Packing for 1 Week in Hawaii with Carry on Only

We have a new backpack! Back on Indiegogo here:

How I packed everything I needed for a 1 week trip in Carry On Only bags

It's possible to pack everything you need without paying extra checked bag fees- and this is with all the extra bags and camera equipment I'm taking with me for work!

Top Tips of How to Pack Light

1. Decide what bags to bring first

Make sure to check the specific airline's requirements for bag sizes. Usually you can get one luggage and one personal bag. Now that you know what size you're working with, you can start strategizing!

2. Only Pack Essentials

Self explanatory, right? For everything you pick up, ask yourself if you will realistically use it on your trip before putting it in your bag.

3. Go Through and Edit

Check and double check that every single item is something you'll use on the trip. You'll be amazed at what you will take out once you get into the habit of packing light.

Thinking about a big trip? Check out Strategies to Achieve your Travel Goals, Stop Making Excuses and Travel More, and How to Avoid Pickpockets.

My Strategy on How to organize my items between bags

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My secret weapon for an easy trip to the airport? Dress for the occasion! ✈️ I'm a fan of cozy white sweaters and buttery soft leggings any day of the week, but pairing it with my Kelso Passport Pouch with a short strap to wear as a belt bag really makes my life a breeze. I have my cards, passport, tickets, keys, and a few bucks in there -- all neat and RFID protected! ✨ The only edit I'd make? Swap these leggings for one with POCKETS because I can never have enough! 😂

A post shared by Arden Cove (@ardencove) on Jan 31, 2020 at 11:21am PST

Kelso Belt Bag w/ Short Strap / Airport Outfit

Essentials like keys, cards, cash, passport
I would also carry any paper tickets I have in here
Wear bulkiest/ heaviest clothing items onto the plane (sweater, jacket, largest pair of shoes)

Carry on sized Luggage

Use packing cubes to organize clothing
Separate toiletry bags for liquids and non-liquids for TSA

Backpack (New upgraded version of our backpack!)

Contains electronics (laptop, kindle, camera gear) and their accessories
Place laptop/iPad/kindle in easily accessible pocket for TSA.
My extra Arden Cove bags (Carmel Backpack, Full Crossbody)
In the front pocket, I put all my items I want easy access to on the plane (eye drops, eye mask, sunscreen, headphones, etc.)

We have a new backpack! Back on Indiegogo here:

See New Backpack

Create a Game Plan for Getting on the Plane

Once I get on the plane, I place my luggage in the overhead bin and keep my laptop backpack under the seat in front of me. I keep my Kelso pouch on or in the seat pocket in front of me. That way I have an eye on all my most important items (ID, cards, passport, laptop, cameras). It is also how I can easily access all my on-plane essentials in the front pocket of the backpack.

Have a good tip for packing? Leave a comment below!

Karin is the co-founder of Arden Cove and co-creator of the Anti-Theft Waterproof Crossbodies - bags created for women who want all the practicality and safety features without compromising in style. Shop ArdenCove.com.