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Minimalist Carry-On Packing List: What Fits in a 40L Bag

A minimalist packing list for carry-on travel: a 15-piece capsule, airline cabin-bag sizes,…

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Minimalist carry-on packing list: one 40L bag

Rinse small clothes every few days, keep liquids to 100 ml and power banks to 100 Wh, and measure the packed bag against the fare.

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Does a 40L backpack fit in the cabin?

United's maximum carry-on size works out to a box of about 45 liters; easyJet's free under-seat size, about 32.

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5-4-3-2-1: fifteen items of clothing

5 tops, 4 pairs of socks, 3 of underwear, 2 pants, 1 jacket. Rinse small items every few days and wash it all weekly.

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100 ml liquids, 100 Wh batteries

Liquids go in 100 ml containers in one clear bag. Power banks stay in the cabin, at 100 Wh each without airline approval.

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Spend on the bag and the cubes

Look for a front-panel opening, a stowable harness and a written repair or replace guarantee on the maker's own page.

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Skip the just-in-case pile

No full-size toiletries, no second jacket, no spare outfits. Measure and weigh the packed bag before leaving for the airport.

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