I'm a Professional Packer, and These 14 Genius Carry-on Hacks Leveled Up My Travels in 2025-From $12

"As I'm getting ready for my last trip of the year-skiing in Jackson Hole, Wyoming-I'm conducting a mental revisit of my 2025 travels. This year brought me to Turks and Caicos, Alaska, Switzerland, Colorado, Scotland, and dozens of places in between. While each destination came with its own adventure, there was a singular thread that ran through each experience: my packing strategy."

"As someone who regularly tests new luggage, I own all kinds of suitcases, weekenders, duffels, backpacks, packing cubes, and pouches-but I usually return to the same ones again and again. I find relying on a couple of key pieces takes the guesswork out of packing. I know I'm going to use my Away Bigger Carry-on and my Tom Beckbe Carry-all Bag-and I'm familiar with exactly how much I can pack in each piece."

"Every time I hopped on a plane or train or started a road trip, I carried a suitcase that was carefully organized. I took the time to think about the weather and the scenarios I'd likely encounter on each trip and packed accordingly. I also focused on traveling lightly, aiming to go carry-on-only as often as possible. As a travel writer and the founder of a packing list newsletter on Substack, I've pretty much gotten the whole packing and unpacking process down to a science-and"

The year included trips to Turks and Caicos, Alaska, Switzerland, Colorado, Scotland, and many other destinations. A consistent packing strategy served as the primary thread connecting all trips. Every trip featured a carefully organized suitcase, with weather and likely scenarios considered and items packed accordingly. There was an emphasis on traveling lightly, often aiming for carry-on-only. A compact luggage lineup simplified decisions, centering on reliable pieces whose capacities are well known. Favorite items mentioned include the Away Bigger Carry-on, Tom Beckbe Carry-all Bag, Samsonite Freeform Carry-on, and the inexpensive Bagsmart Expandable Tote. A switch was made from regular to compression packing cubes.

Read at Travel + Leisure