The Carry-On Mindset
Traveling with just a carry-on isn't about sacrificing style or comfort—it's about being intentional. When you pack light, you gain freedom: no waiting at baggage claim, no lost luggage anxiety, and the ability to navigate any destination with ease.
The secret? You don't need a different outfit for every day. You need a capsule travel wardrobe: a small collection of versatile pieces that mix and match effortlessly.
The 5-4-3-2-1 Packing Formula
This simple formula works for any 7-day trip:
- 5 tops: Mix of t-shirts, blouses, and a nice top for evenings
- 4 bottoms: 2 pants/jeans, 1 shorts/skirt, 1 versatile piece
- 3 layers: Light jacket, cardigan, and a dressy layer
- 2 pairs of shoes: Comfortable walking shoes + dressier option
- 1 bag: Crossbody or small backpack for daily use
Pro Tip: Stick to a 3-color palette. When all your clothes coordinate, you can create dozens of outfits from just a few pieces.
Space-Saving Techniques
Master these techniques to fit more in less space:
- Roll, don't fold: Rolling saves up to 30% more space and prevents creases
- Use packing cubes: Organize categories and compress clothes
- Stuff shoes: Fill shoes with socks and small items
- Wear the bulky items: Boots, heavy jacket, and sweater go on your body, not in your bag
- Layer toiletries: Decant products into travel-size containers
The Ultimate 7-Day Packing List
Clothing
- 3 t-shirts or tank tops
- 2 blouses or nice shirts
- 2 pairs pants/jeans
- 1 shorts or skirt
- 1 dress (optional)
- 1 light jacket
- 1 cardigan or sweater
- 7 underwear
- 3 pairs socks
- 1 pajama set
- Swimsuit (if needed)
Shoes & Accessories
- Comfortable walking shoes (worn)
- Dressier flats or sandals
- Sunglasses
- Belt
- Minimal jewelry
- Scarf (doubles as blanket)
Essentials
- Toiletry bag (100ml containers)
- Medications
- Phone + charger
- Passport/ID
- Credit cards + small cash
- Reusable water bottle
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- "Just in case" items: If you haven't worn it in the last month, you won't wear it on vacation
- Too many shoes: Shoes take up the most space—two pairs is enough
- Full-size toiletries: Buy travel sizes or decant into small containers
- Not checking the weather: Research your destination and pack accordingly
- Overpacking electronics: Your phone can replace camera, books, and maps
Pro Tip: Lay out everything you want to pack, then remove 30%. You'll still have more than you need.
Plan with TryIt Travel Planner
The hardest part of packing light is deciding what to bring. That's where TryIt's Travel Planner comes in:
- Weather-based suggestions: Enter your destination and dates for automatic outfit recommendations
- Activity planning: Tag activities (beach, dinner, hiking) and get outfit ideas
- Visual packing list: See your outfits laid out day by day
- Virtual Try-On: Test outfit combinations with clothes from your digital wardrobe
Plan your outfits before you pack, and you'll never overpack again.