Pack (light) with me! 🎒
🌟 Packing for Japan in just a 25L carry-on? Here’s how I fit 3 weeks of essentials in a single backpack, with must-have items for a light, flexible trip!
My journey started with a 55L, but now I’ve got it down to this perfectly sized @tombihn Synapse 25L. Justin even manages with 19L, but for me, 25L is the sweet spot between comfort and convenience.
Japan makes it easy to pack light—coin laundries everywhere, convenience stores within steps, and Uniqlo for any last-minute needs! Here’s my travel lineup:
- 🎒 Bag: @tombihn Synapse 25L
- ✔️ Packing Cubes: @eaglecreek quarter cubes
- 💦 Bottle: @owala Freesip 24oz (the ONLY actually-waterproof bottle I’ve found that is also a joy to drink from and keeps beverages cold! 🙌 ) + @lmnt electrolytes (grapefruit is a must 😋 !)
- 😴 Mask: the original @manta Sleep Mask -👂 Earplugs: @loop earplugs (perfect for small inner ears!)
- 👁️ Eye Balm: @tula skincare rose glow & get it cooling & brightening eye balm to wake up tired jet—lagged eyes and provide a dose of probiotics to the skin
- 🏋️♀️ Clothes: @vuori, @athleta, @lululemon essentials - the @vuori clementine 2.0 short, @athleta ease in tank, and @lululemon align leggings and cloud longline bra
- 👟 + 🧦 - @asics or @nike trainers and @darntouh wool ankle socks (worth the $, and they last for years!) -👖 Jeans: for comfy travel-friendly stretchy jeans that maintain their shape for days, @fitjeans Flared Mid-Waisted in Sapphire Blue
- 🧥 Outerwear: my trusty @arcteryx jacket—works as a coat and lightweight layer, a 7-year fave!
- 👜 Crossbody: @tombihn Side Kick everyday cross-body shoulder bag (3L) - perfect size for wallet, sunglasses, kindle, & passport!
- 🍫 Snacks: nuts & protein bars - my favorite is the @builtbar in S’mores + Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough 😋
I layer up for the plane, pack two outfits of a t-shirt, socks/undies/bra in 2 of my quarter cubes, and a couple of cubes with my work gear - a tank/shorts or tank/leggings + a sports bra each, wearing just my sneakers. We hit coin laundry every few days to keep it easy and flexible for exploring spontaneously. ✈️ 🚆 💗
So, are you Team Carry-On? Or do you prefer to pack a bit more? Drop your travel tips below and let’s swap ideas! 🥰