Embarking on a backpacking adventure through Southeast Asia is an exhilarating experience. However, packing efficiently can make or break your journey. While some travelers may opt for large, heavy backpacks, the savvy lightweight traveler knows that less is more. In this comprehensive carry-on only packing list, we will reveal the ultimate packing hacks and tips to help you conquer the challenges of traveling with carry-on luggage for an extended trip in Southeast Asia.
Why carry-on only?
Benefits of Traveling Carry-On Only: Traveling with carry-on luggage offers numerous advantages that can enhance your overall travel experience. Firstly, you can skip long airport check-in queues, saving you valuable time and avoiding potential stress. Secondly, having your belongings with you at all times provides a sense of security and eliminates the risk of lost luggage. Lastly, and most importantly, traveling light is a boon for your back, enabling you to be more agile, navigate public transport easily, and explore the region on foot without feeling weighed down.
Considerations for Carry-On Packing: Traveling with carry-on luggage requires thoughtful planning due to size and weight restrictions, as well as limitations on carrying liquids. However, with the right strategies, you can overcome these challenges seamlessly. With this essential carry-on only packing list, you’ll notice that carry-on luggage is the most efficient way to start your travel adventure to South East Asia.
Which carry-on backpack?
The best cabin backpack is a very individual preference. The paramount consideration lies in finding a cabin backpack that suits your specific needs, whether it be accommodating a particular weight limit or providing an abundance of side pockets for organized storage. Typically ranging from 35 to 50 liters in capacity, opting for a 35-40 liter backpack ensures versatility and convenience for navigating through bustling airports.
The dimensions of your carry-on backpack should not exceed the maximum size allowance of 55x35x25cm. You should be very strict about this as different airlines may have varying specifications. While a few additional centimeters may not pose an issue with the airline you initially fly with, it could potentially lead to complications when boarding subsequent flights.
Carry-on luggage on Asian flights
When flying to Southeast Asia, selecting the right airline can make a significant difference. For European travelers, KLM is a favorable option, allowing a baggage weight limit of 12 kg. Additionally, KLM permits an additional smaller backpack as a personal item. However, keep in mind that most Asian countries enforce lower weight limits, typically around 7 to 10 kg for hand luggage.
To avoid excessive fees at the airport, it is advisable to pre-book additional weight for your carry-on baggage, usually available at a reasonable price. Furthermore, consider booking the extra weight for only one person in your group to optimize flexibility and minimize costs. As long as the total weight adheres to the limit, you won’t experience any problems.
Now, let’s dive into the ultimate packing hacks and essential items you should include in your carry-on packing list for a four-week adventure in Southeast Asia.
read more: 4 week route through Thailand
read more: 4 week route through Indonesia
Carry-on only packing list for 4 weeks
One golden rule to keep in mind is to pack your backpack only two-thirds full, allowing space for souvenirs and those irresistible local finds you’ll undoubtedly come across during your journey. Trust me, you won’t need more than what’s on this packing list, complemented by your plane outfit.
During my first time backpacking adventure through Thailand, I carried my hiking shoes and sport shoes with me, convinced that I would require both throughout my travels. However, I found myself consistently reaching for my sandals and hiking shoes. It was a valuable lesson, teaching me to prioritize practicality over unnecessary extras.
Clothes: When it comes to clothing, versatility is the key to packing smart. Opt for pieces that can be easily mixed and matched, ensuring endless outfit combinations throughout your journey. You can roll your shirts in the packing cubes to optimize space.
- 1 underwear shorts
- 2 bikini’s+ 2 additional bikini bottoms: If you opt for comfortable bikini’s, there is no need to bring any other underwear. Choose comfortable options that can be easily washed and dried. You are always prepared for an unexpected beach day.
- 2 pair of socks: For those moments when closed-toe shoes are a must when you decide to do a jungle hike. However, most of the time you’ll find yourself walking on sandals or flip flops.
- Poncho: It takes up minimal space and shields you from unexpected downpours.
- 5 shirts/tank tops+ 1 ‘bad’ piece of clothing: Bring five shirts or tank tops that strike a balance between style and functionality. You should be comfortable wearing those shirts during a day trip, a stroll in the village or a yoga session. Remember to bring one bad piece of clothing that you don’t mind leaving behind after your trip. You will always find a tour where you will get dirty while doing a 4×4 in the jungle. Otherwise you can just use the shirt as a sleeping shirt.
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You can also opt for merino wool shirts and socks, thé life savior of a real backpacker! One of the most outstanding features of merino wool is its exceptional absorption capacity. Whether you’re exploring humid rainforests or scaling breathtaking mountain peaks, this fabric wicks away moisture from your skin, keeping you dry and comfortable even during intense physical activities. Unlike synthetic materials that tend to trap sweat and lead to unpleasant odors, merino wool’s natural moisture-wicking properties and its ability to neutralize scents, ensure you to stay fresh and odor-free throughout your adventures.
