Guide
Carry-on packing list
Flying with only a cabin bag saves time and fees. The goal is a small, flexible set of clothes that handles weather swings, plus toiletries and tech that pass security.
Clothing & layers
Pack mix-and-match tops and one light mid-layer. Choose one pair of walking shoes that works for most plans; add compact sandals only if your itinerary needs them. Rolling clothes or using packing cubes keeps a tight footprint.
Toiletries & liquids
Use travel sizes under the liquid limits for your departure airport. Keep the clear bag easy to remove at screening. Solid toiletries (bar soap, toothpaste tablets) can free space for other essentials.
Tech & documents
USB hubs, e-readers, and noise-reducing earbuds are high-value in a small bag. Keep PDFs of reservations offline and carry a pen for customs forms.
Get your packing list
Tell Stow your route, dates, and bag strategy. It reads the live weather for every stop, estimates item weights, and builds the list — no account, no guesswork.
Build my packing list →Common questions
- What is the best carry-on packing strategy?
- Start with your airline’s size and weight limits, then build a capsule wardrobe with layers, one pair of versatile shoes plus sandals if needed, and travel-sized toiletries in a clear bag. Keep valuables and medications in your personal item.
- What should always go in a carry-on?
- Passports and IDs, medications, glasses, chargers, one change of clothes, and anything you cannot afford to lose if checked baggage is delayed.
- How does Stow help with carry-on packing?
- Stow takes your trip type, dates, and destinations and builds a list with carry-on strategy, per-leg weather, and weight estimates — so you can adapt to your airline's rules before you leave the house.