Sustainable Wanderlust
Carry-On Packing Ideas for the Long-Haul Traveler
Being a digital nomad, I’ve embarked on long-term journeys with just a carry-on, navigating diverse climates all in one trip. Travelling lighter not only eases the burden on your wallet but also lessens your environmental footprint. Economic and environmental sustainability go hand in hand.
Although the packing list below isn’t exhaustive; I aim to offer sustainable travel packing ideas, based on my own experience, on how to travel more lightly with just a carry-on, even during extended travels, while also prioritizing sustainability.
Carry-on Luggage: A Backpack & Messenger Bag
In my messenger bag, I carry electronics, a laptop and paperwork. Even if you don’t plan to travel with a laptop, I recommend carrying a messenger bag as airlines usually allow this personal item without an extra charge. However, be warned, if you are also carrying a purse, some airlines may not accept two carry-on bags as well as a purse, so be prepared to put your purse in another carry on before boarding the plane. Personally, I use a messenger bag from Sweetbriar which I bought on Amazon 4 years ago for $35 and it is still holding up well. As for the backpack, I opt for one without wheels as it's easier to navigate through different logistical situations and environments. It can be squeezed into tight spaces on planes, buses, or trains. Admittedly, I sometimes envy people with wheeled bags, especially after a long day of travelling, but the backpack generally allows for more adaptable travel and also creates less noise pollution. The sound of luggage wheels on cobblestone streets can be maddening after a while. Can you imagine being a local living in tourist-heavy places like Dubrovnik, where thousands of people traverse the streets with wheeled bags daily? I've heard of some busy tourist spots banning wheeled bags due to excessive noise pollution. I use a backpack from SwissGear, purchased on Amazon over 4 years ago at a cost of $80.This backpack is still holding up after so many years of travels, so it is a great value. Extra Packing Tip: I use carabiner clips to secure items on the outside of my backpack such as a water bottle and a headphone case (As can be seen in the photo above). These clips are very handy items when your backpack is full.
Compression Luggage Cubes
Maximize your packing efficiency with compression luggage cubes. These handy tools not only optimize space but also streamline organization, ensuring hassle-free retrieval of specific items. For example, allocate shirts to one cube, pants/shorts to another, and underwear to a smaller one, etc. Say goodbye to rummaging through cluttered bags and hello to stress-free travel packing. I use the Gorilla Grip Space Saving Compression packing cubes bought on Amazon for $19.99.
Laundry Detergent Sheets
I always carry eco-friendly laundry sheets inside a reusable silicone storage bag. They're lightweight, and I use only what I need, thus reducing waste. Plus, I don’t have to worry about purchasing costly and bulky laundry detergent at my destination. Since I travel with only a backpack, I opt for accommodations with laundry facilities. With numerous laundry sheet brands available, I usually go for the more affordable options, though Earth Breeze and Sheets Laundry Club are reputable choices.
Water Filter Bottle
A water bottle with a built-in filtration system is a game-changer. Being able to access water from any source not only provides peace of mind but also saves money and time spent buying bottled water and reduces waste. Plus, it eliminates the hassle of lugging around bulky bottles from stores. Personally, I use LifeStraw for this purpose. As you can tell from the photo, my LifeStraw bottle is well-used. I bought my bottle about 6 years ago and it is still going strong. I just need to replace the filter every now and again.
Clothing; What to Pack for Carry-On
When packing, I opt for classic clothing pieces and I focus on packing clothes that can be layered easily. I always include a light, foldable rain jacket alongside lightweight shoes such as Sanuks or Hey Dude. These shoe brands are my go-tos as I know that I can walk all day and my feet won't hurt. Additionally, I pack leggings and smart pants for versatility. I prefer investing in classic, long-lasting clothing from sustainable brands like Toad & Co and Patagonia. Both brands offer gently used clothing programs, allowing you to purchase used items or even sell your used clothing after returning from your travels. I also like to pack tees with positive vibes such as the Oh Hi! Cat Tee, displayed in the above photo (sold by www.downtempoclothing.com)
Foldable Reusable Grocery Bags
I always carry two foldable, reusable grocery bags and four veggie bags with me. They fold neatly into pouches, making them convenient and eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastic bags. Nowadays, many stores have stopped providing plastic bags, so it's practical to bring your own. Personally, I prefer the cute patterned reusable bags from BeeGreen, available on Amazon. I bought veggie bags in the Spar grocery store and I see many choices on online stores such as Amazon and EarthHero.com
Packable Lightweight Daypack
Bring along a packable, water-resistant, and lightweight daypack that can fold into a little pouch that can easily fit into your carry-on. This daypack is perfect for strolling around towns, grocery shopping, or hiking trips. Personally, I use the 4Monsters Daypack which I purchased on Amazon for $18.99.
Collapsible Coffee Filter
Bring along a collapsible pour-over coffee filter. For coffee enthusiasts like myself, starting the day without a cup of joe is unthinkable. Nowadays, many Airbnb or Booking accommodations offer only basic kitchen supplies, and some even have coffee machines but fail to provide the necessary filters. To ensure you're not left without your morning brew, it's wise to pack a reusable filter. Extra environmental benefits include saving on paper filter waste or the waste from buying to-go coffee. I purchased a collapsible silicone filter for $10.99 on Amazon.
Sustainable Toiletry Ideas
When traveling with carry-on luggage, reducing liquid items is key to both convenience and sustainability (most liquids come in plastic packaging). Swap traditional shampoo and conditioner bottles for compact bars like those from HiBar or Head & Shoulders. I recommend keeping bars stored within in a soap saver pouch as the pouch helps to keep the bar dry and last longer. For a versatile cleansing option, pack a soap bar from Bronner’s, which can double as laundry soap. Extend its life with a silicone soap holder. Many accommodations don’t have soap holders so I recommend to just bring one with you.
Opt for facial cleansers in dry powder or bar form, like those from Seed Phytonutrients.
Protect your skin sustainably with reef-safe sunscreen in aluminum or cardboard packaging. My favourite is the All Good sunscreen butter sold in a compact 1 oz aluminum tin.
Keep your skin moisturized with plastic-free options like the repair balm from Meow Meow Tweet, or explore sustainable brands like Blue Heron Botanicals and Chaun’s Promise. These brands come in cardboard packaging and have natural-based ingredients.
Swap traditional deodorants for plastic-free alternatives like Fat & The Moon’s Sensitive Pit Cream (My personal favourite) or options from Papr, available in cardboard tubes or aluminum tins, all found on EarthHero.com.
I hope that some of the sustainable travel packing ideas provided above can not only assist you in travelling more sustainably but also help alleviate the burden of travel and make your travels more enjoyable.
Safe & Sustainable Travels!