- 2 shorts
- 2 dresses
- 1 sarong: Purchase a high-quality sarong before embarking on your adventure. While it’s true that you can find an abundance of sarongs in the markets and stalls throughout Southeast Asia, the colors of these cheaper versions may fade or bleed, potentially staining your other belongings. A sarong is an unmissable item in your backpack as it serves multiple purposes. Use it as a beach towel, a skirt or dress to respect temple dress codes, or even as an additional blanket during chilly nights under the starry Asian sky.
Shoes:
- Flip flops: a must-have for beach days and leisurely strolls.
- Walking sandals: Opt for waterproof sandals than can handle both village explorations and short hikes. Find a pair that strikes the perfect balance between comfort and style.
- Hiking shoes (plane outfit): Wear your sturdy hiking shoes on the plane to save space in your backpack. You can switch them with sporty shoes if you prefer. However, I prefer a bit more stability and support during jungle hikes.
Toiletries:
One of the trickiest sections to navigate when traveling with hand luggage is the toiletry department. You must keep in mind the liquid maximums imposed by airlines. That’s why I’ve made a conscious choice to replace all those small 100 ml bottles with eco-friendly alternatives: shampoo and conditioner bars. Not only are they plastic-free, but they also eliminate the need to pack them in a see-through toiletry bag during your flight.
When it comes to toiletries, I understand the desire to bring along all your makeup and jewelry to ensure you’re picture-perfect for those Instagram-worthy moments during your journey. However, let’s face it: when you’re indulging in adventurous activities, those items often remain untouched. Make sure to only take the essentials for travelling to Southeast Asia:
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Shaving bar: Swap traditional shaving creams for a compact and eco-friendly shaving bar.
- Shaving scissor
- Conditioner and vegan shampoo bars: Not only do they save a lot of space, they are eco-friendly as well!
- Sunscreen protector: Make sure to think about the marine life while buying your sunscreen protector! Make sure to buy a marine-friendly version and even better: also a plastic friendly option!
- Insect repellent
- Earplugs: Whether you find yourself in a jungle treehouse or a vibrant city center, you’ll be happy you brought them with you!
- Plastic and aluminium free mini deodorant
- Small nail clipper
- Hair ties
- Small towl
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Extra’s:
- Good packing cubes: Utilize them to separate your underwear, dresses, and tops. Bring an extra packing cube to store dirty laundry.
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- Carabiner hook: Attach a versatile carabiner hook to your backpack, allowing you to hang items like rain covers or laundry cubes on the outside of your backpack.
- Flashlight: although you have a flashlight on your cell phone, the light doesn’t shine too far. A flashlight can become handy during nighttime adventures, cave explorations or evening scooter rides!
- Medical kit: Pack a basic medical kit with essential medications and bandages for potential blisters during your hike. Make sure you only bring first aid medicines with you so you can help yourself out before heading to a doctor or pharmacy. You don’t need to carry your own pharmacy with you!
- Sun glasses
- Snorkel and diving mask: if you are a diver or like to snorkel, I really recommend bringing them with you.
- Waterproof backpack cover: Safeguard your belongings from tropical downpours with a reliable waterproof cover.
- Little foldable bag: Bring an extra foldable bag for shopping trips, laundry runs, or storing wet clothes and shoes.
- One or two little travel games: clever is our favorite!
- Professional camera, personally, I don’t like to walk around the jungle with a big Canon camera. Look for a small and lightweight option with an impressive zoom for capturing remarkable wildlife moments. I bought this camera along with this case and it’s super small and compact to carry along and the zoom is amazing!
- Chargers
- Powerbank
- Drybag: In addition to your carry-on backpack, you have the opportunity to bring along an extra smaller item on the plane (40x30x15cm). One essential item that deserves a spot in your travel arsenal is a trusty drybag. We recommend a compact 15-liter drybag, specifically designed to keep your belongings dry during unexpected downpours, water-based adventures or if you are unsure about leaving your valuable unattended on the beach. While most drybags come with a one-strap shoulder model, which can be slightly inconvenient for day trips, we’ve taken the time to find a backpack-style drybag that offers a more practical and comfortable carrying solution. While it may come with a slightly higher price tag, the convenience and functionality it provides are undoubtedly worth the investment.
Outfit for on the plane:
As we embarked on our plane journey during the winter period, I strategically chose to wear the bulkier items that would have taken up precious space in my backpack. One such essential piece of clothing that accompanies me on every Asian adventure is my beloved zip-off pants. These versatile pants are a backpacker’s dream, as they provide the perfect balance between long pants for chilly mornings and shorts for when the temperature rises throughout the day. With a simple zip, I can effortlessly transform them to suit the ever-changing weather conditions.
During a flight, I opt for wearing a bra and underwear and these are the only underwear items I bring on my journey.
Last, I love to wear a sweatshirt with a zipper. I select a casual sweatshirt that can effortlessly complement any outfit I bring along on my journey. The zipper comes in handy when the temperature rises, allowing me to tie it around my waist for a fashion-forward look while staying comfortable.
What would you add to this 4 weeks carry-on only packing list? Which essentials do you think are missing? Feel free to leave a comment below.
