials
We use the GoPro Hero for our travel vlogs. We are big fans of GoPro due to its compact design and versatility. We are active minimalist travellers, so having a camera that is tough and built to be taken everywhere is perfect for us. The recent versions of the GoPro have excellent image stabilization as well as a front facing screen, which is perfect for travel vlogging.
GoPro HERO
- Waterproof
- Smooth video
- Compact
- Front facing screen
JOBY GorillaPod Tripod
- Lightweight
- Compact
- Bendable legs
GoPro Floating Hand Grip Tripod
- Versitile
- Floats or neutral buoyancy
- Extendable handle
GoPro Headstrap
- Handsfree
- Action shots
- Comfortable
GoPro Waterproof Case
- Extra protection
- Easy to use
- Durable
Electronics for Travellers
The most frustrating thing when you’re on the road is to be without power or storage for your devices. We recommend carrying a portable charger with you whereever you go (and don’t forget your cords!). We also recommend having more than ample storage space so you can capture those travel memories. To save unnecessary heartache of lost or corrupted files, we recommend backing up regularly on both a physical device as well as onto an online backup service such as Flickr or Google Photos.
Depending on whether you are travelling with a laptop or just USB chargable devices, you could either get a universal travel adaptor or just buy a USB wall charger for the area your visiting. Either way, we recommend getting a charger that can charge up multiple devices at the same time. If you need an extra charging port you can often charge up your phone using the USB port of a TV. Just make sure the TV is switched on so it actually charges your device!
We have tried and tested the following gear and highly recommend them to ensure you’re never out of power or storage space when you’re on the go. These products are essential travel kit for making sure you can capture all of your travel memories.
Portable Charger
- Versatile charging
- Lightweight
- Durable
LaCie External 8TB Hard Drive
- Plenty of data storage space
- Rugged
- SS and USB compatible
USB Memory Stick
- Compact design
- Plenty of storage
- Backup on the go!
USB/USBC Adaptor
- Adaptor to back up your phone on the go
- Compact design
- Use in conjunction with USB memory stick
SanDisk Extreme SD Card
- Best Quality
- Large Size
- Very Responsive
Universal Travel Adaptor
- Dual USB Ports
- Accepts most plugs – both input and output
USB Wall Charger (3 ports)
- Convenient charging
- Allows multiple devices
- Functional design
Earbuds
- Compatible with airplanes
- Wired so you don’t lose one
Lavalier Microphone
- Wireless
- Connects to your phone
Minimalist Luggage Essentials
We have been travelling carry on only since 2016, and it’s been an absolute game changer! We highly recommend giving carry on only a try – your wallet and your lower back will thank you!
Eagle Creek Packing Cubes
- Excellent organization
- Space saving
- Durable
High Sierra Backpack
- Light weight
- Great design
- Durable
Osprey 40L Backpack
- Handy pockets
- Light weight
- Comfortable
Passport Holder
- Concealable
- Rfid Blocking
- Water resistant
Waterproof Phone Pouch
- Protect your phone
- Waterproof, snow-proof and dirtproof
5L Waterproof Dry Bag
- Perfect for wet conditions
- Necessary for water sports
Clear Toiletry Bag
- TSA Approved
- Carry on compliant
- Handy storage
Reusable shopping bags
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Machine washable
Reusable Vegetable Bags
- Eco-Friendly
- Lightweight
- Includes weight tags
Silicon Sandwich Bags
- Reusable
- Dishwasher safe
- Leakproof
Collapsable Water Bottle
- Packable
- Leakproof
- Functional
Carabiner Clip and Hook
- 3-in-1 Clip and Hook
- Compact
- Sturdy
Minimalist Travel Clothing for Him
Mens clothes can be very bulky. Shoes in particular can add a lot of weight. Given that clothes can take up a lot of space in your backpack, it’s important to carry only what is essential. We have found that layering and buying quality items will allow you to travel through different environments with essentially the same clothing items. Furthermore, second hand clothing stores to be very useful for both buying extra items and disposing of unwanted items.
Timberland Men’s Waterproof Boots
- Comfortable
- Waterproof
- Durable
Haviana Flip Flops
- Light weight
- Comfortable
- Practical
Billabong Cap
- Comfortable
- Stylish
- Functional
Sunglasses
- UV Protection
- Polarised
- Great fit
Face Mask
- Reusable
- 3-ply
- Adjustable
2XU Men’s Top
- Quick drying
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
Merino Long Sleve Shirt
- Sun protection
- Moisture wicking
- Temperature regulation
Merino Base Layer Shirt
- Lightweight
- Insulating
- Hygenic
Merino Base Layer Pants
- Lightweight
- Insulating
- Hygenic
Men’s Ultra Light Down Vest
- Warm
- Lightweight
- Compact
Men’s Cargo Shorts
- Functional
- Comfortable
- Practical
Men’s Silk Pajama Shorts
- Comfortable
- Quick drying
- Compact
Rain Poncho
- Packable
- Lightweight
- Functional
Winter Jacket
I currently have an old winter jacket which is very handy when in cold climates. I’m in the process of rearching the best winter jacket for travel.
Travel Pants
I have one pair of chinos on our travels. Chinos have the benefit of being extremely versatile. I’m in the process of researching the best travel pants.
