Carry-on packing list for a 5-day trip

Five days fits comfortably in one carry-on if you plan ahead. Here is the list (for ten days, see the 10-day carry-on list), with a few tips to make it all fit.

The core clothes

• 4 tops that work with each other
• 3 bottoms, such as two trousers and one pair of shorts or a skirt
• 5 sets of underwear and socks
• 1 light jacket or layer
• Sleepwear
• 1 comfortable pair of walking shoes, plus a lighter second pair only if you need it

Stick to two or three colors so everything matches. That gives you many outfits from few pieces.

Toiletries

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Skincare and shampoo in small containers
• Any medication you take
• Sunscreen if you need it

Many airports in the United States limit carry-on liquids to containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) that fit in one clear quart-size bag. Some airports have newer scanners and different rules, so check your airport and airline before you go. The liquids rule page has more.

Tech and documents

• Phone and charger
• Power adapter if you are traveling abroad
• Headphones and a power bank
• Passport or ID, boarding pass and bank cards
• A copy of key documents, stored separately from the originals

How to make it fit

1. Wear your heaviest items. Boots, coat and the bulkiest trousers on the plane.
2. Roll soft clothes, fold stiff ones. Rolling saves space and reduces creases.
3. Use packing cubes to keep things tidy and compress them.
4. Put heavy items near the wheels so the bag stands upright.
5. Leave a little room for things you buy.

What most people overpack

• Extra shoes
• "Just in case" outfits
• Full-size toiletries
• Too many books or gadgets

If you doubt an item, leave it behind. Most things you forget can be bought at your destination.