Carry-On Essentials:
The Best Products for Every Traveler
Hey there, fellow adventurers! If you're like me, you know that every great trip starts with packing. And if you're aiming for an easy, breezy airport experience, mastering the art of carry-on packing is key. Over the years, I've learned what really makes a difference in making the journey smoother, so I’ve put together a list of carry-on essentials you won’t want to leave behind. These are my go-to items that add comfort, convenience, and a touch of fun to any trip. Let’s dive in!
1. A Sturdy, Lightweight Backpack
When it comes to travel, your backpack is more than just a bag—it’s your travel companion. I’ve tried all sorts of backpacks, but what I’ve learned is that a lightweight, multi-compartment backpack is absolutely essential for any trip. A good travel backpack needs to fit everything from your electronics to your toiletries without feeling like you’re carrying the world on your shoulders. Ideally, it should have padded straps and a breathable back panel to keep you comfortable during those long airport waits or city treks. Having compartments to organize your gear means you’re not scrambling to find your passport or that all-important phone charger. One of my top picks for a travel-friendly backpack is the Nomatic Travel Pack. This backpack is sleek, durable, and designed with travelers in mind. It’s compact, but surprisingly spacious, with an array of compartments to keep all your essentials organized.
Lightweight Backpack
tomtoc - Travel Backpack 40L
This versatile and lightweight backpack is perfect for day trips and carry-on packing. It features multiple compartments, a hydration reservoir sleeve, and a durable design, making it ideal for all types of travel.
2. Compression Packing Cubes
Packing cubes keep your clothes neat and organized. When you need to save space and avoid wrinkling your clothes, these compression cubes are a game-changer. My favorite are the BAGAIL 4 Set/6 Set/8 Set Compression Packing Cubes
BAGAIL 4 Set/6 Set/8 Set Compression Packing Cubes
These packing cubes feature a compression system and come in a variety of sizes to help you maximize space and keep everything organized. The mesh top allows for easy visibility and breathability.
3. Portable Power Bank
Keeping your phone and other devices charged is essential while traveling. The Anker PowerCore 10000 is compact but powerful, offering multiple charges for your devices.
Anker PowerCore 10000
A small yet powerful portable charger that fits easily into your bag and provides up to 2.4 charges for your phone or tablet. It’s lightweight and perfect for long trips.
For a peaceful flight or to block out distractions in busy places, noise-canceling headphones are a must. The Sony WH-1000XM5 are perfect for keeping you immersed in music, podcasts, or just some much-needed quiet time.
4. Noise-Canceling Headphones
Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise-Canceling Headphones
These headphones are known for their exceptional noise-canceling technology, superior sound quality, and long-lasting comfort. The 30-hour battery life makes them perfect for long journeys.
Long trips require comfort. The Trtl Travel Pillow offers excellent neck support, while the Cocoon CoolMax Blanket keeps you cozy when the temperatures drop.
5. Travel Pillow & Blanket
Trtl Travel Pillow
This ergonomic neck pillow is lightweight, portable, and designed for maximum comfort during long trips.
COCOON - Premium - Coolmax Travel Blanket
The CoolMax fabric ensures that you stay warm without overheating. It’s compact, making it perfect for packing in your carry-on.
Stay hydrated without having to buy overpriced airport water. The Hydro Flask Standard Mouth Water Bottle keeps your water cold for hours, making it ideal for travel.
6. Reusable Water Bottle
Hydro Flask Standard Mouth Water Bottle
Made with double-wall vacuum insulation, this bottle keeps drinks cold for 24 hours and hot for 12 hours. It’s durable, sweat-proof, and available in multiple sizes and colors.
I love packing multi-use toiletries that save space and minimize liquids. Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Soap works for everything from body care to washing clothes, and Ethique Eco-Friendly Shampoo Bar saves space while being kind to your hair and the planet.
7. Multi-Use Toiletries
Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Soap
This all-in-one liquid soap is made from organic oils and is perfect for cleaning your body, face, and even your clothes while traveling.
Ethique Eco-Friendly Solid Shampoo Bar
This zero-waste shampoo bar is made with natural ingredients and provides excellent cleansing and conditioning without the plastic waste.
Small injuries happen, and it’s good to be prepared. The Surviveware Small First Aid Kit is compact and includes all the essentials you might need for minor medical situations on the go.
8. First Aid Kit
Surviveware Small First Aid Kit
This well-organized first aid kit contains bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, and more, all packed into a small, easily accessible case.
Documenting your journey is one of the best parts of traveling. A Moleskine Classic Notebook is compact, durable, and perfect for capturing your memories.
9. Travel Journal & Pen
Moleskine Classic Notebook
This high-quality notebook features smooth, acid-free paper, a soft cover, and an elastic closure. It's perfect for jotting down notes, sketching, or writing about your adventures.
A scarf or shawl is an essential travel item. It can keep you warm on chilly nights, serve as a blanket on a flight, or act as a stylish accessory. The Travelwrap Company offers versatile, lightweight shawls perfect for any season.
10. Lightweight Scarf or Shawl
Travelwrap Lightweight Shawl
This soft, lightweight shawl is made from high-quality merino wool, offering warmth without the bulk. It’s perfect for layering over your clothes or wrapping around you during chilly nights.
