How to pack five days into a personal item
Five days in a personal item comes down to two things: a capsule of clothes that all work together, and compression to take the air out of them.
The list
| Item | How many | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| T-shirts or tops | 3 | Quick-dry fabrics can be washed in a sink |
| Light sweater or overshirt | 1 | Wear it on the plane |
| Trousers or shorts | 1 packed | Plus the pair you wear |
| Underwear and socks | 4 each | Roll them into a cube corner |
| Sleepwear | 1 | Doubles as a gym kit |
| Toiletries | 1 clear pouch | Liquids of 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less, per the TSA 3-1-1 rule |
| Tech | 1 pouch | Charger, cables, power bank |
The order
- Laptop into the rear sleeve first, so it sits flat against your back.
- Clothes into two compression cubes, then zip them down.
- Cubes into the main compartment, shoes along the bottom if you bring a second pair.
- Toiletry pouch on top, where you can lift it out at security.
- Passport, phone and snacks in the front pocket.
Wear your bulkiest shoes and jacket. It is the single easiest way to save space.
Want to check the result against your airline? Use the fit checker.