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. This is because GoPro has compact design and is very versatile. 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

  • Versatile
  • Floats or neutral buoyancy
  • Extendable handle

GoPro Headstrap

  • Handsfree
  • Action shots
  • Comfortable

GoPro Waterproof Case

  • Extra protection
  • Easy to use
  • Durable

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

  • Stunning 200MP photos and up to 8K video
  • Galaxy AI
  • Live Translate

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

  • Quad USB Ports
  • Works in 200+ countries and regions
  • 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

DJI2 Microphone

  • Wireless 820ft (250m) range
  • Intelligent noise cancelling
  • 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

Men’s 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.

Grisport 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 Satin 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

Women’s Roxy Boardshorts

  • Quick drying
  • Compact
  • Comfortable

Sarong

  • Versatile
  • Compact
  • Stylish

Speedo 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

Lightweight Travel Pen

  • Handy for filling out forms
  • Lightweight
  • Durable

Travel Utensils

  • Packable
  • Eco-friendly
  • Includes carry case

Toothbrush Cover

  • Keep your toothbrush clean and hygienic
  • Breathable
  • Reusable

E45 Moisturising Cream

  • 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.

Combination 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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