When you're navigating through airports or taking photos on the go, a smartphone holder keeps your phone easily accessible while you stay hands-free. The Lamicall Cell Phone Stand is sturdy and adjustable, perfect for watching videos or using your phone for directions.
11. Smartphone Holder
Lamicall Cell Phone Stand
This adjustable stand holds your smartphone securely, allowing you to watch movies, follow maps, or Facetime without holding your phone.
A portable Bluetooth speaker is a must for beach days, hotel rooms, or just relaxing in a park. The JBL Flip 5 is compact, waterproof, and offers high-quality sound wherever you go.
12. Portable Bluetooth Speaker
JBL Flip 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
This portable speaker delivers excellent sound quality with deep bass and is waterproof, making it perfect for outdoor adventures.
Avoid surprise overweight baggage fees by weighing your luggage before heading to the airport. The Etekcity Digital Luggage Scale is compact, accurate, and a lifesaver for preventing extra charges.
13. Digital Luggage Scale
Etekcity Digital Luggage Scale
This portable luggage scale is simple to use, with a clear digital display and a maximum weight capacity of 110 lbs. It's perfect for checking your bag weight before your flight.
Capture the memories that matter with a compact camera. The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III is my go-to for travel photography—small, lightweight, and powerful.
14. Compact Camera
Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III
This compact digital camera features 4K video recording, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a flip screen, making it perfect for travelers who want high-quality photos without the bulk.
No matter where you’re headed, you’ll need a good travel adapter to keep your devices charged. The EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter is compatible with outlets in over 150 countries.
15. Travel Adapter
EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter
This universal adapter supports outlets in over 150 countries and includes USB ports, allowing you to charge multiple devices simultaneously.
When you're on the go and don’t have time for a full wash, dry shampoo can save the day. The Batiste Dry Shampoo is my top pick for fresh, voluminous hair in seconds.
16. Dry Shampoo
Batiste Dry Shampoo
This dry shampoo instantly refreshes hair, absorbing oils and adding volume. It’s perfect for freshening up during long flights or when you're on the move.
Protect your eyes from the sun while looking stylish with a good pair of sunglasses. The Ray-Ban Wayfarer is a classic design that works well with any outfit.
17. Sunglasses
Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses
These iconic sunglasses feature durable frames and high-quality lenses that protect your eyes from UV rays while keeping you stylish.
For any water-based activities or rainy days, a waterproof phone case will protect your phone from damage. The JOTO Universal Waterproof Phone Case fits most phones and keeps them safe from water, dust, and dirt.
18. Waterproof Phone Case
JOTO Universal Waterproof Phone Case
This waterproof phone case is IPX8 certified, meaning it’s fully submersible up to 100 feet. It’s perfect for beach trips or rainy adventures.
Traveling can make you hungry, and airport food isn’t always the best. Keep a snack pack in your carry-on with healthy options. I love packing Kind Bars for a quick and nutritious snack.
19. Snack Pack
Kind Bars Variety Pack
This variety pack of healthy snack bars offers a mix of flavors made from whole nuts, fruits, and grains, perfect for fueling your body during travel.
For longer trips, a small bottle of travel-sized laundry detergent is incredibly useful. The SinkSuds Travel Laundry Soap is perfect for washing clothes on the go.
21. Travel-Sized Laundry Detergent
SinkSuds Travel Laundry Soap
This eco-friendly, concentrated laundry soap is biodegradable and works in any sink or basin, allowing you to wash clothes in your hotel room or on the go.
A microfiber towel is lightweight, quick-drying, and absorbent, making it perfect for travel. The Rainleaf Microfiber Towel is a great option that packs small but works wonders.
22. Microfiber Towel
SinkSuds Travel Laundry Soap
This ultra-absorbent, quick-drying towel is perfect for drying off after a swim, hike, or any activity that leaves you wet. It’s compact, lightweight, and easy to pack.
For ultimate comfort during long flights or hotel stays, a pair of travel slippers is a must. The UltraIdea Slippers are lightweight, breathable, and perfect for wearing in hotel rooms or on planes.
23. Travel Slippers
This ultra-absorbent, quick-drying towel is perfect for drying off after a swim, hike, or any activity that leaves you wet. It’s compact, lightweight, and easy to pack.
UltraIdea Slippers
Whether you’re navigating dark streets or hiking at night, a flashlight or headlamp is essential for safety. The Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp is compact and provides powerful light.
24. Flashlight or Headlamp
Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp
This headlamp is water-resistant, lightweight, and provides 400 lumens of light, making it perfect for nighttime adventures or navigating in the dark.
Tangled cords are one of the most annoying travel issues. A cable organizer helps you keep your chargers and other tech accessories neatly packed. The BUBM Cable Organizer is perfect for keeping things tidy.
25. Cable Organizer
BUBM Cable Organizer
This compact, zippered case organizes your cables, chargers, and small electronics, preventing tangles and damage during travel.
Protect your clothes from dirty shoes with travel shoe bags. The YAMIU Travel Shoe Bags keep shoes separate from your clothing in your bag.
26. Travel Shoe Bags
YAMIU Travel Shoe Bags
These durable shoe bags are made of water-resistant material and help keep your shoes separate from clothes to maintain organization and cleanliness.
For water sports or just keeping your stuff dry on rainy days, a portable dry bag is a must. The Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag is reliable and spacious for all your gear.
28. Portable Dry Bag
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
This durable dry bag is designed to keep your gear safe and dry in wet conditions.