Ex Officio Boxer
- Quick drying
- Lightweight
- Breathable
Merino Run Sock
- Wicking
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
Merino Hiking Socks
- Breathable
- Durable
- Cushioning
Cashmere Beanie
- Warm
- Soft
- Lightweight
Touchscreen Thermal Gloves
- Warm
- Touchscreen compatible
- Wind resistant
Men’s Speedos
- Comfortable
- Quick Drying
Sharkskin Rash Guard
- UV Protection
- Quick drying
- Form Fitting
Rip Curl Men’s Boardshorts
- Quick drying
- Compact
- Comfortable
Speedo Swim Goggles
- Comfortable
- Great design
- Compact
Minimalist Travel Clothing for Her
While it may be very tempting to have different outfits for every occassion, moving from place to place will be a lot easier if you stick to the clothing essentials. We recommend looking for items that have a variety of uses. Sarongs are particularly handy as they can be used as a blanket or a towel if needed and in the winter months you can use them as a scarf. Having good quality items will make your travels much more comfortable. We also recommend sticking to a colour palatte where you can mix and match to maximise your outfit combinations.
Vasque Women’s Hiking Boots
- Comfortable
- Waterproof
- Durable
Haviana Flip Flops
- Light weight
- Comfortable
- Practical
Billabong Cap
- Comfortable
- Stylish
- Functional
Sunglasses
- UV Protection
- Polarised
- Great fit
Face Mask
- Reusable
- 3-ply
- Adjustable
2XU Women’s Top
- Quick drying
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
Merino Singlet Top
- Lightweight
- Moisture wicking
- Fitted
Merino Base Layer
- Lightweight
- Insulating
- Hygenic
Women’s Ultra Light Down Jacket
- Warm
- Lightweight
- Compact
Travel Pants
I currently use jeans on our travels. Jeans have the benefit of not needing frequent washing and being quite durable. I’m in the process of researching the best travel pants.
Women’s Silk Pajama Shorts
- Comfortable
- Quick drying
- Compact
Mizuno Sports Bra
- Functional
- Comfortable
- Practical
Rain Poncho
- Packable
- Lightweight
- Functional
Winter Jacket
I am currently using an old winter jacket which is very handy when in cold climates. I’m in the process of rearching the best winter jacket for travel.
Maxi Dress
I recommend bringing one versitile, packables and lightweight dress for any formal occassions or nice dinners that might arise.
Ex Officio Bikini Brief
- Quick drying
- Lightweight
- Breathable
Merino Run Sock
- Wicking
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
Merino Hiking Socks
- Breathable
- Durable
- Cushioning
Touchscreen Thermal Gloves
- Warm
- Touchscreen compatible
- Wind resistant
Cashmere Beanie
- Warm
- Soft
- Stylish
Bikini
- Comfortable
- Quick Drying
- Stylish
Rash Guard
- UV Protection
- Quick drying
- Form Fitting
Roxy Women’s Boardshorts
- Quick drying
- Compact
- Comfortable
Sarong
- Versatile
- Compact
- Stylish
Speedo Women’s Swim Goggles
- Comfortable
- Great design
- Compact
Personal Carry-On Only Travel Essentials
There are some little items that will make your travels more comfortable. Earplugs are very useful for getting a good night sleep when on flights or staying noisy areas. Nail clippers can be brought as carry-on for flights. We didn’t realise this until our most recent trip, but we’re glad we know now! For minor repairs on the road, a sewing kit is invaluable. Microfiber towels are very useful for beach trips, going to the gym, pool or sauna and those times when your accommodation doesn’t provide a towel.
During your travels there will be forms to fill out, and on those occassions it will be very useful to have your own pen. Depending on what part of the world and what type of travel you do, having a personal water filtration system could be very beneficial. Finally, don’t forget all of those personal care products that will make you more comfortable on your trip.
Earplugs
- Get better sleep
- Also useful for swimming
Nail Clippers
- Very useful
- Can be taken on planes in carry on
Sewing Kit
- Make quick repairs on the go
- Compact
Microfiber Towel
- Quick drying
- Ultra absorbant
- Compact
Sawyer Mini Water Filter
- High performance
- Long Lasting
Pen
- Handy for filling out forms
Travel Utensils
- Packable
- Eco-friendly
- Includes carry case
Toothbrush Cover
- Keep your toothbrush clean
Moisturiser
- Great for dry skin
Antisceptic Cream
- First aid for cuts and burns
SPF50+ Sunscreen
- Sunscreen may not be available cheaply in some countries
SPF Aloe Vera Lip Balm
- Sun Protection
- Moisturising
Toothpaste
- Keep your teeth clean
Dental Floss
- Clean between your teeth
Interdental Toothbrush
- Clean between your teeth
Travel Size Hand Sanitiser
- Hygenic
- Packable
Laundry Sheets
- Wash your clothes
- Doesn’t contribute to liquid or powder allowance for flights
Travel Security
Keep your possessions secure while you’re on the go! These Travel Security items will give you peace of mind when you’re travelling.
Samsonite Travel Lock
- Sturdy
- Functional
- Secure
Rubber Door Wedge
- Heavy Duty
- Anti-Slip
- Non-Marking
Security Door Wedge
- Inbuilt alarm
- Practical
- Compact
Portable Door Lock
- Quick installation
- Travel sized
- Fits most doors
Tile Tracker – Bluetooth
- 1 year battery
- Discreet
- Functional
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